Our hearty congratulations to the staff and faculty of the Redwood Bark, Redwood High School’s student newspaper, for winning honors at the National High School Journalism Convention. The Bark won 10th place in the “best in show” competition in the nationwide competition. It’s another milestone for the student newspaper and the school’s strong journalism program that today numbers more than 200 students, from sophomore classes to those students who write and produce The Bark’s printed and online editions, its podcast and social media posts. That level of student interest and participation is obvious in the quality of the students’ work. This year, the program had a record number of 120 sophomores taking the entry-level class that focuses on fundamentals of journalism. It’s a Redwood High tradition, one that has produced a line of journalists that have worked for papers and radio and television stations across the country, including many whose work appears on our pages today. The students cover news on their campus, prep sports and issues that affect their lives. In recent issues of the eight editions printed and posted each school year, they delved into suicide prevention and the Nov. 5 elections. They also reported on the district school board’s deliberations over tightening restrictions on student cellphone use in classrooms. In producing their news reports they learn about the responsibility of their reporting, the important difference between fact and fiction, management, teamwork and organizational skills – lessons that many graduates have found helpful in careers outside of media, as well. Erin Schneider, adviser to The Bark’s student staff and a journalism teacher, said the growing interest in the already strong program is also a sign of the times. “In this political climate, kids want to know what is the truth,” she told the IJ. Finding stories, giving voice to other students’ tales and opinions and practicing and learning about the responsibility of informing others, being accurate and meeting deadlines are among the lessons learned by those who produce the program’s publications. Students not only learn from gathering and telling their stories, but their fellow students learn from reading or listening to them. The Bark was honored at the convention, organized by the National Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association, held last month in Philadelphia. More than 45 Redwood students attended the gathering that drew about 5,000 student journalists and educators. Over the years, Bark students have brought home many individual and staff honors. That this tradition continues to grow is a program in which Redwood and The Bark’s staff should take pride.jili 80 。

Suswan, Edeh bag honourary doctorate degrees, to power BSU with 24-hour electricity

In a significant development for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Friday announced the successful transfer of the first solid motor segment to the launch complex at SDSC-SHAR. This crucial step brings the mission closer to its planned human spaceflight in 2026. Isro took to 'X' to share the update, stating, "A significant milestone for the Gaganyaan Programme! The first solid motor segment has been moved from the production plant to the launch complex, marking a key step towards the HLVM3 G1 flight. India's human spaceflight dreams are taking shape”. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts to space, where they will orbit 400 km above Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for a three-day mission. The astronauts will return to Earth by landing in the Indian Ocean. This ambitious project will establish India as a nation capable of conducting crewed space missions, showcasing Isro's advancements in space technology. As part of the mission preparations, Isro and the Indian Navy conducted “Well Deck” recovery trials off the coast of Visakhapatnam earlier this week. These trials involved practicing the retrieval of the Gaganyaan crew module from the sea. The well-deck of the recovery ship, which can be flooded with water, enabled docking operations for recovered spacecraft. According to Isro, these trials are part of a series of tests aimed at finalising standard operating procedures for both nominal and off-nominal recovery scenarios, ensuring readiness for all contingencies. In another achievement, Isro successfully conducted a sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine. This engine powers the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle, a crucial component of the Gaganyaan mission. The CE20 engine has already played a key role in previous missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, and its qualification for the human spaceflight project marks a pivotal step in mission readiness.Canadian companies excited about AI but slow to adopt it: AI tech leadersCommunity Key is Unlocking the Power of Community-Driven Business Growth in USA & CanadaPrince Harry has been praised for "restoring his image" after a controversial few years, as he carried out official visits solo in Canada . The Duke of Sussex embarked on a media tour across Canada last week to promote the upcoming winter Invictus Games for injured veterans, which will be held in Vancouver in February. Public relations expert Riley Gardiner told the Daily Express that his solo appearances, which included attending a football game in Vancouver, allowed all focus to be on the organisations. Gardiner said: "It’s a smart move for Prince Harry to promote the Invictus Games on his own this year – it means the spotlight can stay on the games and away from every little thing Meghan does. “He’s showing respect for the athletes and the cause without any distractions." The expert said Harry is “winning back trust” as a philanthropist by focusing on causes that matter after his revealing book and controversial Netflix series. Gardiner added: "I think his confidence comes across as real, which is key to winning back trust and restoring his image after some tough moments. “It feels like a well-thought-out brand launch mixing meaningful engagements with unexpected public appearances." Harry spent almost a fortnight apart from Meghan last month to attend UN Climate Week in New York, and charitable events in Africa. The Sussexes reportedly opted to separate their professional lives following their tour of Colombia in August. They completed a four-day visit after an invitation from the country’s Vice President Francia Marquez, but faced criticism for accepting due to the reported security costs. Harry helped set up Invictus in 2014 as an Olympics-style international sporting event for injured and wounded service men and women across the globe. Despite professionally flying solo for now, it appears the Sussexes are happier than ever at their Montecito home, with Meghan Markle admitting "every year it gets better", while talking about her children growing up and spending time together as a family during the festive season.

Wayne Rooney sends I’m A Celeb star wife Coleen a sweet video message as he begs fans to vote her Queen of the JunglePark Edge Advisors LLC trimmed its position in NVIDIA Co. ( NASDAQ:NVDA – Free Report ) by 12.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,308 shares of the computer hardware maker’s stock after selling 1,891 shares during the quarter. Park Edge Advisors LLC’s holdings in NVIDIA were worth $1,616,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Koesten Hirschmann & Crabtree INC. bought a new stake in shares of NVIDIA in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Lowe Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in NVIDIA during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. grew its stake in NVIDIA by 1,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 200 shares of the computer hardware maker’s stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 190 shares during the last quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc bought a new position in NVIDIA during the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Finally, CGC Financial Services LLC bought a new position in NVIDIA during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. 65.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. NVIDIA Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ NVDA opened at $142.44 on Friday. The business’s 50 day moving average price is $138.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $125.58. The company has a market cap of $3.49 trillion, a PE ratio of 56.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a quick ratio of 3.64, a current ratio of 4.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. NVIDIA Co. has a twelve month low of $45.60 and a twelve month high of $152.89. NVIDIA Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 27th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 5th will be given a $0.01 dividend. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 5th. NVIDIA’s payout ratio is 1.57%. NVIDIA announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, August 28th that authorizes the company to repurchase $50.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the computer hardware maker to purchase up to 1.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the company’s management believes its stock is undervalued. Analysts Set New Price Targets NVDA has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Wedbush upped their price objective on NVIDIA from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 21st. Loop Capital restated a “buy” rating and set a $175.00 price objective on shares of NVIDIA in a research note on Wednesday, November 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on NVIDIA from $115.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 21st. HSBC increased their price target on NVIDIA from $145.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $200.00 price target on shares of NVIDIA in a research note on Monday, November 18th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $164.15. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on NVIDIA Insider Activity In other news, Director John Dabiri sold 716 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $142.00, for a total value of $101,672.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 19,942 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,831,764. This represents a 3.47 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Also, CEO Jen Hsun Huang sold 120,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.33, for a total value of $12,639,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 75,895,836 shares in the company, valued at $7,994,108,405.88. The trade was a 0.16 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 1,796,986 shares of company stock valued at $214,418,399. 4.23% of the stock is owned by insiders. NVIDIA Profile ( Free Report ) NVIDIA Corporation provides graphics and compute and networking solutions in the United States, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and internationally. The Graphics segment offers GeForce GPUs for gaming and PCs, the GeForce NOW game streaming service and related infrastructure, and solutions for gaming platforms; Quadro/NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise workstation graphics; virtual GPU or vGPU software for cloud-based visual and virtual computing; automotive platforms for infotainment systems; and Omniverse software for building and operating metaverse and 3D internet applications. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than NVIDIA Low PE Growth Stocks: Unlocking Investment Opportunities Fast-Growing Companies That Are Still Undervalued The Risks of Owning Bonds Top Cybersecurity Stock Picks for 2025 What Does a Gap Up Mean in Stocks? How to Play the Gap Archer or Joby: Which Aviation Company Might Rise Fastest? 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Stock market today: Wall Street rises toward records despite tariff talk

RANGERS have humbled a few famous clubs from major football nations in continental competition in recent years despite their domestic travails. Few if any of the European results they have recorded in modern times, though, will have felt as sweet for their fans as this Battle of Britain draw with Spurs at Ibrox tonight. The Glasgow club ensured there was no triumphant return to Scotland for former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou in their Europa League league phase match. The morale-boosting point against the Premier League giants – secured thanks to a second-half Hamza Igamane goal - will raise their confidence levels no end ahead of their Premier Sports Cup final meeting with their city rivals at Hampden on Sunday. A first win by a Scottish club over top flight English opponents in 18 years may have cruelly eluded them – but Rangers increased their chances of qualifying automatically for the knockout rounds of the competition all the same. Here are five talking points from a memorable night. Disappointing Spurs Postecoglou described the catalogue of injuries and suspensions which he has had to deal with this season as the worst he has experienced in his 25 coaching career at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday – and his team selection highlighted the problems he has had. He made no fewer than five changes to the side which lost 4-3 to Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday. Rodrigo Bentancur, the Uruguayan internationalist whose ban for using a racial slur only applies to domestic fixtures, came into the midfield and James Maddison and Timo Werner also got the nod as Pape Sarr, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke dropped to the bench, But it was at the back, where first choice centre halves Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were both missing, that Postecoglou’s plight was most obvious. Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin came in to the heart of his rearguard. Gray - the son of Andy, grandson of Frank and great-nephew of Eddie, a trio of former Scotland internationalists – might have cost Spurs a cool £40m during the summer. But the ex-Leeds United kid is still just 18 and is more of a central midfielder or a full-back. Spurs looked very much like a side which had won just one of their previous seven games. They by no means, despite having Son Heung-min, Werner and Maddison on the park, troubled their hosts. Quite the opposite in fact. It was clear to see why they have been toiling in the English top flight. They were lucky to avoid defeat. Rangers spirit Philippe Clement mixed things up for this match too. Danilo and Ianis Hagi, who have been two of his best performers in recent weeks, were unavailable as they were not included in the European squad. Leon Balogun and Connor Barron also dropped out as Ridvan Yilmaz, Robin Propper, Mohamed Diomande and Nadim Bajrami came in. Yilmaz, who had not started since the Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden way back in August, somewhat unusually slotted in on the left wing as Jefte remained at left back. Bajrami, too, moved inside and performed the playmaker role. But the set-up worked well. The atmosphere inside the ground was electric as the two teams emerged from the tunnel – and when the visitors peeled away to the corner of the pitch and formed a Celtic-style huddle before kick-off the decibel levels got cranked up a notch or two. Fraser Forster, the former Celtic player who inflicted so much misery on Rangers during his various spells in Scotland, was booed by the home supporters every time he took a touch. But the 6ft 7in goalkeeper did not have a huge amount to do in the opening 45 minutes. He pushed a Bajrami attempt wide and dealt with two on target efforts from Vaclav Cerny. He would have been beaten if Bajrami or James Tavernier had been able to get on the end of a square ball which Jefte whipped across the six yard box. Fortunately for him, neither man could make contact. But he could do nothing to keep an Igamane shot out of his net after the Moroccan striker had been supplied by Tavernier early in the second half. Nobody could begrudge Rangers their lead. They had been the better side. Ange under pressure Postecoglou removed Werner and put on Kulusevski at the start of the second half. But if anything his men were worse after the change. They were fortunate to only concede once as their hosts laid siege to their goal. However, the substitute levelled with 15 minutes of regulation time remaining to ultimately salvage a draw for the visitors which their display scarcely merited. The Greek-Australian enjoyed more successes than failures against Rangers during his time in Scotland. But his expensively-assembled team were on the back foot for long periods this evening. The pressure is well and truly on him now. He had chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” aimed in his direction by the home supporters in the 48,064-strong crowd after Igamane struck. He will have to oversee a distinct upturn in form to avoid that fate in the weeks ahead. Souttar setback Rangers contained the Spurs front three pretty effectively in the opening half an hour and Jack Butland was never seriously tested in goal. But they suffered a serious blow when centre half John Souttar sank to the turf and then hobbled off injured after failing to respond to treatment. Balogun, the Nigerian internationalist who is no stranger to big European nights, came on and acquitted himself well. But if Souttar is out of the Premier Sports Cup final it will seriously reduce the defending champions’ chances of retaining their trophy. The Scotland internationalist has been immense for them this term. Euro progress With Manchester United away and Union St Gilloise to come in January, there is still a lot of football to be played before Rangers can clinch a place in the next stage of the competition. But if they perform as well as this in their next two outings then they will go through. Only a brilliant Forster save from a Cyriel Dessers shot with five minutes of regulation time denied them victory.New Report Provides Insight into Teen Social Media Use

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Despite the immense potential for solar energy in urban areas of the Philippines, the technology's upfront cost and a lack of public awareness of its benefits remain major hurdles to its widespread use. Government subsidies and promotional campaigns are seen to help boost its adoption. A study from the Ateneo de Manila University highlights the persistent challenges preventing widespread adoption of rooftop solar power (RTSP) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Conducted by Department of Economics Professor Rosalina Palanca-Tan and published in the journal, , the study surveyed 403 respondents to understand why households remain reluctant to invest in solar technology despite its undisputed economic and environmental benefits. Major selling points: Long-term savings, eco-friendliness The Philippines has some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia—as high as $0.20 (approximately ₱11.50) per kilowatt-hour on average, compared to as low as $0.08 (~₱4.50) in Vietnam or even $0.06 (~₱3.50) in Malaysia. This makes the potential long-term savings from RTSP its biggest selling point for many households. Homeowners also recognize that contributes to by reducing and air pollution, helping combat the effects of climate change. Overall, the respondents generally viewed RTSP as a sound long-term investment, with added advantages such as increased property value and enhanced roof durability. However, the upfront cost of installing solar panels remains a major hurdle to public adoption: a home RTSP setup could easily go for well over $1,700 (₱100,000), equivalent to more than half a year's salary for minimum wage workers. Many households are unsure if this initial expense is justified by long-term financial and environmental returns. In any case, cost by itself does not significantly influence adoption decisions, the Ateneo survey found. Respondents said that the trustworthiness of providers, clarity on warranties, and the perceived quality of the installations themselves were just as important considerations as cost, if not more so. Government support to spur public adoption Although 82% of surveyed households expressed some interest in adopting , only 20% had firm intentions of doing so. This gap apparently stems from a lack of knowledge: while most survey respondents said they understood the broad concept of renewable energy and its role in addressing climate change, few were aware of the specific advantages of RTSPs and how to access reliable installation services. Concerns over the quality of materials, maintenance needs, and provider credibility also added to their reluctance. Thus, the study urges stronger government intervention and public education campaigns. In particular, the study suggests improving net metering rates, expanding access to financing options, and accrediting trustworthy RTSP providers to build consumer confidence. Word-of-mouth recommendations also proved instrumental in , as households with friends or family who had adopted solar power were more likely to consider it for themselves as well. Promoting and community-based testimonials could be a crucial key to shifting perceptions and increasing rates of RSTP in the Philippines.

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More Pika , the Palo Alto-based startup that was one of the early leaders in creating lifelike AI video generation tools, has introduced its latest AI video generator model, Pika 2.0, in what it’s calling a significant update that promises far more user control and customizability for the generated video clips. The announcement comes just weeks after the successful release of Pika 1.5 , which saw widespread adoption and user engagement, positioning the company as a leader in the creative AI space, and days after OpenAI finally released its own AI generator, Sora — originally shown off 10 months ago — to the masses. Pika 2.0 boasts improved text alignment, making it easier than ever to translate detailed prompts into cohesive and imaginative video clips. It enhances motion rendering, delivering naturalistic movement and believable fantastical physics — areas where previous generative AI tools have struggled. The launch of Pika 2.0 underscores Pika’s commitment to making AI video creation accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. Pika 2.0: Designed for individuals and brands to easily make playful social media videos With its focus on individuals and small creators rather than professional studios, Pika distinguishes itself from competitors like OpenAI, which recently debuted its Hollywood-focused Sora model. Pika 2.0 builds on the success of its predecessor, introducing several standout features designed to empower users to create more dynamic and engaging videos. Central to the update is the new “Scene Ingredients” feature, which allows users to upload and customize individual elements like characters, objects, and settings. Advanced image recognition technology ensures these components are seamlessly integrated into scenes, giving creators much more granular control over their content. These updates aim to make the platform more versatile for users seeking to create playful, shareable videos for social media, as well as for brands looking to produce high-quality advertising content without the cost and complexity of traditional production. 11 million users and counting Pika’s appeal has already translated into impressive growth. Over five million users joined the platform in a single month following the release of Pika 1.5, bringing its total user base to over 11 million. Viral features like “Squish It,” “Melt It,” and “Explode It” have driven this surge, with videos generated on the platform amassing more than two billion views. Major brands including Balenciaga, Fenty, and Vogue have tapped into Pika’s tools to create creative social advertisements, further boosting the platform’s visibility. As Pika 2.0 rolls out, the company anticipates even greater adoption by influencers, advertisers, and everyday users alike. Innovation on an affordable budget Pika 2.0 positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to other AI video solutions. While specific pricing details haven’t been disclosed, the platform emphasizes accessibility for non-professionals. This affordability, combined with powerful new features, is expected to drive more users to explore their creativity through AI-generated content. With Pika’s rapid growth and ongoing innovation, the company is poised to play a key role in the broader adoption of AI video technologies. The platform’s user-first approach stands in contrast to the “pro” filmmaker focus of competitors, potentially giving it an edge in attracting a diverse and widespread audience. Founder and CEO Demi Guo has positioned Pika as a tool not just for making videos but for fostering creativity and storytelling in ways that are fun and engaging. As more brands and individuals turn to AI for content creation, platforms like Pika could pave the way for a new era of accessible and dynamic media. If you want to impress your boss, VB Daily has you covered. We give you the inside scoop on what companies are doing with generative AI, from regulatory shifts to practical deployments, so you can share insights for maximum ROI. Read our Privacy Policy Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here . An error occured.

SANDY, Utah, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union has donated seven Pumper Cars—interactive personal transportation vehicles—to schools across its footprint. These donations are specifically targeted at supporting schools to ensure students with disabilities have access to resources that promote physical activity and well-being. The Pumper Cars aim to offer students a fun and engaging way to stay active, encouraging physical fitness and coordination through an innovative and enjoyable exercise method. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. The Pumper Cars, provided by Mobility4Kids , are designed to offer a unique full-body workout through an innovative pump-action mechanism. Pumper Cars function similarly to a rowing machine on wheels, allowing children to propel themselves forward by pumping the handles back and forth. These vehicles are not only enjoyable but also promote physical fitness and coordination among children. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these Pumper Cars provide for students’ physical health and overall well-being,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and CEO at Mountain America. “These cars provide a fun way for children to stay active, and we hope they bring joy and benefits to the communities we serve. Supporting our local schools is a key part of our commitment to fostering strong, healthy communities.” These donations are already being delivered to schools, and the process will continue in the coming weeks. Faculty members are as enthusiastic as the students, recognizing the positive impact these Pumper Cars will have on students' physical health and overall well-being. "These Pumper Cars will help build strength and increase confidence amongst our students, as they can use them just like their peers," said a teacher from the Madison School District in Rexburg, Idaho. "We've been using these Pumper Cars to enhance strength for children in our preschool, and they are also popular during indoor recess." To learn more about Mountain America, visit macu.com . About Mountain America Credit Union With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states; and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com .Tackling stress to unlock employee potential LAHORE: Entrepreneurs often prefer hiring individuals from affluent backgrounds due to their better access to early education and extracurricular opportunities, which equip them to navigate professional settings more effectively. In contrast, individuals from poorer backgrounds are frequently overlooked because they may initially lack exposure to formal work environments. However, the performance of employees with similar qualifications can be shaped by multiple factors, including their socioeconomic background, which can be mitigated through proper training and support. Employees from affluent backgrounds may have had access to advanced tools and technologies during their education, enabling them to excel in certain tasks. Meanwhile, employees from disadvantaged backgrounds, though lacking similar resources, often demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness that can make them equally or even more effective in their roles. Economic insecurity among employees from poorer backgrounds may impact their mental well-being and, consequently, their productivity. Yet, this insecurity can also serve as a motivator, pushing them to work harder to achieve job stability. For employees from less privileged circumstances, a job often represents a critical path to upward mobility, fostering high levels of motivation. In contrast, affluent employees may exhibit varying degrees of drive depending on their personal motivations and circumstances. Social networks and family support often give employees from wealthier families an advantage in managing work-life balance and workplace challenges. On the other hand, employees from less privileged families frequently shoulder additional responsibilities, such as financial support for their households, which can affect their focus and energy. Organisations can minimise these disparities by fostering inclusive workplace environments. Key measures include: providing training programs to level the playing field; offering mentorship to employees from disadvantaged backgrounds; ensuring equitable workplace policies that address stressors affecting economically disadvantaged employees; and promoting an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences. Research consistently shows that, with adequate support and training, employees from poorer backgrounds can perform just as well as their affluent counterparts. Moreover, their unique life experiences often enhance their problem-solving abilities and resilience, traits that affluent employees may lack. Scientific studies in behavioural economics, psychology and neuroscience reveal that differences in decision-making between individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds are often linked to circumstantial stress rather than inherent differences in brain structure. Poverty imposes a heavy cognitive load due to constant concerns about basic needs such as food, shelter and healthcare. This ‘tunnelling effect’ compels individuals to focus on immediate challenges, sometimes at the expense of long-term planning or better decision-making. Entrepreneurs seeking to boost productivity and performance -- particularly among employees from economically disadvantaged backgrounds -- should prioritise reducing stress and ensuring peace of mind. Key strategies include: offering fair, liveable wages to alleviate financial insecurity; providing health insurance, counselling, and stress management programmes to support mental health; creating clear career paths to enhance job security; and implementing flexible work arrangements and childcare support to accommodate personal challenges. A positive work culture where employees feel valued can significantly mitigate the psychological toll of financial or personal struggles. Entrepreneurs should recognise that stress is not merely an individual issue but an organizational challenge. High-stress environments, whether due to economic insecurity or toxic work cultures, lead to reduced productivity, higher turnover and increased absenteeism. Ensuring employees’ peace of mind is not just an ethical imperative; it is also a sound business strategy. Workers who feel secure and supported are more likely to be innovative, collaborative and productive.Man City crisis continues as Feyenoord come from three down to draw

