m.jilibet NEW YORK — A judge on Tuesday cut loose Rudy Giuliani’s attorneys in his bankruptcy-related matter and denied efforts to push back his trial so he could participate in Donald Trump’s inauguration at a manic Manhattan federal court hearing that ended with an outburst from the former New York City mayor. The upcoming trial set for Jan. 16 relates to the action brought by Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, the mother and daughter election workers Giuliani owes nearly $150 million for falsely accusing them of rigging the last presidential election. It will concern his continued possession of his Palm Beach, Florida, condo, which he’s claimed is his homestead and cannot be taken away from him, and his Yankees World Series rings, which he claims he gifted his son, Andrew. He’s been forced to give up almost everything else he owns of value. After granting an application from his former attorneys Kenneth Caruso and David Labkowski to withdraw from the case, Judge Lewis Liman told Giuliani’s new legal representation, Joseph Cammarata, that his client could not fire his lawyer and “restart the clock” by hiring another, had sought multiple extensions, missed multiple deadlines, and had “not shown anything close to ‘due diligence’” concerning the deadlines for producing evidence. “My client regularly consults and deals directly with President-elect Trump on issues that are taking place as the incoming administration is afoot as well as [the] inauguration,” Cammarata unsuccessfully argued in a bid to delay the trial. “My client wants to exercise his political right to be there.” Later in the hearing, Liman expressed frustration that Giuliani had provided Freeman and Moss with his 1980 Mercedes-Benz once owned by Lauren Bacall but not the title certificate, prompting Giuliani to start yelling. “Your client is a competent person. He was the United States attorney for this district. The notion that he can’t apply for a title certificate for the car is ...” the judge said before Giuliani cut him off. “Every implication that you’ve made is against me!” Giuliani said, claiming he had applied for it. Responding to the judge’s skepticism that Giuliani is “indigent,” Giuliani said, “I’m not impoverished. Everything I have is tied up. I don’t have a car. I don’t have a credit card. I don’t have cash. I can’t get to bank accounts that truly would be mine because they have put ... stop orders on, for example, my Social Security account, which they have no right to do.” Liman then warned Giuliani, 80, and his lawyer about continued outbursts. “I permitted Mr. Giuliani to speak. Next time, he’s not going to be permitted to speak, and the court will have to take action,” the judge said. In a statement, Giuliani’s now-ex-lawyers said they had moved to step down from the case due to “a difference of opinion.” In court, his new lawyer claimed they’d abandoned him. “We took on the representation in New York to help Rudy. We have a difference of opinion as to how best to do that. Therefore, we have withdrawn in favor of Mr. Cammarata, who appears ready, willing and able to assist Rudy. We wish them every success,” Caruso and Labkowski said. Outside the courthouse, Giuliani decried the legal proceedings and hurled unfounded accusations at Hunter Biden, including that he possessed child pornography. He told the Daily News he did not wish to clarify remarks he made the week before last about not regretting his defamation of Freeman and Moss. “I do not regret it for a minute,” he said. -------- ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history — one that experts say 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, approved by its Parliament last week, is 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. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they're not ready for, the nation's move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep. 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. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people's lives that going cold turkey will be difficult. Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids' free expression and — especially for those in vulnerable groups — isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community? And how will social sites verify people's ages, anyway? Can't kids just get around such technicalities, as they so often do? This is, after all, the 21st century — an era when social media is the primary communications tool for most of those born in the past 25 years who, in a fragmented world, seek the common cultures of trends, music and memes. What happens when big swaths of that fall away? Is Australia's initiative a good, long-time-coming development that will protect the vulnerable, or could it become a well-meaning experiment with unintended consequences? The law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. “It’s clear that social media companies have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” said Jim Steyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media. Leaders and parents in countries around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from the internet's dangerous corners — and, not incidentally, from each other. Most nations have taken different routes, from parental consent requirements to minimum age limits. Many child safety experts, parents and even teens who have waited to get on social media consider Australia's move a positive step. They say there’s ample reason to ensure that children wait. “What’s most important for kids, just like adults, is real human connection. Less time alone on the screen means more time to connect, not less," said Julie Scelfo, the founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, or MAMA, a grassroots group of parents aimed at combatting the harms of social media to children. “I’m