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50jili orig NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Married couples across the U.S. have had access to no-fault divorce for more than 50 years, an option many call crucial to supporting domestic abuse victims and key to preventing already crowded family courts from drowning in complicated divorce proceedings. But some advocates for women worried as old comments from now Vice President-elect JD Vance circulated during the presidential campaign opposing no-fault divorce. After President-elect Donald Trump and Vance won the election, warnings began popping up on social media urging women who might be considering divorce to "pull the trigger" while they still could. Some attorneys posted saying they saw a spike in calls from women seeking divorce consultations. Donald and Ivana Trump pose in May 1988 outside the Federal Courthouse in New York after she was sworn in as a United States citizen. Trump — who is twice-divorced — hasn't championed overhauling the country's divorce laws, but in 2021 Vance lamented that divorce is too easily accessible, as have conservative podcasters and others. People are also reading... "We've run this experiment in real time and what we have is a lot of very, very real family dysfunction that's making our kids unhappy," Vance said during a speech at a Christian high school in California, where he criticized people being able to "shift spouses like they change their underwear." Marriage rates held steady but divorce rates of women age 15 and older declined from 2012 to 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released in October. Despite concerns, even those who want to make divorces harder to get say they don't expect big, swift changes. There is not a national coordinated effort underway. States determine their own divorce laws, so national leaders can't directly change policy. "Even in some of the so-called red states, it hasn't gotten anywhere," said Beverly Willett, co-chair of the Coalition for Divorce Reform, whose group unsuccessfully attempted to convince states to repeal their no-fault divorce laws. A couple exchanges wedding bands Oct. 11, 2018, at City Hall in Philadelphia. Matt Rourke, Associated Press Mark A. Smith, a political science professor at the University of Washington, said while many Americans became accustomed to no-fault divorce being an option, Vance's previous comments on making it more difficult to separate from a spouse could help jump-start that effort. "Even though he's not directly proposing a policy, it's a topic that hasn't gotten a ton of discussion in the last 15 years," Smith said. "And so to have a national profile politician talk that way is noteworthy." Meanwhile, Republican Party platforms in Texas and Nebraska were amended in 2022 to call for the removal of no-fault divorce. Louisiana's Republican Party considered something similar this year but declined to do so. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts A handful of proposals were introduced in conservative-led statehouses over the years, but all immediately stalled after they were filed. In January, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Dusty Deevers introduced legislation that would have removed married couples from filing for divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. Deevers backed the bill after writing a piece declaring no-fault divorce was an "abolition of marital obligation." Sen. JD Vance smiles as his wife Usha Vance applauds Nov. 6 at an election-night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Similarly, in South Carolina, two Republican lawmakers in 2023 filed a bill that would have required both spouses to file for a no-fault divorce application rather than just one. In South Dakota, a Republican lawmaker attempted to remove irreconcilable difference as grounds for divorce since 2020. None of the sponsors of these bills responded to interview requests from The Associated Press. All are members of their state's conservative Freedom Caucus. Nevertheless, some Democratic lawmakers say they remain worried about the future of no-fault divorce. They point to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 as an example of a long-accepted option that was revoked through a decades-long effort. "When you choose to be silent, you allow for this to creep in," said Democratic South Dakota Rep. Linda Duba. "These are the bills that gain a foothold because you choose to be silent." Before California became the first state to adopt a no-fault divorce option in 1969, married couples had to prove their spouse violated one of the approved "faults" outlined in their state's divorce law or risk a judge denying their divorce, said Joanna Grossman, a law professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Qualified reasons varied from state to state, but largely included infidelity, incarceration or abandonment. Donald and Marla Trump wave to photographers Dec. 20, 1993, as they enter their wedding reception in New York's Plaza Hotel. Kathy Willens, Associated Press The system was a particular burden on domestic violence victims, who are often women who could be stuck in dangerous marriages while they try to prove their partner's abuse in court through expensive and lengthy legal proceedings. "If there was any evidence that the couple both wanted to get divorced that was supposed to be denied because divorce was not something you got because you wanted it, it was something you got because you've been wronged in a way that the state thought was significant," Grossman said. To date, every state in the U.S. adopted a no-fault divorce option. However, 33 states still have a list of approved "faults" to file as grounds for divorce — ranging from adultery to felony conviction. In 17 states, married people