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The Trump and Biden teams insist they're working hand in glove on foreign crises

Alexander: Is diminished USC-UCLA game another reminder of what we’ve lost?

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Wednesday to demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the immediate release of all hostages. The ceasefire demand in the resolution – adopted with 158 votes in favour in the 193-member assembly – was expressed in more urgent language than one urging an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza that the body “called for” in October 2023 then “demanded” in December 2023. General Assembly resolutions are not binding but carry political weight, reflecting a global view on the war. The United States, Israel and seven other countries voted against the ceasefire resolution, while 13 countries abstained. The world body also threw its support behind the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, adopting a second resolution with 159 votes in favour to deplore a new Israeli law that will ban UNRWA’s operations in Israel from late January. It demanded that Israel respect UNRWA’s mandate and “enable its operations to proceed without impediment or restriction”. The US, Israel and seven other countries voted no, while 11 countries abstained. 04:01 Protests break out across Asia marking one year of Israel-Gaza conflict “The messages we send to the world through these resolutions matter. And both of these resolutions have significant problems,” Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood told the assembly.

AUSTIN, Texas — On Saturday, the Texas Longhorns will host the Kentucky Wildcats in what will be the first time the now-SEC foes have ever met as members of the same conference. The Longhorns enter Saturday's game as massive favorites (currently sitting as 20.5-point favorites according to most online sportsbooks), and are in prime position to clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 7 if they win their final two games. The Wildcats, meanwhile, currently sit at 4-6 on the season, meaning a loss on Saturday would remove them from bowl game consideration, as they'd be guaranteed to finish with a record below .500. Saturday's game obviously carries high stakes for the trajectories of the two programs, but it's a far cry from the last time - and the only time - the two squads previously met. The only other time Texas and Kentucky have squared off on the gridiron was all the way back on Sept. 22, 1951, when the No. 6-ranked Wildcats traveled to Austin to battle the No. 11-ranked Longhorns at Texas Memorial Stadium in front of 47,000 fans. The Longhorns were led by coach Ed Price, who was in his first year with the program. The team was coming off a loss to Tennessee in the previous season's Cotton Bowl. The Wildcats, meanwhile, were coming off their 1950 national championship campaign and were coached by perhaps the greatest college football coach of all-time - Paul "Bear" Bryant, in what was his sixth season with the team. Quarterbacking the squad that day was future College Football Hall of Famer and NFL first-round draft pick Babe Parilli, who would go onto win Super Bowl III with the New York Jets serving as Joe Namath's backup. The game ended with the Longhorns coming out on top in an old-fashioned, 1951-style defensive slugfest 7-6. The Longhorns battered Kentucky with a relentless rushing attack, gaining 169 of their 211 total yards on the ground. Similar to the 2024 Longhorns, the 1951 Longhorns also employed a committee approach at running back, with four players each hitting double figures on the ground. Byron Townsend lead the way 61 yards. Given that they were led by a future College Football Hall of Famer, perhaps its unsurprising that the Wildcats were far more dominant through the air, as Parilli threw for 142 yards on 18-of-33 pass attempts with a third quarter touchdown pass to Bucky Gruner. The Longhorns threw for just 52 yards all game, but while quarterback James Carroll "T" Jones completed just 3-of-10 pass attempts, one of his completions was the decisive 13-yard scoring toss running back Don Barton in the first quarter. Kentucky would miss the extra point attempt following Gruner's touchdown. The Wildcats also gained 21 first downs to the Longhorns' eight. However, what decided the game for the Longhorns were turnovers, as the Wildcats committed six all game including three interceptions thrown by Parilli, with Don Menasco, Bobby Dillon and June Davis each accounting for a Parilli interception. "I thought it was a good ballgame right down to the wire. Somebody had to lose it. I hated that it had to be us, of course," Bryant said after the game. Bryant would leave Kentucky following the 1953 season, subsequently coaching Texas A&M from 1954 until 1957 and Alabama from 1958 until 1982, going on a dynastic run with the Crimson Tide winning six national titles during the 1960s and 1970s. Historically, the game is relevant as it aired just a week prior to CBS broadcasting the first ever college football game in color. Saturday's matchup between Texas and Kentucky kicks off at 2:30 p.m. at DKR Stadium, the same site as that 1951 game - albeit much larger now. If you aren't attending the game, you can watch it live on KVUE.

