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Thousands of Afghans on Thursday attended the funeral of the refugees minister, AFP journalists saw, after he was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul the day before in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, was killed on Wednesday afternoon in a suicide bombing at the ministry's offices in the Afghan capital. Thousands of men, many of them armed, gathered for Haqqani's funeral in his home village of Sarana, in a mountainous area of Paktia province, south of Kabul. The funeral included heavy security, with armoured vehicles, snipers and personnel manning the area and the road from Kabul, which was jammed with hundreds of cars as mourners travelled from surrounding provinces. Senior Taliban officials, including the Chief of Army Staff Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat, and Maulawi Abdul Kabir, political deputy of the prime minister's office, attended the funeral, according to an AFP team on site. The deceased's nephew, the powerful interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, also attended, along with foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. In a speech there, Muttaqi said the latest IS attacks had been planned "abroad", denouncing, without naming them, "countries harbouring" the organisation. "We call on all nations to work together to stop the common enemy, which does not recognise any kind of morality." In September, the Taliban authorities said IS had training camps in Balochistan province of Pakistan, which also regularly faces jihadist attacks. Haqqani, the highest ranked member of the Taliban government to be killed in an attack since their return to power, "was a big loss for us, the system and the nation", said Paktia resident Hedayatullah, 22. "May God protect our other leaders and keep them victorious." "Our leader... who had his life brutally taken away, achieved martyrdom," said Bostan, 53, haranguing the "cowardly attack" that killed Haqqani. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack on Thursday, offering condolences to the victims' families. "There can be no place for terrorism in the quest for stability," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on X. The European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attack, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran. Haqqani -- who is on US and UN sanctions lists and never appeared without an automatic weapon in his hand -- was the brother of Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of the feared Haqqani network responsible for some of the most violent attacks during the Taliban's two-decade insurgency. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the ministry, according to a statement on its Amaq news agency, as translated by the SITE Intelligence Group. Taliban authorities had already blamed IS for the "cowardly attack" -- the first targeting a minister since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Violence has waned in Afghanistan since the Taliban forces took over the country that year, ending their war against US-led NATO coalition forces. However, the regional chapter of IS, known as Islamic State Khorasan, is active in Afghanistan and has regularly targeted civilians, foreigners and Taliban officials with gun and bomb attacks. bur-qb-sw/nroTributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.Thousands of Afghans on Thursday attended the funeral of the refugees minister, AFP journalists saw, after he was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul the day before in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, was killed on Wednesday afternoon in a suicide bombing at the ministry's offices in the Afghan capital. Thousands of men, many of them armed, gathered for Haqqani's funeral in his home village of Sarana, in a mountainous area of Paktia province, south of Kabul. The funeral included heavy security, with armoured vehicles, snipers and personnel manning the area and the road from Kabul, which was jammed with hundreds of cars as mourners travelled from surrounding provinces. Senior Taliban officials, including the Chief of Army Staff Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat, and Maulawi Abdul Kabir, political deputy of the prime minister's office, attended the funeral, according to an AFP team on site. The deceased's nephew, the powerful interior minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, also attended, along with foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. In a speech there, Muttaqi said the latest IS attacks had been planned "abroad", denouncing, without naming them, "countries harbouring" the organisation. "We call on all nations to work together to stop the common enemy, which does not recognise any kind of morality." In September, the Taliban authorities said IS had training camps in Balochistan province of Pakistan, which also regularly faces jihadist attacks. Haqqani, the highest ranked member of the Taliban government to be killed in an attack since their return to power, "was a big loss for us, the system and the nation", said Paktia resident Hedayatullah, 22. "May God protect our other leaders and keep them victorious." "Our leader... who had his life brutally taken away, achieved martyrdom," said Bostan, 53, haranguing the "cowardly attack" that killed Haqqani. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack on Thursday, offering condolences to the victims' families. "There can be no place for terrorism in the quest for stability," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on X. The European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the attack, along with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran. Haqqani -- who is on US and UN sanctions lists and never appeared without an automatic weapon in his hand -- was the brother of Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of the feared Haqqani network responsible for some of the most violent attacks during the Taliban's two-decade insurgency. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the ministry, according to a statement on its Amaq news agency, as translated by the SITE Intelligence Group. Taliban authorities had already blamed IS for the "cowardly attack" -- the first targeting a minister since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Violence has waned in Afghanistan since the Taliban forces took over the country that year, ending their war against US-led NATO coalition forces. However, the regional chapter of IS, known as Islamic State Khorasan, is active in Afghanistan and has regularly targeted civilians, foreigners and Taliban officials with gun and bomb attacks. bur-qb-sw/nro

Syria's Assad Regime May Be Falling as Rebels Reach Damascus Suburbs; Trump Calls for No US Involvement

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it has donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund. The donation comes just weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the offering Thursday. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Stephen Miller, who has been appointed deputy chief of staff for Trump's second term, has said that Zuckerberg, like other business leaders, wants to support Trump's economic plans. The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with Trump. Trump was kicked off Facebook following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The company restored his account in early 2023. RELATED STORY | Meta's Mark Zuckerberg is the second richest person in the world. Here's who he just outranked During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president but has voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump's response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly during the campaign. In July, he posted a message on his own social network Truth Social threatening to send election fraudsters to prison in part by citing a nickname he used for the Meta CEO. "ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!" Trump wrote. Corporations have traditionally made up a large share of donors to presidential inaugurals, with an exception in 2009, when then-President-elect Barack Obama refused to accept corporate donations. He reversed course for his second inaugural in 2013. Facebook did not donate to either Biden's 2021 inaugural or Trump's 2017 inaugural. Google donated $285,000 each to Trump first inaugural and Biden's inaugural, according to Federal Election Commission records. Inaugural committees are required to disclose the source of their fundraising, but not how they spend the money. Microsoft gave $1 million to Obama's second inaugural, but only $500,000 to Trump in 2017 and Biden in 2021. RELATED STORY | Celebrity private jet-tracking accounts suspended by Meta without reason, college student claimsOff the couch and into the fireCompanies tighten security after a health care CEO’s killing leads to a surge of threats

Blake Snell reportedly has joined his former team's biggest rival. After opting out of his Giants contract and entering MLB free agency this offseason, Snell has agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers pending a physical, ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo reported Tuesday, citing sources. Snell seemingly confirmed the news with a post on his Instagram account. It's no surprise Los Angeles was able to land the two-time Cy Young Award winner. The Dodgers have shattered free-agency expectations in recent offseasons, inflating their payroll and even deferring millions of dollars to future years so they can sign stars including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman -- the list goes on. It paid off for San Francisco's NL West rivals in 2024, as Los Angeles won its eighth World Series title last month when it defeated the New York Yankees in five games. And they appear to be taking the deferred money route with Snell, as they did when they signed Ohtani last winter. Snell's lone Giants campaign started off rocky after the ace endured an offseason without spring training while searching for a home in free agency. But after a rough first half to the 2024 MLB season, Snell quickly rounded into Cy Young form, even pitching a no-hitter for San Francisco on Aug. 2 against the Cincinnati Reds. His hot second half led Snell to opt out of the remaining year on his Giants contract, making him the best available pitcher on the open market. This time, negotiations with MLB teams didn't last as long. Because the Dodgers, as usual, swooped in. Download and follow the Giants Talk PodcastSenate Outlook Dims For Bill Charities And Nonprofits Worry Could Be Used Against Themslotvip 365 login 。

Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.Jeremiah Ellison won't seek reelection to Minneapolis City Council

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Hydro One Ltd. stock rises Friday, still underperforms marketTrump's Transition: Challenges and Controversies UnfoldWA’s Liberal party leader has thrown down the gauntlet to challengers after polling predicted the “immediate appointment” of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas as leader would allow the flailing party to gain back five seats at the election. Libby Mettam has labelled the polling, commissioned by a mystery Perth business person with links to the party, as ‘flawed and clearly biased’, and has challenged anyone who wishes to be leader to move a no confidence motion against her during a party meeting on Tuesday. Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam. Credit: WAtoday “Constant undermining of leaders, especially from the shadows within, is a sad reality in politics today,” she said. “But rather than weaken me it has made me stronger and more determined to succeed - not for myself - but for the people of Western Australia who deserve better. “I’m not a quitter, I’m a fighter.” The polling, seen by this masthead, suggested another catastrophic election for the Liberals come election day in March. The party currently holds just three out of 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly, with the polling predicting it’s gone backwards since the 2021 election, losing ground in 14 key metropolitan seats. Under Mettam, the party is predicted to suffer a 4 per cent drop in the Liberal primary vote to 31 per cent. On the flip-side, the polling suggests a 3 per cent swing towards the Liberal party under Zempilas’ leadership, and a 38 per cent primary vote.

Michael Chandler fought severely compromised after a Round 1 scramble with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. Michael Chandler’s rematch loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 featured gritty efforts from both lightweight stars. Chandler’s ability to go the distance with Oliveira is particularly remarkable after a recent admission. Chandler lost to Oliveira by unanimous decision in the UFC 309 co-main event last Saturday in New York City. Despite a fifth-round turn of the tide, Chandler wasn’t able to withstand Oliveira’s pace and pressure for the majority of their clash. Chandler was badly battered and bloodied in the Octagon after fighting for 25 minutes with Oliveira. His toughness can’t be questioned after UFC 309, especially in his stunning ability to put his promoter hat on in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Injuries are common for professional athletes, particularly professional fighters, in the middle of competition. Chandler has suffered from a series of injuries during his illustrious career but has blossomed into a UFC fan favorite despite his ailments. Just minutes into the UFC 309 co-main event, Chandler suffered significant leg trauma which impacted his performance and hindered his strategy against the crafty Oliveira. READ MORE: Nate Diaz teases boxing return in chilling post just days after Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Michael Chandler fought the majority of UFC 309 bout on one leg In a recent appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Chandler detailed a major leg injury he suffered in Round 1 against Oliveira. “I think something happened to the knee in that first exchange when he had the leg and I did that full 360, he did a kneebar thing, I walked back to the stool and I looked down at my left leg and it was not working right,” Chandler said. “It wasn’t stepping, it wasn’t catching, it was unstable, it was weird... “Whenever I was pursuing him, my leg was almost flopping rather than stalking and moving forward. We’ll see what happened, but essentially for 23 minutes of that fight I don’t know if the leg was really working that well.” ( h/t MMANews ) The extent of Chandler’s leg injury is uncertain, as of this writing, but he envisions a return to the Octagon in mid-2025. He still wants the Conor McGregor fight after years of waiting for them to conclude their The Ultimate Fighter 30 coaching rivalry. Despite a 2-4 run in the Octagon , Chandler remains a key piece on the UFC’s roster, per Dana White . His ability to fight through severe injury at UFC 309 will likely make him an even bigger star than before. READ MORE: Joe Rogan recalls worrying moment a group of street thugs threatened to rob him... ‘I don’t have any money’ Michael Chandler remastered Conor McGregor callout after UFC 309 Chandler called out McGregor just minutes after falling short against Oliveira at UFC 309. He and McGregor were supposed to headline UFC 303 before the Irish superstar withdrew due to a toe injury. White says McGregor’s planned UFC comeback is targeted for late 2025, although it’s still uncertain if it’ll come to fruition. McGregor hasn’t appeared in the Octagon since a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Despite his slide in the lightweight rankings, Chandler could potentially face another big name in the meantime if he doesn’t want to wait again for McGregor. A win over Oliveira would’ve likely secured Chandler another lightweight title shot against the Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan winner. It’s uncertain how long Chandler will need to recover from his leg injury, but he sounds on track to return to the cage next year. READ MORE: Chael Sonnen makes stunning prediction about Dana White’s political futurePresident Emmanuel Macron on Thursday vowed to name a new prime minister in the coming days to prevent France from sliding deeper into political turmoil, rejecting growing pressure from the opposition to resign. Macron adopted a defiant tone in an address to the nation, seeking to limit an escalating political crisis after Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote. Contemporary France's shortest-serving premier, Barnier resigned after Wednesday's parliamentary defeat in a standoff over the budget forced his government to step down, the first such toppling of a French administration in over 60 years. Macron now faces the task for the third time this year of selecting a new prime minister and did not come up with a name in his address. "I will appoint a prime minister in the coming days," he said, adding this person would be charged with forming a "government of general interest" with a priority of passing a budget. He also lashed out at the French far right and hard left for uniting in an "anti-republican front" to bring down the government. He said lawmakers had "knowingly" chosen "to topple the budget and the government just days before the Christmas holidays." The French presidency said earlier that Barnier and his ministers would remain "in charge of daily business until the appointment of a new government". Limiting any impression of political chaos is all the more important for Macron given that on Saturday he will host world leaders -- including US President-elect Donald Trump -- for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris after a devastating 2019 fire. Pointing to how the edifice was rebuilt within the five-year timeline he had set, Macron said: "It's the proof we're able to do great things, that we can do the impossible." In an unusual move, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, France's top diplomat for just two-and-a-half months, urged unity in a message on social media, saying "instability is vulnerability" at a time of international uncertainty. A majority of lawmakers on Wednesday supported the no-confidence vote proposed by the hard left and backed by the far right headed by Marine Le Pen. Barnier's ejection in record time came after snap parliamentary elections in June resulted in a hung parliament. No political force was able to form an overall majority and the far right held the key to the government's survival. The trigger for Barnier's ouster was his 2025 budget plan, including austerity measures unacceptable to a majority in parliament, but which he argued were necessary to stabilise France's finances. More from this section On Monday he forced through a social security financing bill without a vote, but the ousting of the government means France is still without a budget. New legislative elections cannot be called until a year after the previous ones in summer 2024. But while Macron has more than two years of his presidential term left, some opponents are calling on him to resign to break the deadlock. According to a poll by Odoxa-Backbone Consulting for Le Figaro daily, 59 percent of French want the president to step down, while a survey by Harris for RTL put the figure even higher, at 64 percent. Bur Macron said: "The mandate that you gave to me democratically (in 2022 elections) is a five-year mandate and I will exercise it fully, right up to the end." "The 30 months we have ahead of us must be 30 months of useful action for the country." But he admitted his decision to call snap parliamentary elections this summer that resulted in a hung parliament "was not understood". "Many have blamed me for it and I know, many continue to blame me. It's a fact and it's my responsibility," he said. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said that Macron was the "cause of the problem" in France "and would go due to the force of events" before his term ends. Barnier is Macron's fifth prime minister since coming to power in 2017. Each successive premier has served for a shorter period and, given the composition of the National Assembly, there is no guarantee that Barnier's successor would last any longer. Loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron's centrist ally Francois Bayrou have been touted as possible contenders, as has former Socialist premier and interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Bayrou, who leads the MoDem party, had lunch with the president at the Elysee, a source close to him told AFP. sjw/ah/gv

