TORONTO - The Winnipeg Jets had payback on their minds and top spot in the National Hockey League in their final game before the holiday break. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TORONTO - The Winnipeg Jets had payback on their minds and top spot in the National Hockey League in their final game before the holiday break. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TORONTO – The Winnipeg Jets had payback on their minds and top spot in the National Hockey League in their final game before the holiday break. The Jets made good on both accounts with a 5-2 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs before 18,923 at Scotiabank Arena on Monday. The win avenged a 6-4 home loss to Toronto on Oct. 28, that halted the Jets’ eight-game win streak to begin the season. It also pushed the Jets into first overall. “They don’t hand out awards at Christmas, but obviously, we’re happy,” said Jets centre Mark Scheifele, who enjoyed a three-goal, four-point outing. “It’s good to get a couple of days off, get recharged and get going for the next half of the season.” Surprisingly, the Jets (25-10-1) are only one point ahead of the 36-game pace of 23-9-4 set a year ago. “We’ve been good from top to bottom and we need everybody in this group,” said Kyle O’Connor, who scored the Jets first two goals and helped set up Scheifele for his first of three third-period goals. “I just think our ability to roll over lines and be hungry, and not to be satisfied with anything. We also have taken a day-to-day approach, learning what we can improve on from wins and losses and implementing the adjustments.” Besides defeating the Maple Leafs after what transpired in late October, Scheifele had extra motivation after being left off Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. In the 10 games since Canada’s roster was announced, Scheifele has eight goals and 15 points. “You’re disappointed, but at the end of the day, you just want to play well for your group of guys,” Scheifele said. “There’s always a bit of motivation you can draw from in every game. But it’s just a matter of playing good for the Winnipeg Jets and controlling what I can control.” He also enjoys playing in Toronto, an hour from his hometown of Kitchener. “I love coming to Toronto to have the opportunity to play in front of a lot of friends and family,” Scheifele said. “Being so close to home, I get a little extra excited to play here. “I think the biggest thing is we didn’t play our best when we played them last. We were excited to get another crack at them and how them the game we can play. All in all, it’s a big win for us.” MATTHEWS STILL OUT WITH INJURY While the Jets enter the Christmas break with back-to-back wins, the Maple Leafs dropped their second in a row at home without wounded captain Auston Matthews, out with an upper-body injury. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “We just have to clean up some things off the rush, the transition part especially against a team that’s obviously very good with their top line that takes advantage of time and space,” said Maple Leafs centre John Tavares, who scored both Toronto goals. The Maple Leafs have gone 7-4-0 with Matthews on the sidelines this season and 42-23-2 in his career. Toronto was also missing defenceman Chris Tanev, out day-to-day with a lower-body ailment. Tanev missed his first game after skating in the pre-game warm-up. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Advertisement AdvertisementWASHINGTON — If President-elect Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States should have control of Greenland sounds familiar, that’s because he’s said it before — during his first term as president. Back in 2019, Trump’s call caused a brief diplomatic tiff with Denmark, under whose sovereignty the vast island falls. Then as now, the suggestion was met with derision in some quarters, but it spotlighted serious questions about the icy territory’s strategic significance in an era of accelerating climate change . Trump’s commentary also pointed up a quandary faced by U.S. allies, which will become more pressing within a few weeks, when the Oval Office changes hands: whether smaller and less powerful states ought to greet startling declarations from Washington with silence, conciliation, throat-clearing obfuscation or clearly stated opposition — especially since the issue in question might simply go away anyway. Sometimes, Trump ultimately defuses such flaps by saying he was only joking. At other times, he hints that those who defy him might face consequences later. Denmark is a member of the European Union, which is already preparing for a potentially tense relationship with the incoming president. Here is some background about Greenland, why the president-elect is raising the topic again, and what might come next. What is this place? Greenland is an Alaska-sized, self-ruling Danish territory off North America, between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. It is the world’s biggest island that isn’t a continent, about two-thirds of it lying within the Arctic Circle. It is largely ice-covered and sparsely populated: Fewer than 60,000 people live there. With the exception of foreign nationals, those living there are full citizens of Denmark. How did this idea even come up? The president-elect’s unexpected comment came Sunday as he was announcing his choice for U.S. envoy to Copenhagen, PayPal co-founder Ken Howery. