Subscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - The Biden administration is speeding up military aid to Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv's defenses before Trump takes office in January. The action raises concerns that Trump's administration may change Ukraine war policy. The Washington Post reports that Biden's team fears a policy shift after Trump's January 20 inauguration. HIMARS rocket munitions, anti-drone ammunition, and anti-personnel landmines are being supplied by the exiting administration for billions of dollars. Officials believe the goal is to empower Ukraine and encourage its authorities to expand their military beyond 160,000. Kyiv is also allowed to launch missile strikes deep into Russia by the Biden administration. Officials see this as a crucial opportunity for Ukraine to gain an edge before Trump's policy shift. Trump may name retired General Keith Kellogg a special envoy for Russia and Ukraine. Kellogg has suggested linking U.S. help to Ukraine's peace talks and increasing arms deliveries to push Russia. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and Trump ally Elon Musk are skeptical about military aid. Also Read Biden set announce ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah tonight Biden steps up Ukraine military aid surge with new $725 million package https://t.co/bBsFFW8jDn — Axios (@axios) December 3, 2024 U.S. military chiefs worry about Ukraine aid straining the Pentagon's readiness. A senior official emphasized that depleting American stocks threaten the U.S. military's ability to respond to Middle East or Asian crises. Despite these obstacles, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, “The president has directed the rapid delivery of resources to ensure Ukraine can defend itself.” The Biden administration wants to leave Ukraine in the strongest position, but its view on U.S. engagement in the crisis is unclear. Under 350 words, this version simplifies the content into news. Let me know if you need changes! Osama Ali is an accomplished English content writer and news writer. With a strong command of language and a flair for storytelling. His expertise lies in delivering accurate and well-researched news pieces, ensuring that information is presented clearly and concisely. A dedicated professional who stays up-to-date with the latest trends in the English writing industry, consistently producing high... Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content SubscribeAmnesty’s ‘genocide’ game, the Obama CIA’s futile Syria scheme and other commentary
Reliable Power Connections: Introducing the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector 12-27-2024 09:36 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire Separable connectors are essential components in medium- and high-voltage electrical systems, connecting polymeric cables to transformers, switchgear, motors, and various other equipment safely and reliably. The 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ], in particular, offers unique advantages for modern electrical installations, ensuring durability, flexibility, and enhanced safety. This article explores the key features, applications, and benefits of 24kV 630A separable connectors, with a focus on the T cable connector design. Image: https://c861.goodao.net/uploads/%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87132.png 1. Overview of Separable Connectors A separable connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ] is a high-voltage component designed to connect and disconnect cables quickly and securely. Often referred to as a deadbreak separable connector, this type of connector can only be engaged or disengaged when the circuit is dead, ensuring safety for technicians and preventing arc flash incidents. This makes it ideal for maintenance and service work, especially in substations and underground systems. 2. Key Features of the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector The 24kV 630A T Cable Connector is a powerful solution for high-voltage electrical applications. This connector type is specifically designed for connecting polymeric cables to equipment like transformers, switchgear, and motors. Here are some of its most important features: a. Fully Screened and Fully Submersible Design The 24kV 630A T cable connector is fully screened, meaning it is encased in a conductive layer that ensures consistent voltage distribution and minimizes electrical stress. This screening enhances operator safety and extends the lifespan of the connector by reducing the risk of partial discharges, which can deteriorate the insulating material over time. Additionally, it is fully submersible, enabling reliable performance even in harsh environments, such as underground or outdoor installations where the connector may come in contact with water. This submersible quality makes it suitable for installations where moisture and water exposure are constant concerns. b. Compatibility with Premoulded