bet on ph
Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fighting
With bowl drought quenched, Matt Rhule eager to see Nebraska football set new 'standard'Balloting in Uruguay’s runoff election came to a close on Sunday, starting a countdown to the announcement of official results in a tight battle for the presidency between the conservative ruling coalition candidate and his left-wing challenger. Independent polling firms will start releasing so-called quick counts now that polls have closed, but the official results are not likely to be released for hours. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days, as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s center-left Broad Front coalition. The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App Though polls show Uruguayans largely satisfied with the current government’s performance, complaints about sluggish growth, persistent violent crime and stagnant wages could add Uruguay to a long list of countries where frustrated voters have punished incumbents in elections around the world this year. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans went to the polls Sunday for a second round of voting to choose their next president, with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month's vote. The staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party's candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou. The Broad Front oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. Orsi's Broad Front took 44 per cent of the vote while Delgado's National Party won 27 per cent in the first round of voting Oct. 27 . But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20 per cent of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Yamandu Orsi, presidential candidate from the Broad Front, votes in the presidential run-off election in Canelones, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10 per cent of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” 5 Things to Know newsletter: Get the biggest headlines in your inbox each morning Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." Alvaro Delgado, candidate for the ruling National Party, waves to supporters after voting in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Orbach) While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2 per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica, an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeni Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Yeni Varone, a nurse, casts her vote in the presidential run-off election in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer, was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. Follow the CTV News channel on WhatsApp “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” __ Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.
Tesla stock could drop 35% as the Trump-fueled rally isn't supported by business fundamentals, UBS saysIT'S been more than a decade and a half in the making, across THREE different sites. In that time the cash needed has soared by more than half, rising from £50m to £80m. 6 The Dons have big plans to leave their historic home Credit: Keith Campbell - The Sun Glasgow 6 Aberdeen have been based at Pittodrie since the 1890s Credit: Scottish News and Sport 6 They have been eyeing a move away from the site for decades now Credit: Handout There have been land ownership wrangles, green belt protests , traffic fears and now millions multiplying beyond present means. So more than four years AFTER their anticipated move date - Aberdeen have admitted their stadium ambitions have shifted from 'short-term to medium term'. Not that the duration already experienced by the Dons has been anywhere near quick. They've knocked it down the road further than their latest waterfront relocation spot. Read more aberdeen stories DON GO ANYWHERE Aberdeen make big decision about club as they post loss before Miovski cash SMASH HIT Aberdeen launch major new summer event as fans say 'can we get pic with trophy?' It's not far from Pittodrie - but leaving their old home has been a plan riddled with complications. The idea was considered 21 YEARS ago. But it really got into motion back in 2008 - when Gordon Brown was Prime Minister and Barack Obama had just won his first US election . Three residents of the White House have since come and gone - with another due back again - yet the Reds home is no nearer now than it was then. Most read in Football WRONG MOVE Joining Rangers was biggest mistake of my life - I could've played for Man Utd TICKED OFF McGinn's brief ultimatum for Villa v Celtic & prediction for Hoops v Club Brugge KEANE OBSERVER Sky Sports launch Roy Keane probe and ask Redknapp and co for statements VINDA-BLUES Gers greats from 9IAR era spotted at private meal with Helicopter Sunday heroes They're still at Pittodrie and they're back for the foreseeable - 130 years and counting. The Beachfront Ballroom site is the THIRD suggested for the 'world class' stadium. Dundee unveil stunning flythrough footage of new £95m stadium including incredible rooftop terrace Pittodrie already sits near the coast and has a ' beach end' at the Richard Donald Stand. But the Dons say it's unsuitable to develop much more and a move is the most viable option for the club. Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce have claimed a new ground would add an extra £20m a year to the city economy . That's why the club still aims to move despite the bill rising from £45m at Nigg or Kingsford to an pocket-shrinking £80m central spot near the beach - with NO partners to share the load. Fans urged the club to re-think their first proposal - south of the city centre, on green-belt land at Nigg. It got the go-ahead with planning permission approved in 2011 - but a land ownership wrangle saw a work start date delayed by a year into 2013. The Dons later pulled the plug and turned attention to a second site - where they DID break ground and build... only it wasn't a stadium. Cormack Park is now the Dons training base at Kingsford - just off the Aberdeen western bypass road and not far from the first murmuring of a move to Bellfield back in 2003. Aberdeen new stadium timeline 2003 - Aberdeen propose to move to Bellfield Farm, but faced strong opposition from local campaigners. 2009 - Dons fans vote against a re-location to Loirston Loch in Nigg - and urge the club to investigate a site near Pittodrie instead. The plan gets Council approval 2010 - Planning permission for a new ground on green belt land at Loirston is submitted. 2011 - Planning permission approved and Barr Construction lined up as contractor 2012 - Stadium start date is delayed by a year 2014 - Chairman Stewart Milne announces plans for a training base on Univeristy of Aberdeen land. 2016 - Plans for a stadium at Loirston, and the separate training base are abandoned as the Dons turn to Kingsford near the new A90 city by-pass. Locals for the 'No Kingsford Stadium' campaign group to oppose the construction work. 2017 - Kingsford stadium plan put on hold 2018 - Revised plans accepted by Aberdeen City Counci l and work on the training ground begins 2019 - NKS judicial review bid is rejected at the Court of Session and training ground opens, named 'Cormack Park' however chairman Stewart Milne says delays mean the stadium will not be ready until 2023 2020 - COVID-19 pandemic brings construction industry to a halt - then soaring prices once it restarts. 2021 - Alternative site in the Aberdeen beachfront - previously discussed as a city centre centre of sporting excellence is re-visited near the Beach Ballroom. 2023 - Plan to build a stand-alone sports complex rather than combine it with a new stadium is revealed 2024 - Aberdeen city council finance chief says the onus is on the club to fund the £80m venue . Dons accounts reveal their short-term ambition to move from Pittodrie is now a 'medium-term' aim . The plan had been for a dual purpose site with a 'world class' stadium on one side and a training centre nearby. It straddled council boundary lines and only one made it. They've faced 11 other teams in the Premiership on a season-by-season basis, but a protest group created the Dons' biggest opposition. The No Kingsford Stadium group was a thorn in the Dons' side for three years - but the club eventually got the green-light . Chairman Stewart Milne said: "After 17 years, we are one step closer to a new home that will allow us to meet our vision and ambition for Aberdeen Football Club, our city and our region. “Together, we can deliver a first-class facility that will make us all proud, unlocking the potential of the Club, the Trust and the next generation of football stars and making a positive contribution to the local economy." He opened Cormack park and hoped putting off the start of the stadium to 2023 would see property prices near Pittodrie surge - while the club secured more funding and permissions for the neighbouring new-build ground. Then COVID came. Things ground to a halt. Prices did surge - but in materials and construction . 6 The proposed site at Kingsford included a training base and a neighbouring stadium 6 Artists' impressions over the years have shown a variety of options 6 And builds in various locations Not the way Aberdeen had hoped. They went back to the drawing board and looked closer to home. A jointly owned stadium with the council was considered not far from Pittodrie, closer to the city centre towards the harbour - replacing the city's old ballroom dance hall. It was due to be part of a wider city regeneration project in the area, and could include a sports complex and even an ice-rink. A similar idea had done the rounds more than two decades ago with the stadium being the site of a centre of sporting excellence in the city. But changes in priorities and the political scene after detailed reports were commissioned in 2021 slowed progress and post-pandemic costs sky-rocketed from £45m to more than £75m . As if that wasn't enough, council officials then revealed plans to build a separate ice-rink and leisure centre - rather than merging the two within the stadium footprint. Instead they stepped back and encouraged the Dons to fund the £80m move themselves. They CAN get a new ground - but they'll have to find the cash themselves. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'DISAPPOINTED' Harry Potter steam train blasted by passengers who 'dreaded' return journey COLD BEERS SPFL side spotted going for a PINT after their bus got stuck in the snow And in doing so they knocked the plans further down the road. Not as far south as Nigg, but now by their own admission, their big move is now a 'medium term' aim. Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