only have the option of choosing no-fault divorce to end their marriages. The Most Divorced Cities in the U.S. Divorce rates have declined alongside increasing marriage ages since the 1980s The link between rates of divorce and age at first marriage has been borne out over time, but it also explains geographic differences in rates of divorce. Today, most of the states with the lowest rates of divorce are also those with a higher median age for marriage. States like New Jersey, New York, California, and Massachusetts all stand out for having fewer than 10% of adults divorced and an age at first marriage above 30. One exception to this is Utah, which has the lowest overall median age for first marriage at 25.5 but also the third-lowest share of divorced adults at 9%, likely due in part to the state’s strong religious ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.In contrast, Maine and Nevada lead all states in the share of the population currently divorced at 13.9% and 13.8%, respectively. And at the local level, many of the cities with the highest levels of divorce are found in Florida, Appalachia, and the Southwest. Maine and Nevada have the highest proportions of adults currently divorced The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey. To determine the most divorced locations, researchers at ChamberOfCommerce.org calculated the percentage of adults currently divorced. In the event of a tie, the location with the higher percentage of adults currently separated was ranked higher. To improve relevance, only cities with at least 100,000 residents were included. Additionally, cities were grouped into cohorts based on population size: small (100,000–149,999), midsize (150,000–349,999), and large (350,000 or more).Here are the most divorced cities in the U.S. Small and midsize cities with the most divorced adults 15. Aurora, CO Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 12.7%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.0%Percentage of adults currently married: 46.1%Percentage of adults never married: 34.9% Shutterstock 14. New Orleans, LA Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 12.8%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.7%Percentage of adults currently married: 28.5%Percentage of adults never married: 50.3% Shutterstock 13. Oklahoma City, OK Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 12.9%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.3%Percentage of adults currently married: 45.1%Percentage of adults never married: 34.2% Shutterstock 12. Colorado Springs, CO Photo Credit: photo.ua / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.0%Percentage of adults currently separated: 1.5%Percentage of adults currently married: 49.9%Percentage of adults never married: 31.1% Shutterstock 11. Louisville/Jefferson County, KY Photo Credit: Jonny Trego / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.0%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.0%Percentage of adults currently married: 41.9%Percentage of adults never married: 36.6% Shutterstock 10. Kansas City, MO Photo Credit: Tupungato / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.3%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.2%Percentage of adults currently married: 39.7%Percentage of adults never married: 39.7% Shutterstock 9. Wichita, KS Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.5%Percentage of adults currently separated: 1.9%Percentage of adults currently married: 45.9%Percentage of adults never married: 33.4% Shutterstock 8. Tampa, FL Photo Credit: Kevin J King / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.5%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.4%Percentage of adults currently married: 38.5%Percentage of adults never married: 40.5% Shutterstock 7. Cleveland, OH Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.5%Percentage of adults currently separated: 3.4%Percentage of adults currently married: 24.7%Percentage of adults never married: 52.3% Shutterstock 6. Miami, FL Photo Credit: Galina Savina / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.5%Percentage of adults currently separated: 3.5%Percentage of adults currently married: 36.8%Percentage of adults never married: 39.8% Shutterstock 5. Las Vegas, NV Photo Credit: f11photo / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 13.8%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.0%Percentage of adults currently married: 43.8%Percentage of adults never married: 35.3% Shutterstock 4. Jacksonville, FL Photo Credit: CHARLES MORRA / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 14.0%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.2%Percentage of adults currently married: 42.3%Percentage of adults never married: 35.8% Shutterstock 3. Tucson, AZ Photo Credit: LHBLLC / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 14.3%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.3%Percentage of adults currently married: 35.7%Percentage of adults never married: 42.5% Shutterstock 2. Tulsa, OK Photo Credit: Valiik30 / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 14.6%Percentage of adults currently separated: 2.5%Percentage of adults currently married: 42.2%Percentage of adults never married: 34.7% Shutterstock 1. Albuquerque, NM Photo Credit: turtix / ShutterstockPercentage of adults currently divorced: 15.1%Percentage of adults currently separated: 1.4%Percentage of adults currently married: 39.8%Percentage of adults never married: 38.2% Shutterstock Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!6. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - The Polish striker has been a goal-scoring machine for Bayern Munich since his arrival in 2014. With talks over a contract extension reportedly stalling, Lewandowski's future at the Allianz Arena remains uncertain.

Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. And this wasn't on a whim: He knows how to play and even brought his own chess set. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. People began showing up almost immediately. Washington Square Park is a known spot for chess in New York — Bobby Fischer among others have famously played there, and it's been used for multiple movie scenes featuring the game. Wembanyama was there for an hour in the rain, from about 10-11 a.m. He played four games, winning two and losing two — he told Bleacher Report afterward that both of the losses were to professional chess players — before departing to catch the Spurs' flight. Wembanyama had been trying to get somewhere to play chess for the bulk of the team's time in New York — the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won at Brooklyn on Friday night. The schedule never aligned, until Saturday morning. And even with bad weather, he bundled up to make it happen. He posed for photos with a couple of dozen people who showed up, braving a morning of cold rain to play chess with one of the NBA's biggest stars. “We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” he wrote on social media after his chess trip was over. Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, his second in the NBA after winning rookie of the year last season. The Spurs play at Minnesota on Sunday.Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans have found some solace in seeing a few of their players represented in the FIFA annual best team lineup, with defenders like Rafael Varane and Ferland Mendy making the cut. However, the absence of key players like Karim Benzema or Casemiro has left some Real Madrid supporters scratching their heads and wondering if their team's achievements have been overlooked in the selection process.

The consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning can be severe, ranging from dizziness and nausea to loss of consciousness, and in extreme cases, it can lead to death. Immediate medical attention is crucial in treating carbon monoxide poisoning, as it involves administering high-flow oxygen therapy to eliminate the gas from the bloodstream and prevent further damage to vital organs.London Ont. outreach workers say encampments are 'necessary' amid lack of shelter spaces

So, today, let's make a commitment to ourselves to open our windows more often and to let the fresh air and sunlight in. Let's take a moment each day to pause, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of the world outside our windows. Let's adjust our mindset and lifestyle to prioritize our health and well-being, starting with something as simple as opening a window.In conclusion, Japan's increased GDP growth signals that the country is on the cusp of an interest rate hike. As the economy continues to expand, the central bank will face mounting pressure to raise interest rates to address inflationary pressures and ensure price stability. The coming months will be critical in determining the timing and impact of any rate hikes on Japan's economy and financial markets.

Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards will play Christmas Day games for the first time on Wednesday as the NBA delivers its 77th year of contests on the holiday. French centre Wembanyama, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, will lead the San Antonio Spurs into New York to face the Knicks, who have the league's longest holiday history. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.

Experience the magic of Botticelli, Florence, and the Medici family on the big screen. Get your tickets now and be prepared to be transported to a world of artistic splendor and historical intrigue. See you at the premiere on December 13th!

Sagittarius natives enter this week with a burst of exuberance and optimism, as indicated by the planets stating that December 30th is one of the best days of the week. You may kick off Monday feeling confident about your social standing, enjoying respectful treatment from colleagues, friends, and family members alike. Even more heartening, you might uncover new channels for investing or discover hidden opportunities in fields such as creative projects, marketing, or technology. By midweek, the festive spirit extends to your home environment, with the 31st featuring potential celebrations or small gatherings that make you feel supported. If you’ve been yearning for deeper family connections or clarity about your living situation, the start of 2025 is a prime time to solidify these structures. That said, you could experience a spike in restlessness around the 2nd or 3rd of January, especially if you feel compelled to take on multiple projects simultaneously. Strive for balance: while the pioneering Sagittarian spirit thrives on new experiences, pacing yourself will enable you to transform scattered energy into sustainable progress. As the weekend approaches, you’ll likely revisit personal goals with renewed determination, embracing the new year with unwavering positivity. Love & Relationship The emotional climate for Sagittarius looks promising, though not without a few hurdles. Early in the week, your playful side shines, attracting both new acquaintances and lighting a spark in existing relationships. Singles may find themselves the center of attention at social gatherings, while couples enjoy an atmosphere of comfort and openness. The planets mention a day of celebration in the family, which can create an ideal setting for meaningful conversations about the future. As you transition into January, your partner’s support becomes more evident, especially if you share financial or career-related goals. Still, watch out for occasional disagreements around the 2nd or 3rd. Differences in opinions might trigger short-lived arguments. Sagittarius usually resolves tension by focusing on the bigger picture—so try stepping back from small annoyances. Ultimately, a sense of teamwork and shared excitement for what 2025 holds can reaffirm