What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends showWASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz's nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump's desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It's unclear what's next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he's done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress," he said.
Ryan Desrosiers, 51, of Swanzey, was born on Feb. 9, 1973, in Keene. He passed away suddenly on Dec. 8, 2024, just days after being diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia and high-grade lymphoma. Ryan graduated from Keene High School, where he played the trombone in the school band and showcased his talents as a baritone player in the drum corps. He continued his education at Keene State College and dedicated a significant portion of his professional life to the field of technology and finance, working at PC Connections from 1994 to 2004, followed by a tenure at Liberty Mutual from 2004 to 2017 and again from 2020 to 2024. Additionally, he contributed his talents to Mass Mutual from 2017 to 2020. Ryan took great pride in his work and was deeply committed to his career, always striving for a balance that would allow him to provide both the financial security and quality time his family deserved. His professional journey reflected his values and aspirations, making him a respected figure among colleagues and a loving provider at home. He often emphasized the importance of family, believing that success was not only measured by professional achievements but also by the relationships he nurtured with his loved ones. Ryan’s dedication to his career, friends and family left a lasting impact on those around him, inspiring others to pursue their passions while maintaining strong family bonds. Ryan was a devoted husband and father, known for his infectious enthusiasm and kind heart. A lifelong fan of “Star Wars,” he found joy in sharing his love of imagination through football, building Legos and engaging in lively board game nights. Ryan embraced his inner child, bringing laughter and fun into every moment spent with those he loved, often turning life into a game filled with jokes and playful banter. His passion for planning magical Disney trips created cherished memories for his family, as he meticulously crafted itineraries filled with adventure and joy. Ryan’s inventive spirit shone brightly during the Christmas season, as he eagerly participated in light competitions that delighted all who passed by. His love for his family was boundless, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ryan is survived by his wife, Jennifer Desrosiers, and his daughters, Isabella, Emily, and Hazel. He is also survived by his parents, Rand and Joanne Desrosiers; his sister, Bethany Ratliff, and her husband, Nathan, of Keene; his in-laws, Deborah Luopa and her husband, Michael, of Swanzey; and Charles Stevens; his sister-in-law, Jessica Peters, and her husband, Jon, of Swanzey; and his nieces, Julia Priest, and Hailey and Addison Peters. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave., Keene. A burial will take place privately in the spring. Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories (www.cheshirefamilyfh.com). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support their vital work in fighting blood cancers.
Riley scores 18, Utah Tech beats Denver 68-54Barkley's late goal lifts Villa to 3-2 win over Leipzig in Champions league
Union announce offseason roster moves, part with Leon FlachWASHINGTON – Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” Recommended Videos The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz's nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump's desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It's unclear what's next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he's done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress," he said.
Westchester Soccer Club Debuts New Home Kit to Kick Off Upcoming SeasonBest Buy Doorbuster Deal: Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller Is Only $120, And Amazon Is MatchingForge Institute Launches Phoenix Xcelerator to Scale Growth of Defense Tech Startups
RTE Prime Time debate sees scathing attacks from party leaders with Martin definite in avoiding coalition with Sinn Fein
Giants QB Tommy DeVito has a sore throwing arm after loss to BucsWiikwemkoong Unceded Territories has taken a significant step toward energy sustainability with the launch of a groundbreaking Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure project. Approved by Wiikwemkoong Leadership, this initiative combines cutting-edge technology and renewable energy to benefit the community and environment. In collaboration with Vortex Technology Group and supported by key funding programs, the project includes the installation of Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers alongside a revolutionary Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) at the community’s Recreational Complex. The launch event on November 27, 2024, was celebrated by Ogimaah Ominika and Vortex CEO Brian Walters. Ogimaah Ominika remarked, “When private sector companies partner and invest with Indigenous communities, the outcomes benefit technology, the environment, and the people.” The Vortex BESS technology, central to this initiative, offers unique advantages over traditional lithium-ion systems. Utilizing graphene-based, solid-state cells, the batteries are safer, longer-lasting, and faster-charging. They integrate seamlessly with the complex’s rooftop solar array, enabling EV charging and critical power supplies even during outages. This innovative design reflects Wiikwemkoong’s commitment to green energy and resilience. The project has been made possible through partnerships and funding