call of duty esports By LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? National Politics | Trump fills out his economic team with two veterans of his first administration National Politics | Trump chooses controversial Stanford professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead NIH Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Let it burn: Days-old underground fire at Williamsburg outlet mall could smolder for a week Let it burn: Days-old underground fire at Williamsburg outlet mall could smolder for a week Video: Fire burns at Williamsburg Premium Outlets as officials eye air quality Video: Fire burns at Williamsburg Premium Outlets as officials eye air quality Neighbors get into argument before fatal shooting, Hampton police say Neighbors get into argument before fatal shooting, Hampton police say Newport News council bans guns in city buildings Newport News council bans guns in city buildings Newport News council to consider banning guns from government buildings Newport News council to consider banning guns from government buildings Navy sailor charged with negligent homicide after Yorktown patrol boat incident Navy sailor charged with negligent homicide after Yorktown patrol boat incident Vinyl records comeback continues: 2 stores open in Newport News, Hampton Vinyl records comeback continues: 2 stores open in Newport News, Hampton Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege Teel: Return as columnist at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press is a privilege ‘Clothing optional’ resort in King William again loses bid to expand 'Clothing optional' resort in King William again loses bid to expand Hayfield’s football team withdraws from VHSL playoffs after ‘evidence of potential impropriety’ Hayfield’s football team withdraws from VHSL playoffs after ‘evidence of potential impropriety’ Trending Nationally NYC judge excuses Rudy Giuliani lawyers, refuses to delay trial amid courtroom outburst from ex-mayor Dickies, 102-year-old Texas workwear company, moving its HQ to California ‘Hungry for this kind of food.’ Raw milk use surging in Florida despite law banning sales for human consumption Crazy cleaning fees have caused once-loyal Airbnb travelers to consider hotels 10 best books of 2024: The surprising reads that stuckATIF Announces Plan to Change its Nasdaq Ticker Symbol to “ZBAI”Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday (December 13, 2024) extended the terms of two Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) of two varsities in the Union Territory (UT) as their Chancellor. However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Pro-Chancellor of these varsities, was reportedly “bypassed” while these decisions were made. In an order, Mr. Sinha extended the tenure of the V-C of Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology- Kashmir (SKUAST-K) for a period of two years. “In exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 25 (2) of the Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Act, 1982, I, Manoj Sinha, Chancellor, Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, hereby extend the tenure of Prof. Nazir Ganaie, Vice Chancellor, Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, for a period of two (02) years w.e.f. 16.12.2024, the date of completion of his existing term as the Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir,” reads the order. In another order, L-G Sinha approved extension of the term of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University (JU), by three years. Silent turf war These decisions have once again brought to the fore the silent turf war between the newly-elected CM and the Raj Bhawan. Official sources close to the CM office confirmed that Mr. Abdullah was not taken onboard while making these decisions despite the CM being the Pro-Chancellor of these varsities. Officials said the normal scheme of things required a consultation between the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor over selection or extension of term of V-Cs. They said the CM office may have reservations about the extension of the term of Mr. Ganaie due to “pending complaints against him with the General Administration Department (GAD)“. In November, the Kashmir University (KU) decided to postpone interviews of shortlisted candidates for Assistant Professor positions after the elected government expressed reservations, citing rules that barred the V-C from holding such interviews with only five months of his tenure left. However, a fresh notification decided to go ahead with the interviews at the Vice-Chancellor’s Secretariat. Published - December 13, 2024 11:56 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Jammu / Jammu and Kashmir

