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Poland committed to fostering economic ties with Pakistan: envoy Islamabad:Poland’s Ambassador Maciej Pisarski on Thursday underscored his country's commitment to fostering economic and commercial relations with Pakistan and said the 62 years of friendly and collaborative relations between the two countries were built on mutual respect for sovereignty and adherence to international norms. During a media briefing at the embassy here, the envoy said Poland-Pakistan trade had seen a significant rise, reaching €861 million in 2023 from €456.74 million in 2018. He highlighted initiatives like the GreenEvo mission that brought Polish green technology to Pakistan, and emphasised the contributions of Poland’s oil and gas company POGC/Orlen Group. Mr Pisarski said operating in Pakistan since 1997, POGC had invested over $450 million, pioneering the exploration of unconventional gas deposits in the Kirthar concession. He said the company’s plans to double its investments signalled growing economic collaboration. The ambassador called for a stable and transparent economic environment to attract more foreign investments. He also congratulated Pakistan on its election to the UN Security Council for 2025-2026 and expressed confidence in its role in promoting global peace and security. Mr Pisarski lauded Pakistan’s longstanding participation in UN peacekeeping missions and recalled moments of mutual support during crises, such as the evacuation of Pakistani students from Ukraine and the events in Kabul in 2021. He also detailed Poland’s economic transformation since 1989, marking a GDP growth of over 826 per cent and said his country had emerged as Europe’s most successful economy and the fastest-growing among upper-middle and high-income countries globally. The ambassador reaffirmed Poland’s support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression and condemned the involvement of North Korean troops and labeled the conflict as a “colonial war.” He highlighted Poland’s extensive military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, allocating over 4.91 per cent of its GDP to the effort. Mr Pisarski also decried Russia’s "disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising Poland, Ukraine, and the EU," and emphasised the importance of countering hybrid warfare. Addressing the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarussian border, he described it as a manifestation of hybrid warfare by Belarus. The ambassador stressed the need for coordinated efforts with EU partners to maintain border security amidst rising attempts of illegal crossings. He also said Poland’s commitment to global peace was evident in its contributions to Palestinian humanitarian efforts. Mr Pisarski said in 2024 alone, Poland provided $5 million in aid, continuing to support vulnerable populations despite the strain of the Ukraine conflict.

Panthers' Sam Franklin Jr restrained from running to Bucs locker room, sends threat to player in videoFRANKLIN, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- HubSync Co., a pioneer in SaaS for tax and accounting automation, today unveiled dramatic enhancements to its product suite, set to launch in 2025. This release promises not just tools but a transformation in how firms manage tax and accounting processes, leveraging cutting-edge AI and user-centric design. CEO Insight: "We're not just updating; we're redefining what tax and accounting automation can do," stated John McGowan, CEO of HubSync. "Our focus has been relentless innovation, driven by direct client feedback, to ensure our platform not only meets but exceeds modern business needs." Key Product Enhancements for 2025: Why It Matters: These updates are not just about functionality but about transforming the workflow of tax professionals. "Our goal is to automate the mundane, allowing professionals to focus on strategy and client service," McGowan added. This approach not only saves time but also introduces unprecedented levels of accuracy and security in tax processing. Looking Ahead: As tax laws evolve and businesses seek efficiency, HubSync's 2025 updates position it as a leader in providing not just solutions but strategic advantages through technology. Firms adopting these tools can expect a significant uplift in operational efficiency and client satisfaction. For More Information: Contact HubSync's media team at bweissman@hubsync.com or visit www.hubsync.com for further details or to schedule a demo. About HubSync HubSync’s mission is to simplify and automate the tax and accounting processes for CPA firms with best-in-class technology and solutions enabling firm professionals and their clients to enjoy the tax, accounting, and advisory processes. Top CPA firms and firm professionals have come to rely on HubSync’s integration technologies to elevate their services and modernize their offerings. Visit www.hubsync.com to see all HubSync has to offer. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219626981/en/ bweissman@hubsync.com KEYWORD: TENNESSEE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: LEGAL SOFTWARE FINANCE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DATA MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY SOURCE: HubSync Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 02:17 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 02:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219626981/en

Securing Peace: Starmer's Urgent Call to Support Ukraine

Kittley and the school were working through the remaining details Monday, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school has yet to announce that the hiring is complete. The Owls are replacing Tom Herman, who was fired two weeks ago with two games left in his second year at the school. Kittley had stints as offensive coordinator at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky before returning to Texas Tech — his alma mater — in 2022 in the same role. The Red Raiders have averaged 435 yards per game over the last three seasons under Kittley, 22nd best among all FBS teams. This season saw the Red Raiders rank among the nation's best offenses: They were eighth in yards per play, eighth in points per game, 10th in yards per game and did all that at a pace nearly unmatched nationally. Texas Tech averaged 78.25 plays per game this season, just behind Syracuse's 78.33 for the national lead. As a student assistant, then graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech, Kittley helped coach Patrick Mahomes — the Kansas City Chiefs star, NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion — during his collegiate career. The Owls went 3-9 this season, their fourth consecutive losing record. Lane Kiffin went 27-13 with two bowl wins in his three seasons at FAU; the Owls are 22-35 in five seasons since Kiffin left for Ole Miss after the 2019 campaign. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Stock market today: Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another recordPanic among spectators at soccer game kills at least 56 in the West African nation of Guinea