from the IESO Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP), NRCAN’s ZEVIP program, and in-kind contributions from Vortex. The IESP has supported over 170 Indigenous communities with $74 million since its inception, funding initiatives in renewable energy, storage systems, and microgrid development.The program underscores the role of Indigenous leadership in driving Ontario’s energy transition. Brian Walters highlighted, “This installation showcases how our technology can enhance EV charging and emergency power systems, reinforcing Wiikwemkoong’s leadership in sustainable innovation.” The project is more than infrastructure—it’s a vision for the future. The 24/7 accessible chargers will attract visitors to explore Wiikwemkoong’s cultural and ecological offerings while supporting a shift to cleaner transportation. By commissioning the chargers in mid-2025, the community will further its goals of environmental stewardship and energy independence. Wiikwemkoong’s initiative sets a national example, blending green innovation with cultural leadership to create lasting benefits for its people and the planet. -30- No media for this storyGreat British Bake Off backlash as fans claim finalist was ‘robbed’ of win
Huawei plans to drop Android entirely in gadgets from 2025
Cowboys star G Zack Martin doubtful to play vs. Commanders
TikTok takes down network of Neo-Nazi accounts
NoneUnconstrained LNG exports will cost consumers and the climate: U.S. Department of EnergyGAITHERSBURG, Md. — An FBI agent charged in Maryland with sexually assaulting two women contacted his alleged victims through social media with a promise to give them free tattoos and modeling work, police said Tuesday as they encouraged other potential victims to come forward. Neither woman knew that their alleged assailant, Eduardo Valdivia, was an FBI agent, Montgomery County Assistant Police Chief Nicholas Augustine said during a news conference. Valdivia used aliases, including Lalo Brown and “El Boogie,” as he contacted the women through an Instagram account for a tattoo parlor in Gaithersburg, Maryland, according to police. Valdivia sexually assaulted the women — both of whom are in their 20s — during photo shoots at a tattoo studio and at a hotel, police said. Both women told police that they feared Valdivia would have caused them more harm if they tried to resist or leave, according to a police affidavit. Valdivia presented the women with modeling contracts and threatened to take legal action if they didn’t return to model for him, Augustine said. Police detectives suspect that Valdivia may have sexually assaulted other women under similar circumstances, according to the assistant chief. “I would like to thank the victims that did come forward. They have now stopped this contact going on in our community and being brave to come forward to notify the police about what was going on, which most likely saved other people from being victimized,” Augustine said. Defense attorney Robert Bonsib said Valdivia’s interactions with the women were consensual. “This conduct is not going to get you the first pew in the church,” Bonsib told reporters outside the courthouse. “You’ve got to be realistic about the nature of what was going on. This was not criminal conduct.” A state district court judge on Tuesday ordered Valdivia jailed without bond, deciding he poses a danger to the community and a flight risk. A prosecutor, Rachel Morris, said during the hearing that a third potential victim had come forward and was being interviewed by police “as we speak.” Valdivia has been suspended by the FBI pending the conclusion of the police investigation. “The FBI takes allegations of criminal violations and misconduct very seriously,” an FBI spokesperson said in a statement Monday. “Because this is an ongoing investigation, the FBI cannot comment further.” Valdivia, 40, of Gaithersburg, previously was charged and acquitted in 2022 of attempted second-degree murder and other charges stemming from an off-duty shooting aboard a moving Metro train near Washington, D.C. Online court records show Valdivia now faces felony and misdemeanor charges, including two counts of second-degree rape. The alleged offenses date to May 2024 and September 2024. Police began investigating in October. The women were initially reluctant to come forward because they felt “held back” by language in contracts they signed to do modeling work, Augustine said. “We don’t know how long the business had been open, but he has been doing tattoos at least since February,” Augustine said. During the bond hearing, Bonsib read aloud emails that he said the women sent to Valdivia. He pointed to the emails as evidence that the encounters were consensual. Bonsib acknowledged that Valdivia posed as a modeling agency operator named Dr. Tiffany Kim in sending emails to the women about modeling contracts. One of the women told police that she found a photo taken of her by Valdivia posted on an Instagram page. A mutual friend recognized a photo of the other alleged victim on the same page and arranged for the women to contact each other, the police affidavit says. Bonsib has said Valdivia joined the FBI in 2011 and was promoted to supervisory special agent at the FBI headquarters in 2019. On Dec. 15, 2020, a confrontation between Valdivia and an unarmed passenger swiftly escalated from a testy exchange of words to a shooting on a train approaching the Medical Center station in Bethesda, Maryland. Valdivia shot and wounded the man from a distance of roughly 2 to 3 feet after repeatedly telling the man to back up, county prosecutor Robert Hill said in court. The wounded man had part or all of his spleen, colon and pancreas removed during surgery after the shooting, Hill said. Bonsib has said Valdivia acted in self-defense as the man approached him at the rear of a train car.