confident we can support our kids in interacting in any number of ways aside from sharing the latest meme.” The harms to children from social media have been well documented in the two decades since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in how the world communicates. Kids who spend more time on social media, especially as tweens or young teenagers, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, according to multiple studies — though it is not yet clear if there is a causal relationship. What's more, many are exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age, including pornography and violence, as well as social pressures about body image and makeup . They also face bullying, sexual harassment and unwanted advances from their peers as well as adult strangers. Because their brains are not fully developed, teenagers, especially younger ones the law is focused on, are also more affected by social comparisons than adults, so even happy posts from friends can send them into a negative spiral. Many major initiatives, particularly those aimed at social engineering, can produce side effects — often unintended. Could that happen here? What, if anything, do kids stand to lose by separating kids and the networks in which they participate? Paul Taske, associate director of litigation at the tech lobbying group NetChoice, says he considers the ban “one of the most extreme violations of free speech on the world stage today" even as he expressed relief that the First Amendment prevents such law in the United States "These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift,” Taske said. “Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok with them using digital services," he said. "Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families — not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.” David Inserra, a fellow for Free Expression and Technology, Cato Institute, called the bill “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” in a recent blog post . While Australia's law doesn't require “hard verification” such as an uploaded ID, he said, it calls for effective “age assurance.” He said no verification system can ensure accuracy while also protecting privacy and not impacting adults in the process. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the law's effect on online anonymity, a cornerstone of online communications — and something that can protect teens on social platforms. “Whether it be religious minorities and dissidents, LGBTQ youth, those in abusive situations, whistleblowers, or countless other speakers in tricky situations, anonymous speech is a critical tool to safely challenge authority and express controversial opinions,” Inserra said. A spot check of kids at one mall in the Australian city of Brisbane on Wednesday didn't turn up a great deal of worry, though. “Social media is still important because you get to talk to people, but I think it’s still good that they’re like limiting it,” said Swan Son, a 13-year-old student at Brisbane State High School. She said she has had limited exposure to social media and wouldn’t really miss it for a couple of years. Her parents already enforce a daily one-hour limit. And as for her friends? “I see them at school every day, so I think I’ll be fine.” Conor Negric, 16, said he felt he’d dodged a bullet because of his age. Still, he considers the law reasonable. “I think 16 is fine. Some kids, I know some kids like 10 who’re on Instagram, Snapchat. I only got Instagram when I was 14." His mom, Sive Negric, who has two teenage sons, said she was happy for her boys to avoid exposure to social media too early: “That aspect of the internet, it’s a bit `meanland.'" Parents in Britain and across Europe earlier this year organized on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to promise not to buy smartphones for children younger than 12 or 13. This approach costs almost no money and requires no government enforcement. In the United States, some parents are keeping kids off social media either informally or as part of an organized campaign such as Wait Until 8th, a group that helps parents delay kids' access to social media and phones. This fall, Norway announced plans to ban kids under 15 from using social media, while France is testing a smartphone ban for kids under 15 in a limited number of schools — a policy that could be rolled out nationwide if successful. U.S. lawmakers have held multiple congressional hearings — most recently in January — on child online safety. Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding. In July, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content , pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable. But the Kids Online Safety Act has since stalled in the House. While several states have passed laws requiring age verification, those are stuck in court. Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating children’s social media use in 2023. In September, a judge issued the preliminary injunction against the law, which would have required social media companies to verify the ages of users, apply privacy settings and limit some features. NetChoice has also obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar laws in several other states. And last May, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said there is insufficient evidence to show social media is safe for kids. He urged policymakers to treat social media like car seats, baby formula, medication and other products children use. “Why should social media products be any different? Scelfo said. “Parents cannot possibly bear the entire responsibility of keeping children safe online, because the problems are baked into the design of the products.” Associated Press Writers John Pye in Brisbane, Australia and Laurie Kellman in London contributed to this story.

Children of the wealthy and connected get special admissions consideration at some elite U.S. universities, according to new filings in a class-action lawsuit originally brought against 17 schools. Georgetown’s then-president, for example, listed a prospective student on his “president’s list” after meeting her and her wealthy father at an Idaho conference known as “summer camp for billionaires,” according to Tuesday court filings in the price-fixing lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court in 2022. Although it’s always been assumed that such favoritism exists, the filings offer a rare peek at the often secret deliberations of university heads and admissions officials. They show how schools admit otherwise unqualified wealthy children because their parents have connections and could possibly donate large sums down the line, raising questions about fairness. Stuart Schmill, the dean of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote in a 2018 email that the university admitted four out of six applicants recommended by then-board chairman Robert Millard, including two who “we would really not have otherwise admitted.” The two others were not admitted because they were “not in the ball park, or the push from him was not as strong.” In the email, Schmill said Millard was careful to play down his influence on admissions decisions, but he said the chair also sent notes on all six students and later met with Schmill to share insight “into who he thought was more of a priority.” The filings are the latest salvo in a lawsuit that claims that 17 of the nation’s most prestigious colleges colluded to reduce the competition for prospective students and drive down the amount of financial aid they would offer, all while giving special preference to the children of wealthy donors. “That illegal collusion resulted in the defendants providing far less aid to students than would have been provided in a free market,” said Robert Gilbert, an attorney for the plaintiffs. Since the lawsuit was filed, 10 of the schools have reached settlements to pay out a total of $284 million, including payments of up to $2,000 to current or former students whose financial aid might have been shortchanged over a period of more than two decades. They are Brown, the University of Chicago, Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke, Emory, Northwestern, Rice, Vanderbilt and Yale. Johns Hopkins is working on a settlement and the six schools still fighting the lawsuit are the California Institute of Technology, Cornell, Georgetown, MIT, Notre Dame and the University of Pennsylvania. MIT called the lawsuit and the claims about admissions favoritism baseless. “MIT has no history of wealth favoritism in its admissions; quite the opposite,” university spokesperson Kimberly Allen said. “After years of discovery in which millions of documents were produced that provide an overwhelming record of independence in our admissions process, plaintiffs could cite just a single instance in which the recommendation of a board member helped sway the decisions for two undergraduate applicants." In a statement, Penn also said the case is meritless that the evidence shows that it doesn't favor students whose families have donated or pledged money to the Ivy League school. “Plaintiffs’ whole case is an attempt to embarrass the University about its purported admission practices on issues totally unrelated to this case," the school said. Notre Dame officials also called the case baseless. “We are confident that every student admitted to Notre Dame is fully qualified and ready to succeed,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. The South Bend, Indiana, school, though, did apparently admit wealthy students with subpar academic backgrounds. According to the new court filings, Don Bishop, who was then associate vice president for enrollment at Notre Dame, bluntly wrote about the “special interest” admits in a 2012 email, saying that year's crop had poorer academic records than the previous year's. The 2012 group included 38 applicants who were given a “very low” academic rating, Bishop wrote. He said those students represented “massive allowances to the power of the family connections and funding history,” adding that “we allowed their high gifting or potential gifting to influence our choices more this year than last year.” The final line of his email: “Sure hope the wealthy next year raise a few more smart kids!” Some of the examples pointed to in this week's court filings showed that just being able to pay full tuition would give students an advantage. During a deposition, a former Vanderbilt admissions director said that in some cases, a student would get an edge on the waitlist if they didn’t need financial aid. The 17 schools were part of a decades-old group that got permission from Congress to come up with a shared approach to awarding financial aid. Such an arrangement might otherwise violate antitrust laws, but Congress allowed it as long as the colleges all had need-blind admissions policies, meaning they wouldn't consider a student’s financial situation when deciding who gets in. The lawsuit argues that many colleges claimed to be need-blind but routinely favored the children of alumni and donors. In doing so, the suit says, the colleges violated the Congressional exemption and tainted the entire organization. The group dissolved in recent years when the provision allowing the collaboration expired. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .5. Library Campout: To some students, the library becomes their home away from home during Finals Week. Those who engage in a library campout spend long hours studying, camping out at a desk or study carrel, surrounded by textbooks, notes, and energy-boosting snacks.Guess what? We don't just play expert shoppers on TV. Sometimes we actually buy stuff — especially during Cyber Monday when prices are deeply discounted on everything from slippers and sneakers to Apple watches and kitchen essentials. We've been scouring the and below are the deals even our team can't resist. And good news: Walmart will be dropping tons more Cyber Monday deals on December 1. Stick to Yahoo for all of the latest discounts. For now, though, here are some of the marvelous markdowns from big brands (Beats, Crocs, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore) we made off with. At the top of our wishlists? A to save your eyesight (and your relationship!) for a low $8 and a from Drew Barrymore's Beautiful line for $98 (that's over 50% off). Plus, one of our editors is "scooping" up the while it's on rare sale for $149. Sweet. Our expert advice: Don't wait. These deals are only while supplies last, so now's the time to add to your cart. You wouldn't want to miss out on our top product picks, would you? Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 22-Piece Cookware Set Squishmallows Slippers Szrsth Electric Scrubber Joyspun Double-Layer Crew Socks, 3-Pack Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm Rose Gold Aluminum Case "At last year's Black Friday sale, I bought this lovely from Drew Barrymore's line and I haven't stopped talking about it since (more on that ). This year, I'm picking up this matching cookware set that comes with every pot, pan and cooking utensil you'll ever need — and then some. Bonus: There's a Drew-shaped Scrub Mommy sponge. How cute!" "When I lived in Costa Rica we had cows, and there was one young bull I named 'Big Tex' who I referred to as my emotional support (bull). I could sit on the ground and he would lay down and put his head in my lap. It's been over a year since I left Costa Rica and my cute bull friend, but these comfy slippers are a fun reminder of my years with the bulls and a nice way to relax at the end of the day." — "I have white marble mosaic tile in my bathroom and kitchen — and while it looks effortlessly chic, it actually requires a ton of effort to keep it clean. I've been using a grout brush for the last year, but this cordless scrubber will get rid of any dirt, crumbs and grime without any elbow grease. I especially love that it has an adjustable handle, so I don't even have to bend over to get the job done." — "I wear socks all day, every day when I'm at home, so I'm always adding to my collection. This Joyspun set looks super cozy and I really like the color options. Bonus: they have no-skid grippers on the bottom, so I won't need to wear them with slippers on my hardwood floors." — "I'm crazy about ice cream, but I'm also lactose intolerant. I dream about being able to whip up dairy-free ice cream that's delicious and decadent enough to be Oprah-approved." "This $89 deal on Beats is worth checking out if you've been thinking about upgrading your headphones. I have to admit — I'm usually more of an over-the-ear guy but my now-ancient pair of Beats on-ears are the most comfortable headphones I've ever owned, and I've owned a fair few. Be sure to snag these quickly as I'm sure they will sell out." "I am the queen of taking three sips of my coffee or tea and then walking away from my cup for an hour. Luckily, that's NBD with this self-heating smart mug from Ember that will keep my drink piping hot for as long as I need it." "If you suffer from migraines, the Renpho eye massager is a game-changer. It massages your eyes and applies heat to help relieve pressure and pain. It always goes on sale during Black Friday, but $69 is an incredible early discount (it's 65% off!)." — "I've been wanting an outdoor pizza oven for the longest time. My tastes lean toward Neapolitan, which requires crazy high heat to achieve that blistered, puffy rim on a thin pizza crust. This oven reaches temps of up to 900°F — which may seem extra, but it's essential for making an authentic Neapolitan pie. This propane-powered oven comes with a rotating cordierite pizza stone, which is reported to conduct heat beautifully and evenly — plus the rotating feature means that I won't have to manually turn my pizza. While a large part of me likes that feature because it means I can pay more attention to drinking my wine, it's also incredibly practical for making a more evenly baked pie." — "My mom love Skechers so I'll be picking her up a pair of these for the holidays while they're down to just $40. She's a fan of the slip-on, no laces style. I may just grab a pair for myself, too." "My husband and I are participating in a reading challenge, and we've upped our visits to the library by a ton! We swear by these little book lights because they let us devour our favorite books well into the night without disturbing each other. They're also handy when you're traveling — plus they're just $8, so they make a great stocking stuffer for the person who already has it all. I'm thinking of getting them for my mom and dad, both avid readers." — "I've been a loyal Fitbit fan for years, but my most recent one just broke and I think the time is now to upgrade to an Apple watch. That way, I can not only count my steps and monitor my sleep, but also listen to music, take a call, check emails and so much more right from my wrist. I'm all about this latest version since it has a bigger display and is extra thin (I hate wearing something bulky). Now, the only question is — which color band should I get?" "Now over $60 off, this multitasking tool from Shark serves as a hair dryer, styling brush (there are two attachments for achieving different looks) and a curling iron in one — you just attach the FlexStyle style to wrap, curl and set automatically. I love that it's compact for storing and