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2025-01-12
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Sir Keir Starmer said he would be looking towards a “better, brighter future for every person” in a Christmas message following a turbulent year for the UK. The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”BBC bosses want to make a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show after the finale scored the highest Christmas Day TV audience for 16 years. A peak of 12.5 million saw Nessa and Smithy get hitched in the sitcom’s highly anticipated conclusion. Millions more are expected to have watched on catch-up. Insiders say execs are keen to coax more material from co-writers James Corden and Ruth Jones . A source said: “It would be madness to close the door on such a hit.” The spin-off could come in the form of a sitcom following warring couple Dawn and Pete, insiders said. A TV source said: “James and Ruth are adamant this is the last of Gavin & Stacey. But, when a programme achieves such results, execs will always hope for more. “At the end of the day, ratings talk and it would be madness to close the door on such a hit forever when fans loved it so much. “Bosses have had casual discussions about whether options like a Pete and Dawn spin-off could work. "They were always more separate to the main group and a new universe could be developed which didn’t involve any of the core cast, so James and Ruth’s involvement could be a little different.” The 2019 Christmas special, when Nessa, played by Ruth, proposed to Smithy (James) was supposed to be the final episode. But The Sun then sensationally revealed the gang were coming back five years on. Our source went on: “No one thought James and Ruth would ever return following 2019’s special, so it’s definitely considered a ‘never say never’ situation and bosses live in hope. "Even when news of this Christmas special broke , Ruth denied it publicly, so any plans will always be shrouded in secrecy. “At this point they are rightly so proud of what they delivered and why would they risk ruining it all? But no one can be blamed for one day hoping for more.” The BBC last night said there were no plans for a spin-off. Christmas Day’s classic finale saw Nessa and Smithy get the happy ending fans were hoping for. But other characters have obvious room for more, after Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe divorced then were reunited. There is also Stacey’s mum Gwen West finding love with Nessa’s ex Dave Coaches. Fan favourites such as Smithy’s sister Rudi and his mates Budgie, Chinese Alan and Fingers are also candidates. The BBC has had huge success with spin-offs that are based within the same “universe” as a popular show, such as Beyond Paradise and now Return To Paradise for cop show Death In Paradise. The source said: “As with any big shows, options are always discussed in planning meetings and there are obvious options within Gavin & Stacey. "It’s all down to James and Ruth whether anything will be developed, though.” The 2024 special surpassed its 2019 predecessor by more than half a million viewers. Yesterday, photos were released of the cast and crew posing for final photos on set. Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Ruth Jones and James Corden created a magical finale fans will treasure forever. “Their exquisitely written comedy creation is a show all about family, love and joy and it proved to be the unmissable TV event of the year.” The special was packed with twists and big reveals, kicking off with the dreaded Sonia being Smithy’s bride-to-be at the start of the episode, not Nessa. Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions. Actress Laura Aikman, who plays Sonia, told on the night how she kept it a secret from loved ones. She posted a video of her family gasping when she appeared. Laura wrote: “I take an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) very seriously! The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again.” The finale crowned an epic Christmas Day for the BBC, which had all the top ten most-watched programmes. The return of Wallace & Gromit with Vengeance Most Fowl drew in the next biggest tally, with a peak of ten million, followed by stalwarts including Call The Midwife, Doctor Who and Strictly. ITV’s best efforts came from The Chase’s celebrity special with 2.9 million and Freddie Flintoff’s Bullseye special on 2.4 million. Ms Moore said: “Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions. I’m very proud the line-up was a showcase for the very best in British storytelling.” IT’S not Gavin & Stacey’s fault, but I’d started hating the Christmas special long before it came to screen. A resentment you can probably put down to personal failings and the fact that rolling news, the print media and even the BBC’s main bulletins seemed to be hyping the 90-minute episode’s expectations way beyond a point it could possibly deliver. Without anything else worth watching on Christmas Day, since the last Gavin & Stacey special in 2019, the longing was as understandable as it was damning, I suppose. But for the first half, at least, it seemed like all the pre-publicity had been a dreadful miscalculation. The storyline was going nowhere and everyone, bar James Corden and Ruth Jones, who’ve written themselves the two best parts, seemed to be performing instead of acting, to an annoying degree in the cases of Rob “Bryn” Brydon and Alison “Pam” Steadman. They clearly knew something we didn’t, though. Because, as soon as Smithy and Sonia’s abortive wedding scene kicked in, everything made perfect sense. It was an old-fashioned love story that had momentum, heart, soul, staggeringly good stars, Anna Maxwell Martin and Sheridan Smith, and also the good sense to flag up its own plot holes, on the final chase to Southampton Docks. As I’m sure the whole audience was screaming “Give her a ring,” long before Joanna Page’s Stacey said “I’ll try her on her mobile” and Jason replied “Why didn’t we just call her in the first place?” They would have looked daft, of course, if the show hadn’t delivered the ending the audience craved and deserved. But it gave the people what they wanted, a Smithy and Nessa wedding, and spared them from the one thing that infected other significant parts of the BBC’s Christmas Day TV, preachiness. For there were no gear-crunching references to diversity, as we got in the King’s Speech and EastEnders, nor was there any bleating about the arms trade, as in Doctor Who. For 90 minutes on Christmas Day, TV was a glorious, happy, woke-free zone again. And if you think the BBC will learn from Gavin & Stacey’s triumph and cut the political lectures in 2025? Well, I’d settle back and watch the Christmas special again and again, if I were you.Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2024 is set to redefine aviation simulation, and at the forefront of this revolution is the introduction of the highly anticipated Airbus A350. This cutting-edge aircraft is renowned for its advanced technology in the real aviation world, and its digital twin promises to bring a new level of realism and innovation to the virtual skies. Unmatched Realism The A350 is a marvel of modern engineering known for its fuel efficiency and impressive range. MSFS 2024 developers have dedicated themselves to authentically replicating its intricate flight systems and aerodynamic performance. This commitment ensures that virtual pilots will experience unprecedented realism, from the handling dynamics to the nuances of its cockpit instrumentation. Advanced Technology Integration MSFS 2024 leverages new technologies to enhance every flight experience. The integration of real-time weather data, groundbreaking AI, and ultra-high-definition graphics allows the A350 to glide through breathtaking skies under realistic weather conditions. With a newly enhanced physics engine, the simulator promises to capture the essence of flying this iconic aircraft with unprecedented fidelity. A Look into the Future The inclusion of the A350 in MSFS 2024 sets the stage for an exciting future in flight simulation. This advancement hints at the potential for even more sophisticated aircraft models and tools, paving the way for a richer, more immersive experience. As technology continues to evolve, MSFS 2024 is poised to remain at the cutting edge, serving as a beacon for enthusiasts who yearn for the closest experience to real-world aviation from the comfort of their homes. Discover the Future of Aviation Simulation with MSFS 2024 Introduction to MSFS 2024 and the Airbus A350 Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark in the evolution of aviation simulation, particularly with the inclusion of the much-awaited Airbus A350. While the original excitement centers around this model’s cutting-edge features, several new elements and insights further enhance what MSFS 2024 has to offer to virtual pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Key Features and Innovations # Enhanced Real-Time Weather Simulation One of the most anticipated features in MSFS 2024 is its enhanced real-time weather simulation. Real-world data integration not only reproduces current weather conditions accurately but also allows for dynamic weather changes mid-flight. This innovation enables pilots to experience the challenges and beauties of flying under varied conditions, from thunderstorms to serene sunsets, giving a true-to-life experience. # Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence MSFS 2024 incorporates advanced AI systems to improve both air traffic control and aircraft behavior. The AI is designed to provide realistic interactions not only with live players but also with AI-controlled aircraft, offering a more authentic simulation of real-world aviation dynamics. This feature significantly elevates the learning and engagement aspects for users aiming to enhance their piloting skills beyond basics. # Cutting-Edge Graphics and Visuals With ultra-high-definition graphics, MSFS 2024 stands out for its visually stunning environments. Pilots can fly over impeccably rendered cities, landscapes, and natural wonders seized in breathtaking detail. This visual upgrade enhances the realism and immersion, likely making MSFS 2024 one of the most visually ambitious flight simulators to date. Predictions and Market Insights # Increased Demand for High-Performance Simulation PCs With the advanced graphics and processing requirements of MSFS 2024, there is an expected increase in demand for high-performance PCs and peripherals optimized for gaming and simulation. This trend may also stimulate market growth in the computer hardware industry, particularly for graphics cards, processors, and other gaming-centric components. # Expansion of Aviation Enthusiast Community MSFS 2024 promises to not only retain its current fanbase but also expand it, attracting new users interested in both casual flying experiences and serious flight training simulations. The realism and incredible attention to detail are expected to draw those who may have previously been uninterested in flight simulation. FAQs Q: What systems are required to run MSFS 2024 smoothly? A: While specific system requirements may vary, a high-performance PC with a powerful graphics card and substantial RAM is recommended for the best experience. Q: Can MSFS 2024 be used as an actual flight training tool? A: MSFS 2024 offers highly realistic simulation capabilities that can complement flight training, but it should not be considered a substitute for certified aviation training programs. Sustainability and Future Developments # Commitment to Sustainability In a nod towards environmental consciousness, MSFS 2024 developers have worked on optimizing energy usage within the game’s framework, reducing its overall computational footprint. This step aligns with broader trends in software development that prioritize sustainability. # Ongoing Updates and User Engagement MSFS 2024 plans to release periodic updates to incorporate new aircraft, scenarios, and technological advancements. The community is encouraged to provide feedback, ensuring the simulator evolves in line with user expectations and technological progress. Conclusion Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 continues to push the boundaries of aviation simulation with the introduction of the Airbus A350 and beyond. As this innovative software rolls out, both existing enthusiasts and newcomers can expect an unprecedented level of engagement, realism, and community interaction. Experience the skies like never before with the unparalleled immersion MSFS 2024 offers. For more information, visit the official website of Microsoft .

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LeBron James is going to have to make room for the NFL. Wednesday's doubleheader on Netflix set records as the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history, with numbers nearly five times more than the NBA. The Baltimore Ravens' 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million while Kansas City's 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday. Nielsen also said there were 65 million U.S. viewers who tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two games. The NBA's five-game slate averaged about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, according to the league and Nielsen. “I love the NFL,” James said in his televised postgame interview Wednesday night. “But Christmas is our day.” While the NBA's Christmas lineup has its best viewer numbers in five years, the NFL has made Christmas one of its tentpole events during the regular season, joining Kickoff Weekend and Thanksgiving. “The numbers speak for themselves and LeBron can have his own view, and I’m sure more people will look at that because of this," said Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media. "But, you know, we’re focused on the NFL and we’re thrilled with the results this year with the Christmas on Netflix and we’re excited to continue to build that over the next couple of years.” Both NFL games surpassed the previous mark of 23 million for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs on Peacock. Viewership for Ravens-Texans peaked with the Beyoncé Bowl. The 20-minute halftime performance averaged over 27 million viewers. The viewer figures include the audience on Netflix, mobile viewership on NFL+ and those who tuned in on CBS stations in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore and Houston. Global ratings and final U.S. numbers are expected to be available on Tuesday. The NFL's Christmas numbers decreased from last season, but not at the rate that usually happens when something goes from broadcast to streaming. Last year’s three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million on CBS. Once global and Netflix's first-party data is released, both Christmas games should surpass 30 million. The NBA's lineup saw an 84% rise over 2023. One reason for the increase is that all five games were on ABC, compared to two last year. The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors — a game pitting Olympic teammates LeBron James and Stephen Curry — averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked with about 8.32 million viewers toward the end of the contest, the league said. Those numbers represent the most-watched NBA regular season game in five years. The NBA said all five Christmas games on its schedule — San Antonio at New York in Victor Wembanyama's holiday debut, Minnesota at Dallas, Philadelphia at Boston, Denver at Phoenix and Lakers-Warriors — saw year-over-year viewership increases. Wednesday's numbers pushed NBA viewership for the season across ESPN platforms to up 4% over last season. The league also saw more than 500 million video views on its social media platforms Wednesday, a new record. For the NBA, those are all good signs amid cries that NBA viewership is hurting. “Ratings are down a bit at beginning of the season. But cable television viewership is down double digits so far this year versus last year," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “You know, we’re almost at the inflection point where people are watching more programing on streaming than they are on traditional television. And it’s a reason why for our new television deals, which we enter into next year, every game is going to be available on a streaming service.” Part of that new package of television deals that the NBA is entering into next season also increases the number of regular season games broadcast on television from 15 to 75. AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA

