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Jared Dolimplo, Cumberland Valley rout Downingtown WestAlan Hutton, Peter Crouch and Eniola Aluko all agreed that it was a harsh decision to disallow Aston Villa's goal against Juventus following the draw in the Champions League. Unai Emery's side thought they had returned to winning ways at the death when Morgan Rogers put the ball in the empty net after Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio dropped it under pressure from Diego Carlos . Following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed with Carlos adjudged to have disrupted the goalkeeper. The stalemate means Villa remain winless in their last seven games in all competitions. They sit ninth in the Champions League table on 10 points - five from leaders Liverpool. READ MORE: Why Morgan Rogers' Aston Villa winner vs Juventus was disallowed after long wait READ MORE: John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings vs Juventus as trio impress in 0-0 draw Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, Aluko said of the decision to rule out the goal: "I think [Diogo] Carlos has absolutely every right to go for it, I actually think it's a goalkeeper error. He's not caught it well, Carlos, I think has every right. He leans with his shoulder slightly but he's got every right to go for the ball, it's a goalkeeper mistake. It's harsh." Meanwhile, Hutton added: "He goes up here as you see, I'm stretching for the ball, you know there's going to be a challenge, you know there's going to be. He plays it well, he goes down and he's rolling about. I think it's just a normal challenge, you see it all the time." Crouch, who agreed, concluded: "The last moment of the game, it's a huge moment and I think it's so soft, let's be honest." Ollie Watkins also shared his views on the matter, claiming it was a 'soft' challenge. The Villa striker said: "I think it's soft, you know. Maybe in the Premier League that's a goal but in Europe, in the competition, goalkeepers are protected a lot so it's one of them. I thought we scored but to be fair, it had a 0-0 game written all over it so I think we would have been lucky if we took that." "Obviously I've got to be careful about what I say about the referees but like I said, the refereeing is a bit different during this competition, they don't let things go as much. We're used to that now, it's one of those things, you know, sometimes, decisions go with you and sometimes decisions go against you but it's out of our control really." Should the goal have stood? Have your say in the comments sectionIOC needs to take a binary position on transgender participation in women’s sportDarden Restaurants Inc. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitors

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner won matches in singles and doubles to lead defending champion Italy to a 2-1 comeback victory over Argentina on Thursday, earning a return trip to the Davis Cup semifinals. “I’m here trying to do the best I can in the singles,” Sinner said. “If they put me on the court in doubles, I’ll also try my best.” On Saturday, Italy will face Australia in a rematch of last year's final, but this time it will only be for a chance to play for the championship. Australia eliminated the U.S. 2-1 earlier Thursday to reach the final four at the team competition for the third consecutive year. The other semifinal, to be contested Friday, is the Netherlands against Germany. The Dutch got past Rafael Nadal and Spain in the quarterfinals earlier in the week, sending the 22-time Grand Slam champion into retirement. Italy fell behind 1-0 in the quarterfinals when Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 on an indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martina Carpena in southern Spain. But then in stepped Sinner, whose season already includes two Grand Slam trophies — at the Australian Open and U.S. Open — plus the title at the ATP Finals last weekend in Turin, Italy. First he overwhelmed Sebastián Báez 6-2, 6-1. Then Sinner teamed with 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the deciding doubles match to win 6-4, 7-5 against Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez. “He carried me today,” Sinner said about Berrettini. After arriving late to Malaga from Turin, Sinner did not get a chance to practice on the Davis Cup competition court before taking on Báez and stretching his streak to 22 sets won in a row. “In three minutes, he was perfectly comfortable on court,” Italy captain Filippo Volandri said. “He’s a special one.” Volandri swapped out his original doubles team, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, for Sinner and Berrettini, and the change paid dividends. Australia, the Davis Cup runner-up the last two years, advanced when Matt Ebden and Jordan Thompson beat the surprise, last-minute American pairing of Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4 in that quarterfinal's deciding doubles match. The Shelton-Paul substitution for Paris Olympics silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram was announced about 15 minutes before the doubles match began. Ebden and John Peers beat Krajicek and Ram in the Summer Games final in August. The Australians broke once in each set of the doubles. In the second, they stole one of Shelton’s service games on the fourth break opportunity when Ebden’s overhead smash made it 5-4. Thompson then served out the victory, closing it with a service winner before chest-bumping Ebden. The 21st-ranked Shelton made his Davis Cup debut earlier Thursday in singles against 77th-ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis, who emerged from a tight-as-can-be tiebreaker by saving four match points and eventually converting his seventh to win 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (14). No. 4 Taylor Fritz , the U.S. Open runner-up, then pulled the Americans even with a far more straightforward victory over No. 9 Alex de Minaur , 6-3, 6-4. When their match finally ended, on a backhand by Shelton that landed long, Kokkinakis dropped onto his back and pounded his chest. After he rose, he threw a ball into the stands, then walked over to Australia’s sideline, spiked his racket and yelled, before hugging captain Lleyton Hewitt. “I don’t know if I’ve been that pumped up in my life. I wanted that for my team,” said Kokkinakis, who won the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title with Nick Kyrgios. “It could have gone either way, but I kept my nerve.” AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

mega ace88 Which kids’ ski boots are best? Your child’s ski boots can impact their overall skiing experience and may even undermine their love for the sport if they find the boots awkward fitting and uncomfortable. In addition to comfort, the ability to retain warmth and be breathable are important qualities your kid’s ski boot should have. If your child is ready to hit the slopes and you’re looking for the ideal pair of boots, ensure you choose one that provides comfort and inspires confidence, such as our top pick, . What to know before you buy kids’ ski boots Type There are several types of for kids, such as rear-entry and front-entry designs as well as performance and adjustable boot options. Rear-entry boots allow your child to slip in their feet from the back, while front entry includes a tongue that opens forward and allows the child to slide in their foot from the top. Another type is performance boots, which are made for older kids who want a better performance from their footwear. The adjustable ski boot is another option, and it is a great choice for kids who grow out of their footwear quickly. Size It’s easy to think your child’s boots are too small because they feel stiff and tight, but some boots are designed to be stiff. To avoid making a mistake with the sizing, take your child with you to the ski shop to get them sized. You can speak to a ski technician to learn more about the fit process. Let your child try on the boot with the liner while wearing socks. If the liner is tight, then the boots may be too small. Level of experience If your child is just starting with skiing and is only confident skiing on green runs, they are considered a beginner. Their category is intermediate if they can ski confidently on the blue square terrains. However, they are advanced if they can ski anything on the mountain. Kids’ ski boots usually come with ratings depending on their experience level. The boots with a lower flex rating are designed for beginners and are comfortable to wear but deliver less on performance. Those with a higher rating are usually less comfortable but provide better performance. What to look for in a quality kids’ ski boot Ease of use Some children may end up abandoning skiing because they’d rather be doing something else other than constantly taking their boots on and off. Front-entry and rear-entry ski boots are easy to wear, so choose either of these options for a fussy child. Slip resistance Your child’s boots should grip the floor properly to minimize their chance of falling when skiing. This feature is known as slip resistance and is often determined by the type of material used to fabricate the outsole of the boots. Generally, slip-resistant soles are textured and made of rubber. Waterproofing Waterproof ski boots are made of nonporous materials and can keep your child’s feet dry even when submerged in water. There are water-resistant boots designed to repel water, but these won’t prevent your child’s feet from getting wet in heavy rain or snow. How much you can expect to spend on kids’ ski boots Most kids’ ski boots cost $25-$40. Some expensive options are made with high-quality waterproof material, costing up to $60. Kids’ ski boot FAQ How do you know if your child’s ski boots are the right size? Ski boots have a different sizing for shoes, called Mondo sizing, which measures the inside of the foot. To get the right size for your child, use a tape measure to measure the length of their feet, then check the size chart to get the correct size. What ski boots should you choose for a child just learning to ski? If your child is just starting with skiing, choose a pair of boots that can easily flex, like front-entry ski boots. What’s the best kids’ ski boot to buy? Top kids’ ski boot These ski boots are an excellent choice for beginner skiers thanks to their soft flex design and thermoformable technology. These Soma-Tec boots are designed to enable maximum control and prevent the ankle and knee joints from twisting when skiing. They also include a micro-adjustable buckle system for quick and easy adjustment. They feature a thermoformable boot liner designed to give an adapted fit. Some users mentioned that the sizing isn’t accurate. Top kids’ ski boot for the money These ski boots come in three unique colors and are suitable for both boys and girls. These boots are made with polyurethane, which gives them unique durability. They are also easy to put on or off and include micro-adjustments in the buckle to ensure a custom fit. They might run small for children with big feet. Worth checking out These ski boots are designed with comfort in mind thanks to their comfort liners and unique diagonal buckles. They include liners that are made with soft materials and designed to give optimal comfort and all-day cushioning. They also feature diagonal buckles that offer a more natural foot wrapping and excellent heel support. The buckles are made of thin metal wire, which might not be very durable.NoneDanica Patrick Applauds Walmart For Controversial Business Announcement

Chandigarh, December 22: Two people were found dead as the 23-hour rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army, besides civil authorities, to locate missing people trapped in a collapsed four-storey building in Punjab’s Mohali ended on Sunday. The body of a male was recovered on Sunday, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Damandeep Kaur said, adding the victim has been identified as Abhishek Dhanwal, hailing from Haryana's Ambala. Earlier, a woman, identified as Drishti Verma, 20, from Himachal Pradesh, died in the incident. Officiating Deputy Commissioner Viraj S. Tidke along with Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek, told the media the search and rescue operation to evacuate the trapped people whose exact number was not ascertained initially, got a boost when a critically injured woman was rescued from the wreckage. Mohali Building Collapse: 22-Year-Old Girl Rescued by NDRF Succumbs to Injuries After Under-Construction Building Collapses in Punjab (Watch Video) . After that, the operation continued the entire night and onwards till 4.30 pm on Sunday when it was made clear by the NDRF that there was no more possibility of any person being trapped under the debris. Tidke said the debris had been checked by the NDRF thoroughly before declaring the operation over. He said that a total of 600 NDRF, Army, and police personnel were roped in for the round-the-clock operation. He said about 140 NDRF team members, 167 from the Army’s 57 Engineers Regiment, over 300 local police personnel and the rest from allied departments were involved in the operation. During the operation, requisite machinery was provided to the NDRF in addition to what they already had. He said that a magisterial probe had been ordered in this incident to fix the responsibility. SDM Damandeep Kaur has been entrusted with the probe and she has been asked to submit the report within three weeks. The whole operation was monitored by the district civil and police officials till its completion. Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, and Superintendent of Police Jyoti Yadav Bains were present at the site of the operation. Mohali Building Collapse: Rescue Operation Concludes at Site; Two Casualties Reported . According to officials, people were buried under the debris when the structure of a gym collapsed owing to digging in an adjacent building’s basement in Sector 77. The police have booked and arrested the building owners -- Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh, charging them with culpable homicide. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had spoken with the district administration about the ongoing rescue works and directed us to make all possible efforts to rescue the victims. Also, Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang and local MLA Kulwant Singh were at the site on Saturday to oversee the rescue work. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav also took stock of the rescue work and directed the local police to ensure the safety of victims at all costs. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 22, 2024 08:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).Brentwood cabbie gives Christmas lights trip to children from Great Ormond Street Hospital

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Optex Systems Announces $2.0 Million Order for Laser Filter Units and Window AssembliesOpinion: America’s military oathsThe 2025 National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress on Wednesday includes funds for Naval Air Station Fallon and the Hawthorne Army Depot to enhance training. The $985 billion bill now goes to the president for his signature. The NDAA authorizes $48.3 million as part of the Fallon Range Training Complex modernization to pay ranchers for their land permits. The bill also provides an additional $45 million to accelerate the modernization, which was approved in the 2023 NDAA. Another $45 million will accelerate the construction of training facilities at the air station as part of the modernization. Funding also will go toward a new small arms training range at Hawthorne, 67 miles south of Fallon. Two years ago, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., said she learned soldiers from the Nevada National Guard had to travel hundreds of miles out of state for their training. “The financial cost to transport soldiers out of state far exceeds the cost of building a range in-state, and I am pleased the Army is following through on its commitment to me to do so,” she said in 2022. Rosen, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the average cost of a unit to travel out of state for its weapons training is $500,000. In order to meet annual weapons qualifications, soldiers and airmen have traveled to bases in California, Arizona, Utah and Arizona. In Southern Nevada, the NDAA will improve military nutrition at facilities including Creech and Nellis Air Force bases. U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., said NDAA passage was critical. “I voted to deliver vital support to Nevada’s military families, invest in our military bases, and bolster our state’s critical mineral industries, which are essential for our national defense supply chains,” she said. U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, whose district includes Fallon and Hawthorne, said the 2025 NDAA enhances strategic deterrence, promotes next-generation capabilities and prioritizes American military superiority. “This year’s NDAA makes long overdue investments in our servicemembers’ quality of life, including pay raises, housing improvements, and access to health care," Amodei said. "This isn’t just a moral obligation – it’s a national security imperative. Our all-volunteer military force is the foundation of our military strength, and we must do all we can do to protect and preserve it. “Not only will this NDAA strengthen the readiness of our military, but it also ensures our servicemembers are equipped with the resources they need by investing in next-generation weaponry and technology, modernizing the nuclear triad, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, and cutting wasteful and inefficient Pentagon programs.” Other provisions of the 2025 NDAA include: • A 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members. • Expanded child care benefits for military families. • Increased number of days of paid military leave available to federal employees who are also reserve service members. • Protect access to contraception for service members. The bill ensures birth control is available without a copay under Tricare for service members and their families.

It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Middle East latest: Israel bombs hundreds of sites across Syria as army pushes into border zone

EDITORS DESK Over the holidays, no doubt many are dreading the traffic that may be encountered when driving to and from family gatherings or Christmas parties. There’s always the matter of who needs to be picked up from where, what food to buy from which restaurant. The anxiety caused by this conundrum is amplified if you happen to be the family’s designated driver. This year, I found the best solution is not to drive at all. Instead, I found an unlikely ally in the form of ride-sharing app, Grab. Of course, it’s not a matter of outright refusing and directing the puzzled relative to Grab. Rather, I’ve found that recommending one of the app’s lesser-known features not only relieves me of the responsibility of driving the relative or picking up food, but also shows the said relative how to better utilize the service. Grab group rides We’ve all encountered this before, just before departing, a relative pulls you aside and asks if you can drop off this or that uncle or aunt. After all, they’re “on the way,” which is a relative term that may mean the same cardinal direction you’re going but not necessarily on the way. Rather than stress out figuring out the best route, why not outsource? It turns out, Grab has Group Rides that allow several relatives to share a Grab car. These relatives need not be even that technology savvy to program it. Simply assign a point person and he/she can do the booking for the group. There’s also a bill splitting option so that person need not be saddled by the likely larger fee serving as a school bus entails. Assuming you’re the point person, to get started, turn the Grab app and click on “Car.” Then scroll down to “Rides for every need” where you will see a graphic for group rides. Here you can select from “Arrive together” or “Depart together,” select the common start or end point and begin adding the relatives. You can then invite up to two other relatives to the ride by sharing the link through their preferred messaging platforms. They simply need to click the link to join the group. After which, they will be prompted to add their stop. Once everyone has entered their stops, the host passenger can proceed to book a ride. Grab takes care of route optimization on the passengers’ behalf by suggesting the best route based on the stops of the ride. No more mental route math in the middle of party or the tedious entering stops on Waze just before departing. GrabFood group order Easily another source of stress during the holidays is the pot luck. No doubt many are eager to share their culinary discoveries during this time. Rather than have each person book their own order, Grab also allows this aspect to be shared. To get started, turn on the Grab app and click on “Food.” Then select an establishment to order from. Once at the restaurant’s order page, click on “Group order.” This allows you to invite friends and relatives to join in on the order. Some restaurants even offer more discounts with larger orders. By accepting the invite, they’ll see the store’s menu on their own phone. No more huddling over some one’s phone just to see a food item. They can place their orders individually and the group order will be updated. There’s also an option to split the bill in a variety of ways, from splitting the bill equally, or according to order. De-stress, drive less These features are certainly welcome additions, particularly for those who are typically the designated driver or errand boy during the holiday season. No more getting up and drive out. This is one activity I can thankfully outsource. Thanks to what will most likely be most peoples’ solution for food and transport this holiday season, I might actually be able to sit back, relax, and actually recharge during the next family gathering. (Iñigo S. Roces is the Motoring Editor of Manila Bulletin)Public suggests alternatives to 4-ward proposal

It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!SM approaches 2025 with cautious optimism

NoneMicroStrategy stock rises 3.3% amid Nasdaq 100 inclusion speculation

A few years ago, Finnish-Estonian startup Verge launched a with a rear wheel so hollow you could stick a leg straight through it. Now the moto builder has realized the powerful ring-like hub motor sitting inside that hollow wheel has untapped potential reaching far beyond just bikes. Spinoff company Donut Lab is pursuing new applications for the motor and an entire modular ecosystem of supporting electric components. The results so far – from stacked-rotor VTOLs to dominating multi-terrain single-track e-machines – are even more exotic than the Verge TS. Only so many people are ever going to buy an electric motorcycle. But cars, semis, boats, aircraft, terrestrial and extraterrestrial off-roaders, and machinery of war? Well that blows open up your customer base by several orders of magnitude. Enter Donut Lab, the new Verge spinoff tasked with getting those eye-grabbing hollow motors inside all those types of vehicles and more. The Lab officially announced its presence in late November with plans to sell not only motors but an entire modular architecture of electric powertrain components. In fact, the global electric transportation market Donut Lab is taking aim at represents a US$550 billion chunk of change on the precipice of ballooning to over $4 trillion in under a decade, if we're to believe the company's research. That's a hearty pie, and even a little nibble around the crust will yield some pretty fancy second homes for Donut execs. What Donut looks to add within that market is an extensive library of scalable electric drive components designed to work seamlessly with each other while still providing plug-and-play capability for standalone use. "When developing [the Verge TS motorcycle], we learned how difficult and slow it is to build electric vehicles using traditional mechanisms," said Donut Lab CEO Marko Lehtimäki during last month's announcement. "The reason for this is that vehicles are built with components from different equipment manufacturers and are not designed to work together – integration work always takes up most of the time. We decided that if we were able to solve this, we would change the entire automotive industry." The company's catalog will include battery modules, computers and vehicle control hardware, along with the inspirational seed of the whole shebang: that freaky-looking donut motor. Built from the ground up to work together seamlessly, they'll help EV developers avoid the type of integration issues that slowed Verge's motorcycle development. We'd love to tell you more about the components themselves, and their individual spec sheets, but Donut Lab is keeping that kind of info under wraps until a more formal product introduction at CES 2025. We' will look to bring back as many details as it has to offer as soon as it's offering them. Donut Lab's approach to supplying builders with a full toolkit of plug-and-play components is certainly intriguing, but what of the vehicles themselves? We won't say the company is exclusively pursuing wild, disruptive vehicle designs, but its initial team-ups and renderings suggest that it's at least leaning toward those types of products in the short term. You may or may not recall the , a highly unusual amalgam of dirt bike, snowmobile, sit-on tank tread, and revived three-wheel ATV ... with inline wheels. Still in development, the radical multi-terrain machine is being designed to seamlessly conquer rock, snow, mud and sand, without the need to so much as stop and air tires up or down along the way. Donut Lab has revealed Oruga as one of the initial companies it's working to supply. Oruga is targeting a 74+ mph (120 km/h) top speed and a lithium battery range between 124 and 186 miles (200 and 200 km). While Oruga is making onlookers scratch their heads on land, one of Donut Lab's other early partners is working to revolutionize the skies. HyperQ Aerospace is leaning on Donut's modular ecosystem to create a scalable heavy-lift rotorcraft it calls the Rotorhawk. Designed to be an ultra-fast VTOL, the remote-operated craft is being developed for logistics support in emergency response, firefighting, military, agriculture and more. Donut Lab frames its support as crucial toward helping the create a long-range craft with high payload, advanced maneuverability and long-range efficiency. If the ring-shaped motor didn't have our interest piqued on its own, those wide-ranging cutting-edge use cases would certainly get it there, as would other targets, such as humanoids, space rovers and marine vessels. Hopefully, Donut Lab will drop some more concrete info about exactly what type of "unmatched torque and power density" it's talking about come January. We'll definitely be searching those details out to report back. Source:

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WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Procrastinators don’t need to fret over last-minute holiday shopping in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas. From holiday artisan markets and gift shops to book stores and two-day shipping gift baskets, there’s options for everyone. Here are five great places to cram in your last-minute holiday shopping. A holiday artisan market will kick off for the fourth year in a row in Ypsilanti. More than 40 Ypsilanti-based small businesses, crafters, non-profit organizations and food vendors will pack the Ypsilanti Freighthouse on Sunday, Dec. 22. Admission is free. With live entertainment and local food vendors, the holiday market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 100 Market Place in Depot Town. More information can be found on Facebook . An ice-glazed sign welcomes visitors to Ann Arbor's Kerrytown neighborhood Tuesday, Feb. 12 2019. Jacob Hamilton North of downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown Market and Shops has toy stores, craft stores, boutiques, spice shops and more. The shopping center has something to offer for all types of last-minute shoppers. The stores are conveniently located in one indoor marketplace so shoppers can peruse out of the cold. Spice & Tea Merchants have seasonal spices and gift boxes. Mudpuddles Toy Store carries a variety of games, science sets, puzzles, books, arts and crafts for kids of many ages. The gift shop Found features local artists, a collection of jewelry, gifts and home décor, as well as “tiny treasures and nerdy science gifts” according to its website. The more than a dozen shops and eateries are at 407 N. 5th Avenue. Hours vary between individual shops. More information is available online . If you’re looking for holiday-themed gifts, this Ann Arbor gift shop has an overwhelming number of options. From Taylor Swift Christmas tree ornaments to stocking stuffer holiday gift boxes, Rock Paper Scissors is ideal for last-minute shoppers. Peppermint sweet treats, festive mugs and sweatshirts and holiday cards are examples in a long list of items. For those with no clue what to get, the shop posted a holiday gift guide on its Facebook . Shopping can be done in person at 216 S. Main St. or online . The store opens 10 a.m. daily, closing at 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The shop closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Customers shopping at Vault of Midnight at 219 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Makayla Coffee Ann Arbor is home to a long list of new, used and rare bookstores. Ranging from niche and general selections, there are gift-worthy books for all kinds of readers. Read More: 5 great Ann Arbor bookstores to kick off March is Reading Month That includes the comic book shop Vault of Midnight, which also sells games, trinkets and other merchandise from superhero franchises, animated shows and more. The store is a place for “all things geeky,” according to their website. Vault of Midnight opens open 11 a.m. daily and closes at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 219 S. Main Street. Order ahead at Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com For gifts you can eat and drink, Zingerman’s has tons of gift baskets and boxes. That includes baskets for special diets that are vegan, vegetarian and gluten or dairy free. From snacks, assorted cheeses, pastries and bread, prices start at $40 and go up to $350, according to Zingerman’s website . Last-minute shoppers can choose baskets and boxes already or customize. Some baskets and boxes come with free two business day shipping. The shop at 422 Detroit St. typically opens 11 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. daily. More information on hours is available online . Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page , the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free “ 3@3 Ann Arbor ” daily newsletter.National View: Trump's Canada tariffs would betray his Midwest supportersS&P/TSX composite down more than 100 points Tuesday, U.S. stock markets also lowerANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Recommended Videos Deputies weren't immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. “Our investigators are exploring every avenue,” public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.'s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” And the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

RORRY Unveils D2 Series of Portable Chargers: Sleek, Pocket-Sized Chargers Redefining On-the-Go Power

NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing . But it wasn't just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here's a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball's Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year's spurt of 24.2%. The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It's been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump's election. He's turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he's named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Story continues below video Gold's rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It's also benefited from the Fed's cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. It's a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it's also a threshold that Tesla's stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk's close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. That's how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia's chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia's worth to more than $3 trillion in total. GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October . That's how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody's. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. That's the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024's home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.Mwebaze takes hunt for first win at Mbale to Mbarara City