traveling, and it's designed for all hair types. Important bonus: it regulates temperature consistently to help avoid heat damage." — "I own some kitchen items by this brand, and this set puts the 'fun' in 'functional.' It's so cute! I especially love the butter dish and I know the spoon rest would help spare my counter from saucy messes while making dinner. It's an incredible price point for such a large set — it ould make a lovely gift if you're not tempted to keep it for yourself." — "It's not for me, but after researching, I decided to get this Razor scooter for my niece — it comes in this pretty pink and a bright green, too. It's lightweight for transporting and has rear foot brakes for added safety. It goes up to 10 mph, which is fast enough to give her an adrenaline rush but not as fast as some of the other models I've seen ( , a necessity). I also have my eye on Lego's and for some of the younger kids in my family." — Want to save even more? Make sure you’re signed up for . It’s easy to . You’ll get free shipping and grocery delivery, savings on gas and prescriptions, exclusive access to major deals, and more. Plus, through December 2, you can — that's 50% off. (And by the way, those without Walmart+ still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)However, behind the facade of professionalism and authority, a darker truth was lurking. It has now emerged that the referee had been involved in a series of illicit activities that compromised the integrity of the game. Reports suggest that he had been receiving illegal payments from bookmakers in exchange for influencing the outcome of matches. This shocking revelation has not only tarnished his own reputation but has also cast a shadow over the entire refereeing profession.

Mandan, ND, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amanda Babb’s journey from a successful career as a physician assistant to a thriving Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee in Mandan, North Dakota, highlights the power of bold career moves and entrepreneurial spirit. Partnering with Randy Rhone, Babb has established her restaurant as a cornerstone of the local community, combining her passion for service with her love of barbecue. “I loved working in medicine, but I wanted a new challenge—something where I could work for myself and make a direct impact on my community,” Babb said. “Owning a Dickey’s has given me the opportunity to create something meaningful while staying connected to the people I serve.” Babb entered the franchising world over a decade ago when she and her then-husband teamed up with Rhone to bring authentic barbecue to North Dakota . Driven by her desire to control her own career path, Babb took over daily operations when the original operator left, ultimately becoming the driving force behind the Mandan location. Seven years later, her restaurant has earned a reputation for exceptional service, quality food, and its welcoming atmosphere, becoming a gathering place for the Mandan community. Babb takes a hands-on approach to managing her restaurant, whether it’s overseeing daily operations, coordinating catering orders, or personally welcoming guests. Her emphasis on building relationships with customers has been central to her success. “We’re not just serving barbecue; we’re building connections,” Babb said. “When people come through our doors, we want them to feel like family.” Catering has become a key aspect of her business, with Babb and her team regularly handling multiple large orders. This focus on community engagement has solidified her reputation as a leader within the Dickey’s franchise system . As with any business, challenges have arisen—from navigating supply chain issues to adapting to shifting market conditions—but Babb has approached each hurdle with creativity and determination. “Margins in the restaurant industry are tight, but with the right strategies and a strong team, you can find ways to thrive,” Babb said. She also emphasizes the importance of strong collaboration. “Franchising is a partnership,” she said. “Having the right support system in place—both locally and from corporate—makes all the difference when challenges arise.” Babb encourages aspiring franchisees to fully understand the demands of the business before jumping in. “Franchising isn’t a passive investment—it’s a hands-on endeavor,” she said. “But if you’re willing to put in the work and stay focused, it can be incredibly rewarding. The key is loving what you do and building something that truly matters.” Amanda Babb is focused on growing her business while continuing to serve her community. For her, the restaurant represents more than a business—it’s a space for connection, celebration, and shared meals. “This is about more than barbecue,” she said. “It’s about creating a space where people can connect and share great food together.” Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc ., praised Babb’s impact: “Amanda’s story exemplifies the spirit of Dickey’s. Her ability to transition from one career to another while excelling in both shows her resilience and dedication. She’s an inspiration to our entire system.” Roland Dickey , Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, added: “Amanda’s commitment to her community and her business sets her apart as a leader. Her journey demonstrates the opportunities franchising can provide when paired with passion and hard work.” Babb’s story reflects the resilience, adaptability, and drive required to successfully transition from one career to another, and her success is a testament to the opportunities franchising offers. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Amanda Babb, Owner/Operator