ast week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on social media that Indonesia had agreed to allow Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina on death row for drug trafficking, to serve her sentence in her home country after 14 years languishing in an Indonesian prison. Days later, Law Minister Supratman Andi Atgas confirmed that President had, in principle, approved the transfer of the five remaining members of the Bali Nine, Australians convicted of drug smuggling, to their home country, where their life sentences may or may not be commuted. France has also sought leniency for its citizens imprisoned in Indonesia on similar charges. These developments suggest a shift in Indonesia’s stance on capital punishment and prisoner management. The Prabowo administration's decision to uphold an execution moratorium and signal a gradual move toward abolishing the death penalty is worthy of praise. However, its approach raises concerns about legal clarity and consistency. Without a clear legal framework in place, such ad hoc decisions risk undermining Indonesia's commitment to the rule of law. Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or stay informed on the latest developments, "Viewpoint" is the perfect source for anyone seeking to engage with the issues that matter most. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. Indonesia currently lacks a law governing the transfer of sentenced persons, even though it has treaties for mutual legal assistance and extradition. While this legislative gap may soon be addressed, questions remain about the mechanisms for repatriating death row inmates. Transferring such prisoners outside the sentencing jurisdiction sets a troubling precedent, potentially reducing judicial outcomes to political transactions. This approach risks creating moral hazard. Allowing political will, no matter how well-intentioned, to supersede judicial rulings could erode public trust in the legal system. At worst, such decisions may introduce legal uncertainty, undermine governmental credibility and signal to the international community that Indonesia’s rule of law is negotiable. Prabowo would be better served by leveraging the mechanisms already in place. Fortunately, Indonesia’s newly revised Criminal Code allows for a progressive approach to the death penalty. Inmates who have served over a decade on death row can undergo a review process, with the possibility of having their sentences commuted. This policy reflects Indonesia’s slow but steady move toward abolishing capital punishment, in line with evolving global norms and the country’s aspirations to improve its human rights record. Diplomatically, the proposed prisoner transfers may align with Prabowo’s broader “good neighbor” foreign policy, aimed at strengthening ties with regional and global partners. However, Indonesia must avoid the perception of trading legal principles for diplomatic concessions. Prabowo’s actions must demonstrate that Indonesia’s legal system is robust and not subject to external pressures, lest he is remembered as an Asian “paper tiger”. For now, the President stands on better international footing than his predecessor, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who pursued an aggressive anti-drug policy that tarnished the nation’s reputation abroad. That contrast underscores the need for consistency in how the death penalty is addressed in the country. Prabowo must ensure that his stance is not seen as a political tool but as part of a principled and transparent policy shift. Data from the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform shows that as of October 2023, there were 504 death row inmates in Indonesia, with 110 having languished in prison for over a decade. These figures highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy for managing the death penalty, rather than piecemeal decisions driven by political expediency. The Prabowo administration has an opportunity to make history by leading Indonesia toward the abolition of capital punishment. But it must do so through clear, consistent and lawful measures, not through backdoor deals that could erode public confidence in the justice system. The rule of law must remain paramount, and any reforms must be firmly grounded in national interests and respect for human rights, not dictated by the shifting winds of geopolitical considerations.Former President Jimmy Carter, honored more widely for his humanitarian work around the globe after his presidency than for his White House tenure during a tumultuous time, has died. He was 100. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the Carter Center confirmed on Sunday. In November 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize-winner’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, also passed away in the modest house they built together in 1961, when he had taken over his father’s peanut warehouse business and was only beginning to consider a political career. In February 2023, he had announced he was ending medical intervention and moving to hospice care. Jason Carter had visited his grandparents at the time of the announcement and said “They are at peace and – as always – their home is full of love,” he posted on Twitter. At peace, perhaps, but still political: The former president vowed he wanted to cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. After serving a single term in the White House, Jimmy Carter became one of the most durable figures in modern American politics. Evicted from the White House at age 56, he would hold the status of former president longer than anyone in U.S. history, and in 2019 he surpassed George H. W. Bush as the nation’s oldest living ex-president. Carter remained remarkably active in charitable causes through a series of health challenges during his final years, including a bout with brain cancer in 2015. He was admitted to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta in November 2019 for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain, a consequence of bleeding that followed a series of falls. A few months earlier, in May, he had undergone surgery after breaking his hip. In the White House from 1977 to 1981, Carter negotiated the landmark Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt, transferred the Panama Canal to Panamanian ownership, dramatically expanded public lands in Alaska and established formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. But the 39th president governed at a time of soaring inflation and gasoline shortages, and his failure to secure the release of Americans held hostage by Iran helped cost him the second term he sought. After losing his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, and until well into his 90s, Carter continued working as an observer of elections in developing countries, building houses through the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity and teaching Sunday school at the tiny Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, his hometown. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, 22 years after he left the White House. Culled from USA Today

Rivals focus on different chipsSenate Outlook Dims For Bill Charities And Nonprofits Worry Could Be Used Against ThemA SCOTS teacher has been found safe and well after police launched an urgent appeal for his whereabouts. Leonard McKague, 62 - the longest-serving member of staff at St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw, Lanarkshire - vanished on Saturday afternoon. 1 Leonard McKague was last seen on Saturday afternoon He was last seen about 2pm on Strathaven Road, Strathaven, Lanarkshire and had not been in contact with his family since then. After a frantic search, police confirmed on Sunday evening Leonard had been found safe and well. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Leonard McKague, 62, who was reported missing Strathaven has been traced safe and well. "Thank you to everyone who shared our earlier appeal." read more scottish news SNOW ALERT Exact date major snow blizzards to hit Scotland as grim New Year warning issued 'CHILLING' Seven paedos preyed on Celtic Boys Club starlets in nightmare two-year period Leonard is listed on LinkedIn as Faculty Head of Computing, Business , Design & Vocational Technology at the well-known school. The school celebrated its 60th anniversary last year with Mr McKague honoured as its longest-serving teacher. Former pupils of the school include snooker world champion John Higgins and Scotland footballers Joe Jordan and Stephen O’Donnell.

What's New Egungun of Lagos faces backlash over leaked private video By Musa Adekunle 02 December 2024 | 9:56 pm Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram Nigerians on social media have criticised popular content creator Kuye Adegoke, aka Egungun of Lagos, following the leak of his private video. In the video, he is shown brushing his teeth while wearing shorts and momentarily revealing his private parts. Before the video emerged, his wife, Pashotah, had already addressed a blackmail threat concerning her... Kuye Adegoke Nigerians on social media have criticised popular content creator Kuye Adegoke, aka Egungun of Lagos, following the leak of his private video. In the video, he is shown brushing his teeth while wearing shorts and momentarily revealing his private parts. Before the video emerged, his wife, Pashotah, had already addressed a blackmail threat concerning her husband’s private videos. In an Instagram post shared on Sunday, 1 December 2024, she wrote: “Hi guys, someone is blackmailing me with my husband’s videos. My name is Pashotah, and y’all know my husband. Obviously, I know so many people have wanted to bring both of us down, including guys and girls.” She went on to defend her marriage, saying the relationship is built on years of trust and loyalty: “This relationship has been coming for over 6-8 years when we both had nothing. This relationship is built on trust, understanding, loyalty, commitment, and so many more. So there is nothing that can bring us down, not even now.” The incident has sparked massive reactions across social media, with many questioning Egungun of Lagos’ public persona as a family man. Some users speculated on how the video became public, with opinions divided. While some feel it is a betrayal of his wife’s trust, others suggest it might be an old clip or a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. Mixed Reactions A user on X.com, @GodwinRobinson8, wrote: “So the yeye blackmailer later dropped the video! I’m heartbroken :broken_heart: and I just feel for the wife rn! But I know she was ready for this. WHO CAST EGUNGUN OF LAGOS?” Peace Ighodaro praised the wife, saying: “Egungun’s wife is the perfect definition of an understanding wife.” However, Saida Boj alleged, “Na pity make Egungun engage his wife. The day I went for an interview at his place, he was looking at me lustfully in front of his wife. The girl that came out is one of the many girls he has messed with.” The debate over the wife’s stance also drew varied opinions. @Abbietrends said: “So she should leave him because of that? I can’t leave my husband because he cheated.” But @drpenking wrote, “Saying that Egungun only makes content and doesn’t cheat with those baddies is like saying that a stripper only twerks on stage but is loyal to her husband. I always knew it would cast one day.” Others, like @Chance Da Mayor, supported the wife’s choice to stay: “Wait oh! You all want her to leave her husband? Her place is with her husband oh, forget the blackmailer issue. I respect her defense.” Meanwhile, @iamrichygold predicted, “Why do I feel like Egungun’s wife will still come for him later :thinking_face:? Can’t shake off that feeling! I can’t but feel it’s a ticking time bomb for him.” As of now, Egungun of Lagos has yet to comment on the scandal, and his wife has not released any further statements. Whether this storm will blow over or escalate remains to be seen.CHY stock touches 52-week high at $12.39 amid market optimismslotvip 666 。