Bushings and Plugs When paired with the appropriate bushing or plug, the 24kV 630A T cable connector forms a fully insulated and secure connection. This compatibility with premoulded separable connectors allows for versatile use across a range of equipment. Premoulded designs ensure a tight fit and provide high resistance to external elements, ensuring stable and reliable connections in various conditions. c. Capacitance Test Point for Easy Circuit Monitoring One of the most valuable features of this connector is its optional capacitance test point. The test point provides a safe, accessible location to test circuit voltage levels, allowing operators to easily monitor the circuit status or install a fault indicator. This test point is beneficial for routine maintenance and diagnostics, helping technicians verify circuit integrity without having to disassemble connections, reducing downtime and enhancing safety. d. Constructed from High-Quality EPDM Rubber The 24kV 630A T cable connector is constructed from EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber, a high-quality, durable material known for its flexibility, weather resistance, and electrical insulation properties. EPDM provides exceptional performance in high-voltage applications, as it withstands temperature variations, UV exposure, and electrical stress without degrading. This construction ensures that the separable connector remains reliable over time, even in challenging environments. 3. Applications of the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector The 24kV 630A separable connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ] is an essential component for industries and applications where high-voltage cable connections need to be safe, reliable, and flexible. Common applications include: * Power Distribution Systems: Ideal for substations and switchgear, the connector facilitates safe connections between power distribution equipment and cables. * Transformers: Provides a reliable interface for connecting medium-voltage cables to transformers, ensuring safe power flow and reducing the risk of electrical faults. * Motors: Particularly in industrial applications, the connector is used to connect cables to high-voltage motors, ensuring stable operation. * Renewable Energy Installations: Renewable energy sites, such as wind and solar farms, often require robust connections to handle high-voltage output from generators to transformers and switchgear. By offering a fully submersible, deadbreak design, the 24kV 630A connector provides peace of mind in these demanding applications, where equipment failure can lead to costly downtime and safety risks. Image: https://c861.goodao.net/uploads/%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87141.png 4. Advantages of Using the 24kV 630A Separable Connector Separable connectors are integral to electrical systems for several reasons. The 24kV 630A T Cable Connector provides distinct advantages over other types of connectors: a. Enhanced Safety The deadbreak design of the 24kV 630A separable connector ensures that it can only be disconnected when the circuit is de-energized, greatly reducing the risk of electrical shock and arc flash. Additionally, the fully screened feature prevents accidental contact with live parts, making this connector especially safe for both operators and equipment. b. Reliable, Submersible Connections Fully submersible connectors are crucial for high-moisture environments. The water resistance of this separable connector ensures a long lifespan in wet or challenging conditions, such as underground installations. This makes it highly suitable for applications where reliability is paramount. c. Capacitance Test Point for Diagnostic Ease The capacitance test point is an invaluable tool for routine maintenance. Technicians can quickly test the circuit status or detect faults without disturbing the connection, saving time and reducing the need for additional tools or equipment. This feature is particularly useful in environments where rapid diagnostics are needed, such as power distribution and renewable energy installations. d. Durability with High-Quality EPDM Rubber Constructed from durable EPDM, the 24kV 630A T cable connector withstands environmental stress, extreme temperatures, and mechanical impact. The material's resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and moisture contributes to the long service life of the connector, reducing maintenance requirements and the likelihood of unexpected failure. 5. How to Select the Right 24kV 630A Separable Connector Choosing the right separable connector involves considering the specific requirements of your system. Key factors to keep in mind include: * Voltage and Current Ratings: Ensure the connector can handle the voltage (24kV) and current (630A) required by your system. * Compatibility with Equipment: Verify that the connector is compatible with the bushing or plug in use, as well as the cable insulation and diameter. * Environmental Considerations: If the connector will be exposed to harsh conditions, ensure it has a fully submersible, screened design like the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector. * Testing Requirements: If regular diagnostics are essential, choose a connector with a capacitance test point for convenient status checks. 