Children of the wealthy and connected get special admissions consideration at some elite U.S. universities, according to new filings in a class-action lawsuit originally brought against 17 schools. Georgetown’s then-president, for example, listed a prospective student on his “president’s list” after meeting her and her wealthy father at an Idaho conference known as “summer camp for billionaires,” according to Tuesday court filings in the price-fixing lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court in 2022. Although it’s always been assumed that such favoritism exists, the filings offer a rare peek at the often secret deliberations of university heads and admissions officials. They show how schools admit otherwise unqualified wealthy children because their parents have connections and could possibly donate large sums down the line, raising questions about fairness. Stuart Schmill, the dean of admissions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote in a 2018 email that the university admitted four out of six applicants recommended by then-board chairman Robert Millard, including two who “we would really not have otherwise admitted.” The two others were not admitted because they were “not in the ball park, or the push from him was not as strong.” In the email, Schmill said Millard was careful to play down his influence on admissions decisions, but he said the chair also sent notes on all six students and later met with Schmill to share insight “into who he thought was more of a priority.” The filings are the latest salvo in a lawsuit that claims that 17 of the nation’s most prestigious colleges colluded to reduce the competition for prospective students and drive down the amount of financial aid they would offer, all while giving special preference to the children of wealthy donors. “That illegal collusion resulted in the defendants providing far less aid to students than would have been provided in a free market,” said Robert Gilbert, an attorney for the plaintiffs. Since the lawsuit was filed, 10 of the schools have reached settlements to pay out a total of $284 million, including payments of up to $2,000 to current or former students whose financial aid might have been shortchanged over a period of more than two decades. They are Brown, the University of Chicago, Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke, Emory, Northwestern, Rice, Vanderbilt and Yale. Johns Hopkins is working on a settlement and the six schools still fighting the lawsuit are the California Institute of Technology, Cornell, Georgetown, MIT, Notre Dame and the University of Pennsylvania. MIT called the lawsuit and the claims about admissions favoritism baseless. “MIT has no history of wealth favoritism in its admissions; quite the opposite,” university spokesperson Kimberly Allen said. “After years of discovery in which millions of documents were produced that provide an overwhelming record of independence in our admissions process, plaintiffs could cite just a single instance in which the recommendation of a board member helped sway the decisions for two undergraduate applicants." In a statement, Penn also said the case is meritless that the evidence shows that it doesn't favor students whose families have donated or pledged money to the Ivy League school. “Plaintiffs’ whole case is an attempt to embarrass the University about its purported admission practices on issues totally unrelated to this case," the school said. Notre Dame officials also called the case baseless. “We are confident that every student admitted to Notre Dame is fully qualified and ready to succeed,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. The South Bend, Indiana, school, though, did apparently admit wealthy students with subpar academic backgrounds. According to the new court filings, Don Bishop, who was then associate vice president for enrollment at Notre Dame, bluntly wrote about the “special interest” admits in a 2012 email, saying that year's crop had poorer academic records than the previous year's. The 2012 group included 38 applicants who were given a “very low” academic rating, Bishop wrote. He said those students represented “massive allowances to the power of the family connections and funding history,” adding that “we allowed their high gifting or potential gifting to influence our choices more this year than last year.” The final line of his email: “Sure hope the wealthy next year raise a few more smart kids!” Some of the examples pointed to in this week's court filings showed that just being able to pay full tuition would give students an advantage. During a deposition, a former Vanderbilt admissions director said that in some cases, a student would get an edge on the waitlist if they didn’t need financial aid. The 17 schools were part of a decades-old group that got permission from Congress to come up with a shared approach to awarding financial aid. Such an arrangement might otherwise violate antitrust laws, but Congress allowed it as long as the colleges all had need-blind admissions policies, meaning they wouldn't consider a student’s financial situation when deciding who gets in. The lawsuit argues that many colleges claimed to be need-blind but routinely favored the children of alumni and donors. In doing so, the suit says, the colleges violated the Congressional exemption and tainted the entire organization. The group dissolved in recent years when the provision allowing the collaboration expired. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .Fans of Death Comes Again can mark their calendars for next May when Death Comes Again 6 is set to hit theaters worldwide. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to experience the thrills and chills for the first time, Death Comes Again 6 promises to be a must-see event that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats and craving more.