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Houston's Al-Shaair apologizes for hit on Jacksonville's Lawrence that led to concussion HOUSTON (AP) — Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair took to X to apologize to Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence after his violent blow to the quarterback’s facemask led to him being carted off the field with a concussion. Back in the starting lineup after missing two games with a sprained left shoulder, Lawrence scrambled left on a second-and-7 play in the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 win on Sunday. He initiated a slide before Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenseless quarterback. In the long post, Al-Shaair says "To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening.” Jets are sticking with struggling Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers will remain the New York Jets’ starting quarterback despite speculation the team could bench him in what has been a disappointing season. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said during a video call that he still believes Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, gives the Jets their best chance to win. Rodgers was 21 of 39 for 185 yards and touchdown passes to Davante Adams and Isaiah Davis but also had an interception returned 92 yards for a touchdown by Leonard Williams in the Jets’ 26-21 loss to Seattle on Sunday. Hall of Famer Randy Moss reveals he's 'battling something' internal and asks for prayers Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss revealed he’s dealing with a health issue and asked fans to pray for him and his family. The 47-year-old ESPN football analyst made the announcement on Instagram from the set of the network’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” show. He directed his message to men and urged them to get checkups and bloodwork done, without specifying for any particular illness. Moss explained why he’s been wearing tinted sunglasses, saying, “I’m battling something, man, and it’s something internal, your boy is going to get through it.” College playoff bracket offers last dress rehearsal and one more chance to see where the SEC stands The next set of College Football Playoff rankings will be released Tuesday night under heavy scrutiny before the final bracket is set on Sunday. It will be one last chance to see just how much the selection committee loves the Southeastern Conference. The best gauge will be whether Miami, which suffered its second loss over the weekend, is placed behind any or all three SEC teams with three losses — Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina, all of which are coming off wins. Whatever happens, the SEC is likely to have at least five teams in the 12-team field when the final bracket comes out. Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA commissioner after 3 1/2 years of record prize money Mollie Marcoux Samaan is leaving after more than three years as LPGA commissioner. In a surprise announcement Monday, Marcoux Samaan says she will step down in January, just three weeks before the LPGA starts its 75th season. Liz Moore is the chief legal and technology officer. She'll be serving as interim commissioner until a search committee can find a permanent replacement. Marcoux Samaan was the athletic director at Princeton when she took over the LPGA in May 2021. Prize money has soared during her tenure. She also has faced criticism for the LPGA not gaining in popularity during a rise in women's sports. Kansas holds off Auburn for No. 1 in AP Top 25 as SEC grabs 3 of top 4 spots; UConn slides to No. 25 Kansas continues to hold the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. Auburn is pushing the Jayhawks in the latest poll after winning the Maui Invitational and checked in at No. 2. Two-time reigning national champion UConn nearly fell out entirely after an 0-3 week at Maui, falling from No. 2 to 25th. The Southeastern Conference had three of the top four teams with No. 3 Tennessee and No. 4 Kentucky behind the Tigers. The poll featured six new teams, headlined by No. 13 Oregon, No. 16 Memphis and No. 18 Pittsburgh. TCU, Duke climb into top 10, Notre Dame drops in women's AP Top 25; UCLA and UConn remain 1-2 TCU has its best ranking ever in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll after a convincing win over Notre Dame. The Horned Frogs jumped eight spots to No. 9, the first time the school has ever been in the top 10. The Fighting Irish, who were third last week, fell seven spots to 10th after losses to TCU and Utah. UCLA remained No. 1, followed by UConn, South Carolina, Texas and LSU. USC, Maryland and Duke are next. USC QB Miller Moss enters transfer portal after losing starting job to Jayden Maiava LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans’ starting job last month. Moss started the Trojans’ bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. Moss signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year’s Holiday Bowl. Michael Andretti's Formula 1 dream comes to bittersweet fruition without his involvement Michael Andretti has been sidelined from his namesake motorsports organization and won’t have any role with the Formula 1 program he spent the last four years desperately trying to launch. His effort to get a program partnered with General Motors into F1 was approved last week, a month after he stepped aside from his teams. F1’s decision to expand its grid for Cadillac F1 came amidst a federal antitrust investigation into why Liberty Media refused to admit Andretti Global and after Andretti partners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter claimed controlling interest of the fledgling effort. Ryan Poles to remain Bears general manager and lead search for new head coach LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren said Ryan Poles will remain the general manager and serve as the point person in the search for a head coach to replace the fired Matt Eberflus. He says Poles will have the “final say” if the two have differing opinions on who should get the job. Chicago had never fired a coach during a season. But a six-game losing streak marked by questionable coaching decisions spurred the founding NFL franchise to change course. The Bears let Eberflus go Friday and replaced him on an interim basis with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.

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Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., details her resolution requiring staffers to use bathrooms corresponding with their biological sex on 'The Ingraham Angle.' New Hampshire Judge Steven McAuliffe presided over a case involving parents in the state who wore pro-girl armbands at a high school girls soccer game that included a transgender athlete . During the case, McAuliffe pushed back on the parents for repeatedly referring to the athlete as a boy. "You seem to go out of your way to suggest there’s no such thing as a trans girl ," McAuliffe said during the hearing. McAuliffe's federal judicial service dates back to 1992, when he was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush. On Thursday, McAuliffe heard arguments in a case in which plaintiffs Kyle Fellers and Anthony Foote sued the Bow School District after being banned from school grounds for wearing the wristbands at their daughters' soccer game in September. THE PRONOUN POLICE HAVE ARRIVED AND ARE COMING FOR YOU NEXT The wristbands said "XX" in reference to the natural female chromosomes. The "XX" logo has become an unspoken symbol of the ongoing legal and political battle against transgender inclusion in girls and women's sports across the country. Many consider it a women's rights phenomenon. The no-trespass orders have since expired, but McAuliffe is deciding whether the plaintiffs should be allowed to wear the wristbands and carry signs at upcoming school events, including basketball games, swim meets and a music concert, while the case proceeds. A protester outside the Kansas Statehouse holds a sign after a rally for transgender rights on the Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, 2023, in Topeka, Kan. (AP Photo/John Hanna) They wore the wristbands because another federal judge in New Hampshire, Landya McCafferty, who was appointed to her seat by President Obama in 2013, ruled two transgender athletes would be allowed to play on high school girls soccer teams, overruling a state law in place to prevent that from happening. Fifteen-year-old Parker Tirrell, a transgender athlete, was allowed to compete for Plymouth Regional High School. In a lawsuit filed by Fellers and Foote, they alleged they were told by school officials to remove the armbands or they would have to leave the game. TRANS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER LEGAL HEARING OPENED WITH LONG AND HEATED DEBATE OVER WHAT PRONOUNS TO USE Both of the fathers say the intention of the armband was not to protest Tirrell, but to support their own daughters in a game that featured a biological male. McAuliffe questioned the notion that the wristbands were in support of their own daughters. "Sometimes the message you think you’re sending might not be the message that is being sent," he said. McAuliffe asked Foote whether it occurred to him that a transgender person might interpret the pink XX wristbands as an attempt to invalidate their existence. "If he’s a trans female, pink might be a color he likes," Foote responded. First lady Jill Biden, right, and Steven J. McAuliffe, widower of Christa McAuliffe, arrive at the Christa McAuliffe School in Concord, N.H., March 17, 2021. (Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Transgender inclusion in girls' and women's sports emerged as a mainstream political issue in the last few years. Instances of athletes discovered to be male and then legally protected to continue playing have emerged in rapid succession since the start of the Biden administration. This includes instances like those involving Tirrell in New Hampshire and others in Virginia and California. At the college level, a situation at San Jose State University involving a transgender volleyball player has prompted multiple lawsuits and a media firestorm. It became a talking point of Donald Trump's presidential campaign before his recent election win. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Trump and even his wife, Melania, who has admitted to disagreeing with Republicans on issues of LGBT rights, each announced they are opposed to letting biological males compete in girls and women's sports. Trump advocated for a blanket ban during a Fox News town hall event on the campaign trail. Multiple states filed lawsuits and enacted their own laws to address the issue after the Biden-Harris administration issued a sweeping rule that clarified that Title IX’s ban on "sex" discrimination in schools covers discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and "pregnancy or related conditions," in April. The administration insisted the regulation does not address athletic eligibility. However, multiple experts presented evidence to Fox News Digital in June that it would ultimately put more biological men in women's sports. The Supreme Court then voted 5-4 in August to reject an emergency request by the Biden administration to enforce portions of that new rule after more than two dozen Republican attorneys general sued to block the Title IX changes in their own states. During the most recent election cycle, multiple Democrats, including Texas Rep. Collin Allred backtracked on past support for transgender inclusion in women's sports. That trend continued after the election when Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton spoke out against his party's stance and actions in enabling transgender inclusion in multiple interviews, inciting fierce backlash and even a massive pro-transgender rally outside his office. Now, multiple judges like McAuliffe across the country are presiding over cases about the eligibility of transgender athletes in sports. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

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These U.S cities have been named best for expats – but beware their high cost of livingEagles boss Oliver Glasner was reluctant to put a definite time frame on the comeback of the £30 million attacker but hopes it will come within the next two weeks. Earlier this month, Glasner took accountability for Nketiah’s injury, confessing he left the former Arsenal forward on the field for too long against Wolves. MORE PALACE NEWS Providing an update today, the Europa League winning coach said: “Let’s say [he will be available] during the week with three games against Newcastle, Ipswich and Manchester City. “I hope he’s available. I don’t know if it will be the first one or if it will be for Ipswich or Manchester City. We hope he’s back.” The South London club have just three senior attackers at their disposal when they travel to Villa Park tomorrow with Eberechi Eze and Nketiah absent through injury, while Daichi Kamada serves the first of his three-match ban.slotvip vin 。

does the impossible every year on Christmas Eve, but has only become a global tradition fairly recently. While it's true that , known as NORAD, keeps watch and wards off potential dangers to North American airspace 24/7, the agency has also tracked Father Christmas as he delivers to children all over the world since 1955. And it all started with an accidental phone call made by a young boy from Colorado Springs hoping to get in touch with Santa, legend says. But he reached NORAD instead. "He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Air Force Col Harry W. Shoup shared in a with The Associated Press. NORAD became an unofficially official hub for information about Santa as a result of this curious coincidence, receiving calls from children and parent around the world and posting updates on social media for millions of fans. NORAD also updates its website following Santa's progress on Christmas Eve. Here's what to know about NORAD "Tracks Santa" and how to follow Santa's journey this Christmas Eve. A Sears ad printed in a Colorado Springs newspaper invited children, who wanted to speak with Santa, to call the number listed. But they inadvertently listed the top-secret phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD's predecessor, also based in Colorado Springs. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list, the Associated Press reported. It didn't take long for the young boy to realize he was not speaking with THE Santa Claus, but Shoup responded to youngster in a "deep, jolly" voice anyway, according to AP. “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?" Shoup told AP. Shoup later learned from the boy's mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, AP reported. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole on 60-by-80-foot plexiglass map of North America NORAD used to track unidentified objects, according to AP. NORAD "Tracks Santa" became a tradition from there on and will likely continue for more years to come. but the real fun began on Christmas Eve, which is when visitors will be able to track from 4 a.m. to midnight MST / 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. EST. The map tracking Santa's trip around the world can be accessed It is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. The "NORAD Tracks Santa" app is available in the Apple App and Google Play stores, and the tracker will be available on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, according to NORAD. Trackers worldwide may call 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) on Dec. 24 to ask live operators about Santa's location from 6 a.m. to midnight MST. Google, too, wanted to take part in holiday fun, launching its own Santa Tracker and corresponding app set to go live on Dec. 24. Various Christmas-themed games, quizzes and a are available on Google's Santa Tracker.None

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UN condemns Israel strikes on Yemen, with WHO chief caught in escalationShoppers flock to B&M to nab £15 winter buy that dries laundry in no time – it saves loads compared to a tumble dryerWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. prosecutors are accusing two senior Syrian officials of overseeing a notorious torture center that abused peaceful protesters, including a 26-year-old American woman who was later believed to have been executed. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. prosecutors are accusing two senior Syrian officials of overseeing a notorious torture center that abused peaceful protesters, including a 26-year-old American woman who was later believed to have been executed. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. prosecutors are accusing two senior Syrian officials of overseeing a notorious torture center that abused peaceful protesters, including a 26-year-old American woman who was later believed to have been executed. The indictment was released Monday, two days after a shock rebel offensive overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad. The U.S., U.N. and others accuse him of widespread human rights abuses in a 13-year battle to crush opposition forces seeking his removal from power. The war, which began as a largely nonviolent popular uprising in 2011, has killed half a million people. The indictment, filed Nov. 18 in federal court in Chicago, is believed to be the U.S. government’s first against what officials say were networks of Assad intelligence services and military branches that detained, tortured and killed thousands of perceived enemies. It names Jamil Hassan, director of the Syrian air force’s intelligence branch, who prosecutors say oversaw a prison and torture center at the Mezzeh air force base in the capital, Damascus, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, who prosecutors say ran the prison. Victims included Syrians, Americans and dual citizens, the indictment said. The U.S.-based Syrian Emergency Task Force has long pushed federal prosecutors for action on one case, that of 26-year-old American aid worker Layla Shweikani. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The group presented witnesses who testified of Shweikani’s 2016 torture at the prison. Syrian rights groups believe she was later executed at the Saydnaya military prison in the Damascus suburbs. The whereabouts of the two Syrian officials were not immediately known, and the prospects of bringing them to trial were unclear. Assad’s toppling by the rebels over the weekend has scattered his government and left citizens searching prison torture centers around the country for survivors and evidence. Advertisement Advertisement