LOS ANGELES , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sports and recreational injuries send more than 3.5 million Americans to the hospital emergency room each year according to the National Safety Council. The problem is much greater in collegiate sports, where NCAA injury incident reports reached 1.3 million in 2022. Beyond soft tissue damage, these injuries include life-altering Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears and Traumatic Brain Injuries. To reduce the occurrence and impact of sports-related injuries, CLR Neurosthenics today launched CLR Advantage TM , a groundbreaking solution that employs interactive software and a wearable, wireless sensor network to collect real-time neurophysiological data while athletes perform pre-programmed physical exercises, cognitive tests, reaction games and position drills. This data is then used to instantly generate reports that reveal hidden deficiencies, indicate player readiness, and guide training routines for injury prevention, performance optimization and rehabilitation. Designed by a team of leading sports neurophysiologists and biometric engineers, patent-pending CLR Advantage TM utilizes FDA-approved qEEG brain wave sensors and physiological monitors to capture a continuous stream of high-resolution data, including cortical power, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration rate, trapezoidal tension, galvanic skin response and peripheral temperature. The solution then employs NASA technology to process biometric signals and report on neurophysiological capabilities, including brain connectivity, power, activation and symmetry during various physical tasks and mental exercises. CLR Advantage TM finally correlates event-marked physiologic data to reinforce neurologic observations. For example, data may indicate certain risk in an athlete that exhibits an elevated heart rate, neurologic asymmetry and qEEG inhibition during a single-leg balance exercise. CLR Advantage TM recently completed a two-year clinical trial with 177 NCAA Division I athletes at the University of Cincinnati . Performed in partnership with Select Medical at the University's Sports Medicine Department, the study compared the neurophysiological performance of healthy athletes with those suffering from ACL injuries. Results from the study, which continues to assess injured athletes through various stages of rehabilitation, were published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy . To supplement ongoing research, CLR Advantage TM is currently employed by the NFL Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) to study ACL injury propensity through assessments that include a variety of dynamic force exercises. "For the first time, we now have a better understanding of exactly how the brain is impacted by an acute injury," said Robert Mangine, Senior Athletic Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Cincinnati and Residency Director for NovaCare Rehabilitation. "CLR Advantage TM allows us to look at brain activity as athletes progress through the rehabilitation, then use that data and musculoskeletal measures to determine a safe return to play." The Microsoft Azure cloud-powered CLR Advantage TM platform provides an end-to-end, HIPAA-compliant solution for operators to organize teams, create athlete profiles, schedule appointments, conduct assessments, monitor live biometric data, and generate comprehensive analytic reports. Offered on a subscription basis, the solution is available for demonstration at CLR Neurosthenics' Los Angeles Assessment Center. https://clradvantage.com/ For additional information contact: Mark O'Bryan (424) 256-7264 mark.obryan@clradvantage.com 1 https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/144/5/e20192759/38190/Soccer-Injuries-in-Children-and-Adolescents 2 https://perma.cc/9EG6-6TBJ ; Robert L. Parisien et. al., Implementation of an Injury Prevention Program in NCAA Division I Athletics Reduces Injury-Related Health Care Costs. 9 Orthopedic J. of Sports Med. (2023). https://ijspt.org/task-driven-neurophysiological-qeeg-baseline-performance-capabilities-in-healthy-uninjured-division-i-college-athletes/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clr-neurosthenics-launches-neurophysiological-assessment-platform-to-help-prevent-sports-injuries-optimize-performance-and-improve-rehabilitation-302334112.html SOURCE CLR NeurosthenicsRetail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of US economy's health WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, a solid increase and higher than October’s 0.5% gain. The boost in spending underscores that the economy is still growing at a healthy pace even with higher interest rates, a trend that could cause the Federal Reserve to lower borrowing costs more slowly next year than they have previously signaled. Tuesday’s report arrives just a day before the Fed is set to announce its latest rate decision Wednesday. Americans end 2024 with grim economic outlook, but Republicans are optimistic for 2025: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that Democrats are feeling more pessimistic about the U.S. economy after Donald Trump's victory. Republicans, meanwhile, are still dour about the current state of the economy but hopeful that growth will be stronger next year when Trump returns to the White House as president. The latest survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggests that some Americans are evaluating the economy more by who holds political power than on what the underlying trends suggest. This was a persistent challenge for President Joe Biden and raises the possibility that Trump might also struggle to translate his economic ideas into political wins. Biden calls for ban on congressional stock trading WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has endorsed a ban on congressional stock trading in an interview that’s being released this week. It's the first time he's publicly backed the idea. He made the comments to Faiz Shakir, a political adviser for Sen. Bernie Sanders. Shakir interviewed the Democratic president for A More Perfect Union, a pro-labor advocacy and journalism organization. The Associated Press reviewed a video of the interview before its release. A bipartisan proposal to ban trading by members of Congress and their families has dozens of sponsors, but it has not received a vote. Federal Reserve is likely to slow its rate cuts with inflation pressures still elevated WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping for lower borrowing costs for homes, credit cards and cars may be disappointed after this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. The Fed’s policymakers are likely to signal fewer interest rate cuts next year than were previously expected. The officials are set to reduce their benchmark rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, by a quarter-point to about 4.3% when their meeting ends Wednesday. The problem is that while inflation has dropped far below its peak of 9.1% in mid-2022, it remains stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target. Why is tech giant SoftBank investing over $100 billion in the US? BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son has joined President-elect Donald Trump in announcing plans by technology and telecoms giant SoftBank Group to invest $100 billion in projects in the United States. Trump said the investments would create 100,000 jobs over four years, twice what Son promised when he pledged $50 billion in U.S. investments in 2016. Son is known for making bold choices, sometimes paying big and sometimes not. SoftBank has investments in dozens of Silicon Valley startups, big companies like semiconductor maker Arm and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. The stock market rally and craze for AI has boosted the value of its assets, but some question if its investments will create that many jobs. Business owners should not forget anti-money laundering rule currently in legal limbo Small business owners should not forget about a rule that requires them to register with an agency called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1. The registration is part of the Corporate Transparency Act passed in 2021. Registering isn’t difficult, but if a small business owner is unaware of the requirement, they could be slapped with penalties of up to $10,000. For now, the rule is in legal limbo. On Dec. 3 a federal court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting enforcement of the rule. Stellantis pledges invest $2.1 million in Italian production in 2025 during talks with government MILAN (AP) — The Stellantis automaker has pledged to invest 2 billion euros or $2.1 billion in Italian production next year and spend another 6 billion euros or $6.3 billion in the supply chain. The head of European operations for the world's fifth-largest carmaker made the pledge during a meeting with Italian ministers, regional officials and unions following the forced resignation of former CEO Carlos Tavares earlier this month. The Italian government was seeking reassurances of Stellantis' commitment to Italy. Billion-dollar donation from Netflix's Reed Hastings leads 2024's list of biggest gifts Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg made the largest contributions in 2024, and financial aid, especially for medical students, got most of the money. The Chronicle’s annual list of the biggest charitable donations from individuals or their foundations totaled nearly $6 billion in 2024, with half of that coming from three contributions of $1 billion or more each. Two of those three gifts went to medical schools to provide financial aid. Altogether, four of the top donations on the list, totaling $2.3 billion, went to support financial aid. Stock market today: Wall Street trims its stellar gains as Nvidia's star dims again NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are trimming some of their stellar gains for the year. The S&P 500 fell 0.3% in Tuesday afternoon trading, though it’s still near its all-time high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 242 points, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.2% from its record set the day before. Nvidia, the superstar stock that’s been a big reason for Wall Street’s run to records this year, fell toward its eighth loss in the last nine days. Treasury yields held relatively steady after sales at U.S. retailers strengthened by more than expected. Bitcoin set another record. Event promoters, hotels and lodging sites soon will have to disclose extra fees up front The Federal Trade Commission says it will soon require hotels, vacation rental platforms and live event promoters to disclose any fees up front when they list prices. The FTC said on Tuesday that consumers often see advertised prices for hotel rooms, short-term rentals, and tickets to sporting events and concerts only to be surprised later by so-called “junk fees,” including resort fees, cleaning fees, processing fees and other extra charges. The new rule requires businesses to clearly and conspicuously disclose the true cost – including all mandatory fees – when they display any pricing for lodging or events. The rule is scheduled to go into effect in 120 days.When Inter Miami were dumped out of Major League Soccer's playoffs in the first round, their former Spain international full-back Jordi Alba questioned the fairness of the post-season format. Miami had topped the Eastern Conference and the overall regular season standings with a record points tally a performance which earned them the 'Supporters' Shield'. But there would be no title battle against the best in the West for Lionel Messi and Company after they contrived to lose two matches in their best-of-three series against an Atlanta United team which finished ninth in the East and 20th in the overall standings. "I think this format is a bit unfair. It has been done for many years but I think it should be the champion of one conference against the champion of the other, to make it as fair as possible," Alba said. Alba's comments prompted much debate among MLS fans and plenty of accusations of sour grapes but they did serve to highlight that this year's playoffs, if not MLS's playoffs in general, would certainly not be a battle of the best versus best. Defending champions Columbus Crew, who finished second in the Supporters' Shield race, were also eliminated in the first round, adding to the sense that the knockout phase of the season is very much a competition of its own. So on Saturday, after the international break disrupted the flow of the post-season, the Conference semi-finals, will see a "Hudson River Derby" between two New York teams who couldn't finish in the top 10 in the regular season. New York City, Manchester City's sister club, have home-field advantage after finishing in 13th spot while the New York Red Bulls travel from New Jersey, having ended up in 16th place. The 'home field' isn't actually NYCFC's usual home of Yankee Stadium, which is being used for a college football game, but Citi Field, home of New York's other baseball club, the Mets. Later on Saturday, in the Western Conference, 2022 MLS Cup winners and last year's beaten finalists, Los Angeles FC, are at home to the Seattle Sounders. That fixture feels much more like the kind of playoff game that was expected -- LAFC finished top of the West while Seattle were fourth. LAFC faces the Sounders for the fourth time in an elimination match over the last 13 months, having defeated Seattle in the 2023 Western Conference semifinals, the 2024 Leagues Cup quarterfinal and the 2024 US Open Cup semifinal. Each of those matches was hosted by Seattle. LAFC, with former France stars in goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and striker Olivier Giroud, enter the encounter unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with the Sounders, with their last loss to Seattle coming in a 2-0 defeat in 2021. On Sunday, surprise package Atlanta, with their 40-year-old goalkeeper Brad Guzan having impressed so many with his heroics against Miami, will return to Florida to take on Orlando City, who finished fourth in the East. Atlanta won at Orlando on the last day of the regular campaign, a victory that allowed them to sneak into the wildcard round but which also completed a home and away double for the Georgia side. "Obviously, in Major League Soccer, anything can happen," said Orlando coach Oscar Pareja. "Our responsibility is to play one game at a time. This one, we're going to be ready for sure," he added. The weekend rounds off with Los Angeles Galaxy hosting Minnesota United who, under former Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay, came through a best-of-three series against higher-ranked Real Salt Lake. The Galaxy start as favourites but, as this season has shown in abundance, that counts for little. "We know they are a top team at this level with top individual players who are very difficult to beat at home but...I feel that if we are a good version of what we have been over the last 10-12 games... I certainly won't be painting it as a one sided game," said Ramsay. sev/js

Biden says Assad's fall in Syria is a 'fundamental act of justice,' but 'a moment of risk'

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AP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:35 p.m. ESTA WOMAN has faced endless problems since the Social Security Administration declared her dead two years ago - and the accident is more common than you'd think. The government wrongly marks thousands of Americans as dead each year, according to federal data. The mistake can prohibit taxpayers from accessing their bank accounts and retirement benefits. It can also prevent people from getting jobs or loans. In 2022, Brooklyn resident Sandra Hazel was shocked to learn she was listed on the SSA's Death Master File. The agency revealed the news to her while she was trying to set up her retirement benefits. READ MORE ON SOCIAL SECURITY "We recently discovered that our records wrongly showed you as deceased," the SSA wrote in a letter to Hazel. "How can you say that I'm deceased when I'm alive?" Hazel said, according to WCBS-TV. The small mistake turned into issues recurring for two years. Last August, the Internal Revenue Service told Hazel her tax return couldn't be processed because her social security number "belongs to someone deceased." Most read in The US Sun "And I'm not getting no benefits from social security, none," Hazel said. "I have rent to pay. I have bills to pay." Hazel has been unable to register for Medicaid because of the mistake. According to the SSA's most recent data from 2019, up to 7,000 Americans end up on the DMF by accident. However, the number of incidents has reportedly dropped by 45% since 2011 due to the rise of electronic records. In a similar clerical error to Hazel's, one woman reported losing access to her money after she was declared dead. If you suspect you've been declared dead by the Social Security Administration, it's important to contact the SSA as soon as possible. You can contact the SSA by: Calling 1-800-772-1213 Visiting your local SSA office Emailing the SSA support team Writing a letter to the following address: Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support 1100 West High Rise 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235 More information can be found on the agency's website . Renee Williams, 66, told Philadelphia's CBS affiliate KYW-TV that the incident has been a "pain in the behind." She made the terrifying discovery that she had been deemed deceased while at a doctor's appointment. "I went to the emergency ward on Friday, and they couldn't get my insurance information," Williams told the outlet. "She said she tried several places and they said it was inactive. They said that I was deceased." The mistake led to devastating consequences for Williams as she reported her monthly Social Security checks have disappeared. "Her benefits, the banks, credit cards, it's a lot," Williams' daughter, Wadeeyah McNeil, said. Read More on The US Sun "It's going to be a while before she gets all this stuff back in order. It'll be a long while." The U.S. Sun has reached out to the SSA for comment.

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There's no need to check the record books to see that a very considerable amount of snow fell on the city of Calgary Saturday. A look out the window will do. But a glance at the records doesn't disappoint. Heavy snowfall expected through weekend across Alberta Eric Van Lochem, an operational meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says Saturday's snowfall amounts vary, depending on which side of the city is being measured and who is doing the measuring. "We did get some unofficial reports in Calgary that were perhaps as high as 25 or 30 cm. A lot of those were sourced from social media reports," Van Lochem told CBC News. "But the Calgary airport itself received 17.8 cm." That was the accumulation recorded for the calendar day of Nov. 23. And that is a new record, beating the previous mark of 13.2 cm set in 2018. "We beat the old record for Nov. 23 by quite a significant margin," Van Lochem said. It was a record-setting day for snow depth as well, with 24 cm of snow measured on the ground Saturday. That beats the old record of 20 cm, which was set in 1966 and equalled in 1996. The snow depth takes into account what was accumulated on Friday as well. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saturday’s storm is connected to the atmospheric river that hit the coast of B.C. earlier in the week. (Jo Horwood/CBC) According to the Calgary Police Service, in the period stretching between Friday's morning commute and midnight on Saturday, officers responded to 208 non-injury collisions on the city's roads. Another 27 collisions resulted in injuries, all of which were minor in nature. There were an additional 53 hit-and-runs reported with no injuries resulting, and six hit-and-runs with minor injuries. Sgt. Sean Sherman is with the Calgary police traffic response unit. He told CBC News that it had been a long time since he saw a snowstorm as big as the one on Saturday, adding it was fortunate it didn't occur on a weekday, when there would have been much more traffic on the roads. While the collision numbers weren't as high as they could have been because of the reduced volume, Sgt. Sherman says he still saw drivers travelling faster than they should and using the fast lane when they are driving slower. "It just causes a lot more chaos," he said. Sherman says there appear to be fewer tire-related issues during snowstorms lately, something he attributes to a change in habit by Calgary motorists. "I think it's becoming more widely accepted by people to put winter tires on their vehicle," he said. But when it comes to driving in harsh winter conditions, he returns to the basic message Calgarians hear every time there's a major storm — if you don't have to go out somewhere, stay home. In a news release Sunday morning, the city said it did not anticipate the need to call for a snow route parking ban. Spokesperson Chris McGeachy said the city has activated its priority snow plan and the focus for city crews will be on completing maintenance work, including plowing and applying materials on Calgary's busiest routes, like Crowchild Trail, Memorial Drive and Glenmore Trail. Calgarians are asked to ensure sidewalks are clear of snow and ice and to consider helping a neighbour in need by shoveling their sidewalk. (Jo Horwood/CBC) City crews will also focus on clearing pedestrian infrastructure. He asked Calgarians to ensure sidewalks are clear of snow and ice and to consider helping a neighbour in need by shoveling their sidewalk. City bylaws say sidewalks should be cleared 24 hours after snowfall ends. Calgary transit has activated snow detours , which are expected to stay in effect until the start of service on Monday. Meteorologist Van Lochem said Saturday's storm is connected to the atmospheric river that hit the coast of B.C. earlier in the week. "It's all part and parcel of the same weather pattern, if you will, but not the exact same system," he said, explaining that weather systems tend to be torn apart as they cross the Rocky Mountains, before reforming as new low pressure systems on the Alberta side. Van Lochem says it's possible Calgary will see a few more centimetres of snow before the end of the month, but he doesn't see any more significant snowfall amounts in the forecast. "Things are going to quiet down here over Alberta for the next few days, but it's going to remain cold, probably through to the end of November," he said. "For all intents and purposes, this is the start of winter."

NHL fines Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner $2,000 for embellishmentThe Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of local government elections, which have since taken place. In delivering its judgment on Thursday, a special panel led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi declared that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. The appellate court clarified that Section 28 of the Electoral Act applies solely to federal elections, governorship elections, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, not state-conducted elections. The Court of Appeal further criticized the lower court’s directive, which barred security agencies from performing their constitutional duties during the election process. Previously, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had ruled against RSIEC for scheduling the local government elections for October 5 without complying with legal provisions. He stated that RSIEC violated the local government election law by failing to provide the mandatory 90-day notice before setting the election date. Justice Lifu also held that the voters’ register must be updated and revised before any valid election date could be determined. As a result, Justice Lifu had directed INEC not to release the Certified Voters’ Register to RSIEC until all legal requirements were fulfilled. The appeal heard by Justice Otisi’s special panel was among several appeals challenging the Federal High Court’s decisions on political cases in Rivers State. The panel had previously reserved judgment on consolidated appeals contesting Justice Lifu’s ruling. Naija News reports that the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had escalated tensions before, during and after the LG Election.

NoneAP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:14 p.m. EST

Rich countries' promise of $300 billion a year in climate finance brought fury at talks in Baku from poor nations that found it too paltry, but it also shows a shift in global political realities. The two-week marathon COP29 climate conference opened days after the decisive victory in the US presidential election of Donald Trump, a sceptic both of climate change and foreign aid. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Baseball legend continues on

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Jaylen Brown shines early, late as Celtics hold off TimberwolvesWesco Declares Quarterly Dividend on Common Stock and Preferred Stock

Telecom Operators Will Soon Have To Introduce Just 'Voice Call + SMS' Recharge Plans, Here's WhyNissan's financial nightmare is making its US dealers lose sleep

Educational institutions closed amid political turmoil in twin cities Rawalpindi/Islamabad : The district administrations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad announced the closure of all educational institutions on Monday (today), citing the prevailing political situation as the reason for the decision. Deputy Commissioner (D­C) Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema, issued a notification for the closure of educational institutions in Rawalpindi, but the directive did not extend to the entire division. Meanwhile, the Punjab government suspended all forms of transport and movement across the region, causing widespread disruption. Students commuting between Rawalpindi and nearby districts, such as Taxila, Chakwal, Attock, and Jhelum, face significant challenges in reaching their educational institutions due to these transport restrictions. Similarly, hostel students returning home for the weekend now find themselves stranded as intercity transport remains suspended. In Islamabad, a spokes­person for the district administration confirmed the closure of all schools and colleges. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad also announced the decision via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "In view of the prevailing political situation, all educational institutions will remain closed in Islamabad. The situation has left parents, students, and educators in a state of uncertainty as the region braces for the anticipated political activity and its associated disruptions.

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:04 p.m. ESTPresident-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced former Sen. Kelly Loeffler as his pick to lead the Small Business Administration. “Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive. She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach,” Trump posted on Truth Social, also noting that she’s co-chairing his inauguration. There had been several discussions between Loeffler and the transition team regarding the role of Agriculture secretary, and CNN reported last month that Trump had been poised to offer her the position. But Trump held off from announcing his Agriculture pick as he issued a slew of others late last month, then eventually offered the role to Brooke Rollins . Loeffler, who briefly represented Georgia in the Senate, had fundraised for Trump during the 2024 race and raised several million dollars for his campaign over the summer when she hosted a debate watch party with Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. Several of Trump’s other Cabinet picks — including Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Elise Stefanik — were at that party. Loeffler was among the wealthiest lawmakers during her short time in Congress. Her husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, is the CEO of the Intercontinental Exchange, which owns the New York Stock Exchange. When running for election in 2020, she announced she and her husband were divesting from individual stocks amid sharp criticism over trades she and other lawmakers made ahead of the market downturn caused by the coronavirus. Appointed to the Senate by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp over the wishes of Trump, Loeffler lost her seat in a 2021 runoff to Democratic now-Sen. Raphael Warnock. Loeffler was a staunch Trump ally in Congress, saying prior to the violence on January 6, 2021, that she planned to vote against certifying her state’s electoral results in support of Trump’s broader effort to upend Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. After the US Capitol attack, Loeffler backed off her objection, saying on the Senate floor: “When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes. However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors.” In the same speech, Loeffler condemned the violence at the Capitol, calling it “abhorrent.” Loeffler was among the witnesses who appeared before the grand jury as part of Trump’s 2020 election subversion criminal case in Georgia. Before joining the Senate, Loeffler served as an executive at a financial services firm in Atlanta. She was also a co-owner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Loeffler would need to be confirmed by the Senate to lead the Small Business Administration. Linda McMahon, a major Republican donor and Trump’s pick to be the next education secretary , served as the administrator of the agency during Trump’s first term. She resigned in 2019 to become the chair of America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC. This story has been updated with additional details.United Way’s living wage rises

Health Minister launches Radio Frequency Identification systemShoppers seeking updates on their online purchases are receiving fake shipping notifications — something that is heightened during the busy shipping season during the holidays. The endless texts and phishing emails alert shoppers to a delivery issue requiring immediate attention. Scripps News Baltimore Reporter Mallory Sofastaii spoke with multiple customers at the post office, who told her they have received these scam texts. Scammers just need one person to fall for it. “They’re desperately hoping that you will act so quickly that you will give them whatever they want so that they can steal money from you,” said Karen Morgan, executive council member and lead fraud volunteer with AARP Maryland. RELATED STORY | This phishing scam uses text messages pretending to be USPS with a delivery AARP is warning shoppers about these scam texts seeking personal information such as date of birth, Social Security Number, or account logins. And they received a report of someone paying a $0.99 re-delivery fee and later realizing they'd been charged $400. “Do not act quickly on any of these notifications. Stop a minute to recall, did you actually order something? Have you actually sent something? And by the way, if it's the post office, FedEx or UPS, don't they already have your address? Why do they need you to give it to them again?” Morgan suggested. USPS will never send a text or email without the customer first requesting tracking information and they do not charge for these services. “I have registered with the post office to receive emails,” said online shopper Ana Cruz, who uses USPS Informed Delivery , a free service to keep track of mail and packages that are scheduled to be delivered. Howard Shand said he doesn’t do a lot of online shopping. “I go direct to a store, so I don't really have that problem. You know, I shop early,” he added. And he said he's extra vigilant for a reason. “I've been scammed before, so, you know, it makes you more alert,” Shand said. “Just be careful. Pay attention and don't let down your guard easily.” It's important not to click on any links in these messages. Even if you don't enter your information, malware could be downloaded onto your device. And some of the links will take you to a fake login page designed to steal your password and then lock you out of your real account or to hack into other financial accounts. Click here to see the other 12 Scams of Christmas. This story was originally published by Mallory Sofastaii at Scripps News Baltimore .