Parents make terrifying discovery in daughter’s bedroom in Picton, southwest SydneyWho do our cities cater to? ADB report says Pakistan urban realm is pestered by rampant demographics and urbanisation, uncertain economic environment Pakistan boasts a population that reached 241.5 million in 2023, a 16.3 per cent increase since 2017, with 93.8 million in urban areas – a near fourfold rise since 1981. Projections estimate over 400 million people by 2050, making Pakistan one of eight countries driving global population growth. This indicates a worrying situation for an already worrisome urban infrastructure and services. As per the ADB’s latest National Urban Assessment, Pakistan urban realm is pestered by rampant demographics and urbanisation, uncertain economic environment, partial devolution post 18th Amendment, patchwork urban planning and poor delivery of urban needs (water and sanitation, solid waste management & drainage). This is despite our country being one of the signatories of SDG 11 which mandates a city to be “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. While literature is fraught with the architectonic reading of the city’s problems that is strict structural terrain (mostly housing deficit and astronomical cost of urban sprawl), the human-centric outlook is mostly circumvented in the discourse. Public spaces – streets, public markets, parks, public squares, beaches, etc – work as the nucleus of interactions between people. These spaces function like the microcosm of the macrocosmic city. According to Atomcamp, public spaces are the cornerstone in enhancing the core functions of the city which are economical, sociological and political, thereby building smarter, sustainable, and resilient cities. It is this instrumentality that makes these a “vital ingredient of successful cities”. These spaces are the locus of civic life, hence named ‘public’, and provide a milieu where people engage with urban politics, economy, environment, and residents. It follows, then, that providing public spaces equally accessible to all genders is a key component in creating the type of equity that is foundational for sustainable urbanisation. Historically, neoliberal policies across the world have facilitated the privatisation of all kinds of spaces, reshaping both urban and rural landscapes. Planning mechanisms characterised by speculative capitalism and privatisation of public institutions and services have negatively affected marginalised communities including gender-disparity through structural dispossession and physical displacements, though in specifically different ways across political and historical contexts. This has fueled a broader ‘exclusion’ in society. Apart from the myopia in urban planning and its muddling ramifications, gender inclusivity in public spaces faces the added burden of the prevailing perennial patriarchal project – or rather the ‘default’ position of spaces we live in. The male-dominant design and culture of public spaces have fueled this predicament with more depth and rigour. Instead of public spaces being forgiving and inclusive to any mortal, they have remained alien to the disenfranchised. Predominantly, men alone have been able to exploit their benefits for long. Women often suffer from being judged, approached, or harassed in public spaces. They are often subject to catcalling, unwanted comments, and physical intimidation, which then makes public spaces hostile and unwelcoming. This experience is so common that many girls preemptively alter their routes or avoid certain areas altogether. Fear of violence, including assault or theft, can make public spaces feel unsafe, especially at night or in isolated areas. A lack of adequate facilities, such as clean restrooms, safe waiting areas, and childcare support, further exacerbates these challenges. This is especially burdensome for young mothers or women from low-income backgrounds, restricting their mobility and access to these spaces. As this struggle for safety persists, it overshadows other aspects of women’s engagement with public spaces, including comfort, pleasure, and a sense of belonging. The fear of harassment or violence diminishes their ability to enjoy outdoor leisure activities, leading to reduced participation in city life and a loss of autonomy in navigating urban spaces. This reality underscores a critical truth: public spaces are far from neutral when it comes to gender. The absence of equality in the planning, design, and functionality of public spaces has further encoded traditional gender roles into the built environment. Women’s limited access and engagement with public spaces is not merely a personal inconvenience but a systemic issue that undermines the very fabric of the city’s life. These inequalities adversely affect the core functions of a city across various domains. We stand at a pathetic position of 145th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Index rankings of WEF, with a minuscule female labour force participation rate never exceeding 31 per cent. The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 findings showed that 28 per cent of Pakistani women aged 15-49 have faced some form of gender-based violence. And our political spheres are mostly bereft of female participation, except by the benevolence of political dynasty-ism. Public spaces mean different things to different genders. Women’s interactions with these spaces differ significantly from men’s, and intersecting factors such as class, caste, religion, and education further complicate these dynamics. Ergo, a one-size-fits-all urban planning approach cannot address such complexities. At present, we need a practical starting point to prioritise women in urban planning – a foundation for building truly inclusive public spaces. It is only when the gender lens is applied to cities that the lack of equity, accessibility, inclusivity, and amenities shows up. Gendered placemaking is the need of the hour. This refers to the intentional planning and development of spaces that cater to the needs of women, diverse groups, and underserved communities by actively involving them in the planning process. This approach, systemically known as gender mainstreaming, seeks to integrate the perspectives of all genders at every stage of a project, including design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with the goal of promoting equality in design and participation. A well-designed space is inviting, with comfortable seating, shade, and landscaping that encourages people to gather. It is easily accessible, well-connected to transit, and accommodating for different mobility needs. Safety is paramount, with good lighting and visibility fostering a secure environment. A sense of belonging is also essential, with flexible spaces that allow personal connection and creativity. Ultimately, gendered placemaking creates public spaces that are safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. The Global South must rid itself of the flawed, archaic city planning that prioritises suburban development and car-dominated transportation planning. Instead, it should embrace urban regeneration and people-centric planning principles. Rather than relying on template solutions, there is a need for participatory urban planning, where everyone – regardless of gender, age, ability, or background – can advocate for what they need in the built environment of their neighbourhood. Psychological feelings of being unsafe (fear, anxiety, and uneasiness) are eased when people can ‘read’ public spaces and accurately observe the behaviour of others. When residents and visitors to public spaces can confidently assess their environment, they experience themselves as resourceful agents capable of influencing public spaces for mutual benefit. For this, there is an utmost need to enforce and expand laws against harassment, assault, and gender-based violence. The government can introduce harsher penalties for offenders, establish anti-harassment laws specific to public spaces, and promote initiatives that encourage reporting and swift action on such cases. To create gendered spaces, there is an undeterred need to orchestrate policies and government interventions within the broader gender disparity equation that could transform spaces into terrains that are not only accepting of all but juggernauts of feminist undertones, ensuring autonomy in all three core functions of the city. For instance, we need safety audits like the Mumbai Safety Audit led by the Indian NGO Akshara Centre. This is a participatory project where women map unsafe areas in their communities. The audit gathers data from women on specific safety concerns, such as inadequate lighting, poorly maintained sidewalks, and lack of public toilets. Insights from this data are used to push for municipal reforms. By involving local women in data collection, this project brings visibility to women’s safety needs in public spaces, influencing city planning and raising awareness about gender-sensitive urban development. Cities must prioritise gender-sensitive amenities, including clean public restrooms, women-only waiting areas, and safe spaces for women with young children. Allocating budget resources for these facilities can make public spaces safer and more accessible for women and girls. Additionally, investing in feminist organisations and movements globally can amplify advocacy and education efforts. Empowerment programmes such as self-defence workshops, skills training, and safe-space discussions can equip girls with the confidence and tools to navigate public spaces securely. Community awareness campaigns are also vital for shifting societal attitudes. Workshops and public campaigns can educate communities about respecting women’s rights, discouraging harassment, and promoting respectful behaviour in public spaces. A collective effort to ensure inclusive public spaces will not only empower women but also foster a fairer, more harmonious society for all. Furqan Ali is a Peshawar-based researcher who works in the financial sector. He can be reached at: alifurqan647@gmail.com Zara Nazir is a Lahore-based law student and the founder of the feminist literary magazine ‘Risala Tarz’. She can be reached at: zara.nazirch@gmail.comNone