Golden Knights take on the Utah Hockey Club after Barbashev's 2-goal performance

US sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the name, image and likeness era. Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team says additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team says surgery isn't expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend’s 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay. At least 65 million tune in for Netflix NFL Christmas Day games. NBA holiday ratings also skyrocket LeBron James is going to have to make room for the NFL. Wednesday’s doubleheader on Netflix set records as the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history, with numbers nearly five times more than the NBA. The Baltimore Ravens’ 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million while Kansas City’s 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday. Nielsen also said there were 65 million U.S. viewers who tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two games. The NBA’s five-game slate averaged about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, according to the league and Nielsen. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Penn State offensive coordinator Kotelnicki's creativity has the Nittany Lions humming in the CFP Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State. Penn State has one of the most unique offensive weapons in the country in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren has 92 receptions this season and has become a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. 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. Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. City is languishing in seventh place while United is 14th after a 2-0 loss at Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. First-place Liverpool beat Leicester 3-1 in foggy conditions at Anfield and leads by seven points. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Letter: Single Political Party System

It's getting harder to stay on the PGA Tour. Here's whyEvery year on Christmas Eve, nine reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh through the sky so he can deliver presents to children throughout the world. Their names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. In the popular song and film about Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer is male, and the film implies the other reindeer are also male. But viral posts claim all of Santa’s reindeer are actually female because male reindeer lose their antlers in the winter. Some people online also claim real reindeer can have red noses like Rudolph, too. So is there more fact than fiction behind the legend of Santa’s sleigh team? Here are 3 VERIFIED facts about the real animals that inspired our favorite fictional reindeer. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts newsletter here . There isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question. Santa’s reindeer could be female or castrated males. Unlike most other deer species, both male and female reindeer grow antlers every year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and San Diego Zoo . Reindeer also shed their antlers every year, but the timing differs between males and females, our sources say. Male reindeer usually drop their antlers in the late fall and don’t regrow them until the following spring. Pregnant female reindeer, on the other hand, keep their antlers through winter until their calves are born in the spring, the FDA and San Diego Zoo say. Non-pregnant female reindeer lose their antlers in the winter, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service . But castration can impact when male reindeer lose their antlers. Craig Roberts, an agricultural zoologist and professor of social psychology at the University of Stirling in Scotland, says castrated males “ have antler cycles similar to those of females .” All of this means Santa’s reindeer could be female or castrated males, since they usually keep their antlers during Christmastime. There’s truth behind the legend of Rudolph’s red nose. Some real reindeer noses can turn a reddish color due to an adaptation that helps them survive in cold climates. A 2012 study examined the noses of two reindeer and five humans. It concluded the reindeer had a 25% higher density of blood vessels in their noses compared to humans. This helps reindeer keep their noses warm, allowing them to heat up incoming cold air before they breathe it in, according to the Orlando Science Center . The extra blood vessels also mean their noses can turn a reddish color. “Exposure to extreme cold or exercise increases blood flow, and with so many extra blood vessels in their noses, they can turn a light rosy color,” the Orlando Science Center says. A popular Christmas song called “Up on the Housetop” says Santa’s reindeer go “click, click, click.” Real reindeer that aren’t out delivering presents actually make clicking sounds, too. But that clicking doesn’t come from their hooves hitting the ground. The clicking sound happens when a reindeer’s tendons snap over bones in their feet when they walk, according to an article published by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences . Both OSU and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens say biologists think the clicking sounds helps members of a reindeer herd stay together, especially in snowstorms where they cannot see each other.

 

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2025-01-12
By HALELUYA HADERO, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”bet 999 slot

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!CRKN stock touches 52-week low at $0.71 amid sharp annual declineHO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam , 26 November 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acara 4th Scientific Meeting of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Orthodontists baru saja berlangsung di The Reverie Saigon Hotel, Vietnam . Tema acara adalah "Orthodontic Management of Growing Patients". Lebih dari 400 dokter menghadiri acara ini dan saling berbagi tentang perspektif industri. Chief Scientist , Smartee Denti-Technology, Prof. Gang Shen, turut diundang untuk memberikan ceramah selama setengah hari tentang teknologi clear mandibular repositioning . Dia juga membahas solusi facial concavity dan facial deviation akibat pergeseran tulang rahang bawah ( mandibular postural retrusion ), mencakup klasifikasi klinis, strategi perawatan, serta analisis kasus. "Berbeda dari facial convexity , struktur tulang dan tren perkembangan facial concavity bersifat dinamis," jelas Prof. Gang Shen. "Maka, pemahaman tentang pola-pola tersebut sangat penting untuk mengembangkan rencana perawatan berdasarkan tahap tertentu dalam jangka panjang. Dalam praktik klinis yang biasa ditemui, penanganan facial deviation dan facial asymmetry biasanya kompleks, dan riset sistematisnya pun masih sedikit ketimbang riset mengenai jenis maloklusi lain. Prinsip dasar dalam penanganan isu tersebut berkaitan dengan memperbaiki posisi tulang rahang bawah secara fungsional sebaik mungkin, diikuti perbaikan oklusi." Dr. Nguyen Hong An , salah satu KOL baru di Vietnam yang sering mengulas topik kesehatan gigi, berkomentar: "Paparan Prof.Gang Shen merupakan informasi penting dan berharga. Sebelum acara ini, saya belum pernah mempertimbangkan untuk memakai solusi Smartee, seperti S8 dan S10, untuk memperbaiki posisi tulang rahang bawah. Paparan tersebut sangat menginspirasi praktisi lokal, sebab menunjukkan penanganan kasus kompleks secara sederhana." Lewat kontribusi ilmiah, Smartee memperkuat komitmen dalam mempersempit kesenjangan antara riset independen dan praktik klinis, serta menawarkan berbagai solusi ortodonti yang praktis dan berbasiskan sains. Ke depan, pasar ortodonti global terus berkembang, dan Asia Tenggara memiliki potensi masif dan menyediakan banyak peluang pada segmen clear aligner . Smartee pun selalu berkomitmen menjalankan dua strategi, yakni inovasi teknologi dan ekspansi global, serta berinvestasi dalam litbang guna menyediakan berbagai produk, teknologi, dan layanan terbaik bagi dokter dan pasien di seluruh dunia. SOURCE Smartee Denti-Technology

BGBA-445 is under clinical development by BeiGene and currently in Phase II for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. According to GlobalData, Phase II drugs for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer have a 38% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Phase III. GlobalData tracks drug-specific phase transition and likelihood of approval scores, in addition to indication benchmarks based off 18 years of historical drug development data. Attributes of the drug, company and its clinical trials play a fundamental role in drug-specific PTSR and likelihood of approval. BGBA-445 overview BGBA-445 is under development for the treatment of advanced malignancies, metastatic solid tumors, recurrent head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, squamous non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), bladder cancer and melanoma. The drug candidate is administered through intravenous route. It acts by targeting OX40 (CD134) receptor. BeiGene overview BeiGene is a biotechnology company. It specializes in the development and commercialization of immuno-oncology medicines to treat cancers. The company offers Zanubrutinib, a small molecule inhibitor to treat various blood cancers and Sonrotoclax, a small molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. BeiGene also provides Tislelizumab (BGB-A317), a monoclonal antibody targeting solid tumors and hematologic cancer; and Pamiparib (BGB-290) against solid tumor malignancies. The company has operations in the US, Australia, Germany, Spain, Canada, Switzerland and Italy. BeiGene is headquartered in the Cayman Islands. For a complete picture of BGBA-445’s drug-specific PTSR and LoA scores, This content was updated on 12 April 2024 From Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors. , the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. GlobalData’s Likelihood of Approval analytics tool dynamically assesses and predicts how likely a drug will move to the next stage in clinical development (PTSR), as well as how likely the drug will be approved (LoA). This is based on a combination of machine learning and a proprietary algorithm to process data points from various databases found on GlobalData’s .

The Obama Democracy Forum kicks off Thursday in Chicago. The goal is to bridge the political divide and get people talking about issues together. The former president, along with actor Ryan Reynolds and country music singer Reyna Roberts, will be speaking. Obama Foundation CEO and longtime Barack Obama senior advisor Valerie Jarrett spoke with Scripps News about what to expect from the conference. "Part of what we're doing [Thursday] is inviting leaders in the community who can take these tools back to their local communities and help the people on the ground who are feeling helpless in this situation," Jarrett said. "I do think there is a hunger around our country and around the world to focus on what we have in common, to avoid the kind of polarization that we're seeing, to talk to each other in a way that's respectful, to disagree and have hard conversations without letting them break down into acrimony." RELATED STORY | South Korean parliament defies president by lifting declaration of martial law Jarrett also discussed recent threats to democracy, including in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law in an attempt to eliminate "anti-state" forces alleged to be sympathizing with North Korea. "We take a long view. We look at this as a way of building confidence in leaders that are moving forward, that will be leaders of tomorrow. They'll be confident because they'll have the necessary tools to avoid the kind of friction and combativeness that we are seeing all too often," Jarrett said. Watch the full interview with Jarrett in the video above.

Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” Europe's economy needs help. Political chaos in France and Germany means it may be slower in coming BRUSSELS (AP) — Europe's economy has enough difficulties, from tepid growth to trade tensions with the U.S. Dealing with those woes is only getting harder due to the political chaos in the two biggest European countries, France and Germany. Neither has a government backed by a functioning majority, and France could take a while yet to sort things out. But some problems aren't going to wait, such as what to do about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's America First stance on trade and how to fund stronger defense against Putin's Russia. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally “Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. That surpasses the take for the original “Moana” and brings the sequel's global tally to a staggering $600 million. It also puts the film in this year's top five at the box office. “Wicked” came in second place for the weekend with $34.9 million and “Gladiator II” was third with $12.5 million. The 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar” also earned an impressive $4.4 million even though it played in only 165 theaters. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Florida ATLANTA (AP) — The president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios has died when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The studio confirmed on Saturday that Steve Mensch, its 62-year-old president and general manager, had died Friday. The crash happened in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the plane having come to rest upside down on a road. Mensch helped advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion a year. Perry hired Mensch to run his namesake studio in 2016. Mensch died as Perry released his war drama, “The Six Triple Eight." The film was shot at the Atlanta studio. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states.Canadian investors are navigating investment options for a potentially explosive 2025. As the economy braces for a potential shock as the United States’s president-elect threatens to impose huge tariffs on trade partners, finding stocks that offer growth, reliable , and wealth preservation has become increasingly crucial. Enter ( ), a rare stock investment option that checks most boxes for investors. While high-flying tech stocks grab headlines, Fortis – an electric and gas utility stock serving millions of customers in Canada, the United States and Caribbean territories – has quietly built a 51-year track record of consecutive dividend increases, recently becoming only the second Canadian company to achieve the coveted status (behind ( ) stock). Its fresh 4.2% dividend raise in November brings the current yield to 4.1%, but here’s what makes Fortis stock truly compelling for 2025: For investors seeking the trifecta of steady income, capital preservation, and long-term growth potential, Fortis stock’s story is more than about the 4.1% future dividend yield. It demands more attention. A $26 billion growth plan powers Fortis stock’s future Fortis stock isn’t just about current income – it’s positioned for significant growth. The company’s newly announced 2025–2029 capital expenditure plan of $26 billion represents its most ambitious (and low-risk) expansion yet. This comprehensive revenue and earnings growth plan, which exceeds the previous five-year strategy by $1 billion, aims to grow the company’s rate base from $38.8 billion to approximately $53 billion by 2029, targeting a robust 6.5% annual growth rate. Revenue growth could translate into earnings, cash flow, and respectable dividend growth rates. How Fortis stock could double your money For investors seeking wealth accumulation, Fortis stock presents a compelling case. Using the predictive power of the , doubling your investment over a decade requires roughly 7.2% in annual total returns. Fortis stock’s current 4.1% dividend yield, combined with management’s targeted dividend growth rate of 4-6% through 2029, means investors need only modest share price appreciation to achieve this goal. Historical performance supports this potential – investors who purchased Fortis stock a decade ago and reinvested all dividends saw their position grow by 125%. data by Buy Fortis stock for stability in uncertain times What makes Fortis stock particularly valuable is its remarkable stability. With a one-year Beta of just 0.09 against the , Fortis stock has shown exceptionally low volatility compared to the broader market. As a regulated electric and gas utility serving millions of needy customers, Fortis provides essential services that generally remain in demand regardless of economic conditions. The growing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancement provide additional tailwinds for Fortis stock’s growth trajectory. Interestingly, Fortis stock could help diversify volatile AI-tilted portfolios. Fortis stock’s attractive valuation and low-risk growth funding Currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 17.8, Fortis stock sits comfortably within its five-year historical PE range. This reasonable valuation, paired with the company’s proven track record of shareholder wealth creation, creates an appealing entry point for long-term investors. The company’s plans to fund its $26 billion capital expenditure primarily through internally generated cash flow, reduces the risk of excessive debt or equity dilution. Fortis’s dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) provides an additional source of capital for future projects, and allows current investors to participate in its growth projects for even more dividends and capital gains. Fortis stock appears to be a well-positioned core-portfolio investment for 2025 and beyond. Investor takeaway For investors seeking a combination of current income, growth potential, and stability, Fortis stands out as a compelling choice. Its status as a dividend king, coupled with its robust growth plans and an essential business model, makes it a strong candidate for any growth and income-focused portfolios heading into 2025.Adam Clark scores 18 to help Merrimack knock off Niagara 80-62