Idaho Fish and Game is investigating 43 ducks that were shot and left to waste on Pine Creek Pass between Swan Valley and Victor, according to a press release. “The needless wasting of wildlife is illegal and unethical,” Regional Conservation Officer Barry Cummings stated in the release. “Any little bit of information the public can provide us may help put the pieces of this puzzle together to solve this case.” According to the release, conservation officers were made aware of the ducks on Nov. 12. The ducks were dumped just off the Upper Rainey Creek Road, a half-mile from Highway 31. Most were whole and unfrozen so officers believe they were dumped earlier that day. Fish and Game requested anyone with information to call the Upper Snake Regional Office at 208-525-7290, or the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at 1-800-632-5999. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards when it leads to a citation. According to Idaho statutes, it is illegal to waste “edible portions of any game animal.” Edible portions are defined as breasts on game birds.This is how much conferences will make for each team in College Football PlayoffB.C. premier says feds and premiers have right-left strategy to tackle Trump tariffsThe International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) April 2024 World Economic Outlook reveals an exciting trend: Africa is home to nine of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies. These nations are leveraging a mix of resource wealth, infrastructure projects, and policy reforms to boost their growth. According to the International Monetary Fund’s ( IMF) April 2024 World Economic Outlook, Here are 9 of the fastest-growing economies worldwide in 2024 The key factor driving Niger leads Africa’s growth is Oil Pipeline & Export, due to the completion of the 1,982-kilometer Niger-Benin pipeline. The pipeline positions Niger as a significant oil exporter, with the sector expected to contribute to the GDP. Despite facing political instability in 2023, this infrastructure project bolsters its economic prospects. With discoveries of over 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Senegal’s hydrocarbons sector is driving its growth. Projects like the GTA (Greater Tortue Ahmeyim) gas field development are pivotal. Political stability will remain crucial to fully harness this potential. Read also: Top 10 African countries by GDP per capita in 2024 Libya’s growth is underpinned by recovering oil production, which remains its economic backbone. While the hydrocarbon sector thrives, diversification and stabilization efforts are needed for long-term sustainability. Rwanda’s strategic investments in Innovation and Tourism, like technology, tourism, and sustainable development have positioned it as a model for economic resilience in Africa. Foreign investment and green initiatives continue to enhance its economic stability. Côte d’Ivoire’s economy benefits from being a leading global exporter of Agricultural Exports & Industrialization like cocoa and cashew nuts. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure and industrial production, diversifying its growth base. Read also: Five countries contribute to half of Africa’s $1.4 tn GDP Djibouti leverages its location at the crossroads of major global trade routes. Infrastructure development in ports and logistics supports its role as a regional trade hub. However, long-term success will depend on diversification into other economic sectors. Ethiopia’s robust agricultural sector, coupled with growing investments in manufacturing, drives its growth. Infrastructure projects, supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are enhancing trade potential. Read also: Top 10 largest economies of 2024 Tourism remains a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy, alongside agricultural exports. Investments in infrastructure and regional trade agreements are key to sustaining this growth. The Niger-Benin pipeline significantly boosts Benin’s economic prospects, complementing its agricultural exports. Infrastructure projects are strengthening its trade potential within West Africa.

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Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited ( NASDAQ:ATAT – Get Free Report ) shares were down 5.4% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $26.87 and last traded at $27.21. Approximately 891,316 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 10% from the average daily volume of 990,818 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.77. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Atour Lifestyle in a research report on Monday, December 9th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $34.40 price objective on the stock. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ATAT Atour Lifestyle Price Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Atour Lifestyle in the second quarter worth $7,940,000. Prudential PLC purchased a new position in Atour Lifestyle during the 2nd quarter valued at $13,161,000. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Atour Lifestyle during the second quarter worth approximately $492,000. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in Atour Lifestyle in the second quarter worth about $4,406,000. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its holdings in shares of Atour Lifestyle by 126.7% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 783,400 shares of the company’s stock valued at $14,375,000 after acquiring an additional 437,900 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 17.79% of the company’s stock. Atour Lifestyle Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, develops lifestyle brands around hotel offerings in the People’s Republic of China. The company provides hotel management services, including day-to-day management services of the hotels for the franchisees; and sells hotel supplies and other products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Atour Lifestyle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atour Lifestyle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .( MENAFN - GetNews) OTTAWA, Ontario - December 26, 2024 - Falcon Security Services Inc., a leading provider of customized security solutions, announced today a major expansion of its services across Canada. After strong growth over the past decade, the company now has over 50 office locations stretching from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, making it one of the largest private security firms in the country. Rapid Growth Allows Coast-to-Coast Coverage "We are thrilled to be extending our services to even more communities and clients across Canada," said the CEO of Falcon Security Services . "Our expansion allows us to deliver our premium protection to businesses, events, construction sites, condominiums and more in every province while creating jobs and supporting local economies. Setting New Standards for Training and Technology Falcon Security sets itself apart through its rigorous training standards, innovative technology integrations, and stellar customer service. All employees undergo thorough pre-screening followed by comprehensive training to ensure they can handle any security scenario with expertise and professionalism. The company collaborates closely with each client to develop a customized security plan tailored to their unique needs and facilities. The company integrates cutting-edge technology like surveillance cameras, access control systems, GPS vehicle tracking and more to enhance protection. Clients can feel confident knowing Falcon Security combines trained personnel with the latest tech advancements to secure premises, assets, data and individuals. Focus on Premium Service and Client Partnership But Falcon Security understands that technology alone is not the answer. That's why the company focuses intensely on service, with the motto that its security guards serve as an invaluable asset, not an expense. Guards are specially selected and trained to balance vigilance with a customer service mindset when interacting with clients, visitors, tenants and the public. "Our security professionals become an integrated part of our clients' team," said the CEO. "We strive to provide not just bodily protection, but also peace of mind knowing that Falcon Security always has their back. Steady Growth Over 20 Years From its origins as a modest local firm in Ottawa in 2005, Falcon Security has grown steadily over 20 years through its reputation for reliability and effectiveness. Its expansion across Canada allows the company to serve an even more diverse client base while creating employment opportunities in the communities where it operates. Falcon Security is registered and authorized by the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services to perform security services under the Private Security & Investigative Services Act. The company maintains the highest industry certifications and rigorous standards. Premium Services Now Available from Coast to Coast The company's nationwide expansion brings its premium offerings to businesses across Canada who wish to heighten security. Services now available in 50+ locations include: Falcon Security stands ready to fulfill any security need for clients across Canada. Those seeking premium protection with a service focus can learn more at or by calling +1 905-330-5515. About Falcon Security Falcon Security Services Inc. provides comprehensive security solutions for private, corporate, government and individual clients across Canada. Founded in Ottawa in 2005, the company has grown to over 50 locations nationwide. Falcon Security is registered with the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services under the Private Security & Investigative Services Act. Its team of highly trained professionals integrate the latest technology and techniques to protect facilities, assets, data and individuals. With its expansion, Falcon Security reaffirms its vision to become Canada's foremost provider of innovative, customer-focused security services from coast to coast. MENAFN26122024003238003268ID1109033577 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.slotvip bet 。

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Algert Global LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Apartment Investment and Management ( NYSE:AIV – Free Report ) by 570.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 87,860 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock after buying an additional 74,760 shares during the quarter. Algert Global LLC owned 0.06% of Apartment Investment and Management worth $794,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Apartment Investment and Management by 9.9% during the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 6,001,979 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $49,756,000 after purchasing an additional 538,330 shares during the last quarter. DigitalBridge Group Inc. grew its position in Apartment Investment and Management by 20.1% during the 2nd quarter. DigitalBridge Group Inc. now owns 1,893,949 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $15,701,000 after purchasing an additional 316,790 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of Apartment Investment and Management by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,878,033 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $15,568,000 after buying an additional 9,646 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Apartment Investment and Management by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,842,853 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $16,659,000 after buying an additional 44,668 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Apartment Investment and Management by 5.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 638,901 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $5,296,000 after buying an additional 31,052 shares during the period. 83.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Apartment Investment and Management Stock Down 0.6 % Apartment Investment and Management stock opened at $8.84 on Friday. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $8.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.63. The company has a quick ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.28. The firm has a market cap of $1.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.14 and a beta of 1.39. Apartment Investment and Management has a 52 week low of $6.83 and a 52 week high of $9.48. Apartment Investment and Management Profile ( Free Report ) Aimco is a diversified real estate company primarily focused on value add and opportunistic investments, targeting the U.S. multifamily sector. Aimco’s mission is to make real estate investments where outcomes are enhanced through our human capital so that substantial value is created for investors, teammates, and the communities in which we operate. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Apartment Investment and Management ( NYSE:AIV – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Apartment Investment and Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apartment Investment and Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100Polish-Hungarian relations have reached an all-time low after Hungary granted "asylum" to a Polish ex-minister wanted for embezzlement as a "political refugee." Prime Minister Viktor Orban is open to more similar cases. For more than 150 years, Poland and Hungary have been linked in a remarkable way. Both nations supported each other in their efforts for independence. Freedom fighters from both countries rushed to help each other in existential historical moments, such as during the anti-Habsburg revolution of 1848. In 1956, when Hungary underwent an anti-communist revolution, Poles spontaneously organized blood drives for the victims of the Soviet invasion. "Pole and Hungarian brothers be" is a well-known proverb in both countries. Since 2007, there has even been an official day dedicated to Polish-Hungarian friendship, March 23. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban admired the Poles' deep desire for freedom and their anti-communist struggle so much that he wrote his thesis as law student in 1987 on "Polish social self-organization using the example of the Solidarity trade union." However, Orban of all people has now caused an all-time low in the countries' relations. On December 19, he granted asylum to the former Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted on a European arrest warrant . Political collision between Warsaw, Budapest This decision promptly led to a political head-on clash between Poland and Hungary, whose relations have already been dire since the change of power in Poland in December 2023. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described the move as "an action contrary to the fundamental principle of loyal cooperation" as laid out in the EU treaties. He also recalled the Polish ambassador to Hungary for "indefinite consultations" and summoned the Hungarian ambassador in Warsaw to give him a protest note. This kind of diplomatic escalation is extremely rare between EU countries . Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also compared Orban's Hungary to the regime of dictator Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus. In May, a Polish judge who is under investigation for abuse of office and leaking state secrets fled to Belarus . "I did not expect corrupt politicians escaping justice would be able to choose between [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko and Orban," Tusk said. 'Liberal rainbow coalition' The Hungarian prime minister had already indicated on December 19 that he would grant asylum to "Polish political refugees." In an interview with the conservative pro-government Hungarian news portal Mandiner , he also called the current Polish government a "liberal rainbow coalition" that "uses the rule of law and legal means to get even with its political opponents." Polish-Hungarian relations are "at a low point because the liberal Polish rainbow coalition is unable to distinguish between party and state politics," Orban said. In reality, however, the governing coalition of the liberal-conservative Polish prime minister is trying to do exactly the opposite. It wants to untangle the nexus of party and state politics that existed under the previous national-conservative government and to investigate its corruption scandals. One of the people at the center of the investigation is the former deputy justice minister, Romanowski. Romanowski charged with 11 criminal offenses Between 2019 and 2023, Romanowski was in charge of the Justice Fund which was designed to support victims of crime. However, the public prosecutor has charged the politician with 11 criminal offenses, including membership of a criminal organization, embezzlement and manipulation in the allocation of money from the fund. The sum of the disputed funds amounts to around 112 million Polish zloty (approx. €25 million/$27.3 million). The 48-year-old lawmaker from the former ruling and now opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) was briefly arrested in July, but was later released. As a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he enjoyed immunity. However, this immunity was lifted by the body in October. On December 9, a court in Warsaw ordered Romanowski to be remanded in custody for three months. Only, by then, he had already gone into hiding and fled to Hungary . On December 20, Romanowski posted on social media that asylum for a member of the Polish opposition was a "strong warning signal for Tusk's regime." He said he wanted to continue working from Budapest for a "sovereign, Christian and strong Poland," with his goal being to "abolish the Tusk regime." 'Hungarian government using refugee protection to save political allies' The affair exemplifies the severe level of problems the Tusk government faces in restoring the rule of law in Poland. Poland's judiciary, including the Constitutional Court, remain heavily dominated by PiS supporters. And President Andrzej Duda, who is close to the PiS, continues to delay all government reforms as much as possible. It's not the first time that a prominent corruption suspect has been granted asylum in Hungary . In 2018, the former Macedonian head of government Nikola Gruevski fled to Hungary where he received asylum. In more recent years, the Hungarian government has also granted temporary refuge to several politicians from the Hungarian minority in Romania. For Poland, however, the escape of a member of parliament is a precedent, commented the conservative Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita . "Romanowski has asked an ally of Putin for help. It is a disgrace to be an ally of Putin's ally ," the paper wrote. In Hungary, the left-wing portal Merce ran the headline "The Hungarian government is using refugee protection to save political allies." Open for more Polish politicians Both Polish and Hungarian media outlets are now speculating which PiS politician will be the next to leave for Hungary. It may well be MEP Daniel Obajtek, former head of the Polish oil company Orlen, who has been involved in numerous corruption scandals.Among other charges, he is facing prosecution for manipulating Orlen tenders. Hungary's Orban vows to defy ICC's Netanyahu arrest warrant To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The speculation about Obajtek was fueled by Orban on December 22 during his annual end-of-year press conference. After a female journalist specifically asked about the former head of Orlen, Hungary's prime minister — who is known for his misogynistic remarks — said: "I don't know if we're thinking of the same man because you never know which man is in a woman's head." However, as Obajtek is a member of the European Parliament, there is no need to deal with him, Orban said, referring to the man's immunity. "Generally speaking, we have to be prepared for the fact that there will and could be more cases like this," he added. This article was originally written in German.