Australia is unleashing gene-editing technology like CRISPR across agriculture, medicine, and biology, revolutionising everything, from horses to humans. For the uninitiated, CRISPR technology is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to alter DNA sequences. It works like molecular scissors, cutting DNA at specific locations and enabling modifications to correct genetic errors or enhance desired traits. Bill Gates and the World Economic Forum (WEF) champion CRISPR as a solution to pressing global issues, such as food insecurity and deadly diseases. When figures like Gates and the WEF enter the conversation, scepticism is unavoidable. The potential for this powerful technology to be hijacked for profit or control is a legitimate concern. Sobering Study A recent study on editing the NCF1 gene—a gene crucial for helping immune cells fight infections—has raised serious concerns that should make everyone, from scientists to patients to policymakers, take notice. The study shows that editing the NCF1 gene, surrounded by nearly identical pseudogenes, often causes unintended and serious disruptions in chromosomes. Pseudogenes are like broken-down copies of normal genes. They look similar to regular genes, but they don’t work properly because they’ve lost the ability to produce functional proteins. Think of them as genetic "fossils,” leftover pieces from our evolutionary past. They’re often harmless, but when they sit close to working genes, like in the case of the NCF1 gene, they can cause problems during genetic editing, leading to mistakes like unintended cuts or rearrangements. CRISPR is like a surgical scalpel, sharp and precise but easily thrown off by small errors. In cases like NCF1, where similar DNA sequences cluster closely together, CRISPR can mistakenly cut in the wrong spot. Large chunks of chromosomes may be deleted, duplicated, or rearranged. These mistakes could have profound and potentially devastating effects on real patients. Potential Scenarios Imagine a young Australian child suffering from CGD (chronic granulomatous disease), a rare genetic disorder that weakens their immune system and leaves them vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Parents are offered hope with cutting-edge gene therapy that uses CRISPR to fix the faulty gene. While the treatment might successfully repair the immune defect, it could unintentionally cause new problems. Chromosomal errors could lead to other serious conditions, such as an increased risk of leukemia or developmental disorders. For the family, what seemed like a cure becomes a risky gamble with consequences they never imagined. Now broaden the scope. Australia, like many countries, is investing in biotechnology as a key driver of its medical research sector. CRISPR-based therapies are being developed to treat everything from rare diseases to blindness. But if the risks highlighted in this study aren’t addressed, Australia could face ethical and regulatory challenges. What happens when unintended consequences emerge years after treatments are rolled out? Who will be held accountable for long-term harm in patients? These are important questions that must be answered sooner rather than later. The Bigger Picture Beyond the impact on individual patients, the broader societal consequences are worth discussing. Just as AI has sparked fears of systems operating beyond human control, CRISPR’s rapid advancement could spiral into uncharted territory. Lawsuits against biotech companies might flood the courts as unforeseen side effects wreak havoc on lives. This could leave governments and healthcare systems scrambling to impose regulations on an industry that accelerates faster than they can react. The problem is painfully familiar. AI and CRISPR are both advancing at breakneck speed, but lawmakers—many of whom barely grasp the basics of these technologies—are hopelessly behind. Most legislators couldn’t explain the difference between a gene and a pseudogene, much less articulate how generative AI operates. Many struggle with even the most basic distinctions, like recognising the difference between a man and a woman. This knowledge gap allows industries to outpace regulation, creating a dangerous environment where innovation races forward with little to no oversight. Like AI, biotech is a double-edged sword. Rogue scientists, unethical corporations, or even state actors could exploit CRISPR for darker purposes. For example, engineered pathogens could be designed to target and even kill specific groups of people. Genetic modifications might also widen the gap between the rich and the poor, with wealthy nations or individuals gaining access to enhancements for intelligence, physical ability, or disease resistance. This could create a genetic underclass while the privileged few move into an entirely different level of biological advantage. This is not hyperbolic fearmongering. This is the world that awaits us. Playing God The ethical debates are also worth considering. Critics might contend that humanity has no right to rewrite the blueprint of life, to tinker with creation itself, or to play God. This perspective warns of hubris, suggesting that altering the genetic code—the very foundation of existence—risks unforeseen and irreversible consequences. Are we claiming the authority to correct nature’s mistakes, or are we crossing a line that was never ours to cross? Others, however, might argue that failing to embrace progress would be equally immoral, as it denies life-saving treatments to those who desperately need them. Whatever your thoughts, this study is a wakeup call for anyone concerned about the future of medicine and humanity itself. CRISPR holds extraordinary promise, but it’s no miracle cure. The risks are real, the stakes are high, and the consequences—particularly for nations like Australia that aspire to lead in biotech—could reshape society. Whether it becomes a tool for salvation or destruction depends entirely on how we wield it. The question isn’t whether we can play God—it’s whether we should.ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies weren't immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. “Our investigators are exploring every avenue,” public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.'s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” And the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Local Footy Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News. Country footy is taking a breather for Christmas-New Year, but it won’t be long before clubs return to training in preparation for another big season in 2025. Recruiting is still happening with more signings to be revealed ahead of the new season starting. But there has been no shortage of big coaching moves since the end of 2024. The Weekly Times has ranked the top 10 to watch next year. 1. DARYN CRESSWELL, Corowa-Rutherglen South Cairns captain Beau McKeown and coach Daryn Cresswell lift the premiership cup this year. Cresswell has returned to the Ovens & Murray to coach his third club. Picture: Brendan Radke The Ovens & Murray club, which spent 2023 in recess, is buzzing again and much of the hype has to do with the appointment of Cresswell as coach. Corowa-Rutherglen has 55 player points at its disposal and if recruiting to date is any guide, most, if not all of them will be used most weeks next season by the coach taking the reins at his third O&M club. What happens with points for 2026 is a decision for down the track. But first and foremost for Cresswell, who delivered a flag to South Cairns before departing midway through a two-year contract, is winning games. Corowa-Rutherglen won one match last season. Expectations are high the Roos will win more in 2025, but predictions of playing finals need to be tempered given the tightness of the competition again. 2. LEIGH POHOLKE, Moe Former Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke. Picture: Valeriu Campan Following a successful stint in charge of Sorrento, Poholke is the latest coach to be handed the job of bringing one of the longest flag droughts in major league football to an end. Moe has not won a flag in the Gippsland league since 1967 and Poholke takes over from Declan Keilty, who has taken the Lions into finals the last two years without making a grand final. The incoming coach’s prospects have been helped by Keilty staying on and the signings of Ben Crocker and Myles Poholke, who played together at the Adelaide Crows. 3. STEVE JOHNSON, Newtown & Chilwell Steve Johnson departed Yarrawonga after two seasons in charge. Picture Yuri Kouzmin The former Cats champ is back in familiar surrounds as coach of Geelong league club Newtown & Chilwell. He coached Yarrawonga in the Ovens & Murray for two years and went within three points of being a dual flag winning coach following a shock loss to Wangaratta Rovers in the grand final in 2024. Johnson had the chance to return to his original club, Wangaratta, but opted to revive the fortunes of Newtown & Chilwell in one of the state’s premier country footy leagues. 4. TROY COATES AND JACK FALLON, South Bendigo The legendary Kerang coach and player returns to the Bendigo league in a co-coaching capacity with Jack Fallon, who has also played previously in the competition. Coates coached Strathfieldsaye to the 2019 flag before heading back to Kerang for more success and Fallon played in an Eaglehawk premiership. Together they have attracted a swag of recruits including Josh Nitschke and Kaiden Antonowicz. South Bendigo finished ahead of only Maryborough and Kangaroo Flat in 2024 with perhaps only Eaglehawk’s finals spot this year the one that could open up in 2025. 5. JYDON NEAGLE, South Mildura Jydon Neagle just fell short of the ultimate prize as Balranald coach. Picture Yuri Kouzmin After back-to-back finals appearances with Balranald including a grand final loss to Kerang, Neagle has taken over as coach of the Sunraysia league wooden spooners in 2025. Neagle’s younger brothers, Matt and Jaxon, will join him at South Mildura as will another Balranald player of recent times, Harrison Soraggi. Imperials showed in 2024 a Sunraysia league club could go from wooden spooners to premiers in the space of 12 months. 6. DARRYL WILSON AND JORDAN HUMPHREYS, Calder United Darryl Wilson will co-coach Calder United with Jordan Humphreys. Picture Yuri Kouzmin A new era begins for the Nullawil-Wycheproof-Narraport merged club with the Nullawil coach Darryl Wilson and captain Jordan Humphreys in 2024 taking charge in a co-coach set up next season. After a recruiting blitz, Nullawil missed finals last season as did its merger partner Wycheproof-Narrport. Calder United has successfully retained key players from both teams last year including Matt Wade, and topped up with Balranald midfielder Kobe Lloyd and Eaglehawk key defender Oscar Maddern. 7. ASHLEY CONNICK, Birchip-Watchem After a six-season stint with Sandhurst, which culminated in the 2024 Bendigo league premiership, Connick has headed to the North Central league for his next big coaching challenge. He takes over from Trevor Ryan with expectations the Bulls will remain in the leading pack of clubs next season. They’ve retained key trio, Nic Rippon, Ben Edwards and Hamish Hosking, and picked up triple Wimmera league premiership defender Ben Lakin. 8. TREVOR RYAN and JAKE McQUEEN, Nhill Nhill snapped a 14-season finals drought in 2024 under first-year coach McQueen, who had returned to the club from recent stints in the VFL and Ovens & Murray. But next season he will be joined as co-coach with country football coaching legend Trevor Ryan, who comes to the Wimmera league for the first time. Ryan most recently coached Birchip-Watchem and coached the Bulls to the flag in 2022 before falling to Sea Lake-Nandaly in this year’s grand final. 9. LACHLAN TARDREW AND BRYCE CURNOW, Sandhurst Lachlan Tardrew will be co-coach of Sandhurst in 2025. Picture Yuri Kouzmin The Sandhurst premiership defence in 2025 is in safe hands with the league’s premier onballer, Tardrew, stepping up as co-coach. The coaching vacancy at the Dragons was created with Ashley Connick’s move to Birchip-Watchem. Last season, Tardrew tied for the Michelsen Medal with two grand final opponents from Gisborne – Brad Bernacki and Braidon Blake. Tardrew was also best-on-ground in Sandhurst’s first flag win since 2016. 10. CLINT PROCTOR, North Ballarat The Ballarat league has come up with a more than handy replacement for Brendan McCartney, who has taken on the job of coaching VFL team Port Melbourne. Clint Proctor joins the Roosters after coaching Box Hill for two years in a role previously occupied by current Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell. More Coverage Coach search worth the wait for Ouyen United David Johnston ‘Pathetic’: Interleague footy support cash axed David Johnston Originally published as Daryn Cresswell, Leigh Poholke and Steve Johnson change country football clubs Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Vic Amateur Every in and out across the entire VAFA ahead of 2025 Keep up to date with every in and out across all six divisions of the Victorian Amateur Football Association. See every move here. Read more Local Footy Every side analysed: Winners and losers from GFNL draw Which clubs are facing an uphill battle in 2025, and who is well placed to contend? We have broken down every club’s 2025 draw. Read moreHappy holidays from Bad Bunny, who announced Thursday he will release a new album Jan. 5. “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which translates to “I should have taken more photos,” is his sixth studio album and follows in his tradition of releasing new music on unexpected dates. His debut album, 2018’s “X 100PRE,” arrived around Christmas and 2020’s “El Último Tour del Mundo” near Thanksgiving. The January release date is just before “Día de Reyes,” or Three Kings Day, and is a Sunday — unlike the industry’s standard Friday release date. The Puerto Rican musician announced the news on Instagram in a short video featuring filmmaker Jacobo Morales. He also released a new single, “PIToRRO DE COCO.” A day before, Bad Bunny teased a 17-track list on social media, with each song titled “BOMBA,” perhaps in reference to the Puerto Rican musical style and dance. “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” follows 2023’s “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” (“Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow”), which was met with mixed reviews. On that album, Bad Bunny’s reggaeton offerings were limited, returning instead to the Latin trap of “X 100PRE” in songs like “MONACO” and “GRACIAS POR NADA.” The announcement caps a busy year for El Conejo Malo. Bad Bunny made headlines after he threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris shortly after a comedian at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally made crude jokes about Latinos and called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” He also canvassed North America on his “Most Wanted Tour,” which made The Associated Press’ list of the best concerts of the year.y88888 。