The Foldable Smartphone Market Is Predicted To Surge To $54.65 Billion By 2028, At An Expected CAGR Of 21.5%A provides fresh look at who's coming up short on sleep

Celebrity-inspired Thanksgiving recipes, plus last-minute holiday meal ideas

Pundits and analysts will scratch their heads for years to come, trying to understand how Donald Trump won an unprecedented second term. With an overwhelming majority in the popular vote and the Electoral College, expert models, polls and “vibes” never prepared them for this upset as they gleefully and obediently prepared for President Kamala Harris. Thankfully, looking beyond the political rhetoric, America dodged a big bullet Nov. 5th. After twenty-five years in Navy Special Operations, including combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, and managing a $140 billion budget for our military, I cannot help but assess threats wherever I go. I look for potential dangers – finding primary and secondary escape points when I walk into a room, step out of a vehicle or fly into a new area. Threat assessment is merely putting yourself in the enemy’s place and determining where they would strike. So, what are the threats that lurk in our shadows? Over the last four years, I have witnessed the rapid decline of safety and security in our country. Under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, America’s enemies have numerous options to attack – whether through a military that aids our enemies and leaves our allies behind, a wide-open southern border or leaders more focused on the issues that divide us. The Biden-Harris administration left our military and allies at risk during the disastrous and tragic Afghanistan withdrawal that left eleven Marines, one sailor and one soldier dead. We saw the Pentagon obsess over Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; hiring drag queens instead of addressing all-time lows in military recruitment. Our Democrat leaders’ complacency led our country down a dark path of rising crime rates, terror attacks and wars across the world. Under President Trump, that all ends. One of my greatest honors is proudly serving our country. I spent twenty-five years in the Navy to repay my debt to America – the country that saved my life. We must undo the Biden-Harris administration’s failures and rebuild our military. We need to modernize and innovate our armed services. Fifteen years of infighting within Congress, an inability to get things done and Continuing Resolutions have hampered our ability to compete with China and Russia in technological innovation. I spent four years in the Pentagon managing a $140 billion budget, defining requirements and next-generation equipment for Sailors. I understand how our leaders have placed unnecessary restraints on the military defense industry. The truth is that the United States is trailing far behind our adversaries. A potential conflict against China will be predominantly a Navy and Marine Corps fight. Deferred upkeep and maintenance, compounded by supply chain shortages, have left us with a Navy fleet consisting of ships that cannot get underway, aircraft that cannot fly and submarines that cannot dive. The workforce industrial base cannot produce ships and submarines at the rate needed to attain the required 350 inventory for any worldwide response quickly. Furthermore, the antiquated acquisition process has caused serious delays in the production of the next generation of submarines and frigates. We need new leaders to balance the capacity and capabilities of the Navy. Simply put, if we cannot have more ships and submarines in time then we must make the existing ships more lethal with electronic warfare and hypersonic weapons. Again, this takes visionary leadership which has been nonexistent in the Pentagon. But even if the Navy has all the ships and aircraft it requires, it does not have the manpower required to operate. We need alpha men and women — the best of the best — to want to serve our country. With a strong Commander-in-Chief like President Trump who respects their service and will continue to give them the resources they need, we can rebuild our military. On Nov. 5th, a silent majority said, ‘Enough is enough’ and elected President Trump. Enough of putting illegal aliens before our homeless veterans. Enough of enabling China, Russia and North Korea while stifling our allies like Israel. Yes, America dodged a big one one on election day. Our country’s motto is E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, One. We are not bigots, racists, deplorables or garbage. We are Americans! President Trump is here to save America and our best days are ahead of us. I stand with millions of other Americans ready to step up and do anything President Trump needs to serve this country. Hung Cao is a retired Navy Captain who served in Special Operations for 25 years. CAPT Cao is the author of Call Me an American, serves as a senior advisor with POLARIS National Security and was the 2024 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Virginia. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller.