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NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Chucky Hepburn had 16 points, 10 assists and seven steals, Noah Waterman also had 16 points and Louisville beat No. 14 Indiana 89-61 on Wednesday in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. Louisville (4-1) beat a ranked team for the first time since topping Virginia Tech 73-71 on Jan. 6, 2021. Kasean Pryor scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half and Reyne Smith added 12 points for Louisville. Malik Reneau scored 21 points and Oumar Ballo added 11 for Indiana (4-1). Reneau reached 20-plus points for the eighth time in his career. The Cardinals led 37-29 at the break after making 7 of 17 from 3-point range and shooting 57% overall. Indiana missed six straight shots on two occasions in the first half, sandwiched around a string of seven missed field goals, as the Cardinals shot 9 of 29 (31%). Louisville exploded for 52 second-half points by shooting 66.7% from the field. Pryor missed only one of his six shots in the second half. Key moment Louisville quickly built a commanding lead in the second half after starting on an 11-2 run, highlighted by Pryor's fast-break dunk . The lead reached 30 on freshman Khani Rooths' alley-oop dunk that came during the Cardinals’ 16-0 run for a 78-40 lead. Key stats Louisville entered the week ranked sixth in the country in 3-point attempts per game at 34. The Cardinals attempted 27 against Indiana and made 10 of them — with four apiece from Waterman and Smith. Louisville also came into the game averaging 19 forced turnovers per game. The Cardinals scored 30 points off 23 Indiana turnovers. Up next Louisville, which played its first road game of the season, faces West Virginia on Thursday. Indiana plays No. 3 Gonzaga in the consolation bracket. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballJimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100Who Owns Toyota And Where Are Its Vehicles Built?

NASA will have a lot of responsibilities once they arrive on the moon. The team will need to collect samples, perform experiments, and record observations after landing. But before they get there, they will require transport from their to the lunar surface. That’s where and the company’s come into the equation. Ferrying astronauts to and from the moon will be a complex process—new conceptual images illustrate some of the maneuvers needed to accomplish the historic trip. On November 20th, NASA depicting multiple phases of the Artemis III lunar landing, currently scheduled for early 2026. SpaceX’s entire process, known as the Starship Human Landing System (HLS), involves first docking with Orion as it orbits the moon. From there, two Artemis astronauts will transfer from NASA’s spacecraft into a specialized version of the roughly 164-foot-tall Starship, at which point SpaceX’s vehicle will begin a controlled descent to the moon. Prior to docking with Orion, however, HLS will need to refuel before it continues on its mission. This will involve another first-of-its-kind procedure in which yet another Starship—this one built to operate as a fuel tanker—connects with the transport spacecraft while in low Earth orbit. After additional propellant transfers into the HLS, the 15-story-tall vehicle will continue to its rendezvous with Orion. A braking burn maneuver using two HLS Raptor engines will then ease the spacecraft into its landing. Given Starship’s height, astronauts will need to utilize a specially designed elevator to lower them and their equipment onto the moon, at which point they can make history as the first humans to return to the lunar surface in over 55 years. Once the pair of astronauts complete their mission, the two will reascend into Starship, after which the spacecraft will launch and travel back to Orion to begin the return trip home. Artemis III’s high-stakes HLS mission won’t proceed without SpaceX first demonstrating they are up to the challenge, however. The company intends to perform an uncrewed, low Earth orbit refueling mission —although SpaceX projects are notorious for often lengthy delays. If all goes as planned, Artemis III won’t be the last time NASA uses SpaceX’s Starship HLS. The space agency has even larger plans for its Artemis IV mission, which would involve docking a much more cargo-laden Starship with the planned Gateway orbital lunar space station, potentially as soon as 2028.Gabriel mocks Gyokeres goal celebration as revenge for Xhaka moment – but gets it wrongagent slotvip 。

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President Joe Biden announced Tuesday, Nov. 26, that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a United States-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon. In addition to widening the risk of a regional war, the escalated tensions and back-and-forth strikes over the last year have killed thousands of people and displaced more than a million. Under the deal, which is set to go into effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time, the fighting at the Israel-Lebanese border will end, Biden said in outlining the ceasefire, which he said was “designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Biden said the U.S., and partners including France, “will make sure this deal is implemented fully.” “Let me be clear, if Hezbollah or anyone else breaks the deal, and poses a direct threat to Israel, then Israel retains the right to self-defense consistent with international law,” the president said from the White House. He stressed that the agreement is in Lebanon’s best interest and supports its sovereignty, adding that its people, like the people of Gaza, deserve an end to the violence and displacement. “The people of Gaza have been through hell. Their world is absolutely shattered,” Biden said, adding that Hamas’ only way out of the war with Israel is to release the hostages. He said that the agreement between Israel and Hezbollah “reminds us that peace is possible.” Shortly after the president’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that his Cabinet had approved the U.S.-brokered deal, 10 ministers to one. “Israel appreciates the U.S. contribution to the process, and reserves its right to act against any threat to its security,” the statement read. Earlier Tuesday, Netanyahu said he had recommended that his Cabinet agree to the deal with Hezbollah, which began trading fire with Israel a day after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. Hezbollah says it is supporting the Palestinian resistance; Israel sees it as another attempt by Tehran to attack the Jewish state. Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have promised not to stop their attacks on Hezbollah until the 60,000 residents of northern Israel who have been driven from their homes can return safely. Around 90 Israeli soldiers and 50 Israeli civilians have been killed since Oct. 7, 2023. More than 3,820 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli bombing since the fighting started, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, a campaign that has displaced some 1.2 million people and unleashed a humanitarian crisis. In this multifront war in the Middle East, the Lebanon conflict has become a key focus for Israel in recent months. That’s partly down to Hezbollah’s mighty missile arsenal, bigger than any other non-state group in the world and thought to be capable of overwhelming Israel’s missile defense. Mirna Alsharif is a breaking news reporter for NBC News based in New York City.DALLAS , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) today announced that its board of directors approved the purchase of up to an additional $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock under its existing share repurchase program, effective immediately. This repurchase program follows the substantial completion of purchases of common stock under the inaugural $250 million repurchase authorization from August 2023 . With this additional repurchase authorization, the Company anticipates executing a $250 million accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") program that will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024. "We believe our asset-lite, highly-franchised model enables industry-leading shareholder returns," commented Alex Kaleida , Chief Financial Officer. "Since becoming a public company in 2015, we have returned more than $1 billion of capital to shareholders. Our share repurchase program is another example of the long-term value creation enabled by our category of one operating model." Repurchases under the program may be made in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means, including through trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and accelerated share repurchase agreements, with the amount and timing of repurchases to be determined at Wingstop's discretion, depending on market and business conditions, prevailing stock prices, and contractual limitations, among other factors. Open market repurchases will be structured to occur in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. This program does not obligate Wingstop to acquire any particular amount of common stock, or at any specific time or intervals and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time at Wingstop's discretion. Wingstop expects to fund repurchases with existing cash and cash equivalents, including the proceeds from its recently completed $500 million financing transaction which closed on December 3, 2024 . About Wingstop Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, TX , Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) operates and franchises more than 2,450 locations worldwide. The Wing Experts are dedicated to Serving the World Flavor through an unparalleled guest experience and a best-in-class technology platform, all while offering classic and boneless wings, tenders, and chicken sandwiches, cooked to order and hand sauced-and-tossed in fans' choice of 12 bold, distinctive flavors. Wingstop's menu also features signature sides including fresh-cut, seasoned fries and freshly-made ranch and bleu cheese dips. In fiscal year 2023, Wingstop's system-wide sales increased 27.1% to approximately $3.5 billion , marking the 20th consecutive year of same store sales growth. With a vision of becoming a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand, Wingstop's system is comprised of corporate-owned restaurants and independent franchisees, or brand partners, who account for approximately 98% of Wingstop's total restaurant count of 2,458 as of September 28, 2024 . A key to this business success and consumer fandom stems from The Wingstop Way, which includes a core value system of being Authentic, Entrepreneurial, Service-minded, and Fun. The Wingstop Way extends to the brand's environmental, social and governance platform as Wingstop seeks to provide value to all guests. In 2023, Wingstop earned its "Best Places to Work" certification. The Company landed on Entrepreneur Magazine's "Fastest-Growing Franchises" list and ranked #16 on "Franchise 500." Wingstop was listed on Technomic's "Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report," QSR Magazine's "2023 QSR 50" and Franchise Time's "40 Smartest-Growing Franchises." For more information, visit www.wingstop.com or www.wingstop.com/own-a-wingstop and follow @Wingstop on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Learn more about Wingstop's involvement in its local communities at www.wingstopcharities.org . Unless specifically noted otherwise, references to our website addresses, the website addresses of third parties or other references to online content in this press release do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on such website and should not be considered part of this release. Forward-looking Statements This news release includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to the discussion of our expectations concerning the implementation and execution of our share repurchase program, including the anticipated execution of a $250 million ASR and our strategic growth initiatives. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "may," "will," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "outlook," "guidance," "anticipate," "believe," "think," "estimate," "seek," "predict," "can," "could," "project," "potential" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements are accompanied by such terms. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties, risks, and factors relating to our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Please refer to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which can be found at the SEC's website www.sec.gov . The discussion of these risks is specifically incorporated by reference into this news release. When considering forward-looking statements in this news release or that we make in other reports or statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this news release and future reports we file with the SEC. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and we cannot predict when they may arise or how they may affect us. Any forward-looking statement in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Media Contact Maddie Lupori Media@wingstop.com Investor Contact Kristen Thomas IR@wingstop.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wingstop-announces-additional-500-million-share-repurchase-authorization-302324306.html SOURCE Wingstop Restaurants Inc.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has bagged himself a Guinness World Records certificate following an intense showdown in the annual Pro Challenge. Over the past fortnight, the Strictly pros have been competing to set a world record for the most Cha Cha Cha Time Steps executed in half a minute. On tonight's (December 5) episode of It Takes Two, Kai was joined by fellow dancer Neil Jones as the last pros to participate in the challenge. The pair went toe-to-toe for the title, with BBC viewers watching them perform the ballroom move that necessitates a side step on straight legs, a weight transfer from one foot to the other, settling on each heel followed by a chasse. The dancers then repeat this sequence in the opposite direction, ensuring their footwork remains ball flat throughout and the movement is completed on both sides. Initially, it seemed like a draw as both dancers completed 15 steps, but one of Neil's moves was disqualified, resulting in Kai clinching the record-breaking win and receiving the official certificate. The challenge was presided over by Craig Revel Horwood, with Guinness World Records official, Will Munford, supervising the attempts, reports the Express . Strictly fans were quick to express their joy on social media, with one fan posting on X: "SO happy Kai won the pro challenge!" (sic) Another commented: "Kai and Neil were so close. With 15 steps the winner of the Pro Challenge is Kai! Only one step was between him and Neil and Nadiya. And another chimed in, saying: "Well done Kai." (sic) In the previous year, professional dancer Lauren Oakley set a new Guinness World Record for the most pendulum dance steps achieved in 30 seconds, flawlessly executing 15 pendulum steps without any disqualifications. Lauren is competing in this year's edition of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with JLS artist JB Gill. She had to swiftly step up after her colleague Amy Dowden had an unforeseen health incident, having collapsed during the series. Later, the BBC confirmed Amys well-being but announced she would not be participating further in the series. However, Amy has remained enthusiastic about her past dancing mate's journey, offering encouragement from the sidelines. Taking to Instagram, she expressed wholehearted support for the duo, declaring she will be rooting for them as their "biggest cheerleader". Amy's message to JB was heartfelt, as she said: "It says everything how you've been able to adapt to a new professional, produce such a great number (so excited for everyone to see) whilst supporting me! I'm so lucky! You're a STAR! I know what tonight means to you! Thank you!" Strictly It Takes Two at 1830 on BBC Two and iPlayer and Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and iPlayer.STUART, Fla. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $9,200,000 , before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and estimated offering expenses. The Company has granted the underwriter an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of the final prospectus, to purchase an additional 345,000 shares of Class A common stock from Health In Tech at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Assuming such option is fully exercised, the Company may raise a total of approximately US$10,580,000 in gross proceeds from the Offering Health In Tech intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for system enhancements, expansion of service offerings, sales and distribution channels, talent development and retention, working capital, and other general corporate purposes. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. acted as the sole book-running manager for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281853) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on December 19, 2024 . This offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained when available, by contacting American Trust Investment Services, Inc., 230 W. Monroe Street , Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606, or via E-Mail at ECM@amtruinvest.com. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Health In Tech Health in Tech ("HIT") is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology. We offer a dynamic marketplace designed to create customized healthcare plan solutions while streamlining processes through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By eliminating friction and complexities, HIT enhances value propositions for employers and optimizes underwriting, sales, and service workflows for Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), insurance carriers, licensed brokers, and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). Learn more at healthintech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding Health In Tech Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Investor Contact Investor Relations: ir@healthintech.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-announces-closing-of-initial-public-offering-302338923.html SOURCE Health In TechBUDAPEST, Hungary, Nov. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The WSF2024 declaration calls for efficient, trusted and creative science and policy interfaces, responding to disruptive global transformations. “Our world is under rapid transformation and facing an uncertain future. Extraordinary scientific and technological advances are at odds with inadequate progress on addressing the challenges of climate change and most of the Sustainable Development Goals, a growing number of conflicts, rising inequalities and the emergence of rapidly evolving and disruptive technologies,” the declaration states. “We urgently need to broaden scientific understanding and to promote evidence-based, science-informed and long-term thinking and decision-making.” The World Science Forum was created by three founding organisations, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences – hosting of the 2024 event – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Science Council (ISC), and partner organisations the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), and the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC). “Science as a universal language is the evidence-based tool for understanding our world and its future. It should guide society, policymakers, and the economy on risks, opportunities, and choices. [...] We recognise the evolving role of science diplomacy in bringing together science and policy to address these challenges and promote science for peace,” the declaration highlights. Titled “ ”, WSF2024 attracted 1,200 delegates from 122 countries, who joined 100 lectures in 19 plenary and thematic sessions over four days, with the aim to overcome the limits of wide-scale implementation of science-based policy measures on a global level. The full text of the declaration can be found here: The Steering Committee of WSF selected the application by the of Indonesia to host the next World Science Forum in Jakarta in 2026, taking the Forum for the first time to Asia and the Eastern Hemisphere. Media Contact: Gabor Jelinek Gabor.Jelinek@mindgeer.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