Liverpool punish rivals’ errors with dominant win over Leicester to stretch lead

Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in “Baby Driver,” died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM. The teen sustained blunt force trauma in the fall on Dec. 19 and was admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, where he died from his injuries on Dec. 21, the Jefferson County Coroner’s office told CNN affiliate WVTM . “His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met,” reads a post on his Instagram account . Hudson Meek attends the "A Different Man" premiere during the Deauville American Film Festival in Deauville, France, on September 9. The teen actor had various acting and voice over credits, most notably playing a younger version of Ansel Elgort’s character Baby in 2017 movie “Baby Driver.” Meek also voiced the lead in “Badanamu Stories” — a children’s show that examines themes relevant to preschoolers, according to IMDb . He also appeared in shows including NBC’s “Found” and The CW’s “Legacies,” as well as the recently released thriller “The School Duel.” Meek’s obituary described the teenager as a “reflective and thoughtful” avid traveler and fan of the outdoors. “He loved snow-skiing and could easily navigate the hardest trails that no one else in the family would dare attempt,” the obituary read. “One of his favorite places to be was at the lake, tubing and wakeboarding.” The Vestavia Hills Police Department is still investigating the circumstances surrounding Meek’s death, WTVM reported. CNN has reached out to Vestavia Hills police for more information on the incident. Glynis Johns, a Tony Award-winning stage and screen star who played the mother opposite Julie Andrews in the classic movie “Mary Poppins” and introduced the world to the bittersweet standard-to-be “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim, died, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2023. She was 100. Adan Canto, the Mexican singer and actor best known for his roles in “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “Agent Game” as well as the TV series “The Cleaning Lady,” “Narcos,” and “Designated Survivor,” died Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, after a private battle with appendiceal cancer. He was 42. Bud Harrelson, the scrappy and sure-handed shortstop who fought Pete Rose on the field during a playoff game and helped the New York Mets win an astonishing championship, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. He was 79. The Mets said that Harrelson died at a hospice house in East Northport, New York after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević, a mentor to two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and a former star player in his native Serbia, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, after suffering a heart attack, the team announced. He was 46. Jack Burke Jr., the oldest living Masters champion who staged the greatest comeback ever at Augusta National for one of his two majors, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in Houston. He was 100. Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, whose hits included “The Leader of the Pack,” died Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in Palm Springs, Calif. She was 75. Norman Jewison, a three-time Oscar nominee who in 1999 received an Academy Award for lifetime achievement, died “peacefully” Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, according to publicist Jeff Sanderson. He was 97. Charles Osgood, who anchored “CBS Sunday Morning” for more than two decades, hosted the long-running radio program “The Osgood File” and was referred to as CBS News’ poet-in-residence, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. He was 91. Melanie, a singer-songwriter behind 1970s hits including “Brand New Key,” died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. She was 76. Born Melanie Safka, the singer rose through the New York folk scene and was one of only three solo women to perform at Woodstock. Her hits included “Lay Down” and “Look What They've Done to My Song Ma.” Chita Rivera, the dynamic dancer, singer and actress who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, in a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. She was 91. Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, facing-off against Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore,” died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. He was 76. Wayne Kramer, the co-founder of the protopunk Detroit band the MC5 that thrashed out such hardcore anthems as “Kick Out the Jams” and influenced everyone from the Clash to Rage Against the Machine, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, according to Jason Heath, a close friend and executive director of Kramer's charity, Jail Guitar Doors. Heath said the cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He was 75. Actor Ian Lavender, who played a hapless Home Guard soldier in the classic British sitcom “Dad’s Army,” died Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. He was 77. Country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith, whose pro-American anthems were both beloved and criticized, died Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. He was 62. Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the iconic R&B group The Spinners, whose hits included “It’s a Shame,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” and “The Rubberband Man,” died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, of natural causes, according to a statement from his spokeswoman. He was 85. Bob Edwards, right, the news anchor many Americans woke up to as founding host of National Public Radio's “Morning Edition” for nearly a quarter-century, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 20243. He was 76. He's shown here with sports announcer Red Barber. Don Gullett, a former major league pitcher and coach who played for four consecutive World Series champions in the 1970s, died Feb. 14. He was 73. He finished his playing career with a 109-50 record playing for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees. Lefty Driesell, the coach whose folksy drawl belied a fiery on-court demeanor that put Maryland on the college basketball map and enabled him to rebuild several struggling programs, died Feb. 17, 2024, at age 92. Germany players celebrate after Andreas Brehme, left on ground, scores the winning goal in the World Cup soccer final match against Argentina, in the Olympic Stadium, in Rome, July 8, 1990. Andreas Brehme, who scored the only goal as West Germany beat Argentina to win the 1990 World Cup final, died Feb. 20, 2024. He was 63. Despite the effort of Denver Broncos defensive back Steve Foley (43), Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Golden Richards hauls in a touchdown pass during NFL football's Super Bowl 12 in New Orleans on Jan 15, 1978. Richards died Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, of congestive heart failure at his home in Murray, Utah. He was 73. Richards' nephew Lance Richards confirmed his death in a post on his Facebook page. Comedian Richard Lewis attends an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on Dec. 25, 2012. Lewis, an acclaimed comedian known for exploring his neuroses in frantic, stream-of-consciousness diatribes while dressed in all-black, leading to his nickname “The Prince of Pain,” died Feb. 27, 2024. He was 76. He died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack, according to his publicist Jeff Abraham. Former Soviet Prime Minister Nikolai Ryzhkov attends a session of the Federation Council, Russian parliament's upper house, in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Ryzhkov, former Soviet prime minister who presided over failed efforts to shore up the crumbling economy in the final years before the collapse of the USSR, died Feb. 28, 2024, at age 94. Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mulroney died at the age of 84 on Feb. 29, 2024. Akira Toriyama is pictured in 1982. Toriyama, the creator of one of Japan's best-selling “Dragon Ball” and other popular anime who influenced Japanese comics, died March 1, 2024. He was 68. Iris Apfel, a textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style, died March 1, 2024, at 102. Andy Russell, the standout linebacker who was an integral part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ evolution from perennial losers to champions, died Feb. 29, 2024. He was 82. Russell won two Super Bowls during a 12-year NFL career between 1963-76 that was briefly interrupted by a stint in the military. Russell played in 168 consecutive games and spent 10 years as a team captain. He was named to the Pro Bowl seven times. Russell remained active in the Pittsburgh community after retiring, writing several books and launching the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation. Pittsburgh Pirates' Ed Ott slides across home late out of reach of Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey to score the winning run in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series at Baltimore, Oct. 11, 1979. Ott, a former major league catcher and coach who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1979 World Series, died March 3, 2024. He was 72. He batted .259 with 33 homers and 195 RBIs in 567 major league games. Ott and Steve Nicosia were the main catchers when the Pirates won it all in 1979. In a photo supplied by ESPN, Chris Mortensen appears on the set of Sunday NFL Countdown at ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn., on Sept. 22, 2019. Mortensen, the award-winning journalist who covered the NFL for close to four decades, including 32 as a senior analyst at ESPN, died March 3, 2024. He was 72. Mortensen announced in 2016 that he he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Even while undergoing treatment, he was the first to confirm the retirement of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Mortensen announced his retirement after the NFL draft last year so that he could “focus on my health, family and faith.” Singer Steve Lawrence, left, and his wife Eydie Gorme arrive at a black-tie gala called honoring Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas on May 30, 1998. Lawrence, a singer and top stage act who as a solo performer and in tandem with his wife Gorme kept Tin Pan Alley alive during the rock era, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at age 88. Gorme died on Aug. 10, 2013. Martin Luther King III, right, the son of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., walks with his daughter Yolanda, and Naomi Barber King, left, the wife of Rev. King's brother, A.D., through an exhibition devoted to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to King at the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, in Atlanta. Civil rights activist Naomi Barber King died Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Atlanta, according to family members. She was 92. A Texas man who spent decades using an iron lung after contracting polio as a child died March 11, 2024, at the age of 78. Paul Alexander's longtime friend Daniel Spinks says Alexander died Monday at a Dallas hospital. Spinks called his friend one of the "bright stars of the world.” Friends of Alexander, who graduated from law school and had a career as an attorney, say he was a man who had a great joy for life. Alexander was a child when he began using an iron lung, a cylinder that encased his body as the air pressure in the chamber forced air in and out of his lungs. Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford stands near the NASA Motor Vessel Retriever during training Aug. 23, 1965, in the Gulf of Mexico. Stafford, who commanded a dress rehearsal flight for the 1969 moon landing and the first U.S.-Soviet space linkup, died March 18, 2024, at 93. New York Rangers' Chris Simon celebrates his second-period goal against the New York Islanders, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. Former NHL enforcer Chris Simon has died. He was 52. Simon died March 18, 2024, according to a spokesperson for the NHL Players' Association. M. Emmet Walsh arrives at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards, March 1, 2014, in Santa Monica, Calif. Walsh, the character actor who brought his unmistakable face and unsettling presence to films including “Blood Simple” and “Blade Runner,” died March 19, 2024, at age 88, his manager said Wednesday. "Babar" author Laurent de Brunhoff, who revived his father's popular picture book series about an elephant-king, has died at 98 after being in hospice care for two weeks. De Brunhoff was a Paris native who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s. He died March 22, 2024, at his home in Key West, Florida. Just 12 years old when his father, Jean de Brunhoff, died of tuberculosis, Laurent drew upon his own gifts as a painter and storyteller and as an adult released dozens of books about the elephant who reigns over Celesteville, among them "Babar at the Circus" and "Babar's Yoga for Elephants." Longtime Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos has died at the age of 94. His family announced in a statement that Angelos, who had been ill for several years, died March 23, 2024. Angelos was owner of an Orioles team that endured long losing stretches and shrewd proprietor of a law firm that won high-profile cases against industry titans such as tobacco giant Philip Morris. Angelos’ death came as his son, John, was in the process of selling the Orioles to a group headed by Carlyle Group Inc. co-founder David Rubenstein. Peter Angelos purchased the team for $173 million in 1993, at the time the highest for a sports franchise. His public role diminished significantly in his final years. Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore, left, and his running mate, vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, wave to supporters Oct. 25, 2000, at a campaign rally in Jackson, Tenn. Lieberman died March 27, 2024. He was 82 and died Wednesday of complications from a fall. Lieberman nearly won the vice presidency on Democrat Al Gore's ticket in the disputed 2000 White House race. Eight years later, he came close to joining the GOP ticket as John McCain’s running mate. The Democrat-turned-independent stepped down from the Senate in January 2013 after 24 years. His independent streak often irked Senate Democrats he aligned with. Yet his support for gay rights, civil rights, abortion rights and environmental causes at times won him the praise of many liberals over the years. Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” died March 28, 2024. He was 87. Gossett always thought of his early career as a reverse Cinderella story, with success finding him from an early age and propelling him forward, toward his Academy Award for “An Officer and a Gentleman.” He also was a star on Broadway, replacing Billy Daniels in “Golden Boy” with Sammy Davis Jr. in 1964 and recently played an obstinate patriarch in the 2023 remake of “The Color Purple.” Former cast members of SCTV, from left, Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty, Catherine O'Hara, Andrea Martin, foreground, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy and Martin Short, pose at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival on March 6, 1999, in Aspen, Colo. Flaherty, a founding member of the Canadian sketch series “SCTV,” died Monday, April 1, 2024 at age 82. Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, right, tips his cap to fans as majority owner John Henry holds the 2013 World Series championship trophy during a parade in celebration of the baseball team's win, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Boston. Larry Lucchino, the force behind baseball’s retro ballpark revolution and the transformation of the Boston Red Sox from cursed losers to World Series champions, has died. He was 78. Lucchino had suffered from cancer. The Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, his last project in a career that also included three major league baseball franchises and one in the NFL, confirmed his death on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Playwright Christopher Durang appears on stage with producers to accept the award for best play for "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" at the 67th Annual Tony Awards, on June 9, 2013 in New York. Also on stage are actors, background from left, Shalita Grant, Kristine Nielsen and Billy Magnussen. Durang died Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at his home in Pipersville, Pennsylvania, of complications from logopenic primary progressive aphasia. He was 75. In this Oct. 16, 1969 file photo, New York Mets catcher Jerry Grote, right, embraces pitcher Jerry Koosman as Ed Charles, left, joins the celebration after the Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the Game 5 to win the baseball World Series at New York's Shea Stadium. Grote, the catcher who helped transform the New York Mets from a perennial loser into the 1969 World Series champion, died Sunday, April 7, 2024. He was 81. In this July 8, 2003 photo, Lori, left, and George Schappell, conjoined twins, are photographed in their Reading, Pa., apartment. Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died April 7, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They were 62. The University of Edinburgh says Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of a sub-atomic particle that came to be known as the Higgs boson, died April 8, 2024, at 94. Higgs predicted the existence of the particle in 1964. But it would be almost 50 years before the its existence could be confirmed at a particle collider in Switzerland called the Large Hadron Collider. Higgs’ work helps scientists understand of the most fundamental riddles of the universe: how the Big Bang created something out of nothing 13.7 billion years ago. Higgs won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work, alongside Francois Englert of Belgium. A retired U.S. Army colonel who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean War died April 8, 2024, at age 97. A funeral home says that Ralph Puckett Jr. died Monday at his home in Columbus, Georgia. President Joe Biden presented Puckett with the Medal of Honor in 2021, more than seven decades after Puckett was seriously wounded leading an outnumbered company of Army Rangers in battle. Puckett refused a medical discharge and served as an Army officer for another 20 years before retiring in 1971. Puckett received the U.S. military's highest honor from President Joe Biden on May 21, 2021, following a policy change that lifted a requirement for medals to be given within five years of a valorous act. O.J. Simpson, left, grimaces June 15, 1995, in a Los Angeles courtroom as he famously tries on one of the leather gloves prosecutors say he wore the night his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were murdered. Simpson, t he decorated football star who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend but wound up in prison years later in an unrelated case, died April 10, 2024. He was 76. His family made an announcement Thursday in a statement on Simpson's X account. Simpson said last year that he was battling prostate cancer. Simpson’s gridiron legacy was forever overshadowed by the 1994 knife slayings of Brown Simpson and Goldman. A criminal court jury found him not guilty of murder, but a separate civil trial jury found him liable. Simpson's nine-year prison stint in Nevada was for the armed robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers. Francis Coppola and wife, Eleanor, pose July 16, 1991, in Los Angeles. Eleanor Coppola, who documented the making of some of her husband Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic films, including the infamously tortured production of “Apocalypse Now,” and who raised a family of filmmakers, has died. She was 87. Coppola died April 12, 2024, at home in Rutherford, California, her family announced in a statement. Eleanor, who grew in Orange County, California, met Francis while working as an assistant art director on his directorial debut, the Roger Corman-produced 1963 horror film “Dementia 13.” Their first-born, Gian-Carlo, quickly became a regular presence in his father’s films, as did their subsequent children, Roman, and Sofia. After acting in their father’s films and growing up on sets, all would go into the movies. Robert MacNeil, seen in February 1978, who created the even-handed, no-frills PBS newscast “The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour” in the 1970s and co-anchored the show for with his late partner, Jim Lehrer, for two decades, died April 12, 2024, at age 93. Artist Faith Ringgold poses for a portrait in front of a painted self-portrait during a press preview of her exhibition, "American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold's Paintings of the 1960s" at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, June 19, 2013. Ringgold, an award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, died Friday, April 12, 2024, at her home in Englewood, N.J. She was 93. Alabama coach Bear Bryant, left, talks with his former star quarterback Steve Sloan, right, after practice in Miami for the Orange Bowl game New Years' night against Nebraska, Dec. 29, 1968. Former college coach and administrator Sloan, who played quarterback and served as athletic director at Alabama. has passed away. He was 79. Sloan died Sunday, April 14, 2024, after three months of memory care at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, according to an obituary from former Alabama sports information director Wayne Atcheson. Oakland A's pitcher Ken Holtzman poses for a photo in March 1975. Holtzman, who pitched two no-hitters for the Chicago Cubs and helped the Oakland Athletics win three straight World Series championships in the 1970s, died April 14, 2024. He finished with a career record of 174-150 over 15 season with four teams and was the winningest Jewish pitcher in baseball history. Carl Erskine, center, pictured with teammate Duke Snider, left, and manager Charley Dressen in 1952, after beating the Yankees 6-5 in Game 5 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York, Oct. 5, 1952. Erskine, who pitched two no-hitters for the Brooklyn Dodgers and was a 20-game winner in 1953 when he struck out a then-record 14 in the World Series, has died. Among the last survivors from the celebrated Brooklyn teams of the 1950s, Erskine spent his entire major league career with the Dodgers. He helped them win five National League pennants from 1948-59. Erskine won Game 3 of the 1953 World Series, beating the Yankees 3-2. He appeared in five World Series, with the Dodgers beating the Yankees in 1955 for their only championship in Brooklyn. Erksine died April 16 in his hometown of Anderson, Indiana, according to a hospital official. He was 97. St. Louis Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog lets umpire John Shulock, right, know how he feels about Shulock's call on the tag attempt on Kansas City Royals Jim Sundberg by Cardinals catcher Tom Nieto, second from left, in the second inning of Game 5 of the 1985 World Series in St. Louis. Herzog, the gruff and ingenious Hall of Fame manager who guided the St. Louis Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title and perfected an intricate, nail-biting strategy known as “Whiteyball,” has died. Herzog, affectionately nicknamed “The White Rat,” was a manager for 18 seasons, compiling an overall record of 1,281 wins and 1,125 losses. He was named Manager of the Year in 1985. Under Herzog, the Cardinals won pennants in 1982, 1985 and 1987 and won the World Series in 1982, when they edged the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. He died April 15, 2024, and was 92. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., gestures as he answers questions regarding the ongoing security hearing on Capitol Hill, June 18, 2002, in Washington. Graham, who chaired the Intelligence Committee following the 2001 terrorist attacks and opposed the Iraq invasion, died April 16, 2024. He was 87. His family announced the death Tuesday in a statement posted on X by his daughter Gwen Graham. Graham served three terms in the Senate and two terms as Florida's governor. He made an unsuccessful bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, emphasizing his opposition to the Iraq invasion. But that bid was delayed by heart surgery in January 2003, and he was never able to gain enough traction with voters to catch up. He didn’t seek re-election in 2004 and was replaced by Republican Mel Martinez. Guitar legend and Allman Brothers Band co-founder Dickey Betts died April 18, 2024, at age 80. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer wrote the band's biggest hit, “Ramblin’ Man.” Manager David Spero told The Associated Press that Betts died early Thursday at his home in Osprey, Florida. He says Betts had been battling cancer for more than a year and had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Betts shared lead guitar duties with Duane Allman in the original Allman Brothers Band to help give the group its distinctive sound and create a new genre: Southern rock. Acts ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Kid Rock were influenced by the Allmans’ music, which combined blues, country, R&B and jazz with ’60s rock. Contemporary Christian singer Mandisa, who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album “Overcomer,” died April 18, 2024. She was 47. Mandisa gained stardom after finishing ninth on “American Idol” in 2006. In 2014, she won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album for “Overcomer,” her fifth album. She spoke openly about her struggles with depression, releasing a memoir that detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and her faith. David Pryor, a former Arkansas governor and U.S. senator who was one of the state’s most beloved and active political figures, died April 20, 2024, at the age of 89. His son, former two-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, says the Democrat died Saturday of natural causes in Little Rock surrounded by family. David Pryor was considered one of the Democratic party’s giants in Arkansas and remained active in public life after he left office, including serving on the University of Arkansas’s Board of Trustees. Roman Gabriel was known for his big size and big arm. He was the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL. And he still holds the Los Angeles Rams record for touchdown passes. Gabriel died April 20, 2024, at age 83. His son posted the news on social media. He says Gabriel died at home of natural causes. Gabriel starred at North Carolina State and was the No. 2 pick by the Rams in the 1962 draft. The Oakland Raider of the rival AFL made him the No. 1 pick. Gabriel signed with the Rams and later played with the Philadelphia Eagles. Andrew Davis, an acclaimed British conductor who was music director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and orchestras on three continents, died April 20, 2024. He was 80. Davis died Saturday at Rusk Institute in Chicago from leukemia. That is according to his manager, Jonathan Brill of Opus 3 Artists. Davis had been managing the disease for 1 1/2 to 2 years but it became acute shortly after his 80th birthday on Feb. 2. Davis was music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1975-88, Britain’s Glyndebourne Festival from 1988-2000, chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1989-2000, then was music director of the Lyric Opera from 2000-21. Former hostage Terry Anderson waves to the crowd as he rides in a parade in Lorain, Ohio, June 22, 1992. Anderson, the globe-trotting Associated Press correspondent who became one of America’s longest-held hostages, died April 21, 2024. Anderson was snatched from a street in war-torn Lebanon in 1985 and held for nearly seven years. Anderson, who was tortured and chained to a wall, wrote about his experiences in the best-selling memoir, “Den of Lions.” After returning to the United States in 1991, Anderson gave public speeches, taught journalism and, at various times, operated a blues bar, Cajun restaurant, horse ranch and gourmet restaurant. He also struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder. British army veteran Bill Gladden, who survived a glider landing on D-Day and a bullet that tore through his ankle a few days later, wanted to return to France for the 80th anniversary of the invasion so he could honor the men who didn’t come home. It was not to be. Gladden, one of the dwindling number of veterans who took part in the landings that kicked off the campaign to liberate Western Europe from the Nazis during World War II, died April 24, his family said. He was 100. With fewer and fewer veterans taking part each year, the ceremony may be one of the last big events marking the assault that began on June 6, 1944. Duane Eddy, a pioneering guitar hero whose reverberating electric sound on instrumentals such as “Rebel Rouser,” “Forty Miles of Bad Road" and “Cannonball” helped put the twang in early rock ‘n’ roll and influenced George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen and countless other musicians, died April 30 at age 86. With his raucous rhythms, and backing hollers and hand claps, Eddy sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and mastered a distinctive sound based on the premise that a guitar’s bass strings sounded better on tape than the high ones. Author Paul Auster has died at age 77. Auster was a prolific, prize-winning man of letters and filmmaker known for such inventive narratives and meta-narratives as “The New York Trilogy” and “4 3 2 1." Auster’s death on April 30 was confirmed by his literary representatives. Auster completed more than 30 books, translated into dozens of languages. He never achieved major commercial success in the U.S., but he was widely admired overseas for his cosmopolitan worldview and erudite and introspective style. Auster’s novels were a mix of history, politics, genre experiments, existential quests and self-conscious references to writers and writing. Co-pilots Dick Rutan, right, and Jeana Yeager, no relationship to test pilot Chuck Yeager, pose for a photo after a test flight over the Mojave Desert, Dec. 19, 1985. Rutan, a decorated Vietnam War pilot, who along with copilot Yeager completed one of the greatest milestones in aviation history: the first round-the-world flight with no stops or refueling, died late Friday, May 3, 2024. He was 85. Music producer Steve Albini, seen in his Chicago studio in 2014, produced albums by Nirvana, the Pixies and PJ Harvey. Albini died at 61. Brian Fox, an engineer at Albini’s studio, Electrical Audio, says Albini died after a heart attack May 7. In addition to his work on canonized rock albums such as Nirvana‘s “In Utero,” the Pixies’ breakthrough “Surfer Rosa,” and PJ Harvey’s “Rid of Me,” Albini was the frontman of the underground bands Big Black and Shellac. He dismissed the term “producer” and requested he be credited with “Recorded by Steve Albini." San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame football player Jimmy Johnson, left, is honored by owner Jed York before a 2011 game between against the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco. Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Jimmy Johnson, a three-time All-Pro and member of the All-Decade Team of the 1970s, has died. He was 86. Johnson's family told the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he died May 8. Johnson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. He played his entire 16-year pro career with San Francisco. He played in 213 games, more than any other 49ers player at the time of his retirement. San Diego Padres third baseman Sean Burroughs fires a throw to first from his knees but is unable to get Los Angeles Dodgers' D. J. Houlton at first during the third inning of a baseball game June 22, 2005, in San Diego. Burroughs, a two-time Little League World Series champion who won an Olympic gold medal and went on to a major league career that was interrupted by substance abuse, has died. He was 43. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s online records said Burroughs died Thursday, May 9, 2024, with the cause of death deferred. Producer Roger Corman poses in his Los Angeles office, May 8, 2013. Corman, the Oscar-winning “King of the Bs” who helped turn out such low-budget classics as “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Attack of the Crab Monsters” and gave many of Hollywood's most famous actors and directors an early break, died Thursday, May 9, 2024. He was 98. A.J. Smith, a longtime NFL executive who was the winningest general manager in Chargers history, has died. He was 75. His son, Atlanta assistant general manager Kyle Smith, announced in a statement released by the Falcons that his father died May 12. Kyle Smith said his father had been battling prostate cancer for seven years. The Chargers won five division titles during Smith’s 10 seasons as GM. The franchise’s 98 wins, including the playoffs, were the sixth most in the league from 2003-12. Saxophone player David Sanborn performs during his concert at the Stravinski hall at the "Colours of Music night" during the 34th Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland on July 10, 2000. Sanborn, the Grammy-winning saxophonist who played lively solos on such hits as David Bowie's “Young Americans” and James Taylor's “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and enjoyed his own highly successful recording career as a leading performer of contemporary jazz, died Sunday, May 12, 2024, at age 78. Nobel laureate Alice Munro has died. The Canadian literary giant who became one of the world’s most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history’s most honored short story writers was 92. Munro achieved stature rare for an art form traditionally placed beneath the novel. She was the first lifelong Canadian to win the Nobel and the first recipient cited exclusively for short fiction. Munro was little known beyond Canada until her late 30s but became one of the few short story writers to enjoy ongoing commercial success. A spokesperson for publisher Penguin Random House Canada said Munro died May 13 at home in Port Hope, Ontario. Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in “9 to 5” and the nasty TV director in “Tootsie,” died May 16. He was 92. For two decades Coleman labored in movies and TV shows as a talented but largely unnoticed performer. That changed abruptly in 1976 when he was cast as the incorrigibly corrupt mayor of the hamlet of Fernwood in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” a satirical soap opera. He won a Golden Globe for “The Slap Maxwell Story” and an Emmy Award for best supporting actor in Peter Levin’s 1987 small screen legal drama “Sworn to Silence.” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi listens to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, not in photo, during a joint news conference following their meeting at the Presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey, Jan. 24, 2024. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and others were found dead at the site of a helicopter crash site, state media reported Monday, May 20, 2024. Jim Otto, the Hall of Fame center known as Mr. Raider for his durability through a litany of injuries, died May 19. He was 86. The cause of death was not immediately known. Otto joined the Raiders for their inaugural season in the American Football League in 1960 and was a fixture on the team for the next 15 years. He never missed a game because of injuries and competed in 210 consecutive regular-season games and 308 straight total contests despite undergoing nine operations on his knees during his playing career. His right leg was amputated in 2007. Ivan F. Boesky, the flamboyant stock trader whose cooperation with the government cracked open one of the largest insider trading scandals on Wall Street, has died at the age of 87. A representative at the Marianne Boesky Gallery, owned by his daughter, confirmed his death. The son of a Detroit delicatessen owner, Boesky was once considered one of the richest and most influential risk-takers on Wall Street. He had parlayed $700,000 from his late mother-in-law’s estate into a fortune estimated at more than $200 million. Once implicated in insider trading, Boesky cooperated with a brash young U.S. attorney named Rudolph Giuliani, uncovering a scandal that blemished some of the most respected U.S. investment brokerages. Boesky died May 20. Jan. A.P. Kaczmarek poses with the Oscar for best original score for his work on "Finding Neverland" during the 77th Academy Awards, Feb. 27, 2005, in Los Angeles. Polish composer Kaczmarek, who won a 2005 Oscar for the movie “Finding Neverland,” has died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at age 71. Kaczmarek’s death was announced by Poland’s Music Foundation. Train bassist and founding member Charlie Colin has died at 58. Colin’s sister confirmed the musician's death Wednesday to The Associated Press. Variety reported Colin slipped and fell in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels. Train formed in San Francisco in the early ’90s. Colin played on Train's first three records, 1998’s self-titled album, 2001’s “Drops of Jupiter” and 2003’s “My Private Nation.” The track “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned two Grammys. Colin left the band in 2003. He also worked with the Newport Beach Film Festival. Colin died May 22. Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, an Oscar nominee whose most famous works skewered America’s food industry and who notably ate only at McDonald’s for a month to illustrate the dangers of a fast-food diet, has died of cancer. He was 53. Spurlock made a splash in 2004 with his groundbreaking film “Super Size Me,” and returned in 2019 with “Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!” — a sober look at an industry that processes 9 billion animals a year in America. Spurlock was a gonzo-like filmmaker who leaned into the bizarre and ridiculous. His stylistic touches included zippy graphics and amusing music. Spurlock died May 23. Richard M. Sherman, one half of the prolific, award-winning pair of brothers who helped form millions of childhoods by penning classic Disney tunes, has died. He was 95. Sherman, along with his late brother Robert, wrote hundreds of songs together, including songs for “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, “It’s a Small World (After All).” The Walt Disney Co. announced that Sherman died Saturday due to age-related illness. The brothers won two Academy Awards for Walt Disney’s 1964 smash “Mary Poppins.” Robert Sherman died May 25 in London in 2012. Basketball Hall of Fame legend Bill Walton laughs during a practice session for the NBA All-Star basketball game in Cleveland, Feb. 19, 2022. Walton, who starred for John Wooden's UCLA Bruins before becoming a Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the biggest stars of basketball broadcasting, died Monday, May 27, 2024, the league announced on behalf of his family. He was 71. “The Godfather” producer Albert S. Ruddy died May 25 at 94. The Canadian-born producer and writer won Oscars for “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby,” developed the raucous prison-sports comedy “The Longest Yard” and helped create the hit sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes." A spokesperson says Ruddy died Saturday at the UCLA Medical Center. Ruddy produced more than 30 movies and was on hand for the very top and the very bottom. “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby” were box office hits and winners of best picture Oscars. But Ruddy also helped give us “Cannonball Run II” and “Megaforce,” nominees for Golden Raspberry awards for worst movie of the year. Larry Allen, one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL during a 12-year career spent mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, died June 2. He was 52. The Cowboys say Allen died suddenly on Sunday while on vacation with his family in Mexico. Allen was named an All-Pro six consecutive years from 1996-2001 and was inducted into the Pro Football of Hall of Fame in 2013. He said few words but let his blocking do the talking. Allen once bench-pressed 700 pounds and had the speed to chase down opposing running backs. Bob Hope and Janis Paige hug during the annual Christmas show in Saigon, Vietnam, Dec. 25, 1964. Paige, a popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 80s, died Sunday, June 2, 2024, of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, longtime friend Stuart Lampert said Monday, June 3. Parnelli Jones, the 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner, died June 4 at Torrance Memorial Medical Center after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, his son said. Jones was 90. At the time of his death, Jones was the oldest living winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Rufus Parnell Jones was born in Texarkana, Arkansas, in 1933 but moved to Torrance as a young child and never left. It was there that he became “Parnelli” because his given name of Rufus was too well known for him to compete without locals knowing that he wasn’t old enough to race. Boston Celtics' John Havlicek (17) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers' Chet Walker (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball playoff game April 14, 1968, in Boston. Walker, a seven-time All-Star forward who helped Wilt Chamberlain and the 76ers win the 1967 NBA title, died June 8. He was 84. The National Basketball Players Association confirmed Walker's death, according to NBA.com . The 76ers, Chicago Bulls and National Basketball Retired Players Association also extended their condolences on social media on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The Rev. James Lawson Jr. speaks Sept. 17, 2015, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Lawson Jr., an apostle of nonviolent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, has died, his family said Monday. He was 95. His family said Lawson died on Sunday after a short illness in Los Angeles, where he spent decades working as a pastor, labor movement organizer and university professor. Lawson was a close adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who called him “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” Lawson met King in 1957, after spending three years in India soaking up knowledge about Mohandas K. Gandhi’s independence movement. King would travel to India himself two years later, but at the time, he had only read about Gandhi in books. Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Jerry West, representing the 1960 USA Olympic Team, is seen Aug. 13, 2010, during the enshrinement news conference at the Hall of Fame Museum in Springfield, Mass. Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive, and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died June 12, the Los Angeles Clippers announced. He was 86. West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, was an NBA champion who went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called West “one of the greatest executives in sports history.” Actor and director Ron Simons, seen Jan. 23, 2011, during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, died June 12. Simons turned into a formidable screen and stage producer, winning four Tony Awards and having several films selected at the Sundance Film Festival. He won Tonys for producing “Porgy and Bess,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” and “Jitney.” He also co-produced “Hughie,” with Forest Whitaker, “The Gin Game,” starring Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” an all-Black production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the revival of "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf" and the original work “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” He was in the films “27 Dresses” and “Mystery Team,” as well as on the small screen in “The Resident,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Bob Schul of West Milton, Ohio, hits the tape Oct. 18, 1964, to win the 5,000 meter run at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Schul, the only American distance runner to win the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, died June 16. He was 86. His death was announced by Miami University in Ohio , where Schul shined on the track and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1973. Schul predicted gold leading into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and followed through with his promise. On a rainy day in Japan, he finished the final lap in a blistering 54.8 seconds to sprint to the win. His white shorts were covered in mud at the finish. He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1991. He also helped write a book called “In the Long Run.” San Francisco Giants superstar Willie Mays poses for a photo during baseball spring training in 1972. Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, died June 18. He was 93. The center fielder, who began his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, had been baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. He was voted into the Hall in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 followed only Babe Ruth on The Sporting News’ list of the game’s top stars. The Giants retired his uniform number, 24, and set their AT&T Park in San Francisco on Willie Mays Plaza. Mays died two days before a game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham , Alabama. Over 23 major league seasons, virtually all with the New York/San Francisco Giants but also including one in the Negro Leagues, Mays batted .301, hit 660 home runs, totaled 3,293 hits, scored more than 2,000 runs and won 12 Gold Gloves. He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, twice was named the Most Valuable Player and finished in the top 10 for the MVP 10 other times. His lightning sprint and over-the-shoulder grab of an apparent extra base hit in the 1954 World Series remains the most celebrated defensive play in baseball history. For millions in the 1950s and ’60s and after, the smiling ballplayer with the friendly, high-pitched voice was a signature athlete and showman during an era when baseball was still the signature pastime. Awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015, Mays left his fans with countless memories. But a single feat served to capture his magic — one so untoppable it was simply called “The Catch.” Actor Donald Sutherland appears Oct. 13, 2017, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sutherland, the Canadian actor whose wry, arrestingly off-kilter screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” died June 20. He was 88. Kiefer Sutherland said on X he believed his father was one of the most important actors in the history of film: “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.” The tall and gaunt Sutherland, who flashed a grin that could be sweet or diabolical, was known for offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman's "M.A.S.H.," the hippie tank commander in "Kelly's Heroes" and the stoned professor in "Animal House." Before transitioning into a long career as a respected character actor, Sutherland epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. He never stopped working, appearing in nearly 200 films and series. Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down — but still eccentric — roles in Robert Redford's "Ordinary People" and Oliver Stone's "JFK." More, recently, he starred in the “Hunger Games” films. A memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” is due out in November. Actor Bill Cobbs, a cast member in "Get Low," arrives July 27, 2010, at the premiere of the film in Beverly Hills, Calif. Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, died June 25. He was 90. A Cleveland native, Cobbs acted in such films as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum.” He made his first big-screen appearance in a fleeting role in 1974's “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." He became a lifelong actor with some 200 film and TV credits. The lion share of those came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, as filmmakers and TV producers turned to him again and again to imbue small but pivotal parts with a wizened and worn soulfulness. Cobbs appeared on television shows including “The Sopranos," “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street” and “Good Times.” He was Whitney Houston's manager in “The Bodyguard” (1992), the mystical clock man of the Coen brothers' “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994) and the doctor of John Sayles' “Sunshine State” (2002). He played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997), the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and the father on “The Gregory Hines Show." Cobbs rarely got the kinds of major parts that stand out and win awards. Instead, Cobbs was a familiar and memorable everyman who left an impression on audiences, regardless of screen time. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020. Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman speaks with the media Nov. 7, 2009, at his campaign headquarters in Austin, Texas. The singer, songwriter, satirist and novelist, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide offices, died June 27. He was 79 and had suffered from Parkinson's disease. Often called “The Kinkster" and sporting sideburns, a thick mustache and cowboy hat, Friedman earned a cult following and reputation as a provocateur throughout his career across musical and literary genres. In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys wrote songs with titles such as “They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” Friedman joined part of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976. By the 1980s, Friedman was writing crime novels that often included a version of himself, and he wrote a column for Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s. Friedman's run at politics brought his brand of irreverence to the serious world of public policy. In 2006, Friedman ran for governor as an independent in a five-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Friedman launched his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo. Martin Mull participates in "The Cool Kids" panel during the Fox Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on Aug. 2, 2018, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” died June 28. He was 80. Mull, who was also a guitarist and painter, came to national fame with a recurring role on the Norman Lear-created satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and the starring role in its spinoff, “Fernwood Tonight." His first foray into show business was as a songwriter, penning the 1970 semi-hit “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” for singer Jane Morgan. He would combine music and comedy in an act that he brought to hip Hollywood clubs in the 1970s. Mull often played slightly sleazy, somewhat slimy and often smarmy characters as he did as Teri Garr's boss and Michael Keaton's foe in 1983's “Mr. Mom.” He played Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie adaptation of the board game “Clue,” which, like many things Mull appeared in, has become a cult classic. The 1980s also brought what many thought was his best work, “A History of White People in America,” a mockumentary that first aired on Cinemax. Mull co-created the show and starred as a “60 Minutes” style investigative reporter investigating all things milquetoast and mundane. Willard was again a co-star. In the 1990s he was best known for his recurring role on several seasons on “Roseanne,” in which he played a warmer, less sleazy boss to the title character, an openly gay man whose partner was played by Willard, who died in 2020 . Mull would later play private eye Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development,” a cult-classic character on a cult-classic show, and would be nominated for an Emmy, his first, in 2016 for a guest run on “Veep.” Screenwriter Robert Towne poses at The Regency Hotel, March 7, 2006, in New York. Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer of "Shampoo," "The Last Detail" and other acclaimed films whose work on "Chinatown" became a model of the art form and helped define the jaded allure of his native Los Angeles, died Monday, July 1, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, said publicist Carri McClure. She declined to comment on any cause of death. Vic Seixas of the United States backhands a volley from Denmark's Jurgen Ulrich in the first round of men's singles match at Wimbledon, England, June 27, 1967. Vic Seixas, a Wimbledon winner and tennis Hall of Famer who was the oldest living Grand Slam champion, has died July 5 at the age of 100. The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced Seixas’ death on Saturday July 6, 2024, based on confirmation from his daughter Tori. In this June 30, 2020, file photo, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., speaks to reporters following a GOP policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Former Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma died July 9. He was 89. The family says in a statement that the Republican had a stroke during the July Fourth holiday and died Tuesday morning. Inhofe was a powerful fixture in state politics for decades. He doubted that climate change was caused by human activity, calling the theory “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.” As Oklahoma’s senior U.S. senator, he was a staunch supporter of the state’s military installations. He was elected to a fifth Senate term in 2020 and stepped down in early 2023. The Oak Ridge Boys, from left, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen and William Lee Golden hold their awards for Top Vocal Group and Best Album of the Year for "Ya'll Come Back Saloon", during the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., May 3, 1979. Bonsall died on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 76. A Philadelphia native and resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, which originally formed in the 1940s. He saw the band through its golden period in the '80s and beyond, which included their signature 1981 song “Elvira.” The hit marked a massive crossover moment for the group, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100. The group is also known for such hits as 1982’s “Bobbie Sue." Shelley Duvall poses for photographers at the 30th Cannes Film Festival in France, May 27, 1977. Duvall, whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick's “The Shining,” died July 11. She was 75. Dr. Ruth Westheimer holds a copy of her book "Sex for Dummies" at the International Frankfurt Book Fair 'Frankfurter Buchmesse' in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. Westheimer, the sex therapist who became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics, died on July 12, 2024. She was 96. Richard Simmons sits for a portrait in Los Angeles, June 23, 1982. Simmons, a fitness guru who urged the overweight to exercise and eat better, died July 13 at the age of 76. Simmons was a court jester of physical fitness who built a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better. Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who shared his hard-won weight loss tips as the host of the Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Show" and the “Sweatin' to the Oldies” line of exercise videos, which became a cultural phenomenon. Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones died July 14 at age 40. Jones' 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. The Houston Texans were Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career. They announced his death on Sunday. In a statement released by the NFL Players Association, his family said he died at his home in New Orleans. A cause of death was not given. Jones played from 2007-15 for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He made several huge plays for the Ravens during their most recent Super Bowl title season, including that kick return. The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star whose life and career were roiled by tabloid stories, Shannen Doherty died July 13 at 53. Doherty's publicist said the actor died Saturday following years with breast cancer. Catapulted to fame as Brenda in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” she worked in big-screen films including "Mallrats" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and in TV movies including "A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story," in which she played the "Gone with the Wind" author. Doherty co-starred with Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano in the series “Charmed” from 1998-2001; appeared in the “90210” sequel series seven years later and competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010. Actor James Sikking poses for a photograph at the Los Angeles gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Organization for Women, Dec. 1, 1986. Sikking, who starred as a hardened police lieutenant on “Hill Street Blues” and as the titular character's kindhearted dad on “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” died July 13 of complications from dementia, his publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement. He was 90. Pat Williams chats with media before the 2004 NBA draft in Orlando, Fla. Williams, a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and someone who spent more than a half-century working within the NBA, died July 17 from complications related to viral pneumonia. The team announced the death Wednesday. Williams was 84. He started his NBA career as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968, then had stints as general manager of the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks and the 76ers — helping that franchise win a title in 1983. Williams was later involved in starting the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando. The league’s board of governors granted an expansion franchise in 1987, and the team began play in 1989. Lou Dobbs speaks Feb. 24, 2017, at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and veteran cable TV host who was a founding anchor for CNN and later was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, died July 18. He was 78. His death was announced in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.” He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on Fox from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN. No cause of death was given. Bob Newhart, center, poses with members of the cast and crew of the "Bob Newhart Show," from top left, Marcia Wallace, Bill Daily, Jack Riley, and, Suzanne Pleshette, foreground left, and Dick Martin at TV Land's 35th anniversary tribute to "The Bob Newhart Show" on Sept. 5, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Newhart has died at age 94. Jerry Digney, Newhart’s publicist, says the actor died July 18 in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. The accountant-turned-comedian gained fame with a smash album and became one of the most popular TV stars of his time. Newhart was a Chicago psychologist in “The Bob Newhart Show” in the 1970s and a Vermont innkeeper on “Newhart” in the 1980s. Both shows featured a low-key Newhart surrounded by eccentric characters. The second had a twist ending in its final show — the whole series was revealed to have been a dream by the psychologist he played in the other show. Cheng Pei-pei, a Chinese-born martial arts film actor who starred in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” died July 17 at age 78. Her family says Cheng, who had been diagnosed with a rare illness with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, passed away Wednesday at home surrounded by her loved ones. The Shanghai-born film star became a household name in Hong Kong, once dubbed the Hollywood of the Far East, for her performances in martial arts movies in the 1960s. She played Jade Fox, who uses poisoned needles, in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was released in 2000, grossed $128 million in North America and won four Oscars. Abdul “Duke” Fakir holds his life time achievement award backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. The last surviving original member of the Four Tops died July 22. Abdul “Duke” Fakir was 88. He was a charter member of the Motown group along with lead singer Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. Between 1964 and 1967, the Tops had 11 top 20 hits and two No. 1′s: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and the operatic classic “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Other songs, often stories of romantic pain and longing, included “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette” and “Just Ask the Lonely.” Sculptress Elizabeth Catlett, left, then-Washington D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Dixon, center, and then-curator, division of community life, Smithsonian institution Bernice Johnson Reagon chat during the reception at the Candace awards on June 25, 1991 in New York. Reagon, a musician and scholar who used her rich, powerful contralto voice in the service of the American Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles around the world, died on July 16, 2024, according to her daughter's social media post. She was 81. John Mayall, the British blues musician whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars, died July 22. He was 90. He is credited with helping develop the English take on urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the late 1960s. A statement on Mayall's official Instagram page says he died Monday at his home in California. Though Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s, pounding out his version of Chicago blues. Jack Russell, the lead singer of the bluesy '80s metal band Great White whose hits included “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me” and was fronting his band the night 100 people died in a 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. He was 63. Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer whose antics on the greens and inspiring life story made him among the sport’s most popular players during a long professional career, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Susan Wojcicki, the former YouTube chief executive officer and longtime Google executive, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, after suffering with non small cell lung cancer for the past two years. She was 56. Frank Selvy, an All-America guard at Furman who scored an NCAA Division I-record 100 points in a game and later played nine NBA seasons, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. He was 91. Wallace “Wally” Amos, the creator of the cookie empire that took his name and made it famous and who went on to become a children’s literacy advocate, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, from complications with dementia. He was 88. Gena Rowlands, hailed as one of the greatest actors to ever practice the craft and a guiding light in independent cinema as a star in groundbreaking movies by her director husband, John Cassavetes, and who later charmed audiences in her son's tear-jerker “The Notebook,” died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. She was 94. Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” died. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 He was 98. Alain Delon, the internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. He was 88. Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that brought success to Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and many others, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, after a long illness. He was 88. Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. He was 87. John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots,” died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. He was 84. James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film “Gidget,” died Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. He was 88. James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Sept. 9 at home. Jones was a pioneering actor who eventually lent his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader. Working deep into his 80s, he won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. Frankie Beverly, who with his band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77. His family said in a post on the band’s website and social media accounts that Beverly died Sept. 10. In the post, which asked for privacy, the family said “he lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The post did not say his cause of death or where he died. Beverly, whose songs include “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” finished his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. Joe Schmidt, the Hall of Fame linebacker who helped the Detroit Lions win NFL championships in 1953 and 1957 and later coached the team, has died. He was 92. The Lions said family informed the team Schmidt died Sept. 11. A cause of death was not provided. One of pro football’s first great middle linebackers, Schmidt played his entire NFL career with the Lions from 1953-65. An eight-time All-Pro, he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and the college football version in 2000. Born in Pittsburgh, Schmidt played college football in his hometown at Pitt. Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the “Karate Kid” movies and the son of the late actor and racer Steve McQueen, died Sep. 11. His lawyer confirmed his death at age 63. McQueen's family shared a statement on social media saying he lived a life “filled with love and dedication.” McQueen was a professional race car driver, like his father, and competed in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, who is an actor best known for “The Vampire Diaries.” Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, died at age 70 on Sept. 15. Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet. The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. They signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown empire in the 1960s. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.” John David “JD” Souther has died. He was a prolific songwriter and musician whose collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt helped shape the country-rock sound that took root in Southern California in the 1970s. Souther joined in on some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, such as “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight." The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee also collaborated with James Taylor, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt and many more. His biggest hit as a solo artist was “You’re Only Lonely.” He was about to tour with Karla Bonoff. Souther died Sept. 17 at his home in New Mexico, at 78. In this photo, JD Souther and Alison Krauss attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in New York. Sen. Dan Evans stands with his three sons, from left, Mark, Bruce and Dan Jr., after he won the election for Washington's senate seat in Seattle, Nov. 8, 1983. Evans, a former Washington state governor and a U.S. Senator, died Sept. 20. The popular Republican was 98. He served as governor from 1965 to 1977, and he was the keynote speaker at the 1968 National Republican Convention. In 1983, Evans was appointed to served out the term of Democratic Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson after he died in office. Evans opted not to stand for election in 1988, citing the “tediousness" of the Senate. He later served as a regent at the University of Washington, where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance bears his name. Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who starred for the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins as part of a star-studded backfield and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles, died Sept. 21. He was 77. The team on Sunday confirmed the death of Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In a statement, his family said his “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.” Morris was the starting halfback and one of three go-to runners that Dolphins coach Don Shula utilized in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons of 1972 and 1973, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both of those seasons. John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. He was 76. Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, died Sept. 27 at 89. Smith's publicist announced the news Friday. She was frequently rated the preeminent British female performer of a generation that included Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. “Jean Brodie” brought her the Academy Award for best actress in 1969. Smith added a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978. Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and an A-list Hollywood actor, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 88. Drake Hogestyn, the “Days of Our Lives” star who appeared on the show for 38 years, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 70. Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan,” died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at age 86. Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58. Frank Fritz, left, part of a two-man team who drove around the U.S. looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show “American Pickers,” died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 60. He's shown here with co-host Mike Wolfe at the A+E Networks 2015 Upfront in New York on April 30, 2015. Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 83. Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in her New Jersey home. She was 91. Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, her family said. She was 96. Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said. He was 31. Mitzi Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the Hollywood musical, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. She was 93. Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. He was 63. Jack Jones, a Grammy-winning crooner known for “The Love Boat” television show theme song, died, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. He was 86. Phil Lesh, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at age 84. Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," died Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024. She was 79. Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, died Sunday, Nov 3, 2024. He was 91 Bobby Allison, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. He was 86. Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Queen Woo,” was found dead at his home in capital Seoul, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. He was 39. British actor Timothy West, who played the classic Shakespeare roles of King Lear and Macbeth and who in recent years along with his wife, Prunella Scales, enchanted millions of people with their boating exploits on Britain's waterways, died Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. He was 90. Bela Karolyi, the charismatic if polarizing gymnastics coach who turned young women into champions and the United States into an international power in the sport, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. He was 82. Arthur Frommer, whose "Europe on 5 Dollars a Day" guidebooks revolutionized leisure travel by convincing average Americans to take budget vacations abroad, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 95. Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, a three-time All-Star who spent 11 years in the NBA, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 81. Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. He was 83. Barbara Taylor Bradford, a British journalist who became a publishing sensation in her 40s with the saga "A Woman of Substance" and wrote more than a dozen other novels that sold tens of millions of copies, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. She was 91. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Middle East latest: WHO chief says he was at Yemen airport as Israeli bombs fell nearbyJimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Freelance photographer arrested on Capitol riot charges

Liverpool punish rivals’ errors with dominant win over Leicester to stretch leadAbu Dhabi [UAE], November 23 (ANI/WAM): The Security Media Department at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ will participate in the third edition of the Global Media Congress 2024, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. During its participation, it will showcase its media experience and its modern and sophisticated system, which includes digital security and traffic awareness initiatives using artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Also Read | Singapore Shocker: Teacher Groomed Student, Had Sex With Her Before She Turned 16; Sentenced to 14 Years in Jail. Brigadier Mohammed Ali Al Muhairi, the Director of the Security Media Department at AD Police, emphasised the importance of the Congress in shaping the future of global media. He stated that the event will engage in constructive international dialogue with industry leaders and experts to explore key trends. These include the impact of artificial intelligence, digital innovation, evolving media business models, and improved media collaboration. (ANI/WAM) Also Read | Pakistan Violence: 15 Killed, 25 Injured in Fresh Sectarian Clashes in Kurram, 2 Days After Attack on Passenger Vehicles. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Beirut, Dec 7 (AP) Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated on Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumours that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. Also Read | 'Matter of Immense Pride for India': PMO on Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad's Elevation As Cardinal by Pope Francis. The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture is a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began November 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. Also Read | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Survives Impeachment Over Martial Law Declaration As His Party Leaders Boycott Vote. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria's state media denied social media rumours that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a UN resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkiye and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians”. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began November 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city. Opposition activists said on Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkiye, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkiye is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. “Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's “territorial integrity”. He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Freelance photographer arrested on Capitol riot charges

A New Brunswick doctor who admitted to touching a woman's buttocks, pelvis and breasts without her consent while out socializing in 2022 has been given a conditional discharge and sentenced to a year of supervised probation. Rémi Poitras, 30, of Edmundston, who specializes in family medicine and emergency medicine and now lives in Quebec, pleaded guilty in October to common assault . He was originally charged with sexual assault. The victim, who was a fourth-year student at the New Brunswick medical training centre in Moncton at the time, said she continues to be "deeply affected" and is disappointed Poitras pleaded guilty to the reduced charge. "By reporting the assault, I hoped to obtain some justice — not only for myself, but for the person that I could have been if all of this had not occurred, for the dreams that were delayed and broken, the missed opportunities, the difficult relationships and the destroyed confidence," she told the Moncton courtroom in French during a sentencing hearing Wednesday. But Rosalie Genest, now 28 and a resident physician in pediatrics in Quebec City, is still glad she came forward, and requested the court-imposed publication ban on her identity be lifted. "Throughout my healing process, I realized that it's not up to me to be ashamed of that," she explained in an interview with Radio-Canada after after the hearing, during which provincial court Judge Luc Labonté agreed to lift the ban. Judge accepts joint recommendation According to an agreed statement of facts, Genest was at the Tide & Boar bar on Main Street in Moncton on Oct. 29, 2022, when Poitras grabbed her buttocks. He then placed his hands on her hips and pelvis. Genest left the bar and got into a car driven by Poitras's female roommate to go home. Poitras joined them in the vehicle and Genest pretended to be asleep. That's when Poitras touched her breasts. On Wednesday, the judge accepted a joint sentencing recommendation from the Crown and defence. One act when you're drunk ... should not define you for the rest of your life. - Judge Luc Labonté "You're an important member of society that people look up to, so it's important that your actions always are appropriate," Labonté told Poitras. "Having said that, one act when you're drunk ... should not define you for the rest of your life either. And I understand that," he said, adding he believes Poitras is "truly remorseful." The conditional discharge means the offence will be removed from Poitras's criminal record in a year, unless he violates his probation. The conditions include not having any contact with the victim and following any treatment recommended by his probation officer. "I don't think the public at large will be shocked that you receive a discharge given the fact situation here," the judge said Victim still haunted by flashbacks Earlier in the hearing, Genest told the court via video conference how the offence has affected her mental health and her career. She considered her attacker to be someone she could trust — a colleague of her then-fiancé, a teacher at the medical training centre where she was studying for exams and even her doctor during an emergency consultation in 2021, she said. Following the incident, Genest said, she no longer felt safe. She was "terrorized by the idea of being alone," she said reading from a victim impact statement, which an interpreter then relayed to the court in English. The sentencing hearing was held at the Moncton courthouse Wednesday. (Kate Letterick/CBC News) Two years later, flashbacks still haunt her several times a day, she said. "These vivid remembrances still cause me the same panic, the same distress and the same helplessness that I felt during the crime." Stress and fear forced her to study only part time, she said. She couldn't work and even began to question her dream of becoming a doctor. Her monthly debts remind her just how much this assault has cost her, she said. Her life was once confident and "full of promise and possibilities." Today, she feels "broken and unrecognizable." Poitras describes 'mutual dance' Poitras's defence lawyer Carolyne Albert urged the judge to reject the victim's entire statement. Labonté opted instead to not take into consideration certain information that was not part of the agreed statement of facts. Meanwhile, Poitras told the court his version of the events that night, starting with what happened at the bar. "While dancing together, I touched her hips with my hands. And she touched me in return with her hands," he said. "We had both [been drinking] alcohol. There was no sexual intention. "There was never a moment where Ms. Genest used verbal language nor body language to indicate that she didn't want to dance together." Poitras, pictured outside the Moncton courthouse on Nov. 27, said he was surprised and scared to face a 'life-altering charge' for what he felt was a 'mutual dance.' (Pascal Raiche-Nogue/Radio-Canada) During the car ride, Genest rested her head on his chest and he placed his arm around her, he said, adding she interacted with the two other people in the vehicle for the entire trip. This contradicts the agreed statement of facts, when Poitras admitted to grabbing the victim's buttocks at the Tide & Boar and touching her breasts in the vehicle. "To say I was surprised to hear that I was being accused of an assault after this night would be an understatement. ... Facing a life-altering charge for what I felt like a mutual dance scared me," he said. "I feel deeply sorry that Ms. Genest feels I touched her without her consent. This would never be my intention." Poitras and his lawyer both declined to comment at the end of the hearing. College imposes conditions on medical licence When he pleaded guilty on Oct. 9, Poitras had no conditions on his medical licence. Restrictions have since been added, according to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick's website. He is prohibited from engaging with any medical students or postgraduate trainees. In addition, all interactions with female patients are to be conducted in the presence of a chaperone, it says. Dr. Laurie Potter, registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, confirmed the conditions on Poitras's licence but declined to discuss them, citing privacy. (College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick) Poitras's New Brunswick licence expires at the end of the month, according to the website. The Collège des médecins du Québec's website had no information about restrictions or disciplinary action.Will Trump still be in legal trouble next year when he enters the White House?

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that the U.S. military should stay out of the escalating conflict in Syria as a shock opposition offensive closes in on the capital, declaring in a social media post, "THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” With world leaders watching the rapid rebel advance against Syria's Russian- and Iranian-backed president, Bashar Assad, President Joe Biden's national security adviser separately stressed that the Biden administration had no intention of intervening. “The United States is not going to ... militarily dive into the middle of a Syrian civil war," Jake Sullivan told an audience in California. He said the U.S. would keep acting as necessary to keep the Islamic State — a violently anti-Western extremist group not known to be involved in the offensive but with sleeper cells in Syria's deserts — from exploiting openings presented by the fighting. Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria sped faster Saturday, reaching the gates of Damascus and government forces abandoning the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that Assad had fled the country. Trump's comments on the dramatic rebel push were his first since Syrian rebels launched their advance late last month. They came while he was in Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral . In his post, Trump said Assad did not deserve U.S. support to stay in power. Assad's government has been propped up by the Russian and Iranian military, along with Hezbollah and other Iranian-allied militias, in a now 13-year-old war against opposition groups seeking his overthrow. The war, which began as a mostly peaceful uprising in 2011 against the Assad family's rule, has killed a half-million people, fractured Syria and drawn in a more than a half-dozen foreign militaries and militias. The insurgents are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist group and says has links to al-Qaida, although the group has since broken ties with al-Qaida. The insurgents have met little resistance so far from the Syrian army, the Russian and Iranian militaries or allied militias in the country. The Biden administration says Syrian opposition forces' capture of government-held cities demonstrates just how diminished those countries are by wars in Ukraine , Gaza and Lebanon. “Assad’s backers — Iran, Russia and Hezbollah — have all been weakened and distracted," Sullivan said Saturday at an annual gathering of national security officials, defense companies and lawmakers at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. “None of them are prepared to provide the kind of support to Assad that they provided in the past,” he later added. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria, including U.S. forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Gen. Bryan Fenton, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, said he would not want to speculate on how the upheaval in Syria would affect the U.S. military’s footprint in the country. “It’s still too early to tell,” he said. What would not change is the focus on disrupting IS operations in Syria and protecting U.S. troops, Fenton said during a panel at the Reagan event. Syrian opposition activists and regional officials have been watching closely for any indication from the incoming Trump administration, in particular on how the U.S. would respond to the rebel advances against Assad. Robert Wilkie, Trump's defense transition chief and a former secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said during the same panel that the collapse of the “murderous Assad regime” would be a major blow to Iran's power. The United Nations' special envoy for Syria called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition” in Syria. In his post, Trump said Russia “is so tied up in Ukraine” that it “seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years.” He said rebels could possibly force Assad from power. The president-elect condemned the overall U.S. handling of the war but said the routing of Assad and Russian forces might be for the best. “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” he wrote in Saturday's post. An influential Syrian opposition activist in Washington, Mouaz Moustafa, interrupted a briefing to reporters to read Trump’s post and appeared to choke up. He said Trump’s declaration that the U.S. should stay out of the fight was the best outcome that the the Syrians aligned against Assad could hope for. Rebels have been freeing political detainees of the Assad government from prisons as they advance across Syria, taking cities. Moustafa pledged to reporters Saturday that opposition forces would be alert for any U.S. detainees among them and do their utmost to protect them. Moustafa said that includes Austin Tice , an American journalist missing for more than a decade and suspected to be held by Assad. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham renounced al-Qaida in 2016 and has worked to rebrand itself, including cracking down on some Islamic extremist groups and fighters in its territory and portraying itself as a protector of Christians and other religious minorities. While the U.S. and United Nations still designate it as a terrorist organization, Trump's first administration told lawmakers that the U.S. was no longer targeting the group's leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani. Copp reported from Simi Valley, California.ATLANTA — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center simply said in posting about Carter’s death on the social media platform X. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. Nov. 4, 1976 edition of the Chicago Tribune featuring a Jimmy Carter editorial after he won the presidential election. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” May 27, 1978 edition of the Chicago Tribune featuring coverage of Jimmy Carter in Illinois. Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report.

Ben Simmons went viral for all the wrong reasons against his former team on Friday night. The No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft returned to face the Philadelphia 76ers with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Cup. But he didn't exactly light it up on the court. Simmons, who was showered in boos and jeers and he made his way into the arena, finished with just two points, four rebounds and four assists in a disappointing 113-98 defeat. Jared McCain scored 30 points and Tyrese Maxey added 26 more as the 76ers snapped a five-game losing streak, playing without Joel Embiid and Paul George. Philadelphia's young backcourt took over in the fourth quarter with a scoring burst that helped the Sixers rally from a nine-point deficit and hand the Nets another loss. The result, which leaves Brooklyn with a 6-10 record, was bad enough, but Simmons also suffered an embarrassing moment that truly made it a night to forget. With the Nets down 40-31 in the second quarter, teammate Jalen Wilson passed him the ball, offering the 28-year-old the simplest of lay-ups to close the gap on the scoreboard. But Simmons, clearly low on confidence, botched his effort. His attempt was so bad that it went viral, with more than one million people watching clips that have been shared on social media. "I unfortunately cannot stop watching this Ben Simmons layup attempt... Sheesh man," one fan wrote on X. "We were making fun of Ben Simmons for not shooting but maybe we should’ve left bro alone because WTF,” another account posted. A third wrote: "Ben Simmons going from being one of the most explosive players in the open court to being afraid to dunk and attack the rim needs to be studied." Many others were left stunned by the effort from Simmons, who started his NBA career with the Sixers. "The decline of Ben Simmons is unlike anything I’ve ever seen," Sean Kane, a senior producer for NBC Sports Philadelphia, said of his performance. "He certainly had his limitations as a young player but he was still one of the more dynamic talents in the league. Three-time All-Star... To see what he’s become now, still just 28 years old... Truly hard to believe." Simmons played four seasons in Philadelphia, but left on bad terms after a holdout in 2021 made him the most fined NBA player in history, with reports suggesting he had surpassed $10 million by the end of the year. Since being traded to the Nets, he has struggled with injuries, and his most recent performance will further feed into the discussion around the steep decline from his promising days as an All-Star. The Nets will aim to end their three-game road skid when they take on Sacramento on Sunday November 24.'It's incredible': Angel is riding tall in the saddle on the National Trail

Strategic Moves and Future Potential Drive ON Semiconductor’s Recovery Prospects Despite ON Semiconductor’s challenging year, which saw its stock decline by over 20%, many investors are eyeing the company for its promising potential. While the broader tech sector boomed, ON faced a tumultuous period primarily due to sluggish demand in North America and Europe and ongoing inventory challenges. Nonetheless, the company is positioned for a promising rebound, fueled by its leadership in silicon carbide technology. This material is crucial for utility-scale solar solutions and China’s burgeoning electric vehicle market. Furthermore, ON Semiconductor is expanding its influence in AI data centers with advanced sensing and power solutions. The company’s robust alliances with industry giants underscore its resiliency and growth potential. A major multi-year agreement with Volkswagen promises to revolutionize EV performance through innovative power solutions. Additionally, a strengthened partnership with DENSO Corporation marks over a decade of collaboration in enhancing vehicle safety and intelligence, a testament to ON’s commitment to advanced driver assistance technologies. Expanding its technological reach, ON Semiconductor recently invested $115 million to acquire Qorvo’s cutting-edge Silicon Carbide JFET technology. This strategic acquisition bolsters ON’s EliteSiC portfolio and complements its energy-efficient solutions for AI and EV markets. Despite these advancements, ON still faces macroeconomic challenges and weaker-than-expected growth in certain areas, which have kept investors cautious. The projected declines in revenue and earnings for 2024 further emphasize the need for strategic patience. While uncertainties loom, ON maintains a Hold ranking, suggesting potential investors might benefit from awaiting clearer skies before diving in. ON Semiconductor’s Strategic Recovery: Innovations and Future Trends ON Semiconductor, a key player in the semiconductor industry, is navigating a difficult financial period characterized by a 20% decline in stock value over the past year. This downturn comes amidst a broader tech sector boom, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the company. Innovations in Key Technologies At the heart of ON Semiconductor’s recovery strategy is its leadership in silicon carbide (SiC) technology. SiC plays a critical role in advancing utility-scale solar solutions and supporting the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector in China. The company’s investment in this area is expected to drive future growth, especially given the increasingly crucial role of sustainable and efficient technologies in the global market. In addition to SiC, ON Semiconductor is making strides in AI data centers through cutting-edge sensing and power solutions. These advancements cater to the rising demand for sophisticated technologies in the AI realm, particularly as data centers seek energy-efficient solutions. Strategic Alliances and Acquisitions ON Semiconductor’s robust partnerships with major industry players further underscore its potential for recovery and growth. A notable multi-year agreement with Volkswagen is poised to enhance EV performance significantly. This partnership focuses on innovative power solutions that could revolutionize how electric vehicles operate. Furthermore, ON Semiconductor’s long-standing relationship with DENSO Corporation, which spans more than a decade, highlights its commitment to enhancing vehicle safety and intelligence through advanced driver assistance technologies. In a strategic move to expand its technological capabilities, ON Semiconductor invested $115 million to acquire Qorvo’s Silicon Carbide JFET technology. This acquisition is a strategic addition to ON’s EliteSiC portfolio, which aims to strengthen the company’s position in the AI and EV markets by offering energy-efficient solutions. Market Challenges and Predictions Despite these strategic advancements, ON Semiconductor is not without its challenges. The company is contending with macroeconomic pressures and slower-than-expected growth in certain markets. Projections for 2024 indicate potential declines in revenue and earnings, suggesting that strategic patience will be necessary for the company and its investors. The current Hold ranking for ON Semiconductor implies that prospective investors might benefit from waiting for a clearer market outlook before making investment decisions. However, the company’s strong strategic foundations and focus on cutting-edge technology position it well for future success once these challenges are navigated. Conclusion ON Semiconductor’s strategic moves in leveraging silicon carbide technology and enhancing its portfolio through key acquisitions and partnerships underscore its potential for recovery and growth. While current economic and market conditions present obstacles, the company’s investments in sustainable technology and AI data center solutions position it well for long-term success. For more information on ON Semiconductor’s innovations and strategic direction, visit ON Semiconductor .STORY: Syrian rebels advanced towards the capital city of Damascus on Saturday as front lines collapsed across the country... ...posing an existential threat to President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule. In a video posted on social media, protesters could be seen tearing down a statue of Assad's father in the suburbs of Damascus, while shouting "Down with Bashar al-Assad, Syria lives on." Meanwhile, Syrian rebels battled government forces for control of the key city of Homs. Since the rebels' sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defenses have crumbled at a dizzying speed... ...putting the Assad dynasty's five-decade reign over Syria in danger, and the continued influence there of its main regional backer Iran. “...certainly there is an existential threat against the regime.” Qutaiba Idlbi is the resident senior fellow on Syria at the Atlantic Council “The regime finds itself isolated, especially because on one hand, Russia is bogged down in Ukraine. // But I think also more importantly, on the other hand, Iran is incapable of really responding effectively to protect and defend the regime.” The U.S. and other Western officials said the lightning rebel advance suggests Assad's government could fall within the week. The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability. According to the state news agency, Assad remains in Damascus and the military said it was reinforcing around the capital and south. The foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and the main rebels' backer Turkey said they met in Doha on Saturday and agreed on the importance of Syria's territorial integrity and on restarting a political process. They said in a joint statement along with five Arab countries, that a political solution was needed to stop military operations and protect civilians in Syria. But there was no indication they agreed on any concrete steps, with the situation inside Syria changing by the hour.Liverpool punish rivals’ errors with dominant win over Leicester to stretch lead

Will Trump still be in legal trouble next year when he enters the White House? READ MORE: Sign up for DailyMail.com's daily political email By GEOFF EARLE, DEPUTY U.S. POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 18:26 GMT, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 18:30 GMT, 26 December 2024 e-mail 21 View comments It was a legal triumph that nearly matched his political one. One by one, the criminal cases that had former President Donald Trump potentially facing years of jail time imploded after his election win in November. Trump's long legal saga of the past few years might not be entirely wrapped up by the time he raises his hand to take the Oath of Office on January 20th, but each will be well on its way to being resolved. The latest stunning legal win for Team Trump came when a Georgia appeals court ruled that Fulton County DA Fani Willis should be disqualified from his election interference case in Georgia. But even that decision didn't end the case entirely. The court in its 2-1 decision that it did not dismiss the case, even as legal experts said the prosecution was likely dead. Willis could appeal the case to the state Supreme Court . Or, even if the ruling stands, there could be prosecutors from another jurisdiction willing to take on the unenviable task of picking up the pieces of the complex racketeering case against Trump and 18 codefendants. The case exploded over Wills's affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, culminating in the ruling that it created an appearance of conflict and Willis couldn't try the case. As a state matter, the Georgia case is one that Trump would not be able to try to resolve through a pardon process, although that issue appears to be moot. Meanwhile, Trump's January 6 election interference case in Washington, D.C., fell apart just days after his election win, when Special Counsel Jack Smith put it on ice . He asked for a one-month delay for his team to 'assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.' The latest stunning legal win for Team Trump came when a Georgia appeals court ruled that Fulton County DA Fani Willis should be disqualified from his election interference case in Georgia A Georgia appeals court ruled that Fulton County DA Fani Willis is disqualified from Trump's election interference case in the state. Experts said it likely killed the prosecution Longtime guidance from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel bar prosecuting a sitting president, and the case had already dragged on for months while the Supreme Court waited and finally issued a ruling setting up the outlines of presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts. Read More BREAKING NEWS Fani Willis suffers ultimate humiliation after her affair scandal rocked Trump prosecution In late November, Trump asked Judge Tanya Chutkan to dismiss the case 'without prejudice,' which she did. That came days after New York judge Juan Merchan moved to indefinitely delay Trump's hush money case following his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. An existing Justice Department policy disallows prosecution of a sitting president. 'Just as a sitting President is completely immune from any criminal process, so too is President Trump as President-elect,' wrote lawyer Todd Blanche and lawyer Emil Bove in a filing to Judge Merchan. Trump has now nominated both of them to top DOJ posts. In a separate hush money case, where Trump was convicted on 34 counts, Judge Juan Merchan has ruled that Trump does not have presidential immunity . Special counsel Jack Smith has moved to have the federal election subversion charges against Donald Trump dropped in Washington, D.C. Once viewed as potentially the most damaging prosecution facing Trump, the classified documents case against him in Florida was the first to fall apart Merchan ruled the evidence presented in the case earlier this year was related 'entirely to unofficial conduct' and therefore were not official actions as president. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's office has argued the law doesn't require dismissing the case following Trump's election. That leaves another key decision for Merchan: whether to essentially pause the case for the duration of Trump's presidency, or take some other action in light of Trump lawyers' motion to dismiss the case. Once viewed as potentially the most damaging prosecution facing Trump, the classified documents case against him in Florida was the first to fall apart, after a Trump-appointed federal judge dismissed it. His office was in the process of appealing when Trump won the election. An appeal to the 11th Circuit argued that Judge Aileen Cannon was wrong when she said Smith's own appointment was unconstitutional and dismissed the case. In late November, the Appeals Court granted Smith's motion to dismiss the case. Trump transition spokesman Steven Cheung took a victory lap at the time. 'Today's decision by the DOJ ends the unconstitutional federal cases against President Trump and is a major victory for the rule of law,' he said. With the criminal cases against Trump all shattered in one form or another after his election win, the live cases on the docket are those Trump has filed demanding damages for what he calls media bias and 'witch hunts' against him. The criminal cases against Trump all shattered in one form or another after his election win Trump is suing CBS and other entities over what he considers unfair and impermissible treatment He is suing the DOJ for $100 million over the FBI's search of Mar-a-Lago in the classified documents case. And he is suing CBS and other entities over what he considers unfair and impermissible treatment. Trump may be emboldened by winning $15 million from ABC News and $1 million in legal fees over a George Stephanopoulos interview where the host inaccurately called him liable for rape, when a New York jury had in fact found him liable for sexual abuse of writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump is appealing the outcome of the Carroll case in New York City. Politics Georgia Share or comment on this article: Will Trump still be in legal trouble next year when he enters the White House? e-mail Add comment

No More TikTok? Appeals Court Upholds Law That Could Boot TikTok Out of U.S.Stock market today: Stocks waver in thin trading after US markets reopen following a holiday pause'Fatally wrong': Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party

Nico Iamaleava passed for four touchdowns and Dylan Sampson rushed for 77 yards and set a school-record for TDs as No. 11 Tennessee rolled to a 56-0 victory over UTEP on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville, Tenn. Sampson scored on a 14-yard TD run early in the second quarter for the game's first points to deliver his 22nd TD of tje season to break the Tennessee single-season mark set by Gene McEvers in 1929. Iamaleava was 15 of 20 for 173 yards for Tennessee (9-2), while Bru McCoy caught a pair of TD passes and Squirrel White and Ethan Davis each had a TD reception. Tennessee moved its all-time record to 2-0 against the Miners, also having blanked the Conference USA school 24-0 in 2018. Jermod McCoy and John Slaughter had interceptions for the Volunteers, while Dominic Bailey recovered a fumble to set up a score. Skyler Locklear was 10-of-19 passing for 50 yards with an interception for UTEP (2-9), while rushing for 37 yards on eight carries. JP Pickles also had a turn at QB for the Miners and was 10 of 15 for 72 yards. Kenny Odom had eight receptions for 70 yards. Both defenses set the tone in the first quarter. The UTEP defense allowed just one first down to the Southeastern Conference team in three ugly series in the opening quarter and only 22 yards. In the second quarter, Sampson ended a 68-yard drive by dashing up the middle for 14 yards for the record-setting score to take a 7-0 lead with 13:22 remaining before halftime. After Bailey's fumble recovery, Iamaleava flipped a screen pass that White took 9 yards to the end zone nearly six minutes later. Davis put the Volunteers up 21-0 when he grabbed a short pass for a 1-yard TD. Iamaleava then found Bru McCoy from 18 yards with eight seconds left in the second quarter for a 28-0 halftime lead. McCoy caught his second TD and Peyton Lewis rushed for a pair for a 49-0 lead in the third quarter, but the biggest roar from Volunteers fans came when it was announced Florida beat No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17, to enhance the Volunteers' College Football Playoff hopes. Cameron Seldon's 3-yard run capped the scoring as the Volunteers finished the season undefeated at home for the second time in four years. --Field Level MediaAP Business SummaryBrief at 1:05 p.m. EST

I'm a Celebrity 2024 live: Two more stars to leave jungle as Oti Mabuse immune again

CARSON, Calif. — Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic scored in the first half, and the LA Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final with goals from their star forwards, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing decade, even finishing 26th in the 29-team league last year. But the Galaxy turned everything around this season with a high-scoring new lineup that finished second in the Western Conference and then streaked through the playoffs with a whopping 18 goals in five games to win another crown. Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable charge through the playoffs ended one win shy of its first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win MLS' playoff tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons. He was the MVP of the 2022 MLS Cup Final for the Galaxy's crosstown rival, Los Angeles FC. The Galaxy won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the Western Conference final. Puig watched the game in a suit, but his teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their fans during the celebration. Paintsil put the Galaxy ahead in the ninth minute when he ran onto that sublime pass from Brugman and pounded home his 14th MLS goal — including four in the playoffs — in the Ghanaian forward's outstanding first season. Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home the 21st goal of his outstanding year as the Galaxy's striker. Nealis got New York on the scoreboard in the 28th minute when he volleyed home a ball that got loose in LA's penalty area after a corner. The Galaxy's usually shaky defense gave up another handful of good chances before reaching halftime with a tenuous lead. The second half was lively, but scoreless. Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Gabriel Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose again in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. The Galaxy bench rushed onto the field and prematurely celebrated a victory in the seventh minute of injury time, only to be herded back off for another 30 seconds of play. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of traveling Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough on MLS' biggest stage. The Galaxy's Greg Vanney became the fourth coach to win an MLS title with two clubs. The former Galaxy player also won it all with Toronto in 2017. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández rebuilt itself this season with lesser-known young talents from around the world. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and the Ghanaian Paintsil out of Belgium, and the duo combined with incumbent Serbian striker Joveljic to form a potent attack that could outscore almost any MLS opponent. But the Galaxy also relied heavily on Puig, their Catalan catalyst and one of MLS' best players. Puig stayed in last week's game after injuring his knee, and he even delivered the decisive pass to Joveljic for the game's only goal.

JERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. Israel's army later told The Associated Press it wasn't aware that the WHO chief or delegation were at the location in Yemen. Smoke rises Thursday from the area around the International Airport after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said in a statement it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, claiming they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military added it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out more than 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. says the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones were shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. Relatives and friends mourn over the bodies of five Palestinian journalists Thursday who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists worked for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accuses six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Mourners cry Thursday while they take the last look at the body of a relative, one of eight Palestinians killed, during their funeral in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities are women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. The offensive caused widespread destruction and hunger and drove around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Several wounded N.Korean soldiers died after being captured by Ukraine: Zelenskys888 games 。

WWE Announces Current Champion Out With Injury

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NEW YORK and LONDON , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. (NYSE: PDCC) (the "Company") has commenced an underwritten public offering of its Series A Preferred Stock Due 2029. Certain financial and other terms of the Series A Preferred Stock are to be determined by negotiations between the Company and the underwriters. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are rated 'BBB' by Egan-Jones Ratings Company, an independent rating agency. In addition, the Company plans to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the same terms and conditions. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and to trade thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the ticker symbol "PDPA." Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.'Destiny has a long history of reinventing itself in response to feedback': Assistant director teases a Metroidvania-inspired future, talks weapon crafting and vault space, but fails to address the shocking number of bugs( MENAFN - The Conversation) Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally, with nearly 19,000 Australians diagnosed with invasive melanoma – the most lethal type of skin cancer – each year. While advanced melanoma can be fatal, it is highly treatable when detected early. But Australian clinical practice guidelines and health authorities do not recommend screening for melanoma in the general population. Given our reputation as the skin cancer capital of the world, why isn't there a national screening program? Australia currently screens for breast, cervical and bowel cancer and will begin lung cancer screening in 2025. It turns out the question of whether to screen everyone for melanoma and other skin cancers is complex. Here's why. On top of the 19,000 invasive melanoma diagnoses each year, around 28,000 people are diagnosed with in-situ melanoma. In-situ melanoma refers to a very early stage melanoma where the cancerous cells are confined to the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Instead of a blanket screening program, Australia promotes skin protection, skin awareness and regular skin checks (at least annually) for those at high risk . About one in three Australian adults have had a clinical skin check within the past year. The goal of screening is to find disease early, before symptoms appear, which helps save lives and reduce morbidity. But there are a couple of reasons a national screening program is not yet in place. We need to ask: 1. Does it save lives? Many researchers would argue this is the goal of universal screening. But while universal skin cancer screening would likely lead to more melanoma diagnoses , this might not necessarily save lives. It could result in indolent (slow-growing) cancers being diagnosed that might have never caused harm. This is known as“overdiagnosis”. Screening will pick up some cancers people could have safely lived with, if they didn't know about them. The difficulty is in recognising which cancers are slow-growing and can be safely left alone. Receiving a diagnosis causes stress and is more likely to lead to additional medical procedures (such as surgeries), which carry their own risks. 2. Is it value for money? Implementing a nationwide screening program involves significant investment and resources. Its value to the health system would need to be calculated, to ensure this is the best use of resources. Read more: Yes, you still need to use sunscreen, despite what you've heard on TikTok Instead of screening everyone, targeting high-risk groups has shown better results . This focuses efforts where they're needed most. Risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, red hair, a history of sunburns, many moles and/or a family history. Research has shown the public would be mostly accepting of a risk-tailored approach to screening for melanoma. There are moves underway to establish a national targeted skin cancer screening program in Australia, with the government recently pledging $10.3 million to help tackle“the most common cancer in our sunburnt country, skin cancer” by focusing on those at greater risk. Currently, Australian clinical practice guidelines recommend doctors properly evaluate all patients for their future risk of melanoma. Technological advances are improving the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. For example, researchers are investigating 3D total body skin imaging to monitor changes to spots and moles over time. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can analyse images of skin lesions, and support doctors' decision making. Genetic testing can now identify risk markers for more personalised screening. And telehealth has made remote consultations possible, increasing access to specialists, particularly in rural areas. Skin cancer can affect all skin types, so it's a good idea to become familiar with your own skin. The Skin Cancer College Australasia has introduced a guide called SCAN your skin , which tells people to look for skin spots or areas that are: 1. sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender) and don't heal within six weeks 2. changing in size, shape, colour or texture 3. abnormal for you and look different or feel different, or stand out when compared to your other spots and moles 4. new and have appeared on your skin recently. Any new moles or spots should be checked, especially if you are over 40. If something seems different, make an appointment with your doctor. You can self-assess your melanoma risk online via the Melanoma Institute Australia or QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute . MENAFN26122024000199003603ID1109033247 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

East Carolina sends UNT to fifth straight loss, bowl hopes now hinge on finaleTulane QB Mensah transfers to Duke

eGain extends stock repurchase program to 2025VANCOUVER, BC and BREDA, NETHERLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / December 6, 2024 / Organto Foods Inc. (TSXV:OGO)(OTC PINK:OGOFF) ("Organto" or the "Company"), a provider of branded, private label and bulk distributed healthy and organic fruit and vegetable products today announced that Mr. Jeremy Kendall has resigned as a Director of the Company due to personal circumstances, effective immediately. "On behalf of the entire Company, I want to thank Jeremy for his dedication and commitment since his appointment in February 2021. Jeremy's passion for organic and healthy foods, combined with deep industry experience has been invaluable as we have built our business and navigated our repositioning over the past year. Personally, I want to thank Jeremy for his invaluable advice and support, and more importantly his friendship. It has been an honour to have Jeremy on the Board and while he will be missed, I know we look forward to keeping in touch and soliciting his sage advice when appropriate." commented Steve Bromley, Chair and CEO. With the resignation of Mr. Kendall, the Company's Board of Directors is now comprised of six directors, five of whom are independent and one of whom is not by virtue of being an officer of the Company. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Steve Bromley Chair and CEO For more information contact: Investor Relations John Rathwell, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development 647 629 0018 info@organto.com ABOUT ORGANTO Organto is an integrated provider of branded, private label, and distributed organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products using a strategic asset-light business model to serve a growing socially responsible and health-conscious consumer around the globe. Organto's business model is rooted in its commitment to sustainable business practices focused on environmental responsibility and a commitment to the communities where it operates, its people, and its shareholders. SOURCE: Organto Foods Inc. View the original on accesswire.com

John Elway: remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in draft mitigated by watching Broncos rookie Bo Nix

acegame 888 5 big analyst AI moves: Nvidia earnings good for TSMC, Apple gets new bull-case PTThe Akwa Ibom State government has launched an investigation into the boarding facilities in public schools after a viral video The principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which will also review other boarding secondary schools across the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, emphasized the state's commitment to the welfare and dignity of all students, urging parents to support their children’s educatio n PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! The Akwa Ibom State government has initiated an investigation into the state of boarding facilities in public schools across the state. This action follows the suspension of the principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, after a viral video showed students being served unpalatable meals. Prompting the Investigation The state Commissioner for Education , Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday. Read also Maurid Polytechnic offers clarifications on Public health programme PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! She explained that the investigation was triggered by the disturbing video depicting the substandard meals provided to students at the Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep. "Following the very disturbing video where students were fed unpalatable and non-nutritious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school," Etiebet stated. Comprehensive Review Mrs. Etiebet has directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities not only at the implicated school but also in the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state. The review will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities. This effort will be jointly overseen by the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board. "Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the principal of the school, Dr. Nse Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation," the commissioner added. Read also FG sacks workers with Benin, Togo degrees? Authority opens up She emphasized that while the state's free education policy covers tuition fees but not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, particularly those in public schools, remain a priority for Governor Umo Eno’s administration. Parental Responsibilities and Government Commitment The commissioner appealed to parents to undertake basic parental responsibilities to support their children in secondary schools, especially given the relief from tuition fees provided by the state. "The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff," she asserted. Akwa Ibom Governor Postpones Payment of New Salary Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has postponed the implementation of 80,000 new minimum wage to workers in the state. Legit.ng recalls that Uno announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for state government workers. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ( NYSE:RCL – Get Free Report ) Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 139,353 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $237.89, for a total transaction of $33,150,685.17. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 18,167,507 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $4,321,868,240.23. This represents a 0.76 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen also recently made the following trade(s): Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Performance NYSE RCL opened at $241.49 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.63. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a twelve month low of $103.61 and a twelve month high of $242.20. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $201.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $171.49. The firm has a market cap of $64.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 2.59. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on RCL shares. UBS Group increased their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $168.00 to $183.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Tigress Financial raised their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $210.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $175.00 to $204.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 26th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $140.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Susquehanna upped their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $160.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a “positive” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $220.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on RCL Institutional Trading of Royal Caribbean Cruises A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of RCL. Anchor Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 175.0% during the third quarter. Anchor Investment Management LLC now owns 319 shares of the company’s stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. boosted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 33.3% during the third quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 300 shares of the company’s stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $210,000. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 9.5% in the 3rd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,796 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,053,000 after acquiring an additional 505 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Disciplined Growth Investors Inc. MN raised its holdings in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. Disciplined Growth Investors Inc. MN now owns 591,552 shares of the company’s stock worth $104,918,000 after acquiring an additional 13,520 shares in the last quarter. 87.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Royal Caribbean Cruises ( Get Free Report ) Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 21, 2024, it operated 65 ships. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .None

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SAN DIEGO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking move, Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Lucky Eagle Casio & Hotel have announced a strategic enterprise partnership that will revolutionize the gaming and hospitality industry in the Washington market, setting the stage for a dynamic synergy between technology and hospitality. The software deployment has been completed and training will begin soon. The state-of-the-art platform is expected to enhance operations, optimize service and ensure guests have an unparalleled experience. JaNessa Bumgarner, CEO of Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "We at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is a game-changer, and we believe it will not only streamline our operations but also elevate the level of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI's innovative solutions, we are confident in our ability to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Washington market. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation." Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, echoed this sentiment, expressing his satisfaction with the newly formed partnership, "At QCI, we value partnerships that are built on mutual respect, shared vision, and commitment. Our collaboration with Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is the epitome of such a relationship. We've been deeply impressed by the Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel team, their passion for excellence, and their unwavering dedication to enhancing guest experiences. I'm proud and excited about the journey ahead and confident that together, we'll set new standards in the Washington market." ABOUT Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is proudly owned and operated by The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation. The Chehalis Tribe is a vital community with rich cultural traditions that have endured for centuries. They honor their proud history and advance their vision by expanding business opportunities, educational resources and healthcare and outreach services. Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel is an award winning casino resort located in Rochester, Washington. We offer the newest in slots, table games, bingo, sportsbook, pet friendly hotel, award winning restaurants and much more! To learn more about us, please visit our website luckyeagle.com . ABOUT QCI Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 175 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $24 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com . About Andrew Cardno Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today's mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew's impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew's work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors. Contact: Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence Phone: 858-349-8354How the Fall of Assad Will Reshape the Middle East

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"Perfection is the enemy of progress." That old adage, famously attributed to Winston Churchill, significantly predates the phenomenon of artificial intelligence. But when it comes to deploying AI today, the proverb is more appropriate than ever. Many organizations experimenting with AI may find themselves stuck in a "perfection trap," reluctant to deploy anything less than 100% complete. This widespread hesitation to move forward can hinder AI progress — and very few organizations have moved beyond the experimentation phase. Some remain optimistic about scaling the technology, with surveyed leaders expecting to double the number of AI applications they operate in the coming year. But many still struggle to move beyond initial experiments and realize AI's full potential. Cathy Reese, Public Data and Technology Service Line Leader at IBM Consulting, focuses on how businesses can more effectively turn their AI ambitions into reality. Her advice to organizations looking to level up their AI efforts? Start with small, value-driven steps to overcome hesitancy and foster a dynamic culture that supports incremental progress. "By breaking down big problems, organizations can show value early and avoid getting stuck in the proof-of-concept phase, which delays meaningful returns," she said. Experiments that drive value According to Reese, a good first step for most organizations is to start with small-scale AI solutions that demonstrate immediate value. "It doesn't have to be perfect to make a difference — it's about showing value in steps," Reese added. According to the "AI in Action 2024" report, many decision-makers are seeing these gradual improvements — and in diverse areas. For example, almost half of those surveyed (47%) say they have seen a 25% or greater increase in staff productivity in areas where they've implemented AI. Leveraging trusted data These leaders are confident they will continue to see such gains, but AI should be based on reliable data. Roughly 80% of surveyed AI leaders report data-related challenges, including governance concerns. These challenges must be solved to turn AI experiments into full-scale projects. Establishing good governance Setting up governance boards with specialized roles can help address these concerns and build a framework to help scale AI across departments. By making trust and oversight the foundation of their AI strategy, organizations can transition confidently from small-scale pilots to impactful, enterprisewide implementations. Still, organizations must learn to recognize and address risks inherent in their AI projects. "It's about finding that sensible way to take risks — starting with projects that showcase AI's potential while building a comfort level within the organization," Reese said. To sustain growth, organizations should create AI centers of excellence staffed by teams of specialists who can guide AI projects at all stages, from early concept to full deployment. These knowledge hubs help embed AI capabilities throughout an organization to support cross-functional adoption and drive sustainable growth. In turn, this bridges the gap from experimental pilots to enterprise applications. The hype is real — and so are the results Reese said an AI readiness assessment is a critical part of her approach because it helps organizations measure their AI maturity and chart a realistic path forward. This assessment evaluates strategic, technical, and operational capabilities, so Reese and her team can design an incremental roadmap for AI deployment. This is key to ensuring the test project aligns with core business goals as it is scaled up. By understanding each organization's unique starting point, Reese enables her clients to scale AI responsibly. "The hype around AI is real, but so are the results," she said. Her approach emphasizes the importance of showing value at each stage rather than waiting for perfect solutions. Creating an environment that values steady growth means that organizations can build momentum and demonstrate AI's transformative impact over time. Leaders who champion a culture of progress will find that AI's value becomes evident, and can help them stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven world. The path to successful AI adoption relies on intentional, incremental progress. Starting small lays the foundation, but the ultimate goal is a structured approach to scaling and integrating AI as a core part of the organization's long-term strategy. By avoiding the perfection trap, leaders can foster sustained innovation and maximize the value of their AI investments. Read the AI in Action 2024 report to learn more about how IBM can help you turn AI experiments into transformative solutions. This post was created by Insider Studios with IBM.Trump Jr helps pick most controversial cabinet

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona on Saturday to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and “The people without homes uphold their rights.” The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States . Organizers said that over 100,000 had turned out, while Barcelona’s police said they estimated some 22,000 marched. Either way, the throngs of people clogging the streets recalled the massive separatist rallies at the height of the previous decade’s Catalan independence movement. Now, social concerns led by housing have displaced political crusades. That is because the average rent for Spain has doubled in last 10 years. The price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros ($7.5) in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to the popular online real estate website Idealista. The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes meanwhile have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Protestor Samuel Saintot said he is “frustrated and scared” after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for the past 15 years in Barcelona’s city center that he must vacate the premises. He suspects that the owners want him out so they can renovate it and boost the price. “Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometer radius outside town, I can’t even find anything within the price range I can afford,” he told The Associated Press. “And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary. And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town.” A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so. “We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes,” said Ignasi Martí, professor for Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory. The rise in rents is causing significant pain in Spain, where traditionally people seek to own their homes. Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Many migrants to Spain are also disproportionately hit by the high rents because they often do not have enough savings. Spain is near the bottom end of OECD countries with under 2% of all housing available being public housing for rent. The OECD average is 7%. Spain is far behind France, with 14%, Britain with 16%, and the Netherlands with 34%. Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for Barcelona’s Tenants Union which helped organize the protest, said that renters should consider a “rent strike” and cease paying their monthly rents in a mass protest movement. “I think we the tenants have understood that this depends on us. That we can’t keep asking and making demands to the authorities and waiting for an answer. We must take the reins of the situation,” Arcarazo told the AP. “So, if they (the owners) won’t lower the rent, then we will force them to do it." The Barcelona protest came a month after tens of thousands rallied against high rents in Madrid. The rising discontent over housing is putting pressure on Spain’s governing Socialist party, which leads a coalition on the national level and is in charge of Catalonia’s regional government and Barcelona’s city hall. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presided over what the government termed a “housing summit” including government officials and real estate developers last month. But the Barcelona’s Tenants Union boycotted the event, saying it was like calling a summit for curing cancer and inviting tobacco companies to participate. The leading government measure has been a rent cap mechanism that the central government has offered to regional authorities based on a price index established by the housing ministry. Rent controls can be applied to areas deemed to be “highly stressed” by high rental prices. Catalonia was the first region to apply those caps, which are in place in downtown Barcelona. Many locals blame the million of tourists who visit Barcelona, and the rest of Spain, each year for the high prices. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate the city’s 10,000 so called “tourist apartments,” or dwellings with permits for short-term rents, by 2028.

Pep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. FULL-TIME | A point apiece. 🩵 3-3 ⚫️ #ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/6oj1nEOIwm — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 26, 2024 Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Putting on a show at Sporting 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Yi9MgRZEkl — Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2024 Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. 🔔 FULL TIME – Victory at home! +3 in the #UCL 👏❤️ #FCBayern #MiaSanMia | #FCBPSG #UCL pic.twitter.com/BYE23dXXih — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) November 26, 2024 Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.

Rhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association titleHome entertainment holiday specials: These offers are readily available, not a “limited quantity doorbuster.” I do not know how long the various promotions run, but the industry buzz is we will see repeats between now and Christmas so if you miss the deal first time around, keep checking. There is a good chance you will see it offered again. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $32.99 – Normally $59.99, this streaming device is practically an entire entertainment system. In addition to streaming apps, it has an AI art mode that generates unique art by voice command. It also supports Xbox Live, so you can play Xbox games without buying an expensive console. Just add an Xbox controller, subscribe to the service and enjoy. amazon.com Apple 10.2-inch iPad, $199 – The ninth-generation iPad is older but still works well. It is reduced from the $329 MSRP. apple.com Cambridge Audio AXN10/MXN10 Network Players, $399 – A network player connects directly to the internet to play music and internet radio from streaming sources. They are a must-have for anyone with a component audio system, and these two players from Cambridge are best-in-class with their exquisite construction, fine sound quality and easy-to-use, comprehensive StreamMagic app. Reduced from the introductory price of $599. cambridgeaudio.com Klipsch RP-600M II bookshelf speakers, $499/pair – You will not find a better speaker under $500. You will probably not find a better speaker for the $649 list price, either. The RP-600M II has received great praise from Stereophile magazine, a high-end audiophile publication that routinely tests audio products selling for $100,000 or more. After hearing the RP-600M II, I can understand why. They don’t require much power and the sound is transparent, rich, forward, lively, engaging and dynamic without coming across as over-boosted or unnatural. They dig solidly into the bass registers without a subwoofer and vividly bring any kind of music to life. Available online and in stores. klipsch.com Nebula Cosmos 4K SE projector, $999 – A few weeks ago I praised this new 4K Google TV smart projector with a dual Laser-LED light source. It can throw a beautiful 4K image that rivals what you see in a good movie theater, is easy to use and the $1,299 price is a breakthrough. At $999 a lot more people should get a projector and experience how life-changing it can be for movies, sports, television and gaming. seenebula.com Samsung Q80D QLED televisions, $749-$1,749 – The Q80D sale makes it possible to get a truly stunning high-end TV for little more than the cost of something ordinary. The 85-inch for $1,749 is a particular standout, a savings of $1,550. samsung.com Q. It may be outside your wheelhouse, but I’ll throw it out there. I really love having an electric wine opener, as arthritic hands no longer enjoy the stress of corkscrews or manual wine openers. I’m now on my second one, an Oster brand that feels clunky and doesn’t feel like it will last. I’d love it if you would review these devices. No pressure, just askin’. – R.A., Sunnyvale, Calif. A. I don’t drink at all, so in that sense it is outside of my wheelhouse! However my significant other is an oenophile and I bet she would like to have one. I am going to buy a few to try out and will report on what we find. I am publishing your email now because I think an electric wine opener could be a great gift for wine lovers, and many readers may not know they exist. If anyone out there has suggestions for models to test, please contact me through my website.king game888 。

A loud explosion was heard near Euston station today (Saturday, November 23) as UK police officers dealt with another bomb scare - the fifth in four days. Passengers were removed from the busy rail hub on Saturday afternoon (November 23) while the Met carried out a ‘controlled explosion’ just after 12:40pm. There have been five separate incidents in 96 hours after a similar incident in Scotland earlier this week. On Wednesday (November 20) at around 1pm, Buchanan Bus station in Glasgow was evacuated and there was a controlled explosion after an initial report that Police Scotland said was treated as 'a credible threat' . It later transpired nothing suspicious had been found and three men arrested over possession of offensive weapons were released without charge. Then at London Gatwick Airport, at about 8:20am on Friday morning (November 22), there was another bomb scare, causing disruption for thousands of travellers. A Sussex Police bomb disposal team made the package safe, the force said, and two people who were detained during the investigation were allowed to continue their journeys. Later on Friday morning, the Met carried out a controlled explosion outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, South West London, after reports of a suspicious package. After the explosion, a Scotland Yard spokesperson said:"Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device . An investigation will now follow." The US Embassy said it had cancelled public appointments for the rest of the day. Later the same day, at around 5pm in Chester city centre, near Liverpool, there was another controlled explosion at the bus and railway stations, causing delays for some passengers. A cordon was put up and Cheshire Police bomb squad made the area safe. Witnesses heard a 'very loud bang', BBC News reports. A Cheshire Police spokesperson later said "all was in order". This afternoon the Met wrote on X to say there had been reports of an incident near Euston Station, with police cordons in place while officers investigated a suspicious package. Around 20 minutes later the force confirmed the cordon had been lifted after a controlled explosion. The successive number of bomb scares in a short space of time has led to some speculation on social media. So far, however, there has been no comment from police, the Government, or security services. MyLondon has approached the Met's Counter Terror department to ask if the incidents are thought to be linked. Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582. Don't miss out on the latest crime stories from across London. Sign up to MyLondon's Court & Crime newsletter HEREKey nations raced Saturday to salvage UN climate talks after the poorest countries pushed back angrily for more than $300 billion a year in help from historic wealthy emitters. More than a day past the scheduled conclusion of two days of COP29 talks, host Azerbaijan urged bleary-eyed delegates to seek consensus to avoid failure. "I know that none of us want to leave Baku without a good outcome," COP president Mukhtar Babayev told a late-night session, urging all nations to "bridge the remaining divide". Developing power Brazil pleaded for at least some progress and said it would seek to build on it when it leads COP30 next year in the Amazon gateway of Belem. "After the difficult experience that we're having here in Baku, we need to reach some outcome that is minimally acceptable in line with the emergency we're facing," Brazil's environment minister Marina Silva told delegates. A number of nations have accused Azerbaijan, an authoritarian oil and gas exporter, of lacking the experience and will to meet the moment, as the planet again sets record temperatures and faces rising deadly disasters. Small island nations threatened by rising seas and impoverished African states on Saturday angrily stormed out of a meeting with Azerbaijan, saying their concerns had been ignored. The European Union, United States and other wealthy countries met directly with poorer nations to work out final details, with both blocs also concerned at efforts led by Saudi Arabia to water down calls from last year's summit to phase out fossil fuels. "If we don't do it, people at home -- in every home across the world -- would say, why did you not get an agreement? Because I believe we can," Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan told AFP. A draft of the final text seen by AFP proposes that rich nations raise to $300 billion a year by 2035 their commitment to poorer countries to fight climate change. It is up from $100 billion now provided by wealthy nations under a commitment set to expire -- and from $250 billion proposed in a draft Friday. That offer was slammed as offensively low by developing countries, which have demanded at least $500 billion to build resilience against climate change and cut emissions. Sierra Leone's climate minister Jiwoh Abdulai, whose country is among the world's poorest, called the draft "effectively a suicide pact for the rest of the world". - Tired and 'disheartened' - As staff at the cavernous and windowless stadium began closing down, diplomats rushed to meetings with one another, some ready with food and water in preparation for another late night. Panama's outspoken negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, voiced anger at offers by rich countries but warned not to repeat the failure of COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. "I'm sad, I'm tired, I'm disheartened, I'm hungry, I'm sleep-deprived, but there is a tiny ray of optimism within me because this cannot become a new Copenhagen," he told reporters. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the revised offer of $300 billion was "a significant scaling up" of the existing pledge by developed nations, which also count the United States, EU and Japan among their ranks. Climate activists shouted "shame" as US climate envoy John Podesta walked the halls. "Hopefully this is the storm before the calm," he said. Wealthy nations say it is politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding. Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, returns to the White House in January and a number of other Western countries have seen right-wing backlashes against the green agenda. The draft deal posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources. - 'Not going backwards' - Ali Mohamed, the Kenyan chair of the African Group of Negotiators, told AFP: "No deal is better than a bad deal." South African environment minister Dion George, however, said: "I think being ambitious at this point is not going to be very useful." "What we are not up for is going backwards or standing still," he said. "We might as well just have stayed at home then." The US and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China -- the world's largest emitter -- to chip in. China, which remains classified as a developing nation under the UN framework, provides climate assistance but wants to keep doing so on its own voluntary terms. The EU and other countries have also tussled with Saudi Arabia over including strong language on moving away from fossil fuels, which negotiators say the oil-producing country has resisted. "We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the new, few rich fossil fuel emitters," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. bur-np-sct/lth/giv

Though Luigi Mangione comes from a wealthy and prominent family, anonymous online donors have chipped in thousands of dollars to fund his legal defense against charges connected to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. One fundraiser on the Christian-based free speech fundraising platform GiveSendGo had raised more than $31,000 as of Wednesday afternoon on the way to a $200,000 goal. The New Jersey-based fund was created by a newly-formed "December 4th Legal Committee," possibly referencing the date of the shooting. Representatives from GiveSendGo told USA TODAY multiple campaigns have been created for Mangione, including a smaller fundraiser that was unpublished Wednesday. Mangione's attorney, Thomas Dickey, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY, but told CNN Tuesday his client appreciates the support but he "probably wouldn't" accept funds to cover Mangione's legal costs. Organizers on GiveSendGo said on the fundraiser they've written directly to Mangione in jail to determine how he would like to use the funds. If he rejects them, the money would be donated to "legal funds for other U.S. political prisoners." Other social media pages have linked to Mangione's jail commissary account soliciting donations for "snacks, sodas, an iPad, etc." But the group behind the December 4th Legal Committee fundraiser has virtually no online presence and it's not clear how the platform itself, which has been hacked in the past , ensures the money will go where donors think it will, according to Megan Spire, deputy director for data analytics and the OSINT Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center. "You don't really know who you're even giving money to," Spire said. "It's just, it's all very potentially shady." Live updates: Fingerprints, gun link accused shooter Luigi Mangione with CEO killing, police say Controversial defendants and extremists frequently fundraise online GiveSendGo, which has billed itself as the "#1 free Christian crowdfunding site," became a popular choice for fundraising for controversial figures , including people accused of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and members of the Proud Boys. Daniel Penny, a former Marine who was found not guilty Monday of criminally negligent homicide in the death of a homeless man in New York City, raised more than $3 million on the platform and Kyle Rittenhouse , who was found not guilty of all charges after shooting three people in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during a protest against police brutality, raked in more than $250,000. There's been a strong push to get tech companies to stop allowing individuals who promote hate and threaten violence to profit off their platforms, but companies like GiveSendGo have been "extremely resistant" to the calls, Spire said. The more mainstream fundraising site GoFundMe has removed fundraisers supporting Mangione and refunded donations, a spokesperson for GoFundMe told USA TODAY Wednesday, noting the company's terms of service prohibits fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes. But those rules don't apply on GiveSendGo. "While other platforms deny individuals the chance to raise funds for a quality legal defense based on their agendas, we believe people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," Heather Wilson, co-founder of GiveSendGo said in a statement after the Penny verdict. "Regardless of media portrayals or public pressure, it’s our responsibility to uphold that right, even for causes we may not personally support. Justice isn’t served when resources are limited to those who fit certain narratives." Exclusive: Extremists raised $6.2 million on crowdfunding websites in 'heyday' of financing Wilson told USA TODAY crowdfunding helps level the playing field in the criminal justice system by allowing people to secure quality representation and cover court related expenses. "The presumption of innocence and the right to legal representation should not be reserved for the wealthy," she said in a statement to USA TODAY. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family that sent him to prestigious, expensive schools . His late grandfather, Nicholas Mangione Sr., developed real estate and owned country clubs, nursing homes, and a radio station, while his late grandmother, Mary Mangione, was a philanthropist who served as a trustee for the Baltimore Opera Company, on the county tourism board and with groups such as the American Citizens for Italian Matters. His mother owns a funeral home in the area. Fighting a complex legal battle is expensive, even for someone like Mangione who appears to come from wealth, Rainey Reitman, board president for Freedom of the Press Foundation said. Reitman said companies have a right to determine what fundraisers they allow and people have a right to use their money to ensure a defendant gets adequate legal representation. "I would push back against anyone who's trying to tell them to take these fundraisers offline, if it's just because they disagree with what he allegedly did," said Reitman, an author of a forthcoming book on financial companies' terms of service. "This isn't about what he allegedly did. It's about whether or not he can get a strong legal defense, and that something we should all be able to agree on." While the companies themselves may be motivated by a desire to ensure everyone has access to a robust defense, Spire said what appears to motivating people donating to Mangione's defense is widespread anger at the health care system and a view of the suspect as a political prisoner, which she said mirrors rhetoric from supporters of insurrectionists. "People can give for whatever reason they want, but it's a little disingenuous to say that this is all about a liberal defense," she said. "The data belies that. When you read the actual comments, it shows that people aren't really thinking about his defense, they're thinking about themselves and their own anger." Where does the money go? When a person seeks legal aid, lawyers set up what is called an “Interest on Lawyer Trust Account” where money for legal services can be held separately, Reitman explained. Organizers of online fundraisers often have no direct connection to the people they're fundraising for and donors must trust them to do the leg work to ensure the money is deposited in the correct account. Wilson told USA TODAY GiveSendGo takes its verification process seriously, but "does not monitor or control how funds are used after disbursement." She said if a recipient were to reject donations, the funds would not be given to them and donations can be refunded or directed to alternative causes with the giver's permission. "As we remind every giver, It is your responsibility to understand to whom and what you are giving," Wilson said. Reitman said people looking to donate to Mangione's defense should consider waiting until an official fundraiser is set up by his legal team or a reputable nonprofit. "It is the case that in some instances, people who are trying to take advantage of the situation might attempt to set up a fundraiser and have no intention of giving that money to the defense," Reitman said. "So I think that's a real concern, and people should have some skepticism about where they're sending their money to." Contributing: Brenna Smith , Jessica Guynn , Will Carless , Mary Walrath-Holdridge , USA TODAYWhat makes a good beer? Master brewer tells everything there is to knowHamden (fifth right) celebrates his ‘goal’ on stage, during a gimmick to mark the launch of the event at the BCCK in Kuching. KUCHING (Dec 18): The Forest Department (JHS) has drawn up four key pillars for its 2025 strategic roadmap. In announcing this at the ‘JHS Director’s Address, 2025 Roadmap and Appreciation Ceremony’ at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Monday night, the department’s director Datu Hamden Mohammad said these initiatives meant to align the department with evolving challenges and opportunities. “Firstly, JHS will diversify Sarawak’s economy by exploring forest carbon initiatives as a new revenue source, enhancing both the state’s economy and sustainability commitments. “Secondly, digital transformation will continue with innovations like COMOS, EFIMS, and EcoHub, improving operational efficiency and sustainable forest management.” Adding on, Hamden said JHS had pledged to plant 50 million trees by 2025, ensuring the preservation of Sarawak’s forest ecosystems for future generations. “Social equity will also remain a focus by JHS through community development programmes, including social forestry and non-timber forest products, benefitting local communities directly,” he added. On another matter, Hamden emphasised the value of teamwork under the theme ‘Collaborating as One Team to Drive Organisational Excellence’, comparing it to football, where every player works together toward a shared goal. He then expressed gratitude to the media, acknowledging their role as vital team members in promoting public understanding and support for conservation efforts. “Teamwork is essential for success. “Like in football, each player must know their role, collaborate, and contribute to the common objective. “I deeply appreciate the media’s dedication in delivering accurate information about our initiatives, which has strengthened public support for conservation,” he said, quoting Vince Lombardi who said: “Individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilisation work.” Reflecting on recent achievements, Hamden highlighted a number of innovations such as the department receiving national and international accolades, planting over 35 million trees, and securing ISO 37001 certification for anti-bribery practices. “Over the past two years, Forest Department Sarawak has achieved remarkable successes, earning national and international recognition. Notable achievements include the Diploma Special Award and several Gold and Silver Awards at the Malaysian Technology Expo in 2023 and 2024. “During those expos, we have showcased innovative projects like COMOS, SARABOM, SMART Forestry, and REVLOG, which highlight the department’s commitment to sustainable technology. “The department also obtained MS ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) certification, reflecting its dedication to integrity and transparency. Conservation efforts, such as planting 35 million trees, exceeded annual targets, demonstrating the team’s dedication. “Additionally, initiatives like social forestry and ecotourism projects have improved local livelihoods and raised awareness about environmental conservation,” he elaborated. Hamden said despite challenges like illegal logging and climate change, the department remained committed to sustainable progress, guided by the collective efforts of its team. Meanwhile, the event at BCCK highlighted the ‘football’ themed concept, with all guests encouraged to wear football jerseys.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday passed a resolution condemning the Delhi government and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal for playing a “fraud on people” in the name of “registration” for the proposed Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. The resolution was passed in a weekly meeting of the NDMC in the presence of BJP’s New Delhi Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj, who is an ex-officio member of the civic body, whose members are nominated by the Centre. NDMC vice-chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the resolution was passed “unanimously”. ‘Delivered on promises’ Hitting back, AAP in a statement said, “In the past three to four days, a staggering 22 lakh registrations have been done under the Mahila Samman Yojana.” It said people know that Mr. Kejriwal is the “only leader in the country” who has consistently delivered on promises. “When Kejriwal has promised ₹2,100 every month for women in Delhi, they know he will fulfil it.” The development came a day after the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development Department and Health Department distanced themselves from both schemes through public notices in several newspapers. In separate notices, both departments cautioned people against filling any forms for the schemes, saying no such schemes exist and people “should not entertain such promises”. AAP had earlier launched drives to collect personal details of people for the proposed schemes. The scheme to provide monthly stipend of ₹1,000 to women was announced in the 2024-25 Delhi budget. Mr. Kejriwal had promised to hike the amount to ₹2,100 on retaining power in the upcoming Delhi Assembly poll. He had also promised to provide senior citizens free treatment at all city hospitals under the Sanjeevani Yojana on winning the election. Dikshit seeks probe Meanwhile, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, who is pitted against Mr. Kejriwal in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, urged Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena to launch a probe into the issue, saying women’s personal details are being collected for a scheme that “doesn’t exist”. “A case should be filed against the two persons — Atishi [Chief Minister] and Arvind Kejriwal,” he said in a letter to the L-G. Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha members protested outside Mr. Kejriwal’s residence — 5, Ferozeshah Road. They were detained by the police and later released with a warning, a police officer said. Published - December 27, 2024 01:32 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Delhi / politicsAce hire: Djokovic names ex-rival Murray coach

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada , then the Panama Canal . Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland . The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he’s picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20. In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn’t done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He’s also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Trump tweaking friendly countries harkens back to an aggressive style he used during his days in business. “You ask something unreasonable and it’s more likely you can get something less unreasonable,” said Farnsworth, who is also author of the book “Presidential Communication and Character.” Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by an ice sheet and is home to a large U.S. military base. It gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, suggested that Trump’s latest calls for U.S. control would be as meaningless as those made in his first term. “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” he said in a statement. “We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom.” The Danish Prime Minister’s Office said in its own statement that the government is “looking forward to welcoming the new American ambassador. And the Government is looking forward to working with the new administration.” “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial,” the statement said. It noted that it had no comment on Greenland except for it “not being for sale, but open for cooperation.” Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, and ultimately came to nothing . He also suggested Sunday that the U.S. is getting “ripped off” at the Panama Canal. “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question,” he said. Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded in a video that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to,” but Trump fired back on his social media site, “We’ll see about that!” The president-elect also posted a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone under the phrase, “Welcome to the United States Canal!” The United States built the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter . The canal depends on reservoirs that were hit by 2023 droughts that forced it to substantially reduce the number of daily slots for crossing ships. With fewer ships, administrators also increased the fees that shippers are charged to reserve slots to use the canal. The Greenland and Panama flareups followed Trump recently posting that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State” and offering an image of himself superimposed on a mountaintop surveying surrounding territory next to a Canadian flag. Trudeau suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. “Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by putting Canada off balance, particularly given the precarious current political environment in Canada,” Farnsworth said. “Maybe claim a win on trade concessions, a tighter border or other things.” He said the situation is similar with Greenland. “What Trump wants is a win,” Farnsworth said. “And even if the American flag doesn’t raise over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to say yes to something else because of the pressure.” __ Associated Press writers Gary Fields in Washington and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.US CEO slaying suspect charged with murder as 'act of terrorism'

Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join GuardiansNEW ORLEANS — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” 'I'm a travelin' dog and I've made a lot of stops/All over this town...' Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. '...And at every stop I own the heart, of at least one lovely...' People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. Neighbor Tammy Murray had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues van toward reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim came to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter for stealth. '...If you're ever in the 9th Ward stop and see/My cute little mini poodle...' Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something," she said. "He's doing that, too.” Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” '...and my Shar-Pei doll down in old Treme/Waits for my return...' Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.”The EU has intensified its focus on foreign subsidies through the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation and Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). The Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation targets subsidies from non-EU countries that distort competition in the EU market. The FSR expands the EU’s ability to address foreign subsidies affecting mergers, acquisitions, public procurement, and other commercial activities within the EU market. To prepare for potential investigations, companies should understand regulatory frameworks and consider implementing strategic measures. As the European Union increases its regulatory focus on foreign subsidies, businesses face a complex and evolving compliance landscape. This GT Alert specifically addresses the EU’s investigative actions under two key frameworks: the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1037) and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR)(Regulation (EU) 2022/2560) and highlights notable cases, such as the investigation into Chinese-built battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation, which led to definitive countervailing duties, as well as inquiries into Chinese wind turbine suppliers and security technology company Nuctech under the FSR. The alert does not explore broader regulatory measures but instead focuses on the investigative processes and general strategies businesses can consider to prepare for potential EU investigations. Whether operating in the EU or entering the market, businesses should understand the differences and common themes in these cases should an investigation occur. Overview of the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation and FSR The Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation and the FSR are two key legislative tools in the EU’s trade defense and competition policy toolkit. Both regulations aim to address competitive distortions that foreign subsidies from non-European countries cause to the EU internal market. The EU employs these instruments to maintain a level playing field for EU businesses and to ensure fair competition. The Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation, in effect since 2018, empowers the European Commission (EC) to investigate such subsidies and impose countervailing duties (CVDs) on imports benefiting from them, along with other remedies. This regulation is designed to safeguard EU industries from unfair competition by neutralizing the advantage non-EU countries gain from foreign subsidies, often by raising the price of subsidized imports. While the regulation focuses on direct subsidies to specific industries or companies, it also covers other forms of financial contributions that confer a benefit, such as grants, loans, tax incentives, or the provision of goods and services below market value. It primarily relies on trade measures like CVDs to level the playing field and mitigate the unfair advantage such subsidies provide, while also allowing for other appropriate actions where necessary. The FSR, effective since 2023, expands the EU’s ability to address the distortive effects of foreign subsidies beyond the realm of traditional trade measures. It grants the EC powers to investigate foreign subsidies that may undermine competition in a wide range of scenarios, including mergers and acquisitions, public procurement processes, and other commercial activities within the EU market. M&A transactions and public procurement proceedings require ex-ante notifications only when specific thresholds are met. However, the EC can investigate every foreign subsidy during ex-officio proceedings regardless of any thresholds. This regulation is particularly relevant to the digital technology, green energy, telecommunications, transportation, and national security sectors, where fairness and competitiveness are critical to EU strategic interests. Unlike trade-focused instruments, the FSR offers flexibility by enabling the EC to deploy a variety of remedies tailored to specific situations. These measures include, among others, blocking mergers, imposing conditions on acquisitions, excluding subsidized companies from participating in public procurement tenders, and requiring companies to repay the subsidies in cases where they distort competition. In essence, the FSR builds on the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation’s foundation by broadening its scope to address emerging challenges in the global economy. It incorporates additional tools to manage foreign subsidies across various sectors, reflecting the EU’s evolving approach to market fairness. Comparing Investigations under the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation and FSR Investigations under the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation and the FSR aim to protect the EU market from foreign subsidies that distort competition. Each investigation underscores the EU’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field. Chinese-Built Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): The investigation into Chinese-made BEVs falls under the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation due to concerns over foreign subsidies that may give Chinese manufacturers an unfair competitive advantage in the EU’s automotive market. This case primarily focuses on how subsidies may distort trade by lowering the price of imported vehicles, potentially harming EU producers and jobs. The investigation is data-driven, focuses on market assessments, trade-flow analysis, and competitive impact. Wind Turbine Manufacturers: The investigation into Chinese wind turbine manufacturers falls under the FSR and explores how foreign subsidies affect competition in the renewable energy sector. Unlike the BEV case, which centers on trade dynamics, this investigation adopts a broader, sector-wide approach, analyzing the impact of subsidies on the wind turbine market, including market trends and industry practices, rather than focusing solely on trade flows. Nuctech: The investigation into Nuctech, a Chinese company in the security technology sector, is an example of a case under the FSR driven by national security concerns. The EC inquiry involved a dawn raid at the company’s Dutch and Polish offices, aimed at gathering evidence of potential subsidies that could distort competition in the EU’s security sector. The FSR is appropriate for this investigation given its focus on addressing market distortions in sensitive sectors such as national security and critical infrastructure. While the investigations are all part of the EU’s broader efforts to address foreign subsidies, they differ in applicable regulations, underlying concerns, and methodologies: Applicable Regulations: The BEV inquiry falls under the Basic Anti-Subsidy Regulation, which focuses on foreign subsidies in the context of goods imports. Conversely, the wind turbine and Nuctech cases fall under the FSR, allowing the EU to assess whether foreign subsidies distort competition across various economic activities, from sector-specific impacts to security-related concerns. Nature of the Concerns: The BEV and wind turbine cases are primarily driven by concerns over economic fairness, aiming to ensure that subsidies in these sectors do not distort EU market competition. In contrast, the Nuctech investigation is driven by national security issues, given the sensitive nature of the security technology sector. Investigative Methods: Although both frameworks permit varied investigation methods, the nature of the concerns often dictates the approach. For example, the BEV and wind turbine investigations involved extensive data collection and market analysis, typical for economic-focused inquiries. The Nuctech investigation, however, involved a dawn raid—a tactic often reserved for cases involving urgent security or compliance concerns. Considerations for Companies Despite the differences in applicable regulations, specific concerns, and investigative methods, there are common strategies that businesses can consider to prepare for and respond to EU investigations. Businesses should consider taking proactive steps to navigate potential inquiries: Establish a Compliance Team: Form a dedicated team from legal, finance, and operations. Appoint a compliance officer to lead the team, ensuring regular monitoring and reporting of relevant information. This cohesive unit can address issues and coordinate responses to EC inquiries. Risk Assessment: Collect and process historical data on financial contributions across the whole capital group over the past three years and gather evidence to demonstrate that received subsidies could not distort the EU internal market (e.g., that the financial contributions were made on market terms). Engage Regulatory Consultants: Hire professionals well-versed in EU regulatory compliance. These may include lawyers with knowledge of legal frameworks, economists with experience in market analysis, and other consultants suited to your industry’s needs. Select consultants with proven experience in navigating EU regulations who can provide tailored advice to specific industries. Their insights can clarify the regulatory landscape and equip organizations to meet their obligations effectively. Implement Targeted Training: To reduce the risk of non-compliance, organize training sessions on EU foreign-subsidy regulations for both staff and senior management. Utilize external professionals or in-house resources to conduct workshops that incorporate case studies from past investigations and offer practical insights. Ensure that key decision-makers in senior management are involved, as their awareness is essential for cultivating a culture of compliance. Develop a Crisis Management Plan: Establish a plan detailing steps to take in the event of an investigation. Include communication strategies, designate spokespersons, and set protocols for interactions with regulatory authorities. A well-laid plan can help a company respond effectively and even mitigate risks before they escalate into formal investigations. Conclusion While EU investigations pose challenges, a proactive approach may help mitigate risks and enhance overall compliance. Staying informed and prepared is crucial for companies participating in the EU market. By understanding the regulatory landscape and implementing strategic measures, organizations can better navigate potential inquiries and safeguard their interests in an increasingly complex environment. * Special thanks to Qualified Chinese Legal Consultant Ran Chang for contributing to this GT Alert.“My Uncle Sent Me”: Angel Reese Points Out How People Easily Believe AI Pictures and Fake News

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eldorado Gold Corporation (“Eldorado” or “the Company”) today releases its updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource (“MRMR”) estimates as of September 30, 2024. “Our updated Mineral Reserves estimate provides a solid foundation and underpins our production profile over the next decade and beyond,” said George Burns, President and CEO. “We were pleased to increase our Mineral Reserves by approximately 2% overall, driven by increases at the Lamaque Complex and Efemcukuru that extends Reserve mine life significantly and complements our already long mine life assets at Skouries, Kisladag and Olympias. The Lamaque Complex Mineral Reserve increased by 45%, driven primarily by the declaration of an Inaugural Mineral Reserve at Ormaque of 619 thousand ounces. This follows a solid track record of successfully replacing Mineral Reserves since acquiring the asset in 2017 and sets up the Lamaque Complex for the long-term with two underground mines with significant Inferred Mineral Resource conversion potential and exploration upside.” “In addition, at Efemcukuru, we increased Mineral Reserves by 23% resulting in an extension to the mine life by an additional two years to an updated life of mine of eight years. Efemcukuru has been a reliable producer since 2011, and our team remains committed to exploring opportunities to extend mine life further. During 2025, our focus will continue to be on extending the mine life at our existing operations and testing near-mine exploration targets, while seeking a discovery from our highly prospective portfolio of early stage exploration targets in Canada and Turkiye.” Mineral Reserves Update The Company’s Proven and Probable gold Mineral Reserves totalled 11.9 million ounces as of September 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 2% from the previous MRMR statement from September 30, 2023. The complete MRMR table and notes can be found at the end of this release. (1) The Company’s total MRMR excludes Mineral Reserves at its non-core Romanian asset (Certej). As disclosed in the Q3 2024 Managements Discussion & Analysis, the Certej project has been presented as a disposal group held for sale as at September 30, 2024 and as a discontinued operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. On October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to sell the Certej project. The closing of the disposition is subject to certain conditions. (2) Depletion declared here are in-situ ounces. Depletion includes the 12-month period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. Excluding depletion, the increase in Mineral Reserves is primarily attributable to additions at Kokarpinar South at Efemcukuru as well as an inaugural Mineral Reserve estimate for the Ormaque deposit within the Lamaque Complex. The following table summarizes the period-over-period changes to the Company’s Mineral Reserves: NOTE: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) The Company reports its MRMR as of September 30, 2024. As such, the change year over year is from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Mineral Resources Update Eldorado’s Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (“M&I Mineral Resources”) totalled 22.0 million ounces gold, as of September 30, 2024. The Company successfully converted Inferred Mineral Resources to M&I Mineral Resources at Ormaque, within the Lamaque Complex, and at Efemcukuru. The total is offset by depletion at the other operating mines. This resulted in a 3% decrease from the previous MRMR statement from September 30th, 2023. Eldorado’s Inferred Mineral Resources totalled 6.8 million ounces as of September 30, 2024, a 10% decrease from the previous MRMR statement. Detailed MRMR disclosure tables are included at the end of this news release. The following table summarizes the period-over-period changes to the Company’s Mineral Resources: NOTE: Totals may not sum due to rounding. (1) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. (2) The Company Reports on its MRMR as of September 30, 2024. As such, the change year over year is from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. (3) As disclosed in the Q3 2024 Managements Discussion & Analysis, the Certej project has been presented as a disposal group held for sale as at September 30, 2024 and as a discontinued operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. On October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to sell the Certej project. The closing of the disposition is subject to certain conditions. 2025 Reporting Schedule The Company intends to report, and host a conference call led by senior management, as set out in the table below. The Company reserves the right to amend the schedule in its discretion and will inform the market of any changes in schedule. About Eldorado Eldorado is a gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkiye, Canada and Greece. The Company has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with local communities. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO). Contact Investor Relations Lynette Gould, VP, Investor Relations, Communications & External Affairs 647 271 2827 or 1 888 353 8166 lynette.gould@eldoradogold.com Media Chad Pederson, Director, Communications and Public Affairs 236 885 6251 or 1 888 353 8166 chad.pederson@eldoradogold.com Notes: (1) Resource grades are reported undiluted, however resources are assessed for reasonable expectation of economic extraction by applying expected minimum mining shapes. (2) As disclosed in the Q3 2024 Managements Discussion & Analysis, the Certej project has been presented as a disposal group held for sale as at September 30, 2024 and as a discontinued operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. On October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to sell the Certej project. The closing of the disposition is subject to certain conditions. (3) Mineralized shapes based on RPEEE identified based on 2.5 g/t Au COG; within shapes material below incremental COG of 1.0 g/t have been excluded; grades are diluted by must-take material between 1.0 and 2.5 g/t Au. (4) Due to narrow veins, continued conversion of Resources to Reserves at Ormaque will reflect expected lower grades to fully represent mining modifying factors. Notes: (1) Resource grades are reported undiluted, however resources are assessed for reasonable expectation of economic extraction by applying expected minimum mining shapes. (2) As disclosed in the Q3 2024 Managements Discussion & Analysis, the Certej project has been presented as a disposal group held for sale as at September 30, 2024 and as a discontinued operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. On October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement to sell the Certej project. The closing of the disposition is subject to certain conditions. (3) Due to narrow veins, any future potential conversion of Resources to Reserves at Ormaque will reflect expected lower grades to fully represent mining modifying factors. ADVISORIES AND DETAILED NOTES ON MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES General Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are as of September 30, 2024 The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources were classified using logic consistent with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves (2014) incorporated, by reference, into National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Sample preparation, analytical techniques, laboratories used, and quality assurance and quality control protocols used during exploration drilling programs are done consistent with industry standards and independent certified assay labs are used. Mineral Reserves are included in the Mineral Resources. The Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are disclosed on a total project basis. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. With respect to “Inferred Mineral Resources”, there is a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a “Measured Mineral Resource”, “Indicated Mineral Resource” or “Inferred Mineral Resource” will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Additional information on the Kisladag, Efemcukuru, Olympias, Skouries and Lamaque mineral properties mentioned in this news release (all of which are considered to be material mineral properties to the Company) are contained in Eldorado’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the following technical reports for each of those properties, all of which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.com and www.sec.gov : Qualified Persons Simon Hille, FAusIMM, Executive Vice President, Operations and Technical Services, is the “qualified person” under NI 43-101 responsible for preparing and supervising the preparation of the scientific or technical information contained in this news release and verifying the technical data disclosed in this document relating to our operating mines and development projects, unless otherwise noted. Additional qualified persons have approved disclosures for specific properties as detailed in “Mineral Reserve Notes” and “Mineral Resource Notes” below. Jessy Thelland, géo (OGQ No. 758)., Director Technical Services Lamaque, a member in good standing of the Ordre des Géologues du Québec, is the qualified person as defined in NI 43-101 responsible for, and has verified and approved, the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release for the Quebec projects. Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources There are differences between the standards and terms used for reporting mineral reserves and resources in Canada, and in the United States pursuant to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”). The terms Mineral Resource, Measured Mineral Resource, Indicated Mineral Resource and Inferred Mineral Resource are defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources adopted by the CIM Council, and must be disclosed according to Canadian securities regulations. These standards differ from the requirements of the SEC applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Accordingly, information contained in this news release with respect to mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by United States companies subject to the SEC’s reporting and disclosure requirements. Mineral Reserve Notes Eldorado reports Mineral Reserves in accordance with CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves for the operating sites (Efemcukuru, Kisladag, Olympias, and within the Lamaque Complex – Ormaque and Triangle) were determined using a long-term gold price of $1,450/oz while Mineral Reserves for the Skouries and Perama Hill projects were determined based on a $1,300/oz gold price. A reserve test is undertaken every year to confirm future undiscounted cash flow from reserve mine plan is positive. Qualified Persons The following persons, all of whom are qualified persons under NI 43-101, have approved the disclosure related to the Mineral Reserves for the projects noted below contained within this release: Mineral Resource Notes Eldorado reports Mineral Resources in accordance with CIM Definition Standards. All Mineral Resources are assessed for reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction (RPEEE). The Resource cut-off grades or values (e.g. gold equivalent) are determined using a long-term gold price ($1,800/oz) and modifying factors derived in the resource to reserve conversion process (or by comparison to similar projects for our resource-only properties). These values are then used to create constraining volumes that provide limits to the reported Resources. Resource grades are reported undiluted from within the constraining volumes that satisfy RPEEE. At Efemcukuru, mineralized shapes based on RPEEE identified based on 2.5 g/t Au COG; within shapes material below incremental COG of 1.0 g/t have been excluded; grades are diluted by must-take material between 1.0 and 2.5 g/t Au. Due to the presence of narrow veins, any future potential conversion of Resources to Reserves at Ormaque will reflect expected lower grades to fully represent modifying factors associated with mining. Open Pit Resources used pit shells created with the long-term gold price to constrain reportable model blocks. Underground Resources were constrained by volumes whose design was guided by a combination of the reporting cut-off grade or value, contiguous areas of mineralization and mineability. Eldorado’s Mineral Resources are inclusive of Reserves. Mineral Resource Reporting and demonstration of Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction: The Mineral Resources used a long term look gold metal price of $1,800/oz for the determination of resource cut-off grades or values. This guided execution of the next step where constraining surfaces or volumes were created to control resource reporting. Open pit-only projects (Kisladag, Perama Hill, Perama South, and Certej) used pit shells created with the long-term gold price to constrain reportable model blocks. Underground Resources were constrained by 3D volumes whose design was guided by the reporting cut-off grade or value, contiguous areas of mineralization and mineability. Only material internal to these volumes were eligible for reporting. Projects with both open pit and underground Resources have the open pit Resources constrained by either the permit (Skouries), and pit shell, or by an open pit/underground economic crossover surface, and underground Resources constrained by a reporting shape. (1) Mineralized shapes based on RPEEE identified based on 2.5 g/t Au COG; within shapes material below incremental COG of 1.0 g/t have been excluded; grades are diluted by must-take material between 1.0 and 2.5 g/t Au. Qualified Persons The following persons, all of whom are qualified persons under NI 43-101, have approved the disclosure related to the Mineral Resources for the projects noted below contained within this release: Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information Certain of the statements made and information provided in this news release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “budget”, “continue”, “estimates”, “expects”, “forecasts”, “foresee”, “future”, “goal”, “guidance”, “intends”, “opportunity”, “outlook”, “plans”, “potential”, “strive”, “target” or “underway” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “can”, “could”, “likely”, “may”, “might”, “will” or “would” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information are by their nature based on a number of assumptions, that management considers reasonable. However, such assumptions involve both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which, if proven to be inaccurate, may cause actual results, activities, performance or achievements may be materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to: our Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; long term prospects for the Lamaque Complex, the sale of the Certej project; exploration opportunities to extend the life of mine at Efemcukuru; 2025 focus on extending mine life, testing near-mine exploration targets and seeking a discovery from prospective early-stage exploration targets; the filing of a new technical report for the Lamaque Complex, the disclosed outlook on long term metal prices; and generally our strategy, plans and goals. We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, including assumptions about: our ability to obtain all required approvals and permits in a timely manner and our ability to comply with all the conditions that are imposed in such approvals and permits; timing of filing of a new technical report for the Lamaque mineral properties; timing, cost and results of our construction and development activities, improvements and exploration; the future price of gold and other commodities and the global concentrate market; exchange rates; anticipated values, costs, expenses and working capital requirements; production and metallurgical recoveries; Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; our ability to unlock the potential of our brownfield property portfolio; our ability to address the negative impacts of climate change and adverse weather; consistency of agglomeration and our ability to optimize it in the future; the cost of, and extent to which we use, essential consumables (including fuel, explosives, cement, and cyanide); the impact and effectiveness of productivity initiatives; the time and cost necessary for anticipated overhauls of equipment; expected by-product grades; the use, and impact or effectiveness, of growth capital; the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, suspensions or delays on our business; the sustaining capital required for various projects; and the geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate that we operate in (including disruptions to shipping operations and related impacts). Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Many assumptions may be difficult to predict and are beyond our control. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, risks relating to our operations in foreign jurisdictions (including disruptions to shipping operations) development risks at Skouries and other development projects; community relations and social license; liquidity and financing risks; climate change; inflation risk; environmental matters; production and processing; waste disposal; geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions or failures; the global economic environment; risks relating to any pandemic, epidemic, endemic or similar public health threats; reliance on a limited number of smelters and off-takers; labour (including in relation to employee/union relations, the Greek transformation, employee misconduct, key personnel, skilled workforce, expatriates, and contractors); indebtedness (including current and future operating restrictions, implications of a change of control, ability to meet debt service obligations, the implications of defaulting on obligations and change in credit ratings); government regulation; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; commodity price risk; mineral tenure; permits; risks relating to environmental sustainability and governance practices and performance; financial reporting (including relating to the carrying value of our assets and changes in reporting standards); non-governmental organizations; corruption, bribery and sanctions; information and operational technology systems; litigation and contracts; estimation of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; different standards used to prepare and report Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources; credit risk; price volatility, volume fluctuations and dilution risk in respect of our shares; actions of activist shareholders; reliance on infrastructure, commodities and consumables (including power and water); currency risk; interest rate risk; tax matters; dividends; reclamation and long-term obligations; acquisitions, including integration risks, and dispositions; regulated substances; necessary equipment; co-ownership of our properties; the unavailability of insurance; conflicts of interest; compliance with privacy legislation; reputational issues; and competition. The reader is directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Information Form & Form 40-F filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR under our Company name, for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect our business and operations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements and information is designed to help you understand management’s current views of our near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company’s business contained in the Company’s reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States.Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92 NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. The hospital said Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home." He was “being treated for age-related medical conditions,” the statement added. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. 'Baby Driver' actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies in a fall from a moving vehicle VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (AP) — Authorities say 16-year-old actor Hudson Meek has died after he fell out of a moving vehicle in Alabama. The Jefferson County Coroner's Office says Meek was hurt on Dec. 19 while on a street in Vestavia Hills, a suburb of Birmingham. He died two days later. The Vestavia Hills Police Department has not issued any public statements. Meek made his on-screen debut in 2014’s “The Santa Con,” and had roles in various TV series, including “MacGyver.” He was perhaps best known for his role in the 2017 film “Baby Driver,” in which he played a younger version of Ansel Elgort’s titular character. Bad Bunny announces a new album, 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny announced he will release a new album in early January. He announced Thursday that “Debí Tirar Más Fotos" arrives Jan. 5. It is his sixth studio album and follows in his tradition of releasing new music on unexpected dates. This time, it's a Sunday instead of the typical Friday album drop date. Bad Bunny announced the news on Instagram in a short video featuring Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacobo Morales. He also released a new single, “PIToRRO DE COCO.” His last release was 2023’s “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.” Hwang Dong-hyuk on killing off his 'Squid Game' characters and wanting to work with Jake Gyllenhaal As season two of Netflix's hit series “Squid Game” returns Thursday, viewers can expect more untimely deaths for many of its characters. Its creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk says whittling down the cast made him happy because less people were easier to manage on set. The show follows a deadly competition in South Korea that targets contestants who are heavily in debt and desperate for money. Hwang told the Associated Press in a Q&A that a third and final season has already filmed and it's better than season two. He also says his next project will be even darker in tone than “Squid Game.” Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel DALLAS (AP) — Severe thunderstorms are firing up in parts of Texas and could trigger high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. More than 100 flights were delayed and dozens more were canceled Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk stretched from just east of Dallas, and between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes, wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour and large hail. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for several counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston area. NYC taxi driver was having a medical episode when he jumped the curb and hit people, police say NEW YORK (AP) — New York City police say a taxi driver who hit six pedestrians when he jumped a curb in Manhattan on Christmas Day was having a medical episode at the time. An NYPD spokesperson would not elaborate on the type of type of medical episode but said Thursday no criminality is suspected at this time. The 58-year-old was taken to a hospital in stable condition for further evaluation. Also hospitalized after the yellow taxi drove onto the sidewalk across the street from Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square were a 9-year-old boy with a laceration to his right thigh, a 49-year-old woman with a leg injury and a 41-year-old woman. All were in stable condition. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A pizza deliverer in Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office says that Brianna Alvelo has been charged with stabbing a woman in her motel room in Kissimmee, Florida, a short time after delivering a pizza to her on Sunday. The woman gave Alvelo $50 on a $33.10 bill, expecting change back. When Alvelo started walking away, the woman asked for money back, and Alvelo told her they didn’t make change. The woman got a smaller dollar bill from her boyfriend, and Alvelo’s tip ended up being $2. Friday's Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion, one of the game's top jackpots Americans still dreaming of a really big Christmas present can keep that dream alive during Friday’s Mega Millions drawing for a jackpot worth an estimated $1.15 billion. Friday’s jackpot will potentially be the fifth largest in the game’s history. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. But the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, and the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials. Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christmas shooting at Phoenix airport leaves 3 people wounded, 1 stabbed PHOENIX (AP) — Police are investigating a Christmas shooting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix that left three people wounded by gunfire and another person stabbed. Phoenix police say the evening shooting was related to a family dispute that happened at a restaurant outside the security checkpoints in Terminal 4. An adult female and two adult males were shot, leaving the female with injuries police describe as life-threatening. Police say the two men were in stable condition. Police say the people involved knew each other. They had a physical fight that led to one of them pulling a gun. A man and a girl were detained in a nearby parking garage.