No. 23 Texas A&M aims to hand Oregon first loss at Players EraFred Harris, a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma who later moved to New Mexico, has died. Born in 1930, Harris was a Democrat who was elected in 1964 to finish the term of Sen. Robert Kerr, who died. He was elected to a full term in 1966 and served through 1972, when he didn't run for reelection. Other career highlights include chairing the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970 and running for president unsuccessfully in 1976. He later moved to New Mexico, where he became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. "A passionate champion of Native American rights, Sen. Harris sponsored legislation signed into law by President Richard Nixon that restored land to Taos Pueblo seized by President Theodore Roosevelt and designated as the Carson National Forest early in the 20th century," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement Saturday. "Later, though his work in academia, Sen. Harris shaped the lives of countless University of New Mexico students who learned firsthand from a political legend about the importance of democracy, good governance, and civil political discourse," she continued. "The Fred Harris Congressional Internship program provided UNM students with opportunities to work on Capitol Hill and learn about the inner workings of Congress and the federal government." New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján said Harris' "life and career in public service was dedicated to lifting others up and working toward the greater good. He fought tirelessly for civil rights, working families, and Native communities. “I am sending my love and prayers to Marg, Senator Harris’ children, and to all who had the privilege of knowing one of the last great statesmen," Luján said. In a statement Saturday, U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury hailed his advocacy for Native Americans and civil rights and his support for passing President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs. "As a dear friend, colleague, and hero, he will be deeply missed and leave a hole in our community that can never be replaced," she said. "His legacy will live on in all of the young people that he inspired and mentored on their way to becoming leaders in the ongoing fight for justice." This is a developing story and will be updated.John R SchindlerGiants WR Malik Nabers (toe) active vs. Colts

Israeli troops forcibly remove staff and patients from northern Gaza hospital, officials sayNVIDIA says there may be a GPU shortage coming

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Amadeus, a pioneering travel technology firm, and Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline, have announced the renewal of their distribution partnership. This enhanced agreement emphasizes the global implementation of the New Distribution Capability (NDC) content, a key component in Saudia’s ongoing transformation. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, Saudia plans to introduce its NDC-based content, granting travel sellers access to an expanded portfolio of airline products and services. This rollout will feature dynamic pricing and advanced personalization options, aimed at improving the overall passenger experience with Saudia. Utilizing Amadeus Altéa NDC, the integration of this content into the Amadeus Travel Platform is expected to be smooth, ensuring that travel sellers around the world benefit from a streamlined, transparent, and efficient service process. Saudia is committed to evolving into a comprehensive retail entity, with a strategic focus on reshaping every facet of its operations to prioritize traveler needs. This commitment is underscored by its recent adoption of Amadeus Nevio, aiming to fulfill its visionary goals. “This extension of our agreement with Amadeus is testament to our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance our services for our guests and enhance their travel experience. It aligns perfectly with our contribution to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals and our ongoing transformation journey.” Arved von Zur Muehlen Chief Commercial Officer, Saudia “We are excited to continue our close collaboration and partnership with Saudia. This agreement underscores our dedication not only to drive NDC adoption at scale but demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the digital transformation of the travel industry, enabling modern retailing that benefits airlines, travel sellers and travelers.” Maher Koubaa Executive Vice President Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, AmadeusMbappé enduring 'difficult moment' as he misses another penalty kick and Madrid loses to AthleticAustralia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?

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Farm Bureau annual meeting sees record attendanceThe announcement by Science Minister Judith Collins this week that half of New Zealand’s sole fund for fundamental science will now go to research with economic benefits – with social sciences and the humanities no longer supported – came as a shock to many. Perhaps it shouldn’t have. The signs have been there for a while. In August, Collins spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Marsden Fund . Her insistence on economic impact worried many in the room because this fund was meant to support pure – not applied – research. Her statement that “we must endeavour to invest our money in areas that we believe have the best chance of showing a return on investment” may not seem extraordinary. Indeed, for most government research funding – including through the Endeavour Programmes , Smart Ideas funding, the Crown Research Institutes or the Health Research Council – the purpose of research is important. But this is explicitly not what the Marsden Fund was set up to do. Former National Party minister Simon Upton quoted his own words from 30 years ago at the anniversary event: For the first time, the government has made funding available for research, not on the basis that the research will be useful, though it may be, or that it will solve an urgent problem, although it could do, but on the basis of its ingenuity and the likelihood of generating some first-class science. A bipartisan history The Marsden Fund was set up to underpin the generation of knowledge in our university and science systems. In its latest allocation last month, the fund invested NZ$$75.82 million to support 113 projects . But the funded projects represent only 10% of the applications received (12% for the shorter fast-start grants). These low success rates mean many good ideas miss out. The proposed change is massive: the issues with expecting research to deliver predetermined outcomes – referred to in science policy terms as “picking winners” – have been discussed for a long time. If we could know the outcomes of a research project in advance, we could undoubtedly be more efficient in allocating funding. But if we knew the outcomes, it wouldn’t be research, and any knowledge produced would not be new. More targeted research is, of course, useful and is therefore funded by the different mechanisms mentioned above. But the ideas that underpin real value in commercially viable science are often first prompted by discoveries in fundamental science. If it were something everyone already knew, it wouldn’t be intellectual property. Cather Simpson, a physicist at the University of Auckland, founder of three deep-tech start-ups, and a winner of the Kiwinet Commercialisation Icon award puts it this way: Fundamental research is essential for long-term economic success. It’s how we generate new ideas and clever people for the future. We’ve been eating our “seed corn” with our overemphasis on short-term economic impact for a wee while; this change means we’ll be scoffing it down. Science minister Judith Collins wants the Marsden Fund to focus on funding research in physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences. Getty Images Where to from here? In her announcement, Judith Collins said she wants the Marsden Fund to focus on “core science”. In her definition, this means physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences. Some argue these cost more, because of equipment or laboratory costs, than the humanities and social sciences, which are now excluded from the fund. This is true in part. But New Zealand already has all the other funding mechanisms to support applied research with economic impact. The humanities and social sciences have no other major source of baseline research funding. When the ACT Party shares figures amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars for research that sometimes looks like it produces no more than reports and books, their concerns about the value of this expenditure may seem valid. But it is important to understand where the money allocated by the Marsden Fund actually goes. New Zealand has had a fully-costed research system for a long time. This means that for every dollar the grant pays for researchers’ salaries, the university (or other employing institution) is paid 115% in addition. The money paid to institutions is called “overheads”. It is essentially direct funding for universities for office space and administrative support and it may pay for student scholarships, software licenses or travel – the basic costs of getting the research done. But it is not a nice-to-have: in many other countries, the proportion of direct funding for universities is higher, because they do not have this fully-costed research funding model. Reducing the overhead rate paid on research grants has been discussed as one way to make research funding go further. But we must be realistic: direct funding for universities would need to increase significantly to make up the difference. This might be one way of enabling institutions to support the humanities and social sciences through internally allocated research funds. Preempting the science sector review New Zealand is currently in the middle of reviews of the university system and the science sector . Advisory groups have reported back to the government with their recommendations, but the government has delayed making these public . The changes to the Marsden Fund have been announced before the overdue science review, preempting whatever recommendations the review will bring. The science system is a complex entity and unilateral changes to any single part of it will have unintended consequences. In the absence of direct research funding for humanities and social sciences, one such consequence is that the existence of many of these areas of scholarship will be even more threatened than we’ve seen already, as many universities have shed staff and cut entire departments. The alternative is that we accept major cuts to our tertiary education system. That would be a loss for everyone. Not only would we lose the return on investment associated with university education, or see a diminished economic impact from science. We would also risk eroding the “critic and conscience” work done by academics in the humanities and social sciences that plays an essential role in a free society. Nicola Gaston receives funding as Co-Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, via the Tertiary Education Commission. She also receives funding from the Marsden Fund, for research projects.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 5, 2024 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to report the voting results for the Company's annual general meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held on December 4, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Shareholders fixed the number of directors at six (6), and all five (5) of the nominees, as set forth in the Company's Management Information Circular dated November 4, 2024 (the "Circular"), were elected as directors of Kingfisher at the Meeting. At the Meeting, shareholders also approved: (1) the appointment of De Visser Gray LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the board of directors to fix the remuneration of the auditor, and (2) the approval of the Company's stock option plan, as more particularly described in the Circular. For further information regarding the matters considered at the Meeting readers are encouraged to review the Circular, a copy of which is available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). About Kingfisher Metals Corp. Kingfisher Metals Corp. ( https://kingfishermetals.com/ ) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia, including the Golden Triangle region. Kingfisher has two 100% owned district-scale projects and an option to earn 100% of the HWY 37 Project, that offer potential exposure to gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 43,201,553 shares outstanding. For further information, please contact: Dustin Perry, P.Geo. CEO and Director Phone: +1 778 606 2507 E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp. View the original on accesswire.comTrump 2.0 has a Cabinet and executive branch of different ideas and eclectic personalitiesFrench lawmakers have passed a no-confidence vote against the government, throwing the European Union's second-biggest economic power deeper into a crisis that threatens its capacity to legislate and tame a massive budget deficit. or signup to continue reading Far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined forces on Wednesday to back a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, with a majority 331 votes in support of the motion. Barnier has to tender his resignation and that of his government to President Emmanuel Macron, making his minority government's three-month tenure the shortest lived in France's Fifth Republic beginning in 1958. He is expected to do so on Thursday morning, French media reported. The hard left and far right punished Barnier for using special constitutional powers to adopt part of an unpopular budget without a final vote in parliament, where it lacked majority support. The draft budget had sought 60 billion euros ($A97.98 billion) in savings in a drive to shrink a gaping deficit. "This (deficit) reality will not disappear by the magic of a motion of censure," Barnier told lawmakers ahead of the vote, adding the budget deficit would come back to haunt whichever government comes next. No French government had lost a confidence vote since Georges Pompidou's in 1962. Macron ushered in the crisis by calling a snap election in June that delivered a polarised parliament. With its president diminished, France risks ending the year without a stable government or a 2025 budget, although the constitution allows special measures that would avert a US-style government shutdown. France's political turmoil will further weaken a European Union already reeling from the implosion of Germany's coalition government, and weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. The country's outgoing defence minister Sebastien Lecornu warned the turmoil could impact French support for Ukraine. The hard left France Unbowed (LFI) party demanded Macron's resignation. Barnier's political demise was cheered by far-right chief Marine Le Pen, who has sought for years to portray her National Rally party as a government in waiting. "I'm not pushing for Macron's resignation," she said. "The pressure on the president will get greater and greater. Only he will make that decision." France faces a period of deep political uncertainty that is already unnerving investors in French sovereign bonds and stocks. Earlier this week, France's borrowing costs briefly exceeded those of Greece, generally considered far more risky. Macron must now make a choice. The Elysee Palace said the president would address the nation on Thursday evening. Three sources told Reuters that Macron aimed to install a new prime minister swiftly, with one saying he wanted to name a premier before a ceremony to reopen the Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday, which Trump is due to attend. Any new prime minister would face the same challenges as Barnier in getting bills, including the 2025 budget, adopted by a divided parliament. There can be no new parliamentary election before July. Macron could alternatively ask Barnier and his ministers to stay on in a caretaker capacity while he takes time to identify a prime minister able to attract sufficient cross-party support to pass legislation. A caretaker government could either propose emergency legislation to roll the tax-and-spend provisions in the 2024 budget into next year, or invoke special powers to pass the draft 2025 budget by decree - though jurists say this is a legal grey area and the political cost would be huge. Macron's opponents also could vote down one prime minister after the next. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