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By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

Welcome to Briefly, Colorado Politics' daily news briefing. Here's what's happening today: Polis, Owens host "Disagree Better" event Gov. Jared Polis hosted an event alongside former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens and Tim Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics and co-creator of the Dignity Index, a scoring system for ranking the civility and divisiveness of political discourse. The event, "Repairing the Breach in a Time of Political Polarization," included a discussion on how individuals with differing views can communicate respectfully and was part of Polis' Disagree Better initiative through the National Governor's Association. "As public leaders, we have a responsibility to lead with dignity and respect," said Polis. " Research shows that when political leaders stand together publicly and commit to constructively addressing our differences, we can have a depolarizing impact." Other attendees included Paul Edwards of Brigham Young University's Wheatley Institute and a panel of religious leaders. Disagree Better was created by Polis and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. The initiative aims to show that Americans how to work through political differences and have productive, thoughtful conversations. Polis speaks at Ed Commission meeting, visits Denver Indian Health and Family Services Gov. Polis spoke at the Education Commission of the State's Winter commissioners meeting, which brings the states educators together to discuss trends, share initiatives, and collaborate to address challenges. "Helping all students get a high-quality education and secure good jobs in our innovative economy is critical for their future and Colorado’s future," said Polis. "I was excited to discuss my National Governor’s Association Chair Initiative 'Let's Get Ready' at today's meeting and the importance of creating opportunities that lead students to successful careers through many different education paths." Let's Get Ready is Polis' initiative as chair of the National Governor's Association and focuses on how to make sure young people are prepared for the workforce. Polis then visited Denver Indian Health and Family Services, the city's only Indian health clinic. In 2022, Polis signed House Bill 1190 , which appropriated funds to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to address healthcare challenges among Indigenous people living in urban areas. "Providing all Coloradans culturally appropriate care is critical to creating a Colorado For All," Polis said. "I am thankful to Denver Indian Health and Family Services for helping our Native communities receive the care and services needed to thrive." Bennet, Hickenlooper praise federal funding for Springs-based semiconductor company Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper praised the U.S. Department of Commerce's announcement of a $77 million investment from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which authorized nearly $300 billion in funding for research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States. The newest investment will help semiconductor manufacturer Entegris expand its facility in Colorado Springs, creating about 900 new jobs. "Thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, we're bringing the semiconductor industry back to America – and more economic opportunity to Colorado," said Bennet. "This historic funding for Entegris will create good-paying jobs and help our state continue to lead the way in advanced manufacturing."Elon Musk spent a quarter-billion dollars electing Trump, including financing mysterious ‘RBG PAC'

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday said that the state government cannot cancel agreements signed by previous governments with the Adani Group for setting up of a defence production unit in Hyderabad. He said it was the BJP government at the Centre had allowed 100 per cent private investments in the defence sector and it was not under the purview of the state government. Responding to calls for action against the Adani Group at a book release event on Saturday, Revanth Reddy said, "The state government has no role in this. The BJP government has allowed 100 per cent private investments in the defence sector. The Adani Group established its defence manufacturing facility in Hyderabad based on agreements signed by previous governments. The state government has to honour this.” “It’s not about Adani or any individual but about the Centre's policy to permit private sector involvement in defence production. The state government cannot unilaterally cancel these agreements," he said and added that the state government's role in this issue is confined to the allotment of land for the defence manufacturing units. Adani Aerospace and Defence Ltd manufactures counter-drone systems, missiles, and unmanned vehicles at its facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad. During the event organised to release the book ‘Nuts, Bolts of War & Peace’, authored by former MLC K. Yadava Reddy at Ravindra Bharathi, several political leaders, including former CPM MLA Julakanti Ranga Reddy, voiced concerns about Adani Group’s role in manufacturing Hermes 900 missile drones, which allegedly were supplied to the Israeli military for use in attacks on Palestine. The Chief Minister criticised the Centre’s handling of territorial disputes with China and internal conflicts in Manipur. He alleged that China had occupied up to 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory post-2014, a topic he claimed was being deliberately sidelined in parliamentary discussions. "The rulers at the Centre are raising unnecessary issues in Parliament to prevent discussions on China’s aggression. People are distracted from such important issues," he remarked. Highlighting the violence in Manipur, Revanth Reddy attributed the unrest to corporate interests. "Sophisticated weapons like AK-47s are being used, fuelling a civil war. Corporate companies are exploiting the region’s mineral wealth by encouraging conflicts. Shouldn’t the Indian government intervene to establish peace and seize these weapons? Such steps are necessary to restore normalcy." Speaking about the book’s author Yadava Reddy, the Chief Minister commended his ideological commitment and significant contributions to the Telangana movement. "Many speak about ideologies, but only a few follow them. Yadava Reddy is one of them," the Chief Minister said. He also lauded the efforts of other leaders like S Jaipal Reddy, highlighting their roles in securing Telangana statehood. Revanth Reddy called for the publication of a comprehensive book chronicling the history of the Telangana statehood movement, including pivotal issues like the Mulki and non-Mulki disputes, and the contributions of leaders such as Yadava Reddy and Jaipal Reddy. He said that while some leaders received recognition for their roles in the forefront, many who worked tirelessly behind the scenes were overlooked.INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — For the second straight season, the Philadelphia Eagles are headed to SoFi Stadium with a lengthy winning streak and a team that looks like one of the best in the NFC. The Los Angeles Rams (5-5) couldn't do much to slow them down last season, but they'll try again Sunday night with a young team that hopes to get where the Eagles (8-2) are already standing — atop their division with a six-game winning streak. Philadelphia also made this road trip in October 2023 for a meeting of the previous two NFC champions, and the unbeaten Eagles held on for a 23-14 victory despite failing to score a touchdown in the second half. Jalen Hurts passed for 303 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 72 yards and another score, while Jalen Carter sacked Matthew Stafford twice while the Eagles prevented LA from crossing midfield in the second half. “I just remember that they do a great job of controlling the game,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “They shortened the game, and that’s been a consistent theme that they do an excellent job of. I remember feeling like that’s a good team, and we had our chances, but they certainly made it difficult for us and they earned that win.” Philadelphia comes into the rematch on extra rest after beating Washington 26-18 in a Thursday night game. The young Rams have won four of their past five , but they haven't managed the consistency necessary to become an elite team. Strength against strength The Eagles’ NFL-best defense includes one of the league’s best cornerback duos in Darius Slay and rookie Quinyon Mitchell. The Rams’ offense is built around Stafford’s ability to get the ball to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, two of the NFL’s top wideouts. That dual matchup should determine whether the Rams can score enough points to keep up with Philadelphia. “Their personnel is as good as it gets, as far as we’ve seen,” Stafford said of the Eagles defense. “I've just watched them from afar. It’s impressive what you see on tape. They do a really nice job of disguising their looks and giving you a bunch of things to look at.” Defensive rookie dynamos The game also features the two front-runners for the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Mitchell is widely considered the top rookie cornerback in the league, but Los Angeles edge rusher Jared Verse is the consensus favorite for the award so far after his dynamic start to the season with 4 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Hurts expected to play Hurts is expected to play Sunday after being limited in practice this week by an ankle injury. He said the limited practice was part of a program put together by the Eagles to strengthen his recovery with extra days off. He also cleared concussion protocol after his head was spiked into the ground against Washington. Hurts has 2,197 yards passing with 12 TDs and five interceptions. Thanks in large part to the “tush push,” Hurts has 11 rushing TDs. “It’s not necessarily about all health,” Hurts said. “I think it’s a mentality where we are. We’re in a phase of the year where things could have very easily, well, they didn’t end the way we wanted to (last season). So that’s in the back of my mind as we enter this phase and putting an emphasis on finishing strong, putting ourselves in a good place.” Just for kicks The Eagles remain confident in kicker Jake Elliott as he comes off perhaps the worst game of his career, missing two field goals and an extra point against Washington. Elliott signed a four-year, $24 million extension in March, but he has already missed five field-goal attempts this season. He holds the franchise record with seven field goals of 50 yards or more in a season, but has missed all four attempts from 50-plus in 2024. “It’s funny with Jake, he’s such a competitor and such a good kicker, you almost take it a little bit for granted when he’s out there; it’s an automatic,” special teams coach Michael Clay said. “But I have such supreme confidence in Jake. At times, it’s just not your day. We’d be probably a little bit more on edge if the ball was sprayed all over the place.” Here we go again? The Eagles are rolling with six straight wins out of the bye, and only Detroit has a better record in the NFC. But Philly fans know better than to expect good times ahead after the Eagles turned a 10-1 start last season into a 1-5 finish and a playoff loss in the wild-card round. So why should anyone expect the Eagles to keep it together this season instead of collapsing yet again? “I think we’ve got some really good teammates and coaches. Everyone is just so locked in to becoming better,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “I do feel like that, that everyone is locked in to becoming better. I felt that way last year, too. Don’t get me wrong. It didn’t work. There were things that happened last year that we feel like we’ve corrected, that we’re on the right track.” AP Sports Writer Dan Gelston in Philadelphia contributed. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFLJonah Goldberg: What if most Americans aren't bitterly divided?

Jonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. Political cartoonists from across country draw up something special for the holiday In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!RumbleOn Announces Commencement of $10.0 Million Fully Backstopped Registered Rights Offering

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Romanians are casting ballots on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could pit a far-right nationalist against the incumbent leftist prime minister in the runoff. Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency in the European Union and NATO member country, and the vote is expected to go to a second round on Dec. 8. Polls opened at 7.00 a.m. local time (0500GMT) and will close at 9.00 p.m. (1900GMT). Romanians abroad have been able to vote since Friday. By 8 p.m. local time (1800GMT), 9.2 million people — about 51% of eligible voters — had cast ballots, according to the Central Election Bureau. The final vote could see George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, face off against incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, backed by Romania’s largest party, the Social Democratic Party or PSD. The presidential role carries a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister. Simion, 38, is a vocal supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and has long been a controversial figure. He campaigned for reunification with Moldova, which this year renewed a five-year ban on him from entering the country over security concerns, and he is banned for the same reason from entering neighbouring Ukraine. “I would like that in the next five to ten years, for Romanians to be really proud to be Romanians, to promote Romanian culture, Romanian products,” he told reporters on Wednesday in the capital, Bucharest. “As a Romanian president, I will promote Romanian interests. In most cases, Romanian interests coincide with partner interests.” Ecaterina Nawadia, a 20-year-old architecture student, said she voted for the first time in a national election on Sunday and hopes young people turn out in high numbers. “Since the (1989) revolution, we didn’t have a really good president,” she said. “I hope most of the people my age went to vote ... because the leading candidate is not the best option.” Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, says Sunday’s vote will be “a tight race” in which the diaspora will likely play a key role in which candidates make it to the runoff. “We are at a point where Romania can easily divert or slip toward a populist regime because (voter) dissatisfaction is pretty large among a lot of people from all social strata,” he told The Associated Press. “And the temptation for any regime, any leader — will be to go on a populist road.” He added that Romania’s large budget deficit, high inflation, and an economic slowdown could push more mainstream candidates to shift toward populist stances amid widespread dissatisfaction. Ciolacu told the AP that if he is elected, one of his biggest goals is “to convince Romanians that it is worth staying at home or returning” to Romania, which has a massive diaspora spread throughout EU countries. “Romania has a huge chance to become a developed economy in the next 10 years, where honest work is fairly rewarded and people have the security of a better life,” he said. “But for this, we need balance and responsibility ... I am running for the Presidency of Romania because we need a change.” Other key candidates include Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party, or USR former NATO deputy general secretary Mircea Geoana, who is running independently and Nicolae Ciuca, a former army general and head of the center-right National Liberal Party, which is currently in a tense coalition with the PSD. Geoana, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the United States, told the AP that he believes his international experience qualifies him above the other candidates. “I think I bring a lot of competence and experience and connections in this complicated world,” he said. Lasconi, a former journalist and the leader of the USR said she sees corruption as one of the biggest problems Romania faces and that she supports increased defence spending and continued aid to Ukraine. Romania has been a staunch ally of war-torn Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. But Simion of the AUR party said he opposes Romania — which has sent a Patriot missile system to Ukraine — contributing further military aid and that he hopes Trump can “stop the war.” In 2020, the AUR party went from relative obscurity to gaining 9% in a parliamentary vote, allowing it to enter parliament. Opponents have long accused Simion and AUR of being extremists, charges he denies. “We are sort of a Trumpist party in this new wave of patriotic political parties in Europe,” Simion said.Malique Ewin finished with team highs of 17 points and seven rebounds to lead the Florida State Seminoles to a 92-59 victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen in each team's final game of the Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off on Sunday afternoon in Uncasville, Conn. The Seminoles (6-1) won their third consecutive game and went 2-0 in the event as they pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 36 points. It's Florida State's best start since the 2019-20 season when it went 7-1. UMass (1-5) dropped its fifth in a row following a season-opening win over New Hampshire despite a strong game on Sunday from Jaylen Curry, who scored 17 points. Curry, with six free throws, helped propel the Minutemen on a 10-0 run over a four-plus minute span in the first half to take a 24-23 lead with 4:22 left. FSU closed the half on a 13-3 run to lead 37-27 at halftime. A 15-4 surge to open the second half helped the Seminoles break the game open. Florida State's defense frustrated UMass shooters throughout the contest, especially on the perimeter, limiting the Minutemen to 3-for-24 shooting (12.5 percent) from 3-point range and 18-for-58 (31 percent) overall. The Seminoles finished with 22 points off 17 UMass turnovers. On the flipside, Florida State had one of its best shooting games of the season. The Seminoles moved the ball well throughout the game and finished with 25 assists while only turning the ball over 10 times. The Seminoles shot 33 for 58 (57 percent) from the field and made 9 of 18 three-pointers to put together a season-high scoring output. Once again, Florida State shined thanks to its depth as 10 players scored and four scored in double figures. The Seminoles were able to have 16 players participate in the game as well. Jamir Watkins finished with 14 points while Jerry Deng and Justin Thomas each had 10 points. For UMass, Daniel Rivera finished with 12 points and six rebounds while Nate Guerengomba had 10 points. Daniel Hankins-Sanford collected a game-high 13 rebounds. --Field Level Media

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. The outlook for the last-place Seahawks (5-5) was beginning to look grim. They suddenly have renewed optimism this week after an uplifting victory over the San Francisco 49ers that snapped a six-game losing streak against their arch-rival that dated to 2021. Seattle will play the first-place Arizona Cardinals (6-4) on Sunday for a share of the NFC West lead. How quickly things change in the NFL. “We’ve earned the opportunity to be fighting for the lead in the division going into the home stretch,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “So that’s the way we’re treating it. It’s very much like a playoff mindset for us at this point.” The win over the 49ers, which was capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Geno Smith with 18 seconds left, put the Seahawks in a much better place mentally than they’d been in over the previous six weeks. They're hoping it's just the start of something even bigger. “It can just spark something that you’ve been looking for this whole year,” wide receiver DK Metcalf said. “I know we started off very hot with the first three games, but, you know, when adversity hit, it’s all about how you respond. I think we responded the right way, and it’s going to carry us throughout the rest of the season.” While the Seahawks are feeling better this week, the Cardinals have plenty of reason to feel optimistic, too. After starting the season 2-4, Arizona has won four straight to put itself in first place in the NFC West. The Cardinals have a defense that is making big strides under the leadership of veteran safety Budda Baker and a top-five running game behind the dual threat of running back James Conner, who has 697 yards rushing, and quarterback Kyler Murray, who seems to be hitting his stride in his sixth NFL season. Murray has 2,058 yards passing with 12 touchdowns, and has rushed for 371 yards and four scores. Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon has been impressed with Murray’s improved decision-making as Murray has thrown just three interceptions through 10 games. “There’s times that he probably wants to try to thread it a little bit, but understands when to pick and choose his spots,” Gannon said. “I think he’s done a phenomenal job with that and there are a lot of times throughout the game where you could say we like to put it in the quarterback’s hands, and you trust him to make the right decision for that point in the game.” Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will see a familiar face on the other sideline Sunday in rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who was Smith-Njigba’s college teammate at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. The pair each caught three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ wild win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl, with Smith-Njigba having 347 yards receiving on what was a 573-passing yard day for C.J. Stroud, now the quarterback of the Houston Texans. “Late his freshman year, he really just stood out,” Smith-Njigba said of Harrison. “You could just see the growth and kind of who he is becoming. ... He’s passed a lot of people’s expectations, of course, but I knew he was going to be elite later on freshman year.” Murray is coming off one of the best games of his career after completing 22 of 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown against the Jets two weeks ago. He also ran for 21 yards and two TDs. Murray currently ranks No. 3 in the NFL in quarterback rating behind Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. That has put him in the MVP conversation, particularly since Arizona has won four straight games. “I don’t play the game for the validation of others," Murray said. "But as a player, of course, sometimes the recognition and the words being said feel good. But it doesn’t satisfy me.” The most surprising part of Arizona’s four-game winning streak is the rapid improvement of the defense, which has allowed just 9 and 6 points, respectively, over the past two games. No touchdowns have been allowed – just five field goals. It’s just the second time over the past 30 years that the franchise has allowed 10 points or less over back-to-back games. Baker, a Bellevue native and former University of Washington football star, is the unquestioned leader of the bunch – he already has 100 tackles over 10 games - but the team also has a strong core of linebackers in Kyzir White, Mack Wilson and Zaven Collins. Metcalf and Baker have gone up against each other many times before, most famously when on an interception return in 2020. “You really can’t prepare for a guy like that because his engine never stops,” Metcalf said. “He’s always going to be around the ball. He’s always going to affect the game with just his play effort and play style. ... Just got to try to minimize his playmaking ability as much as we can on offense.” AP Sports Writer David Brandt in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report. AP NFL:Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax's Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Houseplants don't get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you've got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Make your house a home For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!