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy took part in some light throwing on Monday after missing his first career game because of an injury and the 49ers are hoping he can return this week. Purdy hurt his throwing shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. Purdy underwent two MRIs last week that showed no structural damage. But Purdy he felt discomfort after making a few throws at practice on Thursday and was shut down for the game at Green Bay on Sunday that San Francisco lost 38-10 . Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Purdy made it through the session without pain and will rest on Tuesday and hopefully be able to return to practice on Wednesday as the Niners prepare to play at Buffalo this coming week. “We rested it throughout the weekend hoping that would help,” Shanahan said. “He threw lighter today to see if that rest helps and the rest did help him. So we’ll see again, going through the same things we did last week. We’re going to let him rest all the way up to Wednesday. We’ll see how it feels on Wednesday and then we’ll take the exact same course throughout the week. Hopefully it responds better this week than it did last week with the rest.” Brandon Allen went 17 for 29 for 199 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble in his first start since the 2021 season. Allen would play once again if Purdy is unable to go on Sunday at Buffalo. Purdy wasn't the only star player missing for the 49ers on Sunday with defensive end Nick Bosa missing the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique and left tackle Trent Williams out with an ankle injury. “Just waiting to see how they respond,” Shanahan said. “They didn’t respond great last week. That’s why they weren’t able to go. Nick and Trent are both in the same boat. ... We’ll evaluate as this week progresses and hopefully it turns a better corner than it did last week.” In other injury news, linebacker Dre Greenlaw will return to practice this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl last season. Greenlaw will likely need at least a couple of weeks of practice before being able to return to play. Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano will be shut down for the rest of the season after his knee injury didn't fully heal. Feliciano's three-week practice window ended Monday and the Niners decided to keep him on injured reserve instead of activating him. Left guard Aaron Banks, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and receiver Jacob Cowing all remain in concussion protocol to start this week and their status is unknown. Right guard Dominick Puni (shoulder) and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee) underwent MRIs on Monday and the team is waiting for results. Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) are day to day. Defensive tackle Kevin Givens is expected to return to practice this week after missing the past four games with a groin injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflUnions score a major win in Wisconsin with a court ruling restoring collective bargaining rights

Bears general manager Ryan Poles was granted a reprieve complete with a second swing at hiring a head coach in Chicago. Poles will interview candidates and select a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was fired Friday after the Bears' sixth consecutive loss and fourth of the season decided on a final play. "Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," president and CEO Kevin Warren said Monday. "Ryan will serve as the point person of our upcoming search for a head football coach. We will closely, we will work together on a daily basis to make sure we have the right person as our head football coach." Warren said the McCaskey family provided "all the resources" to build a championship environment. He confirmed that Thomas Brown, who a month ago was passing game coordinator before replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach and shift from the press box to the sideline starting this week. Warren did not say whether Brown would automatically receive an interview for the full-time coaching position, which he said "will be the most coveted head coaching job in the National Football League." Poles said consideration will be given to candidates with the plan to develop rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, but there are no set plans to involve the quarterback in the interview process. He said the Bears showed great progress through two seasons but couldn't sustain growth. "At the end of the day, we just came up short too many times," Poles said of firing Eberflus, his pick to be the Bears' head coach in January 2022. Brown promoted wide receivers coach Chris Beatty to interim offensive coordinator on Monday and announced that defensive coordinator Eric Washington will be the defensive play caller, a role Eberflus previously held. Trailing 23-20 on Thanksgiving Day, the Bears were within field-goal range when quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked. With 32 seconds remaining, Eberflus elected not to use his final timeout as Williams heaved an incompletion down the right sideline as time expired. "When you look at the end-of-the-game situations, detailing to finish in some of those moments. We all know a lot of games come down to those critical moments where we weren't able to get over the hump," Poles said. Eberflus said after the game that everything was handled properly and held a press conference via Zoom on Friday voicing confidence he'd have the team ready to play the 49ers this week. But three hours later, he was fired. Warren admitted the franchise could've handled the timing better, but clarified there was no decision on Eberflus' status at the time of his media session. "The decision was made to terminate the employment of head coach Matt Eberflus," Warren said 72 hours later. "We try to do everything in a professional manner. That decision was made on Friday." "Coach Eberflus had his press conference, we had not made a final decision. I think you know me, you know Ryan you know George McCaskey. One thing we stand for is family, integrity, doing it the right way. In retrospect, could we have done it better? Absolutely." Eberflus, 54, went 14-32 in two-plus seasons. The Bears (4-8) travel to San Francisco (5-7) in Week 1. --Field Level MediaHUNTINGTON, W.Va. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Energy Services of America Corporation (the "Company" or "Energy Services") (Nasdaq: ESOA) has completed the previously announced purchase of Tribute Contracting & Consultants, LLC ("Tribute"), an underground utility contractor that employs approximately 90 construction workers and primarily specializes in water and wastewater system installations in Ohio , Kentucky , and West Virginia. As previously noted, Energy Services purchased substantially all of the assets of Tribute for $22 million in cash, less any assumed debt and working capital adjustments, and $2.0 million of Energy Services' common stock. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Vance is taking on an atypical role as Senate guide for Trump nominees The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Mar-a-Lago scene is a far cry from Vance’s hardscrabble upbringing Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. Related Articles National Politics | Matt Gaetz says he won’t return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general National Politics | Attorneys want the US Supreme Court to say Mississippi’s felony voting ban is cruel and unusual National Politics | Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees? National Politics | Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad National Politics | Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’ On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” Vance is making his voice heard as Trump stocks his Cabinet While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance will draw on his Senate background going forward Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.HubSync Revolutionizes Tax and Accounting with 2025 Product Enhancements & New Features

Jaland Lowe flirted with a triple-double as Pitt improved to 6-0 with a 74-63 win over LSU on Friday afternoon at the Greenbrier Tip-Off in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. Lowe finished with a game-high 22 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists for the Panthers, who have won their first six games of a season for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign. It would have been the second straight triple-double for Lowe, who had 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against VMI Monday. Ishmael Leggett chipped in 21 points and Cameron Corhen supplied 14, helping Pitt outshoot the Tigers (4-1) 44.4 percent to 37.3 percent overall. Vyctorius Miller and Jalen Reed recorded 14 points apiece for LSU, with Reed also snatching seven boards. Cam Carter contributed 11 points. Pitt took control in the first four-plus minutes of the second half, opening the period on a 13-0 run to build a 40-28 lead. The Tigers were held scoreless following the break until Carter converted a layup with 13:13 to go. It was still a 12-point game after Zack Austin hit a pair of free throws with 12:50 remaining, but LSU then rallied. Corey Chest, Reed and Jordan Sears each had a bucket down low for the Tigers during an 8-1 spurt that made it 43-38. However, Lowe stemmed the tide, answering with back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Panthers up 49-38 with 9:31 left. Miller did everything he could to keep LSU in contention, scoring eight points in a span of 1 minute, 23 seconds, with his four-point play getting the Tigers within 56-52 with 6:03 to play. But Pitt never let LSU get the upper hand, and it led by at least six for the final 5:05 of the contest. The Tigers had a 28-27 edge at intermission after ending the first half on an 8-2 run. LSU overcame a quick start by the Panthers, who raced out to a 12-6 advantage and led by as many as eight in the first 20 minutes of action. --Field Level MediaNEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Logility Supply Chain Solutions (LGTY.O) , opens new tab , a maker of artificial intelligence-powered software that helps companies manage their inventories and supply chains, is exploring a sale, according to people familiar with the matter. The Atlanta, Georgia-based company, which was previously known as American Software and has a market value of about $400 million, is working with investment bank Lazard (LAZ.N) , opens new tab to gauge takeover interest from potential buyers, which include private equity-backed technology companies, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are confidential. The deliberations are at an early stage and the sources cautioned that no deal is guaranteed. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Shares of Logility jumped nearly 11% to touch a 52-week high after Reuters reported on the sale process on Wednesday. Logility provides software and technology tools that help large companies manage their inventory, manufacturing processes and supply chains. The company has more than 550 clients in 80 countries, according to its website. Its customers include large corporations including discount retail chain Big Lots, Twinkies maker Hostess Brands, underwear brand Jockey International, industrial giant Johnson Controls, and aerospace supplier Parker Hannifin. On Tuesday, investment firm 2717 Partners sent a letter to the company’s board, pushing them to explore strategic options. In October, the company rebranded itself as Logility and started trading under a new ticker symbol on the Nasdaq. Earlier this year, Logility eliminated its dual-class share structure, which previously allowed co-founder James Edenfield to control the company through his ownership of the special class of shares. Edenfield stepped down from his role as executive chairman of Logility in February. Sign up here. Reporting by Milana Vinn in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Milana Vinn reports on technology, media, and telecom (TMT) mergers and acquisitions. Her content usually appears in the markets and deals sections of the website. Milana previously worked at GLG and PE Hub, where she spent several years covering TMT deals in private equity. She graduated from CUNY Graduate School of Journalism with Masters in Business Journalism.