6. Installation and Maintenance Considerations Proper installation and maintenance are key to maximizing the lifespan and performance of the 24kV 630A separable connector. Here are some best practices: * Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the connector is correctly mated to the equipment. * Use Appropriate Tools: Ensure that technicians have access to suitable tools and test equipment, particularly for checking the capacitance test point. * Regular Inspections: Periodic inspections of the connector's physical condition, especially in outdoor or underground installations, can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems. * Environmental Monitoring: In environments with temperature extremes or high moisture levels, consider additional protection or maintenance to extend the connector's service life. Conclusion The 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector is an advanced, reliable component for high-voltage applications. Its fully screened and submersible design, compatibility with premoulded bushings, capacitance test point, and high-quality EPDM construction make it ideal for use in power distribution, transformers, motors, and renewable energy installations. Offering unmatched safety, flexibility, and durability, this separable connector is a vital asset in ensuring efficient and safe power connections across diverse applications. Whether in a switchgear cabinet, transformer station, or renewable energy site, the 24kV 630A separable connector stands out as a dependable solution for modern electrical systems, making it an essential component for industries demanding high reliability and consistent performance. Media Contact Company Name: Anhuang Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=reliable-power-connections-introducing-the-24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector ] Country: China Website: https://www.ahelek.com/ This release was published on openPR.Tonight, a new champ was crowned in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2024, with fans quickly taking to social media to share their excitement. Described by some enthusiasts as the "best series ever" for its endearing cast, only one could ultimately take home the title. In an intense finale featuring Coleen Rooney, Danny Jones from McFly and Reverend Richard Coles, Ant and Dec announced the public's choice live. Ultimately, it was Danny who was crowned King of the jungle, and plenty of fans were absolutely thrilled by the result. However, not all viewers were thrilled with some taking to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts. One wrote: "I'm gutted. But it was known from day one that Danny was the winner" Another penned: "Coleen robbed, my queen of the jungle!!" (sic) "Coleen was robbed," a third agreed, as one added: "Nah, Coleen deserved it more." "Coleen was the rightful winner," a fan insisted, as yet another penned: "Predictable. Inevitable. Boring." One more fumed: "One of the most predictable results for one of the most boring series of I’m A Celeb there has ever been." Nevertheless, there were also plenty of tweets in support of Danny's victory, with one fan writing: "Oh danny bless him he so deserves it." (sic) Another fan enthused: "GO ON DANNY BOYYYYY." (sic) A third penned: "YAAAASSSS DANNY! DANNY DOES THE DOUBLE!!! WINNING MASKED SINGER AND CELEBRITY IN ONE YEAR!!!!!!" (sic) Another viewer added: "Congratulations to Danny, best series of i’m a celeb for a while." (sic) One more shared: "Ok we’re all good, my fav from the start, couldn’t have picked a better winner." (sic) Upon hearing that he had been voted as the public’s favourite 2024 campmate, Danny admitted: "I can't even talk. It feels surreal. Previous 2023 winner Sam Thompson arrived to crown Danny as King of the Jungle, as his campmates cheered. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart," Danny told fans at home. He then ran across the bridge to greet his loved ones, embracing wife Georgia Horsley. Earlier on, the trio faced their final Bushtucker trial, The Towers of Terror, aiming to secure a lavish three-course meal. Ant and Dec detailed how each participant must complete both sections of the challenge for a chance to enjoy their ultimate dinner, earning starters, mains, desserts, and drinks with stars. For the first part of the trial, all three celebrities were positioned in the initial tower, lying flat with Coleen at the top, Danny in the centre and Richard towards the base. As the trial commenced, they had to navigate the stars down to each other at the base of the tower, into the yellow 'win zone'. Coleen couldn't contain her fear and screamed: "Ahh, something's wrapping round my foot!" After nailing the first segment of the trial within ten minutes, they moved on to the second, larger tower for the concluding part of their Bushtucker challenge, with another ten minutes to secure the rest of their stars. Ant announced to the celebs: "Now you've already taken on the smaller one, the Dec Tower, it's time for the much taller, Ant tower!" Set over three levels, they had to dislodge star pieces in their sections and funnel them down to Danny at the bottom, who was tasked with assembling them like a puzzle to earn stars for camp. Despite being doused in fish guts, spiders, and cockroaches during their ascent, they successfully completed the puzzle, erupting into cheers as they celebrated their victory. Post-trial, Danny expressed: "Super proud of ourselves, it's been an amazing journey and honestly, what a way to go out!" Richard chimed in: "I'm immensely proud, but we just don't smell great!" While Coleen confessed: "I'm glad it's all over." Catch up with the latest seris of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on ITVX.None
AP Business SummaryBrief at 2:53 p.m. ESTDXC Technology Co. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the day
'Shadow of the Ninja Reborn' is one of the best platformers in recent years. This year had a distinctly retro gaming vibe when it came to Japanese game releases, and here are some of my favorites. This marks the ninth year I have done this top ten for Japanese games. Starting back in 2016 , through to 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , and 2023 . Naturally, these lists are just based on my personal preferences of the games I’ve played over the year and are nothing more than that. 10. Assault Suits Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute 'Assault Suits Leynos 2' has finally come Westward. This was a fantastic Saturn mecha game back in the day and one that was only available in Japan. Thankfully, this is now available again, and the remaining English versions will be out sometime next year. As someone who worked on the release of Assault Suits Valken Declassified , I’m glad the Assault Suits games are finally getting more love. 9. The Legend of Steel Empire The Imamio Thunder acts like a smart bomb attack. Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC Critical Gmail Warning As Google Prompts Used In Ongoing Attacks Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Saturday, December 28th I really enjoyed this shmup back on the Mega Drive, and this remaster was gloriously done . While I am a sucker for all things steampunk and alternate-timeline technology, this is still a solid console shmup and one that is worth a look if you haven’t done so already. 8. Front Mission 2: Remake The remake for 'Front Mission 2' was excellent. Following the first Front Mission remake, the sequel was another game originally released only in Japan. It's amazing that it's now widely available, and it’s been updated brilliantly, too. 7. Tekken 8 'Tekken 8' is now running on Unreal Engine 5. This turned out to be a lot better than I was expecting and I am glad that following Street Fighter’s resurgence, more of these fighting game series are coming back. The transition to Unreal Engine 5 has also worked out well for the game, as it both looks and runs very fluidly. 6. Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom 'Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' is an adorably styled game. Done in the same style as the Link’s Awakening remake , this time, you finally play as Zelda but with a few catches. The first is that the sword and shield setup available to Link are time-limited, but to counter that restriction, you can copy/paste objects found around Hyrule. It was a fun game , but I would still like to see Zelda get a chance to wield her own sword and shield in a future installment. 5. Dragon Quest Builders 'Dragon Quest Builders' is now finally available on PC. The long-awaited PC port of this now classic game was very good indeed. While it had some interesting quality-of-life improvements, I still prefer the PlayStation 4 and Switch versions. With the Switch iteration probably still being my favorite. That said, the fact this game is now on PC is definitely welcomed and comes recommended . 4. Unicorn Overlord 'Unicorn Overlord' is easily one of Vanillaware's most impressive games. Despite all the controversy surrounding the game’s English localization, the game itself was still great . Vanillaware did not disappoint from a visual standpoint, but it also played brilliantly and had a great story. As someone that enjoys the tactical side of the role-playing game genre, it always nice to play a new functional take and this was a lot of fun. 3. Ace Combat 7: Deluxe Edition The 'Deluxe Edition' of 'Ace Combat 7' runs very well on the Switch. I never thought a game like Ace Combat 7 would be able to run on the Switch, but this new Deluxe Edition delightfully proved me wrong. Having really enjoyed the game on the PlayStation 4 back in 2019 , I am amazed and very grateful that I can now play it on the go with my Switch. Admittedly, the same could be said for the PC version on the Steam Deck, but the battery life on that isn’t very friendly for when you are out and about. 