your bonds, ushering your relationships into a phase of greater understanding and mutual respect. Education & Career Sagittarians studying or pursuing knowledge-based vocations see a favorable stretch throughout this week. The planets point to success in academic endeavors, especially if you take advantage of your inherent optimism and love for exploration. Assignments or research tasks flourish under your curiosity-driven approach, and you may receive praise from mentors or peers. If you’ve been contemplating enrolling in a specialty course or thinking of traveling abroad for studies, the new year signals an encouraging cosmic window for such plans. On the career front, December 30th to January 1st feels like an opportune period for self-promotion, brand-building, or job applications. Business owners can harness this vibrant energy to capture fresh leads or rethink marketing strategies that expand their reach. Working professionals may feel the impetus to deliver above and beyond, and your superiors or team members will take note. Around the 2nd and 3rd, however, you could feel overwhelmed by a sudden influx of tasks. Maintain clarity in your priorities—knowing exactly which projects demand immediate attention and which can wait will spare you unnecessary stress. Money & Finance Financially, the planets describe a generally productive scenario for Sagittarians. Early in the week, you might identify lucrative investment options—possibly in stocks, speculative ventures, or real estate. While you’re known for taking chances, do keep your personal risk tolerance in mind. If you’re more conservative, verify market details, consult experts, or rely on trusted mentors before making commitments. This approach ensures that your innate adventurousness remains balanced by practicality. Midweek, you may enjoy a boost in family resources or receive small windfalls that help cushion your savings. If you’re supporting a broader household, your leadership can guide everyone into better budgeting. Be mindful, though, that your own love for spontaneity and travel might prompt impulse purchases, so weigh each expense carefully. By the weekend, your financial outlook feels stable enough to let you approach future plans—like property acquisitions or further education expenses—with clearheaded confidence. Health & Well-being Sagittarius is typically associated with a zest for life, and your vitality remains strong through most of the week. However, the planets do mention the possibility of mental restlessness or physical exhaustion if you take on too many ventures at once. Early in the period, ride the wave of enthusiasm but remember to schedule breaks in your day. Basic stretches, quick meditations, or short outdoor walks can help channel your dynamic energy more effectively. From January 2nd onward, tension might surface if your responsibilities become overwhelming, potentially leading to mild symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or irritability. Keep in mind that your body and mind are interconnected—nurturing one benefits the other. A balanced diet, consistent hydration, and moderate intake of stimulants (like coffee or energy drinks) will keep you on an even keel. By the time the weekend arrives, your spirits bounce back, buoyed by the delight of new beginnings and the comfort of supportive relationships. With thoughtful choices in diet and lifestyle, you can preserve your trademark Sagittarius optimism well into the new year. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .Repealing no-fault divorce has so far stalled across the US. Some worry that'll change

Welcome to Briefly, Colorado Politics' daily news briefing. Here's what's going on today: Colorado unemployment rate increased to 4.3% in November The number of unemployed individuals in Colorado increased by 4,600 to 139,300 from October to November, according to new data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The state's unemployment rate for November was 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.2%. Colorado's labor force declined by 300 workers in November to 3,253,300. Nearly 68% of Coloradans participated in the labor force last month, unchanged in the past six months. The national labor participation rate for November was 62.5%. Over the past year, Coloradans' average hourly earnings increased from $36.82 to $39.20, $3.59 more than the national average hourly earnings of $35.61. Bennet, Crow introduce bill aimed at supporting mental health first responders U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet have introduced the Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams (SMART) Community Policing Act to dedicate funding to partnerships between law enforcement and first responders. The bill would allow mental health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to assist people experiencing crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders. "Colorado has proven that community policing improves public safety and saves tax dollars by meeting mental health and drug-related emergencies with resource-based responses,” said Bennet. "Law enforcement should focus on violent crime while trained health and social service professionals de-escalate emergencies and connect individuals with services they need. This legislation draws on Colorado’s leadership and expands the successes of community policing nationwide." The SMART Community Policing Act is based on Denver's Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program and Grand Junction's Co-Responder Program . Colorado House GOP announces year-round committee assignments Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, have announced their year-round committee appointments for the 75th General Assembly. The 18 committees meet all year, including during the interim when the legislature is not in session. "These year-round committees play a critical role in shaping policy and addressing some of Colorado’s most pressing challenges,” said Pugliese. "House Republicans are proud