Wheel of Fortune contestants whiffing their bonus puzzles is nothing new, but on December 4’s episode, a player came up short on a $40,000 puzzle that left fans joking that she may never want to visit a Disney theme park again. The game show’s latest big miss involved Vandana Patel, an Indian fusion food expert from Chicago. She won the episode and proceeded to the coveted bonus round with $20,600, a trip to Florida, and the selection of “What Are You Wearing?” as her category. Joined by host Ryan Seacrest and the off-side support of her waving mom, daughter, and husband, she faced the two-word puzzle. Choosing a “DMH” and “A,” Vanna White added a mere “H” to the first word. “We want more!” Seacrest chanted. With that tough break, the 10-second timer began. The puzzle read as, “‘_ H _ T E’ ‘_ L _ _ E S.'” A stern Patel did her very best to concentrate on cracking it, successfully saying “White” was the first word. But she couldn’t figure out the second word, and the timer ran out. The full puzzle was unveiled, “WHITE GLOVES.” Seacrest revealed the gold envelope contained the $40,000 amount and put a consoling arm around Patel’s shoulder. “This was on your bucket list!” he told her. “It was,” she replied. The game show shared the big miss on Youtube, where fans reacted to the loss with the top comment being about how the contestant will likely never want to see Mickey Mouse, or Mario of the Nintendo games, again given their white gloves. “Now she never wants to see mickey or mario again,” the fan wrote scoring 20 likes. “Or the keeper of the Stanley Cup,” replied another. A third fan wrote, “I knew it said WHITE GLOVES and I even solved it before the timer was displayed.” A fourth penned, “Don’t worry, Vandana, I was stumped too. I got the first word, but not the second. That’s alright, you’re a winner regardless. $20K is nothing to sneeze at. Great job! A fifth said, “I knew gloves from the initial and her h got me white. Tough puzzle “Wow. At least it wasn’t the hundred thousand dollar wedge,” wrote one more. Meanwhile , Seacrest, of course, had huge shoes to fill replacing the legendary Pat Sajak after four decades for Season 42. His debut month was the strongest ratings month for WoF in the past three years, and viewers were already treated to a viral moment (via a round of sausage) . That said, there have been some questionable hosting moments. Ryan Seacrest's Real Height Revealed as 'Wheel of Fortune' Host Gets 'Short Shamed' In September, Seacrest suffered what fans dubbed his “first blooper” , involving a prolonged reaction to rewarding a bonus round. Fans also called out the host for ruling against another player before the timer was up. Most controversially, last month, fans called out the host for not reminding a player to pick a letter , leading to him losing the game in a misunderstanding and by a mere $147. This past two weeks, a more puzzling issue has come to light, which is that there has been a mere one bonus puzzle win out of the last eight episodes , many fans blaming the players and not the host. Wheel of Fortune , Weeknights, Check your local listings More Headlines: ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player Misses $40,000 Win After Disney Disaster ‘Harry Potter’ TV Show Sets Filming Start: All the Details Danny Trejo on How ‘Mysteries Unearthed’ Brings His Career ‘Full Circle’ ‘Scrubs’ Revival in the Works at ABC ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Say Colin Jost Is ‘Funnier’ Than Ken Jennings & Suggest He Hosts Big Special

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MOF focusing on progressive taxation, sustainable budgeting to prioritise critical sectorsJackson leads but Barkley closes gap in NFL Pro Bowl votingGLEN ALLEN, Va. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (NYSE: HBB) (the Company) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.115 per share. The dividend is payable on both the Class A and Class B Common Stock and will be paid December 13, 2024 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024 . About Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of a wide range of branded small electric household and specialty housewares appliances, as well as commercial products for restaurants, fast food chains, bars, and hotels. The Company's owned consumer brands include Hamilton Beach ® , Proctor Silex ® , Hamilton Beach Professional ® , Weston ® , and TrueAir ® . The Company's owned commercial brands include Hamilton Beach Commercial ® and Proctor Silex Commercial ® . The Company licenses the brands for Wolf Gourmet ® countertop appliances, CHI ® premium garment care products, CloroxTM True HEPA air purifiers, and Brita HubTM countertop electric water filtration appliances. The Company has exclusive multiyear agreements to design, sell, market, and distribute Bartesian ® cocktail makers and Numilk ® plant-based milk makers. The Company's Hamilton Beach Health subsidiary is focused on expanding the Company's participation in the home health market. In February 2024 , Hamilton Beach Health acquired HealthBeacon, a medical technology firm that specializes in developing connected devices. For more information about Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, visit www.hamiltonbeachbrands.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hamilton-beach-brands-holding-company-declares-quarterly-dividend-302313651.html SOURCE Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company

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WASHINGTON , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will fly in aircraft manufacturer Electra's EL2 Goldfinch experimental prototype aircraft on Sunday, Dec. 8 . Members of the media are invited to speak with Nelson and Electra leaders just prior to the flight at 11:45 a.m. EST at Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, Virginia . Electra designed the experimental aircraft with the goals of reducing emissions and noise and connecting new locations for regional air travel, including underserved communities. Media will be able to view and film the flight, which is set to feature ultra-short takeoffs and landings with as few as 150 feet of ground roll. The flight also is set to include a battery-only landing. Media interested in participating must RSVP to Rob Margetta at robert.j.margetta@nasa.gov . NASA's aeronautics research works to develop new generations of sustainable aviation technologies that will create new options for both U.S. passengers and cargo. Agency-supported research aims to provide industry providers like Electra, and others, data that can help inform the designs of innovative, greener aircraft with reduced operating costs. NASA investments have included projects that explore electrified aircraft technologies, and work that helped refine the electric short-takeoff and landing concept. The agency's work with private sector aviation providers helps NASA in its effort to bring sustainable solutions to the American public. In November, NASA selected Electra as one of five recipients of its Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 awards, through which they will develop design studies and explore key technologies to push the boundaries of possibility for next-generation sustainable commercial aircraft. These new studies will help the agency identify and select promising aircraft concepts and technologies for further investigations. https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-invites-media-to-administrator-flight-in-electra-hybrid-electric-aircraft-302324434.html SOURCE NASA © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Former officials urge closed-door Senate hearings on Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief

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‘Intrusive and presumptuous’: Fury in Germany after Musk backs far-right party ahead of electionsAlabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of The Associated Press Top 25 poll Sunday and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC and across college football in general. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks, who are the last unbeaten team.bet99 registration

A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada. Earlier this week, doctors identified 27 cases of scurvy caused by prolonged and severe vitamin C deficiency in northern Saskatchewan. Experts say the confirmed diagnoses highlight a broader issue with poverty and food insecurity in rural and remote communities across the country. “Vitamin C comes from lots of different food sources, but if you don't get those food sources, the body can't do what it needs to do,” said Dr. Jeff Irvine, a physician researcher with Northern Medical Services in La Ronge, Sask. Irvine was asked to help investigate the prevalence of scurvy in his northern community of La Ronge after his colleague confirmed a single case of the disease. Irvine looked back at the last 51 vitamin C blood tests performed on patients in La Ronge over the last 14 years. Fifty of the tests took place between mid-2023 and spring 2024, with 27 of those results showing low levels of vitamin C. Those blood results paired with physical exam results indicated the 27 patients were positive for scurvy, Irvine said. The patients’ ages ranged from 20 to 80 years old. Nearly eight in 10 were Indigenous. “We have reason to believe that the scope of the problem might be larger than we think at this point,” said Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka, a medical health officer with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority. Common symptoms of scurvy include fatigue, joint pain, bruising, bloody gums and loose teeth. The disease can be difficult to diagnose due to its rarity and the fact that vitamin C levels aren’t routinely tested, Irvine said. The main source of vitamin C is fruits and vegetables, like oranges and broccoli. Daily recommended doses vary based on age and sex. Adult men should consume 90 mg of vitamin C each day while adult women should get 70 mg per day. “It’s sort of a canary in the coal mine,” Irvine said. “If they're lacking nutrients of vitamin C, they’re bound to be lacking other nutrients as well.” Last month, a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal detailed a recent case of scurvy treated in a Toronto hospital. A 65-year-old woman went to the emergency department after eight days of progressive leg weakness and poor mobility, according to the study. Her gums were bleeding, and she had large patches of bruises on her legs. Prior to hospitalization, the woman’s prolonged diet consisted of processed and non-perishable canned food. The study’s authors called it a “complex example of food insecurity manifesting as an uncommon diagnosis.” Food insecurity across Canada Food insecurity across the provinces rose to 22.9 per cent in 2023, an increase from 18.4 per cent the year before, according to data from Statistics Canada. Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan saw the highest rates of food insecurity between 28 and 29 per cent. Black and Indigenous populations were the most affected. “If you go to northern communities and rural communities, you see that the situation is even much worse,” said Hassan Vatanparast, a professor in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatoon. Transportation costs and food shelf life play a role in what foods are stocked in rural and remote grocery stores. It’s easier and more economical for grocers to sell non-perishable foods, Vatanparast said, which can mean vitamin-rich food are less accessible. Another challenge is the high cost of fresh produce in these communities. A 2022 report from the Saskatchewan Health Authority found an average family of four in a northern community paid roughly $80 more for nutritional groceries each week compared to a family in the southern part of the province. “We have bigger issues than vitamin C deficiency. It’s about health equity, it is about food insecurity, it is about equitable distribution of resources and accessibility and availability,” Vatanparast said. It can take one to three months of low vitamin C intake to lead to scurvy, according to Irvine. But patients can start to see improvements in a few days once the vitamin is reintroduced either through food or supplements. All patients were treated with vitamin C supplements in La Ronge. “It is a very easy thing to prevent and very easy thing to treat. You just need to have vitamin C available to do that,” Irvine said.

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2bet999 login NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler birdied every hole but the par 3s on the front nine at Albany Golf Club on Friday and finished his bogey-free round with an 8-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the Hero World Challenge. Two months off did nothing to slow the world's No. 1 player. Scheffler already has eight victories this year and is in position to get another before the end of the year. Scheffler was at 13-under 131, two ahead of Akshay Bhatia (66) and Justin Thomas (67), both of whom had to save par on the 18th hole to stay in range going into the weekend. Scheffler started with a lob wedge to 2 feet for birdie and never slowed until after he went out in 29 to seize control of the holiday tournament against a 20-man field. Scheffler cooled slightly on the back nine, except it didn't feel that way to him. “Front nine, just things were going my way. Back nine, maybe not as much,” Scheffler said. “A couple shots could end up closer to the hole, a couple putts go in, just little things.” Asked if he felt any frustration he didn't take it lower — he once shot 59 at the TPC Boston during the FedEx Cup playoffs — Scheffler sounded bemused. “I think in this game I think a lot of all y’all are looking for perfection out of us,” he said. “Today I shot 8 under on the golf course, not something I hang my head about. A lot of good things out there — clean card, bogey-free, eight birdies. Overall, I think I'm pretty pleased.” Thomas felt his 67 was stress-free, particularly the way he was driving the ball. The wind laid down again, rare for the Bahamas, though it is expected to pick up on the weekend. Thomas wasn't concerned to see Scheffler get off to a hot start, especially with three par 5s on the front nine and a short par 4 that at worst leaves a flip wedge to the green. “You literally can birdie every hole as soft as the greens are,” Thomas said. “He's a great player, a great wedge player, and you have a lot of birdie holes to start. I'm honestly surprised he only shot 8 under. It's a sneaky course because if you fall asleep on some shots, you can get out of position. But if you're on and focused and really in control of everything — like these last two days with no wind — you can just make so many birdies.” Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley had a 67 and was four shots behind. No matter how benign the conditions, it wasn't always easy. Cameron Young, who opened with a 64 for a two-shot lead, followed with a 75 despite making five birdies. That included a double bogey on the final hole when his approach tumbled down the bank into the rocks framing the lake that goes all the way down the 18th hole. Patrick Cantlay was trying to keep pace playing alongside Scheffler, but he had three bogeys over the final seven holes and fell seven shots behind with a 71. The tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, is unofficial but offers world ranking points to all but the bottom three players because of the small field. It's the weakest field in 25 years, but Scheffler at No. 1 gives it enough cachet. He is the first player since Woods in 2009 to start and finish a year at No. 1 in the world. And even after a layoff — giving him time to tinker with a new putting stroke — it looks like it might be a while before anyone changes that. AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golfTen-man Botafogo win Copa Libertadores(The Center Square) – The majority of Americans generally support the idea of cutting back on the federal government, polling finds. The Pew Research poll from this summer found that 56% of Americans say the government is “almost always wasteful and inefficient.” Gallup’s recent polling data shows that 55% of Americans say the government is doing “too much” while only 41% say it should do more. Americans are more evenly split how big the government should be, but increasing government efficiency has more broad support. “Gallup polling earlier this year showed that 58% of Americans are dissatisfied with the size and power of the federal government,” Gallup said. “A slight majority of Americans say the government has too much power. Seven in 10 Americans in 2019 agreed that businesses can do things more efficiently than the federal government.” The survey comes after President-elect Donald Trump won the White House and issued broad, sweeping plans to decrease the scope of the federal government. To accomplish this task, Trump appointed businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and billionaire Elon Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. “Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies – Essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement,’” Trump said in his announcement. Both Ramaswamy and Musk have publicly issued scathing remarks about the waste of federal resources currently occurring in Washington, D.C. Ramaswamy, for instance, has laid out a specific plan on how thousands of federal workers could be fired. The pair of businessmen have said publicly DOGE could cut $2 trillion in federal spending. Ramaswamy and Musk visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to meet with lawmakers to discuss the potential cuts, which could even include ideas as drastic as eliminating the Department of Education and returning that responsibility to the states. Trump's allies have also discussed cutting spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which are seen by Trump's camp as taxpayer-funded investment in woke ideology. Whether such stark actions would be supported by Americans remains unclear, but for now the latest polling shows Americans want something to be done. On top of that, Americans’ desire for smaller government seems to be more than a momentary political phase. “Gallup has asked this question annually over the past 24 years. On average, 52% of Americans have said the government is doing too much, compared with 42% saying the government should do more...” Gallup said. “Only twice have more Americans chosen the ‘government should do more’ alternative over the ‘government doing too much’ alternative -- in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and in 2020 after the outbreak of COVID-19.”