Jets running back Hall 'looks promising' to play vs. Jags, but cornerback Reed is doubtful

Labor prepared for housing bills to fail rather than accept Greens’ ‘economically irresponsible’ demandsAnthony Hopkins celebrates 49 years of sobriety: 'One day at a time'But the excitement doesn't stop there. Season 38 also introduces a new competitive ladder system, where players can test their skills and climb the ranks to earn exclusive rewards and recognition. With leaderboards and rankings to track your progress, the competitive ladder provides a new way for players to challenge themselves and strive for greatness.

Arab Water Council Preparatory Meeting Opens At Dead Sea Ahead Of 6Th Arab Water ConferenceTate McCubbin scores 20 as Austin Peay rolls past Brescia 93-46Stocks climb 121 points on hopes of bigger rate cut

Former Labour Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott passed away at the age of 86 yesterday (November 20) after a battle with Alzheimer's. In a statement, his family said: "We are deeply saddened to inform you that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John Prescott, passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 86. "He did so surrounded by the love of his family and the jazz music of Marian Montgomery. "John spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment, doing so from his time as a waiter on the cruise liners to becoming Britain’s longest serving Deputy Prime Minister." Reminded of Prescott's hilarious appearance on Top Gear. Fearlessly goes up against the live audience to bat for the M4 bus lane. pic.twitter.com/7CiCSLTcEa — max tempers (@maxtempers) November 21, 2024 An experienced politician known for his fiery temper and no-nonsense attitude, Lord Prescott frequently clashed with those on the other side of the political spectrum. After the news of his death spread, an interview with former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson resurfaced on X, formerly known as Twitter. Back in 2011, Prescott was a guest on the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment of the popular BBC2 show. Prescott was booed when he made his entrance and on more than one occasion got to his feet to remonstrate with the Top Gear audience following Clarkson's provocation. "Punching a protester and calling it “connecting with the electorate” is quality" Largely, the M4 lane that Prescott created in 1999. Known to some at the time as Prescott's Folly. "What in the name of all that's holy were you thinking when you said 'let's put a bus lane on the M4'," asked Clarkson. To which Prescott replied: "I'm going to introduce you to a revolutionary thought. You can go slower and you can get there quicker and that's to do with flow." Throughout the interview, Prescott and Clarkson butted heads continuously, even to the point where the former said: "Hold on, just give your b***** brain a chance," to Clarkson's annoyance. Users in the comments were impressed by the interview. Recommended reading: Tony Blair leads tributes to John Prescott after his death aged 86 Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott dies aged 86 Alastair Campbell issues emotional tribute to John Prescott One said: "What is interesting about this clip is even though he and @JeremyClarkson plainly disagree and the audience are largely with Clarkson there is none of the toxicity which is the legacy of Brexit, Johnson and 14 years of Tory chaos. We must re learn how to disagree without hatred". Another recalled a Prescott quote: "Punching a protester and calling it “connecting with the electorate” is quality". Whilst someone else commented: "A great video and actually just a sensible chat between the two - feisty but also fair. Current government would benefit from some of the more common sense direct communication Prescott brings to manage some of the misinformation that currently does the rounds."

Booker T is wrestling once again. The NXT announcer agreed to a match against Zilla Fatu for an upcoming Reality of Wrestling event on January 11. Footage from Sunday’s Breakout show saw Fatu confront Booker T, challenging him to a match for next month. After asking fans if they wanted to see the match, Booker T agreed, setting up his first match since a Royal Rumble appearance in 2023. Prior to the Royal Rumble cameo, Booker T wrestled in a ten-man tag team match that took place in July of 2022 for ROW. Fatu, the son of former WWE star Umaga and part of the Anoa’i family, was trained by Booker T and made his debut for Reality of Wrestling last year. After a brief departure, he made his return to the company where he has since held the promotion’s top title. Fatu also made appearances for GCW, but the promotion announced in September that he would no longer be appearing on their shows. ROW announced on social media Sunday that they had broken their previous Sunday night attendance record.