A GSC Game World developer admitted the team nerfed Stalker 2’s A-Life 2.0 simulation system due to performance-related concerns. The A-Life system in the original Stalker governed virtually every aspect of the world’s simulation. It proved integral to the AI behaviors of NPCs and creatures in the Zone , ensuring the world kept turning independent of the player. For the sequel, A-Life 2.0 was explained as a tool that guaranteed gameplay would feel even more emergent. Hopeful players were surprised, then, when mention of the system vanished from Stalker 2’s Steam page before launch. The shock increased post-release, as many became convinced A-Life’s presence had either been removed or heavily diminished. Developers have since confessed that it’s not working as intended, but the extent of the issue is just starting to surface. Stalker 2 dev explains A-Life 2.0’s shortcomings Speaking with IGN , GSC Game World CEO and Creative Director Ievgen Grygorovych Maria Grygorovych broke down what went awry with A-Life’s updated version during development. Performance issues sit at the heart of the matter, Ievgen explained, noting that the team had to reduce A-Life 2.0’s area of influence around the player because of optimization concerns on PC and console. A properly functioning A-Life should impact a wider range of the virtual world, all while “requiring much more memory resources.” Attempts at improving optimization resulted in GSC “cut[ing] things from different directions,” leading to the game’s buggy lunch . However, the developer has promised the crew is hard at work improving Stalker 2’s performance to boost A-Life 2.0 functionality. “We are now continuing working on the optimization part to bring more resources for the A-Life system, to increase the range where A-Life is actually visualized,” Ievgen said. Related: As for why A-Life suddenly disappeared from the Steam description, Maria said the decision came from a marketing representative who told them that most players weren’t aware of the feature. To simplify information on the store page, marketing removed A-Life 2.0 details without GSC’s knowledge or permission. Maria only learned about the missing particulars because of Reddit. IGN said she showed screenshots of internal communications to prove her claims. Mentions of the feature won’t return to Steam until it’s fixed in-game. For now, there’s no timeline on when exactly players can expect that to happen.A lawyer fighting to establish what it means to be a woman has argued in the UK’s highest court that sex is an “immutable biological state”. Aidan O’Neill KC, acting for campaigners in Scotland, made the arguments during the Supreme Court’s hearing of a legal challenge over the definition of what it means to be female . The landmark case - which began on Tuesday - follows an ongoing debate between the Scottish government and campaigners. The verdict will determine whether trans women should be considered female under the 2010 Equality Act as the case seeks to decide if sex amounts to the biological sex you are born with or your gender identity in the eyes of the law. It could have far-reaching ramifications across the UK on how single-sex spaces operate and human rights campaigners have raised fears the case may impact trans women’s rights and their ability to challenge discrimination. Mr O'Neill, representing For Women Scotland, said: “In the Equality Act, sex just means sex, as that word and the words woman and man are understood and used in ordinary, everyday language, used every day in everyday situations by ordinary people”. He urged the court to take account of “the facts of biological reality rather than the fantasies of legal fiction” and to uphold the appeal. He added: “Our position is your sex whether you are a man or a woman or a girl or a boy is determined from conception in utero, even before one's birth, by one's body. “It is an expression of one's bodily reality. It is an immutable biological state.” This case ultimately centres on the question of whether women with gender recognition certificates which state that they are female should be entitled to protections established under the 2010 Equality Act. The Scottish government has said anyone with a certificate stating they are female is a woman. The Gender Recognition Act of 2004 states that getting a gender recognition certificate constitutes a change of sex “for all purposes”. Meanwhile, the Equality Act of 2010 safeguards specific groups from being discriminated against at work and in society - with an individual’s sex and gender reassignment considered as protected characteristics. The legislation defines a woman as “a female of any age”. 2018: Legislation entitled Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act was passed in Scotland in an attempt to get more women on public sector boards. This law included females who were “living as a woman” and were wanting to or about to embark on changing their gender. The campaign group For Women Scotland issued a challenge against the legislation in court. 2022: After several appeals, For Women Scotland won. The campaign group persuaded judges that the Scottish government's attempt to broaden the definition of women to include trans women infringed equality law. Although the Scottish government was forced to change their legislation, they still released new statutory guidance alongside the bill saying they would see women as those with gender recognition certificates stating they are female. The guidance stated that under the 2018 Act the definition of a woman was the same as that set out in the Equality Act 2010. For Women Scotland disputed their guidelines but lost. December 2022: Judge Lady Haldane reached the verdict that the definition of sex was “not limited to biological or birth sex” and those who had a gender recognition certificate could be included. November 20024: For Women Scotland challenges this decision at the Supreme Court. Five judges - led by the court’s president Lord Reed - listen to the opposing arguments on Tuesday and Wednesday and then hand down a judgement at a later date. The ruling could have a far-reaching impact on how trans women should be treated in the eyes of the law and whether trans women can claim they are being discriminated against under the Equality Act. The landmark case could result in a range of places, including sports competitions, refuges for domestic abuse victims, sexual violence services, and hospital wards, being forced to change their