PITTSBURGH , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) today declared a quarterly cash dividend on all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, in an amount equal to $0.4125 per share. The dividend is payable on December 31, 2024 to the holders of record of the common stock at the close of business on December 13, 2024 . In addition, the Board of Directors declared cash dividends on the company's 10.625% Series A Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock for the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 . The dividend is $664.0625 per preferred share, or $0.6640625 per depository share, and is payable on December 31, 2024 to holders of record at the close of business on December 13, 2024 . About Wesco Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 ® company with $22 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates nearly 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations. Contact Information Investor Relations Will Ruthrauff Director, Investor Relations 484-885-5648 Corporate Communications Jennifer Sniderman Vice President, Corporate Communications 717-579-6603 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wesco-declares-quarterly-dividend-on-common-stock-and-preferred-stock-302319822.html SOURCE Wesco InternationalA senior North Korean general has been wounded in Russia’s Kursk region, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Western officials. More than 10,000 North Korean troops are supporting Russian forces in Kursk. Russian President Vladimir Putin is hoping to recover the swath of the Kursk region that Ukraine seized in August before President Donald Trump takes office early next year. The United States this week gave Ukraine the green light to use its long-range ATACMS missiles to strike Russian assets in Kursk and said North Korean troops would be fair game. It is unclear how the North Korean general was wounded, the WSJ reported . The United States has sanctioned Gazprombank, Russia’s third-largest lender, and dozens of other financial institutions as President Joe Biden seeks to further curtail the Kremlin’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine before he leaves office in two months. Gazprombank, which plays an important role in facilitating Russian energy exports, was the only remaining large Russian lender not under U.S. sanctions. Washington and Brussels had avoided sanctioning Gazprombank amid concern over possible energy export interruptions. Along with Gazprombank, the United States also announced sanctions on more than 50 other Russian banks conducting international operations, more than 40 Russian securities registrars and 15 Russian finance officials. The United States also warned financial institutions against joining Russia’s version of the international messaging system for banks known as SWIFT. Russia is seeking to attract international banks to its messaging platform to get around U.S. financial sanctions. “Today’s action reaffirms the U.S. commitment to curtail Russia’s ability to use the international financial system to conduct its war against Ukraine and disrupts Russia’s attempts to make cross-border payments for dual-use goods and military materiel,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a November 21 statement. Ukraine backers had been calling on the Biden administration for months to tighten sanctions on Russia’s banking sector, saying the Kremlin was finding ways around existing sanctions to pay for technology imports and other dual-use items. In addition to facilitating energy payments, Gazprombank had been acting as a conduit for the purchase of military goods. The Kremlin also uses Gazprombank to pay Russian soldiers and compensate families for war deaths. “I am grateful to @POTUS and his administration for today’s strong package of financial and banking sanctions targeting Russia’s economy and war chest,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a tweet . Eddie Fishman, a former State Department official and sanctions expert, called the latest announcement a “strong step” toward closing loopholes around Russia’s energy sector, which generates about half of federal budget revenues. Biden will leave office on January 20 to make way for President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to end the war in Ukraine by getting Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down at the negotiating table, something that experts say will be harder done than said. The financial sanctions come at a critical time for Russia’s economy as Putin’s record spending on the war effort drives up inflation and interest rates. The Russian Central Bank last month raised interest rates to 21 percent, the highest in decades, and could continue to ratchet them up with no end in sight to the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin said his military fired a new intermediate-range missile into Ukraine following accusations by Kyiv that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). In a November 21 video statement to the nation, Putin said the use of the new weapon was a response to the United States and the United Kingdom giving permission to Kyiv to fire their long-range missiles into Russia. "In combat conditions, one of the newest Russian medium-range missile systems was tested," Putin said, adding that it was a hypersonic, ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Earlier in the day, Kyiv accused Russia of striking Ukraine with what it said appeared to be an ICBM. The new weapon was part of a larger missile attack on Dnipropetrovsk, home to important military-industrial plants. ICBMs, which are designed to deliver long-distance nuclear strikes, have never been used in war before. "On the morning of November 21, 2024...Russian troops attacked the city of Dnipro (facilities and critical infrastructure) with missiles of various types. In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation," the Ukrainian Air Force said in its statement on Telegram. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram later that the new Russian weapon had "all characteristics -- speed, altitude -- [of an] intercontinental ballistic missile." Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Russia struck Ukraine with an "experimental" intermediate-range ballistic missile that was based on its RS-26 Rubezh ICBM. She said Russia had informed the United States it would be launching the experimental missile shortly beforehand through "nuclear risk reduction channels." She said the new weapon had a smaller warhead that some other missiles Russia has launched into Ukraine. A U.S. official who asked not to be identified told media that Putin was seeking to intimidate Ukraine but added that Moscow only had a few of the "experimental" missiles. The Russian attack comes just days after reports that Ukraine used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles and U.S.-made ATACMS systems to strike military targets deeper inside Russia following the long-sought approval by President Joe Biden. The RS-26 Rubezh is a solid-fueled, road-mobile ICBM currently in development that has been tested with heavier payloads at intermediate ranges. Military analysts said ICBM missiles can be classified as intermediate-range weapons when their payloads are increased and ranges decreased. The main target of the Russian attack was the southeastern region of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine's most important industrial region, and its capital, the city of Dnipro. Ukraine's air force said that besides the ICBM, Russian aircraft also launched a hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile and seven subsonic Kh-101 cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defenses shot down six Kh-101 missiles, the air force reported. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said his region bore the brunt of the Russian attack. "Since early in the morning, the aggressor massively attacked our region," Lysak reported on Telegram, adding that preliminary information showed that an industrial facility was damaged in the regional capital, Dnipro, where two fires were started by the attack. Explosions were also reported in Kremenchuk, in the central Poltava region. Moscow's use of a large number of sophisticated missiles as opposed to the usual drone attacks appears to be in response to Ukraine's gaining approval to use some Western-donated long-range missile systems to strike deeper into Russia. On November 20, Russian military bloggers and a source cited by Reuters reported that Ukraine had fired up to 12 Franco-British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia's Kursk region, part of which has been under Ukrainian control following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian troops in August. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to confirm whether the missiles had been used. Previously, London had given permission to use the Storm Shadows, which have a 250-kilometer range, within Ukraine's territory. Earlier this week, Ukraine reportedly used ATACMS to strike a military facility in Russia's Bryansk region after Biden was reported as giving his OK. The White House has not officially confirmed the approval and Ukraine hasn't directly acknowledged the use of ATACMS on Russian targets. Russia has long warned that Ukraine's use Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike inside its territory would mark a serious escalation of the conflict. On November 21, Moscow said a new U.S. missile defence base in the Polish town of Redzikowo near the Baltic coast, which was opened on November 13 as part of a broader NATO missile shield, will lead to an increase in the overall level of nuclear danger. "This is another frankly provocative step in a series of deeply destabilising actions by the Americans and their allies in the North Atlantic alliance in the strategic sphere," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. "This leads to undermining strategic stability, increasing strategic risks and, as a result, to an increase in the overall level of nuclear danger," Zakharova said. Poland rejected the claim, saying there were no nuclear missiles at the base. "It is a base that serves the purpose of defense, not attack," Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski said on November 21. At least 38 people were killed and more than 40 wounded after gunmen opened fire on a convoy of cars carrying Shi'ite Muslims in northwest Pakistan as religious tension in the region rises. Three women and a child were among those killed in the November 21 attack, police told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. The convoy of 200 cars was heading from Peshawar to Parachinar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province near the border with Afghanistan when the unknown gunmen attacked. No one has taken responsibility for the attack, the latest in a series of deadly confrontations in the Kurram region. Police, who were escorting the cars, said the death toll could climb. There were about 700 people in the convoy, according to law enforcement. Tension in Kurram began to heat up after 17 people were killed in an attack on a convoy on October 12. There have been about a handful of deadly attacks since then. Sunnis and Shi'a live together in Kurram and have clashed violently over land, forests, and other property as well as religion over the years, despite government and law enforcement efforts to build peace. Influential Ukrainian tycoon Dmytro Firtash is among eight people targeted by fresh British sanctions that accuse the group, which includes his wife, Lada, of large-scale, international corruption. Angolan-Russian billionaire Isabel dos Santos and Latvian politician and businessman Aivars Lembergs are also among those hit by the new sanctions announced on November 21. The British government accuses Firtash of bribing officials to secure mining licenses for his companies and profiting illegally from Ukraine's gas-transportation system. Firtash is also linked to financier Denys Horbunenko, a resident of the United Kingdom who was added to the sanctions list on November 21 for his association with Firtash. Firtash has faced legal scrutiny in Ukraine over embezzlement and money-laundering accusations involving fraudulent gas-trading schemes. The United States has been seeking his extradition from Austria on charges of bribing Indian officials. Firtash, who gained prominence in the 2000s through his joint venture RosUkrEnergo with Russian energy giant Gazprom, has denied allegations of working in Russia's interests. Dos Santos, daughter of former Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, is Africa's first female billionaire. She is accused of corruption in Angola, where she allegedly exploited her political connections for personal gain. Dos Santos claims she has held Russian citizenship since birth, as she was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 1973 under the former Soviet Union. Lembergs, a former populist mayor of the Latvian city of Ventspils, has been convicted in Latvia of corruption and sentenced to five years in prison. He claims the charges against him are politically motivated. The sanctions are part of a British efforts to combat international corruption and disrupt the financial networks of individuals accused of abusing their power for personal enrichment. The measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restricting these individuals from accessing the U.K.'s financial system or entering the country. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Muhammad Deif, a military commander in the Iran-backed group Hamas, alleging they committed crimes against humanity in the ongoing Gaza war. All three are accused of committing war crimes connected to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, an EU- and U.S-designated terrorist organization that is part of Tehran's network of proxies in the Middle East, and Israel's subsequent military intervention in the Gaza Strip. Iran's backing of Hamas and Hezbollah, another Iran-supported militant group and political party that controls much of the southern part of Israel's neighbor, Lebanon, has sparked fears that the war in the Gaza Strip will engulf the Middle East. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollah’s political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament. The court said the warrants had been classified as "secret" to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of the investigations. Israel, which claims it killed Deif in July, blasted the move as "a dark moment for the ICC." Hamas, which has never officially acknowledged Deif's death, called the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant an "important step toward justice." The ICC said it had issued the arrest warrant for Deif as the prosecutor had not been able to determine whether he was dead. His warrant shows charges of mass killings during the October 7 attack on Israel that left some 1,200 dead, as well as charges of rape and the taking of around 240 hostages in the attack. "The Chamber considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that both [Israeli] individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity, from at least 8 October 2023 to 20 May 2024," the ICC said in a statement . "This finding is based on the role of Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant in impeding humanitarian aid in violation of international humanitarian law and their failure to facilitate relief by all means at its disposal," it said. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called the move against Netanyahu and Gallant "absurd" in a post on X, saying it was an attack of Israel's right to self-defense. "A dark moment for the ICC in The Hague, in which it lost all legitimacy for its existence and activity," Sa'ar said. Tehran has yet to comment publicly on the warrants. Neither the United States nor Israel have recognized the ICC's jurisdiction. A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson said Washington "fundamentally rejects" the issuance of the arrest warrants and "the troubling process errors that led to this decision. Meanwhile, the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a post on X that ICC decisions "are binding on all states party to the Rome Statute, which includes all EU Member States." The court said Israel's acceptance of the court's jurisdiction was not required. However, the court itself has no law enforcement levers to enforce warrants and relies on cooperation from its member states. Russian police have conducted searches at the PERMM Museum of Contemporary Art in the city of Perm, as well as at the home of its current director, in connection with a case against former director Marat Gelman , REN-TV reported, citing anonymous sources. The PERMM Museum announced on social media that it would remain closed until 3 p.m. local time due to "technical reasons." Gelman, a well-known art dealer who currently lives in Montenegro, where he owns an art gallery, was placed on Russia’s federal wanted list in December 2022 under a criminal charge, though details of the accusation remain unclear. In an interview with Current Time, Gelman suggested that the charges might be in connection with him "discrediting" the Russian military, a common pretext used against critics of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Gelman has been a vocal member of the Anti-War Committee and a member of the Permanent Committee of the Free Russia Forum. He has repeatedly expressed his support for Ukraine and his opposition to Russia's war efforts. The raid in Perm is part of a broader pattern of increasing pressure on Gelman. In the past week, he was added to Russia's list of "terrorists and extremists," with a designation indicating an ongoing criminal case against him. Critics argue this move is part of a crackdown on anti-war activists and dissenting voices within and beyond Russia. The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad announced on November 21 that 11 people were arrested after being found responsible for the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Serbia's second-largest city. The huge canopy collapsed on November 1, killing 15 people and seriously injuring another two. The accident occurred after the railway station, built in 1964, had been renovated twice in recent years by a consortium of four companies -- China Railway International and China Communications Construction, France's Egis, and Hungary's Utiber. Among those arrested are former Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic, and the ex-director of Railway Infrastructure, Jelena Tanaskovic. They face charges of committing criminal acts against public security, endangering the public, and irregular construction work, the prosecutor said in a statement, adding that they faced up to 12 years in prison. The arrests came after public protests that turned violent demanded the punishment of those responsible amid accusations of corruption that resulted in substandard renovation work on the railway station. In a message on X, Vesic wrote that he had not been arrested, but had "voluntarily responded to the call of the police officers" and "made himself available to police authorities." Vesic, an official from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, resigned after the accident on November 4 but said he did not accept blame for the accident. Tomislav Momirovic, who headed the Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Ministry from 2020 to 2022, submitted his resignation as trade minister on November 20. The same day, Tanaskovic resigned as head of Serbian Railway Infrastructure. Opposition politicians have voiced scepticism about the arrests and demanded that the case be handed over to organized-crime prosecutors. The office of Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has issued a statement condemning the recent extradition from Vietnam to Belarus of Vasil Verameychyk, who fought on the Ukrainian side against invading Russian troops. Verameychyk, who moved to Vietnam after he was denied permission to settle in Lithuania because of he had previously served in the Belarusian Army, was detained in Vietnam earlier this year. Despite international appeals, Vietnamese authorities proceeded with his extradition in late October 2024. Tsikhanouskaya's office described the extradition as a direct consequence of the repressive policies of the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, highlighting the regime's efforts to target opponents beyond its borders. The statement emphasizes the urgent need for stronger international mechanisms to protect human rights, not only for Belarusians fleeing repression but also for those supporting Ukraine in its efforts to repel Russia's ongoing invasion. It calls on the international community to adopt individualized approaches when reviewing cases for international protection, end cooperation with the Belarusian security forces, and suspend bilateral agreements on extradition and legal assistance with Belarus. Additionally, the statement advises Belarusians abroad to remain vigilant against potential actions by Lukashenka's security services. It recommends consulting resources like Pashpart.org to identify countries deemed unsafe for Belarusians at risk of persecution. Russian mathematician and political prisoner Azat Miftakhov has been placed in solitary confinement for seven days. According to a support group for Miftakhov, the decision came after he reported feeling endangered by his current cellmate. In a letter shared by the group, Miftakhov explained that instead of being transferred to another cell, he was put in solitary confinement. It remains unclear whether Miftakhov will be returned to the same cell after completing his time in solitary. His support group says that his cellmate appears to be mentally ill. Miftakhov said that the man had undergone treatment while in pretrial detention but was nonetheless sentenced to more than 10 years in prison and is now being held in a general cell without access to medical care. Miftakhov is currently serving his sentence in a prison in Dimitrovgrad in the Ulyanovsk region. In March 2023, he was sentenced to four years in prison for "justifying terrorism." The charges stemmed from comments Miftakhov allegedly made while serving a previous sentence expressing support for Mikhail Zhlobitsky, who carried out a suicide bombing in 2018 at a Federal Security Service building in Arkhangelsk. Only Zhlobitsky was killed in the bombing. Before this, Miftakhov served five years and nine months on charges of hooliganism for allegedly participating in an attack on a Moscow office of the ruling United Russia party in 2018. He and his supporters have maintained his innocence, stating that he was tortured during the investigation and coerced into signing a confession, which he retracted. In 2019, the Russian human rights organization Memorial recognized Miftakhov as a political prisoner. Vietnam has extradited a Belarusian national who fought as a volunteer in Ukraine on Kyiv's side to Minsk, Belarusian media reported on November 20. The opposition-led Coordination Council said Vasyl Verameychyk, who is a member of the council, was turned over to Belarus on November 14. Verameychyk served in the Belarusian Army for seven years but participated in the 2020 anti-government protests. After the threat of arrest, he fled to Ukraine, where he joined the fighting against Russian forcesand was wounded in April 2022. Nasha Niva news reported Verameychyk moved to Vietnam after he was denied permission to settle in Lithuania because of his former Belarusian Army service. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Belarus Service, click here . European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson told RFE/RL in an interview that she is “optimistic” that Romania and Bulgaria will be fully integrated into the visa-free Schengen travel zone by the end of the year. “Romania and Bulgaria are ready, the Schengen area is ready, so I can’t see any obstacles,” she said. “It’s time to lift internal border controls now.” The interview, conducted on November 19, will be published in full on November 21. In March, both countries joined the Schengen area on a partial basis , allowing visa-free travel for those arriving and departing on flights and by boat to both countries, but not by road. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Romanian Service, click here . Serbian Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic on November 20 became the second government minister to resign following the collapse of a railway station overhang in Novi Sad that killed 15 people on November 1. He didn't mention the tragedy in his resignation statement. Goran Vesic, minister of construction, transport, and infrastructure, resigned on November 5, saying he was quitting for "moral" reasons, without admitting any guilt. Protests have been held in Novi Sad and Belgrade demanding those responsible for the collapse be held to account. The railway station was built in 1964 but recently underwent a renovation. Serbian Railways insisted that work didn’t include the concrete overhang, but some experts disputed that. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Balkan Service, click here . A Ukrainian court has sentenced prominent Russian actor Vladimir Mashkov in absentia to 10 years in prison, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Mashkov was found guilty of undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity and promoting war propaganda. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of Mashkov’s apartment in Odesa, reportedly gifted to him by fans for his role in the TV series Liquidation, which is set in post-war Odesa. The SBU highlighted Mashkov’s participation in pro-Kremlin events, including “concert rallies” advocating aggression against Ukraine, some of which took place in Russian-occupied territories. Mashkov was a trusted ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and served as a senior member of Putin’s election campaign team this year. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . The United States, Germany, and the Netherland -- three key Ukrainian allies -- on November 20 provided details of additional aid to Kyiv as it battles against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which passed the 1,000-day mark this week. The Dutch Defense Ministry said the Netherlands had turned over the final two of 18 promised U.S.-made F-16 fighter warplanes to a Romania training base, where Ukrainian pilots and staff are being taught to fly and maintain the jets. The Netherlands has been one of the main players in a coalition of Western partners to supply Ukraine with the sophisticated F-16s to strengthen its defenses against destructive Russian attacks on military and civilian sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the past hailed the delivery of the warplanes as he pressed allies to step up aid to his country’s stretched military. Separately, the U.S. Defense Department announced an additional security assistance package worth $275 million under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) program. It said the package will provide Ukraine with “additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including munitions for rocket systems and artillery and anti-tank weapons.” “The United States will continue to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to meet Ukraine's urgently needed battlefield requirements and defend against Russian aggression ,” it said. President Joe Biden is scrambling to provide Ukraine with assistance in the face of increased Russian military activity ahead of the return to the White House on January 20 of Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to the massive aid packages of the current administration. The U.S. statement said the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with $61.3 billion in security assistance, including $60.7 billion since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Germany government said it had sent a package of military aid to Ukraine, including armored vehicles, artillery, and drones. Four Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers and seven M109 howitzers were included, along with 41,000 rounds of 155-mm artillery shells. The German government noted that its military assistance is delivered in two different manners -- through federal government funds that are used to finance deliveries of military hardware from industry and, separately, from deliveries taken out of current armed forces stocks. Berlin is the second-largest foreign supplier of military aid to Ukraine since February 2022, behind only the United States. Germany in total has provided 28 billion euros ($29.5 billion) to Kyiv. Meanwhile, multiple media reports have stated the United States has given Ukraine permission to launch long-range ATACMS cruise missiles deeper inside Russia, while unconfirmed reports on November 20 said Kyiv had fired British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory for the first time. Kyiv, Washington, and London have not denied the reports but also have not officially confirmed them. Permission for such strikes had been denied in the past by Western allies amid fears of provoking a wider war. Following the ATACMS and Storm Shadow reports, Ukraine has criticized Germany for refusing to provide its down long-range weapons, the Taurus cruise missile. An Almaty court has found RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, known locally as Radio Azattyq , guilty of disseminating false information, and the court imposed a fine of 184,000 tenges ($371), it said on November 20. The case originated from a complaint filed on November 13 by Shymkent resident Alisher Turabaev. Turabaev alleged that a Kazakh-language video published on Radio Azattyq’s portal on September 13 falsely stated that a prosecutor had requested an eight-year prison sentence for journalist Daniyar Adilbekov on September 12. Turabaev pointed out that court proceedings did not reach this stage until October 16, making the prosecutor’s request impossible at the time. Radio Azattyq acknowledged the error was due to a translation mistake when adapting content from a Russian-language publication. The original Russian report stated that Adilbekov faced "up to eight years in prison" for charges of defamation based on a Telegram post. However, during translation into Kazakh, the phrase was inaccurately rendered as stating that the prosecutor had already "requested eight years." Radio Azattyq expressed readiness to correct the mistake. This marks the second time Radio Azattyq has been fined under Article 456-2 of Kazakhstan’s Administrative Offenses Code. In October 2023, Turabaev successfully filed another complaint against Radio Azattyq, alleging the phrase "Russian-led CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization)” on its Russian-language site was false information. The court fined Radio Azattyq 103,500 tenge ($220) in that case. Details of Turabaev's motives in filing the accusations are unknown. Some people have speculated that he has taken the action on the orders of the authorities. The Dissemination of False Information article was added to Kazakhstan’s Administrative Offenses Code in September 2023 and has been widely criticized by human rights organizations as a tool to restrict freedom of speech. The law does not require proof of intent to spread falsehoods, nor does it provide opportunities for corrections or warnings. It also does not require the existence of a victim. Critics have likened the law to Russia’s legislation against "fake news," warning it is being used to silence journalists, activists, and bloggers. Radio Azattyq’s challenges extend beyond legal battles. On January 3, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry denied or refused to renew accreditation for 36 of its employees, citing violations of the Dissemination of False Information law. This dispute was later resolved through mediation. The growing use of Article 456-2 to penalize media and activists has raised concerns about press freedom and the shrinking space for dissent in Kazakhstan. Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the authoritarian ruler of Belarus, has pardoned an additional 32 political prisoners, according to reports from the pro-government Pul Pervogo Telegram channel, although an estimated 1,300 opposition activists remain behind bars in the country. The identities of those pardoned were not disclosed, but the report said they had all been convicted of extremism, a charge widely used against political activists. The report further identified the pardoned individuals as 24 men and eight women, with nine of them above the age of 50. The pardons released the individuals from serving their full sentences but did not remove their criminal records. Their behavior will continue to be monitored by the Interior Ministry after their release, the report said. This marks the sixth instance of political prisoner pardons in Belarus this year, bringing the total number of individuals set free to 178. Earlier this month , 31 political prisoners were pardoned. In July, the government pardoned 18 people, including Ryhor Kastusyou , the former leader of the opposition Belarusian Popular Front party who had been serving a 10-year sentence and is reportedly in poor health. Additional pardons followed in August (30 individuals), early September (30), and mid-September (37). In mid-November, prominent opposition figure Maryya Kalesnikava , who is serving an 11-year sentence on charges of conspiring to seize power, met with her father for the first time in 21 months. A month earlier, Lukashenka had suggested he might consider pardoning Kalesnikava if she submitted a formal request. However, it remains unclear whether she has accepted the offer. Kalesnikava has previously refused to request a pardon, maintaining her innocence and rejecting the legitimacy of the charges against her. The latest pardons come in the context of a harsh crackdown on dissent following the mass protests in Belarus in 2020, sparked by contested presidential election results. Lukashenka responded to the demonstrations with widespread repression, forcing at least 13,000 people into exile. According to human rights organizations, approximately 1,300 political prisoners remain in Belarusian jails, including politicians, journalists, human rights advocates, and civic activists. Belarus has scheduled its next presidential election for January 2025, with Lukashenka widely expected to be declared the winner. PRISTINA -- European soccer's governing body ordered Kosovo to forfeit its November 15 Nations League match in Bucharest that was abandoned after Kosovar players left the field complaining of "racist" abuse. UEFA on November 20 ruled Kosovo was responsible for the match not being completed. It fined the Kosovo soccer federation 6,000 euros ($6,300). The Romanian federation was also punished for the behavior of Romanian fans. It was ordered to play its first World Cup qualifying home game next year in an empty stadium and was fined 128,000 euros ($136,000) for a variety of offenses, including what UEFA called "the racist and/or discriminatory behavior” of its supporters and "provocative political messages not fit for a sports event." The federation was also fined for its supporters' throwing objects, lighting fireworks, and causing disturbances during national anthems, among other issues, UEFA said . Kosovo’s soccer federation said the fines against the Romanian federation was confirmation of the "validity" of the Kosovo national team's decision to abandon the match. "This decision fully justifies our actions, and we are proud that our national team correctly assessed the situation when it decided to leave the field in protest against these racist chants, provocative political messages, and other discriminatory behaviors," it said of the ruling, which officially meant a 3-0 victory for Romania. It added, however, that it disagreed with the decision that Kosovo should lose points in the league table, indicating it will appeal the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. DigiSport in Romania reported that the Romanian Soccer Federation will await further details from UEFA before deciding on its next actions. The GSP sports site, meanwhile, quoted Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu as welcoming the ruling granting his team the victory, but he said he was stunned by the fines. "Us? Fined? Such a large amount? It's absurd," he was quoted as saying. Kosovo national team manager Bajram Shala had said the decision to abandon the match was made by the Kosovar federation, coach Franco Foda, and the players after "racist calls" against their country. The captain of the Kosovo team, Amir Rrahmani, said Romanian fans chanted, "Serbia, Serbia," and "Kosovo is Serbia," and that he had informed Danish referee Morten Krogh "at least three times" that his team would leave the field. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has been recognized by more than 100 countries, but not Romania and other four EU states -- Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and Slovakia. After Kosovar players departed, the Romanian team remained on the pitch for about an hour before the referee decided to abandon the game after the Kosovo's team refused to return. DigiSport quoted Romanian team captain Nicolae Stanciu as expressing puzzlement that his team continues to play Kosovo, even though the Romanian state does not recognize its independence. "If we as a state do not recognize [Kosovo] and considering what happened in past matches, why do we continue to play against them?" The Danish Defense Command said it is "present" in the area near the Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3, which is anchored off the coast of Denmark and suspected of being involved in recent damage to fiber-optic communications cables in the Baltic Sea. Suspicions have been growing in Western capitals that damage to two key Baltic Sea cables was likely the result of deliberate actions. The Chinese ship, reportedly captained by a Russian naval officer, was sailing from the Russian port of Ust-Luga. It is suspected of having traveled over the area in the Baltic Sea where the cables connecting Sweden and Lithuania are located. European governments and Washington have not tied Moscow directly to the damage, but they have accused Russia of orchestrating "hybrid attacks" on Western infrastructure to punish European countries for their assistance and support for Ukraine's military as it tries to repel invading Russian forces. Some analysts say the ship may have damaged the cables when dragging its anchor. "The Danish Defense can confirm that we are present in the area near the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3. The Danish Defense currently has no further comments," the Danish Defense Command said in a post on X on November 20. Ukraine's allies pointed to past incidents of alleged sabotage by Moscow, especially following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has hit the 1,000-day mark this week amid devastating losses on both sides. Authorities in states bordering the Baltic Sea are investigating the cutting of the cables -- the second connects Finland to Germany -- following similar suspicious occurrences in the sea in recent years. A year ago, Finland said it couldn't exclude that a "state actor" was responsible for damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline and a telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea. The pipeline was damaged by an anchor dropped from the deck of the Chinese container ship Newnew Polar Bear. The ship was not detained and sailed away. Moscow has said such allegations are being fabricated by the West to discredit Russia. Chinese officials have not commented on the situation surrounding the Yi Peng 3. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on November 20 that its officers had detained a German citizen on suspicion of involvement in a March explosion that damaged a gas pipeline at a distribution center in Kaliningrad, the capital of Russia's western exclave of the same name. According to the FSB, Nikolaj Gajduk was detained after investigators found 0.5 liters of an unspecified "explosive substance" in his car while he was entering Kaliningrad from Poland. The statement also said that Gajduk had planned to conduct "sabotage acts" at energy facilities in the region, adding that the plan had been "masterminded" by a Ukrainian citizen residing in Germany. Gajduk was charged with terrorism and smuggling explosive substances. The Agentstvo Telegram channel said that Gajduk is a 57-year-old native of Ukraine. German authorities are yet to comment on the situation. T o read the original report by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . Iranian authorities are using executions as "a tool of fear," particularly directed at ethnic minorities, dissidents, and foreign nationals, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on November 20. The rights watchdog highlighted a recent surge in capital punishment sentences against these groups, noting that the verdicts are handed down amid rampant violations of due process. According to Iran Human Rights group, in the first 10 months of this year, at least 651 people were executed in Iran -- 166 people in October alone. HRW noted the case of Kurdish political prisoner Varisheh Moradi, sentenced to death by Iran’s revolutionary court in Tehran on November 10 on the charge of “armed rebellion against the state." Moradi, a member of the Free Women’s Society of Eastern Kurdistan, was arrested in the city of Sanandaj in Kurdistan Province in August last year and kept for five months in solitary confinement in the infamous Evin prison where she was tortured. Her family has not been allowed to visit her since May, the group said. Moradi was not allowed to defend herself, and the judge did not permit her lawyers to present a defense, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported. “Iranian authorities use the death penalty as a tool of fear, particularly targeting ethnic minorities and political dissidents after unfair trials,” said HRW's Nahid Naghshbandi. “This brutal tactic aims to suppress any opposition to an autocratic government through intimidation,” she said. Five other Kurdish men were sentenced to death in recent weeks on charges of “espionage for Israel," HRW said. Four Arab prisoners from Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, are at risk of imminent execution, after being sentenced to death by a revolutionary court with two other individuals for their alleged involvement in the killings of two Basij members, a law enforcement officer, and a soldier. The four -- Ali Majdam, Moein Khonafri, Mohammadreza Moghadam, and Adnan Gheibshavi (Musavi) -- were arrested in 2017 and 2018, according to human rights groups. Afghan citizens in Iran have been targeted, in particular, by death sentences, HRW noted, adding that according to human rights groups, at least 49 Afghan nationals have been executed in Iran this year, 13 in the past month alone. “Iran’s revolutionary courts are a tool of systematic repression that violate citizens’ fundamental rights and hand out death sentences indiscriminately, leaving legal protections meaningless,” Naghshbandi said. “The international community should categorically condemn this alarming trend and pressure Iranian authorities to halt these executions,” she added. Mai Sato, the United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, has also voiced concern about the "alarming" increase in the number of executions. "In August 2024 alone, at least 93 people were executed, with nearly half in relation to drug offences," Sato said on November 1. At least 11 members of Pakistan's security forces were killed and at least four others were wounded in a car-bombing and shooting attack, the country's military said in a statement. The attack occurred late on November 19 in Bannu, a district in the restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, the statement said. Residents told RFE/RL that the sound of gunfire could be heard until late at night. A splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying that 23 members of the Pakistani security forces had been killed, a toll that could not be independently verified. The attack occurred as Pakistan's political and military leadership was meeting in Islamabad to discuss ways to tackle the current surge in militant violence. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, click here . TBILISI -- Hundreds of Georgian police have forced demonstrators for a second night in a row out of the area near Tbilisi State University where they were protesting the results of last month's parliamentary elections and calling for a repeat of the vote. Unlike the previous day , there were no clashes early on November 20 as protesters retreated from the advancing police forces and left the university area, moving to the nearby Melikishvili Avenue in downtown Tbilisi. The protest leaders then announced that they were temporarily suspending their action in order to come up with a new plan. "We have to somehow replan and think about something different, not the same as what we have been doing here," Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change movement, told the demonstrators. On November 19, Georgian police violently dispersed the days-long protest at the university, detaining at least 16 people and taking down the tents where demonstrators had taken shelter from the cold during the night. The Interior Ministry told RFE/RL that the 16 people detained were held for alleged disobedience to the lawful demands of the police and petty hooliganism. Three of them were released on their own recognizance. Tbilisi has been rocked by protests since the elections, with opposition leaders demanding a repeat of parliamentary elections amid claims of widespread fraud and Russian influence during the October 26 polls that were won by the Georgian Dream party, which has been in power since 2012. The latest protests broke out after Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) on November 16 validated the results of last month's disputed elections, despite accusations of widespread fraud and Russian interference. According to the official results, Georgian Dream won 53.93 percent of the vote against 37.79 percent garnered by an opposition alliance. The office of pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili -- who backs the protesters and has refused to recognize the October 26 vote -- said she filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court on November 19, "requesting annulment of the election results as unconstitutional,” although she acknowledged little hope of success. "This is not because I believe in the Constitutional Court -- we all know that no institution in this country is independent any longer and we have received evidence of this repeatedly. Georgia's pro-European opposition has boycotted the new parliament, renouncing its mandates from the October 26 vote, alleging widespread fraud and Russian interference. EU and other Western officials have expressed serious doubts about the elections and perceived irregularities. Georgia has been a candidate for EU membership since last year, but a "foreign influence" law and anti-LGBT measures have stalled that effort. On November 20, the EU Delegation to Georgia issued a statement voicing support for young people who are fighting to protect the country's European values . "Here in Georgia, youth is safeguarding their rights, freedoms and the country's EU future. We stand firmly by them and stress the need to respect their fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly," the EU Delegation said in a message on X on the occasion of "World Children's Day." The United States in July announced that it would pause more than $95 million in assistance to the Georgian government, warning it that it was backsliding on democracy. Dilmurod Ergashev, a Tajik opposition activist who was deported from Germany despite significant concerns about the risk of his detention and torture upon returning to Tajikistan, has been jailed for two months, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on November 20, calling on Berlin to press for his release. An administrative court in Germany ordered Ergashev's deportation on October 28. The 40-year-old is a prominent member of Group 24, an opposition movement that is banned in Tajikistan, and part of the Reforms and Development of Tajikistan movement established by exiled dissidents. His activism has included participating in demonstrations in Berlin, notably during a protest against Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's visit to Germany in September 2023. "Germany should urgently press Tajikistani authorities to release Ergashev or make clear the legal grounds and evidence justifying his detention and ensure that his due process rights are fully respected," HRW said in a statement . "This includes access to appropriate and quality medical care and ensuring that he is not mistreated. Ergashev was deported after a German court dismissed concerns, that he and human rights groups had raised, that he would be detained on arrival in Tajikistan," it said. Ergashev has been in Germany since February 2011 and first applied for asylum on political grounds that same year. Despite several applications, his asylum requests have been consistently rejected. According to his lawyer, German immigration authorities have expressed doubts about the sincerity of Ergashev's commitment to opposition causes. On November 6, The Insider investigative group reported that Ergashev had attempted to commit suicide before being deported from Germany to Tajikistan, citing self-exiled Tajik opposition activist Sharofiddin Gadoev. Germany has faced criticism for similar actions in the past. In 2023, two Tajik dissidents, Abdullohi Shamsiddin and Bilol Qurbonaliev, were deported to Tajikistan, where they were immediately detained and later sentenced to lengthy prison terms on dubious charges related to attempts to overthrow the constitutional order. Reports indicate that Shamsiddin has faced mistreatment while incarcerated. The Tajik government is known for its systematic persecution of opposition members, especially those affiliated with banned groups like Group 24. A recent report by HRW highlighted Tajikistan as a country of major concern regarding transnational repression, noting that the government actively targets critics abroad on charges of extremism and terrorism, leading to severe penalties and mistreatment upon forced return. Given Ergashev's documented activism and participation in protests, he is seen as a clear target for persecution by the Tajik authorities. KYIV -- The White House said it will provide Ukraine with antipersonnel mines to help it fend off Russia’s battlefield advances , despite widespread opposition to such weapons by international rights groups and following heavy usage of similar devices by Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was quoted on November 20 by news agencies as saying during a visit to Laos that the decision to provide the controversial mines was made because of a change in Russian tactics. "They don't lead with their mechanized forces anymore," he said "They lead with dismounted forces who are able to close and do things to kind of pave the way for mechanized forces." Ukraine has a need "for things that can help slow down that effort on the part of the Russians," he added. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Russia had used at least 13 types of antipersonnel mines in Ukraine since February 2022. "Russia has used anti-personnel land mines widely in Ukraine...causing hundreds of casualties and contaminating vast tracts of agricultural land," it said. Rights and humanitarian groups have long criticized the use of antipersonnel mines, saying they pose a danger to civilians. In a statement following the U.S. announcement, HRW said the "decision to transfer antipersonnel land mines risks civilian lives and sets back international efforts to eradicate these indiscriminate weapons.” More than 160 countries have agreed to ban the use of antipersonnel mines, although the United States and Russia are not signatories to the convention . Ukraine ratified the convention in December 2005. When asked in the past about possible use of such mines, Ukraine said it could not comment on the types of weapons utilized during the current armed conflict "before the end of the war and the restoration of our sovereignty and territorial integrity." Antipersonnel mines are hidden in the ground and are designed to detonate when enemy troops walk on or near them. Some reports have said the mines being provided by Washington are "nonpersisent," meaning that after a set period of time they no longer are operational and are rendered harmless. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the decision on the mines, calling them "very important" weapons in the effort to blunt Russian assaults and saying the move would "totally strengthen" Ukraine's frontline troops. Meanwhile, U.S. officials said Washington's embassy in Kyiv will likely resume normal operations on November 21 after having closed earlier on November 20 when it received "specific information" about "a potential significant air strike." Late in the day, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told a briefing that "I can't go into the details of the threat, but we're always keeping a close eye on it. “The embassy is expected to return to normal operations tomorrow," he added. In closing, the embassy urged employees and U.S. citizens in the Ukrainian capital to take immediate shelter if an air-raid alert was announced. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place," it said in a statement, without giving any details about the possible strike. The embassies of Italy, Greece, and Spain said they had also shut their operations following the unusual U.S. warning. Spain later said it reopened its facility after a temporarily closing. The Ukrainian military suggested the information the U.S. Embassy was referring to was "fake." "Messengers and social networks...are spreading a message about the threat of a 'particularly massive' missile and bomb attack on Ukrainian cities today." "This message is a fake. It contains grammatical errors typical of Russian information and psychological operations,” it added. It urged residents not to ignore air-raid sirens but also "not to succumb to panic." An air-raid alert was issued for several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, early on November 20 due to the imminence of Russian drone strikes. The U.S. warning came one day after Moscow said Ukraine had used U.S.-made long-range missile systems to strike a weapons depot in Russia's Bryansk region following U.S. President Joe Biden's reported authorization of their use. The White House has not officially confirmed the decision. In another move by the current U.S. administration aimed at aiding Ukraine, Biden has informed Congress that he intends to cancel $4.65 billion in loans to Ukraine, a State Department spokesman said. Zelenskiy did not confirm or deny the use of ATACMS in the attack on Bryansk, saying during a news conference that "Ukraine has long-range capabilities.... We now have a long 'Neptune' (Ukrainian-made cruise missiles) and not just one. And now we have ATACMS. And we will use all of this." On November 20, Ukraine's military intelligence agency said a Russian military command post had been "successfully struck" in the town of Gubkin in Russia's Belgorod region, some 168 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. It did not say what kind of missiles had been used in the attack. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reported the Ukrainian military had also fired a British-supplied Storm Shadow into Russia for the first time, citing an unnamed Western official. Separately, the Ukrainian Air Force said Russian troops attacked Ukraine early on November 20 with 122 drones, 56 of which were shot down over 14 regions -- Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskiy, Sumy, Mykolayiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kharkiv. The mayor of Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa, Hennadiy Trukhanov, said the death toll after a Russian strike on the city on November 18 had risen to 11.

