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Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiThe latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.
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DICKENS ON MAIN: Join in the fun as Boerne’s Hill Country Mile transforms into a vintage Christmas experience between noon and 10 p.m., with non-stop entertainment in various holiday “villages” set up throughout the venue. The celebration’s main attractions include live music and performances, visits with Santa Claus, ice sculpting shows and children’s take-home crafts. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA at Tapatio Springs Resort from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Start your holiday season with the annual breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a delicious brunch together while the children share their holiday wishes with jolly ol’ Santa Claus himself. Tickets are $35 and $17. MUSIC IN THE CAVE: Enjoy Tinsel for sounds of the Christmas season with contemporary classics and beloved carols in the Cave Without A Name. Tinsel’s original arrangements of holiday favorites sparkle with sophistication while respecting tradition and cherished memories. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets at cavewithoutaname. com. STORYTIME WITH SANTA: Join A Signature Production for the fourth annual Storytime with Santa at 705 S. Main St. Visit with Santa, Storytime with Santa, snacks, personalized gift and more. Sessions are available at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL by Boerne Love, a family friendly event from 3-6 p.m. that includes visits with Santa, letter writing to Santa, free hot chocolate, a special Christmas dance lesson, local vendors, and more. Hosted at the Boerne Post Haus, 615 S Main St. Free and open to the community, offering a festive way to celebrate the holiday season. They are still accepting vendor applications. Details: . KCRC MEETING: Join the Kendall County Republican Club meeting at The Center, 17 Old San Antonio Road, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a review of the election results, stocking stuffers and a catered meal. Registration is $25. Details: www/kendallcountyrepublicanclub. com. JINGLE 5K WALK, benefiting Transformation House, will begin and end at the Patrick Heath Amphitheater, 451 N. Main St. and follow a portion of the historic Old No. 9 trail. The Fun Run starts at 8 a.m., the 10K at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. All participants who register by Nov. 24 will receive a medal; 5k and 10k participants who register by Nov. 24 will be guaranteed a T-shirt. Register at www. athleteguild. com.
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Government must enforce stricter safety regulations for tanker operators, argues Elvis Eromosele In Nigeria, tankers carrying petroleum products are a common sight on the nation’s highways. These massive vehicles, often loaded with flammable and hazardous liquids, are an integral part of the country’s transportation system, facilitating the movement of crucial fuel supplies across the nation. However, the increasing number of tanker accidents, many resulting in devastating fires and environmental disasters, has raised serious concerns about road safety. One of the primary factors contributing to the frequency of tanker accidents in Nigeria is the state of the country’s roads. While urban areas like Lagos and Abuja have relatively better road networks, the majority of Nigeria’s highways, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, are poorly maintained. Potholes, lack of proper drainage, and uneven surfaces create hazardous conditions for all vehicles on the road, but for tankers carrying volatile materials, the risk is exponentially higher. The weight of these tankers, combined with their unstable cargo, makes them particularly vulnerable to accidents on uneven roads. This is likely why spills, fires, and explosions are becoming tragically common on Nigerian highways. The frequency of these accidents has become a serious concern for the public and emergency services alike. In many cases, these spills are not limited to small quantities of fuel—they often involve large amounts, turning the accident sites into disaster zones. One of the greatest risks associated with tanker accidents is fire. Petrol and diesel are highly flammable substances, and when they spill, even the smallest spark can set off a catastrophic blaze. Tanker accidents frequently lead to massive fires that engulf entire vehicles, block roads for hours, and sometimes claim the lives of not only the truck driver but also passersby or those trying to scoop free fuel. The fires are also a huge strain on Nigeria’s already overstretched emergency services, which are often ill-equipped to handle such large-scale incidents. A significant factor contributing to the risk posed by tankers is the lack of effective safety measures and regulations. Although there are laws and safety guidelines in place, they are not always enforced, and the implementation of regulations remains lax. Tankers are often seen speeding, overtaking recklessly, and driving without the necessary safety equipment or proper inspection. Furthermore, many of these tankers are old and poorly maintained. Some vehicles are known to be overburdened or improperly loaded, which increases their likelihood of toppling over or spilling their contents in the event of an accident. The absence of a uniform safety standard for tanker operators further intensifies the danger on Nigerian roads. Installing automatic fire suppression systems is one of the most effective ways to reduce the fire risk in tanker accidents. These systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires as soon as they start, reducing the likelihood of a small flame growing into a massive inferno. By installing such systems on all tankers, the