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that “America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” citing “purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World.” How did Greenland’s government respond? Somewhat crisply. On Monday, its elected leader, Prime Minister Mute Egede, said in a statement that Greenland “is not for sale and will never be for sale.” But the prime minister also said Greenland “must continue to be open to cooperation and trade with the whole world, especially our neighbors.” How did Trump’s 2019 idea play out? When Trump made his initial real-estate overture, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s offer as “absurd.” The then-president termed that response “nasty” and called off a planned state visit to Denmark. Still, the idea of such a purchase was not unprecedented. The United States had made several similar forays, dating to the 1860s, all of them short-lived. This time around, any headaches for Denmark could be longer-lasting. Trump was already 19 months into his first term when he floated the purchase notion. With his swearing-in still four weeks away, there will be a full four years for the issue to simmer. Is territorial expansion a theme for Trump’s second presidency? In this postelection, pre-inauguration phase, Trump has already made waves by musing about the status of Canada, suggesting, in an apparent jab at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, that the United States’ sovereign northern neighbor could become a 51st state. Also over the weekend, he hinted that Washington could move to seize control of the Panama Canal, ceded back to Panama a quarter of a century ago, over what Trump termed excessive fees to transit the vital waterway. There has been no indication the president-elect intends to follow up on any of these territorial propositions, or what would be the mechanism for doing so. Why is Greenland strategically significant? The island is home to a large U.S. military base. The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet, documented for years and known to be speeding up, could lead to the opening of previously blocked international shipping passages, spurring great-power competition in the Arctic. In addition, Greenland possesses immense mineral riches — gold, silver, copper and uranium — whose potential extraction would be complicated by harsh weather and lack of road access, as well as environmental concerns. ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own
Quest Partners LLC Has $855,000 Stake in Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)
Share this Story : It's anybody guess when Linus Ullmark will return to Ottawa Senators net Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Ottawa Senators Hockey NHL Senators Extra It's anybody guess when Linus Ullmark will return to Ottawa Senators net Author of the article: Bruce Garrioch Published Dec 23, 2024 • 4 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Viktor Arvidsson of the Edmonton Oilers (33) celebrates his goal against Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark with his teammates during first period NHL action in Edmonton on Dec. 22, 2024. Photo by Timothy Matwey / The Canadian Press Article content It was like Santa dropped a lump of coal in the Christmas stockings of fans of the Ottawa Senators even before he was supposed to arrive. Twenty minutes into the club’s 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday at Rogers Place, goaltender Linus Ullmark left the game with a back issue and didn’t return as the backup as the club’s six-game winning streak came to an end. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Ullmark allowed one goal on seven shots before leaving the game, and only Nick Cousins was able to beat Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner. “His back tightened up so felt it was best that he came out,” said Ottawa coach Travis Green following the loss. There was no update on Monday because the Senators had the day off after returning to Ottawa in the wee hours of the morning after a lengthy overnight flight from Edmonton. The only good news is that the Senators don’t play again until they face the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night as this nine-game road trip continues, and maybe with a rest over the National Hockey League’s mandated holiday break, Ullmark will be ready to return. Anybody who tells you they know how long Ullmark will be out is guessing. If this was precautionary, then he’ll return against Winnipeg, but at this point, nobody knows. The hope is that the back ailment suffered by the 30-year-old Ullmark isn’t serious, especially since the club is also without veteran backup goaltender Anton Forsberg. Remember him? He suffered what the club called a “minor ailment” in the gym getting ready to face Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins a week ago at home. Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sports will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The lower-body injury suffered by Forsberg didn’t allow him to make the trip West with the Senators, and he now has missed four straight games, so it doesn’t sound like it was nearly as minor as the club hoped. The last time Ullmark suffered a muscle strain, it started with the club describing it as a “maintenance day” initially. He ended up missing four straight games from Oct. 14 to Oct. 22. We’ll have to see if Ullmark is on the ice when the Senators resume skating on Friday in preparation for the Jets. Rookie goalie Leevi Merialinen did a solid job in Ullmark’s absence in the final 40 minutes in Edmonton, but he wasn’t able to make the necessary stops to secure the win. That’s not a knock on Merilainen, that’s reality and he has shown he can compete at the NHL level. The Senators were able to help him secure his first win in the league on Saturday night in Vancouver with Jake Sanderson scoring the winner in the club’s 5-4 OT decision. Merilainen was papered back to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville Monday along with forwards Cole Reinhardt and Zack Ostapchuk. These moves are made to save money on the salary cap and the expectation is all three will be recalled Friday. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content If Ullmark isn’t ready, then the club will also have to recall goalie Mads Sogaard from Belleville as well. The Senators have veteran netminder Jordan Subban on an AHL contract, and he would have to be signed to an NHL deal to be part of the mix in Ottawa. The hope is that it doesn’t come to this and Ullmark is ready to go, because he has played a massive role in Ottawa’s return to the playoff race in the East. Ullmark went into the game against the Oilers with an 8-0-1 record in his previous nine appearances, along with a 1.43 goals-against average and a .960 save percentage. He has posted seven straight wins and Ullmark’s last loss was on Dec. 1 against the Anaheim Ducks in overtime. He hasn’t lost a regulation start since Nov. 23 against the Canucks. The injury to Forsberg last weekend forced Ullmark to play three games in four nights. The most games Ullmark has played in one season is 49 games two years ago in Boston. With 48 games left in the Senators’ regular season and the club in need of every point it can get to make the playoffs for the first time in eight years, the workload is only going to get heavier for Ullmark if he’s healthy. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content He has appeared in 23 games already this season. He’s posted a 12-7-2 record with a 2.38 GAA and a .915 save percentage. That’s 67 percent of the games the Senators have played already. If that pace continues, Ullmark will play at least 32 more games after Christmas and that would result in the most starts he has made in his career. Marc Methot, a former Senators defenceman and TSN analyst, noted on the social media platform X on Monday that the Senators will have to manage Ullmark’s workload. “I just don’t think he’s used to playing that much. Now contrast those numbers with guys like Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg) or Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida),” Methot wrote. “Ullmark is a great goalie, but he’ll need to be managed accordingly for recovery or injuries will be frequent.” bgarrioch@postmedia.com Recommended from Editorial Senators lose Ullmark and two points against Oilers Senators rolling since owner stood up in their defence over Brady Tkachuk trade talk Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : It's anybody guess when Linus Ullmark will return to Ottawa Senators net Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trending Deachman: Is there Christmas if you're homeless in Ottawa? Local News Guilty pleas in 'grandparent scam' expose prolific fraud network targeting seniors News Here's how it feels to be homeless at Christmas Local News Ottawa weather forecast calls for white Christmas snow storm News Bah Humbug! Senators lose goaltender Linus Ullmark and two points against Oilers Ottawa Senators Read Next Latest National Stories Featured Local Savings1 Stock to Buy, 1 Stock to Sell This Week: Burlington Stores, Kohl’s
Panthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders carted off fieldNeed for electoral reforms before local government/PC electionsThe RSM Classic Scores
What's New Prominent Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) fundraiser Lindy Li has announced her departure from the Democratic Party , citing a toxic internal culture and backlash over her critiques of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden . In a series of media appearances, Li has claimed that allies of Donald Trump have been more "humane" to her than her former party. Newsweek has reached out to Lindy Li, Donald Trump's spokesperson, and the DNC for comment. Why It Matters Li likened her exit to "leaving a cult," sparking debate about dissent within the party. Her departure follows a series of events in which she questioned Vice President Kamala Harris's political ambitions and President Joe Biden's fitness for office. She also voiced support for Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. These statements triggered significant backlash, including accusations of disloyalty and social media campaigns to discredit her. Li reported losing 40,000 followers on social media within days. What To Know In an appearance on Fox News , Li described her departure as akin to escaping a restrictive and punitive environment. "It's like leaving a cult," she said, explaining that she was ostracized for questioning Harris's political ambitions and Biden's