policies towards trans women. For Women Scotland do not see those with a gender recognition certificate stating they are female as women - they solely see sex in biological terms. Campaigners on this side of the debate argue single-sex spaces are under threat in the UK. On the opposing side, human rights campaigners have raised fears trans rights will be eroded if For Women Scotland wins the case. Amnesty International UK, a leading human rights charity who has intervened in the Supreme Court case, has argued gender recognition is a matter of human rights. “Legal gender recognition as it works now is essential for trans people to enjoy the full spectrum of human rights each of us is entitled to, and live free from fear of discrimination,” a spokesperson said. “Regardless of what we look like, where we come from or how we express our gender identities, human rights apply to everyone, and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.” Additional reporting by agencies
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DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leadersMy One Big Tech-Fueled Prediction For 2025: Big Data Is BackIn Denton, the election will likely be decided by a coin toss. In a convincing argument against the “my vote doesn’t count” lament, the election for the southwest Lancaster County village board of trustees came down to a three-way tie on election night. Six people were running for three positions. When election night came to a close, Tim Reckling, Amanda Fangmeier and John V. Juricek all had 43 votes — a three-way tie for the third seat. Once the provisional and other uncounted ballots were tallied on Nov. 15, Juricek and Fangmeier had pulled ahead of Reckling by one vote. So, now what? Well, according to state statute, there’s a mandatory recount of all three, since the one-vote margin was close enough to trigger the recount. People are also reading... That will happen Monday. Assuming there’s no change and Juricek and Fangmeier remain tied — or if it goes back to a three-way tie — state statute says the decision is made by “drawing lots.” Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen gets to decide exactly how that will happen: A coin toss, drawing straws, maybe drawing from a hat. Wiltgen And his decision depends on the outcome of the recount. Wiltgen said he's inclined to have a coin toss, but If it goes back to a three-way tie, a coin toss wouldn’t work. One of the candidates could decide to withdraw, but in Denton, that’s not likely to happen, despite the fact that the dead-heat competitors are married. Juricek and Fangmeier are currently on the village board, and Juricek said they plan to see it through, but there won’t be any hard feelings once the spinning coin lands. Clearly, the small number of voters increases the chances of such an outcome, and several of Lancaster County’s smaller communities had election totals within just a few votes. But it’s a good reminder that voting does make a difference. Remember the 2000 Bush-Gore presidential election, fraught with hanging chads and court decisions, came down to a few hundred votes in Florida, where almost 6 million people cast votes. In Lancaster County, there was one other anomaly in the election, Wiltgen said. In one of the Raymond Central school board wards, no candidates were on the ballot, and the seat got 89 write-in votes. Wiltgen said he can’t assign votes to write-in candidates who haven’t filed affidavits (to avoid electing Mickey Mouse, for instance), but there was one candidate — Jason Wiig — who filed as a write-in after the deadline. That's why he wasn't on the ballot, but now Wiltgen can assign those 89 votes to Wiig. The moral there, apparently, is better late than never. As for the situation down south in Denton, Wiltgen — who was appointed election commissioner in 2023 — said he’s aware of a tie vote for a county board race in another part of the state about 10 years ago, and Juricek said there’s been a tie vote in Denton races before. This election, 277 people cast votes for the six candidates, and Juricek said a controversy over the condition of a park prompted more people to run. He chalks up the whole situation to small-town politics. And, maybe, a broader lesson for voters. A place of their own The Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties now officially owns its administrative offices at 210 O St. The Lancaster County Board recently voted to release a lease and issue a deed of reconveyance following the nonprofit’s final bond payment on the building, built in 1999 under direction of then-Executive Director Beatty Brasch. Now that Community Action will no longer be paying more than $13,000 per month in debt service, it can now redirect to support client services and help keep pace with community needs. The savings comes when the community's needs have never been greater, said Community Action CEO Heather Loughman. “This monthly savings will be helpful in our efforts to keep up,” she said. The nonprofit’s programs focus on early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial and family well-being, and hunger relief and healthy food access. In addition to its offices at 210 O St., it operates three Head Start early childhood centers and the Gathering Place soup kitchen. Last year, it provided services to nearly 18,000 people. Living well Lincoln ranked ninth in the American Association of Retired Persons latest Livability Index for large cities this year, a two-point bump from 11th place last year. Earlier this year, the mayor enrolled the city in an AARP network that examines ways to make it a more age-friendly place to live by evaluating factors ranging from housing and transportation to health services and community engagement. According to AARP, its livability index is the most comprehensive, web-based tool of its kind that scores every neighborhood and community in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you want to explore more about how communities rank, go here: https://www.aarp.org/livabilityindex . Fate of the trees The Near South Neighborhood Association, which recently hosted a meeting at McPhee Elementary on a city Parks and Recreation plan to cut down 24 old trees along Goodhue Boulevard and replant 70 new trees in the area, voted on an official position on the controversial plan. It was a thumbs down, with a request for time to develop an alternative plan with community input and expertise of the International Society of Arboriculture