chances of a fire spreading out of control could be greatly reduced. In many countries, fire suppression technology is mandatory for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. It is not yet a widespread practice in Nigeria. The introduction of automatic fire suppression systems would not only improve the safety of tanker operations but also provide peace of mind to the public, knowing that there are mechanisms in place to prevent disasters. In addition, the installation of spill containment systems is essential. These systems should be installed in tankers to quickly contain any fuel spills, preventing them from spreading across large areas and mitigating potential environmental damage. Also, proper loading and unloading mechanisms are crucial. Tankers must be equipped with secure systems to prevent leaks or spills during transportation, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials. Besides, advanced warning systems should be integrated into tankers. These systems are designed to alert nearby vehicles and pedestrians during an impending accident or hazard, enhancing overall road safety. Moreover, driver training and certification are vital. Drivers must undergo rigorous training in handling hazardous materials, defensive driving techniques, and emergency response protocols. Only certified drivers should be permitted to operate fuel tankers. Furthermore, regular inspection and maintenance are non-negotiable. Tankers should undergo frequent safety checks to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Any mechanical issues should be promptly addressed to avoid operational failures and ensure continued safety. The current state of tanker operations in Nigeria often resembles a ticking time bomb. The combination of poorly maintained roads, outdated vehicles, inadequate safety equipment, and a lack of effective regulations creates the perfect storm for disastrous tanker accidents. In many ways, the tanker is like a “Molotov cocktail on wheels,” a disaster waiting to happen. Urgent reforms are needed to mitigate this risk. The Nigerian government must enforce stricter safety regulations for tanker operators, including mandatory fire protection systems and regular vehicle inspections. This is a good time to start. Eromosele, a corporate communication professional writes via: elviseroms@gmail.comBucks’ Surge Comes With Sudden Rise at Defensive End— BIRTH NAME: James Earl Carter, Jr. — BORN: Oct. 1, 1924, at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for an entire century . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where he was granted tenure in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Source: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Cam Akers reached down in front of him to scoop a sinking pass from Sam Darnold, bringing it into his body as he tumbled backwards. As he did, two words ran through his mind: game over. Akers’ late catch, which came with less than two minutes left in the game on a third-and-2 pass, sealed a 27-25 win for the Vikings over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon in a game at U.S. Bank Stadium that got tight late. ADVERTISEMENT “I’m blessed,” Akers said. “On my journey from where I’ve come from, to be able to be in there, crunch time, fourth quarter, the coaches trust me, the team trusts me,” Akers said. “I’m blessed.” It’s been a long journey for the running back, who has dealt with two serious Achilles injuries in previous seasons. But Akers, now in his second stint with the Vikings, has rewarded the coaching staff for its faith in him. He also caught a 9-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter, one which ended up proving the difference in the win. His opportunities on Sunday came in part because Aaron Jones took a shot to the quad earlier in the game, which he played through before watching the end of the game from the sidelines. His last carry in the game came near the end of the third quarter. “Coach was like, ‘Hey, we’re going to hold you for a little bit,’ but I was good,” Jones said. “I kept warm just in case they needed me. Kept my helmet on.” They didn’t wind up needing him, thanks in large part to Akers. “Cam has something inside him that allowed him to push through the adversity of what’s happened to him over the course of his career,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “His teammates were probably the most excited all season when Cam scored on that screen and then obviously the catch late. He just brings something. He brings physicality. He brings a level of mental and physical toughness that I think makes us all better.” ADVERTISEMENT Nailor gets Vikings going Darnold aired it out and found his receiver, on the run, open in the end zone. It wasn’t Justin Jefferson, nor Jordan Addison, but Jalen Nailor, who hauled in the 31-yard pass for the Vikings’ first touchdown of the game. “I just had a post route. I’ve seen the far safety. He wasn’t there,” Nailor said. “I just took off running as fast as I could and Sam found me.” Darnold found Nailor a season-high five times on Sunday. He finished the day with 81 yards, also a season-high, and his touchdown was his first in more than a month, with the last one coming in the Vikings’ Nov. 24 win over the Bears. “It just felt good to be out there, just help the team win,” Nailor said. “That’s all I’m trying to do.” O’Connell’s belief in Reichard “sky high” Will Reichard’s first field goal attempt Sunday hit the crossbar. The rookie kicker missed a 55-yard attempt near the end of the first half, but a Green Bay penalty negated his miss and a subsequent Packers’ timeout took away a 50-yard make. He then connected from 50 yards to send the Vikings into halftime up 10. His last field goal attempt of the day went off the left upright from 43 yards. But despite a shaky day, O’Connell’s confidence in the 23-year-old, who also converted on a short kick in the second quarter, hasn’t wavered. ADVERTISEMENT “I just told him, ‘Hey, next one’s going to be the best one.’ My confidence in Will is sky high,” O’Connell said of Reichard. “If we think we’re anywhere near the range, I’m going to give him the swing. He’s a phenomenal kid, great makeup. The next kick’s going to be his best kick.” ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