Ange turns up heat on Pep as Spurs stun City in four-goal cakewalk

Bread Financial ( NYSE:BFH – Free Report ) had its target price boosted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $52.00 to $58.00 in a report released on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a sell rating on the stock. Other analysts have also issued research reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Bread Financial from $48.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Bread Financial from $47.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a “sector perform” rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Bread Financial from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, October 28th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Bread Financial from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an “in-line” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their target price on Bread Financial from $61.00 to $57.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 25th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $50.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on BFH Bread Financial Stock Performance Bread Financial ( NYSE:BFH – Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.86 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $983.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $981.26 million. Bread Financial had a net margin of 6.37% and a return on equity of 13.33%. The company’s quarterly revenue was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.46 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Bread Financial will post 7.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bread Financial Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Friday, November 8th will be issued a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 8th. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.45%. Bread Financial’s payout ratio is 13.38%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director John J. Fawcett purchased 1,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Monday, October 28th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $51.02 per share, for a total transaction of $51,020.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 6,473 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $330,252.46. The trade was a 18.27 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 0.62% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Bread Financial A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BFH. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in Bread Financial during the third quarter valued at approximately $1,004,000. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Bread Financial by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,155,989 shares of the company’s stock valued at $55,012,000 after acquiring an additional 13,459 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Bread Financial during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,350,000. XTX Topco Ltd boosted its position in Bread Financial by 94.1% during the 3rd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 35,190 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,674,000 after purchasing an additional 17,057 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp increased its holdings in Bread Financial by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,034,554 shares of the company’s stock valued at $96,804,000 after purchasing an additional 41,012 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.52% of the company’s stock. About Bread Financial ( Get Free Report ) Bread Financial Holdings, Inc provides tech-forward payment and lending solutions to customers and consumer-based industries in North America. It offers credit card and other loans financing services, including risk management solutions, account origination, and funding services for private label and co-brand credit card programs, as well as through Bread partnerships; and Comenity-branded general purpose cash-back credit. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bread Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bread Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pause Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.

Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. Israeli strikes without warning in central Beirut kill at least 15 as diplomats push for cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 15 people and injured dozens in central Beirut as the once-rare strikes in the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without Israeli warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but describe the disputed issues that remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli bombardment has killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Storm dumps record rain in Northern California, while US Northeast deals with winter storms HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — A major storm continues to drop heavy snow and record rain in California, causing small landslides and flooding some streets. Meanwhile on the opposite coast blizzard or winter storm warnings were in effect Saturday for areas spanning from the Northeast to central Appalachia. The storm on the West Coast arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, before moving through Northern California. Forecasters predicted that both coasts would begin to see a reprieve from the storms as the system in the northeast moves into eastern Canada and the one in the West heads south. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. These Peruvian women left the Amazon, but their homeland still inspires their songs and crafts LIMA, Peru (AP) — Many Shipibo-Konibo craftswomen migrated from their Indigenous communities in the Amazon to Peru's capital, Lima, in the past few decades. Their ancestors' legacy remains present through their songs and techniques, and some of them have managed to make a living out of their crafts. Textiles, jewelry and paintings convey the culture, worldview and beliefs from the lands where they were born. Doctor at the heart of Turkey's newborn baby deaths case says he was a 'trusted' physician ISTANBUL (AP) — The Turkish doctor at the center of an alleged fraud scheme that led to the deaths of 10 babies says he was a “trusted” physician. Dr. Firat Sari is one of 47 people on trial accused of transferring newborn babies to neonatal units of private hospitals, where they were allegedly kept for prolonged and sometimes unnecessary treatments in order to receive social security payments. Sari said patients were referred to him because people trusted him and he did not bribe anyone involved with Turkey’s emergency medical phone line. Sari, said to be the plot’s ringleader, faces up to 583 years in prison. Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience. One expert traveler suggests making a list a week before you go of things you need to do and pack. Cross off each item as you complete it during the week. Another tip: Carry your comfort zone with you. That could mean noise-cancelling headphones, playlists meant to soothe airport travelers, entertainment and snacks from home. Carry a change of clothes and a phone charger in case of delays. Stay hydrated. Leave extra time. And know your airline's rules. Downloading the airline's app can help with that.Portland, Falmouth win A,B state football championshipsFlorida St. 41, Charleston Southern 7

‘American Idol’ Alum Caleb Kennedy Pleads Guilty, Gets 8 Years in Prison After Fatal DUI CrashSANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. After snapping a three-game losing streak with a lopsided win last week against Chicago, the Niners head into a Thursday night division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams hoping to play with the same kind of desperation in a game they almost certainly need to win to get to the postseason. "I think just across the board as a team, everybody had just a bit more of sense of urgency and I think we executed and played together as a team, and we didn't let off," quarterback Brock Purdy said. "Really liked that. But, that was last week so now it's on to this week and how can we do that again?" After getting outscored by 53 points in losses at Green Bay and Buffalo, the 49ers (6-7) played their most complete game of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. While some credited a feeling of desperation or speeches from players such as Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir for the turnaround, linebacker Fred Warner said it was more about execution than anything else. "We didn't go out there in Green Bay, we didn't go out there in Buffalo saying, 'Let's just hope that we win.' Trust me, I felt desperate as hell going into both those games," he said. "It just didn't work out. ... It didn't happen because last week we decided we wanted to. This was weeks in the making." Whatever the reason, the results were obvious to anyone watching, including the Rams (7-6), who had their own signature performance to boost their playoff chances. Los Angeles held off Buffalo 44-42 to remain one game behind Seattle in the NFC West race and a game ahead of the 49ers and Arizona in the tightly packed division. Coach Sean McVay knows his team will need a similar performance to beat San Francisco and earn a season sweep. "I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance," he said. "If there's anything that you do know, it's a week-to-week league. Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what's really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they're going to be ready to go." Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and three TDs in the Rams' past four games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance last week against Buffalo in which he also scored his first rushing TD. Nacua was injured for these clubs' first meeting this season — but last year, he broke the NFL's single-game rookie receptions record with 15 in his first game against San Francisco, and he set the NFL rookie season records for catches and yards receiving during his visit to Santa Clara last January. "He's a tough football player," 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. "Some guys are just competitive. He's got size, he doesn't go down easy. Some things you can't measure and he's just got it." The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel's career sent the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to social media. In a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Samuel said the reason he gained only 97 yards from scrimmage the past four games was not that he was struggling but that he wasn't getting the ball. His teammates and coaches believe he will get back to his All-Pro form soon. "I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could," Purdy said. "I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things." The Rams defense got shredded twice in the past three weeks by Saquon Barkley's Eagles and Josh Allen's Bills, dropping the unit to 27th in total defense. LA's vaunted young pass rush led by rookie Jared Verse has no sacks in its past two games and just three in the past four games. Considering Purdy drove the Niners to 425 yards in the teams' first meeting this season without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Samuel, the Rams' offense might need yet another prolific game to overcome its defense's weaknesses. With Nick Bosa sidelined the past three games, the 49ers have had to generate pass rushes from different sources. They had a season-high seven sacks last week with Yetur Gross-Matos getting three and Leonard Floyd two. The 32-year-old Floyd has 5 1/2 sacks in his past four games. "Leonard's just an Energizer bunny," Shanahan said. "It's crazy with him being one of the older guys and stuff and how many different teams he's been to, but I've played against him enough and felt that." Bosa has a chance to return this week and is listed as questionable. AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this reportNone

WKU_D.Smith 9 pass from Veltkamp (Carneiro kick), 13:17. LIB_Lucas 2 run (Karhu kick), 9:30. LIB_Cooley 22 run (Karhu kick), 2:05. LIB_J.Gray 11 pass from Salter (Karhu kick), :10. WKU_Hart 2 run (Carneiro kick), 10:33. LIB_Cooley 2 run (Karhu kick), 9:44. WKU_K.Johnson 16 pass from Veltkamp (Carneiro kick), 3:44. LIB_FG Karhu 29, 11:13. LIB_Salter 3 run (Karhu kick), 2:59. A_17,930. RUSHING_W. Kentucky, Young 9-60, Veltkamp 8-30, Jal.Hampton 2-20, Sanders 1-2, Hart 5-1, (Team) 1-(minus 1), Hutchinson 1-(minus 6). Liberty, Cooley 24-166, Lucas 19-131, Salter 11-66, Blue 4-38, J.Gray 3-14, Jointer 2-4. PASSING_W. Kentucky, Veltkamp 20-34-3-262. Liberty, Salter 6-11-0-108, Burger 1-1-0-29. RECEIVING_W. Kentucky, K.Johnson 7-94, D.Smith 4-63, Messer 4-53, Young 3-26, Hutchinson 1-25, Sanders 1-1. Liberty, J.Gray 2-47, Lee 2-38, Sibley 1-29, R.Smith 1-16, Blue 1-7. MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.

Penrose, Colorado, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Origin, a leader in aerospace innovation, and Estes Rockets, the trusted name in model rocketry for over 65 years, are proud to announce an exciting partnership to bring the marvel of space exploration to enthusiasts of all ages. The collaboration will launch a groundbreaking product line inspired by Blue Origin’s New Glenn orbital rocket, bridging the worlds of hobby, educational and toy industries with the future of spaceflight. The product line, branded Estes and New Glenn , will include highly detailed scale models, functional model rockets for hobbyists, and educational kits for schools. Designed for a wide range of audiences—from young dreamers building their first rockets to seasoned hobbyists aiming for advanced launches—the line offers an unparalleled combination of authenticity, innovation, and fun. Blue Origin is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. By partnering with Estes Rockets, Blue Origin is creating an accessible way for everyone to engage with the excitement of space exploration, right in their own backyards. The New Glenn Product line will include: • Scale Models: Meticulously crafted replicas of Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket, perfect for collectors and display enthusiasts. • Launchable Models: Fully functional rocket kits designed with the New Glenn’s features, delivering a thrilling hands-on experience for hobbyists. • STEM Education Kits: STEM Curriculum-Estes Education is partnering with Club for the Future, Blue Origin’s nonprofit, to develop educational content linking the New Glenn Rocket to STEM principles and career pathways. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to launch the New Glenn model rocket while exploring real-world connections to rocketry and space exploration “We are thrilled to collaborate with Blue Origin to bring their groundbreaking technologies to a wider audience,” said Mallory Langford, President of Estes Rockets. “This partnership exemplifies our shared mission of sparking curiosity and passion for space exploration, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of rocketeers take flight.” The New Glenn Rocket product line will be available in hobby stores, educational catalogs, and online starting Spring 2026) . Pre-orders will open in early end of year 2025. For more information about this partnership and the New Glenn Rocket line, visit BlueOrigin.com or EstesRockets.com . About Blue Origin Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company dedicated to building a future where millions of people live and work in space. Founded by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin’s vision is to enable human space exploration while advancing science and technology on Earth. About Estes Rockets Estes Rockets is the world’s leading manufacturer of model rockets and accessories, inspiring generations of rocketry enthusiasts since 1958. Estes is committed to providing safe, high-quality products that fuel imagination and innovation in young minds and lifelong hobbyists alike. Heidi Muckenthaler Estes Industries 7193729870 Hmuckenthaler@estesrockets.comace gaming 888 login 。

Jennison Associates LLC lifted its stake in shares of Perdoceo Education Co. ( NASDAQ:PRDO – Free Report ) by 23.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 53,170 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 10,231 shares during the quarter. Jennison Associates LLC owned 0.08% of Perdoceo Education worth $1,183,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of PRDO. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Perdoceo Education by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,896,257 shares of the company’s stock worth $103,538,000 after purchasing an additional 45,259 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Perdoceo Education by 0.6% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,069,173 shares of the company’s stock valued at $108,580,000 after acquiring an additional 28,909 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in shares of Perdoceo Education by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 4,505,687 shares of the company’s stock valued at $96,512,000 after acquiring an additional 107,918 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Perdoceo Education by 24.3% in the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 2,650,123 shares of the company’s stock worth $56,766,000 after purchasing an additional 518,048 shares during the period. Finally, LSV Asset Management grew its position in Perdoceo Education by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 2,010,254 shares of the company’s stock worth $43,060,000 after purchasing an additional 75,293 shares in the last quarter. 93.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Perdoceo Education Stock Performance Perdoceo Education stock opened at $27.33 on Friday. Perdoceo Education Co. has a twelve month low of $16.12 and a twelve month high of $29.47. The firm has a market cap of $1.80 billion, a PE ratio of 13.73, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.04. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $22.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.57. Perdoceo Education Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 13th. Investors of record on Monday, December 2nd will be issued a $0.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.90%. Perdoceo Education’s dividend payout ratio is currently 26.13%. Insider Activity at Perdoceo Education In other Perdoceo Education news, insider Michele A. Peppers sold 6,476 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.00, for a total transaction of $135,996.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 61,952 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,300,992. This represents a 9.46 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, Director Patrick W. Gross sold 3,400 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.74, for a total value of $90,916.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 69,635 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,862,039.90. This represents a 4.66 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 40,450 shares of company stock valued at $1,036,206. 1.81% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently issued reports on PRDO. StockNews.com lowered Perdoceo Education from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Friday. Barrington Research increased their price objective on Perdoceo Education from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 13th. Get Our Latest Analysis on Perdoceo Education About Perdoceo Education ( Free Report ) Perdoceo Education Corporation provides postsecondary education through online, campus-based, and blended learning programs in the United States. It operates in two segments, Colorado Technical University and The American InterContinental University System. The Colorado Technical University segment offers academic programs, such as business and management, nursing, healthcare management, computer science, engineering, information systems and technology, project management, cybersecurity, and criminal justice. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PRDO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Perdoceo Education Co. ( NASDAQ:PRDO – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Perdoceo Education Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Perdoceo Education and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

The Kremlin fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile at Ukraine on Thursday in response to Kyiv's use this week of American and British missiles capable of striking deeper into Russia, President Vladimir Putin said. In a televised address to the country, the Russian president warned that U.S. air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile, which he said flies at ten times the speed of sound and which he called the Oreshnik — Russian for hazelnut tree. He also said it could be used to attack any Ukrainian ally whose missiles are used to attack Russia. “We believe that we have the right to use our weapons against military facilities of the countries that allow to use their weapons against our facilities,” Putin said in his first comments since President Joe Biden gave Ukraine the green light this month to use U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike at limited targets inside Russia. RELATED STORY | Russia says Ukraine fired 6 US-made missiles at the Bryansk region, days after Biden policy shift Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that Russia’s missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. “This was new type of lethal capability that was deployed on the battlefield, so that was certainly of concern," Singh said, noting that the missile could carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. The U.S. was notified ahead of the launch through nuclear risk reduction channels, she said. The attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro came in response to Kyiv's use of longer-range U.S. and British missiles in strikes Tuesday and Wednesday on southern Russia, Putin said. Those strikes caused a fire at an ammunition depot in Russia's Bryansk region and killed and wounded some security services personnel in the Kursk region, he said. RELATED STORY | Biden authorizes Ukraine's use of US-supplied long-range missiles for deeper strikes inside Russia “In the event of an escalation of aggressive actions, we will respond decisively and in kind,” the Russian president said, adding that Western leaders who are hatching plans to use their forces against Moscow should “seriously think about this.” Putin said the Oreshnik fired Thursday struck a well-known missile factory in Dnipro. He also said Russia would issue advance warnings if it launches more strikes with the Oreshnik against Ukraine to allow civilians to evacuate to safety — something Moscow hasn’t done before previous aerial attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov initially said Russia hadn’t warned the U.S. about the coming launch of the new missile, noting that it wasn't obligated to do so. But he later changed tack and said Moscow did issue a warning 30 minutes before the launch. Putin's announcement came hours after Ukraine claimed that Russia had used an intercontinental ballistic missile in the Dnipro attack, which wounded two people and damaged an industrial facility and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, according to local officials. But American officials said an initial U.S. assessment indicated the strike was carried out with an intermediate-range ballistic missile. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that the use of the missile was an "obvious and serious escalation in the scale and brutality of this war, a cynical violation of the UN Charter.” He also said there had been “no strong global reaction” to the use of the missile, which he said could threaten other countries. “Putin is very sensitive to this. He is testing you, dear partners,” Zelenskyy wrote. “If there is no tough response to Russia’s actions, it means they see that such actions are possible.” The attack comes during a week of escalating tensions, as the U.S. eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-made longer-range missiles inside Russia and Putin lowered the threshold for launching nuclear weapons. The Ukrainian air force said in a statement that the Dnipro attack was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region, on the Caspian Sea. “Today, our crazy neighbor once again showed what he really is,” Zelenskyy said hours before Putin's address. “And how afraid he is.” Russia was sending a message by attacking Ukraine with an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of releasing multiple warheads at extremely high speeds, even if they are less accurate than cruise missiles or short-range ballistic missiles, said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. “Why might you use it therefore?” Savill said. "Signaling — signaling to the Ukrainians. We’ve got stuff that outrages you. But really signaling to the West ‘We’re happy to enter into a competition around intermediate range ballistic missiles. P.S.: These could be nuclear tipped. Do you really want to take that risk?’” Military experts say that modern ICBMs and IRBMs are extremely difficult to intercept, although Ukraine has previously claimed to have stopped some other weapons that Russia described as “unstoppable,” including the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missile. David Albright, of the Washington-based think tank the Institute for Science and International Security, said he was “skeptical” of Putin’s claim, adding that Russian technology sometimes “falls short.” He suggested Putin was “taunting the West to try to shoot it down ... like a braggart boasting, taunting his enemy.” Earlier this week, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use the U.S.-supplied, longer-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia — a move that drew an angry response from Moscow. Days later, Ukraine fired several of the missiles into Russia, according to the Kremlin. The same day, Putin signed a new doctrine that allows for a potential nuclear response even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power. The doctrine is formulated broadly to avoid a firm commitment to use nuclear weapons. In response, Western countries, including the U.S., said Russia has used irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and behavior throughout the war to intimidate Ukraine and other nations. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that Russia’s formal lowering of the threshold for nuclear weapons use did not prompt any changes in U.S. doctrine. She pushed back on concerns that the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western missiles to strike deeper inside Russia might escalate the war. ′′They’re the ones who are escalating this,” she said of the Kremlin — in part because of a flood of North Korean troops sent to the region. More than 1,000 days into war, Russia has the upper hand, with its larger army advancing in Donetsk and Ukrainian civilians suffering from relentless drone and missile strikes. Analysts and observers say the loosening of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western missiles is unlikely to change the course of the war, but it puts the Russian army in a more vulnerable position and could complicate the logistics that are crucial in warfare. Putin has also warned that the move would mean that Russia and NATO are at war. “It is an important move and it pulls against, undermines the narrative that Putin had been trying to establish that it was fine for Russia to rain down Iranian drones and North Korean missiles on Ukraine but a reckless escalation for Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons at legitimate targets in Russia,” said Peter Ricketts, a former U.K. national security adviser who now sits in the House of Lords.