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PARKER — Magic may have touched Fairview football’s Class 5A quarterfinal game at EchoPark Stadium during last week’s stunner over No. 2 Mountain Vista, but on Saturday afternoon in the same location, it was the No. 7 Knights who were spellbound. Sixth-seeded Legend just proved too much to handle in the 35-21 finish, especially during the third quarter. The Knights played the Titans toe-to-toe, save for that 12-minute blip to start the second half. And with it, their 12-1 season came to a grinding halt as the Titans now move on to play No. 1 Cherry Creek in the title game next week. Prior to the start of this season, the Knights hadn’t won a playoff game since 2019. They made up for it by winning three. “We’ve had really good seasons the last few years, and so there was a hunger,” head coach Tom McCartney said. “The guys just didn’t want to be denied. They wanted to win their home playoff game. They wanted to show that they could beat one of the elite teams, so that kind of hunger and that kind of belief in each other carried us.” The Knights’ stars shined even in defeat, as they had through every victory leading up to the finale. Sophomore quarterback Ki Ellison put together a strong performance with 231 passing yards and touchdown passes to junior defensive back Toray Davis, who finished his afternoon with 49 offensive yards, and senior wide receiver Jordan Rechel. Rechel added another 123 yards. The score from Rechel down the stretch handed him his 29th touchdown of the season. He entered the contest tied for No. 1 in the state in that category. “Obviously with Jordan, the guy’s been a four-year starter,” McCartney said. “He led the state with touchdowns last year. He’s now leading the state again this year as a senior. He just finds ways to get in the end zone. He never comes off the field. He’s had a special four years and he’s going to be hard to replace, meaning you can’t replace someone like him. He’s a once-in-a-generation type player. He’s phenomenal.” Davis, he said, has an equally bright future ahead of him as he’s fielding Division-I offers left and right. He showcased why from the first snap. Davis kicked the game off with a 15-yard reception from Ellison in the corner of the end zone, but the Titans were quick to respond every time the Knights passed the pylon in the first half. Legend’s Ryken Banks put together his own receiving touchdown, this time on a monster 48-yard gain, just two minutes after the Knights first altered the scoreboard. Fairview's Toray Davis reaches for the ball as Legend's Freddie Burke defends against him during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Max Vieth drops Legend's Jaden Lawrence during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Jordan Rechel flies past Legend's defense during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Ki Ellison makes a pass during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) A legion of Titans takes down Fairview's Jordan Rechel during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Ryder Villareal battles with Legend's Champ Jones during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Ki Ellison escapes the grasp of Legend's Tatum O'Donnell during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Bo Waldo (45) and Enzo Pulte (52) lead the team out onto the field ahead of the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Fairview's Toray Davis reaches for the ball as Legend's Freddie Burke defends against him during the Knights' Class 5A semifinal game against Legend at EchoPark Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024. (Alissa Noe/BoCoPreps.com) Davis turned his opening score into a heroic effort on defense to save the Knights from their first big error of the game. Legend’s Aaron Carlson, having picked off Ellison’s short pass, sprinted 75 yards back toward the end zone. But just before he touched the line, Davis knocked the ball out of his hands, then recovered it in the end zone himself. “I looked back and I just saw he had the ball,” Davis said. “I knew I was the only one that would be able to catch him. I just had to hawk him down and punch the ball out.” Brock Kolstad pushed the Knights back into the lead with a short run into the end zone four minutes into the second quarter, but as the popular saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” That’s exactly what Legend did. Derek Neuenschwander made Ellison pay for his second mistake midway through the second, taking the interception a short distance back to score and draw the two teams at 14-14 going into the half. The Titans secured that disadvantage with a major defensive stop within the 5-yard line in the closing seconds of the first half, then flipped the script in the third quarter. Legend turned up the physicality coming out of the break, and punished the Knights for every missed tackle en route to a 28-14 lead heading into the final quarter. Ellison and Rechel helped stop the bleeding with a 35-yard connection in the final eight minutes, but the Knights couldn’t stop the Titans from touching the scoreboard one more time. Fairview’s season ended just one stop short of its first title game appearance since 2013, but this band of Knights achieved a feat that hadn’t been done in five years. Rechel, who said he’ll make his college decision in the next few months, wouldn’t trade the experience. “This team is very special,” he said. “I’ve never been a part of a team like this team. Things didn’t end the way that we wanted to, but just to be able to come out here and be on this field with this team, there’s just no other feeling compared to it. It’s just the brotherhood and the camaraderie and just everyone having each other’s backs. We never gave up to the very last whistle.” View a list of Prep sports and high school teams we cover.