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean law enforcement officials on Monday requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree on Dec. 3 amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant from the Seoul Western District Court. They plan to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. The warrant request came after Yoon dodged several requests by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors to appear for questioning and also blocked searches of his offices. While Yoon has the presidential privilege of immunity from criminal prosecution, such protections don’t extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. It’s not clear whether the court will grant the warrant or whether Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning. Under the country’s laws, locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge, and it’s unlikely that Yoon will voluntarily leave his residence if he faces detention. There are also concerns about possible clashes with Yoon’s presidential security service if authorities attempt to forcibly detain him. Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14 over his imposition of martial law, which lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets. Yoon’s fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. The National Assembly voted last week to also impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the court’s review of Yoon’s case. The country’s new interim leader is Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also finance minister. To formally end Yoon’s presidency, at least six justices on the nine-member Constitutional Court must vote in favor. Three seats are currently vacant following retirements and a full bench could make conviction more likely. Choi, who has been handling the government’s response to a plane crash on Sunday that killed 179 people, has yet to say whether he intends to appoint the Constitutional Court justices. In a separate criminal investigation of Yoon, authorities have already arrested his defense minister, police chief and several other military commanders involved in the attempt to enforce the martial law decree, which harkened back to the days of authoritarian leaders the country hasn’t seen since the 1980s. Yoon and his military leadership have been accused of attempting to block the National Assembly from voting to end martial law by sending hundreds of heavily armed troops to encircle the building. Lawmakers who managed to get in voted unanimously 190-0 to lift martial law, hours after Yoon declared it in a late-night television address. Yoon has also been accused of ordering defense counterintelligence officials to detain key politicians, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik and the ex-leader of his own conservative party, Han Dong-hun, a reformist who supported investigations into corruption allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee. Yoon has defended the martial law decree as a necessary act of governance, portraying it as a temporary warning against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which he has described as an “anti-state” force obstructing his agenda with its majority in the National Assembly. Yoon has claimed he had no intention to paralyze the functioning of the assembly, saying that the troops were sent to maintain order, and also denied planning to arrest politicians. Yoon’s claims have been denied by Kwak Jong-keun, the now-arrested commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, who testified in the National Assembly that Yoon called for troops to “quickly destroy the door and drag out the lawmakers who are inside” the assembly’s main chamber where the vote occurred. Kwak said he did not carry out Yoon’s orders. The joint investigation team has also questioned Maj. Gen. Moon Sang-ho, commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, who has also been arrested over suspicions that he sent troops to the National Election Commission in Gwacheon city after Yoon declared martial law. Yoon has defended the troop deployment to the election commission, which happened at the same time as the military operation at the National Assembly, saying it was necessary to investigate supposed vulnerabilities in the commission’s computer systems potentially affecting the credibility of election results. Yoon’s failure to offer any evidence in support of his claims has raised concerns that he was endorsing conspiracy theories on right-wing YouTube channels that April’s parliamentary elections were rigged. The Democratic Party won those elections by a landslide. The election commission rejected Yoon’s allegations, stating there was no basis to suspect election fraud.We have reached the final week of the high school football season and eight teams will be bringing home state championship trophies this weekend from Normal. In the Southland, we are down to a terrific trio of title contenders. Mount Carmel in Class 7A, Joliet Catholic in 5A and Chicago Christian in 2A will have the pleasure of practicing before and after their Thanksgiving turkeys. So, how did we get here and what’s going to happen this weekend? Also, how did last weekend’s results awaken one of the state’s age-old debates, which may be heard louder than ever this week? Let’s take a look. I’ll start with the game I was at, where Mount Carmel delivered perhaps the best half of football I’ve ever seen a team play against a formidable opponent. The Caravan got the ball six times in the first half against one of the best defenses in the state. The result? Six touchdowns. Senior quarterback Jack Elliott was simply special, throwing five TD passes to four different receivers and using his legs in a way we haven’t seen since he suffered a midseason injury. Vanderbilt hit the lottery here. Mount Carmel’s Madden Wilson (25) runs the ball against St. Rita during a Class 7A state semifinal game in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown) The oft-questioned Mount Carmel defense was pretty darn good, too. St. Rita hit a couple of long runs in the first half, but the Caravan rose up for a pair of fourth-down stops on their side of the field that sent the game barreling toward a rout. Down in Joliet, the Hilltoppers kept rolling with a 42-7 trouncing of Morris. Joliet Catholic has outscored its four playoff opponents 192-21. It’s fair to say the path to the title game has been a relatively tame one, but there’s no questioning how impressive the Hilltoppers have been. Everything is clicking, from an unstoppable run game led by senior Larry Stringham to dominant line play on both sides and an opportunistic defense, where Zachary Beitler and Mikey Brow have made big plays. Of course, my favorite story is Chicago Christian. The Knights will play in a state championship game for the first time after getting the job done on another long road trip, taking down previously unbeaten Farmington 34-20. Senior running back Kenny Jager was the man in this one, going for 223 yards and three TDs on 36 carries. Seniors Niko Griggs and Brock Sperling led the defense. Elsewhere, we lost a state championship favorite when Lincoln-Way East fell to Loyola yet again. However, I still think there are multiple titles coming back to the area. Stay tuned. Joliet Catholic’s Larry Stringham (24) leaps over a would-be Morris tackler in a Class 5A state semifinal game at Memorial Stadium in Joliet on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) Let’s get into what surely will be the most controversial topic of the week. There are eight private schools playing in state championship games, spread over seven classes. That’s a record. I’ve long been quick to shut down any suggestions that Illinois split public and private schools into different classes the way many other states do. I still don’t want to see that, but it’s getting harder to brush aside that conversation. Private schools make up less than 10% of the football teams in the state, but 50% of the championship teams. And, trust me, I’m not trying to take anything away from any of those eight teams who certainly earned their place to play at Hancock Stadium. But some things can be done to even the playing field and help quiet the push for the separation of privates and publics that most fans don’t want to see. To prevent drastic measures, how about taking some simple steps? First off, let’s make the multiplier waiver harder to attain or perhaps get rid of it entirely. Montini should never be playing in Class 3A. And I’ll say the same for when local schools Joliet Catholic, Providence and St. Laurence played in 4A. Never should have happened. Do I want to see classic battles like Lincoln-Way East and Loyola for years to come? Absolutely. But I’m also not going to just tell disadvantaged public schools to “shut up and get better.” Let’s make small fixes to prevent a drastic change. Chicago Christian’s Christian Flutman (6) prepares for the snap against Bismark-Henning-Rossville-Alvin in a Class 2A state quarterfinal game in Palos Heights on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (Vincent Alban / Daily Southtown) Mount Carmel plays Batavia in the 7A championship game, and all due respect to the Bulldogs, who just find a way to win. But I don’t see another Batavia comeback happening. Count on a three-peat for the Caravan. Nazareth is also going for a three-peat and the Roadrunners are certainly the favorite against Joliet Catholic. But I’ve got a feeling about this one. The Hilltoppers are ready to turn the tide and finally get by their nemesis. So, will it be a Southland sweep? Chicago Christian certainly can win the 2A title. The Knights are good enough, and what a fairy-tale ending it would be. I just think, after losing four state championship games in the last decade, it’s Maroa-Forsyth’s time. Prove me wrong, Knights.Stars score 5 straight goals to finish off Blackhawks

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Monday he will restore the critical positions in the Chicago police department responsible for enforcing the department’s federal consent decree after weeks of backlash that cutting those roles would endanger reform efforts. The mayor’s office released a statement that he would introduce a budget amendment adding back the 162 vacancies he slashed in his 2025 budget that center on roles across the offices of constitutional policing, community policing and more. It’s the latest instance of the mayor reversing course on a controversial provision in next year’s budget, which faces a $1 billion hole, including backing down on an original proposal for a $300 million property tax hike. “My administration is taking significant steps forward to fully support the implementation of CPD’s consent decree reforms and ensure effective constitutional policing,” Johnson wrote in the statement. “The investments we are making in our balanced budget reflect our commitment to improving community policing and a better, stronger, safer Chicago. We see progress in key areas. As I have always said, we have a commitment to reform, and we will continue to make the investments to fund our obligations under the consent decree.” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul had warned Johnson that the mayor’s move to slash those roles would risk the city “being held in contempt of court for failing to comply” with the order, according to a copy of the letter that was obtained by a Freedom of Information Act request this month. That same day, Maggie Hickey, the independent monitor for assessing the city’s compliance with the consent decree, warned slashing those positions would be a “devastating blow” to CPD reform. The Johnson administration in the same mayoral release on Monday quoted the attorney general as saying, “I appreciate that the concerns that I expressed regarding the proposed cuts to CPD’s budget were heard and addressed, and I am encouraged by the positive conversations I had with the corporation counsel.” Even Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling previously suggested he had fought against the cuts, and that he did not “want to break that momentum and I want to make sure that we keep going in the right direction” toward consent decree compliance. In the Monday mayor statement Snelling said reversing those cuts would “continue the progress the Department has made.” The Chicago Police Department has thus far made sluggish progress in complying with the binding court order that came about more than five years ago following the Chicago police murder of Laquan McDonald. Hickey’s latest report covering the first half of 2024 found the city is at full compliance with just 9% of its requirements, up from 7% in the previous monitoring period. Secondary compliance — which means cops have been trained on the policies — was at 37% of monitorable provisions in the same period, up from 35% compared to the last report. Johnson ran for mayor in 2023 on a platform of police reform, but a nearly $1 billion fiscal gap in his second budget season has put him in a tough spot with how to make up the deficit without angering the various factions of City Council who are more and more fed up with his rocky tenure thus far. Johnson’s statement on Monday did not immediately elaborate on what the 162 positions all were or how much restoring them will deepen the budget crisis. His $2.1 billion Chicago police budget plan for next year cut 456 vacant positions, including 358 civilian positions. Many were dedicated to reform efforts. The proposal slashed staffing for the Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform by 57%, from 65 to 28. Established by interim CPD Superintendent Charlie Beck in 2020, the office was meant to combine all of the functions tied to consent decree efforts under one office, including training, professional counseling and reform management. CPD’s training division, which trains new recruits for service and current employees for promotions, would shrink by some 27% under Johnson’s proposal, taking it to 237 employees. The professional counseling division that provides mental health care and other assessments for CPD employees would drop by about the same percentage, from 35 to 25 employees. The reform management group responsible for tracking reform efforts consistent with the consent decree would shrink from 19 to 17. The Office of Community Policing would see its staffing dip from 141 down to 55 employees, a decrease of 61%, under Johnson’s proposal. That office coordinates with other city departments to “create a more cohesive partnership” between CPD and the neighborhoods they serve, according to the department’s 2023 annual report. Aside from Raoul and Hickey, several aldermen and outside groups expressed serious concerns about the impact the cuts would have on CPD’s reform efforts and its bottom line, arguing the civilian consent decree employees are often paid less than sworn officers and that their work would help the department lessen police misconduct cases that end up costing the city millions of dollars annually. The most recent warning came Monday morning from one of the city’s own oversight agencies, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, which urged the council to reverse course. While acknowledging the city’s “severe budget challenges,” CCPSA President Anthony Driver noted in the commission’s annual budget analysis that slowed reform efforts “means more suffering and higher costs. Just as the City has not proposed cutting staff that generate revenue, the City should not cut staff whose work is essential to improve police practices, reduce harm, and reduce the costs associated with bad or unconstitutional policing.” Most of the cuts in the budget came from the “transformational” civilian positions the department added just last year to help with investigations, training, services for crime victims, and analyzing data and developing policies. Of the 456 vacant positions that were eliminated, 358 were civilian ones. Cuts to the constitutional policing or training offices, CCPSA warned, would undercut efforts to reduce harm to civilians and reduce lawsuits. “In the long run, the proposed cuts may cost much more than they save,” the report concluded. The consent decree roles have hardly been the only aspect of the mayor’s $17.3 billion spending plan that has drawn complaints. His proposed $300 million property tax hike was resoundingly shot down 50-0 this month, and a proposed 35% hike on the city alcohol liquor tax has drawn similar enmity. The Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and Sam Charles contributed.‘For the very first time I really enjoyed sex!’ How lesbian escort agencies became a form of self-care in JapanTo promote world peace, stability, and common progress of humanity

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More sports betting Monday Night Football tonight: New FanDuel promo code provides upgraded $150 betting bonus Monday Night Football tonight: New Bet365 bonus code “SYRACUSE” unlocks upgraded $150 betting bonus Caesars Sportsbook announces special deal ahead of Black Friday: New promo code “ALMEDIADYW” doubles your winnings on your next 10 bets New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets prediction, odds, best bets for NBA today Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Chargers prediction, odds, best bets for Monday Night Football If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.Nigeria loses $1.1bn annually to malaria, says minister

Traders working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, during morning trading on Nov 26, 2024 in New York City. NEW YORK - Wall Street stocks powered to fresh records Nov 26, shrugging off a threat from President-elect Donald Trump to enact new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up 0.3 per cent at 44,860.31, its third straight closing record. The broad-based S&P 500 rose 0.6 per cent to 6,021.63, also a record, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index gained 0.6 per cent to 19,174.30. Trump, who doesn’t take office until Jan 20, made his threat in social media posts Nov 25 night, announcing huge import tariffs against neighbours Canada and Mexico and also rival China if they do not stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the United States. Investors view Trump’s inclination towards trade protectionism as a headwind to economic growth and higher equity prices. But Tuesday’s response suggests the market views the warning as a bargaining chip. “In theory, higher tariffs should not be good news for stocks. But, you know, I think the market’s chosen to think of (it) as a negotiating tactic,” said Mr Steve Sosnick, of Interactive Brokers. “You have bullish sentiment,” said LBBW’s Karl Haeling. “People are tending to look at things as positively as possible.” In other economic news, the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 111.7 this month, up from 109.6 in October, boosted by greater optimism surrounding the labour market. Among individual companies, Best Buy tumbled 4.9 per cent as it cut its full-year sales outlook after a big slowdown in sales leading into the presidential election. The electronics retailer said sales have rebounded since the election. Other retailers also fell, including Burlington Stores, down 1.6 per cent; Dick’s Sporting Goods, down 1.4 per cent; and Kohl’s, down 17 per cent. Amgen dropped 4.8 per cent after reporting that trials of its MariTide drug led to weight loss of up to 20 percent after 52 weeks. The drop in shares appeared to show disappointment that the impact was not even greater. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now

Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy met lawmakers to discuss government efficiencyLewandowski joins Ronaldo and Messi in Champions League 100-goal club. Haaland nets 2 but City draws

Smartsheet’s (NYSE:SMAR) Q3 Sales Beat EstimatesQuick Links About Fifth-generation fighters Fifth generation fighters in production and deployment today The Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” Basic specifications for the Su-57 The Chinese J-20 “Mighty Dragon” Basic Specifications for the J-20 The American F-35 Lightning II Basic Specifications for the F-35 The F-35s sensing capabilities Stealth Fifth-generation aircraft competing for supremacy Fifth-generation aircraft represent the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft to be developed and deployed by a national military. Currently, only the US, China and Russia possess fifth-generation fighters deployed within their militaries. This article will explore these fighters a bit of their history and of course their capabilities. I will focus solely on fifth-generation aircraft that are currently in production and are still making their way into their respective militaries. About Fifth-generation fighters Fifth-generation fighter aircraft stand apart from previous generations due to their advanced stealth technology, advanced sensors and their compatibility to operate within a network-centric strategy and force, framework. As such, a fifth-generation fighter's sensors, computing and communication systems will allow it to gather exploit and transfer information at such a high level that it acts as a force multiplier for within its area of operations. The Su-57 program was initiated in 1999... Network-Centric Warfare refers to a military strategy that harnesses advanced information technologies in order to enhance the situational awareness and operational capabilities of a combat force. This mode of warfare integrates various sensors and systems into a cohesive network which facilitates real-time communication and information sharing, ultimately increasing the lethality of the force or joint-force. A look at the military aircraft designed to ensure “operational flexibility” for years to come. Fifth-generation fighters in production and deployment today The Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” The Su-57 is a twin engine multi-role aircraft, it was designed to succeed the Mig-29 and the Su-27. The Su-57 program was initiated in 1999 and, after repeated delays, the first models entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in December 2020. It was expected that the Su-57 would have up to 150 aircraft by 2025; however, approximately 20 aircraft have been built at this point. This aircraft is expected to have a service life of up to 35 years. The Su-57 is reportedly the first Russian aircraft to use stealth technology; it was designed to include a substantial amount of composite materials. This material represents 25% of the structural weight and almost 70% of the outer surface. Additionally, the Su-57 sports internal weapons bays, increasing its stealthy edge. Basic specifications for the Su-57 General Specifications Related Data Range 1,900 nautical miles Ceiling 66,000 ft. Top Speed 1,527 mph Maximum payload 22,046 lbs Details provided by UltimateSpecs While a pre-production prototype, poor workmanship on the Su-57 displayed in China has drawn ridicule. In spite of its advancements, Rand Corporation's analysis of this aircraft’s 360-degree sensor suit states that the system remains incomplete. This is likely the result of international sanctions placed on Russia following its 2014 invasion of Ukraine. The J-20, while highly maneuverable, it is heavier than the F-35 and F-22, yet it possesses stealth characteristics... In addition to this, the Su-57 lacks the sensor fusion of the F-35, which is arguably hard to measure up to, and the radar cross-section of the Su-57 is roughly the same as a fourth-generation fighter despite its improved stealth technology. This makes its radar cross-section 1000 times larger than an F-35. This has led some experts to state that the Su-57 isn’t a true fifth-generation aircraft, but this all depends on who you ask. The Chinese J-20 “Mighty Dragon” The J-20 is China’s answer to US fifth-generation fighter aircraft and is a centerpiece of their military modernization program (combined with their impressive naval advancements). The J-20, developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corp, is a twin-engine, single seat, multi-role jet that had its first flight in 2011. The J-20, while highly maneuverable, is heavier than the F-35 and F-22, yet it possesses stealth characteristics and an internal weapons bay. The J-20 is believed to have advanced avionics and sensors that provide enhanced situational awareness, advanced radar and tracking capability, and integrated electronic warfare systems. Basic Specifications for the J-20 General Specifications Related Data Range 3,418 mi. Ceiling 65,617 ft. Top Speed 1,522 mph Maximum Takeoff Weight 37,000 lbs Details provided by Globalmilitary.net In a war over Taiwan, most US and Japanese F-35s lost will likely be destroyed on the ground by missiles. However, it is difficult to verify the effectiveness of these systems as the J-20s performance capabilities are tightly guarded, and it has not been involved in any combat action to date. In sum the Department of Defense is seeking to procure 2,456 F-35s and US allies are expected to purchase hundreds more. Retired Gen. Hawk Carlisle, president and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association and former commander of Air Combat Command, asserts that the J-20, based solely on the shape of its airframe, would be detected almost immediately by US fifth-generation aircraft. He states: “The J-20, in my estimation, would be dead long before it had the ability to maneuver against either the F-22 or the F-35,” he said. “It’s got enough spikes on it to where the radar returns on it are likely to be much more significant, which means that the F-22 and the F-35 can see it a lot farther away.” Whether or not the J-20 measures up to American fifth-generation aircraft or not, Beijing is doubling down on their continued development, purchase and integration into the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Currently, the PLAAF is operating approximately 195 J-20s, with many more to come. The American F-35 Lightning II The Lockheed Martin F-35 is a strike fighter that first took flight in 2006. It is being produced in three variants: the F-35A for the Air Force, the F35B for the Marine Corps, and the F-35C for the Navy. Desired fleet numbers by branch: Air Force: 1,763 F-35As, conventional takeoff and landing Marine Corps: 353 F-35Bs, short takeoff and vertical landing Navy: 273 F-35Cs, specifically designed to operate from an aircraft carrier Details provided by the Congressional Research Service Basic Specifications for the F-35 General Specifications Related Data Range 1,350+ mi. Ceiling 50,000+ ft. Top Speed 1,200 mph Maximum Takeoff Weight 70,000 lbs Details provided by the USAF In sum, the Department of Defense is seeking to procure 2,456 F-35s and US allies are expected to purchase hundreds more. This will give the US and its allies a common aircraft, common tactical doctrine and a common logistics and spare parts system to support this aircraft, greatly increasing efficiency. With its unique stealthy design, the F-35 has a radar cross-section...roughly the size of a golf ball. The F-35's sensing capabilities The advanced sensors onboard the F-35 enable this aircraft to act as an aerial node for the sensing, processing and sharing of critical, mission sensitive data across the force in a theater of operations. According to Lockheed Martin , the F-35 sensor suite includes the following AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar AN/ASQ-239 Electronic Warfare (EW)/Countermeasures (CM) system AN/AAQ-40 Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical (EO) Distributed Aperture System (DAS) AN/ASQ-242 Communications, Navigation, and Identification (CNI) avionics suite. Once complete, the TR-3 will significantly boost the F-35's computing power, paving the way for more powerful upgrades. These five sensors provide the F-35 with incredible object detection and measurements in the radio frequency and infrared spectrum. This sensing capability allows the F-35 to gather, process, and disseminate more information about the surrounding environment than has ever been available on a fighter aircraft. Stealth The F-35 utilizes smooth, blended surfaces as well as sawtooth edges in addition to sharp internal angles. These features are all designed to minimize radar reflection. Like the previously mentioned aircraft the weapons of the F-35 are stored internally, however it has the ability to mount weapons externally if need be. With its unique stealthy design, the F-35 has a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.0015 square meters, roughly the size of a golf ball. However, this pales in comparison to the F-22, which has an RCS of 0.0001~0.0002 square meters, or the size of a marble. Fifth-generation aircraft competing for supremacy Russia, China and the US all have their own variation of a fifth-generation aircraft, though it can be disputed if the Russian and Chinese aircraft truly constitute this designation, this is still debated. What is not debated is that China and the US have the production capacity and funding to push their respective fifth-generation aircraft into mass-production. Presently, the US has the lead in this regard, the F-35 is already integrated into allied militaries, deployed globally, and the F-35 is combat tested. What is interesting is that the Israel attack on Iran showcased the F-35's capabilities against a foreign state with capable air defenses. Israel entered Iranian airspace, destroyed sites related to their ballistic missile program, and destroyed air defenses and other targets, all without losing a single aircraft to Iran's Russian air defense systems. This could be seen as a green light to demonstrate to China the capabilities of US airpower by proxy, as China's air defenses are primarily copies of Russian systems. So, the Israeli attack could easily be seen as messaging to China. Moving to the J-20, which has yet to see combat and has not been sold to a foreign customer, much about this aircraft is still unknown. Yet, China will produce this aircraft in such great quantities that it will be able to more effectively compete for control of regional airspace with respect to other air forces in the East Asia region. For the foreseeable future, the F-35, F-22 and the J-20 will be competing for dominance in the skies over Asia as well as globally if China can begin exporting the J-20.Rivalry Closes Non-Brokered Private Placement Of Approximately $2.0 Million