to contribute experienced, dedicated leadership to ensure thoughtful oversight and solutions for all Coloradans. From safeguarding our state’s natural resources to improving infrastructure and advancing public safety, these appointments reflect our caucus’ unwavering commitment to responsible governance and fiscal accountability." The committee assignments are as follows: Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee Commission on Property Tax Committee on Legal Services Legislative Audit Committee Legislative Council Legislative Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Statutory Revision Committee Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy and Task Force Pension Review Commission Pension Review Subcommittee Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force Statewide Health Care Review Committee Transportation Legislation Review Committee Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Wildfire Matters Review Committee Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeking applicants for waterfowl habitat restoration grants Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking applications for wetland restoration, enhancement, and creation projects around the state to support its Wetlands for Wildlife Program. The agency will award over $1.1 million in funds from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Waterfowl Stamps to projects that support the Wetlands Program Strategic Plan's two main goals: improving the distribution and abundance of ducks and opportunities for public waterfowl hunting and increasing the populations of declining or at-risk species of waterfowl. Application instructions are available here . Applications are due February 10. "Wetlands are so important,” said CPW Wetlands Program Coordinator Brian Sullivan. "They comprise less than 2% of Colorado’s landscape, but provide benefits to over 75% of the species in the state, including waterfowl and several declining species. Since the beginning of major settlement activities, Colorado has lost half of its wetlands." Since it was established in 1997, the Colorado Wetlands Program has preserved, restored, enhanced or created more than 220,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitat and over 200 miles of streams. Polis, Union Pacific reach agreement on Moffat Tunnel lease renewal Gov. Jared Polis and Union Pacific have reached an agreement on a new 25-year lease of the Moffat Tunnel on the Continental Divide, laying the groundwork for increase access to Union Pacific tracks for Mountain Rail passenger service. "Today marks a major milestone in negotiations between the State of Colorado and Union Pacific for a new modern 25-year lease of the Moffat Tunnel and a 25-year access agreement," said Polis. "This is a big step forward in making Mountain Rail from Denver to Craig a reality. Passenger Rail on this corridor will relieve traffic to one of Colorado’s iconic mountain communities and provide safe, reliable, affordable transportation options for tourists and skiers as well as workers traveling along the corridor. This historic agreement is an important step to protect continuous freight operations and finally deliver on the promise of passenger rail to Coloradans and I thank Union Pacific for its partnership." Opened in 1928, the Moffat Tunnel is 6.2 miles long and provides a commercial route from Denver to the western part of the state through the Continental Divide.The UEFA Champions League is set to witness an epic encounter as Bayer Leverkusen take on Inter Milan in a highly anticipated group stage match. Both teams have been in scintillating form recently, but the question on everyone's mind is - who is in hotter form?The decision to release "Ne Zha 2" on Chinese New Year's Day is a strategic move by the filmmakers to capitalize on the lucrative Spring Festival box office window. Chinese New Year is a time when families gather to celebrate, and going to the movies has become a popular tradition for many. By releasing the film during this festive period, the filmmakers are looking to attract a large and diverse audience, including families, young audiences, and fans of the original film.

On the other hand, opponents of Trump's approach raise concerns about the humanitarian implications of mass deportations and the impact on families and communities. They argue that many undocumented immigrants have established roots in the United States, contributing to society in various ways, and that blanket deportation policies fail to consider individual circumstances.Title: Former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Mianyang City Commercial Bank, He Miao, Expelled from Party and Public OfficeThe Battle Over Stress Tests Continues In a significant turn of events, major US banks are gearing up to challenge the Federal Reserve’s annual stress tests. These assessments, which were introduced after the 2008 financial crisis, are now facing criticism for their complexity and lack of transparency. Banking insiders argue that these evaluations, shrouded in secrecy, no longer serve their intended purpose. The impending legal challenge marks a notable pushback from the financial sector amidst predictions that a Trump administration might relax such regulations. AI Stocks Rally on Promising Developments Meanwhile, in the world of technology, stocks related to artificial intelligence surged following remarkable achievements by OpenAI. Their latest AI model demonstrated superior performance on a challenging benchmark test, hinting at rapid advancements in AI reasoning capabilities. Companies like NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor experienced substantial stock increases, driven by the potential applications of AI in solving complex problems. With the cost of operating these advanced models reaching millions, investors see a promising future for these tech giants. Market Trends and Possibilities As Christmas Eve approaches, market activity remains relatively stable, with Nasdaq Futures reflecting modest