leadership abilities. "This past week has been harrowing for me," Li said during an interview with Piers Morgan on Wednesday. "On Saturday, I went on Fox & Friends and said, 'Democrats have a stench of loser hanging over them.' As soon as I said that, there were boycott campaigns against me—unblock, unfollow campaigns." Her criticism intensified after she expressed support for Pete Hegseth and again described the Democratic Party as having a "stench of loser." The remarks prompted swift retaliation, including accusations of disloyalty and coordinated efforts to undermine her online presence. "I lost tens of thousands of followers because I dared to tell the truth," Li said. "In a cult, you can't tell the truth or ask questions, but I'm done with that." Li's decision, seen by some as emblematic of growing discontent within the party, has provoked sharp backlash from current members. It has also sparked broader conversations about the Democrats ' future as the 2024 election approaches. Despite the criticism, Li expressed optimism about the incoming Trump administration. She noted tech billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos donating to Trump's inauguration and suggested that a new era of "prosperity" might be on the horizon. What People Are Saying Keith Edwards, Democratic strategist, on Bluesky: "Grifter @lindyli has announced she's leaving the Democratic Party. How long until she's wearing a MAGA hat?" Tim Ryan, former Ohio congressman, in The New York Times : "The Dems got pinned as the status quo party on inflation, instability, insecurity, and every other issue facing working people. Trump was the change candidate in a year when 65 percent of people thought we were on the wrong track." What Happens Next Li has hinted at aligning with conservative organizations, stating her desire to work with groups that exhibit "common decency." She also confirmed during an interview with Fox Business that she will attend Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025.
ANN/VIETNAM NEWS – “With the same monthly income of VND18 million (USD720), my family’s quality of life improved dramatically when I moved from HCM City to Binh Duong for work,” said Tran Trong Nhan, originally from Ca Mau in the south. After two years of living and working in Binh Duong, Nhan noted that his family’s finances had stabilised. “Living costs, including accommodation, are 20 to 50 per cent higher in HCM City compared to nearby provinces like Binh Duong. On the same salary, my family of three could barely cover basic expenses in the city, with no money left for leisure, travel, or savings,” he explained. He highlighted housing as a major factor, noting that renting a 20-square-metre room in HCM City costs between VND2.5 and VND4 million (USD100-160) per month, while a similar room in Binh Duong, with better quality, costs only VND1.5 million (USD60). Other expenses, such as kindergarten fees, are also significantly lower in Binh Duong. Thanks to the reduction in costs, Nhan’s family can now save money and spend on leisure activities, including family outings and trips. Nhan’s experience reflects a growing trend of workers leaving HCM City due to its high cost of living. Rising prices for housing, utilities, and daily necessities are making it increasingly difficult for many families to sustain themselves. Even those with stable jobs and decent incomes find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Another case is migrant worker Le Van Thuong, 26, from the central province of Thanh Hoa, who recently decided to leave after four years working in HCM City. Before moving south, Thuong worked for a tourism event organisation in Hanoi. Attracted by HCM City’s vibrant job market and abundant opportunities for young people, he moved to the city in 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic began. During the pandemic, he faced prolonged social distancing and harsh challenges After the city reopened, Thuong found work at an event organisation company with a monthly salary of VND15 million (USD600). However, high living costs in the city left him unable to save or even afford trips back to his hometown for holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year). “Living in HCM City is expensive. Home rent, food, and other essentials leave no room for savings,” Thuong said. After weighing his options for more than a week, he decided to move back to his hometown Thanh Hoa, where he found a job offering 20 per cent higher pay than his previous one in the city. Nhan and Thuong are part of a broader trend that is reshaping the labour landscape in HCM City. Over the past decade, the city has been a magnet for migrant labour from across Vietnam, thanks to its dynamic economy, infrastructure, and job opportunities.One day before Texas and Georgia face off in the Southeastern Conference championship game, the Longhorns earned a surprising victory over the Bulldogs on the recruiting trail. Justus Terry, a defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, announced Friday he would be leaving his home state to play for Texas next year. Terry, who also was considering Georgia and Auburn, had been the nation’s top remaining uncommitted 2025 prospect. The addition of Terry gives Texas the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. “We’re super pumped about this recruiting class,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, before Terry had announced his decision. “This is a very talented group of players that I think not only fit the physical characteristics of what we’re looking for by position in our program, but I think meet the character and are going to fit nicely into our culture.” Although there will be an additional signing period in February, 247Sports officials said Texas should maintain its No. 1 standing. The overwhelming majority of Power Four recruits already finalized their college plans this week. The top 11 classes as of Friday afternoon include eight Southeastern Conference schools and three Big Ten programs. Alabama is second, with Georgia third, Oregon fourth and Ohio State fifth. Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Michigan and Tennessee round out the top 10. Florida is 11th. The highest-rated recruiting classes outside the SEC and Big Ten are Notre Dame at No. 12 and Miami at No. 14. Terry is the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Texas nine of the 247Sports Composite’s top 66 prospects. Texas’ other recruits rated 66th or better include safety Jonah Williams (No. 8), wide receivers Kaliq Lockett (No. 22) and Jamie Ffrench (No. 32), defensive lineman Lance Jackson (No. 25), all-purpose athlete Michael Terry III (No. 43), cornerbacks Kade Phillips (No. 54) and Graceson Littleton (No. 65), and linebacker Elijah Barnes (No. 66). “I think it’s a really versatile class with a variety of positions, highlighted by high-level players,” Sarkisian said. “As always, we really pride ourselves on recruiting the high school ranks. We think when we can get players in here young, then immerse them into our culture, into our off-season conditioning program, develop them as we go throughout their career, that’s when we really reap the benefits of having these guys in our program. This class is no different.” With the early signing period concluding Friday, the focus on college roster construction now turns to transfers. The transfer portal window officially opens Monday, though numerous college players already went to social media this week to announce their intentions to transfer. The early signing period was moved up a few weeks this year so that high school seniors could get their decisions out of the way before the opening of the transfer portal window. This marked the first signing period since the demise of the national letters of intent that prospects had sent in the past after signing with their respective schools. Athletes now are signing their names to a financial aid agreement that can include name, image and likeness agreements along with the standard tuition and room and board details. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Digital Warfare: Undersea cables are increasingly being targeted by adversarial entities, and NATO is now taking action to address the issue. The Alliance is developing an Unmanned Surface Vehicle aimed at deterring future sabotage attempts. Experimental testing is set to begin even before political discussions among member nations are finalized. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is planning to deploy a fleet of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) designed to patrol critical naval zones. These drones will initially provide NATO with enhanced monitoring capabilities on the sea surface, with plans to expand their functionality to underwater surveillance in the future. According to Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO's commander for concepts and transformation, the USV fleet will function much like a network of CCTV cameras mounted on streetlights to monitor high-crime urban areas. Vandier's team is in the early stages of developing the initiative, but NATO's central command of maritime forces (MARCOM) has reportedly expressed strong support for the plan. The USV fleet will be specifically designed to protect undersea telecom infrastructure located on the seabed in regions like the Baltic and Mediterranean seas. These areas were recently targeted by unknown saboteurs , who physically severed two undersea cables. NATO officials have blamed Russia for the attack, citing previous warnings that Vladimir Putin's regime had plans to disrupt Western communications by targeting undersea fiber optic cables. Admiral Vandier stated that the technology needed for NATO's USV fleet is already available. He highlighted Task Force 59 , the US Navy's first dedicated unit for unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, as the primary model for building the new fleet. Established in 2021, Task Force 59 operates in the Middle East, functioning as a powerful surveillance network that assists crewed ships. Its drones capture sensor data, while AI algorithms analyze surface activity to provide real-time insights. Task Force 59's drone fleet has operated safely and effectively in the Gulf for years, he said, demonstrating the viability of unmanned technology in real-world conditions. "Everything is known and sold, so it is much more a matter of adoption than technology." Vandier's team aims to launch the NATO surveillance fleet ahead of the next NATO Summit, scheduled for June in the Netherlands. His immediate priority is to hold "experimental" discussions about the project and then collaborate with NATO allies and member states to fully develop and implement the plan.