TEXAS-based arts and crafts chain Michaels, with 1,200 stores nationwide, is set to close its only location in Waterbury, Connecticut. The store, located at Brass Mill Commons, will officially shut its doors to the public early next year. A Michaels spokesperson confirmed that following the holiday season, the store will close on January 17, 2025. Rebecca Talley, a spokesperson for Michaels, confirmed the closure in an email. It read, “As a normal course of business, we open and close new stores every year. "We have made the business decision to close our location at Brass Mill Commons.” Read more Michaels stories Talley did not provide specific reasons for the decision to close the Waterbury location. However, she assured customers that this is part of routine operations for the company. The Waterbury Michaels store is located at 295 Union Street and has long been a go-to destination for arts and crafts enthusiasts in CT. Offering supplies for everything from painting and sewing to seasonal décor and DIY projects, its closure will leave local customers without a nearby Michaels store. Most read in Money However, we're sure many are happy that this change will be coming in the new year. This gives you enough time to stock up on crafting essentials. Despite this setback, Michaels still has 23 other locations across Connecticut. “We know this is disappointing to our customers in Waterbury, but we hope to continue serving them at our other locations in CT or online at Michaels.com,” Talley added. Here is the Michaels return policy in a nutshell: Michaels Stores has established a clear return policy for customers who may not be satisfied with their purchases. Customers can return items bought from Michaels.com within 60 days of purchase, with the exception of online-only costumes and accessory kits, which must be returned at least seven days prior to the holiday. For a successful return, items must be new, unused, and in their original packaging. Returns can be made at any Michaels store or initiated through the customer's online account. For assistance, customers can contact Customer Care at 1-800-MICHAELS (1-800-642-4235). Michaels has streamlined the return process for online purchases. Customers can log into their Michaels.com account, navigate to their Order History, and follow a series of simple steps to submit a return request. This process includes selecting items for return, providing a reason and condition for each item, and potentially uploading notes or photos. Once submitted, customers will receive details regarding the return and refund timeline. For customers wishing to return items without a receipt, Michaels requires a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The company will attempt to locate the receipt using the customer’s Michaels Rewards number. If a receipt is found, the return will be processed as if the customer had it. However, if the receipt cannot be located, the ID will be recorded, and refunds will be issued at the item’s lowest price sold within the previous 90 days, typically in the form of a Store Return Card. Refunds will include the appropriate tax amount, and original shipping fees may be deducted unless the return results from an error on Michaels’ part. Refunds will be issued in the same form as the original payment, with specific exceptions for debit card transactions and gift card purchases. Michaels does not offer exchanges. Instead, customers are instructed to return the item and then place a new order for the desired item. Brass Mill Commons, where the soon-to-close Michaels is situated, is home to several major retailers. These stores include Barnes & Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Petco. Even as Michaels prepares to vacate the space, the plaza remains a bustling shopping destination. Nearby locations in Connecticut remain available for in-person shopping experiences. The departure of Michaels from Waterbury might be disappointing for local crafters, but they shouldn't let that deter them. The company’s continued presence online means you can still access the brand’s signature products and services. As the holidays come in quick, we're predicting that this CT store will have no problem selling its discounted stock. Read More on The US Sun Michaels at 295 Union St. will close to the public on Jan. 17, 2025. Remember, there are still over 1,000 other locations to choose from across different states.Independent senator Fatima Payman has accused One Nation leader Pauline Hanson of racism.House task force cites 'various failures' ahead of 'preventable' Trump shooting
Ant International Expands Payment Ecosystem with AI SolutionsNoneA storm of public outrage has erupted following allegations of financial misconduct at the National Service Scheme (NSS), implicating Gifty Oware-Aboagye, the Deputy Executive Director for General Services. Calls for her arrest have gained traction after reports emerged claiming her involvement in the alleged payment of allowances to 40,000 ghost service personnel, amounting to a staggering GHS 68.64 billion. Beatrice Annan, spokesperson for John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 campaign team, was among the prominent voices on social media demanding action. She accused Oware-Aboagye of overseeing the fraudulent payments and called on law enforcement to investigate the matter immediately. Musician and political commentator Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as Kwame A Plus, also weighed in. In a Facebook post, he lambasted the systemic corruption within the NSS and called for urgent accountability. “Kwame A Plus Reflects on NSS Corruption Allegations After Gomoa Central MP Win Kwame A Plus, now the elected Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, has used his newfound political platform to advocate for a thorough probe into the NSS scandal. The entertainer-turned-politician alleged that between 2020 and 2024, the NSS payroll was inflated with approximately 200,000 ghost names, resulting in a financial loss of GHS 68.64 billion. “Such misconduct is intolerable,” A Plus wrote on Facebook. “We must demand accountability to deter others from engaging in these shameful acts.” His remarks have sparked widespread debate, with civil society organizations, activists, and concerned citizens urging the government to act decisively. A Plus’s election as MP is seen as a significant milestone in his advocacy for good governance. He has pledged to make anti-corruption efforts a central focus of his parliamentary work, aiming to ensure transparency and efficiency in public institutions. The allegations have reignited calls for stricter oversight and reforms in state institutions. Ghanaians are demanding independent investigations to unearth the truth behind the NSS payroll fraud and to hold all culprits accountable. As public pressure mounts, the unfolding scandal serves as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding public resources.