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President and the third American leader to visit India — during which a village in Haryana was named Carterpuri in his honour — has died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, the Carter Centre said. Carter died on Sunday, December 29, aged 100. He was the longest-lived President in US history. “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” President Joe Biden said in a statement mourning his loss. Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Rosalynn and one grandchild. “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,” Chip Carter said. In his statement, Biden said over six decades, with his compassion and moral clarity, Carter worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among the people. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Tune in as I deliver remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. https://t.co/uBeA38kmch “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts,” said Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden. President-elect Donald Trump said while he “strongly disagreed” with Carter “philosophically and politically”, he also realised that he truly loved and respected “our country, and all it stands for”. “He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office,” Trump said. Carter was considered a friend of India. He was the first American president to visit India after the removal of emergency and victory of the Janata Party in 1977. In his address to the Indian Parliament, Carter spoke against authoritarian rule. Tonight we will shine in Red White and Blue to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter 📷: captiv_8/IG pic.twitter.com/xIksQuUp68 “India’s difficulties, which we often experience ourselves and which are typical of the problems faced in the developing world, remind us of the tasks that lie ahead. Not the Authoritarian Way,” Carter said on January 2, 1978. “But India’s successes are just as important because they decisively refute the theory that in order to achieve economic and social progress, a developing country must accept an authoritarian or totalitarian government and all the damage to the health of the human spirit which that kind of rule brings with it,” he told members of the Parliament. “Is democracy important? Is human freedom valued by all people?... India has given her affirmative answer in a thunderous voice, a voice heard around the world. Something momentous happened here last March, not because any particular party won or lost but rather, I think, because the largest electorate on earth freely and wisely choose its leaders at the polls. In this sense, democracy itself was the victor,” Carter said. A condolence message from The King to President Biden and the American people following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/EIZqj7MZeb A day later at the signing of the Delhi declaration along with then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Carter said at the heart of the friendship between India and the US is their determination that the moral values of the people must also guide the actions of the states, the governments. “The United States gave the world an illustration of a new form of government, with a new relation between the citizen and the state — a relation in which the state exists to serve the citizen, and not the citizen to serve the state,” he said. “India experimented with creating political unity from overwhelming human diversity, enabling people of different cultures and languages and religions to work together, both in independence and also in freedom. Yours is an experiment whose success the world is celebrating anew,” Carter said in the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. According to the Carter Centre, on January 3, 1978, Carter and then First Lady Rosalynn Carter travelled to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, an hour southwest of New Delhi. He was the third American President to visit India and the only one with a personal connection to the country – his mother, Lillian, had worked there as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps during the late 1960s. Every time Jimmy Carter flew Delta, he shook hands with each person on the plane. Because that's who he was. Someone who treated people as people. pic.twitter.com/mnWiiDwaZ3 “The visit was so successful that shortly after, village residents renamed the area ‘Carterpuri’ and remained in contact with the White House for the rest of President Carter’s tenure. The trip made a lasting impression: Festivities abounded in the village when President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and January 3 remains a holiday in Carterpuri,” the Carter Centre said, adding that the visit laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that has greatly benefited both countries. President Carter understood that shared democratic principles formed a strong foundation for a long, fruitful relationship between the US and India. It is, therefore, no surprise that the two nations grew steadily closer in the decades after he left office, it said. “In fact, since the Carter administration, the US and India have worked closely on energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space cooperation, maritime security, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and more. In the mid-2000s, the United States and India struck a landmark agreement to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation, and bilateral trade has since skyrocketed,” the centre said. “In 2010, the first US-India Strategic Dialogue took place in Washington DC, launching what President Barack Obama called ‘an unprecedented partnership’. The arc of US-India ties from the Carter administration to the Biden administration is one of increasing cooperation in both depth and breadth. There are many areas of mutual interest — particularly trade and defense — where successful collaboration has fostered interdependency between the two countries,” it said. Ronak D Desai, Partner and India Practice Leader at Paul Hastings law firm, said Carter’s presidency marked a pivotal moment in US-India relations. After the strain caused by the Nixon administration’s infamous “tilt” toward Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Carter understood the critical importance of re-engaging with India as a democratic partner in a rapidly evolving global order. His visit to India in 1978 was not merely symbolic but a substantive effort to rebuild trust and establish a framework for dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared values, he said. “While Carter’s presidency was often viewed through the lens of domestic challenges, his contributions to US-India relations were transformative,” Desai said.Waitrose takes drastic measures to protect designer bags for life after resellers flogging them for a ‘hefty mark up’

The mysterious black box in Pargin’s novel may contain something that triggers an American apocalypse, or, you know, it may just be nothing. Either way, what’s inside is the mystery propelling this provocative, rambunctious, comedic cultural rant of a novel that’s fueled by internet paranoia, conspiracy theories and outlandish action scenes. Abbott Coburn, a Lyft driver, reluctantly helps Ether get the black box to Washington, D.C. No peeking inside. No cellphones. A lot of cash. Socially awkward Abbott has spent most of his time online. Ether, on the other hand, lives off the grid. She’s determined, pragmatic and, despite what her name implies, far from soporific. A posse of eccentric characters chase them cross country, cheered on by a virtual torch-waving mob. “We’ve been looking at this from the wrong angle,” says Nora in Dave’s latest touching family drama. Dave’s trademark emotional twists and compelling characters, caught in the aftermath of loss, are in fine form in this latest mystery. It’s the story of the Noone family patriarch’s death and the unanswered questions it raises for his ex-wives, business partners and rivals, as well as his two sons and daughter Nora. Liam Noone was the founder of a boutique hotel empire, a company that appears to be at the center of his mysterious death. He appeared to everyone to be “smart, eager, solid,” a man who always showed his family “the best version of himself.” But what were the other versions? The reader is privy to revelations in a parallel narrative from Liam’s past, but Nora and her estranged stepbrother are on their own. Helgi Reykdal, one of the characters in Jónasson’s delightfully fiendish “Death at the Sanatorium,” is a collector of Golden Age mysteries, like those by Patrick Quentin and Agatha Christie. Set in Iceland, Jónasson’s slowly unfolding plot twists and his overly suspicious characters make for an engaging homage to those classics. The story opens in 1983 when Tinna, a new nurse at a sanatorium, finds the murdered body of the head nurse, then cuts back and forth to 2012, when Helgi is writing his dissertation on the 1983 murders. The novel is cleverly constructed around the perspective of the main characters from both time periods. But Tinna was my favorite. A delusional romantic, she enjoys “exaggerating her stories” because “life was easier if you tweaked the facts a little in your favor.” Against the backdrop of America’s “fascism under the guise of a return to better days,” Locke’s remarkable ”Guide Me Home,” the final book in her moving Highway 59 trilogy, finds Darren Mathews no longer a Texas Ranger, which informed his identity as a Black Texan for most of his life. A choice he made years before haunts him, eventually sending him into a nihilistic funk where “managing his sense of doom” is “nearly a full-time job.” When a young Black woman goes missing from an all-white sorority, no one is concerned except Darren’s estranged mother. The investigation forces Mathews to consider that the “men who had raised him had deceived him his whole life.” This realization makes Mathews worry “his cynicism, home-brewed over the years of living in a culture of double-dealing and dishonesty, was clouding his judgment.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Colorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

Criminal cases against incoming president Trump being droppedColorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump

Salem University, Lokoja, has announced that 41 out of its 499 graduating students will be awarded first-class degrees at the institution’s combined convocation ceremony for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 sets, scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2024. This announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alewo Akubo, during a pre-convocation press briefing in Lokoja on Monday. The graduates are from seven colleges of the university: the College of Management and Social Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Humanities, College of Education, College of Communication and Information Technology, College of Law, and the Postgraduate School. Akubo also revealed that the institution’s eighth college, the College of Basic Health and Medical Sciences, had recently been accredited and will commence operations soon. Akubo emphasised that Salem University had consistently produced graduates who contributed significantly to the development of Kogi State, Nigeria, and the global community. Related News Salem University screens admission seekers ‎NUC accredits five additional courses for Kogi varsity “Our sixth convocation comes up on Friday, November 29, 2024. A total of 499 students will be graduating, with 41 of them earning first-class degrees. Our graduates are change agents, equipped to contribute to the development of Kogi State, Nigeria, and the entire world,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor appealed for support from key stakeholders, including the Kogi State Government, the Federal Government, and well-meaning individuals, to strengthen the university’s ability to continue its developmental contributions. “Private universities are playing a crucial role in producing graduates who serve the world at large. What public universities are doing, private universities are doing much more. The Federal Government should encourage private universities to do more. For sustainable university education in Nigeria, attention must also be paid to private institutions,” he added. As part of the convocation activities, Professor Sam Egwu, a renowned Professor of Political Economy, is scheduled to deliver the convocation lecture on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Salem University’s commitment to academic excellence and producing impactful graduates remains evident as it celebrates another milestone in its history.Special Counsel Jack Smith is dropping the Justice Department’s criminal election interference and classified documents cases against Donald Trump , according to motions filed Monday in D.C. court. The cases were unlikely to see a trial or resolution given Trump’s victory in November’s election, and the incoming administration’s imminent control of the Justice Department. Monday’s motions by Smith mark the end of the government’s furious and fraught saga seeking accountability for Trump’s involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The future of the cases — especially the election inference case — were also in question given a July Supreme Court decision granting Trump, and all presidents, immunity from prosecution for “official” acts taken while in office. In July, Florida Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the DOJ’s classified documents case against Trump, claiming Smith’s appointment as a special counsel was inherently unconstitutional. Trump stood accused of wrongfully retaining and mishandling hundreds of classified documents following the end of his first term. Trump has vowed retribution on Smith and other prosecutors involved in criminal cases against him. As previously reported by Rolling Stone , the president-elect has spent his years out of office building an army of attorneys prepared to punish members of the DOJ and other law enforcement organizations involved in the myriad of investigations into Trump. “There are almost too many targets to keep track of,” one Trump adviser told Rolling Stone . Smith is expected to step down as special counsel before Trump is inaugurated in January, but it’s unlikely to prevent Trump’s Justice Department — which will likely be helmed by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi — from going after him and those who worked on the cases against Trump.

An $18,000 grant from big-hearted businesses has thrown a critical lifeline to the Border's multicultural community and the volunteers who support them. or signup to continue reading The Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau's cultural exchange project took out the main award at Thursday night's Border Trust Give500 pitch event at Albury. An ecstatic general manager Renee Wilson said the funds would help retain the services of their bilingual support worker and keep two 12-seater buses on the road to transport participants to the programs so vital to maintaining community connection. During her pitch to Give500 donors, Ms Wilson said the bureau's programs had already helped more than 4000 multicultural community members. From Coffee and Card catch-ups to Conversations in English and Homework Help, the cultural exchange program offers an array of activities designed to break down the barriers to inclusion for people from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. She asked those gathered to reflect on a time when they might have stood in a room full of people and yet "never felt so alone ... nodding and smiling but not understanding what anyone is saying". "That's what the majority of newly arrived migrants face on a daily basis," Ms Wilson said. "They know nothing about our processes and systems, they've often escaped from war-torn countries and places of violence ..." The barriers caused by a lack of access to transport and limited or no English can prove detrimental to both physical and mental health, Ms Wilson explained. "The cultural exchange program was born in 2016 from a huge need and a gap we saw in the community to support CALD community members that found themselves socially isolated," she said. "One of the biggest barriers our participants face is transportation, because most do not have their licence or a vehicle to get to and from the programs. "So with wonderful volunteers, we are able to pick them up from their homes, bring them to and take them home afterwards. "If we didn't have the two 12-seater mini buses, unfortunately we wouldn't have people who are able to attend." will each receive $4000 as runners-up in this year's Give500 campaign. Give500 is Border Trust's collective giving campaign, aimed at growing a culture of local philanthropy and supporting life-changing community programs across the Border region. The annual program invites individuals and groups to become Give500 donors and pool their donations (one $500 donation equals one vote) to support local projects. On Pitch Night donors hear from a shortlist of grant applicants and vote to determine the winner. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementColorado hands No. 2 UConn second straight loss in Maui

Kylian Mbappé, the young French football sensation, has been making headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. Despite being widely regarded as one of the best talents in the world, there is a growing sentiment among fans and critics alike that Mbappé may be the most overrated player in the game today. However, I argue that this assessment is unfair and premature. Mbappé's recent struggles on the field can be attributed to his reluctance to step out of his comfort zone, rather than a lack of talent or ability.new jili 。

Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injury

Throughout the trial, Yang Niuhua maintained her innocence, insisting that she had nothing to do with Yu Hua Ying's murder. She recounted her version of events, pointing out inconsistencies in the prosecution's case and raising new questions about the evidence presented.

In conclusion, the story of Li Xiang and Wang Shiling presents a glimpse into the world of celebrities and the complexities of parenting in the public eye. As they navigate through the expectations and pressures of fame, Li Xiang and Wang Shiling demonstrate a strong bond and resilience that resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether cruising in a luxurious car or preparing for a driving test, the mother-daughter duo shows that love, support, and togetherness are the pillars that sustain them through the highs and lows of life in the spotlight.

is jilimacao legit Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. People are also reading... OSU football: A prediction gone badly wrong The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County Corvallis chemical manufacturer eyes Albany for expansion UPDATED: GAPS teacher strike NOT off after talks over returning to the classroom break down Corvallis decides layout for new civic campus — with a side of strife Agreement reached (again), GAPS teachers get new contract Albany man pleads to numerous sex crimes Philomath moves forward following July Nazi flag controversy Court dismisses jail-related Benton County whistleblower complaint 2025 to bring rate increases, new fee for hauling Corvallis waste Graduate employees reach deal with OSU to end strike Corvallis Samaritan hospital has new CEO Graduate strike at OSU continues. What's the holdup? OSU football: Beavers add 18 players as signing period opens As I See It: Six reasons why Trump won again All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings passes the ball in the first half of the ACC championship game against Clemson on Saturday in Charlotte, N.C. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Oregon offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu celebrates after winning the Big Ten championship game against Penn State on Saturday in Indianapolis. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. Automatic byes and bids made the bracket strange The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. hits Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton during the second half of the SEC championship game on Saturday in Atlanta. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21: Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21: The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20: Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner gets ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, Dec. 21: The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Sports Week in Photos: NBA Cup, NFL snow game and more Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Christine Van Geyn: Trudeau shouldn’t tie online harms bureaucracy to child protection laws

Ex-Colorado footballer Bloom dedicates time to fulfilling wishes for older adultsA report by the New York Times ( NYT ) suggests President-elect Donald J. Trump has “lost faith” in the National Rifle Association (NRA). According to the NYT , NRA First Vice President Bill Bachenberg used a letter to disclose , “I can say for a fact that President Trump and his most inner circle have lost faith in the NRA.” Bachenburg also noted, “I communicate with them often. We have a tremendous amount of work to rebuild trust with them, just like our members and donors.” The NYT pointed out that a sticking point for Trump appears to be the tens of millions of dollars the NRA has paid William A. Brewer III, an attorney who whose political donations “have favored Democrats over the years. Trump spoke at the NRA’s Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Dallas, Texas, on May 18. The speech marked his ninth time to stand on stage to speak to NRA leadership and members. Breitbart News was at the convention as Trump spoke, and noted his observation that it is time for “a great restoration of American freedom.” Trump noted, “We need the Second Amendment for safety. Forget about going hunting and all the things you do — we need it for safety. Because you know the bad guys are not giving up their guns. The bad ones are not giving up their guns.” AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins , a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio, a member of Gun Owners of America, a Pulsar Night Vision pro-staffer, and the director of global marketing for Lone Star Hunts. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal in 2010 and has a Ph.D. in Military History. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_hawkins . You can sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange . Reach him directly: awrhawkins@breitbart.com.

First subcutaneous anti-CD38 therapy to demonstrate potential to prevent end-organ damage, and extend progression-free survival and overall survival based on findings from Phase 3 AQUILA study 1 BEERSE, BELGIUM, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced data from the Phase 3 AQUILA study showing that DARZALEX ® (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) formulation significantly delayed progression from high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to active multiple myeloma (MM) and extended overall survival compared to the current standard of care of active monitoring. 1 The data were presented for the first time as an oral presentation at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting (Abstract #773), taking place in San Diego, California, United States from 7-10 December, as part of the Press Programme and were selected for the Best of ASH session. 1 “Patients with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma, which has no approved treatment, have a high probability of progressing to active multiple myeloma – a life-threatening stage of the disease,” said Meletios A. Dimopoulos, M.D., Professor and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Therapeutics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine and presenting author.* “Findings from AQUILA highlight the potential of early intervention with daratumumab SC to delay disease progression, extend overall survival and prevent end-organ damage associated with active multiple myeloma.” In the AQUILA study, 194 patients received daratumumab SC and 196 patients were actively monitored per current standard of care treatment for high-risk SMM. 1 At a median follow-up of 65.2 months (range, 0-76.6), patients who received daratumumab SC showed statistically significant improved progression-free survival (PFS; defined as progression to active MM, as assessed according to the International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria for MM [SLiM-CRAB], or death) vs patients who underwent active monitoring arm; 63.1 percent in the daratumumab arm vs 40.8 percent in the active monitoring arm remained alive and progression-free at 60 months (Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.49; 95.0 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.36-0.67; p Ministry of Municipality, Qatar University sign MoU to study agricultural loss and food waste

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AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:35 p.m. ESTTrump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” Europe's economy needs help. Political chaos in France and Germany means it may be slower in coming BRUSSELS (AP) — Europe's economy has enough difficulties, from tepid growth to trade tensions with the U.S. Dealing with those woes is only getting harder due to the political chaos in the two biggest European countries, France and Germany. Neither has a government backed by a functioning majority, and France could take a while yet to sort things out. But some problems aren't going to wait, such as what to do about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's America First stance on trade and how to fund stronger defense against Putin's Russia. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally “Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. That surpasses the take for the original “Moana” and brings the sequel's global tally to a staggering $600 million. It also puts the film in this year's top five at the box office. “Wicked” came in second place for the weekend with $34.9 million and “Gladiator II” was third with $12.5 million. The 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar” also earned an impressive $4.4 million even though it played in only 165 theaters. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Florida ATLANTA (AP) — The president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios has died when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The studio confirmed on Saturday that Steve Mensch, its 62-year-old president and general manager, had died Friday. The crash happened in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the plane having come to rest upside down on a road. Mensch helped advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion a year. Perry hired Mensch to run his namesake studio in 2016. Mensch died as Perry released his war drama, “The Six Triple Eight." The film was shot at the Atlanta studio. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states.

RAMALLAH: Namaa Charity of Kuwait’s Social Reform Society opened a new camp to house 200 families affected by rain in north Gaza on Thursday, in cooperation with Palestine’s Wafaa Capacity Building and Microfinance. In a statement to KUNA, Wafaa chairman Muhaisen Atawneh said the camp comes as an immediate response to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the strip, as thousands of displaced Palestinians are in need of shelter after their tents were damaged by rain. The camp will shelter families that were forcefully displaced by Zionist forces, said Atawneh, adding that the camp is fully equipped with essential items and water supplies. This project is part of Namaa’s “Be Their Support” campaign to provide winter essentials to Gaza residents, Syrian refugees and Yemen, he noted. Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Zionist entity. The resolution - adopted by a vote of 158-9, with 13 abstentions - urges “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire,” and “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” - wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month. At that time, Washington used its veto power on the Council - as it has before - to protect its ally, which has been at war with Hamas. It has insisted on the idea of making a ceasefire conditional on the release of all hostages in Gaza, saying otherwise that Hamas has no incentive to free those in captivity. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood repeated that position Wednesday, saying it would be “shameful and wrong” to adopt the text. Ahead of the vote, Zionist UN envoy Danny Danon said: “The resolutions before the assembly today are beyond logic. (...) The vote today is not a vote for compassion. It is a vote for complicity.” The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council, which has been largely paralyzed on hot-button issues such as Gaza and Ukraine due to internal politics, and this time is no different. The resolution, which is non-binding, demands “immediate access” to widespread humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, especially in the besieged north of the territory. Dozens of representatives of UN member states addressed the Assembly before the vote to offer their support to the Palestinians. “Gaza doesn’t exist anymore. It is destroyed,” said Slovenia’s UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. “History is the harshest critic of inaction.” — AgenciesThe U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed on Monday that it will not revisit a significant rule demanding nearly all new cars and trucks have advanced automatic emergency braking systems by 2029. Despite the pushback from major automotive companies like General Motors and Toyota, NHTSA is pushing forward with the regulation intended to enhance road safety. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing several major automakers, questioned the feasibility of meeting the mandate, claiming current technology falls short in stopping vehicles up to 62 mph. While rejecting the reconsideration plea, NHTSA clarified technical requirements and corrected testing errors involving pedestrian scenarios. This new mandate marks one of the most comprehensive U.S. auto safety regulations in recent years. In response to NHTSA's decision, Alliance CEO John Bozzella criticized the move, labeling it a "disastrous decision" that could frustrate drivers, increase vehicle expenses, and fail to genuinely boost safety. However, the administration aims to align with Congress's directive to enforce these safety standards, despite concerns about affordability and current technological limitations. (With inputs from agencies.)BRASILIA: Brazil's 2026 presidential election may offer a field of candidates featuring neither incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva nor far-right rival Jair Bolsonaro. That scenario - possible, given Lula's state of health and a ban on Bolsonaro holding public office - would present a novel situation and open the door to possible successors. Lula, 79, is currently in hospital, recovering from emergency surgery on Tuesday to relieve pressure from bleeding under his skull related to a bad fall he had in October. Previously, Lula had treatment in 2011 for throat cancer, and last year a hip replacement operation. The health woes undermine the robust image that the raspy-voiced leftist icon has long projected, and which galvanized voters to have him as their president between 2003 and 2010, and again since 2023. In a CNN interview last month Lula declared himself willing to run again if no other viable left-wing candidate emerged. "I hope it won't be necessary," he said. An ally, Uruguay's ex-president Jose Mujica, recently told AFP: "Lula's nearly 80 and he has no replacement. That is Brazil's misfortune". BOLSONARO'S LEGAL WOES Bolsonaro, 69, faces challenges of a legal nature to try to regain the presidency he lost to Lula in 2022 elections. The former army captain, who relishes being compared to his hero Donald Trump, has been barred from holding public office, or leaving Brazil, because of what police say was a failed 2022 coup plot against Lula. Bolsonaro got his ban on public office by making unsubstantiated claims of fraud in Brazil's electronic voting system in that year's election. Police say he also incited a January 8, 2023 insurrection in which thousands of supporters stormed the presidential palace, the Congress and the Supreme Court, and allege he had a decree written to invoke emergency powers to stay in charge. Bolsonaro denies the accusations - which the attorney general is currently weighing to decide if formal charges will be laid - and has vowed to have the ban set aside so he can run again. "I am Plan A, Plan B and also Plan C" for 2026, he told a radio program last week. "Bolsonaro seeks inspiration from Trump ... but has before him a long battle in the courts," said Roberto Goulart, an international relations professor at Brasilia University. Brazil's political and justice system has thrown up surprises before. Lula himself was barred from running for president in 2018, when he was convicted of corruption, propelling his running mate, former Sao Paulo mayor and current economy minister Fernando Haddad, to the top of the ticket. Haddad lost to Bolsonaro. And Lula's conviction was later overturned when the judge in charge of the case against him was found to be biased. HEIRS APPARENT Lula's ministers voice optimism about the state of the president's health, despite his recent emergency. "President Lula is very well ... He will certainly be our candidate in 2026," Communication Minister Paulo Pimenta told CNN on Thursday. "The person who won't be able to run in that election is Bolsonaro, who is ineligible and will probably be in prison before the vote happens," Pimenta said. According to a survey by MDA Pesquisa last month, six out 10 leftwing voters would prefer to see Lula run in 2026. If that does not happen, analysts and surveys point to Haddad, 61, as his most likely successor. Lula's last choice to succeed him did not end well. Back in 2010, he anointed his chief-of-staff Dilma Rousseff as his replacement when he reached his two-term limit, ensuring she became president. But she ended up being impeached in her second term, and was ousted in 2016 for breaking budget laws. On the right, while Bolsonaro still garners attention, Brazilian media and analysts have advanced several names that could be considered his heir. Among them are Sao Paulo state governor Tarcisio de Freitas, 49 - and Bolsonaro's wife Michelle Bolsonaro, 42. Freitas has publicly expressed loyalty to Bolsonaro, saying that his "leadership is unquestionable and endures".