2. Shadow of the Ninja Reborn 'Shadow of the Ninja Reborn' is one of the best-looking pixel art games of recent years. This had no place being this good and it was a flawless remake of an NES classic that was somehow even more technical than the original. It also looked gorgeous and is one of the best pixel art games I’ve played in years. 1. Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake 'Dragon Quest III' has been updated in a truly wonderful way. This was the return of the king in terms of role-playing games. Done in the tilt-shift HD-2D art style, with 3D backgrounds against 2D pixellated characters, this has brought one of the best games ever made out into the sunshine again on a global scale. It not only plays brilliantly , with all sorts of functional updates and changes over the original game, but it looks adorable too. I really cannot recommend this game enough. You may wonder why Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is not included in this list. The answer is that it is a DLC release. Also, the likes of Metaphor: ReFantazio also gets an honorable mention here, but didn’t quite make it for me. In any case, 2024 saw a fair few ports of recent games and remakes of older ones. Here’s hoping next year will have a few more new releases to contend with. Follow me on X , Facebook and YouTube . I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.Myers Industries director William Foley acquires $12,030 in stock
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has been a target for investigations since his early days in office, and the swarm of cases since his failed reelection bid in 2022 has left him in ever-deeper legal jeopardy. In the latest development Thursday, he was formally accused of attempting a coup to keep himself in the presidency. In another case, the electoral court ruled the far-right leader ineligible to run for office until 2030. There are dozens of other probes that could produce criminal charges at low-level courts, where he could appeal any eventual conviction. But the country's Supreme Court will have the final say regarding more than five in-depth investigations, including into the alleged coup attempt, which could land the former president behind bars or under house arrest. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing in all of the cases, and his allies have alleged they are political persecution, while recognizing the severity of the legal risks on multiple fronts. Here's a look at the biggest threats and where they stand: Federal police on Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 others for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections. The accusation is sealed, but among other things authorities had been investigating whether he incited the Jan. 8, 2022 riot in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in the capital of Brasilia. STATUS: Police sent their findings to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Brazil’s highest electoral court in June ruled that Bolsonaro used government communication channels in a meeting with diplomats to promote his reelection bid and sow distrust about the vote. The case focused on a meeting the prior year, during which Bolsonaro used government staffers, the state television channel and the presidential palace in Brasilia to tell foreign ambassadors that the country’s electronic voting system was rigged. The ruling rendered him ineligible for office until 2030, although he has insisted that he will run in the 2026 race. The court also found that Bolsonaro abused his power during Brazil’s Independence Day festivities, a month before the election. The ruling didn’t add years to Bolsonaro’s ineligibility, but made any appeal less likely to succeed. A third case is also pending at the court. STATUS: Bolsonaro’s appeal of the initial ruling was denied. Bolsonaro has been formally accused of directing an official to tamper with a public health database to make it appear as though he and his 12-year-old daughter had received the COVID-19 vaccine in order to bypass U.S. entry requirements. During the pandemic, he railed against the vaccine , characterized the choice to receive a shot as a matter of personal freedom and has repeatedly said he never did so. The Federal Police accused Bolsonaro of criminal association and inserting false data into public records, which carry maximum penalties of 4 and 12 years in prison, respectively. It was the first formal accusation against him since he left office. STATUS: Brazil's Supreme Court sent the accusation to the prosecutor-general, who is weighing whether to use it to press charges. Local media reported that he was seeking to consult American authorities about whether