DOVER, Del. (AP) — Martez Robinson's 15 points helped Delaware State defeat Loyola 80-77 on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * DOVER, Del. (AP) — Martez Robinson's 15 points helped Delaware State defeat Loyola 80-77 on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? DOVER, Del. (AP) — Martez Robinson’s 15 points helped Delaware State defeat Loyola 80-77 on Saturday. Robinson also had seven rebounds for the Hornets (4-6). Kaseem Watson scored 14 points and added five rebounds. Alston Andrews had 13 points and shot 5 of 9 from the field and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line. Jordan Stiemke led the way for the Greyhounds (4-4) with 15 points and two steals. Loyola (MD) also got 14 points and eight rebounds from Milos Ilic. Braeden Speed also put up 13 points and four assists. Muneer Newton scored six points in the first half for Delaware State, who led 33-30 at halftime. Robinson’s layup with 3:13 left in the second half gave Delaware State the lead for good at 71-70. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementTHE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. Their count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Experts say hunger has become widespread across Gaza and may have reached famine levels in the north of the territory, which is under siege by Israeli troops. Israel says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid, though the trickle of supplies into Gaza remains near the lowest levels of the war. Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. In a statement released by his office, he said: “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza.” Gallant, in a statement, said the decision "sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.” The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects, putting them at risk of arrest when they travel abroad and potentially further isolating them . Israel and its top ally, the United States, are not members of the court. But others of Israel's allies, including some of its close European friends, are put in an awkward position. Several, including France, welcomed the court's decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited. The move “represents the most dramatic step yet in the court’s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," said Anthony Dworkin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Israeli leaders, politicians and officials across the spectrum denounced the warrants and the ICC. The new defense minister, Israel Katz, who replaced Gallant earlier this month, said Thursday’s decision is “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” Human rights groups applauded the move. The warrants against both sides “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement. The decision came six months after ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants. The court issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the Hamas-led attack, militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking some 250 others hostage. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be dead. Khan withdrew requests for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh , who have both since been killed. Israel says it also killed Deif in an airstrike, but Hamas has never confirmed his death. The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were issued by a three-judge panel in a unanimous decision. The panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both men bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The judges said the lack of food, water, electricity, fuel and specific medical supplies created conditions “calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza,” including the deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration. They also found that by preventing hospital supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, doctors were forced to operate, including performing amputations, without anesthesia or with unsafe means of sedation that led to “great suffering.” Israeli diplomatic officials said the government is lobbying the international community to speak out against the warrants and is considering an appeal to the court. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal decision on how the government will proceed. Despite the warrants, none of the suspects is likely to face judges in The Hague anytime soon. Member countries are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that. For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted on an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, recently visited Mongolia, a member state in the court but also a Russian ally. He was not arrested. Still, the threat of arrest now complicates any travel abroad by Netanyahu and Gallant. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding on all 27 members countries of the European Union. France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions. “Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.” Hamas in a statement welcomed the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant but made no mention of the one against Deif. Israel’s opposition leaders fiercely criticized the ICC’s move. Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, said it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.” Israel’s campaign has caused heavy destruction across Gaza and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive. Two days after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, Gallant announced a total seal on Gaza, vowing not to let in food, fuel or other supplies. Under U.S. pressure, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid to enter a few weeks later. Israel now says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the U.N. distribution system. But Israel's official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The U.N has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments. The case at the ICC is separate from another legal battle Israel is waging at the top U.N. court, the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide , an allegation Israeli leaders staunchly deny. Lawyers for Israel argued in court that the war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide. Associated Press journalists Raf Casert in Brussels, Mike Corder in The Hague and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
Walk into the Walmart in Amherstburg, Ont., and you'll be greeted with some combination of "Hi, morning, how are ya, how you doing today?" In return, you're bound to hear a smattering of customers offer up a "Hi Steve," or "Have a good one, Steve." It's Steve Taylor, the Walmart greeter who has been a fixture by the front door of the department store since it opened nearly 17 years ago. "I've gotten to know a lot of people since I've been here," Taylor said. "It's a wonderful job." LISTEN: Walmart greeter a staple of Amherstburg — and TikTok Windsor Morning 5:13 Walmart greeter a staple of Amherstburg and Tik Tok Meet Steve Taylor, the Walmart greeter from Amherstburg who has been making waves on Tik Tok. Taylor retired from a long career as a Ford Motor Company autoworker. He says he "sat at home for a couple of years," and did some security work — before he saw the ad for jobs at a soon-to-open Walmart in his hometown. "The rest is history," he said. "I love it. It's the people. It's like another family and everything." Taylor greets customers as they enter and exit the store, and also helps keep the area clear and inviting for people. A look at Taylor's bright yellow vest will show a handful of star pins — those, he says, he received after positive customer or coworker feedback. There are plenty there — but Taylor says he's not counting. "I'm just glad to get one. It shows that maybe people appreciate what I'm doing, so I like that," he said. Amherstburg's 'sign guy' brings joy to the streets and to social media Need a southwestern Ontario getaway? Your overnight stay options are growing in Windsor-Essex Jeff Pascoe is the store manager and has known Taylor for about nine years. "He's really the face of our store," he said, noting that Taylor was awarded the "Shining Star" of the year last year. More recently, Taylor has gained social media stardom. Featured in videos for the store, a few of the clips have racked up thousands of likes and views on Facebook and TikTok. In one, Taylor tells the camera to "get your own," when asked to share some Walmart store brand chocolate fudge cookies. In another, he tells his "Amherstburg friends" about the store's new hours. "It's just a lot of fun, and I don't really know until I see them myself," Taylor said, adding that sometimes people recognize him from the videos. "We just did one yesterday, and it's gone over really, really huge. I'm pretty happy about it." Lynore Brian is the manager behind the videos. When asked how she comes up with the ideas, she says, "I watch a lot of TikToks." "It's just fun. I've known Steve for as long as I've been here, and we have so much fun." Taylor has recently found a bit of social media stardom with videos attracting tens and thousands of views on social media platforms. (Michael Evans/CBC) Taylor says he's grown to know many of his regular customers, and doesn't see himself slowing down. "I'd like to keep myself going because I'm getting a little older and I like to keep myself moving," he said. "This is why I do it, because I don't want to just stay home. "I like to be around people. I enjoy seeing people come in, and I've seen people have children and bring up their families, and now they call me Steve here. It's just a nice experience."Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. 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. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.