The committee that chose the 12 contenders for college football’s national title was only worried about one thing — ranking the teams. Where those teams landed in the College Football Playoff bracket was based on a formula created by conference commissioners. That jumbled up the pairings — there are some big gaps, for instance, between where a team is seeded and where it’s ranked — and made a strong case for tinkering in the future. “I think the process to rank the best 25 teams is a great process,” said selection committee chairman Warde Manuel. “I’ve heard debates and discussions about how the seeding of the tournament should go. I will leave that up to the commissioners.” Among the choices the commissioners made months ago that set the template for the bracket released Sunday: There was also the issue of the 12-team bracket, which could very well be expanded in the next year or two. All those choices led to a field full of possibilities, but also one containing head-scratching matchups. The choices could, in some eyes, undermine the College Football Playoff’s main mission, which is ( making more money while) providing more “access” — in other words, a fair shake to more than four deserving teams. For instance, top-seeded and undefeated Oregon could play its first game against Big Ten foe Ohio State, which was ranked No. 2 for much of the season and lost to the Ducks by a point earlier this year. And Boise State, from the non-power Mountain West Conference, is the third seed, even though the committee ranked the Broncos ninth. Here is how things might have looked if certain rules that could come into play in the future were already in place: Conference champions First things first — there’s not a single tweak that would’ve placed Oregon at anything other than the No. 1 seed. The Ducks are the only undefeated team in major college football and winning a title this year would leave them a jaw-dropping 16-0. Had the rules called for simply slotting in the top 12 teams, though, Alabama would be in the bracket and Oregon’s path would be wildly different. A look at the coulda-been matchups: The third and fourth byes would have gone to Texas and Penn State, both losers in their conference title games — a turn that would have furthered questions as to whether those games have outlived their usefulness. Reseeding, rematches As things stand, Oregon will face either Ohio State or Tennessee at the Rose Bowl in the quarterfinals. Reseeding or avoiding regular-season matchups in the early rounds would likely have given the Ducks an easier game to start. Under a reseeding scenario, the Ohio State matchup could only happen if every home team — Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame and the Buckeyes — were to win its first-round game. This tweak also would prevent this year’s possibility of Clemson vs. Arizona State in the quarterfinals — two teams that weren’t in the top 12 a week ago. Or the prospect of two bye teams — ASU and Boise State — being big underdogs against teams, think Texas or Penn State, that have to win a game to play them. More teams This one is a loaded question, because when the playoffs expand they will do so with different rules. One formula kicking around involves giving three automatic spots to the Big Ten and SEC, two to the ACC and Big 12, one to the best-ranked champion of a Group of Five conference and three at-large spots. This, too, would cause problems and shuffling and teams getting passed over. But where it really breaks down is that 18th-ranked Iowa State of the Big 12 would land in this bracket as the 14 seed despite losing to Arizona State by 26. Hard to see that going over well at Miami, or Ole Miss, or Colorado. Then again, nobody ever said this was going to be fair. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!BIT Mining Limited to Hold Annual General Meeting on January 7, 2025

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Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back lossTeacher sues after she's suspended for having 4 LGBTQ books in classroom: report

 

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Chuck Woolery, Smooth-Talking Host of Love Connection and Wheel of Fortune, Dies at 83ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras will be out for six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Zegras had surgery Thursday, the team announced. Zegras was injured last week on a fairly innocent-looking play during the Ducks' 4-1 loss to Vegas in Anaheim. Zegras and William Karlsson only briefly got their skates and stick blades entangled, but Zegras needed help to get off the ice after taking a fall. Zegras' torn meniscus is his third major injury in just over a year, although a torn meniscus is likely a fortunate outcome for a knee injury that could have been much worse. He was limited to 31 games last season by two injury setbacks, including a broken ankle that required surgery. Zegras has four goals and six assists in 24 games this season for Anaheim, which had lost four straight heading into its road game against Toronto on Thursday night. The Ducks surprisingly activated forward Robby Fabbri from injured reserve before they faced the Maple Leafs. Fabbri had arthroscopic knee surgery on Nov. 15 and is progressing much faster than his initial predicted timeline of six to eight weeks. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL The Associated PressThe Duke Blue Devils and the Kansas State Wildcats hit the court in one of eight games on the college basketball schedule on Monday that feature a ranked team. Watch women’s college basketball, 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. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Southern Jaguars at No. 20 NC State Wolfpack No. 7 LSU Tigers at Washington Huskies Alabama State Hornets at No. 24 Alabama Crimson Tide No. 14 Duke Blue Devils at No. 10 Kansas State Wildcats No. 17 Ole Miss Rebels at Boston College Eagles No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners at DePaul Blue Demons Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 23 Oregon Ducks No. 2 UConn Huskies at Oregon State Beavers Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.slot99bet

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impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of and in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the opens Friday against the chest-thumping Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Housing Minister Chris Bishop says all the changes are "sensible". Photo: RNZ The bill amends the Residential Tenancies Act, and makes the following changes: • Reintroduces 90-day notice 'no cause' terminations for periodic tenancies (rental agreements that do not specify an end date) • Reduces landlords' notice periods for ending periodic tenancies in specific circumstances from 63 to 42 days • Reduces tenants' notice periods for ending periodic tenancies, or renew or extend a fixed-term tenancy, from 28 days to 21 days • Reintroduces landlords' ability to give 21 to 90 days' notice to end a fixed-term tenancy at the end of its term, without requiring a specific reason • Brings in "pet bonds", allowing landlords to charge a higher bond amount if they allow pets, with the potential to retain that bond if the pet caused damage to the home • Clarifying that landlords can prohibit smoking inside the main rental premises • Clarifying provisions for withdrawing from a tenancy due to family violence Pet bonds can amount up to two weeks' rent, on top of the usual four weeks of general bond. Only one pet bond is allowed at a time, and it will be unlawful for landlords to refuse renters to keep pets without reasonable grounds. Periodic tenancies typically require 90 days' notice, the circumstances for the shorter 42-day period include if the landlord needs the property to live in, for a family member, or their employees to live in. Housing Minister Chris Bishop said re-introducing a "no cause" backstop would give landlords more confidence to rent their properties to tenants who "may otherwise have been considered too risky". "The suite of sensible pro-tenant and pro-landlord changes in the Bill passed into law by Parliament on (Thursday) will give landlords confidence to re-enter the market and tenants more ability to secure a rental home." The Green Party, however, said the no-cause tenancies would leave renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. "Housing is a human right, but this government is treating it like a business. Housing forms the foundation for our communities to thrive, it is something we can afford to provide to everyone," housing spokesperson Tamatha Paul said. "Successive governments have failed to treat housing as the public good it really is. It is no surprise the current landlord government has ignored the frankly overwhelming public opposition to this Bill." ACT's Housing spokesperson Cameron Luxton said it was "great news for renters and landlords". "(Thursday's) changes will bring much-needed flexibility to the rental market to restore confidence to landlords and tenants. "Ninety-day no-cause tenancy terminations are back, restoring an essential property right removed by Labour which hurt renters and property owners. "Pet bonds are here, an ACT policy celebrated across the political spectrum. Tenants will soon be able to pay a bond to keep their pets in rental properties. Pet Refuge has endorsed the policy saying it will help victims of abuse escape these relationships." Changes to tenants' notice periods would also give tenants more freedom to "more rapidly adjust to their changing life circumstances".

Brewers love crafting a wide array of beers, but over time, beer drinkers have gravitated dramatically toward two key factors – hoppiness and drinkability. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

And single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”

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No. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak

By Emmanuel Oloniruha Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano has cried out to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that opposition parties are going through ?hell. Yusuf said this while appealing to INEC to work on measures that would guarantee the survival of opposition parties in Nigeria. Yusuf made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the visit of INEC members to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) office for routine party verification. The Kano governor who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, said that virile opposition was important for the survival of any democracy. “The opposition parties in this country are going through hell, politically. “All these crises, left, right and center, are artificial. They are being engineered and sponsored. “So, INEC should come up with ways to checkmate any untoward excess of any national government in power towards opposition. “I believe a vibrant opposition is the oxygen of democracy in any given situation. “Without any oxygen in the democracy, opposition is weak and dead, and democracy will fail,” Yusuf said. He, however, expressed confidence that the NNPP would in the nearest future win more elections including power at the central government. In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Ahmed Ajuji, pledged that NNPP would continue to play its role as the ruling party in Kano state, and a viable opposition in other parts of the country. He said that the annual verification exercise had laid to rest the falsehood by a group of expelled former members of NNPP claiming the management of the party had been handed over to them. “They claim that the management of the party has been handed over to them. “The fact that the electoral umpire, the regulator of parties, INEC have come here today to perform their statutory duty, shows that we have been, we are, and by God’s grace, shall continue to be the NNPP,” he said. Ajuji, however, warned members of the party against antiparty activities. “This is a democratic party. However, we shall not tolerate members who engage in anti-party activities to do so with impunity. “No matter how highly placed, all members are expected to remain disciplined and operate within the ambit of our constitution. The internal mechanisms of our party shall be guarded jealously,” he said. The party National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also said that the issue of leadership of the party was strictly a Constitutional matter based on the extant statutes and regulations. He described the judgment “purportedly obtained” by Dr Aniebonam and his group at Abia State High Court, Uzuakoli as a ruse and without substance. “It is pyrrhic “victory” and confers nothing to Chief Aniebonam and his co-travellers. “The judgment is a default judgment that was obtained by fraud and therefore liable to be set aside, which process of setting same aside has already commenced,” he said.(NAN)

Diplomatic Corps Commends Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for Statesmanship