HONG KONG , Nov. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Friday is here, and it's your chance to grab the best deals of the year! Whether you're looking to upgrade your home, simplify daily chores, or spoil your furry friends, we've got you covered with massive discounts on top-rated products. Check out these must-have items at unbeatable prices, available for a limited time only. AiRROBO T20+ Robot Vacuum : Revolutionize Your Cleaning Original Price: $499.99 Black Friday Price: $199 The AiRROBO T20+ isn't just a cleaning device—it's your new best friend. Featuring cutting-edge USLAM Air 5.0 & LiDAR Navigation , this robot vacuum efficiently maps your home for flawless cleaning. With its 3-in-1 sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping function, the T20+ handles everything from crumbs to tough stains. Add the hassle-free self-emptying station , a powerful HEPA filter , and an impressive 180-minute runtime , and you have a device that takes care of your floors without breaking a sweat. Control it effortlessly via app, voice, or remote, and enjoy spotless floors every day. AiRROBO P20 Robot Vacuum : Clean Smart, Live Better Original Price: $129.99 Black Friday Price: $64.99 Discount Code: 9TNGZLDR The AiRROBO P20 is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who want smart cleaning. It delivers powerful suction to remove dirt, pet hair, and debris from hard floors and carpets. Compact yet efficient, the P20 is ideal for apartments or smaller homes. Don't miss the chance to grab this deal and simplify your life for a fraction of the price! AiRROBO PG50 Pet Grooming Vacuum : Pamper Your Pets Original Price: $99.99 Black Friday Price: $49.69 Discount Code: 4YUDMHIJ Say goodbye to the mess of grooming your pets at home. The AiRROBO PG50 combines grooming and vacuuming in one handy device, capturing pet hair and dander as you groom. This is the perfect gift for pet lovers who want to keep their homes fur-free while pampering their furry friends. Why Shop This Black Friday? Black Friday is the ultimate shopping event of the year, offering discounts you won't find anywhere else. These exclusive deals are available only from November 21 to December 2 , so act fast before they're gone. How to Grab These Deals? This Black Friday, elevate your home and lifestyle without breaking the bank. Don't let these deals slip away—shop now and enjoy cutting-edge products at unbeatable prices. Your future self will thank you! For more information For any giveaway campaigns or new feeds, please join AiRROBO on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube and Gleam.io . About AiRROBO AiRROBO is a smart home appliance brand with a focus on AI-enabled technologies. Supported by world-leading AI and humanoid robotic company, UBTECH Robotics, AIRROBO is aiming to bring the most cutting-edge technology to more and more households around the globe, making smart home a new norm of life. Find out more at us.air-robo.com . CONTACT: Kristy Luo , sihui.luo@ubtrobot.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dont-miss-these-incredible-airrobo-black-friday-deals--unbeatable-prices-await-302314818.html SOURCE AiRROBO

KUWAIT: As the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit opens on Sunday in Kuwait, it is impossible to overlook the pivotal role played by the country’s leadership in the founding of the council. Years of tireless efforts and extensive consultations led by the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah culminated in the establishment of GCC in 1981. This vision, developed over five years, laid the foundation for what has become one of the most successful models of regional integration in the Arab world. The GCC now stands as a cornerstone for the security, stability, and prosperity of its member states and their peoples. Over the past four decades, the GCC, guided by the wisdom and visionary leadership of its rulers and the solidarity of its peoples, has served as a strong framework for collective security. The idea for the creation of the GCC was first proposed in May 1976, during a visit by the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad to the United Arab Emirates. There, he engaged in discussions with the late UAE President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, in which he proposed the formation of a Gulf unity aimed at fostering cooperation across a wide range of fields. This unity would be based on solid and enduring foundations, ensuring the security, stability, and well-being of the region’s peoples. In December 1978, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad instructed the late Crown Prince and then Prime Minister, Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, to visit the five other Gulf countries — UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar — to present his proposal. His visits were met with strong support, and the subsequent official statements emphasized the need for rapid action to unite these nations. They highlighted the deep religious, cultural, and national ties between the Gulf countries, which provided a solid foundation for cooperation and progress, as well as a means to counter the growing influence of external powers in the region. At the 11th Arab League Summit in Amman in November 1980, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad presented a Kuwaiti vision for a unified Gulf strategy. His proposal called for a comprehensive framework of cooperation, encompassing political, economic, cultural, and military collaboration. This vision was widely embraced by the Gulf states. On February 4, 1981, the foreign ministers of the six Gulf states convened and issued a statement calling for the establishment of the GCC, emphasizing cooperation among member states rather than a political union. To implement this vision, a committee of experts met in Riyadh on February 24-25, 1981, to finalize the council’s structure and draft its founding charter. On March 9, 1981, the foreign ministers met in Muscat, Oman, where they approved the GCC’s organizational structure and initialed its founding charter. Finally, on May 25, 1981, the first summit of the GCC was held in Abu Dhabi, officially establishing the Gulf Cooperation Council. The founding charter was formally adopted, and Kuwaiti diplomat Abdullah Yacoub Bishara was appointed as the first Secretary-General of the GCC. Founding charter The preamble of the GCC’s charter underscored the special relations, shared values, and common objectives among the member states, all rooted in Islamic principles, a common destiny, and unity of purpose. The GCC’s cooperative efforts were aimed at serving the higher goals of the Arab nation. The objectives outlined in the founding charter include promoting coordination, integration, and unity among the member states across a range of fields—political, economic, financial, commercial, customs, transportation, education, culture, health, media, tourism, and legislative affairs. The charter also emphasized fostering scientific and technological advancements in key sectors such as industry, mining, agriculture, water, and animal resources, while establishing research centers and joint projects to encourage private sector cooperation. The final communiqué of the first GCC summit highlighted the region’s security and stability, emphasizing the rejection of foreign interference and the need for the Gulf to remain free from international conflicts. Effective regional union The summit also reaffirmed the necessity of finding a just solution to the Palestinian issue that would guarantee the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. The creation of the GCC was not merely a strategic decision; it was a reflection of the deep historical, social, and cultural ties that unite these nations. The shared religious beliefs, cultural connections, and familial bonds among their peoples, along with their geographical proximity, created a natural sense of unity and common identity. While the GCC formalized and organized the long-standing interactions among these nations, it also responded to the security and developmental challenges facing the region. The establishment of the GCC was a practical response to the aspirations of the Gulf peoples for regional unity, especially after broader Arab unity proved difficult to achieve. As the GCC celebrates its 43rd anniversary, it continues to be regarded as the most important regional entity in the Arab world, as His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah remarked during the 43rd Gulf Summit in Riyadh in December 2022. “Our collective Gulf action is filled with remarkable achievements that have elevated the GCC to one of the most successful and effective regional unions. We have successfully met the aspirations of our people and achieved strategic and economic benefits for our countries,” he said. — KUNA

Officials have positively identified the remains of a girl whose body was found hidden in brush under a plastic tarp in 1973, Pennsylvania authorities said this week, according to NBC News . The remains belong to Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, 14, Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. Josh Lacey told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. Two game wardens found the decomposed remains of a young girl in a wooded area of Lebanon County on Oct. 10, 1973, approximately 47 miles from Brenneman's home in York County, Lacey said. It couldn't be determined how she died. Officials have spent the last 50 years attempting to identify the girl, Lacey said. In another effort to identify her, officials, with the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, exhumed the girl's body from Mount Lebanon Cemetery in May 2016. Finally, the positive identification was made last month after her remains were examined at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Lacey said she was identified using genealogy. "As a result of their efforts, this young female will no longer be known as Jane Doe," Lacey said. Identifying the body is a "huge step in this investigation," State Trooper Ian Keck said. "We have to know about the victim and their everyday life, who they associated with and their different activities." Brenneman was last seen "after she left for school and never returned home," Lacey said. Officials are looking into whether she made it to school that day. They are also trying to determine whether Brenneman was considered missing and on what day she went missing, Keck said. "Just because we identified her today that doesn't end our investigation," Keck said. "We're going to do our best and put our best foot forward here to come to a conclusion." Anyone who knew Brenneman or knows anything about her is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police. Lacey declined to say whether there is a person of interest in the case and couldn't say for sure whether it was a homicide, as that is still "pending" with the coroner's office. He did say there was "some level of suspicion" to Brenneman's death "given the fact she was found underneath a tarp in some brush." Brenneman's family, in a statement read by Lacey, said her identification "has provided us with some closure on questions that have lingered for the past 51 years." This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com. Read more from NBC News:

BLOOMINGTON — The patient in Dr. Mark Meeker’s office perfectly illustrated how technology can alter the margins between life and death. A screening found that the patient had lung cancer — and it had already spread. "My heart just sank," said Meeker, who practices internal medicine with OSF HealthCare in Galesburg. "Because I thought, if we'd had this screening technique earlier and caught it at an earlier stage, we could have doubled his survival probability." Meeker Close to 235,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, according to the American Lung Association’s "State of Lung Cancer" report. "About every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer, and every day, lung cancer takes the lives of 361 of our friends, neighbors and loved ones," the organization wrote in the annual report, released last week in recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. "But now there’s hope as more people in America than ever are surviving lung cancer." The report suggests survival rates may increase with successful surgical treatment, lung cancer screenings and early diagnosis. Consider a few statistics: While Illinois is considered to have above-average rates of survival, early diagnosis and treatment, the state is considered to have only average surgical treatment. Nationwide, 43% of cases are not caught until a late stage, resulting in a much lower survival rate, at only 9%. Only 27% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage, where the five-year survival rate is much higher at 64%. And while early diagnosis rates have increased by 11% over the past five years nationwide — with that trend reflected here in Central Illinois — lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, despite it being only the third most common type of cancer, after breast and prostate cancers. More and continued early detection is needed in order to bring those cancer deaths down, providers say. New technology aims to improve survival rates Providers like Meeker, with OSF HealthCare in Galesburg, are looking to adopt a new liquid biopsy test to make an even bigger difference in patient outcomes. Goveia If we can increase testing rates for lung cancer, he added, "it’ll have a huge impact on survival." Chad Goveia, a pulmonary education specialist with Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, has worked in the field for 35 years and at Carle for 15. He said he’s witnessed a vast change in the way doctors approach lung cancer detection and treatment. So has Meeker. When he first started practice in the early 1990s, he said, their only real detection method was chest X-rays. But X-rays don’t find anything until a tumor has grown to a visible point, he said. CT scans, or computerized tomography that takes a series of X-ray images to build cross-sectional views of the body, came along and eventually became a huge part of lung cancer detection. Dr. David Koh, a pulmonologist with Carle BroMenn, pointed to a 2020 New England Journal of Medicine article that showed reduced lung cancer mortality with volume CT screening. The article noted that while CT scans do expose patients to radiation, the benefits outweigh the risks, as more lives were ultimately being saved due to CT scans. "In the last 10 years, there’s been a lot of advances in screening," Meeker added. "One is the low-dose CT scan. .... That's a low-radiation dose CT scan that finds lung nodules at a much earlier stage and much smaller than what we could see on a plain X-ray." At Carle, Koh said their low-dose CT scans only give patients a fifth of the radiation seen in a regular CT scan. Still, Meeker said not all patients are thrilled about getting a CT scan. At the national level, he said, only 6% of eligible patients take that testing method. At OSF practices, that figure is 35%. Meeker said they’d like to move that number to 65 or 70%, bringing it more in line with screenings for colon and breast cancers. "They’re all 70%-plus," Meeker said of the above two cancers. A new testing method is a blood test, also referred to as a liquid biopsy, which can catch lung cancer at an early stage. Meeker confirmed in an email that OSF’s internal medicine center in Bloomington is a pilot site for the new test type. Dr. Dennis Caffery talks with patient Julie Harris, of Pekin, about the effectiveness of a blood test she has taken to screen for lung cancer during a visit at the OSF Medical Group in Hopedale on April 3. In a May news statement , OSF HealthCare announced its partnership with DELFI Diagnostics to use its FirstLook test to improve screening rates. OSF said the test will be incorporated in primary care settings for routine blood work, and will expand to the whole OSF health care system within a year. How does the screening work? Meeker said advanced technology, or DNA sequence scanning, looks for DNA fragments that come from cancer cells. Lung cancer cells will spill a type of protein into a person’s bloodstream, and "we can find that on a blood test," he said. People who test positive for this type of biopsy don’t necessarily have lung cancer, Meeker said, but they are at higher risk for it and will need further testing. One in 84 people who do test positive will have lung cancer present, he said. He added that negative biopsy results indicate a 99.7% chance the patient does not have lung cancer. "The blood test is a way to screen people with a simple blood test — if it's negative, you can wait and be screened again in a year. You don't have to worry about it, because you had a negative blood test," Meeker said. In the next five to 10 years, Goveia anticipates that blood testing and mouth swab testing will help detect if a patient is at a high risk for lung cancer, and may eliminate the need for CT scanning altogether. Eligibility criteria are the same for CT scanning and liquid biopsy test methods for lung cancer. Meeker, Koh and Goveia listed those risk factors as being over the age of 55 and having a strong pack-year smoking history, which Goveia said means at least a pack a day for 20 years. Twenty pack-years could also mean two packs a day for 10 years. "If we find lung cancer at a very early stage, 6 out of 10 people with that will be alive in five years," Meeker said. "But if we don't find it until a late stage, only 1 in 10 of those people will be alive in five years." He noted that treatment is much easier for patients to tolerate when the lung cancer is caught early on. Late-stage treatment tends to make patients very ill and weak, he explained. Risks, signs and symptoms If you have an unresolving cough, Meeker said that’s a potential early symptom of lung cancer. But the "real red flag" is when someone coughs up blood, he said. Koh However, Koh said if you’re already coughing, it’s "probably too late." He elaborated that in most cases, once a patient starts displaying symptoms commonly associated with lung cancer, a patient is already in stage four of the disease. Instead, Koh suggests completing annual lung cancer screenings if you meet the criteria to be considered "high risk" by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. To be considered high risk, you must meet the following criteria: At 15 years past quitting, your risk of developing cancer significantly decreases, Koh noted. The parameters to be considered "high risk" have recently changed, Koh said, expanding the age range and reducing the number of pack years in 2021. The new parameters are recognized across the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the United States Preventive Services Task Force, which is the governing body over cancer screenings. "Unfortunately, Medicare has not recognized the new guidelines," Koh said. "They’re still doing 57 to 77. Hopefully they change that in the next year." When looking at prevention of lung cancer, Koh and Goveia said there are still some cases that cannot be explained through those factors considered to put one at high risk. However, they emphasized that according to the CDC, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. "Quit smoking," Goveia said. Goveia also suggested a healthy lifestyle with exercise, a nutritious diet, and good hydration as prevention of lung cancer, or any other disease. As early detection methods roll out, Meeker said he expects lung cancer symptoms to become less common because doctors will be able to detect the disease before symptoms set in. Koh also spoke of risk factors present in Central Illinois that may have contributed to why numbers were higher in the past. "If you look at lung cancer rates, if you smoke and have exposure to asbestos, your risk of lung cancer is 30 times higher than the general population," Koh said. Other risk factors for lung cancer, Meeker said, include environmental exposures from industries with smoke, dust, fumes or other hazards. Meeker and Goveia said farmers should worry about exposure to pesticides and herbicides, and should wear gloves when working with hazardous liquids, or masks when handling powder. "The risk factor is mostly smoking, but if you put that asbestos exposure, your risk goes really high," Koh said. Goveia and Koh spoke in detail about radon exposure in Midwestern homes. Both suggested doing radon testing in basements if spending any length of time within a basement. "The second-most common cause (of lung cancer) is radon exposure," Koh said. Meeker and Goveia said they also are very concerned about vaping use. "Just like any other chemical exposure, only this one is aerosolized for it to easier penetrate your lung tissue," Goveia said of vaping. Koh added, "If you look at smoking cigarettes versus vaping, cigarette smoke has about 120 different carcinogens that you take (in), (while) vaping probably has about five to 10, so a lot less, but it’s still not good to take in that smoke." Meeker noted that smoking and vaping lead to a lot of other problems besides lung cancer. "There’s emphysema and COPD; it causes changes in your skin ... smoking does all kinds of damage," he said. "Oral cancers, mouth cancers, throat cancers, esophageal cancers, stomach cancers. I mean, you name it. It's a very toxic habit." Koh also expressed concern for smoking marijuana, explaining that taking deeper puffs, such as those who smoke marijuana tend to do, can be harmful for lungs. "They’re getting a lot more carcinogens," Koh said. OSF Healthcare’s Internal Medicine location at 1701 East College Ave. in Bloomington serves as a pilot site for the FirstLook blood test for lung cancer risk . Eligible criteria for testing can include those above the age of 55 who have moderate to heavy smoking history. Low-dose screenings through Carle are offered across four locations: the Carle Cancer Institute in Normal, 407 E. Vernon Ave; the Carle BroMenn Outpatient Center, 3024 E. Empire St. in Bloomington; Carle BroMenn Medical Center, 1304 Franklin Ave. in Normal; or Carle Eureka Hospital Family Medicine, 105 S. Major St. in Eureka. For more information, call the OSF Cancer Institute at 1-844-673-4467, call Carle Cancer Institute at 309-451-8500, or visit bit.ly/osfcancer or bit.ly/carlecancercenter . Northwestern Medicine said it has performed over 40 successful lung transplants as part of the DREAM program, using medical lessons learned from COVID-19 lung transplantation. (Northwestern Medicine) Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Breaking News Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Courts and Public Safety Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Pep Guardiola: It’s my responsibility to solve Manchester City’s poor runThe Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) ready for a road game against the Tennessee Titans (3-10) at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. You should head to TV in order to see this matchup. Watch live NFL games, NFL Network, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Sign up today and watch seven hours of commercial-free football from every NFL game every Sunday. Catch NFL action all season long on Fubo. Watch Thursday Night Football exclusively on Prime Video. Rep your favorite NFL players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Get tickets for any NFL game this season at StubHub.

Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Aspen Technology, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AZPN – Free Report ) by 10.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 10,652 shares of the technology company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc.’s holdings in Aspen Technology were worth $2,544,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of AZPN. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Aspen Technology by 38.5% in the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 553,862 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $110,014,000 after acquiring an additional 153,897 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Aspen Technology in the third quarter valued at about $290,880,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Aspen Technology by 26.5% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 524,604 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $104,199,000 after acquiring an additional 109,783 shares in the last quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Aspen Technology by 1.6% in the second quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 4,090,314 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $812,459,000 after acquiring an additional 65,143 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Aspen Technology in the third quarter valued at about $14,322,000. 45.66% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling at Aspen Technology In other Aspen Technology news, Director Jr. Robert M. Whelan sold 1,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $219.10, for a total transaction of $219,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 8,540 shares in the company, valued at $1,871,114. The trade was a 10.48 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Company insiders own 1.00% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In View Our Latest Analysis on Aspen Technology Aspen Technology Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ AZPN opened at $250.85 on Friday. The business’s 50 day moving average is $238.78 and its two-hundred day moving average is $217.40. Aspen Technology, Inc. has a 1-year low of $171.25 and a 1-year high of $251.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.87 billion, a P/E ratio of -432.50, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.76. Aspen Technology ( NASDAQ:AZPN – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.39 by ($0.54). Aspen Technology had a positive return on equity of 2.81% and a negative net margin of 3.26%. The company had revenue of $215.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $265.04 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.96 earnings per share. The company’s revenue was down 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Aspen Technology, Inc. will post 6.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Aspen Technology Company Profile ( Free Report ) Aspen Technology, Inc provides industrial software that focuses on helping customers in asset-intensive industries worldwide. The company’s solutions address complex environments where it is critical to optimize the asset design, operation, and maintenance lifecycle. Its software is used in performance engineering, modeling and design, supply chain management, predictive and prescriptive maintenance, digital grid management, and industrial data management. Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Aspen Technology Breakout Stocks: What They Are and How to Identify Them Vertiv’s Cool Tech Makes Its Stock Red-Hot Stock Market Holidays 2022-2025 – Here’s When the NYSE and NASDAQ Will be Closed MarketBeat Week in Review – 11/18 – 11/22 How to Know if a Stock Pays Dividends and When They Are Paid Out 2 Finance Stocks With Competitive Advantages You Can’t Ignore Receive News & Ratings for Aspen Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aspen Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .By KELVIN CHAN LONDON (AP) — After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won’t be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here’s a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you’re an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there’s a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption on all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent, or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal’s encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp , so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger , which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels” but contrary to popular perception, it doesn’t turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France . Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.

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On Nov. 21, shares of CRISPR Therapeutics ( CRSP 3.44% ) were down 47% from a peak they reached in March. This might be a little surprising to folks who have been following this developer of gene therapies. After all, it's been less than a year since regulators in the U.S. and E.U. approved its first therapy, Casgevy, to treat two blood-based disorders. Casgevy's initial launch hasn't been as exciting as investors and its partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX 0.13% ) , had hoped. Less than a year into the launch, though, it's still too early to turn our backs on this innovative drugmaker. After all, in addition to Casgevy, it has five other therapy candidates in clinical-stage testing. To see if adding some shares to your portfolio now makes sense, let's look at why the stock's been beaten down, and what could lift it back up. Why CRISPR Therapeutics stock is down The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Casgevy for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) last December. In January the agency followed up with approval to treat transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT). Across the Atlantic, European regulators approved Casgevy to treat both SCD and TDT in February. Despite regulatory approvals, the launch is progressing more slowly than investors had expected. CRISPR Therapeutics wisely partnered with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to develop and market Casgevy, but Vertex is having a hard time getting it off the ground. Despite earning approval in late 2023, Vertex didn't record its first sale of Casgevy until the third quarter. Sales have been slow because it's a complicated therapy made in single batches from a patient's stem cells. Once reinfused, the CRISPR-altered stem cells should produce functioning hemoglobin, so SCD and TDT patients no longer need regular blood transfusions. Unfortunately, reinfused Casgevy cells can't gain a foothold unless patients first deplete their immune systems with a dangerous conditioning regimen. Recently, a patient with SCD died during a gene-therapy trial run by Beam Therapeutics . Physicians running the study didn't fault Beam's candidate for the volunteer's death; they blamed a conditioning regimen containing busulfan. Busulfan is also used to condition patients for Casgevy. Reasons to buy CRISPR Therapeutics stock right now A lack of treatment options could work in Casgevy's favor. Last year, the European Medicines Agency revoked conditional approval for an SCD drug from Novartis called Adakveo, after it failed to outperform a placebo in a confirmatory trial. And in September, Pfizer pulled Oxbryta, a daily tablet approved to treat SCD patients, from the market after it failed a postmarketing study. At the end of September, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics had infused just one patient with Casgevy, but more are on the way. As of mid-October, authorized treatment centers had already collected stem cells from 40 patients. With a list price of $2.2 million, reaching tiny slivers of the SCD and TDT populations could drive annual sales above $1 billion. Five candidates in clinical-stage testing mean Casgevy probably won't be the last FDA-approved therapy to emerge from CRISPR Therapeutics' pipeline. At the upcoming American Society of Hematology meeting in December, the company will present phase 1 trial results for CTX112, an experimental blood-cancer treatment that could be next to reach the commercial stage. We already know CTX112 shrank tumors for six out of nine advanced-stage lymphoma patients. Four of them achieved complete remission. These results would be impressive for a population of relatively healthy patients who just received their first cancer diagnosis, but this group was heavily pretreated. A buy now? With a lack of Casgevy revenue to date, CRISPR Therapeutics is still losing money. Thanks to its partnership with Vertex, though, the losses are manageable. It came up short by just $85.9 million during the third quarter. The company finished September with $1.9 billion in cash. A big cash pile gives CRISPR Therapeutics a long runway to ramp up sales of Casgevy. It also gives CTX112 and the rest of the pipeline time to shine before the company needs to raise capital with a dilutive secondary offering. CRISPR Therapeutics has a $3.9 billion market cap at recent prices, but the stock is less expensive than it looks on the surface. With a big cash cushion and a lack of debt, its enterprise value is just $2.1 billion at recent prices. That's not an unreasonable price to pay for a commercial-stage drugmaker with a handful of new candidates in clinical trials. The stock valuation isn't entirely unreasonable, but it's still high enough to make it a very risky investment. If Casgevy sales don't ramp up soon, or the clinical-stage pipeline falters, investors who buy at recent prices could suffer heavy losses. Unless you have a very high risk tolerance, it's best to keep your distance from CRISPR Therapeutics stock.The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has said the Federal Government’s students’ loan programme is designed to boost productivity and happiness among Nigerian students. According to the NELFUND boss, the inability of students to meet their financial needs to fund their educational pursuits often leads to broader societal issues. The managing director stated this when he visited Borno State to engage with students, educators, and government officials. The Guardian reports that NELFUND, an initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to provide all higher institution students with access to financial resources, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and aspirations with ease. Sawyerr underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising education in the country, stating that the loan programme is also designed to reduce unproductivity and unhappiness among Nigerian students. He explained the loan’s modalities, which include creating an online profile as a prerequisite for application, clarifying that the credit facility is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period, making it accessible and flexible for students. Responding, Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, reiterated the state government’s commitment to facilitating student access to the loan. He announced the establishment of a dedicated desk officer for NELFUND in the state, Ali Sheriff, to work in collaboration with the Special Adviser to Governor Zulum on Higher Education and other educators. This initiative, Wakilbe added, will guide students throughout the application process and ensure they fully understand the benefits of the loan, which he described as a low-risk grant, and encourage all eligible students to take advantage of the programme. The session also included a Question and Answer segment, where attendees posed questions to seek additional clarification, and the Managing Director provided thorough and insightful responses, offering further illumination on the programme’s details and advantages. The Fund has disbursed over N11 billion to 98 tertiary institutions, benefiting 105,844 students across the country.

The champions crashed to a fifth straight defeat in all competitions – something not experienced by the club in more than 18 years – as they were thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The loss, which was also a third in succession in the Premier League and shattered a 52-game unbeaten home run, damaged the club’s hopes of winning an unprecedented fifth title in a row. It is the worst run of Guardiola’s glittering managerial career and the City boss, who extended his contract until 2027 last week, is determined to turn the situation around. The Catalan said: “When we start to lose I say to the people I have to find a way, I have to. It’s my duty, my responsibility, to find a way to be more consistent, that our game will be better and win games. “This is what we have to do.” City have been hampered by injuries to key players in recent weeks, particularly by the absence of Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the season. Problems have emerged at both ends of the field with a lack of clean sheets – just five in 19 outings this term – and a shortage of goals being scored on occasions, like Saturday, when the prolific Erling Haaland has an off-day. Guardiola said: “We don’t expect to lose important players but it’s happened and you have to find a way. We have to find other abilities. “I don’t think we didn’t create enough chances. We created a lot of chances, clear ones at 0-0, 0-1, 0-2. “Of course we want a lot of players to score but it’s happened now. “I know at the Etihad when we are there and we score goals our momentum is there, but now we are not solid enough. That is the truth. “In both sides normally we are solid but we concede the goals. Now in both sides we are not good enough. “In these situations, what do you have do to? Keep going my friends, keep going. “We have done it in the past – not in terms of results being as bad as now – but we have done it and we face the situation and move forward.”Phillips' shot provides terrific moment for UAlbany women's basketball, but celebration time is over

ace888 login On the other hand, the addition of a seasoned attacker could also bring benefits to Barcelona, especially in terms of depth and versatility. With the demands of a long and grueling season, having experienced players who can provide quality performances off the bench or in rotation can be invaluable. The attacker's skill set and ability to score goals could provide a valuable alternative in matches where creativity and finishing are needed most.But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Towns' performance was his playmaking ability. With 6 assists, Towns demonstrated his vision and basketball IQ, finding open teammates for easy baskets and orchestrating the team's offense with precision. His ability to facilitate ball movement and create scoring opportunities for others made him a dual threat on the court and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Overall, the symposium on school-enterprise cooperation between BYD Co., Ltd. and vocational schools was a resounding success, demonstrating the commitment of both parties to working together to benefit students and drive innovation in the education sector. Through close collaboration and shared goals, the education sector and enterprises can create a more dynamic and responsive workforce, better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

The recent evaluation results, revealing that only 13 out of the 39 search and rescue dogs passed the "Test of Duty," have left many people puzzled and disappointed. Questions have been raised about the training methods, selection process, and overall effectiveness of the program. Some have also expressed concerns about the well-being and future of the dogs who did not meet the required standards.This proverb points to the observation that oak trees tend to retain their leaves longer than other trees as winter approaches. It suggests that when the oak tree is still holding onto its leaves, it is a sign that colder temperatures are imminent. The reasoning behind this is that oaks, with their thick and broad leaves, are more resistant to cold weather and will only shed their leaves when winter truly sets in.

2. Verify the Source: Before taking any action, verify the legitimacy of the sender or company claiming to offer the prize. Check their contact information, website, and reviews to ensure they are reputable.In conclusion, the story of the trader who struck gold with a $1.38 billion profit through leveraged trading on a bullish Chinese ETF serves as a testament to the unpredictable yet potentially rewarding nature of the financial markets. As Chinese stocks continue to defy expectations and surge to new heights, traders and investors alike will undoubtedly be watching closely, looking for the next opportunity to capitalize on the ever-changing dynamics of the market.

Furthermore, the implementation of tax benefits for homebuyers has not only benefited individual buyers but has also had a cascading effect on various sectors of the economy. The increased demand for real estate has created opportunities for property developers, construction companies, real estate agents, and related industries, leading to job creation and economic development. In turn, this has generated positive momentum in the housing market, attracting more investors and fostering a sense of confidence among buyers and sellers alike.In the face of global economic uncertainties and challenges, China's foreign trade has demonstrated great resilience and momentum, as revealed by the latest statistics. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs, China's total goods trade volume for the first 11 months of the year registered a year-on-year growth of 4.9%. This positive performance not only underscores the vitality and competitiveness of China's economy but also reflects the country's efforts to navigate through a complex international trade landscape.

In this period of transition, it is crucial for Ant Group to instill greater confidence within its workforce, investors, and partners. Open communication, transparency, and a clear strategic direction will be essential to rebuilding trust and re-establishing Ant Group's reputation as a reliable and innovative player in the fintech industry. By demonstrating a commitment to addressing regulatory concerns, upholding ethical standards, and delivering on promises, Ant Group can win back the hearts and minds of stakeholders.The Syrian government condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a blatant act of aggression and violation of its sovereignty. Syrian officials vowed to retaliate against Israel and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions.Another key highlight of China's foreign trade in 2021 has been the diversification of trading partners. While traditional markets such as the United States and the European Union remain essential, China has also expanded its trade relations with emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This broadening of trade partnerships has not only helped to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions but has also opened up new opportunities for growth and cooperation.

On the other hand, Barcelona have faced challenges and uncertainties in the post-Lionel Messi era, as they seek to rebuild and redefine their identity. The departure of the Argentine legend has left a void in the team that needs to be filled by the likes of Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati, and Pedri. While Barcelona have shown glimpses of their potential in the early stages of the season, they have struggled to find consistency and overcome tough opposition.