The training sessions during those extra 10 days were grueling and intense. The players pushed themselves to the limit, working on every aspect of their game to rectify the mistakes of the past and prepare for the challenges ahead. Coach Zinedine Zidane, known for his meticulous attention to detail and tactical acumen, led the team with unwavering focus and determination.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of Nantong Development Zone in the realm of cross-border e-commerce is its focus on innovation. Recognizing the importance of staying ahead of the curve, Nantong has invested heavily in research and development, technology adoption, and process optimization. This commitment to innovation has allowed Nantong to offer cutting-edge solutions to its clients, enabling them to navigate the complexities of global trade with ease and efficiency.

Cassia Networks presents the new M1500, a compact Bluetooth Gateway designed to provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for enterprise IoT applications . SAN JOSE, Calif. , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cassia Networks, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions, announces the launch of its new M1500 Bluetooth Gateway in China . Further announcements for the global release will follow. Cassia's M1500 is a compact and cost-effective Bluetooth gateway that delivers exceptional performance. It is designed to be easy to install and use, offering the convenience of supporting both Wi-Fi and Ethernet as backhaul options, along with Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply capabilities. The M1500 provides customers with enterprise-grade security, flexibility, and scalability, making it an ideal solution for deploying IoT projects in a cost-effective manner. Like all of Cassia's Bluetooth gateways, the M1500 can be managed using Cassia's IoT Access Controller (AC), which stands as the industry's most robust enterprise Bluetooth network management solution. The M1500 also supports Bluetooth roaming and positioning, features that are shared with other Cassia enterprise Bluetooth gateways such as the M2000, E1000, and X2000. It serves as a complementary addition to this lineup. The M1500 is available in two distinct versions: the M1500 Standard and the M1500-XT. The M1500 Standard is an indoor model equipped with an omni-directional antenna. In contrast, the M1500-XT is designed for outdoor use, featuring a robust outdoor enclosure and a directional antenna. The versatility of the M1500 gateway allows it to be utilized across a wide range of industries and applications. These include continuous vital sign monitoring in hospitals, telehealth, Industrial IoT, smart campuses, supply chain management, and personnel and asset tracking. Felix Zhao , CEO of Cassia Networks, expressed his enthusiasm about the new product, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the M1500. This addition enhances our suite of enterprise IoT solutions by providing flexible, secure, and cost-effective connectivity for our enterprise customers." To learn more about the M1500 technical specifications visit: https://www.cassianetworks.com/products/m1500-bluetooth-gateway/ About Cassia Networks Cassia Networks is the leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions. Our patented technology provides the most reliable and easy to manage long-range, multiple device connectivity, edge processing and locationing for Bluetooth IoT networks. Our mission is to solve the IoT connectivity, locationing and management challenges faced by today's enterprises and make IoT easy. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cassia-networks-releases-the-m1500-enterprise-grade-compact-bluetooth-gateway-enhancing-enterprise-application-flexibility-302334088.html SOURCE Cassia NetworksIt is important for investors to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. While the current market conditions may seem favorable, it is essential to assess the risk factors and potential challenges that may arise. Diversifying one's portfolio and setting clear investment goals can help mitigate risks and enhance long-term returns.