gains. Historically, the period around Christmas is known for the ‘Santa Claus Rally,’ which often results in positive market movements. Analysts also observe market breadth trends, noting that extended periods of negative breadth often precede significant rallies. This pattern, observed since the 1970s, suggests optimism moving into 2025. For investors, these developments in the financial and tech sectors present opportunities to watch closely as the year unfolds. Unveiling the Future: AI Stocks and Financial Regulations Battle for the Spotlight Financial Sector Pushes Back Against Fed’s Stress Tests The financial industry is gearing up for a significant legal standoff against the Federal Reserve over its annual stress tests. Introduced post-2008 financial crisis, these tests aimed to safeguard the banking system are currently criticized by major US banks for being overly complex and opaque. Critics argue that the lack of transparency diminishes their effectiveness. This legal challenge represents a broader industry response predicated on predictions that regulatory frameworks might shift under a Trump administration, potentially easing current constraints. AI Stocks Gain Momentum with Groundbreaking Developments In the technology sector, significant gains were observed in AI stocks following advances reported by OpenAI. The company’s latest model has demonstrated exceptional performance, surpassing expectations on complex benchmark tests, which underscores rapid advancements in AI reasoning. This progress has led to a rally in the stock market for companies like NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor. The promising outlook for AI applications to tackle immensely challenging problems has fueled investor excitement, despite the multi-million dollar operating costs associated with these sophisticated models. Investment Insights: Navigating Trends These Holidays As the holiday season approaches, market trends suggest a generally stable outlook with Nasdaq Futures showing slight gains. The ‘Santa Claus Rally’—an annual market phenomenon—often leads to a surge in stock prices, and investors are anticipating this pattern to continue, bringing a wave of optimism into 2025. Historically, market analysts have noticed that extended periods of negative market breadth can often precede major rallies. These patterns, observed since the 1970s, bolster positive sentiment moving forward. Investors in both the financial and technology sectors have significant developments to monitor. The financial sector’s legal challenges may signal shifts in regulatory landscapes, while AI advancements promise expansive future applications and earnings growth for tech giants. Both arenas offer substantial opportunities as investors plan their strategies for the coming years. For more insights on financial news and market trends, visit the Federal Reserve and stay updated on the latest technological advancements from OpenAI .

told the on Saturday that he supports H-1B immigration visas amid a heated clash between his supporters and Elon Musk, who defended the use of the visa program. President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the debate raging among his supporters over the use of H-1B immigration visas for highly skilled workers. "I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them," he told . "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program." That's after some who want to limit immigration have blasted the H-1B program, saying it doesn't reflect "America first" policies. over the past week and expressed his support for H-1Bs, after railing against illegal immigration while stumping for Trump on the campaign trail. In fact, he was once on an a H-1B visa himself and said the tech sector needs foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a on Wednesday. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” But by Friday, Musk had turned more combative. In a reply to a post taunting him about H-1Bs, the CEO of and hit back sharply. "The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B," . "Take a big step back and F--K YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend." For his part, candidate Trump in 2016 called the H-1B visa program "very bad" and "unfair" for U.S. workers, even as his businesses have hired foreign workers, including . Trump Media and Technology, the parent company of his Truth Social app, also has used the H-1B program to employ workers. During his first term as president, Trump signed a "Buy American and Hire American" executive order in 2017 to look into changes to the H-1B program that would ensure the visas didn't harm American workers. And while he made cracking down on immigration a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign, he also in June that he wants to give foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges a path to work here legally. "I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he said. This story was originally featured onThe Assad family, which has ruled Syria for 53 years, saw their regime crumble in a mere 12 days. The swift downfall of their power was attributed to the loss of popular support, as the people had turned against them. The key factor behind this collapse was the complete erosion of the regime's legitimacy in the eyes of the Syrian populace.A YOUNG ULSTER side dug deep to grind out a fully-deserved interpro win in Galway, a 10-point victory over Connacht ending a five-game losing streak for Richie Murphy’s side and marking their first win on the road of the season. Connacht will be deeply disappointed to come away with nothing, with Pete Wilkins’ men paying the price for a slow start and inaccurate attacking performance. The home team only scored seven points on the night through Mack Hansen’s first-half try, converted by Jack Carty, while Eric O’Sullivan and Nick Timoney crossed either side of half-time for Ulster. The visitors looked hungrier throughout, with Timoney and James McNabney both outstanding in the Ulster back row.