( MENAFN - Asia Times) New missile systems boost the US Navy's troubled Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program's firepower, but questions remain about whether upgrades can redeem its costly, embattled legacy. This month, USNI News reported that US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced significant upgrades to the LCS fleet during the Naval Institute's Defense Forum in Washington, DC. According to USNI News, the enhancements include installing the Mk 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS) and containerized Mk 41 vertical launching systems, enabling the LCS to launch larger missiles such as the SM-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The report says these upgrades aim to bolster the LCS's maritime strike capabilities, addressing previous criticisms of the -class's limited firepower. The report says the Freedom-class USS Beloit (LCS-29) and USS Nantucket (LCS-27) are among the first to receive these systems. It notes that the USS Nantucket showcased the Mk 70 PDS during its recent commissioning. USNI News mentions the initiative is part of the Over-the-Horizon Weapons System upgrade, which seeks to enhance the US Navy's operational flexibility and technical advantage, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. As stated in the report, Del Toro emphasized the strategic importance of these upgrades, noting their potential to significantly enhance US naval capabilities globally, including in the Persian Gulf and the Pacific. The report mentions that this move reflects the US Navy's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and maintain a competitive edge over adversaries. The LCS was designed to address the US Navy's“green water” capability gap, reflecting a change in naval design philosophy from mission-specific ships to a multi-function platform. However, the program has a troubled history, marred by multiple issues since the first vessel, USS Freedom (LCS-1), was commissioned in 2008. In a November 2024 article for The National Interest (TNI), Christian Orr mentions that the LCS program has faced significant criticism due to high costs, maintenance dependencies, and limited survivability. Orr says that early models, such as the USS Freedom (LCS-1) and USS Independence (LCS-2), have been decommissioned despite their intended 25-year service lives. He states the LCS has been plagued by propulsion system failures, contractor-dependent maintenance, and difficulty swapping mission configurations. He mentions that LCS critics argue that the ships are under-armed and unable to survive in hostile combat environments. According to him, the initially planned fleet of 55 LCSs was reduced to 35, reflecting the program's struggles. These issues have led to calls to scrap the LCS program. In an April 2023 Proceedings article , Anthony Carrillo argues that it should be scrapped due to its numerous shortcomings and high costs. Carrillo points out that despite over a decade of development, the LCS has failed to meet expectations, with early models like the USS Freedom and USS Independence being decommissioned after just 13 and 11 years of service, respectively. He argues that the ships have been plagued by propulsion system failures, high maintenance costs, and limited survivability, mainly due to their aluminum hulls, which are prone to cracking and corrosion. He points out that the LCS's operational range is also restricted, requiring frequent refueling, which hampers its ability to conduct missions effectively. Additionally, Carrillo says the program's high costs, estimated at over USD 60 billion for 35 ships and 44 mission modules, do not justify its limited capabilities. Further, he states that the US Navy's decision to retain only 21 of the 35 planned ships further underscores the program's failure. Given these issues, Carrillo views the LCS program as a drain on resources, with its ships better suited for cannibalization to support other naval assets. He argues that the US Navy should focus on more capable and cost-effective platforms like the Constellation-class frigates to meet its operational needs. Viewing the LCS program in a different light, Pete Pagano argues in an August 2024 Proceedings article that the LCS concept warrants reconsideration due to its potential to fulfill critical roles in modern naval warfare despite initial flaws. While Pagano acknowledges the program's rough start, he says recent improvements in propulsion and mission packages show promise. He points out that the Freedom variant's propulsion problems have been addressed, and surface warfare and mine countermeasures mission packages have been validated. Pagano mentions that while critics argue that the LCS cannot contribute to high-end combat, advancements in over-the-horizon antiship missiles and Hellfire Longbows have proven otherwise. Further, he says the LCS's large flight decks and mission bays make it suitable for amphibious operations and supporting US Marine Corps missions. He also notes that the LCS can serve as fleet scouts, employing manned and unmanned aerial systems to reposition and engage enemy forces rapidly. With the right enhancements, Pagano says the LCS can become a valuable asset in the US Navy's fleet, capable of executing various missions in diverse operational environments. While the Constellation-class frigates were developed in response to the LCS program's earlier failures and a capability gap brought by the retirement of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, the Constellation-class program has its challenges. In a 1945 article this month, Robert Farley mentions that the program has encountered significant challenges despite the Constellation class's promise of advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and a multi-role platform with 32 vertical launching system (VLS) cells and modern sensors. Farley points out that adapting the European FREMM frigate design to the US Constellation class has