Share Tweet Share Share Email Is local SEO dead? This question has been buzzing in digital marketing circles lately. As search engines evolve and new technologies emerge, businesses wonder if their local SEO efforts still matter. Local SEO is very much alive and remains crucial for businesses aiming to attract nearby customers. You’ll discover why local search continues to thrive and how you can make it work for your business. We’ll explore the impact of mobile searches, voice assistants, and online reviews on local SEO. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of local SEO’s importance in today’s digital landscape. Is Local SEO Dead? Local SEO remains a vital strategy for businesses for 2025. It continues to evolve with changing search habits and new technologies. Let’s look at how local SEO is adapting to stay relevant. Changing Search Engine Algorithms Search engines keep improving their ability to show local results. They now use factors like your location, search history, and device type. This means local businesses have more chances to appear in search results. Google updates its algorithms often. These changes focus on giving users the most relevant local info. For example, the “Vicinity Update” in 2021 made distance a bigger factor in local rankings. To keep up, you need to: Optimize your website for local keywords Keep your business info accurate online Create content that’s useful for local customers The Impact of Mobile Search and Voice Assistants More people use phones to find local businesses. This has made mobile-friendly websites crucial for local SEO. Voice search is also growing, changing how people look for info. When you use voice assistants, you often ask questions in a natural way. This affects the keywords that matter for local SEO. “Near me” searches have grown a lot in recent years. To adapt, make sure your website: Loads fast on mobile devices Has a design that works well on small screens Uses conversational keywords that match voice queries Local SEO in the Age of Google My Business A Google Business Profile (GBP) is now a key part of local SEO. It’s a free tool that lets you manage how your business shows up on Google Search and Maps. Your GBP listing affects your local search rankings. It shows important info like your hours, location, and customer reviews. Google uses this data to decide which businesses to show for local searches. To get the most from GBP: Fill out all parts of your profile Add photos and posts regularly Respond to customer reviews Keep your info up to date Local SEO is far from dead. It’s changing to fit how people search today. Need help for that? SEO Professionals like Samy Thuillier can help you optimize your GBP or your website for your local queries. You can also find more agencies and SEO freelancers on websites like Clutch.co for instance. Key Elements of Effective Local SEO Local SEO relies on several crucial components to boost your business’s online visibility. These elements help you connect with nearby customers and stand out in local search results. Optimizing for Location-Based Queries Focus on keywords that include your city or region. Use terms like “near me” or “in [city name]” on your website and in your content. Make sure your business address and service areas are clearly listed on your site. Add location pages for each area you serve. Include relevant local info and landmarks to show you know the area well. Use schema markup to tell search engines about your business location and services. This helps your site show up in local search features like maps and business panels. Importance of Consistent NAP Information NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Keep this info the same across all online platforms. This includes your website, social media, and business directories. Check that your NAP is correct on Google My Business. This is a key source for local search results. If you move or change phone numbers, update all listings right away. Conflicting info can hurt your search rankings and confuse customers. Generating Local Citations and Backlinks Get your business listed in online directories. Focus on local directories and industry-specific sites. Each listing is a citation that boosts your local SEO. Ask local partners or customers to link to your site. These local backlinks show search engines that you’re connected to your community. Create content about local events or news. This can attract links from other local sites. It also shows you’re active in your area. Join local business groups online. Participate in discussions and share your expertise. This can lead to natural backlinks and more visibility. Advanced Local SEO Techniques: Going the Extra Mile Local SEO is always changing. New ways to stand out keep popping up. Let’s look at some advanced tricks to boost your local search rankings. Technical Local SEO Mastery Use local schema markup on your website. This helps search engines understand your business info better. Add schema for your address, phone number, and business hours. Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully filled out. Add photos, posts, and use all available attributes. This gives potential customers more info about your business. Set up location pages for each of your business locations. Include unique content, maps, and contact details for each spot. This helps you rank for searches in different areas. Advanced Content and Authority Building Create content that targets specific neighborhoods or areas. Write about local events, landmarks, or issues that matter to your community. This shows you’re a local expert. Build relationships with other local businesses and organizations. Get backlinks from local directories, chambers of commerce, and industry associations. These local links boost your authority. Use geo-targeted content on your site. Make landing pages for each service area you cover. Include location-specific keywords and information to attract nearby customers. Advanced Local Presence Optimization Get creative with your review strategy. Ask happy customers to mention specific services or products in their reviews. Respond to all reviews, good and bad, in a helpful way. Use local competitive analysis tools to see what your rivals are doing. Look for gaps in their strategies that you can fill. Find new opportunities to stand out in your area. Try proximity-based content optimization. Tailor your website content to match the user’s location. This can improve your chances of showing up in “near me” searches. Beyond Local SEO: Enhancing Local Visibility & Relevance Local SEO is just the start. You can boost your local presence even more. Let’s look at some key ways to stand out and connect with your community. Why Customer Reviews and Social Media Are Efficient Reviews and social media help you build trust. Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google and Yelp. Respond to all reviews, good and bad. This shows you care about feedback. Social media lets you share local news and events. Post about your community involvement. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your business. This makes you more relatable. Use social platforms to answer questions quickly. This good service can lead to more positive reviews. More reviews and social activity can improve your search rankings too. How to Create Valuable Content for a Local Audience Make content that speaks to local needs. Write blog posts about local events or issues. Create guides to local attractions near your business. This shows you know your area well. Use local terms and landmarks in your writing. This helps you sound authentic to locals. It can also help you show up in more local searches. Add photos or videos of your area to your site. This makes your content more eye-catching. It also proves you’re truly local. How to Optimize Your Business in Local Listings and Directories Claim your business on Google My Business. Fill out all info fully and correctly. Add photos and keep your hours up to date. This helps you show up in local search results. List your business in online directories. Make sure your name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere. This consistency helps search engines trust your info. Join your local chamber of commerce. Their online directory can give you a boost. Look for other local business groups too. Getting listed on their sites can help your visibility. Local SEO Pitfalls: What You Should Avoid Local SEO has many traps that can hurt your rankings. By knowing what to avoid, you can boost your local search visibility and get more customers. Profile and Citation Management Blunders Check your Google Business Profile often. Make sure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are correct. Use the same info on all sites. Pick the right business categories. Don’t stuff keywords in your business name. Don’t ignore other business listings. Look for old or wrong listings and fix them. Remove duplicate listings. Keep your hours up to date everywhere. Use a tool to find and fix citation errors. This saves time and helps you stay consistent. Don’t forget to add your website and social media links to listings. Content and Optimization Oversights Create content for local customers. Write about local events, news, and topics. Use natural-sounding local keywords in your content, titles, and meta descriptions. Add local schema markup to your website. This helps search engines understand your business better. Don’t forget location pages if you have multiple locations. Optimize for mobile users. Many local searches happen on phones. Make sure your site loads fast and is easy to use on small screens. Review and Engagement Failures Ask happy customers for reviews. Don’t ignore bad reviews. Respond to all reviews politely and quickly. This shows you care about customer feedback. Don’t buy fake reviews. Google can spot these and may penalize you. Instead, make it easy for real customers to leave reviews. Engage with your local community online and offline. Join local business groups. Sponsor local events. Share local news and updates on social media. Don’t forget to track your local SEO efforts. Use tools to monitor your rankings and traffic. This helps you see what’s working and what needs to improve. Future Trends of Local SEO Local SEO is evolving rapidly. New technologies and changing user habits are reshaping how businesses connect with nearby customers online. Let’s look at key shifts that will impact local search in the coming years. Emerging Technologies in Local Search AI is changing local SEO fast. Smart algorithms now power business listings and search results. This means more accurate info for users. Voice search is growing too. People ask their phones and smart speakers for local business details. To keep up, you need to optimize for natural language queries. AR tech will soon change how we find local spots. Picture pointing your phone at a street to see reviews floating above each store. Or getting turn-by-turn directions with AR arrows on the road. These tools will make finding and choosing local businesses more fun and easy. Visual search is another big trend. Soon you’ll snap a photo of a product and find local stores that sell it. This means optimizing your images is crucial for local SEO success. Evolution of User Search Behavior “Near me” searches keep growing. People want instant results for nearby businesses. You must make sure your site and listings show up for these queries. Mobile use for local search is also rising. Most local searches now happen on phones. Your site needs to work well on small screens. Users now expect rich, detailed info in search results. They want to see menus, prices, and photos without clicking through. You should give search engines lots of info about your business. This helps you show up in “zero-click” results where users get answers right on the results page. Local intent is getting smarter too. Search engines can guess if you’re looking for a nearby business even if you don’t say “near me”. You need to optimize for all kinds of local queries, not just obvious ones. New Local Business Visibility Paradigms Local search is moving beyond just Google. New platforms like local apps and smart maps are growing. You should list your business on these to stay visible. Digital assistants like Siri and Alexa are also key. They often pull local info from lesser-known sources. Make sure your business info is correct across the web. Local SEO automation is on the rise. New tools can update your listings, respond to reviews, and track rankings automatically. This frees up time for strategy. But you still need to oversee these tools to ensure quality. Lastly, local search is getting more visual. Video content, virtual tours, and 360-degree photos are becoming must-haves. These help your listings stand out and give users a better feel for your business before they visit. Conclusion Local SEO is alive and well in 2024. It keeps changing, but it’s still key for businesses to connect with nearby customers. You need to stay up-to-date with new trends to succeed. Voice search and AI are reshaping local SEO, so adapting your tactics is crucial. As mobile use grows, local searches are more important than ever. Make sure your business shows up when people look for products or services in your area. Local SEO takes time and effort. Be patient and keep working on it. The results will come if you stick with it and do it right. Related Items: digital marketing , Local SEO Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best Practices for Leveraging Digital Marketing in Boston How Backspace Marketing Helps Boost Local Business Visibility with Google Business Profiles Backspace Marketing Elevates Local SEO with Strategic Review Management CommentsIsrael launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah

A BRIDGE in Risca and Pontymister was significantly damaged by heavy rainfall over the . Stoney Bridge in Risca had part of its pillar fall into the river during the havoc wreaked on South Wales throughout Sunday, November 24. Pictures captured by local residents and shared on social media show the bridge's pillar falling away into the rushing water as the rain poured. The section of the bridge that was damaged by the heavy rainfall is known as the upstream cutwater, and will now need repairing. An upstream cutwater is a sharply pointed, wedge-shaped structure on the upstream face of a bridge pier that is supposed to resist the effects of moving water and ice. The pillar's main purpose is to improve bridge hydraulics by smoothly slicing the water and allowing it to flow under the bridge, by reducing the pressure that water and ice can put on such a structure. An upstream cutwater is usually triangular in shape and usually made from concrete or masonry, and is often capped with a steel angle. Cutwaters can also be found on the downstream side of a bridge, where they allow streams to re-join smoothly under the arches. This is not the first time that the British weather has damaged Stoney Bridge, after it was damaged by Storm Dennis. The damage to the upstream cutwater on Stoney Bridge in Risca on Sunday led the local authority, Caerphilly County Borough Council, to close the bridge for the rest of the day amid concerns relating to the structure. A spokesperson for Caerphilly Council told the Argus: "This structure was closed on the 24th November due to concerns relating to the upstream cutwater, which could not be adequately inspected at the time due to elevated river levels. "River levels have since fallen which has enabled an inspection to be undertaken, with the bridge due to be re-opened this morning. "The structure has sustained significant damage to the upstream cutwater and repairs shall be undertaken by Caerphilly County Borough Council, however there are currently no public safety concerns." Natural Resources Wales were also contacted for comment, and confirmed that they are not responsible for the bridge, as it is solely the responsibility of the local authority.Social media users, brace yourselves. Your timeline is about to be flooded with high school coaches looking to fill out their 2025 schedules. Such tends to happen whenever the TSSAA releases its region football schedules, especially whenever realignments are involved. William Blount’s move down to 5A left a void in Region 1-6A, a void which evidently won’t be filled. With a five-team Big East Conference, that leaves each school with six non-region games to be filled. Thankfully, the rivalry between Science Hill and Dobyns-Bennett didn’t get moved. It’ll still be in Week 11 for the next two years anyway, this time on Thursday, Oct. 30. Other than that game, Dobyns-Bennett must build the rest of its schedule around three straight region games against Morristown East, West Ridge and Jefferson County from Sept. 19 to Oct. 3. The Indians requested an open date following the Jeff County game, leaving two more weeks to fill before playing Science Hill first straight non-conference tilts to open the year. Science Hill is scheduled to play Morristown East and Jefferson County back-to-back weeks also — Weeks 6 and 7. That means the Hilltoppers won’t play a region game until Sept. 26 — also the date West Ridge opens Big East play against D-B. The Wolves close the 2025 and 2026 regular seasons with three straight region games. Not to mention, only one team in the Big East will miss the Class 6A playoffs. Of course, few teams have it as tough as Happy Valley and the Warriors’ Region 1-2A rivals — South Greene, West Greene and Cumberland Gap. All four teams are already in the playoffs under the current format. And while Happy Valley can presumably fill its non-region slate with Carter County rivals Hampton, Unaka and Cloudland, that still leaves four non-conference openings. BACK IN ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE What better lead-in to that tradition rich rivalry between D-B and Science Hill than the Musket Bowl? That’s right, in 2025, the annual meeting between Daniel Boone and David Crockett returns to its rightful October place. It’ll stay at Crockett this fall, except this time, the teams will meet Friday, Oct. 24 (Week 10). Granted, the Hawkins County Super Bowl might have something to say about that, as Cherokee and Volunteer meet in Church Hill that same night. On that note, while Regions 1-5A and 1-3A remained unchanged with five region contests and five more out-of-conference, Region 1-4A is in a completely different situation. Each team there needs only three non-region games after Seymour joined the conference. Same in Region 1-1A for that matter. Cloudland opens the year with three non-conference games in as many weeks, finishing the year with seven straight region contests. This became possible after Sunbright relocated from Region 2, and Hampton moved down from Class 2A, of course. THANKSGIVING BASKETBALL CONTINUES With Greeneville falling 28-14 at Anderson County in the Class 4A quarterfinal round, the Tri-Cities area has only one football team remaining — Rye Cove. The War Eagles entertain Eastside in the Region 1D championship round Friday night at the Eagles’ Nest. Thanksgiving week also means tournament time. In addition to the Hardee’s Classic, currently taking place at David Crockett, two other local tournaments also allow teams to get some games in this week. Monday marked opening night for the Food City Thanksgiving Classic at Sullivan East, this year consisting of just boys teams. On the girls side, Happy Valley is hosting the Valley Forge Auction Thanksgiving Classic, which begins with four games on Wednesday afternoon and concludes Saturday. On the web, these tournament schedules can found on the left (desktop) or below (mobile). In print, they can be found on page B2.jili71 。

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Pune, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intrusion Detection System Market Size Analysis: “ The SNS Insider report indicates that the Intrusion Detection System Market was valued at USD 5.71 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 11.43 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period of 2024-2032. ” Growing Demand for Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) Amid Rising Cyber Threats The proliferation of cyber threats and the need to protect sensitive data have significantly escalated the demand for Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). As businesses advance in their digital transformation initiatives and the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, vulnerabilities within networks increase. Consequently, organizations are prioritizing next-generation IDS systems to mitigate risks. Industries such as healthcare, banking, IT, and government are allocating larger budgets to procure these systems to safeguard their networks and sensitive data from advanced cyberattacks. The Rising Importance of Cloud Security The increasing adoption of cloud-based services and applications has heightened security challenges for organizations. Cloud environments are inherently decentralized, exposing them to various security threats. Reports indicate that by 2025, 85% of enterprises will operate on hybrid cloud infrastructures, making advanced IDS systems a necessity. These systems provide enhanced monitoring capabilities to identify unauthorized activities and mitigate risks in distributed cloud environments. Get a Sample Report of Intrusion Detection System Market @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/4660 Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Palo Alto Networks (Palo Alto Networks WildFire, Cortex XDR) Cisco (Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall, Cisco Advanced Malware Protection) McAfee (McAfee Enterprise Security Manager, McAfee Advanced Threat Protection) Fortinet (FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall, FortiSandbox) IBM (IBM QRadar Security Intelligence Platform, IBM Security Guardium Data Security Platform) Check Point Software Technologies (Check Point Infinity Architecture, Check Point Threat Prevention) Trend Micro (Trend Micro Deep Security, Trend Micro Network Security Platform) Sophos (Sophos XG Firewall, Sophos Intercept X Advanced Endpoint Protection) Kaspersky (Kaspersky Security Center, Kaspersky Endpoint Security) Symantec (Symantec Endpoint Protection, Symantec Advanced Threat Protection) Rapid7 (InsightVM Vulnerability Management, InsightIDR Security Detection and Response) Darktrace (Darktrace Enterprise Immune System, Darktrace Antigena) CrowdStrike, (CrowdStrike Falcon Platform, CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection) Carbon Black (Carbon Black Cloud Platform, Carbon Black Endpoint Protection) Qualys (Qualys Vulnerability Management and Compliance, Qualys Cloud Agent) Tripwire (Tripwire Enterprise, Tripwire Log Center) ArcSight (ArcSight Enterprise Security Management (ESM), ArcSight Logger) LogRhythm (LogRhythm NextGen SIEM, LogRhythm Threat Detection and Response) AlienVault (AlienVault OSSIM, AlienVault Threat Intelligence Platform) Suricata (Suricata Open-source IDS, Suricata Cloud IDS) Intrusion Detection System Market Report Scope: Do you have any specific queries or need any customization research on Intrusion Detection System Market, Make an Enquiry Now@ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/4660 Revolutionizing IDS with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning The integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into IDS technology has transformed the cybersecurity landscape. AI-driven IDS solutions can process vast volumes of data, identify anomalies, and execute timely responses to potential security breaches. These systems reduce false positives, enhance threat detection accuracy, and provide real-time insights. For example, research conducted by MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory found that AI-based IDS solutions can reduce detection times by up to 60% compared to traditional methods. Segmentation Analysis By Component The solution segment dominated the market and represented a significant revenue share of 56%, owing to the rising demand for automated threat detection in real time. Below we explore key solutions such as network-based and host-based IDS which are essential to defending sensitive information against increasingly advanced cyber intrusions. This leadership is driven by the need for higher security measures in industries such as healthcare, banking, and government. The implementation of AI and machine learning additionally boosts the efficiency of these solutions, thereby accelerating market growth. In addition, the increasing regulatory compliance requirements are also boosting the adoption of IDS solutions in many industries. The services segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth can be attributable to the increasing demand for installation, integration, and support through managed services. Thus, the need for these services has skyrocketed with many organizations looking for experts to help administer and configure them. With the growing sophistication of cyber threats, businesses need constant monitoring and regular updates which is why, there has been an increased demand for IDS services. Intrusion Detection System Market Segmentation: By Component Type Solution SERVICES By Deployment Type Cloud-Based Infrastructure-Based By End-User Type BFSI IT & Communication Aerospace and Defense Software Industry Manufacturing Regional Landscape North America dominated the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) market and represented a significant revenue share in 2023. Supported by the wide-scale implementation of next-generation cybersecurity technologies and the concentration of significant IDS solution providers in this region, it is mainly responsible for this leadership. Market growth is largely due to increasing U.S. data protection regulations and the increasing incidence of cyberattacks on a wide variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and IT. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to achieve the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. Rapid digital transformation in countries like China, India, and Japan is driving this surge resulting in massive demand for robust IDS solutions. The increase in investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, awareness of cyber exhibitions, and an increase in the number of data breaches are the primary factors fueling this market growth. Cloud and hybrid environments are also expanding in the region, while government-backed digital security initiatives are contributing to rapid adoption of IDS technologies. Buy an Enterprise-User PDF of Intrusion Detection System Market Analysis & Outlook 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/4660 Recent Developments March 2024- Cisco expanded its portfolio with an AI-powered intrusion detection platform. This new system uses machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies in network traffic and identify emerging threats more effectively. April 2024 - Palo Alto Networks launched an updated version of its IDS system, integrating enhanced deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect sophisticated cyberattacks, particularly in cloud environments. Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Intrusion Detection System Market Segmentation, By Component Type 8. Intrusion Detection System Market Segmentation, By End-Use Type 9. Intrusion Detection System Market Segmentation, By Deployment Type 10. Regional Analysis 11. Company Profiles 12. Use Cases and Best Practices 13. Conclusion Access Complete Report Details of Intrusion Detection System Market Analysis Report 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/intrusion-detection-system-market-4660 [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com] SNS Insider Offering/ Consulting Services: Go To Market Assessment Service Total Addressable Market (TAM) Assessment Competitive Benchmarking and Market Share Gain Buying Options 5 Reports Pack (USD 7500) 10 Report Pack (USD 12000) Vertical Subscription (150 Reports Pack Valid for 1 Year) Use this link to Purchase above packs @ https://www.snsinsider.com/subscription SNS Insider SNS Insider is a market research company that delivers evidence based strategies for clients seeking growth. About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.In an all-hands meeting, Intel's new leaders emphasized outgoing CEO Pat Gelsinger's 'personal decision'

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Pope Francis has officially announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, specifically at the Jubilee of Teenagers from April 25 to 27. The canonization Mass is expected to take place on Sunday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. born in 1991, will become the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church. Known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his use of technology for evangelization, Acutis created a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles worldwide before his death from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. The path to sainthood for Acutis required the recognition of two miracles. The second miracle, recognized by Pope Francis in May 2024, involved the healing of Valeria Valverde, a young Costa Rican woman who suffered severe head trauma from a bicycle accident. After her mother prayed at Acutis’ tomb, Valverde made a full recovery against all medical predictions. Acutis’ canonization has generated widespread enthusiasm among Catholics globally, particularly among youth. His life serves as an example of how faith can thrive in contemporary society, inspiring numerous initiatives aimed at engaging young people within the Church. In the same announcement, Pope Francis revealed that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will also be canonized during the Jubilee of Youth, scheduled for July 28 to August 3, 2025. Frassati, who died in 1925 at the age of 24, was an Italian Catholic activist known for his charitable work and devotion to social justice. These canonizations are expected to bring many young people to Rome in 2025 for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Hope, highlighting the importance of youth and modern-day sanctity in the faith.