By Brandon Hernandez, San Diego Union Tribune A bounteous feast stocked with staple seasonal dishes unique to individual families’ traditions, few events offer the variety of a Thanksgiving dinner. But what if you were to arrive at that holiday affair to find a table stocked solely with turkey and stuffing, because “that’s all anybody wants to eat”? No potatoes, yams or cranberries, not a veggie, dinner roll or dessert in sight. Though admittedly hyperbolic, such a spread somewhat mirrors the current tap-lists at many of the country’s craft breweries. While vast stylistic diversity has long been one of the primary draws of the American craft-brewing industry as well as a primary means of educating consumers and converting them to fans, in recent years many breweries have shifted their focus to mostly producing hop-forward beers such as IPAs and pale ales, and a variety of low-alcohol lagers, ranging from Pilsners to light and adjunct styles headed by Mexican (corn), Japanese (rice) and American (corn and/or rice) light lagers. Hoppy beers represent the Turkey Day centerpiece that is that majestic, bronzed bird, with lagers filling things out in the analogistic role of stuffing, rendering ales of English, Irish, and Belgian origin, as well as assorted dark, sour, and barrel-aged beers fighting for menu cameos. Why the shift? Consumer demand. By and large brewers love crafting a wide array of beers, but over time, beer-drinkers have gravitated dramatically toward two key factors – hoppiness and drinkability. Hoppiness – fruity, earthy, spicy flavors and aromatics imparted by hop-derived compounds – has long been an attractor, and the style most poignantly delivering those characteristics, the IPA (India pale ale), has been the top-selling type of beer in the U.S. for well over a decade. Drinkability is on the other end of the spectrum, appealing to consumers looking for something mellow versus bold. Low-alcohol lagers provide that in spades. Such styles are described by enthusiasts as “crispy” for their dryness and “crushable” because they go down so easy, much like the ubiquitous, largely indistinguishable, macro-produced offerings of Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Coors. Ironically, those are the very same products craft brewers spent so much time and resources differentiating themselves from, getting away from bland, cheaply made Americanized interpretations of worldly styles to produce and celebrate conscientiously conceived, authentic beer made with high-quality ingredients and heart. Karl Strauss Brewing Co.’s longtime brewmaster, Paul Segura, points to light lagers’ “sessionability” – a term describing low-alcohol beers, multiple servings of which can be responsibly consumed over a single drinking occasion or “session” – as a reason for popularity that’s wide-ranging enough to include adjunct lagers that were long considered sacrilegious in craft circles. “I feel like it used to be taboo for a craft-beer company to make a light American lager. Adjuncts like corn and rice were seen as cheap ingredients and only used by macro-breweries,” says Segura. “I think in the past five years or so, the lines have blurred with what is craft and what isn’t. In fact, I think most consumers either don’t know or don’t care. With that, I think the stigma of a light lager is no longer there and craft has embraced that opportunity.” Though unlikely, the resurgence of lighter lagers in the U.S. is real and has been going for years. The renaissance has been both game-changing and challenging for craft breweries. This is particularly true of smaller operations with less cellar space to accommodate lagers, which take much more time to ferment than ales. The added tank time subtracts from a brewery’s overall productivity. On the other side of the coin, hoppy beers present their own challenges in that their chief ingredient – hops – are pricey. With most craft breweries “dry-hopping” their IPAs (adding hops to fermentation tanks to increase aroma and flavor sans bitterness), often multiple times, it’s never been more expensive to manufacture this style. And because most craft breweries are small, they can’t procure ingredients at discounted bulk rates afforded to today’s macro-beer conglomerates (AB InBev, Molson Coors, Constellation), rendering them unable to compete with those giants from a price perspective at retail. But for breweries that can hone their operations to make the time, math, and resultant beers work for them, there is much success to be had in today’s stylistically condensed craft-beer market. Few have been so skillful in not only making their consumer-driven business work, but substantially growing it, as Burgeon Beer Co. Established in 2016, the Carlsbad-based business now boasts a trio of satellite locations in Vista, Escondido and downtown San Diego. While their tap lists include the occasional English, kettle-sour, or barrel-aged ale, typically three-fourths of their menu is made up of current fan-favorites. “Over the years, our customers have shown us what styles they like,” says Matthew Zirpolo, Burgeon’s president, referring to hoppy beers and lagers. A big step in Burgeon’s advancement was adding lager-dedicated fermentation tanks to its cellar, enabling the company to expand its offerings in that arena. But it’s not as simple as just having trendy styles on tap. Keeping patrons interested and returning to their taprooms requires Burgeon’s staff to offer variety within a finite stylistic scope. In addition to offering multiple types of hoppy beers (West Coast, hazy, “cold”, fresh-hop IPAs and pale ales) and lagers (Czech, German, and New Zealand Pilsners, and a Mexican-style lager), Burgeon releases, at a minimum, two new beers every other week, including collaborations with other popular craft-brewing companies, keeping things fresh and interesting. That effective formula also provides the leeway to introduce less in-demand styles. “We enjoy having a diverse selection and brew some of the rarer styles so that everyone has something they can enjoy,” says Zirpolo. “They do not sell as well, but we will always keep them around for the customers who prefer them.” With so many breweries dealing in the same wares, one might expect a rather boring landscape of similar or cookie-cutter beers, but thanks to craft brewers’ trademark creativity and individualistic spirit, that is not the case. Much as one’s grandma’s stuffing tastes different from another grandma’s, no two IPAs are the same. With stuffing, seasoning is the key. In the beer world, hops serve as seasoning, with a plethora of available varietals offering their own unique mélange of sensory characteristics. “All the variety, what the hop-growers are doing and the products they are releasing, are nothing short of amazing,” says Segura. “We don’t need to add non-traditional beer products like fruit or other adjuncts to get awesome flavors. It all comes from the hops and that’s great.” Even with most local breweries producing “San Diego-style” IPAs, defined by crystal clarity and stripped-back malt bills providing just enough backbone to carry their pronounced hop essence, those beers are discernibly different in myriad ways, keeping the exploratory thrill of brewery touring and seeking out the next new thing alive for craft-beer fans. “It’s expected that many breweries follow the trends of their drinkers and look to provide styles that build fanbases. As a result, breweries produce styles that end up competing against other breweries,” says Segura. “We still see a lot of breweries create distinct variety in their portfolios, and we focus on doing the same while still giving the current craft-drinker the styles they want and trying to invite new drinkers into the craft-beer scene.” Though a rarity in the current industry, there are local breweries that ignore trends, some going so far as to brew beers that fly in the face of marketing data. One such operation is Deft Brewing, a 7-year-old Bay Park business that has amassed a hardy following despite marching to a beat cranked out by European percussionists. Deft’s 16-tap menu is heavy on German, Belgian, U.K., and Irish beers, and typically includes four or five lighter offerings, four or five malt-focused beers, a couple of dark beers, a saison (“farmhouse ale” of Belgian and French origin), a European-inspired sour beer and a high-alcohol beer, plus a pair of hop-centric beers. Some of those Old-World beers are popular lagers, but it’s purely coincidental, and of the one or two IPAs or pale ales Deft might have on tap, even those are untraditional (“hazy-ish”) or trend-defying (English). “Contrary to what most would expect in such a hop-loving county as San Diego, our approach seems to work out quite well with our clientele, the majority of which prefer the Old-World styles,” says Mo Nuspl, Deft’s owner and Brew Master. “This is what Deft has always been about, celebrating all those amazing beer styles. With all the European flags hanging above the bar since we first opened our doors, we’ve had the same Euro-centric approach since day one.” Nuspl says that, even with hoppy beers available, his Kölsch-style blonde ale and light Helles-style lager are his best-selling beers on the sessionable side, while top higher-alcohol draft picks include Deft’s doppelsticke altbier (a strong German amber ale) and Belgian-style quadrupel (the darkest, strongest of the country’s monastic ales). Nuspl attests that in business, as in life, it is best to strive to do what you know and love. When asked if any industry trends could possibly inspire him to pivot his model to be more in line with consumer trends, his reply is swift and absolute. “That is a hard ‘no’. We’ll leave the pivoting to dealing with economic, health, or regulatory issues such as what was necessary during the pandemic,” says Nuspl. “We have no interest in changing our European-inspired menu and model, and we know our customers appreciate that.”EVLV LAWSUIT NOTICE: Evolv Technologies Investors are Notified of the Upcoming December 31 Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit – Contact BFA Law (Nasdaq:EVLV)

 

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2025-01-13
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bet99 app Manchester United teammates Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo exchanged words after the final whistle of a 2-1 victory on Thursday. And manager Ruben Amorin has no problem with it. “For me, it’s a very, very good sign,” Amorin said after his team beat Viktoria Plzen to stay unbeaten in the Europa League. Hojlund scored two goals and hoped for a centering pass from Diallo to go for a hat trick in the final minutes. The Denmark striker didn't get the pass, though. Viktoria had been pushing forward looking for an equalizer, which created space for United counters. On another break shortly afterward, Hojlund opted to keep the ball. The pair then had a heated post-game exchange. “We need to feel something,” Amorin said. “If we need to fight each other, it's like a family. When you don't care, you don't do nothing. When you care — you fight with your brother, with your mother, your father.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Syria latest: Syrians celebrate in the streets as Russian media says Assad has arrived in MoscowSinopharm Group Co. Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SHTDY) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Did Spotify Wrapped miss the mark this year?Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., opens up about the aerial systems spotted in the Garden State on 'The Story.' A U.S. Coast Guard official said one of its vessels was trailed by dozens of drones off the coast of New Jersey recently, according to Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. Smith, a guest on "The Story with Martha MacCallum" Tuesday, said he spent Monday night on the beach in Ocean County and spoke to several people, including a U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer stationed in Barnegat Light. Smith learned from the Coast Guard commander that the night before, "one of their 47-foot vessels, boats, was trailed very closely by more than a dozen of these drones ." "Now, that to me, is very, very, not just suspicious, provocative, and this could be a foreign power, whether it be [Vladimir] Putin, or it could be Xi Jinping in China, or the Middle East, we can’t rule any of that out," the congressman said. NEW JERSEY DRONES: NORTHCOM NOT YET ASKED BY LOCAL OFFICIALS FOR HELP Photos taken in the Bay Shore section of Toms River of what appear to be large drones hovering in the area at high altitudes in New Jersey on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. The drones seemed to be well above the 400-feet height FAA regulations allow. (Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press) A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed with Fox News Digital that "multiple low-altitude aircraft were observed in [the] vicinity" of one of the military branch’s vessels near Island Beach State Park, New Jersey. "While no immediate threats or disruptions to operations were identified, the Coast Guard is assisting the FBI and state agencies to understand the type, origin, and intent of these aircraft and address potential risks to safety and security," the spokesperson said. "We take any and all aircraft activity near federal assets seriously and urge the public to report any suspicious activity to local authorities." Reports of large drones flying over different parts of the Garden State, including President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf course and near military research sites, have been on the rise in recent weeks. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., said Wednesday that "very qualified" and "reliable" sources believe the mystery drones flying over New Jersey are originating from an Iranian "mother ship" parked off the U.S. East Coast. FBI LEADER SAYS IT'S ‘CONCERNING’ HOW LITTLE HIS AGENCY KNOWS ABOUT MYSTERIOUS DRONES SEEN OVER NEW JERSEY Rep. Jeff Van Drew speaks to the press as he meets with President Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Dec. 19, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) "Here is the real deal," Van Drew told Fox News’ Harris Faulkner. "I'm on the Transportation Committee, on the Aviation Subcommittee, and I've gotten to know people. And from very high sources, very qualified sources, very responsible sources. I'm going to tell you... Iran launched a mother ship probably about a month ago that contains these drones. That mothership is off the East Coast of the United States of America." Van Drew did not provide the names of the sources who provided the information, citing confidentiality. The lawmaker later said Iran made a deal with China to purchase drones, mother ships and technology. NEW JERSEY DRONE SIGHTINGS: MILITARY ANALYSTS BREAK DOWN NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, DOUBT HOBBYISTS AT PLAY New Jersey drone sighting map (Fox & Friends/Screengrab) "... These drones should be shot down," Van Drew said. "Whether it was some crazy hobbyist that we can't imagine, or whether it is Iran – and I think it very possibly could be – they should be shot down. We are not getting the full deal, and the military is on alert with this." Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin during a press briefing on Wednesday that there is no evidence that the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey residential neighborhoods and military bases come from a foreign adversary. Singh also said the drones pose no threat to U.S. military installations. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP When asked about Van Drew’s comments, Singh said there is "not any truth" to his claims. Fox News’ Liz Friden and Taylor Penley contributed to this report. Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.

New York Times Tech Guild reaches tentative deal with company on three-year contract

WASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members, a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members, a key part of the Democratic base but gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. “Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success – Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger and more Prosperous than ever before!” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice Friday night. For decades, labor unions have sided with Democrats and been greeted largely with hostility by Republicans. But with Trump’s populist appeal, his working-class base saw a decent share of union rank-and-file voting for Republicans this year, even as major unions, including the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers , endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the White House race. Trump sat down with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union leadership and members this year, and when he emerged from that meeting, he boasted that a significant chunk of union voters were backing him. Of a possible Teamsters endorsement, he said, “Stranger things have happened.” The Teamsters ultimately declined to endorse either Trump, the former president, or Harris, the vice president, though leader Sean O’Brien had a prominent speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. Kara Deniz, a Teamsters spokesperson, told the Associated Press that O’Brien met with more than a dozen House Republicans this past week to lobby on behalf of Chavez-DeRemer. “Chavez-DeRemer would be an excellent choice for labor secretary and has his backing,” Deniz said. The work of the Labor Department affects workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employers’ rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. On Election Day, Trump deepened his support among voters without a college degree after running just slightly ahead of Democrat Joe Biden with noncollege voters in 2020. Trump made modest gains, earning a clear majority of this group, while only about 4 in 10 supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a sweeping survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. Roughly 18% of voters in this year’s election were from union households, with Harris winning a majority of the group. But Trump’s performance among union members kept him competitive and helped him win key states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Chavez-DeRemer was one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act, which would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The measure would weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Trump’s first term saw firmly pro-business policies from his appointees across government, including those on the National Labor Relations Board. Trump, a real estate developer and businessman before winning the presidency, generally has backed policies that would make it harder for workers to unionize. During his recent campaign, Trump criticized union bosses, and at one point suggested that UAW members should not pay their dues. His first administration did expand overtime eligibility rules, but not nearly as much as Democrats wanted, and a Trump-appointed judge has since struck down the Biden administration’s more generous overtime rules. He has stacked his incoming administration with officials who worked on the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” blueprint, which includes a sharp swing away from Biden’s pro-union policies. “Chavez-DeRemer’s record suggests she understands the value of policies that strengthen workers’ rights and economic security,” said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of National Employment Law Project, which is backed my many of the country’s major labor unions. “But the Trump administration’s agenda is fundamentally at odds with these principles, threatening to roll back workplace protections, undermine collective bargaining, and prioritize corporate profits over the needs of working people. This is where her true commitment to workers will be tested.” Other union leaders also issued praise, but also sounded a note of caution. “Educators and working families across the nation will be watching ... as she moves through the confirmation process,” the president of the National Education Association, Becky Pringle, said in a statement, “and hope to hear a pledge from her to continue to stand up for workers and students as her record suggests, not blind loyalty to the Project 2025 agenda.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler welcomed the choice while taking care to note Trump’s history of opposing polices that support unions. “It remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as secretary of labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda,” Shuler said.