and certified foresters in an effort to extend the lifespan of as many trees as possible. The neighborhood association got part of its wish even before members voted on an official position. City officials had already postponed the Capitol Environs Commission meeting to vote on the plan until Dec. 13 in an effort to continue discussions and find a compromise. Top Journal Star photos for November 2024 Lincoln firefighter Andrew Brenner sprays water from the top of a ladder truck on to the roof of a former Village Inn at 29th and O streets Wednesday morning. Luca Gustafson, 6, rides to school Tuesday with the bike bus at Riley Elementary School. Each Tuesday, students can bike to school with adult chaperones along a specific route. Wahoo's Braylon Iversen celebrates with Warrior players after they defeated Auburn in a Class C-1 state semifinal game Friday in Wahoo. Lincoln Fire Fighters Association member Andy Evans works to assemble a headboard during a bed-building day hosted by Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Saturday at Hampton Enterprises. Volunteers helped build 20 beds for children in need. Second-time mother giraffe Allie nuzzles her new calf in the giraffe experience enclosure on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. Nebraska celebrates during the first set of the match against Minnesota on Thursday at the Devaney Sports Center. Iris Gonnerman, 8 (from right), her brother Oliver, 6, and cousin Noreen Milana, 9, wave flags while watching Veterans Parade outside the state Capitol on Sunday. Nebraska's Connor Essegian scores against Bethune-Cookma on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Covered by a canopy of changing leaves, a car cruises along A street in a neighborhood north of Downtown Lincoln on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Mild temperatures continue into the mid weeks of November. Wednesday calls for a chance of rain showers before noon with gusty winds. Most days this week are expected to be accompanied by mostly sunny skies and consistent breezes. Norris' Anna Jelinek (left) lifts the the Class B championship trophy alongside Rya Borer on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Lincoln Lutheran players embrace one another as threy celebrate defeating Thayer Central in four sets to win the Class C-2 championship match Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Superior players celebrate their three set win over EMF during the Class D-1 championship match Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Reflected in a ceiling beam, Leyton takes on Shelton in the first set of the Class D-2 championship match Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Omaha Skutt's Nicole Ott (left) and Addison West react after a point in the second set during a Class B semifinal match Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Hasan Khalil, owner of Golden Scissors, trims the beard of Vitaliy Martynyuk on Friday at his barbershop in Lincoln. Southwest fans Kylea Stritt (from left), Peg Rice, and Stacey Wilson cheer on their team as the "horsemen" during a Class D-1 first-round match Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Millard West players dogpile on the floor after defeating Lincoln Southwest in five set match during a Class A first-round match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Lincoln Southwest's Shelby Harding dives to save the ball from hitting the ground in the first set during a Class A first-round match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Second graders Eli Gonzalez (left) and Shrutoshome Datta look at drawings that first and second grade students made at the Monster Jam Art Show on Wednesday at Elliott Elementary School. The elementary school students made drawings of monsters to be turned into different types of art by Lincoln High School students. Norris players celebrate a point against Lincoln Pius X in a Class B state volleyball tournament match, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (right) talks with supporters, including Darlene Starman of Lincoln, at her campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. A cutout of Jesus watches over voters on Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Abigail Webb votes on Tuesday at F Street Community Center. Nebraska's Rollie Worster (24) shoots a layup while defended by Texas Rio Grande Valley's Marshal Destremau (left) and Trey Miller (right) on Nov. 4 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Allison Weidner (left) autographs a poster for Freeman Public Schools student Godwil Muthiani, 12 (center), after the game against UNO on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Muthiani's sign says, "#3 Allison Weinder is the GOAT! Sorry I'm only 12." Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule speaks to an official after a targeting call on Nebraska during the first quarter of the game against UCLA on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. The call was overturned after review. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores against UCLA in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Cadet Elena Burgwald (left) and Cadet Mason Beck look up as a B-1B Lancer flies over Memorial Stadium before the UCLA game against Nebraska on Saturday. UCLA's K.J. Wallace (7) defends Nebraska's Jacory Barney (17) as he makes a diving 40-yard catch in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Lincoln Southeast quarterback Tre Bollen (left) and Tate Sandman react after losing a Class A football playoff game against Millard North on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Seacrest Field. Millard North won 10-3. After the field clears, Norris' Jarrett Behrends (17) kicks his helmet after the Titans fell to Waverly 16-17 in a Class B football playoff game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Waverly High School. A line of people waiting to vote has been normal at the Lancaster County Election Commission Office at 601 N. 46th St., as it was Friday afternoon. The office will be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to allow voters to cast an early ballot. If they wait until Election Day, they will need to go to their precinct or drop off their ballots at one of five drop boxes across the city. For more stories about about Tuesday's election, go to Journalstar.com . Contact the writer at mreist@journalstar.com or 402-473-7226. On Twitter at @LJSReist. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Local government reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