Macron, Trump, Zelensky discuss crazy world in Paris PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday hosted three-way talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, discussing what the American president-elect termed a world that was a “little crazy”. Zelensky’s meeting with Trump just before the three men headed to Notre Dame for the re-opening ceremony of the great Paris cathedral was his first face-to-face meeting with tycoon-turned-politician since his election victory. The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky given the fears in Kyiv that Trump, who once boasted he could end Russia’s war on Ukraine in 24 hours, may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. It offered a unique chance for Macron to gain insights into how a second Trump presidency will shape out when he takes office in January, with the trip to Paris his first international visit since the election win. Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace, with Trump given a full guard of honour despite not yet being in office. “It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that,” Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for the talks with Macron. Despite tensions between the two men during his first term, Trump hailed his ties with the centrist French leader, saying: “We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot.” Macron told Trump it was “a great honour for French people to welcome you” for the re-opening ceremony at Notre Dame, which was devastated by a blaze in 2019 during Trump’s first term. “You were president at that time and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction,” Macron added, speaking in English. When he first took office in 2017, Trump’s ties with Macron -- then also a fresh face on the world stage -- began warmly despite their obvious political differences. Their long and muscular handshakes -- which saw each man seek to assert his superiority -- became a light-hearted focus of attention before ties cooled, then soured, following disputes about climate change, trade and defence. They were expected to discuss the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as trade. Trump earlier wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States should “not get involved” in the situation in Syria, where fast-moving rebel forces say they have begun to encircle the capital Damascus. The Republican’s return to power has rung alarms in Paris and many European capitals after his promises on the campaign trail to force an end to fighting in Ukraine which could see US military assistance to Kyiv withheld. Zelensky joined the talks around half an hour later, hurrying up the steps of the Elysee and posing for a photo with the two other men. The Ukrainian president, writing on social media, called the three-way meeting “good and productive”. “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way,” he added. In his own reaction to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: “Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security.” Zelensky’s spokesman Sergiy Nykyforov told journalists the meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes, with only the three leaders present. Trump has scoffed at the billions of dollars in US military assistance to Ukraine and has spoken of forcing a quick settlement.Washington [USA], December 21 (ANI): The first trailer for the latest season of Investigation Discovery's 'The Curious Case of...' series was released on Friday. The new season takes a closer look at the conservatorship involving former Jackass star Brandon "Bam" Margera as he battled substance abuse and addiction, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The premiere episode, which is set to air on January 13 on Max, looks into Margera's journey toward sobriety, which included a controversial conservatorship. The trailer shows a legal tug-of-war between BJ Corville, a lawyer investigating Margera's case, and Lima Jeramovic, a tech entrepreneur using VR technology in his addiction treatment. Also Read | 'It Was So Painful': Sambhavna Seth Suffers Miscarriage After First Trimester; Husband Avinash Dwivedi Shares Details (Watch Video). In the trailer, Margera compares his situation to Britney Spears, saying, "I'm the Britney Spears of Jackass," referring to the pop star's highly publicized conservatorship battle that ended in 2021 after 14 years. https://x.com/DiscoveryID/status/1870182649282654452 Also Read | 'Never Even if Paid INR 100 Crore': Ameesha Patel Responds to Anil Sharma's Criticism for Not Playing Mother-in-Law in 'Gadar 2'. The episode shows how Margera's struggles with addiction and mental health, including a bipolar disorder diagnosis and multiple rehab stints since 2009, led to his placement under legal guardianship. The conservatorship handed over decision-making powers to others while he sought treatment. Margera, once a core member of the Jackass crew, was let go from Jackass 4 in 2021 after failing a drug test. He later filed a lawsuit claiming his termination was illegal discrimination due to his physical and mental health challenges. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the episode features interviews with Lima Jeramovic, BJ Corville, Margera's family, and his former Jackass co-star, Steve-O. Legal analyst Beth Karas, who appeared in 'The Curious Case of Natalia Grace', is also part of the series. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)LOGAN SQUARE — A Logan Square brewery at the center of a lengthy trademark dispute with Ravinia Festival is closing its neighborhood taproom next month and changing its name under a rebrand, the brewery announced Tuesday. Ravinia Brewing Company — now Steep Ravine Brewing Company — will host a farewell party Dec. 14 at its Logan Square taproom, 2601 W. Diversey Ave., though it will still use the space to brew beer, according to a press release. The name change to Steep Ravine Brewing stems from a legal settlement reached after Ravinia Festival, the Highland Park outdoor concert venue, sued Ravinia Brewing for trademark infringement . While the two organizations had coexisted under a 2018 agreement, the opening of the brewery’s Logan Square taproom in 2021 led to Ravinia Festival filing suit, alleging the brewery violated the agreement. The dispute at one point threatened Ravinia Brewing’s existence and prompted a community fundraising effort that raised over $20,000 for legal expenses. Steep Ravine Brewing Company will retain the brewery’s signature “Tree Guy” mascot and award-winning beer portfolio, the company said in the release. Steep Ravine is the name of the brewery’s flagship IPA, “magically packed with citrus piquancy, aromatic pine, and plenty of adventure,” a description of the beer on the Steep Ravine website reads. “This rebranding gave us the rare opportunity to reflect on who we are and what makes us special,” Jeff Hoobler, managing partner of Steep Ravine Brewing, said in the release. “By putting our ‘Tree Guy’ and our Highland Park heritage front and center, we’re staying true to our identity.” Ravinia Festival “provided assistance for the rebranding,” the release said. The Logan Square taproom closing party will feature special beer releases, a “curated menu” and a chance for the brewery’s fans “to reminisce about the incredible stories that shaped the taproom’s journey,” the release said. Steep Ravine also operates a taproom in suburban Highland Park, which will remain open. Limited-edition Steep Ravine Brewing Company cans are exclusively available at both taproom locations while supplies last. The brewery is working on new social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook. More information on current events and future updates can be found on Steep Ravine’s website . Get a free print! Help us reach our goal of 900 subscribers by Dec. 31 to sustain and expand our coverage and you’ll get a free neighborhood print. There are three ways to qualify: Purchase a new subscription , upgrade your current subscription or gift a subscription . Don’t wait — support Block Club and we’ll send you a print of your choice! Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast: RelatedUConn head coach Dan Hurley insists he's not overvaluing Wednesday night's game between his 25th-ranked Huskies and No. 15 Baylor in Storrs, Conn. Sure, it comes on the heels of the two-time reigning national champion Huskies (5-3) responding to losing all three games during the Maui Invitational with a blowout victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday. UConn, which had won 17 consecutive games entering the Maui tournament, fell 23 spots from No. 2 to nearly out of the Associated Press Top 25 poll released Monday. "I think it's such a long season and we're eight games in," Hurley said when asked about facing the Bears. "Our performance in Maui shocked the college basketball world and the sports world, and obviously a lot went on there." "I don't think it's a must-win game in Game Nine of the season, but it's an opportunity to play in Gampel (Pavilion), where we play great and are very comfortable, and we know we're gonna have a great crowd." "We also know we're playing a top-level team, so it's a big game for us and it's a big game for them." Wednesday's game signifies the start of a tough stretch in UConn's schedule. The Huskies will visit Texas on Sunday and challenge No. 7 Gonzaga in New York on Dec. 14 before beginning Big East play on Dec. 18 against Xavier, which fell from No. 22 to out of the poll on Monday. But let's go back to Saturday's 99-45 dismantling of the Hawks. Jaylin Stewart started in place of the injured Alex Karaban (head) and joined Liam McNeeley by scoring 16 points to put UConn back in the win column. Solo Ball contributed 12 points, Aidan Mahaney had 11 and Tarris Reed Jr. (10 points, 12 rebounds) and Jayden Ross (10 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded a double-double. "This experience they're getting, (Stewart), Jayden Ross, Solo Ball, these guys are going to keep getting better and better," Hurley said. "Jaylin Stewart has flashed. That Memphis game (in which he scored 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting), he flashed a lot in that one. "... These sophomores are just going to keep getting better and better. That's why I do think we do need the grace and support of our people here at UConn. Because they're going to be such different players in January and February." Coming off a split in the Bahamas, Baylor (5-2) bounced back from a 77-62 setback to then-No. 11 Tennessee on Nov. 22 with a decisive 91-60 victory over New Orleans last Wednesday. "I know we're all a little tired," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "Whenever you come back from the Bahamas and a trip like that, the first game, you can be playing in mud. And I think the guys did a pretty good job, for the most part." Jayden Nunn drained six of his seven 3-pointers in the first half and finished with a season-high 23 points to power Baylor past the Privateers. Robert Wright III scored 18 points, Jeremy Roach had 17 and Miami transfer Norchad Omier recorded his third consecutive double-double after finishing with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. --Field Level Media

Gov. Little sends Idaho State Police to U.S. southern borderAustin, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SNS Insider report indicates that, “ The Graphene Market size was valued at USD 366.5 Million in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 4997.1 Million by 2032, and grow at a CAGR of 33.2% over the forecast period 2024-2032. ” The Graphene market has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, particularly driven by its versatility and exceptional properties, including its strength, conductivity, and flexibility. Graphene, a two-dimensional material made of a single layer of carbon atoms, is increasingly being adopted across various industries such as electronics, healthcare, automotive, and energy. According to recent reports from the European Commission and various companies, the use of Graphene in wearable electronics and advanced batteries is gaining momentum. The European Union’s Graphene Flagship Program has also provided substantial funding for research and commercialization of Graphene technologies, reflecting the growing interest in its potential. As of 2023, companies like Samsung and Tesla have significantly ramped up their efforts in integrating Graphene into their consumer electronics, particularly in batteries and capacitors, contributing to the material's market expansion. The healthcare sector has also shown interest in Graphene's applications, with companies developing Graphene-based biosensors and drug delivery systems. The material's low weight, high thermal conductivity, and antibacterial properties are opening new avenues in both beauty and health products. With its expanding applications and an increase in research activities, Graphene is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years, making it a highly promising sector in both established and emerging markets. Download PDF Sample of Graphene Market @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/4733 Key Players: GrafTech International (Graphene Nano Powder, Graphene-Enhanced Batteries) Graphene NanoChem Plc (PlatDrill, PlatSurf) XG Sciences, Inc. (xGnP Graphene Nanoplatelets, Graphene Conductive Inks) Applied Graphene Materials plc (Graphene Dispersions, Genable) Haydale Graphene Industries Plc (HDPlas Functionalised Graphene, Graphene-Based Inks) Versarien Plc (Graphene-Wrapped Silicon, Nanene) Talga Resources Ltd (Talphene, Graphene Composite Materials) First Graphene Ltd (PureGRAPH Graphene Powders, PureGRAPH Masterbatch) G6 Materials Corp. (Graphene Supercapacitors, Conductive Graphene Composites) Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. (Elicarb Graphene Powders, Graphene Oxide) Graphenea S.A. (Graphene Oxide, CVD Graphene) CVD Equipment Corporation (CVD graphene, Graphene Synthesis Tools) Directa Plus S.p.A. (G+ Graphene, Graphene-Based Textiles) Angstron Materials, Inc. (Graphene Nanoplatelets, Graphene Inks) Lomiko Metals Inc. (Graphene-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries, Graphene-Enhanced Rubber) Ad-Nano Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Graphene Nano-Flakes, Graphene Quantum Dots) AMO GmbH (Graphene Electronics, Graphene-Based Sensors) CealTech AS (Graphene Nano-Particles, Graphene-Based Coatings) Nanotech Energy Inc. (Graphene Supercapacitors, Graphene Battery Cells) Global Graphene Group (Graphene-Enhanced Battery Electrodes, G-Nano) Graphene Market Report Scope: If You Need Any Customization on Graphene Market Report, I nquire Now @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/4733 What are the growth factors of the Graphene market? Graphene’s biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and conductive nature make it ideal for healthcare applications such as drug delivery, biosensors, and prosthetics. The material's integration into biomedical devices is expected to drive its demand. Graphene's properties of high conductivity and strength are being harnessed in the development of advanced electronic components like flexible displays, batteries, and supercapacitors, expanding its reach in energy-efficient technologies. The increasing incorporation of Graphene in functional food products and nutraceuticals is opening up new market opportunities, as Graphene is recognized for enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients in food supplements. Technological Trends in Graphene Production Technological advancements in Graphene production methods are playing a crucial role in market growth. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) enables the production of high-quality Graphene, widely used in electronic devices and energy storage applications. Liquid-phase exfoliation provides an affordable and scalable solution for Graphene production, making it suitable for applications in composites and coatings. These innovations are boosting both the supply of high-quality Graphene and its demand across industries. Leading companies are investing in advanced production technologies, further driving market expansion and innovation. Which segment dominated the Graphene Market ? In 2023, the Electronic Components segment dominated the Graphene Market, accounting for a 35% market share. This segment's leadership is driven by Graphene’s superior conductivity, thinness, and strength, which make it a preferred material in semiconductor manufacturing and next-generation electronics. Its high permeability and lightweight nature have propelled its integration into IoT networks, wearable medical devices, and health monitoring systems. Additionally, Graphene’s cost-effective fabrication has encouraged its adoption in advanced applications such as electric vehicles and 5G technology. For instance, companies like Samsung and IBM have utilized Graphene to develop ultra-efficient transistors and flexible electronic devices, showcasing its potential to revolutionize modern electronic components. Recent Developments June 2024: Avanzare and Tecnalia collaborated on the European Sunshine project to create Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) strategies for Graphene production. Tecnalia developed a digital twin with sensors to reduce operator exposure to Graphene particles during extraction, in partnership with Avanzare. June 2023: Directa Plus and Candiani introduced G+ enhanced fabric, combining Directa Plus’s Graphene Plus technology for antimicrobial and thermal properties with Candiani Denim’s Kikotex Polymer, which replaces liquid plastic in fabric production. Speak with O ur E xpert A nalyst T oday to G ain D eeper I nsights @ https://www.snsinsider.com/request-analyst/4733 Regional Analysis Asia Pacific dominated the Graphene Market in 2023, holding approximately 42% of the market share. This leadership is driven by robust R&D investments in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, supported by the presence of leading graphene companies and research institutions. China's "Made in China 2025" initiative has strengthened its role in advanced materials and high-tech manufacturing, boosting production and applications in electronics, automotive, and energy storage. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the growing demand for advanced materials in the construction, automotive, and electronics sectors further fuel regional growth. Additionally, government policies promoting green technologies and renewable energy in Japan and South Korea enhance graphene's adoption in energy storage and efficiency applications, particularly in the automotive industry. The Graphene Market is growing rapidly due to its unique properties, driving advancements in electronics, energy storage, and materials. Ongoing R&D investments and government support are accelerating its adoption across various industries, fueling market expansion. Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction Market Definition Scope (Inclusion and Exclusions) Research Assumptions 2. Executive Summary Market Overview Regional Synopsis Competitive Summary 3. Research Methodology Top-Down Approach Bottom-up Approach Data Validation Primary Interviews 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis Market Driving Factors Analysis PESTLE Analysis Porter’s Five Forces Model 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting Production Capacity and Utilization, by Country, by Product, 2023 Feedstock Prices, by Country, by Product, 2023 Regulatory Impact, by l Country, by Product, 2023. Environmental Metrics: Emissions Data, Waste Management Practices, and Sustainability Initiatives, by Region Innovation and R&D, by Product, 2023 6. Competitive Landscape List of Major Companies, By Region Market Share Analysis, By Region Product Benchmarking Strategic Initiatives Technological Advancements Market Positioning and Branding 7. Graphene Market Segmentation, by Product 8. Graphene Market Segmentation, by Application 9. Graphene Market Segmentation, by End-Use 10. Regional Analysis 11. Company Profiles 12. Use Cases and Best Practices 13. Conclusion Buy Full Research Report on Graphene Market 2024-2032 @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/4733 Buying Options 5 Reports Pack (USD 7500) 10 Report Pack (USD 12000) Vertical Subscription (150 Reports Pack Valid for 1 Year) Use this link to Purchase above packs @ https://www.snsinsider.com/subscription [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com ] About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.Freelance photographer arrested on Capitol riot charges

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Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy weekBeatrice Annan, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged party supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the NDC has a clear plan in place in response to the recent Electoral Commission declaration. Annan’s comments came during a panel discussion on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana following the EC’s announcement of 7 out of 9 parliamentary seats being allocated to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after a coalition. Annan addressed concerns raised by NDC supporters, many of whom reached out for clarification amid growing uncertainty. “I have received numerous calls, messages, and even threats from NDC supporters seeking clarity on the situation. To our supporters and all Ghanaians who voted for us, I want to assure you that the NDC knows exactly what we are doing,” she stated, reinforcing the party’s resolve. She also alluded to comments made by various NPP figures, including Lord Commey, Bryan Acheampong, and President Nana Addo, who had previously hinted at a reluctance to hand over power to the NDC. Annan noted that these individuals, who once boasted of an unwavering hold on power, have now “lowered their shoulders,” signaling a shift in the political atmosphere. Concluding her remarks, Annan emphasized that the NDC’s leadership is prepared with a well-structured plan and urged the party’s supporters to trust in their strategy moving forward.

Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich has the latest on the planned executive orders on 'The Story.' A group of four NATO leaders and a representative from the European Union on Sunday said they agreed it was time to invest more in defense spending as Russia remains a chief security threat in Europe amid the war in Ukraine, and as Western leaders brace for the incoming Trump administration. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis argued the era of spending 2% of a nation’s GDP on defense was "probably history" but he, along with the other four leaders in attendance at the North-South Summit in Lapland, Finland fell short of saying what that figure should look like. "We know that we need to spend more than 2%," Mitsotakis said. "But it will become very clear... once we interact with the new president, what is the figure that we will agree on within NATO." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece attend a press conference of the North-South Summit of Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Saariselka, Finnish Lapland, Dec. 22, 2024. (Lehtikuva/Antti Aimo-Koivisto via REUTERS ) PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA READY TO COMPROMISE WITH TRUMP ON UKRAINE WAR The summit was convened by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and was also attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The leaders were questioned about a recent report by the Financial Times that said President-elect Donald Trump intends to push NATO to increase its defense spending requirement from 2% to 5% — a requirement that would demand all nations, including the U.S. which spends just over 3% of its GDP, to drastically increase spending on defense. The Trump transition team did not answer Fox News Digital’s questions on whether Trump is going to be pushing all NATO nations, including the U.S., to drastically ramp up defense spending. Instead, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team said, "President Trump believes European nations should meet their NATO defense spending obligations and step up their share of the burden for this conflict, as the U.S. has paid significantly more, which is not fair to our taxpayers. He will do what is necessary to restore peace and rebuild American strength and deterrence on the world stage." Fox News Digital also could not get clarity over whether an increase in defense spending would be supported by GOP lawmakers given the large number of conservatives in Congress, as well as his Vice President-elect, who have called for cutting U.S. aid to Ukraine, as well as last week’s internal fighting in the House among Republican lawmakers over spending disagreements. Even as NATO leaders at the North-South Summit agreed Russia is Europe’s "greatest threat," they urged caution when it came to dealing with "rumors" surrounding the incoming Trump administration. President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during the NATO summit at The Grove, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in Watford, England. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) NATO CHIEF URGES MEMBERS TO 'TURBOCHARGE' DEFENSE PRODUCTION AS HE PAINTS PICTURE OF A WORLD BOUND FOR WAR "I would wait to understand exactly what is the real will of the new president of the US," Meloni said, according to a Bloomberg report. "On NATO, we all know and understand that we have to do more. A lot of what we can do is up to the tools that we are able to put on the table." The Finnish prime minster echoed a similar sentiment and said, "Europe has to take greater responsibility for its own security. This means that European countries have to be strong leaders, both in the EU and in NATO. "[Russia] is trying to consolidate power and sow discord in Europe. The geopolitical situation is also very challenging in the Middle East and North Africa, for example," Orpo added, according to Euro News. Kristersson said spending more on defense was important, in part, so that European nations were less dependent on the U.S. being "the main sponsor" of the alliance’s defense, but also to show Washington that European nations do take defense "seriously." "European countries — individually, most of us, and collectively — need to strengthen our defense. And let’s do that," he said. Servicemen of Ukraine's 93rd Mechanised Brigade fire a French MO-120-RT heavy mortar at the Russian forces on the front line near the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's Donetsk region on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (Iryna Rybakova via AP) Trump during his first administration pushed NATO leaders to meet their 2% defense spending pledge, which several did — increasing the number of allies to meet the terms of the NATO agreement from five in 2016 to nine in 2020. But that number dropped to just six once Trump left in 2021. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP By 2022, however, NATO leaders have once again began re-evaluating their defense budgets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and by 2024, a historic number of NATO allies had met their spending agreements, with 23 out of 32 nations spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Only Poland spends over 4% of its GDP on defense, while four nations spend over 3%, including Estonia, the U.S., Latvia and Greece. Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Spain have yet to meet their defense spending commitments. Caitlin McFall is a Reporter at Fox News Digital covering Politics, U.S. and World news.The controversy around a religious Christmas sign that was taken down in downtown Kelowna continues. Two days after a sign stating 'Keep Christ in Christmas' was removed from the nativity scene display at Stuart Park, Kelowna-Centre MLA Kristina Loewen went to social media to express her opinion on the matter. "We believe that it's an important detail that Christmas is a Christian holiday," said Loewen in her video, referring to 'we' as all of the MLAs for the Central Okanagan. "We will be standing united and defending all British Columbians rights to religion and freedom of expression, speech, thought, belief," she added. "Canada is an incredible country full of diverse cultures and religions, and a wide variety of views, and I think that's one of the things that makes us so incredible." Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong agreed with her fellow Conservative, quote-tweeting the video and saying "a great message from a colleague and friend. I'm proud to be part of a team that stands for what's right." Macklin McCall, MLA for West Kelowna, also quote-tweeted Loewen's post. However, Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew appears to not have commented on social media. The nativity scene is put up by the Knights of Columbus every year and a permit is given from the City of Kelowna to do so. When the 'Keep Christ in Christmas' sign was displayed beside the scene on Monday, Dec. 9, some people in the community, including the Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association (KASHA) took issue. A letter by KASHA to Black Press Media on Dec. 9, stated the nativity scene is part of Christmas, just as "lights, festive trees, and other decorative displays" are also. "This message is not merely festive—it is political, advocating for a specific religious interpretation of the holiday," said KASHA about the sign. The next day, the sign was taken down and the City of Kelowna confirmed that the sign was not part of the Knights of Columbus' permit for the nativity scene. The Knights of Columbus had no comment regarding the matter. Capital News reached out to Loewen for further comment but was met with an automatic e-mail reply. Additionally, the City of Kelowna stated it had no comment on Loewen's video. However, Ian Bushfield the executive director of the B.C. Humanist Association did have a comment. "Freedom of religion in Canada includes freedom from religion," said Bushfield in an e-mailed statement. "Ms. Loewen and all Christians are obviously free to celebrate Christmas as a Christian holiday but our governments have a clear duty of religious neutrality. That means neither endorsing nor prohibiting any religion over any other. That sign, and arguably even the nativity scene, being on public property breaches that duty. She can put the sign up at her church or at her own house but we do not live in a theocracy." Bushfield has previously stated that BCHA is an organization committed to secular values. “Part of that is the separation of religion and government," said Bushfield. The City of Kelowna also said it received five letters on the matter when the sign was up but none since it's been taken down.As President-elect Donald Trump promises to take immediate action on a number of fronts once he returns to the White House, he and House Speaker Mike Johnson will continue their talks about the upcoming agenda Saturday at the in Landover. The Republican congressional leader, whose son is a at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, is a key Trump ally expected to help push the president’s plans through Congress. “American families are ready to see an American First agenda and we’re excited about that,” Johnson said at a news conference Tuesday. “You hear a lot of talk about the agenda and how it will be formulated and come together right out of the gates in early January. We’re working on that right now. In fact, House Republicans are already working to enact that agenda.” The football game could be one of a few Maryland-based conversations for how that agenda comes together. While the lawmakers have not officially announced other meetings, House GOP leaders are expected to meet for a daylong retreat in the days after Congress begins its next session Jan. 3 — a retreat that is likely to be in Baltimore, the political news organization Punchbowl News reported. Johnson said he and Trump would be talking “in-depth” about their “playbook” this weekend. The top priority, he said, is curtailing the flow of undocumented immigrants at the southern border and tax reform, both of which could be addressed early in 2025. Some of the work is already underway, he noted, began last week with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with House and Senate Republicans about their plans to significantly cut the federal budget. Trump has named the two wealthy businessmen to run a new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Trump also as president-elect in 2016, when the 71,600-person crowd greeted him with chants of “USA, USA.” Johnson said Tuesday some of his son’s Naval Academy classmates had recently visited the Capitol. “I guess I got to say ‘Go Navy,’ because my son’s there,” Johnson said. “But President Trump is coming to the game and others, and we’ll all be there together. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

While the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market has been growing rapidly over the last decade, several automakers are also investing in research and development into an alternative green technology - hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Many believe that hydrogen could be the key to decarbonising heavy industry, providing clean heating, and running greener vehicles. Countries worldwide have invested heavily in renewable energy sources to generate electricity; however, this does not provide the fuel needed to power certain operations. By contrast, hydrogen can be used in a similar way to conventional oil and gas-derived fuels, making it possible to power cars with clean hydrogen rather than petrol or diesel. FCEVs are powered by hydrogen fuel. They are typically more efficient than conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and produce rather than exhaust pipe emissions. Hydrogen can be in several ways; grey hydrogen is produced from natural gas, or methane, using steam methane reformation, while blue hydrogen is produced the same way but using carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions. Green hydrogen is the cleanest form of the fuel, produced using clean electricity from surplus renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to electrolyse water. However, by the end of 2021, almost 47 percent of the global hydrogen production came from natural gas, 27 percent from coal, 22 percent from oil, and just . FCEVs are powered using a propulsion system like those found in BEVs, where energy stored as hydrogen is converted to electricity by the fuel cell. Hydrogen is stored in a tank in the vehicle, just like in ICE vehicles. FCEVs can be refuelled in around and have a driving range of more than 300 miles. Despite being lesser known than BEVs by the average consumer, the market for FCEVs is beginning to grow. In 2009, the Obama administration claimed that fuel cell technology was over a decade away, and there has been significant progress in that time. The global FCEVs market is expected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2022 to , at a CAGR of over 25 percent. This is largely being driven by government pressure on automakers to decarbonise and the introduction of bans on the sale of new ICE vehicles in several cities and countries in the 2030s. In 2022, Venture Capital firms invested an estimated $2.6 billion in 192 hydrogen startups, demonstrating the growing interest in the sector. In Asia, it is believed that the introduction of FCEVs could help India significantly reduce its emissions, in support of its target for net-zero emissions by 2070. The transport sector contributes at present. Despite an openness from the government to shift to electric, the widespread use of heavy vehicles like trucks and buses makes it difficult to run transport on batteries alone. This is why hydrogen fuel cells present a promising alternative. Extended driving ranges and quick refuelling times make FCEVs more suitable for use as public transport vehicles. The southwest state of Kerala has been an early adopter of BEVs in India, with EVs contributing 5.2 percent of passenger vehicles and 13.5 percent of two-wheelers. The , led by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), aims to power passenger, freight, and water transport using hydrogen. In the Middle East, the Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA) in October that the Kingdom intends to switch to hydrogen-powered vehicles for taxis in the private sector in a pilot program. The move aligns with the government’s Vision 2030 . If successful, the scheme could provide a blueprint for the wider rollout of fuel cell taxis and other passenger vehicles. In Europe, the hydrogen company First Hydrogen Corp. announced plans in September to into the European market. The company will open offices in Germany, which launched a in 2020. In 2023, Germany also drafted legislation for a 9,700-kilometer hydrogen highway, where existing natural gas infrastructure will be used to facilitate the movement of hydrogen transportation. First Hydrogen has already seen success in the U.K. market with the launch of its “First Hydrogen LCV Trial’, in which it the performance of FCEVs against BEVs. Despite significant technological progress and the growing interest in FCEVs, a 2024 report by IDTechEx estimated that just 4 percent of all zero-emission road vehicles (ZEVs) will be powered by hydrogen in two decades. However, it suggested that around . The expansion of the blue, grey and green hydrogen markets could help encourage greater innovation in FCEVs, alongside new national hydrogen policies. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 2:21 p.m. EST

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour confirmed on a podcast interview that his employees asked social media influencers to promote memes about the FBI’s raid on the home of his archrival, the CEO of Polymarket. Both companies offer competing events-betting markets, a new kind of betting industry where people wager about the outcomes of events ranging from elections to popular culture. The FBI raided the home of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan last month, and it turns out Kalshi tried to capitalize on its rival’s misfortunes by asking influencers to post memes about it, Mansour said. “Some of our team got pretty heated. They didn’t pay anyone; they just asked some of our longstanding affiliates to post some of the memes,” Mansour told Nichole Wischoff on this week’s episode of her show FirstMoney In. Pirates Wires, a media outlet founded by Mike Solana, reported that Kalshi employees were paying influencers to post content suggesting that Polymarket and its CEO Shayne Coplan were engaging in illegal activities. The Pirates Wires article, however, also acknowledged its own apparent conflicts of interest with this report. Solana is a chief marketing officer for Founders Fund, one of Polymarket’s key investors, and Polymarket is an advertiser for Pirates Wires. The podcast segment discussing Kalshi’s response to the raid and the rivalry with Polymarket was deleted shortly after it initially aired. TechCrunch, however, has obtained and listened to the deleted portion. On the podcast, Mansour accused Polymarket of engaging in similar social media tactics against Kalshi, too. “Both companies have been doing this,” he said, adding that his team believed Polymarket was behind some social media posts suggesting that “we also got raided by the FBI. That did not happen,” he said. “We did not get raided by the FBI.” TechCrunch couldn’t confirm these allegations. Neither Polymarket nor Kalshi responded to our requests for comment. But the CEO did say on the podcast that he let the social media wars “go too far” by members of his company, adding, “I don’t think there’s a point going tit for tat.” While Kalshi didn’t fire the involved employees, Mansour said the individuals “understand that it was a mistake, and they shouldn’t do this again.” Polymarket alleged the reasons for the raid had to do with political motivations surrounding wagers on the U.S. presidential election, although both markets were making bets on its outcome. According to Bloomberg, the Department of Justice is investigating Polymarket for allegedly allowing U.S. users to engage in restricted trades. Following a 2022 settlement with the Commodity and Exchange Commission, Polymarket is barred from allowing U.S. traders to place bets on its platform, Bloomberg also reported. Kalshi, unlike Polymarket, has been legally permitted to accept trades from U.S. residents since 2021. In September the company also won a lawsuit that permitted it to accept bets on election outcomes. Kalshi, whose backers include Sequoia and Y Combinator, is currently raising a funding round of as much or more than $50 million, TechCrunch reported last month.NDC’s Beatrice Annan Calls for Calm Amid Electoral Tensions, Reassures Supporters