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Tesla shares rose to a historic high on Wednesday, beating the electric car maker’s previous record from 2021, which was set after the post-election rush and renewed Wall Street enthusiasm for Elon Musk’s electric vehicle empire. This is due to the fact that stock hit a closing price of $424.77 more than doubling its previous peak of $409.97 on November 4, 2021. The electric car company’s 71% gain this year has been propelled more by the optimism generated with Donald Trump’s victory during the elections than its early performance woes. Record-Breaking Stock Surge For Tesla Tesla’s stock price rallied 38% in November, the best monthly performance since January 2023 and its 10th best month on record. The surge in Tesla’s market capitalization was fueled by investor optimism over Trump’s victory early last month, which has dramatically influenced the trajectory of the company’s stock. This increase in share value has surprised investors, especially since Tesla was off to a rocky start for the year. With a 29% loss in the first quarter of 2024, Tesla’s shares have bounced back considerably, recovering from their worst performance in over a year. The rise in Tesla’s shares has been termed as the “Trump bump” by many analysts. As Craig Irwin, an analyst of Roth MKM, had commented on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, that “Musk’s genuine backing for Trump likely doubled the pool of enthusiasts and heightened credibility for an inflection in demand.” Irwin raised his price target of Tesla to $380 versus $85, after winning the election by Trump. Musk’s active involvement in Trump’s campaign and post-election strategies has further solidified the link between the two figures. In the lead-up to the election, Musk reportedly invested $277 million into pro-Trump efforts, focusing on swing-state operations aimed at voter registration. Additionally, Musk’s social media platform, X, became a vehicle for promoting Trump’s candidacy and further galvanizing Tesla’s support base. Musk’s Expanding Influence And Role Of AI Elon Musk ‘s influence does not seem to be dissipating anytime soon, especially after President Trump’s election win and his appointment as an adviser in the new administration. “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, will supposedly be headed by Musk himself. This influential position is likely to give Musk leeway to oversee federal agency budgets, staffing, as well as push for the end of regulations that would really hinder Tesla’s growth. Musk’s position may affect Tesla significantly, especially on the technological advancement of its autonomous vehicles. A long-time advocate for autonomous driving, Musk shared in a Tesla earnings call last October his plan to use his political power to “get federal approval process for autonomous vehicles” and bypassing the state-by-state level approval system. Wall Street’s Brighter Future Ahead For Tesla Analysts have been growing more bullish on the prospects of Tesla as it continues its upward trajectory. Goldman Sachs upgraded its price target for Tesla, and the list of financial institutions that have upgraded their outlook on the stock continues to grow. In its report, Goldman analysts cited the market’s forward-looking approach towards Tesla, particularly with regard to its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Other investment firms such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America also released positive reports about Tesla, noting the company’s ability to cash in on newer technologies such as AI and autonomous driving. These positive reports have been strengthening investor sentiment, further fueling a price hike of the stock. Despite the dismal first half of 2024, Tesla’s third-quarter earnings report in October reported that revenue was up 8% year-over-year, narrowly missing analysts’ expectations, but the company did blow past profit estimates. Even more encouraging was Musk’s forecast for 2025: a 20% to 30% rate of vehicle growth, underpinned by “lower-cost vehicles” and the start of autonomy. Musk’s forecast was more positive than analysts had expected, which reflects a level of confidence in Tesla’s ability to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. As Tesla continues its journey in the electric vehicle sector, it will be interesting to see how the company will leverage its recent stock surge and the growing interest in emerging automotive technologies. ALSO READ | Donald Trump Earns Time’s ‘Person Of The Year’ Honor For Second Time: Reports

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.In the aftermath of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder, stocks from America's biggest health insurance carriers are taking a tumble. Shares of UnitedHealth Group, Cigna Group, and Elevance have all dropped in the past week as America reacts to the assassination of one of the top business leaders in the health insurance industry. UnitedHealth was down 3 percent on Thursday after seeing a 9.4 percent decline over the past week. Cigna, meanwhile, had similarly fallen nearly 4 percent Thursday after a five-day drop of more than 10 percent. Elevance, another top health insurance provider, saw a 2 percent decline over the past five days. CVS Health also tumbled 4 percent today after an 11 percent drop over the last five days. After Thompson was murdered in broad daylight in downtown Manhattan, the country has wrestled with a larger conversation over health insurer policies and coverage in America. "Nothing about this situation is good for United Healthcare, let alone for other health insurance companies," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "While technically none of what has transpired so far has had an immediate effect on their revenue or profits, United Healthcare has a massive problem in that the online conversation surrounding this murder quickly has shifted from the crime itself to the often severe shortcomings on the current health insurance industry, shortcomings that tens of millions of Americans have experienced in denied claims." He added: "Investors are rightfully concerned the fallout from this discussion could lead to long-term problems for the entire industry. If this viral discussion translates to legal or legislative action, insurers could face scrutiny in the years to come." This week, 26-year-old suspect Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, for Thompson's murder. Mangione was identified at a McDonald's , and he now, in many online circles, represents a broader criticism of the insurance industry as a whole. Police said Mangione had a manifesto note written describing his "motivation and mindset" and that also reflects some "ill will toward corporate America." Mangione appears to be shown in surveillance footage exiting the subway just minutes before Thompson was gunned down outside the New York Hilton Midtown last Wednesday. The NYPD called the shooting a "premeditated, pre-planned attack." Beyond the public pushback to insurance companies, the stock declines may be related to Congress considering a bill that would stop insurance companies from being able to own pharmacies. Currently, Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Josh Hawley of Missouri have led the initiative, which has received bipartisan support. "Stocks like Humana and Centene are experiencing declines. However, this trend seems to be driven more by lawmakers' efforts to break up pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) rather than the fallout from Thompson's death," Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek. Moving forward, health insurers might be more wary about how they make coverage decisions. In the past, UnitedHealth was involved in a lawsuit that accused the company of using an artificial intelligence tool that led to a 90 percent error rate. This caused care to be denied for many as patients were unable to afford life-saving care. Many insurers require prior authorization for routine and life-saving treatments, a problem that doctors and patients alike have long been complaining about. At the scene of the crime, police located shell casings with the words "deny," "defend," and "depose," carved, indicating the killer likely had a vendetta against UnitedHealth or the insurance industry at large. Since the shooting, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed its previously planned time limits on anesthesia coverage. "Shareholders are taking note of companies like Blue Cross implementing changes to their care models in response to the tragedy," Thompson said. "Some of the downside may also be attributed to companies consolidating their strategies in light of shifting public and regulatory pressures."Coleen Rooney has an emotional reunion with her sons and admits 'my boys have been proud of their dad for so long, it's my turn now' after losing out on I'm A Celebrity crown By LAURA PARKIN FOR MAILONLINE Published: 23:01 GMT, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 23:15 GMT, 8 December 2024 e-mail 3 View comments Coleen Rooney had an emotional reunion with her sons after she lost out on the I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! crown to Danny Jones during Sunday night's final. The WAG, 38, who shares sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight and Cass, six, with her husband Wayne admitted that it's now her turn to 'do them proud' after their dad's football career. Reverend Richard Coles became the first to leave camp in the episode, leaving Coleen to battle it out against Danny Jones. Speaking to Ant and Dec as they prepared to announce the winner, she said: 'I took on a role of being mum in there, keeping myself busy. 'It was hard, not keeping myself busy. I got bored so much in there, I never get bored because I don't have time. 'It game me time to think about me, my strength and weaknesses. One morning I had a bit of a wobble but I kept thinking, no they want me to carry on.' Coleen Rooney had an emotional reunion with her sons after she lost out on the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! crown to Danny Jones during Sunday night's final She continued: 'I've learnt that I can be patient. There has been times in there where no one has annoyed me but I've wanted to step in and do it. So I think I am going to be a bit more patient when I get out. 'It is okay if things don't get done. That is the biggest thing I have taken out of here.' 'One thing we've loved hearing is a glimpse of life with the Rooneys', Dec said. Coleen added: 'Just being down to earth, I couldn't have wished for someone better to be in the final with. 'As a group, we were all open and could relate to each other in different ways and they made me feel comfortable. And when I feel comfortable, I'll open up.' Poking fun at Coleen's detective skills, Ant and Dec praised the star for how quick she is for finding things out - following her infamous Wagatha Christie case with Rebekah Vardy . Coleen joked: 'I am good at sniffing things out but yeah I can just weigh people up as well. I could see Dean, Maura's acting was quite dramatic at time so I was thinking no surely not. 'The boys have been proud of their dad for long, so to be proud of their mum, it’s my turn now.' Wayne continued to shower his 'Queen' Coleen with support as he shared a sweet clip with his two sons to urge their fans to vote for his wife ahead of the series finale Reflecting on her time in the jungle, she added: 'It's been amazing I didn't think that I would get this far.' Wayne continued to shower his 'Queen' Coleen with support as he shared a sweet clip with his two sons to urge their fans to vote for his wife ahead of the series finale. The footballer manager, 39, beamed with pride as he shared a clip to Instagram alongside two of his four children, Kai, 15, and Kit, eight. They shared a sweet clip in support of WAG Coleen saying that no matter the result, she will always be their queen. Kai said: 'Hi mum, excited to watch tonight. You've shown everyone who you really are and you've done us all proud and we all love you so much.' Wayne then added: 'Hi Col, we just want to wish you all the best in the final tonight, we've all been so proud of you. You've shown everyone who you really are and your character. 'So everyone who watches this video please go and vote for Coleen, one last push to try and get her to come home as Queen of the Jungle.' Coleen Rooney Danny Jones Reverend Richard Coles Share or comment on this article: Coleen Rooney has an emotional reunion with her sons and admits 'my boys have been proud of their dad for so long, it's my turn now' after losing out on I'm A Celebrity crown e-mail Add comment

The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women and saying that existing ones should be blocked. According to a statement released by the Taliban government spokesman, new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see "the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour's well and other places usually used by women". "Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts," according to the decree posted by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on social media platform X. Municipal authorities and other relevant departments would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours' homes. In the event that such windows exist, owners would be encouraged to build a wall or obstruct the view "to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours", the decree states. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our( MENAFN - IANS) Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) The Indian stock market opened in red on Friday as selling was seen in Nifty's all sectors in early trade. At around 9:29 am, Sensex was trading at 80,840.9 after declining 449.02 points or 0.55 per cent, while Nifty was trading at 24,421.15 after dropping 127.55 points or 0.52 per cent. The market trend remained negative. On the National stock exchange (NSE), 559 Stocks were trading in green, while 1,657 stocks were in red. According to market experts,“November CPI inflation at 5.48 per cent has come within the RBI's tolerance limit. If this trend continues it can pave the way for a rate cut by the monetary policy committee (MPC) in February.” "However, the rising dollar is a concern since it can lead to imported inflation. Nifty is unlikely to break from the range of 24,500-24,850,” they added. Nifty Bank was down 40.95 points or 0.08 per cent at 53,175.50 Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 58,706.85 after dropping 314.85 points or 0.53 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 19,336.50 after dropping 130.05 points or 0.67 per cent. Akshay Chinchalkar of Axis Securities said that Thursday was another down day on the Nifty with the market yet again failing to get past what is now undoubtedly a key near-term hurdle near 24,700. "Yesterday's drop had higher participation compared with what was seen the day before, which means market participants are nervous," he mentioned In the Sensex pack, Power Grid, Bharti Airtel, Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, NTPC and Tata Motors were the top gainers. Whereas, JSW Steel, Tata Steel, Infosys, M&M, Titan, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance and L&T were the top losers. In the Asian markets, except Seoul, the markets of Hong Kong, Bangkok, China, Jakarta and Japan were trading in red. In the US stock markets, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended 0.54 per cent and 0.66 per cent lower, respectively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.53 per cent down on the previous trading day. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 3,560.01 crore in the Indian market on December 12, while domestic institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 2,646.65 crore on the same day. MENAFN12122024000231011071ID1108988676 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.WASHINGTON -- President Joe Biden said Sunday that the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad’s ouster from power in Damascus . “We think we can get him back," Biden told reporters at the White House, while acknowledging that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. "Assad should be held accountable.” Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is after his disappearance in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. “We've remained committed to returning him to his family,” he said. Tice, who is from Houston and whose work had been published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and other outlets. A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men and saying, “Oh, Jesus.” He has not been heard from since. Syria has publicly denied that it was holding him. The United States has no new evidence that Tice is alive, but continues to operate under the assumption he is alive, according to a U.S. official. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. will continue to work to identify where he is and to try to bring him home. His mother, Debra, said at a news conference Friday in Washington that the family had information from a “significant source,” whom she did not identify, establishing that her son was alive. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she said. The Tice family met this past week with officials at the State Department and the White House. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Debra Tice said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media Sunday. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!”

Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.UP Fintech Holding's TIGR short percent of float has fallen 25.28% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 6.07 million shares sold short , which is 4.73% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.0 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks UP Fintech Holding Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for UP Fintech Holding has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted. Comparing UP Fintech Holding's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , UP Fintech Holding's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.77%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors

PITTSBURGH — Cam Heyward has been on good teams before. Ones that have captured divisions. Ones that have won playoff games, though admittedly not in a while. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

 

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FARGO — North Dakota State football got a late boost to its 2025 recruiting class. Omaha Central (NE.) defensive end Alijah Wayne announced his commitment to the Bison Sunday night. ADVERTISEMENT Wayne is 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, who had originally committed to South Dakota State back in June. Wayne announced last week that he de-committed from the Jackrabbits. Wayne was on-site at the Fargodome last week prior to NDSU’s win over Missouri State. Regular Season Highlights!!🦅 https://t.co/KVWS37Siua @RingsNthingsCA @TerrenceMackey2 @CentralEaglesFB pic.twitter.com/ZYKC76Ixa7 "What sold it for me was how genuine the coaching staff and players were. On my official visit it felt like I was already apart of the team." Wayne said. "I felt welcomed, prioritized and throughout the weekend I kept envisioning myself being there, and being apart of this amazing program." Change of plans, headed in a new direction! #Committed #AGTG 🤘🦬 @NDSUfootball @CoachTimNDSU @NickGoeser @RingsNthingsCA @TerrenceMackey2 @CentralEaglesFB #RememberYano pic.twitter.com/BQUawJEIS8 Wayne earned an offer from Oregon State in September to go on top of offers from Air Force, Southern Illinois, SDSU and North Dakota. Rivals.com ranks Wayne as a three-star prospect. NDSU originally offered Wayne on May 15. ADVERTISEMENT Wayne added: "On my visit I could sense the relationship these coaches have with their players and I knew I wanted to be apart of that. NDSU also has a great program for sports management which is what I intend to major in. Overall NDSU doesn’t lack anything in what i’m looking for not only in the next four years but as well as the rest of my life." Wayne had 39 tackles, 3 for loss and one sack in eight games this season. He finished with 131 tackles and six sacks during his career. Omaha Central plays in the top class of Nebraska high school football, the Eagles season ended in the opening round of the playoffs to Papillion-La Vista. Wayne becomes the 31st commitment for the Bison Class of 2025 and the third from Nebraska. Thank you @NDSUfootball for having me for Junior Day this past Friday! I appreciated the opportunity! @CoachLJ38 @NickGoeser @CoachJakeLandry @CoachOlsonNDSU @RingsNthingsCA @FMPMentoring pic.twitter.com/hRs0JrS28Q Thomas Roberts from Boone Central High School and Mikhale Ford from Lincoln East committed over the summer. ADVERTISEMENT Wayne plans to sign on Dec. 4 on National Signing Day.ubet99

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With defense in disarray, Steelers focus on fixing communication concerns against ChiefsIf you're not already a Denton Record-Chronicle subscriber, you can subscribe now for just $1 a month over the next six months and read all of our stories throughout high school football season. Basketball season has been underway for a month or more on both the boys and girls sides as Denton-area teams continue finding their footing before district play. See some of the local players who stood out during last week's games. Guyer's Peyton Underwood gets a shot off during a game against Flower Mound last season. Underwood continued her strong start to the season with a team-high 12 points for the Lady Wildcats in their 49-42 win over former district foe Prosper. The sophomore's performance helped Guyer, which is now ranked No. 9 in Class 6A by the TABC, improve to 11-1 on the year. Green delivered some strong performances of her own for the Lady Eagles as they split a pair of games last week against Frisco Panther Creek and Arkansas squad Conway. The sophomore notched 15 points in a win over Panther Creek alongside 10 points during a narrow loss to Conway, making multiple 3-point shots in both contests to continue her impressive start to the season. Cagle poured in a team-leading 18 points for the Lady Chaps as they took their first win of the season under first-year coach Nicole Black with a 47-35 triumph over Cooper. The junior averaged nearly 10 points per game across Aubrey's four contests at the Texoma Showcase as she continues stepping into a feature role for the program this fall. Criss notched a team-high 10 points for the Lady Cats to help them take a dominant 43-16 victory over Irving Nimitz. The senior has established herself as one of Krum's go-to scorers this season as it works to replace some key senior losses from last year's squad. Galbreath remains a crucial part of the Lady Indians' success this season and helped lead the way with a pair of strong performance in their two wins last week. The senior notched 14 points in a 68-17 win over Sadler S&S Consolidated before a 21-point performance during a 66-38 win over Era, helping Sanger improve to 8-5 on the year in the process. Simon has helped fuel Ponder's successes since beginning girls basketball season following her contributions to the school's state semifinal run in volleyball. The junior scored 14 points in a 48-42 win over Fort Worth Chisholm Trail, helping Ponder get out to a 7-1 start and No. 15 ranking in Class 3A. Hubbard had an impressive week for the Bengals after returning from injury, helping them post a 4-1 record across their five games on the slate and improve to 8-5 on the year. The senior averaged 12.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 60% from the field. Coleman was one of three players who scored in double figures with 12 points during Guyer's narrow 53-52 win over Arkansas team Springdale at Duncanville's Thanksgiving Hoopfest. The senior has helped the Wildcats get out to a 6-4 start and earn a No. 17 ranking in Class 6A despite being shorthanded for much of the slate thus far. Ryan's Nate Freeman prepares to shoot a free throw during a game against Lake Dallas last season. Freeman scored a team-high 15 points for the Raiders in their narrow 56-48 loss to Cedar Hill and tied for the team lead with 12 points during a defeat against Mansfield Summit. The senior has stepped up as a key contributor this year for Ryan, which is working to replace a sizable senior class that graduated from last year's playoff team. Loliwa posted a pair of solid outings in two tough losses for the Broncos last week with 10 points against Mount Pleasant and nine points against Frisco Liberty. The junior has stepped up as a solid contributor for Denton High this season and will look to continue making strides moving forward. McMoore has emerged as an impact player at times for the Chaps early this season and delivered a big-time performance to help fuel their bounce-back win over Anna last week. The senior poured in a team-high 30 points on the day as Aubrey beat Anna 71-59, rebounding from suffering its first loss of the year against Frisco Centennial and improving to 5-1 on the young season. Nelms has picked up where he left off from a stellar junior season with continued impressive performances thus far in 2024-25. The senior notched 21 points, six rebounds and three assists during a 58-52 win over Red River, helping Sanger continue its strong start to the season in improving to 6-0. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the scoop on all the thrilling victories, nail-biting games and standout performances — straight from the sidelines of Denton-area high schools. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. "I'm very honored," Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. "Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I'll get the award again." In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021, when he was with the Angels. "Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods," he said. "I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States." The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball's 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages. Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn't shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now," Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani's second season in Anaheim, said recently. "This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there's not a close second." Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record." Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don't have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better," he told the AP. "There's no pain. There's obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it's getting better." Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he's focused on the near-term. "It's the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy," he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I'm going to continue to ramp up slowly," he said. The Dodgers' rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation," he said. "But it's all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We'll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I've got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there." The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched. "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start," he said. "To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself." Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there's great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself," he said. "I can only control what I can control and that's where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they're going to make the plays for you. I don't really try to overthink it." Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball's third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani's presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: "Nope," which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani's behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he's a much better person. He's very kind, considerate, he cares," Roberts told the AP. "I'm just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way." Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That's why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn't seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani's softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month's National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed," Ohtani said. "I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I'm sure Decoy himself would be happy about that." Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It's almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent," Roberts said. "I'm just excited to see what '25 has for Shohei Ohtani." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Newark council race decided by 3 votesALTOONA — Down to its final shot on fourth-and-3 in the red zone, trailing Pittsburgh Central Catholic with less than a minute left, there was still never much doubt as to whether or not Harrisburg was capable of extending its season. After all, the Cougars were written off time and time again this year. FINAL — Pittsburgh Central Catholic 38, Harrisburg 33 On fourth-and-3, Jayion Lewis is intercepted by Chrys Black in the end zone to seal it. Vikings will take on St. Joe’s Prep in the PIAA 6A final. Cougars’ season comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/FyYmQSz4fw Q4, 6:37 — After a PI on one target, Elias Coke extends for a 30-yard touchdown from Jaiyon Lewis on the next. Cougars are fighting. Pittsburgh CC 38, Harrisburg 33 pic.twitter.com/5SxLEjLc3H Q2, 9:20 — Cougars respond immediately. A reverse to D'Antae Sheffey goes 48 yards, then Messiah Mickens takes an 11-yard carry into the end zone. Pittsburgh CC 13, Harrisburg 7 pic.twitter.com/FkrsBn00yA More High School Sports Pittsburgh Central Catholic outlasts resilient Harrisburg in PIAA 6A semifinal Mikayla Matincheck, Olivia Green lead Central Dauphin to Penn Manor tournament win over host Comets Live updates from Altoona: PIAA 6A semifinal Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic Watch: Highlights of Bishop McDevitt’s PIAA 5A semifinal win over Pine-RichlandProspera Financial Services Inc Cuts Position in Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:OLLI)

Meet Jalen Redmond, the undrafted free agent carving out a niche with the VikingsLions rush for 3 scores and use stingy defense to beat Colts 24-6 for 9th straight winLONDON (Reuters) - Back-in-form Arsenal completed a high-scoring day in the Premier League with a 5-2 mauling of West Ham United as they sent out a message of intent to leaders Liverpool on Saturday. All seven goals arrived before halftime at the London Stadium as Mikel Arteta's side moved up to second in the table with a superb display of attacking football. They were not the only London club to hit the goal trail on Saturday, with Brentford hammering Leicester City 4-1 to move seventh. Bournemouth won 4-2 at Wolverhampton Wanderers with Justin Kluivert making Premier League history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick of penalties. Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways with Chris Wood's penalty enough for a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town that left them in sixth place in the standings. Crystal Palace scored late on to secure a useful 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United and stay out of the bottom three. Arsenal's title hopes appeared to be in danger of disappearing before Christmas when they went four Premier League games without a win earlier this month but, with captain Martin Odegaard back from injury, they have rebounded in style. Odegaard and Bukayo Saka were the architects of a resounding Arsenal display which took their goal tally from the last three games to 13. It was only the fourth time a Premier League game had contained seven first-half goals and, despite his joy, Arteta said the head-spinning opening period was a little too exciting. "It tells you how crazy it was, how efficient both teams were in front of the goal. It was a spectacular 30 minutes," the Spaniard, whose side have 25 points -- six behind Liverpool -- told reporters. "I think it was great to score the fifth one as that calmed everything down and we could play a very different game that was much more suited to us." Saka's corner was headed in by Gabriel after nine minutes and Arsenal then tore West Ham to shreds, with Saka and Odegaard combining to tee up Leandro Trossard before Odegaard tucked away a penalty after Saka was hacked down. A minute after Odegaard's penalty, Trossard sent Kai Havertz away to make it 4-0 but West Ham hit back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka played through to score and Emerson then finding the net with a sensational free kick. For a while Arsenal were rocking but when West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski inadvertently punched Gabriel trying to reach a corner cross in a crowded area, the inspirational Saka slotted home the penalty for his fifth league goal of the season. VAN NISTELROOY SEES LEICESTER DEFEATED Bournemouth forward Kluivert said he was thrilled with his rare hat-trick at Wolves who dropped back into the bottom three. "That sounds beautiful (the record). To go in the history books, that's amazing, super happy with it," Dutchman Kluivert told Premier League Productions. Brentford have scored 26 Premier League goals, the same as Arsenal and only one fewer than top scorers Tottenham Hotspur. With new Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy watching from the stands, Kevin Schade netted a hat-trick for Brentford after Yoane Wissa's close-range goal had cancelled out Facundo Buonanotte's opener for the visitors. Palace were heading for a fourth home defeat as they trailed to an own goal by their England defender Marc Guehi but Daniel Munoz headed in a stoppage-time equaliser. Palace are in 17th place with nine points, the same as Wolves and Ipswich Town but with a better goal difference. Ipswich went down to Forest, for whom New Zealander Wood's penalty made him the club's joint-record Premier League scorer with 24, the same as Bryan Roy. Forest are in sixth place with 22 points. Attention now turns to Sunday's big clash at Anfield where victory for Arne Slot's Liverpool side over Manchester City would put them 11 points clear of the champions. Fifth-placed Chelsea host Aston Villa on Sunday while Manchester United are at home to Everton and Tottenham Hotspur take on Fulham. (Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Clare Fallon)

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