— BIRTH NAME: — BORN: at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. ___ Source: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum The Associated PressIrish Government doubted UK campaign to ‘save David’ Trimble
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Several members of Donald Trump's incoming US administration have received threats including bomb alerts, the FBI said Wednesday, with one nominee reporting a pipe-bomb scare sent with a pro-Palestinian message. The President-elect's picks for UN ambassador and head of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as his former choice to be US attorney general, said they were among those who had received the threats. "The FBI is aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners," the agency said in a statement. Swatting refers to a practice in which police are summoned urgently to someone's house under false pretenses. Such hoax calls are common in the United States and have seen numerous senior political figures targeted in recent years. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump's transition team, said that several appointees and nominees "were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them." Outgoing President Joe Biden "has been briefed" on the threats, the White House said. "The White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and the President-elect’s team, and continues to monitor the situation closely," a spokesperson said in a statement. "The president and the administration unequivocally condemn threats of political violence." Biden has vowed a smooth and peaceful presidential transition -- in contrast to when Trump riled a mob that attacked the US Capitol in January 2021 with false claims of election fraud. Elise Stefanik, a Trump loyalist congresswoman tapped to be UN ambassador, said her residence in New York was targeted in a bomb threat. She said in a statement that she, her husband, and small son were driving home from Washington for the Thanksgiving holiday when they learned of the threat. Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said his home was targeted with a pipe bomb threat sent with a "pro-Palestinian themed message." The former congressman from New York said he and his family were not home at the time. Matt Gaetz, who dropped out as Trump's pick to be attorney general after facing opposition over sexual misconduct allegations, reposted Zeldin's message on X and said: "Same." Scott Turner, the nomine for Housing Secretary and a retired NFL player, and Trump's pick for Labor Secretary, meanwhile also said they had also received bomb threats at their homes. Fox News Digital quoted unidentified sources saying that John Ratcliffe, Trump's nominee to head the CIA, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, were additionally targeted. Ahead of his return to the White House in January, Trump has already swiftly assembled a cabinet of loyalists, including several criticized for a severe lack of experience. The Republican, who appears set to avoid trial on criminal prosecutions related to attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss, was wounded in the ear in July in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally. The shooter was killed in counter-fire. In September, authorities arrested another man accused of planning to shoot at Trump while he played golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Leavitt appeared to reference the previous incidents, saying that "with President Trump as our example, dangerous acts of intimidation and violence will not deter us." bur-dk/smsWhite House officials meet with telecoms execs on suspected China hack
Tyler Herro recorded game highs of 27 points and nine assists before being ejected during a hostile final minute as the Miami Heat rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to beat the host Houston Rockets 104-100 on Sunday. Herro was one of five players tossed in the final 47.4 seconds after Nikola Jovic's 3-pointer gave Miami a 98-94 lead. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. As property values continue to outpace inflation, property taxes are taking a bigger bite out of homeowners’ wallets. A new analysis from Construction Coverage breaks down property tax rates by state, county, and city to reveal where homeowners have the greatest burden. Click for more. Where Are U.S. Property Taxes Highest and Lowest? A State, County, and City AnalysisNBA Rumors: Jae Crowder, Kings Nearing Contract After Bucks, Suns Stints
Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) [India], December 30 (ANI): Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA and former minister Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy criticized former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of hiking electricity charges ten times during his tenure. He described the YSR Congress Party's (YSRCP) recent protests against electricity hikes as a "shameful" act. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Woman Gives Birth to Child at Makeshift Hospital in Mahakumbh Nagar (See Pics). Notably, leaders of the YSRCP organised protests across Andhra Pradesh on Friday against the alleged "steep hikes" in electricity charges. Reddy claimed that by the time the YSRCP government steps down, the state would be left with a power deficit of 22.5 million units. "Jagan has increased electricity charges ten times in these five years. By the time the YSRCP government steps down, it will have left a power deficit of 22.5 million units. Jagan has pushed the state into ruin through corruption and bribery. He approved electricity-related decisions without cabinet approval," said Somireddy Chandra Mohan Reddy. Also Read | Akash Sagar, Social Media Influencer, Will Be Arrested Soon for Chanting 'Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' Inside Church in East Khasi Hills, Say Meghalaya Police (Watch Video). "While the entire country opposed the installation of smart meters for agriculture, the YSRCP implemented them in Andhra Pradesh. After committing so many irregularities in the power sector, staging a protest related to electricity is shameful," he further alleged. Additionally, Reddy praised the current government led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its chief, CM Chandrababu Naidu, for working to reduce financial burdens on the public in relation to electricity charges. "Chandrababu is working towards reducing future electricity burdens on the public. A Crime Investigation Department (CID) investigation should be conducted into the Aurobindo coal supply issue," said Reddy. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)There's one very specific feature of British American Tobacco 's ( BTI 1.08% ) stock that keeps investors interested: the dividend yield. At a time when the S&P 500 index is offering a tiny 1.2% yield and the average consumer staples stock 2.6%, British American Tobacco's yield is a lofty 8.1%. "Wow" is a fair response to hearing about that return, but that huge yield comes with risks and long-term income investors need to think about what the future might look like here. Will this company offer such an enviable return in five years? What does British American Tobacco do? British American Tobacco's name is fairly descriptive, given that it is one of the largest cigarette makers on the planet. Combustible products accounted for around 80% of revenue in the first half of 2024. That total includes both cigarettes and other things that, effectively, burn tobacco. Cigarettes accounted for roughly 98% of volume. So, while the company does other things, British American Tobacco is at its core a cigarette company. What makes British American Tobacco unique among its peers is that it has a truly global cigarette business. Its prime competitors Altria and Philip Morris International don't. Altria operates only in North America. Philip Morris International was spun out of Altria to operate Altria's brands in foreign markets. Being global is good and bad, however, because selling cigarettes is a tough business, particularly in North America where volumes have been falling for years. Essentially, consumers are turning away from smoking. The numbers are pretty daunting. In the case of British American Tobacco, cigarette volume fell 5.1% in 2022, 5.3% in 2023, and 6.8% through the first six months of 2024. If anything it looks like the declines are starting to pick up speed. Like its peers, British American Tobacco has been able to offset volume declines with price increases. Given the nature of tobacco, consumers tend to be fairly loyal to the product. The frequent purchases are why cigarettes are classified as a consumer staple . However, the declines continue largely thanks to health concerns. That said, price increases can only be pushed so far before they, too, start to negatively impact volume. The future is not bright here given the current volume trajectory. What does volume look like in five years? To be generous, and to make the math easy, assume that British American Tobacco manages to keep volume declines at 5% a year for the next five years. In the first half of 2024, the company sold roughly 250 billion units. British American Tobacco Cigarette Volume Estimates with a 5% Decline Rate Half Year Volume (in billions) 2024 (actual) 250 2025 238 2026 226 2027 214 2028 204 2029 193 Data source: British American Tobacco and author estimates. In five years' time, British American Tobacco's most important business could see volume decline from 250 billion cigarettes sold to less than 200 billion. That's a huge problem, and those estimates are based on a volume decline rate that is lower than the one experienced over the past three years. This is what investors are potentially buying into when they add British American Tobacco to their portfolio. If this were any other consumer staples company investors would likely be running for the hills. To be fair, given the lofty dividend yield , most investors are choosing to avoid British American Tobacco. Still, that yield is clearly attracting some aggressive investors to take a risk on the stock. Helping the story along for these income seekers is the fact that British American Tobacco is investing in what it calls new categories, which include things like vaping and smokeless tobacco pouches. There are problems here, too. Only the company's modern pouches business managed to see a volume increase in the first half of 2024. The huge 50%-plus volume jump, however, probably isn't a sustainable figure over the long term. And even with that increase, modern pouches are still a small contributor relative to cigarettes, with modern pouches accounting for less than 3% of total revenue. At this rate, it will be a long time before British American Tobacco has a business large enough to offset the troubles it is seeing in cigarettes. British American Tobacco is a big risk for dividend investors If you are trying to live off of the income your portfolio generates , then British American Tobacco's high yield will probably seem very attractive. But it comes with very large and very real risks, given the ongoing declines the company's most important business is experiencing. This is not a "set it and forget it" dividend stock. Only the most aggressive investors should own British American Tobacco. That list probably shouldn't include conservative dividend investors hoping to fund their retirement over the long term.