Turkish flag carrier's flights vital for expansion of Australia-Türkiye relations: Consul generalLaval lines up against high-powered Laurier side Saturday in Vanier CupArticle content Deflated by the resounding November defeat, the left now believes it can magically rebound by destroying President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees. Recommended Videos Many of Trump’s picks are well outside the usual Washington, D.C./New York political, media and corporate nexus. But that is precisely the point — to insert reformers into a bloated, incompetent and weaponized government who are not part of it. Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, is already drawing severe criticism. His furious enemies cannot go after his resume, since he has spent a lifetime in private, congressional and executive billets, both in investigations and intelligence. Instead, they claim he is too vindictive and does not reflect the ethos of the FBI. But what will Patel not do as the new director? He will not serially lie under oath to federal investigators as did interim FBI Director Andrew McCabe, a current Patel critic. He will not forge an FBI court affidavit, as did convicted felon and agency lawyer Kevin Clinesmith. He will not claim amnesia 245 times under congressional oath to evade embarrassing admissions as did former director James Comey. He will not partner with a foreign national to collect dirt and subvert a presidential campaign as the FBI did with Christopher Steele in 2016. He will not use the FBI to draft social media to suppress news unfavourable to a presidential candidate on the eve of an election. He would not have suppressed FBI knowledge that Hunter Biden’s laptop was genuine — to allow the lie to spread that it was “Russian disinformation” on the eve of the 2020 election. He will not raid the home of an ex-president with SWAT teams, surveil Catholics, monitor parents at school board meetings or go after pro-life peaceful protesters. Decorated combat veteran Pete Hegseth is another controversial nominee for secretary of defence. What will Hegseth likely not do? Go AWOL without notifying the president of a serious medical procedure as did current Secretary Lloyd Austin? Install race and gender criteria for promotion and mandate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training? Insinuate falsely that cabals of white supremacists had infiltrated the military? Oversee the scramble from Kabul that saw $50 billion in U.S. military equipment abandoned to Taliban terrorists? Watch passively as a Chinese spy balloon traversed the continental United States for a week? Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. may earn the most Democratic hits, given his former liberal credentials. But what will RFK also not do as HHS secretary? Oversee his agencies circumventing U.S. law by transferring money to communist China to help it produce lethal gain-of-function viruses of the COVID-19 sort — in the manner of Dr. Fauci? Organize scientists to go after critics of mandatory masking and defame them? Give pharmaceutical companies near-lifetime exemptions from legal jeopardy for rushing into production mRNA vaccines not traditionally vetted and tested? Leave office to monetize his HHS expertise and thus make millions from the pharmaceutical companies? Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, former congressional representative and military veteran Tulsi Gabbard will soon be defamed in congressional hearings. But what has Gabbard not done? Joined “51 former intelligence authorities” to lie on the eve of the 2020 election that Hunter Biden’s laptop “had all the hallmarks” of a Russian information/disinformation operation” — to swing the election to incumbent Joe Biden? Lied under congressional oath like former DNI James Clapper, who claimed he only gave the “least untruthful answer” in congressional testimony? Encourage the FBI to monitor a presidential campaign in efforts to discredit it — like former CIA Director John Brennan, who lied not once but twice under oath? Fail to foresee the American meltdown in Kabul, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel or the Houthis’ takeover of the Red Sea? We are going to hear some outrageous things in the upcoming congressional confirmation hearings. However, one thing we will not hear about is the crimes, deceptions, and utter incompetence of prior and current government grandees. The current crew prompted the sick and tired American people to demand different people. Voters want novel approaches to reform a government they not only no longer trust but also now deeply fear.East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level Media

ECU CB Shavon Revel Jr. declares for NFL draftSnowfall cancels Argyle BIA Santa Claus parade

The Big Ten Conference released its 2025 football schedule on Wednesday afternoon, handing UCLA some new Big Ten opponents as well as some familiar competition from the Pac-12. The Bruins will close out the season on Nov. 29 with a rivalry game against USC at the Coliseum with hopes of taking back the Victory Bell. UCLA lost, 19-13, at the Rose Bowl in this season’s edition of the rivalry. The second Big Ten Conference schedule for the Bruins includes away games against Northwestern, Michigan State, Indiana, Ohio State and USC. Home conference games will come against Penn State, Maryland, Nebraska and former Pac-12 foe Washington. UCLA has played Northwestern only once since 1970 and hasn’t squared up with Maryland since 1955. The Bruins will alternate home and away games on a weekly basis, as opposed to a 2024 slate that featured back-to-back road games on two different occasions. Although head coach DeShaun Foster said the team had gotten the hang of Big Ten travel, the 2025 schedule could alleviate some travel fatigue. The nonconference schedule includes a season opener at home against Pac-12-turned-Big-12 opponent Utah, followed by a game at UNLV and another home game against New Mexico before a bye week. The timing of the bye week could be another benefit for UCLA and allow the Bruins to prepare and rest ahead of its Big Ten schedule. UCLA had a bye immediately after its first game this season and resumed its schedule with five straight losses. 2025 UCLA football schedule (*indicates Big Ten game) Aug. 30 vs. Utah Sept. 6 at UNLV Sept. 13 vs. New Mexico Sept. 27 at Northwestern* Oct. 4 vs. Penn State* Oct. 11 at Michigan State* Oct. 18 vs. Maryland* Oct. 25 at Indiana* Nov. 8 vs. Nebraska* Nov. 15 at Ohio State* Nov. 22 vs. Washington* Nov. 29 at USC*By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .