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  An Appeals Court on Friday upheld a law that would force TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the popular short-form video app or see it banned throughout the country. The law doesn’t specifically ban TikTok but blocks app stores like Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store from distributing it unless ByteDance divests itself from the social network. While the decision is a setback for TikTok, it’s not the end of the story. ByteDance is expected to appeal the law to the Supreme Court, which will make the ultimate call on the matter. If the law ultimately moves forward, it would be a huge blow to TikTok content creators, advertisers, and the app’s 170 million users.  But one company will undeniably benefit from a TikTok ban: Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta (META). The tech giant is not only TikTok’s largest competitor but also the closest mainstream social media app with a similar user base and feature set. Meta designed Reels, which Zuckerberg has repeatedly talked up during the company’...

  In a move that has already sparked widespread debate and concern, former President Donald Trump has recently announced a new pick for his Cabinet—a selection that could have significant consequences for the future of American health care, public health, and well-being. His choice, which many are calling controversial, is being closely watched for its potential to reshape policies around health and safety for millions of Americans. Who Is the Pick? While the details of the appointment may still be unfolding, the individual Trump has chosen for this key position is expected to have significant influence over health-related policies. The individual’s background, political views, and past actions suggest that their leadership could lead to a fundamental shift in how the government approaches issues like health care access, disease prevention, and public health regulation. For some, this pick raises red flags, given the individual’s previous stances on issues such as health insurance...

  In the years since Donald Trump first announced his candidacy for president, his political approach has been marked by an unorthodox, often confrontational style that has upended traditional norms and expectations. One of the clearest reflections of this unconventional approach has been his pattern of appointing controversial figures to key positions within his administration. Trump's Cabinet picks, in particular, have been a focal point of criticism, raising eyebrows in Washington and beyond. These selections, often seen as polarizing and deliberately provocative, seem designed to stir up outrage and defy the expectations of Washington insiders. But why is Trump so insistent on making Cabinet appointments that provoke such strong reactions? Is he simply playing to his base, or is there a deeper strategy at work? In examining the nature of Trump's Cabinet picks, we can discern several reasons why the former president might want to stoke controversy, challenge established nor...

  STAUNTON — The 2024 Veterans Day parade was held in downtown Saturday morning. The parade began on North Market Street and moved west to Beverley Street. Crowds lined the street, waving flags. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, is celebrated every Nov. 11, the day that a ceasefire or "armistice" was declared in 1918 between Allied countries and Germany, effectively ending The Great War, a conflict later to be known as World War I. Veterans including members of the VFW, American Legion, and Honor Guards, were part of the parade. Mary Baldwin University's Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership took part, as did the Augusta County Schools honor band and Staunton High School's marching band. The parade is sponsored by the Staunton Rotary Club. More:Augusta County youth cheer event canceled over safety concerns stemming from football game More:SAW United Way closed by board of directors — Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and ...

  In the world of college football, certain games take on an almost mythical quality—moments that transcend the usual narrative of strategy and statistics, forever cementing themselves in the lore of a program's history. This past weekend, BYU's thrilling 34-31 comeback victory over rival Utah may very well be one of those moments. The game was a masterpiece of resilience, where every turn of the tide seemed to fuel the belief that the Cougars might just be destined for greatness this season. It wasn't just the win itself that had fans buzzing, but the way it unfolded. BYU's ability to recover from a seemingly insurmountable deficit against the Utes, especially with the game on the line, left spectators and analysts alike wondering: Is this a team of destiny? A Rocky Start, A Stunning Finish For most of the first half, BYU seemed to be outclassed by a Utah team that had controlled tempo and dominated in the trenches. The Utes, who have built a reputation on tough, phys...

Rudy Pankow has become a fan favorite for his portrayal of JJ Maybank on Outer Banks , the Netflix hit series that follows a group of teenagers navigating dangerous adventures, friendships, and the complexities of class division in a coastal North Carolina town. As one of the most beloved characters on the show, JJ stands out for his unapologetic loyalty, fierce protectiveness, and occasionally chaotic yet charming personality. In an exclusive interview, Rudy Pankow opens up about bringing JJ to life, his personal connection to the character, and what makes JJ such an enduring figure in the hearts of Outer Banks fans. JJ: The Loyal Pogue We Can't Help but Love JJ is the quintessential "ride or die" friend, fiercely loyal to his tight-knit group of friends—the Pogues—no matter the circumstances. From helping his best friend John B. (played by Chase Stokes) on a dangerous treasure hunt to risking his own safety to protect his friends, JJ’s unwavering commitment is what ma...

  Both offenses were firing in the first half of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which featured outstanding quarterback play. However, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs defeated the Raiders 27-20. The Chiefs scored right away, with Mahomes completing 4-of-4 passes for 58 yards. Kareem Hunt scored on a one-yard touchdown run to wrap it up. On the Raiders' subsequent drive, Gardner Minshew II completed 5-of-5 passes for 53 yards and a seven-yard touchdown to Jakobi Meyers. A sack by Tyree Wilson stopped the Chiefs' defense on their next drive, allowing Daniel Carlson to kick a 54-yard field goal for the Raiders, giving them a 10-7 lead. When Mahomes and Travis Kelce connected in the red zone for the tight end's first touchdown of the season, their renowned rapport came to life in the second quarter. In the second quarter, the Raiders had numerous chances to regain the lead, but they were unable to do so. John Jenkins deflected Mahomes at the line of scrimma...