Florida State continues torrid star with rout of UMassFinding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax's Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you've got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.Person of Interest Named In UnitedHealthcare CEO's Murder: Ghost Gun Found

(The Center Square) – Eleven states, led by Texas, have sued the three largest institutional investors in the world for allegedly conspiring to buy coal company stocks to control the market, reduce competition and violate federal and state antitrust laws. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Tyler Division and demands a trial by jury. It names as defendants BlackRock, Inc., State Street Corporation, and Vanguard Group, Inc., which combined manage more than $26 trillion in assets. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.GDA says it did not participate in APC on water woes due to PPP's presence

The Presidency Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in a dinner banquet with His Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and the Minister of International Development, in the presence of senior executives of Norwegian companies and economic and investment funds, as part of the President’s state visit to Norway. The President delivered a speech during the dinner. Following is the text : ” In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Benevolent” Your Highness, Crown Prince Haakon, Ms. Anne Beathe, Minister of International Development of Norway, Esteemed heads of companies and investment funds, Honorable guests, At the outset, I would like to express my pleasure to visit your friendly country and my appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to me and my accompanying delegation. I would also to like to note the fruitful discussions I had today with His Majesty the King of Norway, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, where there was a convergence of views on the two countries’ keenness to deepen bilateral cooperation politically, economically, and culturally. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Egyptian government has adopted an ambitious plan to improve the investment climate and strengthen the role of the private sector in driving economic development. This is being implemented through providing incentives and facilitations for foreign investors and removing any obstacles they may face. Throughout all my meetings, I emphasized the importance of enhancing economic and investment cooperation between our two countries. I highlighted the great importance the Egyptian government attaches to attracting foreign direct investment to the Egyptian market, which offers numerous opportunities across various vital sectors of mutual interest, such as energy including traditional, new, renewable, and green sources, transport, infrastructure, industry, agriculture, and information and communications technology, in line with the ambitious plans and goals to maximize the benefits from Egypt’s unique and strategic geographic location. From this standpoint, I invite all Norwegian companies and investment funds to augment their presence in the Egyptian market and to build on the existing successes of cooperation between several major Norwegian companies and the Egyptian side. Our meeting today represents a valuable opportunity to better understand your vision for increasing Norwegian investments in Egypt and to take practical steps towards realizing this goal. In conclusion, I would like to thank the Norwegian side for organizing this meeting, which shall contribute to further deepening Egyptian-Norwegian relations at all levels. I would also like to express my gratitude to His Highness the Crown Prince of Norway for his attendance, which demonstrates our countries’ keenness to further elevate relations that we highly value. Thank you very much, and I look forward to listening to your views. Again, I thank you all and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.STONY BROOK (3-2) Field 2-7 0-0 4, Brantley 2-6 0-0 5, Gonzalez 4-18 1-2 9, King 2-4 0-0 4, Ware 0-6 0-0 0, Filien 2-3 2-2 6, Moreno 1-2 0-0 2, Oliver 1-6 2-2 4, Totals 14-52 5-6 34Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next

Level Up in Cybersecurity with InfosecTrain's Latest Courses 12-26-2024 09:42 PM CET | Science & Education Press release from: ABNewswire In the rapidly evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential-especially for professionals in the cybersecurity field. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, open doors to new opportunities, or specialize in a specific area of cybersecurity, InfosecTrain has just launched a series of new, cutting-edge courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to take your career to the next level. InfosecTrain's latest offerings are tailored to tech-savvy professionals who are eager to tackle the challenges of an ever-changing digital landscape. Let's dive into the exciting new courses that are making waves in the cybersecurity industry: 1. CompTIA DataSys+ (DS0-001) Certification Training Data management and system security are becoming increasingly critical as businesses continue to generate massive amounts of data. If you're looking to specialize in data security, the CompTIA DataSys+ (DS0-001) certification is a must-have. This course is designed for IT professionals who want to gain expertise in the storage, management, and protection of critical data assets. What's in it for you? With the CompTIA DataSys+ certification, you'll be equipped to handle complex data systems, perform risk assessments, and implement robust data protection strategies. The training covers vital aspects of data management, such as data encryption, secure data handling practices, disaster recovery protocols, and how to ensure data availability and integrity. Why should you take this course? The CompTIA DataSys+ course [ https://www.infosectrain.com/courses/comptia-datasys-certification-training/ ] offers practical, hands-on experience to ensure you're not just familiar with concepts, but able to apply them in real-world scenarios. As businesses become more reliant on data, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage and protect this data will only continue to grow. This certification will give you a competitive edge in fields like cloud computing, data protection, and IT infrastructure management. 2. EC-Council E|CSS Certification Training Course In today's world, cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and organizations need experts who can defend against these ever-evolving threats. Enter the EC-Council E|CSS Certification Training Course [ https://www.infosectrain.com/courses/ec-council-certified-security-specialist-ecss-training-certification-course/ ] a dynamic program crafted to give you a deeper understanding of network defense strategies and ethical hacking methodologies. What's in it for you? The E|CSS course covers everything from secure network architecture to ethical hacking techniques that can be used to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks. As part of this comprehensive training, you'll learn how to use advanced tools to defend against cyberattacks, monitor and manage network security, and ensure compliance with international security standards. Why should you take this course? If you're interested in becoming a key player in your organization's cybersecurity defense, this course is a perfect fit. The EC-Council's reputation and the E|CSS certification will position you as an authority in cybersecurity, offering you the chance to work with some of the top organizations and tackle cybersecurity challenges at the highest level. 3. Splunk Practical Approach Training Course When it comes to handling large volumes of data in real-time, Splunk stands out as one of the most widely used and trusted platforms. InfosecTrain's Splunk Practical Approach Training [ https://www.infosectrain.com/courses/splunk-training/ ] Course is designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to develop a deep understanding of how to use Splunk for data analysis, monitoring, and security incident detection. What's in it for you? This course will teach you how to leverage Splunk's powerful features for log management, security data collection, real-time data monitoring, and security information and event management (SIEM). Through hands-on labs and real-world case studies, you'll gain practical experience using Splunk to uncover hidden threats and anomalies in network traffic. Why should you take this course? The Splunk Practical Approach Training Course is perfect for professionals looking to advance their skills in data analytics, security operations, and IT infrastructure management. With Splunk being a leading tool in the industry, expertise in this platform is highly sought after. This course is an investment in your future career as it will provide you with the practical skills needed to solve security challenges in real-time, making you an indispensable asset to any organization. 4. Generative AI Application Builder on AWS Training Course Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in various industries, and cybersecurity is no exception. The Generative AI Application Builder on AWS Training Course [ https://www.infosectrain.com/courses/developing-generative-ai-applications-aws-course/ ] is InfosecTrain's newest offering, aimed at professionals who want to explore the intersection of AI and cloud computing, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. What's in it for you? This course provides you with the tools and knowledge to build AI-driven applications on the AWS platform. You'll learn how to leverage AWS's AI tools to develop smart applications, including security models, threat detection algorithms, and data protection mechanisms. With a focus on generative AI, you'll also explore how AI can be used to automate and optimize cybersecurity tasks, making organizations more resilient against evolving threats. Why should you take this course? AI and cloud computing are two of the most powerful forces shaping the future of cybersecurity. By mastering Generative AI on AWS, you'll gain the ability to create innovative solutions that enhance security, streamline processes, and reduce human error. This course will equip you with cutting-edge skills that will position you at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, enabling you to tackle tomorrow's challenges today. Conclusion InfosecTrain's newly launched courses CompTIA DataSys+ (DS0-001) Certification Training, EC-Council E|CSS Certification Training Course, Splunk Practical Approach Training, and Generative AI Application Builder on AWS Training Course are a perfect match for tech enthusiasts who are serious about advancing their careers in cybersecurity. These courses combine expert-led training, practical experience, and cutting-edge technology to ensure you're fully equipped to navigate the complexities of today's digital world. If you're looking to boost your cybersecurity career, these courses provide a comprehensive learning experience that will not only enhance your skillset but also increase your employability in the competitive tech market. Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and become a leader in the cybersecurity field. For more information or to enroll in any of these courses, visit InfosecTrain's website and take the next step in your cybersecurity career today! Media Contact Company Name: InfosecTrain (An Intiative by Azpirantz Technologies LLP) Contact Person: Vikas Agrawal Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=level-up-in-cybersecurity-with-infosectrains-latest-courses ] Phone: 18008437890 Address:B7, Sector 1 City: Noida State: Uttar Pradesh 201301 Country: India Website: http://www.infosectrain.com This release was published on openPR.

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The Pima Community College women’s basketball team is hosting its fourth annual Indigenous Peoples game this weekend at the school’s west campus. The team takes on Park University’s JV team at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Aztec Gymnasium, 2202 W. Anklam Road. However, the event is more than a single game, it’s a celebration of Indigenous culture throughout Southern Arizona. Attendees can expect multiple basketball games, a Native American blessing, a hoop dancer and more. Annalise Holthaus, of Pima Community College, second from left, looks up at her coach and father, after shouting out to her teammates on the court during a game against Ottawa University in Tucson on Oct. 16, 2023. Amelie Buffill-Gutierrez, second from right, laughs. “I’m so excited because it grows a little bit every year,” Pima women’s basketball coach Todd Holthaus told “Spears and Ali on ESPN Tucson” on Wednesday. “Our new (Pima College) chancellor, Dr. Jeffrey Nasse, has been awesome in coming out to athletic events and supporting our different fall teams. He’s going to do the welcome and it’ll be the first time the chancellor has come to this event. ... “One of my players is the Miss Pima Community College Native American Queen, so that’s cool. It’s been a lot of fun and it’s been building each year. “I’m excited, the community is excited and I think that’s what it’s about. I’ve always appreciated that and respect that. I’m enjoying it and excited for Saturday.” Doors officially open for the event at 2:30 p.m., but the first game takes place an hour later when JV teams San Pasqual HS and Baboquivari HS compete at 3:30. The high schools’ varsity teams play at 5. Before Pima’s game at 7:15, Nasse will welcome attendees with opening remarks at 7. Following the remarks, Gloria Johns will give a Native American blessing and Kylee Toehe will perform a Native American national anthem, according to a post on Pima women’s basketball Instagram. Pima women’s basketball coach Todd Holthaus gathers the Aztecs for last second instructions before they tipped off against Scottsdale in the NJCAA Region I, Division II semifinal at Pima Community College West on March. 7. At halftime, attendees will see a presentation from Pima’s Native American Student Association, a powwow dance, hoop dancer and a short ceremony recognizing the game’s guest of honor, Tayla Nez. For more information about Pima’s annual Indigenous Peoples game, visit tucne.ws/1rdx . Who: Pima vs. Park JV When: 7:15 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.) Where: Aztec Gymnasium Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students Contact Elvia Verdugo, the Star’s community sports editor, at everdugo@tucson.com . A journalism and history graduate from the University of Arizona, she hopes to share stories that show what makes Tucson and its community special. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Community Sports EditorSupporting Credit Managers with Simplicity and Speed — Bectran’s New Credit Application Design

FAIRFAX, Va. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GovCIO Media & Research , a leading federal technology media company, opened the Flywheel Award nominations for the 2025 Defense IT Summit. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Fans of the BBC reality series Strictly Come Dancing have voiced their approval for the series’ latest elimination . In Sunday night’s (8 December) result’s show episode, the competition cut loose its 11th celebrity contestant, leaving just four remaining. Having come last in the public vote, Pete Wicks (of Towie fame) and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri faced each other in the dance-off, alongside their respective pro partners Jowita Przystal and Aljaž Škorjanec. Wicks and Przystal danced the Argentine Tango to “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve, while Ghouri repeated her waltz from the previous night, set to “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. By unanimous decision, it was decided by the judges that Wicks would be leaving the show, sending Ghouri through to the grand final to compete against Chris McCausland, Sarah Hadland, and JB Gill. Wicks’s time on the series was not without controversy. The reality star proved a divisive figure with audiences, and was frequently targeted with criticism for remaining in the series at the expense of others. Fans of the series agreed with the decision, making their thoughts known on social media. “Pete’s gone we can finally do a HUGE sign of relief,” one person wrote. “Honestly this has to be the only decision I agree with this season,” remarked another. “As fun it has been watching Pete I feel like he peaked weeks ago and unfortunately with the people left he just hadn’t developed those skills to get up to their level.” “It’s right that Pete is the one going out tonight,” wrote a third. “but he’s such a lovely, lovely man I will really miss him.” In late November, Wicks said that he had received death threats from viewers unhappy about his continued presence on the series. “I am speechless every week, especially this week because I’ve tried my best,” he said on Sunday (1 December) after being announced as safe. “I’m just a bloke trying to learn stuff; the fact that I get to take Jowita to a semi-final means so much to me because she deserves it, she deserves everything. I just didn’t wanna let her down tonight by messing it up.” Speaking to host Tess Daly after his elmination, Wicks said: “It’s been wild. I’ve been quite honest about the fact that I didn’t necessarily want to do this [ Strictly ] in the first place, but everyone else wanted me to do it, and I am so, so glad that I did it! “You don’t always have to be the best, but if you enjoy something then why shouldn’t you have a go at it? I’ve tried my best from day one, I said I was in for a penny, in for a pound and I’ve done it, it’s been beautiful.”

Amber Heard: Blake Lively complaint against Justin Baldoni all too familiarBut, in this instance at least - these people - the ones in the social media spotlight on the global stage - are children. And while they seemingly want to be in the public arena - can they really consent to this at such a young age? In a time when these young girls are probably first encountering the terror that is tween school drama, how can they possibly be mentally equipped to take on the social media comment commune? No longer just in... Eilidh Dorgan

Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, poll finds