St. Michael's Prep excited to leave Texas for The ClassicIn recent weeks, gamers diving into the latest Delta Force release, “Hawk Ops,” have encountered surprising challenges, sparking lively discussions across forums. While the game is lauded for its cutting-edge graphics and immersive storytelling, a new issue has emerged, leading players to question the reliability of certain in-game mechanisms. Innovation Meets Frustration As developers integrate emerging technologies, the game’s AI decision-making has become notably complex. Enthusiasts have observed the AI behaving unpredictably, with characters making questionable tactical decisions during critical missions. This has introduced a real-world problem where an AI’s capacity for adaptation might be overstretching current technological boundaries. The Implications of Advanced AI Delta Force’s “Hawk Ops” serves as a poignant case study in understanding the balance between innovation and practicality. By utilizing advanced AI, the aim was to enhance realism, offering players a richer experience. However, the unpredictable behavior suggests a need for a redesign or recalibration. Industry specialists propose that a hybrid approach might be required, merging AI ingenuity with human oversight to remedy current issues. The Developer Response Acknowledging player concerns, the development team is actively working on patches to address these challenges. They have expressed openness to player feedback, noting that collective insights will inform future updates. As Delta Force navigates these technological seas, the gaming world watches on, eager to see how developers will harmonize next-gen tech with player experience. Delta Force: Hawk Ops – The AI Revolution in Gaming and Its Challenges Unpacking the AI Complexity in Delta Force: Hawk Ops The latest title from the Delta Force franchise, “Hawk Ops,” has both wowed and frustrated players with its cutting-edge technology and complex AI. While the game is praised for its stunning graphics and gripping narratives, the AI’s unpredictable decision-making has left players perplexed. This issue underscores the ongoing struggle in gaming to balance advanced technology with user expectations. Pros and Cons of Advanced AI in Gaming The integration of sophisticated AI in games like “Hawk Ops” aims to enrich the virtual environment by making it more responsive and challenging. However, there are both benefits and downsides to this innovation: Pros: – Enhanced Realism: AI that adapts in real-time offers an unparalleled realism, mimicking human-like behavior. – Dynamic Gameplay: Unpredictable AI can lead to varied gaming experiences, enhancing replayability. Cons: – Unpredictable Outcomes: Players often feel frustrated by AI making nonsensical choices in critical game scenarios. – Increased Complexity: Handling highly sophisticated AI can be daunting, both for developers and players. The Future of AI in Gaming Industry experts predict that future advancements in AI will continue to shape the gaming landscape. Hybrid models, which fuse AI management with human oversight, are seen as a potential solution to current issues. This approach could strike a better balance between innovation and playability, allowing developers to harness AI’s full potential while maintaining control over the user experience. Developer’s Commitment to Improvement The development team behind “Hawk Ops” is keenly aware of the feedback from the gaming community. They are actively working on updates to refine AI behavior, emphasizing community feedback as a pivotal part of the improvement process. This open-dialog approach suggests that future titles will likely benefit from lessons learned with “Hawk Ops.” Looking Ahead: Predictions and Insights In the coming years, gaming is expected to see more seamless AI integration, where game and player interactions will be more fluid and intuitive. Developers are likely to continue exploring new ways to marry AI innovation with engaging game design, ensuring that technology enhances rather than hinders the player experience. For more information on the Delta Force series and its latest innovations, visit NovaLogic .By WILL WEISSERT, JUAN ZAMORANO and GARY FIELDS PANAMA CITY (AP) — Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. Related Articles National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don’t change after he takes office next month, “We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can’t reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here’s a look at how we got here: It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America’s southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt’s Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty” and the “Panama Canal Treaty.” The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama’s voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country’s people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off” and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal’s operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there’s no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously.” Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington.
Qatar tribune The global fight against climate change could face a grave threat with the election of Donald Trump whose rhetoric suggests he will make a sharp pivot towards fossil fuel dominance, the Al-Attiyah Foundation writes in its latest Special Report titled Trump 2.0: Implications for Energy, Environment, and Trade. In an interview with Fox News in the build up to the November presidential election, Trump explained his plans for United States fossil-fuel production if he wins, saying: “We are going to – I used this expression, now everyone else is using it so I hate to use it, but – drill, baby, drill. Despite such strident remarks, Mr. Trump’s zeal to amp up oil production and repeal the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the landmark climate law that is pouring more than $390 billion into electric vehicles, batteries and other clean energy technology, will quickly face a political test. A cornerstone of the outgoing President Joe Biden’s climate policy, the IRA has already attracted over $200 billion in clean energy investments since its enactment. Although a complete repeal of the IRA is unlikely due to bipartisan support, as much as 30% of its climate funding could be at risk. Electric vehicle (EV) tax credits, valued at $12 billion, are particularly vulnerable, potentially undermining the rapid growth of the U.S. EV market. Meanwhile, China leads globally, with more than 50% of its newly registered cars being EVs or plug-in hybrids—twice the global average. Trump’s proposed rollbacks could leave the U.S. trailing in this critical sector, further delaying domestic progress toward reducing emissions. In parallel, Trump’s administration is expected to champion fossil fuel-aligned technologies, such as carbon capture and “blue” hydrogen, which could sustain jobs. While these measures may boost traditional energy sectors, they risk slowing advancements in renewable energy infrastructure and grid modernisation. The IRA’s technology-neutral tax credits, extended until 2032, have been a driving force behind renewable energy projects, but Trump’s policies may shift focus to emissions mitigation tied to fossil fuels, aligning with his “energy dominance” strategy. On the global stage, Trump’s energy agenda could deepen geopolitical tensions. Proposed tariffs on clean energy imports, alongside his confrontational trade stance with China, might disrupt supply chains and elevate costs for key energy technologies. During his previous term, tariffs on Chinese solar panels reached 25%, inflating domestic production costs and slowing clean technology deployment. Similarly, his withdrawal from international climate agreements and easing of environmental regulations could strain collaborations with allies and impact global efforts to mitigate climate change. During his campaign, Trump extolled the United States’ energy resources saying they have “more energy — we have more liquid gold, as I call it, under our feet than Saudi Arabia, than Russia, than anybody” and that “we’re going to be energy-dominant”. To this end, Trump’s fossil fuel agenda also highlights the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other sensitive areas for potential drilling, aiming to boost U.S. oil and gas output. However, higher production costs—ranging between $64 and $70 per barrel for new wells—could limit profitability. Even with regulatory easing, these initiatives may take years to materialise fully. While Trump’s policies may bring short-term economic benefits to fossil fuel sectors, the long-term implications for the U.S.’s role in clean energy leadership remain uncertain. With global markets increasingly embracing low-carbon technologies, — By The Al-Attiyah Foundation Copy 24/12/2024 10Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Prime Minister’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative programme into Sara Netanyahu. The programme uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges (Stoyan Nenov/Pool Photo via AP) Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies”. It is the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus, highlighted by the PM’s ongoing corruption trial. Mr Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.