Bolsonaro used the forged document to enter the country, and that having done so could result in U.S. legal action. Federal Police have probed whether Bolsonaro directed officials to smuggle luxury jewelry worth millions into Brazil from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, then acted to prevent them from being incorporated into the presidential collection and instead retain ownership for himself. Investigators summoned Bolsonaro for questioning in April and August of 2023. He has returned the jewelry in question. STATUS: The Federal Police formally accused Bolsonaro of money laundering and criminal association, according to a source with knowledge of the accusations. A second source confirmed the accusation, although not for which specific crimes. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. Brazil’s Federal Police is investigating Bolsonaro for inciting crimes against public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, which include encouraging people not to wear masks and causing alarm about non-existent danger of vaccines accelerating development of AIDS . A Senate inquiry commission also spent months investigating his pandemic-era actions and decisions, and recommended nine criminal charges. Brazil’s former prosecutor-general Augusto Aras, widely seen as a Bolsonaro ally, decided not to file any charges based on the lawmakers' findings. They have urged Aras' successor to reopen the case. STATUS: The investigation is ongoing. Brazil's Supreme Court in 2020 ordered an investigation into a network allegedly spreading defamatory fake news and threats against Supreme Court justices . The probe has yielded the imprisonment of lawmakers from the former president's circle and raids of his supporters' homes. In 2021, Bolsonaro was included as a target. As an offshoot of that probe, the Federal Police is also investigating whether a group operating inside Bolsonaro’s presidential palace produced social media content aimed at undermining the rule of law. The group, allegedly comprised of aides and Bolsonaro’s politician son, has been widely referred to as a digital militia and “the hate cabinet.” STATUS: Both investigations are ongoing. Biller reported from Rio de Janeiro Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. I am now demanding @KemiBadenoch apologises. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 27, 2024 On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”
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Stock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the marketTHE Dragons already have no margin for error in the Challenge Cup after paying the price for a shocking start and missed opportunities against Montpellier in the Newport wind and rain. The Rodney Parade club slipped to a 18-14 defeat in their tournament opener, meaning they will need at least one win on the road if they are to make the knockout stages. It was another missed opportunity to add to the frustrating home disappointments in the first block of the United Rugby Championship, and means Filo Tiatia’s men are right up against it after just one round. The Dragons trailed 18-14 at the break after fighting back from a nightmare start to get back in it through tries by centurion flanker Taine Basham and full-back Angus O’Brien. It was a poor game littered with errors, not all of them down to the weather, and it became all about the result as the gap remained four points into the final quarter. The Dragons had their chances – and were held up over the line – but were unable to get their noses in front in a dramatic finale inside the Top 14 side’s 22. With away games at Newcastle and the Lions either side of the home encounter with Pau, this was almost a must-win opening fixture in the bid for the knockout stages. The Dragons accomplished that last season when striking late against Oyonnax for a five-point haul before letting a promising position slip through their fingers. This time they are playing catch-up already and need to conjure something special either at Kingston Park or Ellis Park. Montpellier headed to Newport with a team largely made up of fringe players and academy talent but they were still hefty and presented a stiff challenge for what was far from the strongest, on paper at least, Dragons XV. There were opportunities in the tight five for loosehead Josh Reynolds, hooker James Benjamin, and lock Joe Davies, who all made first starts of the season (another opportunity for tighthead Dmitri Arhip was shelved due to illness). Livewire Morgan Lloyd was handed the 9 jersey for the first time at professional level while Will Reed – given his first start after almost always having 10 on his back last season – joined him to form a young half-back partnership in horrendous weather. The Dragons put themselves under pressure with a knock on from the kick-off but defended strongly until giving away a penalty that Aurelien Barreau put between the posts in the fourth minute. The fly-half repeated the