NEW YORK (AP) — He's making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders. Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve them. Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY" if Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. And this weekend, Trump returned to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. There, he was welcomed like a sitting dignitary , with a prime seat next to French President Emmanuel Macron . Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden attended in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes." Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said. Trump had already met with several foreign leaders before this weekend's trip. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S. official familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “all transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for a better deal. Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. It is unclear the level of State Department involvement, but the Biden and Trump teams say they have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. Sullivan echoed those comments at the Ronald Reagan National Defense Forum Saturday. “It has been professional. It has been substantive. And frankly, it has been good," he said of their coordination on national security issues. “Obviously we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, and that’s no secret to anybody," he went on. But he said both teams believe “it is our job on behalf of the American people to make sure this is a smooth transition,” particularly given the seriousness of issues like the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and threats from China. “The nature of the world we find ourselves in today only elevates our responsibility to be engaged, to talk regularly, to meet regularly, to be transparent, to share, and to make sure it’s an effective transition,” he said. Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. People are also reading... MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." 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BOZEMAN, Mont. – Aurora, a self-driving trucking company, is making waves in Bozeman with its innovative technology and job creation. The company uses LIDAR, a tool that employs lasers and photonics to create a 3-D picture of the environment. Montana State University and Gallatin College have developed programs to educate students in photonics, preparing them for real-world applications. Some students have already secured positions with Aurora. Mayor Terry Cunningham of Bozeman emphasized the local impact, saying, "The genius folks who are creating those sparks and those innovations get to stay here in the place that they love, because of the innovations that they created. But also, for folks like Aurora who are creating businesses from that technology." Aurora has already introduced 70 tech jobs to the Bozeman area, with more on the horizon. Governor Greg Gianforte, who has a background in high tech, highlighted the state's role in fostering industry growth. "We've been reducing regulations. We've been reducing the tax burden. We've been making IT investments in education. And this really creates an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed in the private sector," he said. The new Aurora Bozeman location will function as a LIDAR testing and research facility, further contributing to the area's technological advancement.
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Ireland lost 2-1 against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday and in the process, ended all hopes of an Irish debut at the Euros next summer. After ending their first Euro qualifier against the Welsh team with a tie in Cardiff, the night shaped up to be an optimistic one for the Irish national team. However, the girls in green failed to materialise a victory that would have been an epic sequel to qualifying for the World Cup two years ago. Ireland dominated possession over the first half and made several attempts on the Welsh net. Denise O'Suillvan hit the crossbar also. With a 0-0 scoreline at halftime, anything seemed possible for the remainder of the game. However, minutes into the second half, Ireland’s hopes were crushed when a penalty was given away to Wales due to a handball by Anna Patten. It was then that Hannah Cain subsequently scored the first goal of the match. Things worsened for Ireland when Carrie Jones, who had just been subbed on, kicked the ball into the Irish net past Courtney Brosnan, making it 2-0 to Wales. Despite this, the hosts refused to back down. In the end, it was Patten who managed to score a goal for Ireland off the back of a corner from Katie McCabe and a failed clearance by Welsh keeper Olivia Clark. Ireland huffed and puffed after their goal. Patten’s header was nodded off the line, and Megan Campbell caused chaos in the Welsh box with her long throws. Wales then nearly made it 3-1, but Brosnan made a smart save to keep the tie alive with minutes to go. However, Wales held on for the win to ensure they made it to the Euro finals for the first time ever at the expense of Eileen Gleeson's Irish side. FT | Devastated. Congratulations to @Cymru . #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/RvUSgo4gFI — Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) December 3, 2024 After setting up an impressive goal in Cardiff last week, Ireland midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn spoke to RTE Sport about this unfortunate defeat. “We’re devastated; the team’s devastated,” she said. “We fell short tonight. credit to Wales, they took their chances. I thought we played well in the first half; we had a few good moments, but scoring in these big games, I thought you get punished, and we’ve been punished.” Littlejohn went on to talk about what lies ahead for the Irish national team. “That’s the journey we’re on now. I think it’s going to start with the young ones coming through; everyone’s going to get better in football. “Yes, but no, we can be hard; we can be resilient; we put our bodies on the line; we’ve got Megan’s throw; we’ve got big girls that can win headers, but yeah, we need to do more; if we want to consistently go to these tournaments, we need to do more.” Ireland's next game will be against Türkiye in the Nations League on February 21st. See More: Football, Ireland