increased costs from USD 800 million to USD 1.3 billion, with construction delays and workforce issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He states that the first ship's delivery has been pushed to 2029, raising concerns about speed, affordability, and scalability. Farley adds that the concurrent construction and design process has resulted in weight growth, potentially reducing the ships' speed below 25 knots and complicating future modifications. Further, he says Marinette Shipyard, the Constellation class's builder, has workforce problems that have delayed the program, creating a capability gap as the US Navy retires Ticonderoga-class cruisers. The push to repurpose the LCS may follow the same lines of effort with its problematic Zumwalt-class destroyers , with the US Navy trying to justify a sunk-cost fallacy. Perhaps the saving grace of trying to revive the LCS would be giving the US more hulls to match China's People's Liberation Army – Navy (PLAN), currently the world's largest navy in terms of hull numbers . Asia Times has previously pointed out that historical evidence shows that the side with the larger fleet usually wins naval battles and that sheer numbers often trump short-lived technological advantages. Thank you for registering! An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. 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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions scored a major legal victory Monday with a ruling that restores collective bargaining rights they lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights. That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. Under the ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place prior to 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law. Republicans vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, which ultimately is likely to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That only amplifies the importance of the April election that will determine whether the court remains controlled 4-3 by liberal justices. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed the law that catapulted him onto the national political stage, decried the ruling in a post on the social media platform X as “brazen political activism.” He said it makes the state Supreme Court election “that much more important.” Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued. Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions. Union leaders were overjoyed with the ruling, which affects tens of thousands of public employees. “We realize there may still be a fight ahead of us in the courts, but make no mistake, we’re ready to keep fighting until we all have a seat at the table again,” said Ben Gruber, a conservation warden and president of AFSCME Local 1215. The law was proposed by Walker and enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in spite of massive protests that went on for weeks and drew as many as 100,000 people to the Capitol. The law has withstood numerous legal challenges over the years, but this was the first brought since the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to liberal control in 2023. The seven unions and three union leaders that brought the lawsuit argued that the law should be struck down because it creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers. Attorneys for the Legislature and state agencies countered that the exemptions are legal, have already been upheld by other courts, and that the case should be dismissed. But Frost sided with the unions in July, saying the law violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into “general” and “public safety” employees. He ruled that general employee unions, like those representing teachers, can not be treated differently from public safety unions that were exempt from the law. His ruling Monday delineated the dozens of specific provisions in the law that must be struck. Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he looked forward to appealing the ruling. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges,” Vos said in a statement. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying organization, also decried the ruling. WMC President Kurt Bauer called Act 10 “a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings." The Legislature said in court filings that arguments made in the current case were rejected in 2014 by the state Supreme Court. The only change since that ruling is the makeup of Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys for the Legislature argued. The Act 10 law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Walker, who was targeted for a recall election he won. Walker used his fights with unions to mount an unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. Frost, the judge who issued Monday's ruling, appeared to have signed the petition to recall Walker from office. None of the attorneys sought his removal from the case and he did not step down. Frost was appointed to the bench by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who signed the Walker recall petition. The law has also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a 2022 analysis that since 2000, Wisconsin had the largest decline in the proportion of its workforce that is unionized. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature approved a right-to-work law that limited the power of private-sector unions. Public sector unions that brought the lawsuit are the Abbotsford Education Association; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215; the Beaver Dam Education Association; SEIU Wisconsin; the Teaching Assistants’ Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695.After Trump’s win, Black women are rethinking their role as America’s reliable political organizersCDC contacted after two flights arriving at Boston Logan International Airport reported ill passengers

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