Top five contrarian commodity scenarios for 2025: Russell
AP News Summary at 8:26 a.m. ESTGovernment to block incinerators that do not contribute to green plansFNA Deadline: FNA Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead Paragon 28, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit First Filed by The Rosen Law Firm
With a focus on human rights, US policy toward Latin America under Jimmy Carter briefly tempered a long tradition of interventionism in a key sphere of American influence, analysts say. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, defied the furor of US conservatives to negotiate the handover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control, suspended aid to multiple authoritarian governments in the region, and even attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. Carter's resolve to chart a course toward democracy and diplomacy, however, was severely tested in Central America and Cuba, where he was forced to balance his human rights priorities with pressure from adversaries to combat the spread of communism amid the Cold War standoff with the Soviet Union. "Latin America was fundamental and his global policy was oriented toward human rights, democratic values and multilateral cooperation," political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington, told AFP. During his 1977-1981 administration, which was sandwiched between the Republican presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the Democrat sought to take a step back from US alignment with right-wing dictatorships in Latin America. An important symbol of Carter's approach was the signing of two treaties in 1977 to officially turn over the Panama Canal in 1999. "Jimmy Carter understood that if he did not return the canal to Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama could lead to a new crisis in a country where Washington could not afford the luxury of instability," said Luis Guillermo Solis, a political scientist and former president of Costa Rica. Carter called the decision, which was wildly unpopular back home, "the most difficult political challenge I ever had," as he accepted Panama's highest honor in 2016. He also hailed the move as "a notable achievement of moving toward democracy and freedom." On Sunday, Panamanian President Jose Mulino praised Carter for helping his country achieve "full sovereignty." During his term, Carter opted not to support Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza, who was subsequently overthrown by the leftist Sandinista Front in 1979. But in El Salvador, the American president had to "make a very uncomfortable pact with the government," said Shifter. To prevent communists from taking power, Carter resumed US military assistance for a junta which then became more radical, engaging in civilian massacres and plunging El Salvador into a long civil war. Carter took a critical approach to South American dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, suspending arms deliveries and imposing sanctions in some cases. But his efforts "did not achieve any progress in terms of democratization," said Argentine political scientist Rosendo Fraga. More from this section The American president also tried to normalize relations with Cuba 15 years after the missile crisis. He relaxed sanctions that had been in force since 1962, supported secret talks and enabled limited diplomatic representation in both countries. "With him, for the first time, the possibility of dialogue rather than confrontation as a framework for political relations opened up," Jesus Arboleya, a former Cuban diplomat, told AFP. But in 1980, a mass exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States, with Fidel Castro's blessing, created an unexpected crisis. It "hurt Carter politically with the swarm of unexpected immigrants," said Jennifer McCoy, a professor of political science at Georgia State University. Castro continued to support Soviet-backed African governments and even deployed troops against Washington's wishes, finally putting an end to the normalization process. However, more than 20 years later, Carter made a historic visit to Havana as ex-president, at the time becoming the highest-profile American politician to set foot on Cuban soil since 1959. During the 2002 visit, "he made a bold call for the US to lift its embargo, but he also called on Castro to embrace democratic opening," said McCoy, who was part of the US delegation for the trip, during which Castro encouraged Carter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cuban All-Star baseball game. "Castro was sitting in the front row and we were afraid he would rise to give a long rebuttal to Carter's speech. But he didn't. He just said, 'Let's go to the ball game.'" Cubans "will remember with gratitude his efforts to improve relations," the island's current leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Sunday. In the years following Carter's presidency, Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) would go on to resume a full-frontal confrontation with Cuba. Decades later, Barack Obama (2009-2017) opened a new phase of measured normalization, which Donald Trump (2017-2021) brought to an end. US President Joe Biden promised to review US policy toward Cuba, but hardened his stance after Havana cracked down on anti-government protests in 2021. "Carter showed that engagement and diplomacy are more fruitful than isolation," McCoy said. bur-lp-rd-jb/lbc/mlr/bfm/sst/bbk/nro/acbDecember 30 - The Sacramento Kings look to halt a season-worst six-game losing streak when they host the short-handed Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. The first five losses of the skid were under Mike Brown, who was fired on Friday in an unconventional manner. Assistant Doug Christie was named interim coach and oversaw a 132-122 road loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. Sacramento had high hopes entering the season but sits six games below .500 with the campaign about 40 percent complete. The killer setback for Brown came Thursday against the visiting Detroit Pistons. The Kings led by 10 with less than three minutes to go but eventually lost 114-113. Detroit's Jaden Ivey converted a game-winning four-point play stemming from a foul on De'Aaron Fox with three seconds left in the game. Brown sharply criticized Fox following the game. Brown then conducted practice and handled media responsibilities on Friday. A short time later, he was fired before the team boarded its flight to Los Angeles. Now the club is trying to regroup, with star Domantas Sabonis saying it is time for a turnaround. "We obviously know we haven't been performing at our best," Sabonis said. "And we have to do a better job. Me, as one of the leaders of the team, I got to make sure that that happens. We got to win all the games that we can." Sabonis had 14 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in the loss to the Lakers. Fox recorded 29 points, 12 assists and four steals. DeMar DeRozan added 25 points and Malik Monk scored 20. With the Kings mired in 12th place in the Western Conference, Fox is feeling a sense of urgency. "Obviously, the conference continues to get better," Fox said. "But us, you know, we kind of got a little stagnant, and that is what it is. We have to find a way to get better." Dallas will be playing its third game since losing star Luka Doncic to a strained left calf on Christmas Day. The Mavericks are 7-3 without Doncic this season, a mark that includes a 126-122 loss to the host Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. Dallas never led in the contest, and four Portland players reached the 20-point mark. The Trail Blazers led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter. Kyrie Irving carried the Mavericks with a season-best 46 points, including 20 in the final quarter. "Kai, our leader, he got us back in that game," Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. "It's just unfortunate we couldn't make the right plays on both ends when we got it down. "That's just who he is. Kai's a leader and wants to help the team win. Being able to score 46 wasn't easy." The loss was just the fifth in the past 20 games for the Mavericks. But it felt painful to Irving, who wasn't pleased about the club digging such a huge hole against one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. "We definitely could have done a better job keeping the game a lot closer," Irving said. "Getting down like that, I don't want to say it's characteristic for us, but we're used to it to a certain degree to get out of holes like that and give ourselves a chance. Most teams would give up, especially on a back-to-back. But our identity is we don't want to give up." Dallas will be without Naji Marshall, who will miss his second contest as part of a four-game suspension for his part in an altercation with Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns on Friday. P.J. Washington, suspended one game for his role in the scuffle, will return on Monday. Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II (hip) is listed as questionable. He has missed the past two games. --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
36 Toronto restaurants crack OpenTable’s top 100 list
'There are 900 U.S. troops stationed there': Experts outraged after Trump's latest commentHome | SACP in the WC condemns Janusz Waluś’ deportation The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Western Cape has condemned the deportation of Polish immigrant, Janusz Waluś. Waluś was paroled in 2022 for the assassination of SACP General Secretary, Chris Hani, 31 years ago. Speaking at the Provincial SACP Council, Provincial Secretary, Benson Ngqentsu says the party was initially against the granting of the parole. The Provincial Council is in preparation of the SACP’s Fifth Special Congress next Wednesday. Gathered to prepare and consolidate the party’s position from provincial delegates attending the Special Congress in Gauteng next week. The SACP says it will continue engaging the South African government to seek the repatriation of Waluś to face an inquest in South Africa. “The processes leading up to his deportation confirm the rightward shift in this government. And actually, who is responsible for Correctional Services ideologically and politically? I would link him with this right wing of Poland Janusz Waluś. So, these are the things that anger us and there is no doubt given the situation in Poland, he will be given a hero’s welcome,” says Ngqentsu. Alliance partner, Cosatu in the Western Cape, has also weighed in on the deportation saga calling for a repatriation. “For us a nation, we want answers. Who was the mastermind behind this whole thing. There’s no real closure for the family. So, we are saying the government has failed the family of Chris Hani. It’s good for him to be deported, but he is going to his country with all the secrets,” says Melvern de Bruyn, Cosatu Provincial Secretary. The provincial council is a forum to take stock of the political matters in the party and takes place annually. This one is the first of its kind following the general elections in May. “That special congress is important to us because we want to use it as a platform to asset the political independence of the South African Communist Party within the body politics of the broader congress movement and also broader society and given the post may 2024 general elections where we have seen a re-alignment of neo-liberal class forces,” Ngqentsu added. The SACP Fifth Special Congress is expected to consolidate its decision to go it alone at the polls when local government elections take place in 2026. Video: SACP condemns deportation of Janus Walusz SABC © 2024