trick in the ninth minute to make it 6-0; it was a kick that would normally be simple but not in these conditions. Montpellier’s dream start continued when, after an impressive claim of a high ball by full-back Julien Tisseron, a cross-kick to the right found centre Thomas Darmon who offloaded to Tambwe. The speedster beat last man Reed and slide over down the right for an 11-0 lead after 12 minutes. The Dragons needed a response and kicked a penalty to the corner to hunt one only for lock Davies to fail to gather the slippery ball in the throw. That failure was followed by a second French try that was way, way too easy. Firstly they won a five-metre scrum thanks to sloppy blindside defence that led to captain Angus O’Brien having to hack the ball behind. Then, after an early engagement, Marco Tauleigne took a quick tap and slid over with ease, Barreau making it 18-0 after a shambolic first quarter for the hosts. Thankfully the next score was for the men in bright yellow with Montpellier errors leading to a quick tap from five metres out and then a try on his 100th appearance for Basham. O’Brien converted. The game then had a scrappy spell until the Dragons struck just before the break to make it a four-point game. An overthrown lineout was gathered by Reed and the attack continued for lock Davies, of all people, to break through and slip the ball to his captain. O’Brien slide over down the left and then expertly added the extras to make cut the gap to 18-14 but then missed a penalty six minutes after the restart. The Dragons then got out of jail with half an hour to go when a Montpellier driving lineout went close and then, bizarrely, the backs called for the ball and a grubber through was covered by replacement scrum-half Dane Blacker. The errors were racking up with the slippery ball, making it a tense encounter with the next score (if it was to come) crucial. The game entered the final quarter without any second half scorers, the Dragons unable to get prime attacking territory and Montpellier’s game management letting them down. The hosts’ big chance came after 66 minutes when they forced Montpellier to hack the ball out five metres from their line. The shove came on, the ball was held up with replacement prop Aki Seiuli just loosing grip of the ball to allow a defender to get under him. The Dragons again pushed as the clock ticked into the 70s and a botched Montpellier lineout allowed them to hammer at the line with five to go... only for a knock-on to gift an escape. A penalty in the 78th minute was hammered to the 22 by O’Brien for one last chance, then another penalty was kicked even closer with the clock in the red, then another penalty was awarded. The Dragons opted for a quick tap but then knocked on, with TMO footage showing that there was no offence to allow one last charge. Dragons: O’Brien (captain), Dyer, Wilson, Owen, E Rosser (J Rosser 49), Reed (C Evans 56), Lloyd (Blacker 39); Reynolds (Seiuli 54), Benjamin (Scarfe 42), Coleman, J Davies (Nott 54), Screech (Langton-Cryer 69), Woodman, Basham, Wainwright. Scorers: tries – Basham, O’Brien; conversions – O’Brien (2). Montpellier scorers: tries – Tambwe, Tauleigne; conversion – Barreau; penalties – Barreau (2). Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa). Attendance: 4,012 (tickets issued).
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced Saturday that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck, 22, led the Southeastern Conference with 28 touchdown passes and finished third in the SEC with 3,485 passing yards. He also led the conference in interceptions, however. Beck will be a spectator for the Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow. Gunner Stockton is in line to guide No. 2 seed Georgia into the CFP, starting with the Bulldogs' quarterfinal game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday in New Orleans. "There's unfinished business still this season and I'll be here to support however I can, finish strong!" Beck said in a statement posted on social media. Beck, a fifth-year senior, finished with a 24-3 record in his career with Georgia. "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made. Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who've supported and believed in me, thank you," Beck wrote on social media. "It's been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!" Beck, the Bulldogs' starter all year, was replaced in the second half of the SEC title game with the injury. Stockton helped to guide the Bulldogs to a 22-19 overtime win over Texas and clinch a first-round bye in the first 12-team playoff. --Field Level Media
UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano threw for two touchdowns and the Huskies' defense overwhelmed North Carolina for a 27-14 victory in the Fenway Bowl on Saturday in Boston. Mel Brown ran for 96 yards and the Huskies (9-4) reached the nine-win level for the third time in program history. It was a miserable day for the Tar Heels (6-7), who are in transition as they await Bill Belichick, who now takes over as head coach. Freddie Kitchens served as interim coach on Saturday following Mack Brown's departure at the end of the regular season and had praise for his team despite the loss. "I commend them for everything they've done the last three weeks. We didn't really catch any breaks today," Kitchens told reporter after the game. "You've got to make your own breaks sometimes. These guys just kept fighting." North Carolina's Chris Culliver returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and backup quarterback Michael Merdinger threw for 86 yards. Six of the team's 10 first downs came in the final 11 minutes. Fagnano finished 16-for-23 for 151 yards for the Huskies, who were limited to a field goal in the second half after rolling up a 24-7 haltime lead. North Carolina lost starting quarterback Jacolby Criswell to an apparent shoulder injury on the team's second offensive series. The Tar Heels, who were without running back Omarion Hampton (going into NFL draft), didn't pick up a first down until less than 30 seconds remained in the first half, and that was followed by an interception. UConn's first points came on Chris Freeman's 32-yard field goal. Then, with 3:45 left in the quarter, Fagnano connected with Skyler Bell on a 38-yard touchdown. The Huskies led 10-0 before Culliver's ensuing kickoff return, the only glitch for UConn in the first quarter. Fifty seconds into the second quarter, Fagnano hit Alex Honig with a pass for a 4-yard touchdown. The final first-half touchdown came on running back Cam Edwards' leap into the end zone to complete a fourth-and-2 snap. That capped a 14-play drive that consumed almost six minutes. "I feel like a proud father towards this team," UConn head coach Jim Mora Jr. "We ran for 210 yards. That's how you win a football game." North Carolina, which lost its fifth consecutive bowl outing, was credited with 1 rushing yard in the first half. The Tar Heels drove 98 yards on eight plays to score on running back Caleb Hood's 17-yard pass to John Copenhaver with 6:46 left in the game. Hood rushed for a team-high 78 yards. UConn had gone 0-3 against teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference this season, but it had no trouble in snapping that streak against the Tar Heels. --Field Level MediaNone
Parbhani man sets ablaze wife for giving birth to three daughters; held for murderKnights football director Peter Parr says the club is "open" to recruiting a fullback to replace Tamika Upton, but he admits it could be tricky given two new teams are entering the NRLW next year. Login or signup to continue reading The Knights released Upton on compassionate grounds a fortnight ago, which paved the way for the 2023 Dally M medallist to sign with Brisbane this week. Originally from Queensland, Upton spent three seasons with Newcastle, winning back-to-back premierships in 2022-23. She scored 19 tries in 26 games and was twice named Newcastle's player of the year. "If the appropriate fullback came on the market, or we were able to attract the appropriate fullback, we would probably look at that," Parr said, speaking at Waratah Public School, one of 15 schools Newcastle's NRL players visited on Friday. "Having said that, we do have a couple of good young players - Lilly-Ann White, particularly, could play there. "We've got an open mind on that at the moment. But if someone did present themselves, certainly we'd look at it." A player of Upton's standard - she is the current Queensland and Australian fullback - will be nearly impossible to find. But even more so considering NRLW players can now sign multi-year deals like their male counterparts. Prior to the 2023 season, NRLW contracts were only for a single season. But there is the added challenge of Canterbury-Bankstown and New Zealand joining the competition in 2025, meaning the talent pool has been drained even further. "The tricky thing with the NRLW, and the best thing about the NRLW - it's sort of a double-edged sword, is that new teams are coming into the competition," Parr said. "We had a couple not long ago, and the Warriors and the Bulldogs are coming in next year. "The trickier part is that new teams are coming in and recruitment is a touch more difficult. "But we have a great program here, and the best part of our NRLW program at the moment is the amount of talented young players we have. "Our focus going forward is retaining our best young, local talent. That's what you'll see from us." Max McKinney is a sports reporter with the Newcastle Herald. He previously worked in news, covering mainly local government and transport. Max mostly reports on the Newcastle Knights, but also covers a mix of local sport. Max McKinney is a sports reporter with the Newcastle Herald. He previously worked in news, covering mainly local government and transport. Max mostly reports on the Newcastle Knights, but also covers a mix of local sport. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!