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Babacar Faye's 19 points helped Western Kentucky defeat Evansville 79-65 on Saturday. Faye had 12 rebounds for the Hilltoppers (5-3). Don McHenry scored 17 points and added three steals. Julius Thedford shot 4 for 7 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. The Purple Aces (3-6) were led by Cameron Haffner, who posted 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Gabriel Pozzato added 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Evansville. Tayshawn Comer finished with 12 points. Western Kentucky used a 10-0 run in the second half to build a 14-point lead at 55-41 with 12:30 remaining before finishing off the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Babacar Faye's 19 points helped Western Kentucky defeat Evansville 79-65 on Saturday. Faye had 12 rebounds for the Hilltoppers (5-3). Don McHenry scored 17 points and added three steals. Julius Thedford shot 4 for 7 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. The Purple Aces (3-6) were led by Cameron Haffner, who posted 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Gabriel Pozzato added 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Evansville. Tayshawn Comer finished with 12 points. Western Kentucky used a 10-0 run in the second half to build a 14-point lead at 55-41 with 12:30 remaining before finishing off the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

They have seen him smiling on a hostel security camera, but don’t know his name. They found the backpack he discarded while fleeing, but don’t know where he's gone. As the search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ’s killer goes on, investigators are reckoning with a tantalizing dichotomy: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. > Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it, though they are confident it was a targeted attack instead of a random act. “The net is tightening,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday. Hours after he spoke, police divers were seen searching a pond in Central Park, where the killer fled after the shooting. Officers have been scouring the park for days for any possible clues and found his bag there Friday. Late Saturday, police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter that appeared to be from a camera mounted inside a taxi. The first shows him outside the vehicle and the second shows him looking through the partition between the back seat and the front of the cab. In both, his face is partially obscured by a blue, medical-style mask. Retracing the gunman’s steps using surveillance video, police say, it appears he left the city by bus soon after the shooting Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. With the high-profile search expanding across state lines, the FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, adding to a reward of up to $10,000 that the NYPD has offered. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone. Police provided no updates on the hunt Saturday, but investigators are urging patience — even with a killer on the loose. Hundreds of detectives are combing through video recordings and social media, vetting tips from the public and interviewing people who might have information, including Thompson’s family and coworkers and the shooter’s randomly assigned roommates at the Manhattan hostel where he stayed. “This isn’t ‘Blue Bloods.’ We’re not going to solve this in 60 minutes," Kenny told reporters Friday. “We’re painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across.” The shooter paid cash at the hostel, presented what police believe was a fake ID and is believed to have paid cash for taxi rides and other transactions. He didn't speak to others at the hostel and almost always kept his face covered with a mask, only lowering it while eating. But investigators caught a break when they came across security camera images of an unguarded moment in which he briefly showed his face soon after arriving in New York on Nov. 24. Police distributed the images to news outlets and on social media but so far haven't been able to ID him using facial recognition — possibly because of the angle of the images or limitations on how the NYPD is allowed to use that technology, Kenny said. On Friday evening, investigators found a backpack in Central Park that had been worn by the gunman, police said. They didn’t immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be tested and analyzed. Another potential clue, a fingerprint on an item he purchased at a Starbucks minutes before the shooting, has so far proven useless for identifying him, Kenny said. Aided by surveillance cameras on nearly every building and block, police have been able to retrace the shooter’s movements. They know he ambushed Thompson at 6:44 a.m. as the executive arrived at the Hilton for his company’s annual investor conference, using a 9 mm pistol that resembled the guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise. They know ammunition found near Thompson’s body bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” mimicking a phrase used by insurance industry critics. Kenny said the fact that the shooter knew UnitedHealthcare group was holding a conference at the hotel and what route Thompson might take to get there suggested that he could possibly be a disgruntled employee or client. Investigators know from surveillance video that the shooter fled into Central Park on a bicycle and ditched it around 7 a.m. near 85th Street. He then walked a couple blocks and got into a taxi, arriving at 7:30 a.m. at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, which is near the northern tip of Manhattan and offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington. Investigators don't know what happened next. They are searching through more surveillance video but have yet to locate video of the shooter getting on a bus or exiting the station. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told CNN on Friday. Police have determined from video that the gunman was in the city for 10 days before the shooting. He arrived at Manhattan’s main bus terminal on a Greyhound bus that originated in Atlanta, though it's not clear whether he embarked there or at one of about a half-dozen stops along the route. Immediately after that, he took a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton and was there for about a half hour, Kenny said. At around 11 p.m. on the night he arrived, he went by taxi to the HI New York City Hostel. It was there, while speaking with an employee in the lobby, that he briefly pulled down the mask and smiled, giving investigators the brief glimpse they are now relying on to identify and capture a killer.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada , then the Panama Canal . Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland . The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20. In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity." Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn't done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He's also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Trump tweaking friendly countries harkens back to an aggressive style he used during his days in business. “You ask something unreasonable and it’s more likely you can get something less unreasonable,” said Farnsworth, who is also author of the book “Presidential Communication and Character.” Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by an ice sheet and is home to a large U.S. military base. It gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, suggested that Trump’s latest calls for U.S. control would be as meaningless as those made in his first term. “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” he said in a statement. “We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom.” The Danish Prime Minister’s Office said in its own statement that the government is “looking forward to welcoming the new American ambassador. And the Government is looking forward to working with the new administration.” “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial,” the statement said. It noted that it had no comment on Greenland except for it “not being for sale, but open for cooperation.” Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, and ultimately came to nothing . He also suggested Sunday that the U.S. is getting “ripped off” at the Panama Canal. “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question,” he said. Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded in a video that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to,” but Trump fired back on his social media site, “We’ll see about that!” The president-elect also posted a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone under the phrase, “Welcome to the United States Canal!” The United States built the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter . The canal depends on reservoirs that were hit by 2023 droughts that forced it to substantially reduce the number of daily slots for crossing ships. With fewer ships, administrators also increased the fees that shippers are charged to reserve slots to use the canal. The Greenland and Panama flareups followed Trump recently posting that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State" and offering an image of himself superimposed on a mountaintop surveying surrounding territory next to a Canadian flag. Trudeau suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump's threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. “Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by putting Canada off balance, particularly given the precarious current political environment in Canada,” Farnsworth said. “Maybe claim a win on trade concessions, a tighter border or other things.” He said the situation is similar with Greenland. “What Trump wants is a win," Farnsworth said. "And even if the American flag doesn’t raise over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to say yes to something else because of the pressure.” Associated Press writers Gary Fields in Washington and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

Ireland’s 22 help Nicholls State take down New Orleans 73-70Coldplay kick England out of Wembley: FA are left searching for new venue with British band playing sold out shows during September fixtures... with viral video showing huge toll of transforming arena into football pitch

A week full of leaks has culminated in a potential reveal of the console’s final design. After sharing a picture of what seemed to be a case for the Nintendo Switch 2 , accessory maker dbrand has published for the case on its website. Even more intriguing is the animated image on that page, which contains a fully rendered 3D model of the Switch successor. And it just might be accurate. We have no clue if dbrand genuinely knows what the Switch 2 will look like, but that the company’s CEO has confirmed “that the device inside the case in the images is the actual design of the Nintendo Switch 2.” It’s worth noting that the Switch 2 design present on dbrand’s website is nearly identical to what we saw in earlier this week. YouTuber SwitchUp was sent a 3D-printed mockup of the Switch 2 along with another third-party case, and all of the changes seem to line up with the render that dbrand has put forth. The changes include a much larger display (rumored to be 8 inches), a new trigger on the back of the Joy-Con controllers, and a new button on the front of the right Joy-Con. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the and have reviewed the As noted by , this isn’t the first time that dbrand has attempted to ruffle the feathers of . Around the time Nintendo released its limited-edition -themed Switch OLED, dbrand put out for the Switch and Steam Deck. Is dbrand simply making an educated guess in order to attract attention? Has the final design for the Switch 2 actually leaked? Well, we won’t have to wait long to find out, as Nintendo has pledged to announce its next console by March 31, 2025.One of the most hotly debated Heisman Trophy races in recent times will have a winner on Saturday night. In one corner, you’ve got Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. The junior leads the nation in rushing yards (2,497) and rushing touchdowns (29), and has led the Broncos to the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye of the College Football Playoff. On Thursday night, Jeanty was awarded the Doak Walker Award , honoring the nation’s best running back, and the Maxwell Award, given to the “most outstanding” player in college football. The Maxwell Award is similar to the Heisman but has a different voting bloc. Jeanty, who regularly posted 200-yard rushing games this season, has been chasing Barry Sanders’ record for the most yards in a season. Sanders ran for 2,628 yards for Oklahoma State in 1988 — his bowl game total didn’t count then under NCAA rules — so Jeanty is just 132 yards away, and he’ll likely do that in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. In the other corner is Colorado’s two-way star, Travis Hunter, who starts as both a cornerback and wide receiver. Hunter won the Biletnikoff Award on Thursday, honoring the nation’s best wide receiver, and was also named The Associated Press College Football Player of the Year . He got 26 votes to 16 for Jeanty in that voting. Hunter also won the Walter Camp Award — another award honoring college football’s best player — and somewhat surprisingly won the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defensive player. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Miami’s Cam Ward are the other two Heisman Trophy finalists, but neither is expected to contend. Ward on Thursday night won the Davey O’Brien Award, which goes to the nation’s top quarterback. Heading into the Heisman ceremony, Hunter is a heavy favorite among oddsmakers, sitting at anywhere from -2500 to -2000. Jeanty is at +800 to +1000, and the next closest is Gabriel at +25000. What makes Travis Hunter the favorite? Jeanty has put together one of the greatest seasons by a running back since Barry Sanders in 1988, so why is Hunter such a heavy favorite? “You’ve never seen a player like me,” Hunter said on The Pivot Podcast earlier this week. The main talking point around Hunter is the number of snaps he has played as a two-way starter, something most football pundits thought left the game decades ago. Though 12 games, Hunter played 1,380 snaps — 670 on offense, 686 on defense and 24 on special teams. That’s 382 more snaps than the next-closest player. Offensively, Hunter ranks sixth in the nation for receiving yards (1,152), fourth in receptions (92) and second in receiving touchdowns (14). Hunter won the Biletnikoff Award, but his stats didn’t match up to San Jose State’s Nick Nash, who became the fourth player in college football history to lead the nation in receptions (104), receiving yards (1,382) and touchdowns (16). In the Power 4 conferences, Maryland’s Tai Felton was the only receiver with stats comparable to Hunter’s, catching 96 passes for 1,124 yards. Defensively, Hunter had 32 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 2024 — statistics that don’t jump off the page, but he was praised for being good enough that opposing teams had to avoid throwing his direction. Former two-way college player Champ Bailey — who finished seventh in the 1998 Heisman voting and then played cornerback in the NFL — told ESPN , “(Hunter) is doing things you probably won’t see again.” “There isn’t enough said about the accountability that comes with what Hunter is doing, too. Playing both ways means putting extra stuff on your plate, and people are counting on you to do it, so it can’t just be something you want to try. That mental pressure will take the biggest toll unless you really love what you’re doing and go all in.” Fox Sports commentator and former Colorado quarterback Joel Klatt told the Denver Gazette that Hunter is a “unicorn.” Fellow former Colorado quarterback Kordell Stewart, who was a starter for the Steelers in the NFL, told the Gazette that he thinks Hunter is “hands down the Heisman winner.” “I just think his body of work speaks for itself,” Stewart said. “I love Ashton Jeanty, and the tough part about it is somebody’s got to get knocked off for another guy to get it. I think this may be the tightest race, I would arguably say, in the history of the Heisman.” Some trends lean in Ashton Jeanty’s favor But Boise State fans shouldn’t despair just yet. Jeanty’s winning of the Maxwell Award could bode well for him. Since 1979, 11 running backs have won the Maxwell Award, with nine of them going on to win the Heisman. The last of those was former Alabama star Derrick Henry, who won both awards and is now one of the NFL’s best running backs. Additionally, eight of the past 10 players to win the Maxwell also claimed the Heisman. Will that happen for Jeanty? He has no regrets about staying at Boise State regardless. “I wanted to be one of the best running backs in the nation,” he told reporters in a Zoom call from New York on Thursday evening, before winning two awards. “I wanted to win a championship, wanted to go to the college football playoffs, wanted to be a Heisman award finalist. Wanted to leave a legacy that was bigger than just football at wherever I’m at.” The only two players who won the Maxwell but not the Heisman were Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. last year — LSU QB Jayden Daniels won the Heisman — and Alabama QB Tua Tagavailoa in 2018, when Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray was the winner. One of the other finalists thinks Jeanty should get the trophy. Gabriel said on Dan Patrick’s radio show that he would “get some heat for this one, but I’m going to say Ashton Jeanty.” Gabriel said he understood the challenge of getting to this position being a Group of 5 conference player, since he started his career at UCF. “Of course, I played against Ashton this year, and he’s a talented individual. His story is unique, and what he’s been able to do has been pretty impressive.” Oregon handed Boise State its only loss this season, 37-34 on a last-second field goal in the second game of the season. This story was originally published December 13, 2024, 4:07 PM. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has ‘amazing’ start in NYC, wins two prestigious awards ‘This year has obviously changed my life.’ Loyalty pays off for Boise State’s JeantySyrian opposition fighters have reached the suburbs of the capital, Damascus, and government forces are withdrawing from the strategic city of Homs as the rebels' surprising offensive picks up speed and President Bashar Assad's whereabouts are unknown. Homs is an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces that are the Syrian leader’s base of support. In Damascus, residents described a city on edge, with security forces on the streets and many shops running out of staple foods. The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Eight key countries gathered with the U.N. special envoy on Syria on the sidelines of the Doha Summit for two hours of discussions Saturday night, and more will follow. The U.N. envoy seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Here's the Latest: The mother of an Israeli man held hostage in Gaza and seen in a newly released video by Hamas says “enough with the games” and calls for more pressure on the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Einav Zangauker told a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday night that like her son Matan, “there are a few dozen who are currently alive. Don’t allow them to be brought back dead in bags. Take to the streets.” Matan Zangauker, speaking under duress, appealed to the public to protest in front of Netanyahu’s home and “not let him sleep even for a minute.” Zangauker also referred to 420 days of being held by Hamas militants and said “isolation is killing us.” Police used a water cannon on the demonstrators as thousands took to the streets for the weekly anti-government protests. Two officials with Iran-backed Iraqi militias in Syria say the militias are monitoring the situation and have not made a decision to enter in support of Iran’s ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad. One of the officials said Iranian militias had withdrawn to Iraq from their positions in Syria. “All the militias are waiting to see what Bashar Assad will do in Damascus. If he resists and does not allow Damascus to fall, it is possible that the Iraqi factions will intervene for the purpose of support,” he said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. -- Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad Multi-country discussions on Syria have ended on the sidelines of the Doha Summit. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein says the countries will issue a statement, and there will be follow-up talks “taking into consideration the practical and real situation on the ground.” He said the talks, which lasted over two hours Saturday evening, focused on how to stop the fighting. Eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran gathered with the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen. When asked where Syrian President Bashar Assad is, Iraq's foreign minister replied, “I don’t know.” He declined to speculate on whether Assad would be overthrown. Opposition fighters have reached the Damascus suburbs. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Health Ministry says two Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed six people and wounded five others. The ministry said an airstrike on the village of Beit Leif killed five people and wounded five, while a drone strike on the village of Deir Serian killed one person. Israel’s military said it was looking into the report. Despite a ceasefire that went into effect on Nov. 27 to end the 14-month fighting between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants that had escalated into all-out war, violations of the truce have continued. The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza says the facility came under heavy Israeli bombardment again on Saturday and three medical staff were killed. Dr. Hussam Abu Safia in a statement posted by Gaza’s Health Ministry said the hospital was hit by over 100 projectiles and bombs, and electricity was cut off. He said the surgery department and neonatal unit were hit, and he pleaded for “immediate coordination for repair operations.” Kamal Adwan is one of the last remaining hospitals in northern Gaza. Israeli forces are pressing an offensive that has almost completely sealed off the area from humanitarian aid for two months. Israel’s military said it wasn’t aware of any attack Saturday. The hospital director on Friday said Israeli strikes had killed at least 29 people including four medical staff. Israeli Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi says the military is monitoring the Syrian border to make sure that “local factions do not direct actions towards us,” adding that Israel is not intervening in the events in Syria. Israel’s military has said it is reinforcing its deployment along the border with Syria. Halevi said if “confusion” arises and actions are directed toward Israel by “local factions” taking control of parts of Syria, Israel has a strong “offensive response.” The United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Syria says the U.N. is relocating non-critical staff outside the country. Adam Abdelmoula in a statement Saturday called it a precautionary measure to protect U.N. teams. “Let me emphasize—this is not an evacuation and our dedication to supporting the people of Syria remains unwavering,” Abdelmoula said. The statement did not say how many U.N. staffers were leaving Syria as opposition fighters reached the suburbs of Syria’s capital, Damascus. The statement said the fighting in Syria has displaced over 370,000 people as the humanitarian situation deteriorates, “with many seeking refuge in the northeast and others trapped in frontline areas, unable to escape.” Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran have gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit along with the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to discuss the situation in Syria. The talks continued late Saturday and no details were immediately available. Qatar, Jordan and Iraq also were part of the discussions as opposition fighters closed in on the Syrian capital, Damascus. BAGHDAD — An Iraqi government spokesperson says about 2,000 Syrian army soldiers have crossed into Iraq seeking refuge as opposition forces advance in Syria. Bassem al-Awadi said the soldiers’ equipment and weapons were registered and taken into custody by the Iraqi army. “We dealt with them according to the principle of good neighborliness and humanity,” he said Saturday. Al-Awadi also said Iraqi officials are concerned about the security of the al-Hol camp and other facilities in northeast Syria where suspected Islamic State group members and their families are detained. The facilities are guarded by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. Al-Awadi said there is “high security coordination” between Iraqi officials and those forces to “prevent the prisoners from escaping.” Syria's army says it is fortifying its positions in the suburbs of Damascus and in the country’s south, as opposition fighters close in on the capital. The army statement on Saturday also asserted that Syria is being subjected to a “terrorist” and propaganda campaign aiming to destabilize and spread chaos. The statement also said the military is continuing with operations in areas including the central provinces of Hama and Homs, and that it has killed and wounded hundreds of opposition fighters. At least two people were wounded in a car-ramming attack in the West Bank on Saturday, according to the Israeli army and rescue services. The army said the attack took place in the area of the Fawwar refugee camp, near the city of Hebron. It said a soldier was severely wounded, and security forces were looking for the attacker. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said another man in his 40s suffered light injuries from shrapnel. The West Bank has seen a surge in violence since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza sparked the war there. Israel has intensified its military raids in the West Bank, targeting what it says are militants planning attacks, and there has also been a rise in Palestinian attacks on Israelis. The Israeli military says it is helping United Nations forces to head off an attack on a U.N. position in Syria close to the Israeli border. The army said in a statement Saturday that an attack was carried out by “armed individuals” on a U.N. post near the Syrian town of Hader and it was “assisting U.N. forces in repelling the attack.” On Friday, Israel’s military said it would reinforce its forces in the Golan Heights and near the border with Syria, where civil war has reignited between the government and opposition fighters. Hamas has released a video showing Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker making an emotional plea for his release and describing the conditions he and other hostages face in Gaza after being seized in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. His mother, Einav, has become a symbol of the fight to bring back the hostages and is an outspoken critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Matan Zangauker, speaking under duress, appealed to the public to protest in front of Netanyahu’s home and “not let him sleep even for a minute.” Zangauker also referred to 420 days of being held by Hamas militants. “We want to return before we go crazy. Isolation is killing us, and the darkness here is frightening,” he said, describing having little food and medicine and “undrinkable” water. President-elect Donald Trump has made his first extensive comments on dramatic advances by opposition fighters in Syria, saying the besieged President Bashar Assad didn’t deserve U.S. support to stay in power. “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” Trump posted on the Truth Social platform on Saturday. Syrian opposition activists and regional officials have been watching closely for any indication from both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration of how the U.S. would handle the sudden advances against Syria’s Russian- and Iranian-allied leader. Trump condemned the overall U.S. handling of the 13-year civil war in Syria, but spoke favorably of the routing of Assad and Russian forces. ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that there was “now a new reality in Syria” following the rapid advance of rebel forces. Speaking in Gaziantep, a city less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the Syrian border, Erdogan said that “increasing attacks on civilians” in Syria’s northwest Idlib province “triggered the latest events like the straw that broke the camel’s back.” It was not possible for Turkey to ignore developments in a country with which it shares a lengthy border and it would not allow any threats to its national security, he added in a televised speech. “Our wish is for our neighbor Syria to attain the peace and tranquility it has been longing for for 13 years,” he told a rally of supporters. “We want to see a Syria where different identities live side by side in peace. We hope to see such a Syria in the very near future.” Erdogan claimed President Bashar Assad had erred in rebuffing Turkey’s previous efforts to establish relations, saying Damascus “could not appreciate the value of the hand Turkey extended.” Ankara has supported anti-Assad rebel groups since the early months of the conflict and hosts 3 million refugees dislodged by the fighting. While Turkey lists HTS, the group leading the latest offensive, as a terrorist organization, the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army has worked alongside it. BEIRUT — A resident of the Syrian capital of Damascus says the city is very tense as troops and members of security agencies are deployed on main streets and intersections. The resident told The Associated Press that many shops are closed and those that are open have run out of main commodities such as sugar. He added that if food products are available, some shops are selling them for a price three times higher than usual. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said on condition of anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” — Bassem Mroue in Beirut DOHA, Qatar — Russia’s foreign minister says he has met his Turkish and Iranian counterparts in Doha and that all three countries were calling for an “immediate end to hostile activities” in Syria. Russia and Iran are the chief supporters of Syria’s government, while Turkey backs opposition fighters trying to remove President Bashar Assad from power. Speaking at the annual Doha Forum, Sergey Lavrov said Russia continues to help the Syrian army confront insurgents, military via airstrikes. Asked whether Assad’s rule is threatened by the fast-moving rebel offensive, he said, “We are not in the business of guessing what’s gong to happen.” He blamed the United States and the West for the events in Syria and said, “We are very sorry for the Syrian people who became a subject of another geopolitical experiment. “We are doing everything we can not to make terrorists prevail, even if they say they are not terrorists,” Lavrov said, referring to the de facto leader of the Syrian insurgents, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who says he has cut links with al-Qaida. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, is listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and United Nations. He said Russia, Iran and Turkey want the full implementation of a U.N. resolution, which endorsed a road map to peace in Syria. Resolution 2254 was adopted unanimously in December 2015. The measure called for a Syrian-led political process, starting with the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Lavrov also downplayed reports that Moscow had withdrawn ships from Russia’s base in Syrian city of Tartus, saying that the vessels had left to take part in naval exercises in the Mediterranean. DOHA, Qatar — The U.S. envoy who brokered the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah says the deal has created a new opportunity for Lebanon to reshape itself. Amos Hochstein told the Doha Forum that the weakness of Hezbollah after nearly 14 months of fighting along, along with blows to its Syrian and Iranian allies, give the Lebanese military and government a chance to reassert itself. “Now is the moment with this ceasefire to rebuild Lebanon again for a much more prosperous future and stronger state institutions,” Hochstein told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the conference. He said Lebanon needs “to do its part” by rebuilding its economy, choosing a president after years of delays and strengthening its central government to attract investors. “And the international community has a requirement and a responsibility to support Lebanon after this devastating conflict and after years of Hezbollah control,” he said. Hochstein told the conference that the turning point in ceasefire efforts was Hezbollah dropping its pledge to keep fighting as long as the war in Gaza continues. He said the change in position was the result of the heavy losses inflicted on Hezbollah, and Lebanese public opinion in favor of delinking the two conflicts. He said key tests for the ceasefire will be whether Israel carries out its promised phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon over the coming two months and whether the Lebanese army is able to move into those areas. BEIRUT — Insurgents and a war monitor say opposition fighters are taking over military posts evacuated by Syrian government forces in the country’s south, bringing them closer to the capital, Damascus. An insurgent official known as Maj. Hassan Abdul-Ghani posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition fighters are now in the town of Sanamein, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the southern outskirts of Damascus, President Bashar Assad’s seat of power. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said insurgents have entered the town of Artouz, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of Damascus. Opposition fighters have captured wide parts of Syria, including several provincial capitals, since they began their offensive on Nov. 27. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s government has approved a plan to deploy more troops along the border with Israel, part of the ceasefire deal that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war. In a rare Cabinet meeting outside of Beirut, held Saturday at a military base in the southern port city of Tyre, the government also approved a draft law to reconstruct buildings destroyed during the Israel-Hezbollah war that broke out in October 2023 and ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire last week. Information Minister Ziad Makary told reporters after the meeting that the committee whose job is to monitor the ceasefire that went into effect on Nov. 27 will hold its first meeting on Monday. The committee is made up of military officials from the U.S., France, Israel and Lebanon as well as the U.N. peacekeeping force deployed along the border. As part of the ceasefire deal, during the first 60 days Israeli troops will have to withdraw from Lebanon, while Hezbollah will have to pull its heavy weapons away from the border area to north of the Litani river. The Lebanese army said this week it will begin recruiting more soldiers, apparently to deploy them along the border with Israel. BEIRUT — The Syrian army withdrew from much of southern Syria on Saturday, leaving more areas of the country, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters, the military and an opposition war monitor said. The redeployment away from the provinces of Daraa and Sweida came as Syria’s military sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The rapid advances by insurgents are a stunning reversal of fortunes for Syria’s President Bashar Assad , who appears to be largely on his own, with erstwhile allies preoccupied with other conflicts. His chief international backer, Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine, and Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up his forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran, meanwhile, has seen its proxies across the region degraded by Israeli regular airstrikes. JERUSALEM — Israeli security forces killed a Palestinian man after he attacked them at a border crossing in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Saturday morning, police said. The man shot firecrackers at security forces at the checkpoint and threatened them with a knife, the police statement said. The man wore a t-shirt emblazoned with a symbol of the Islamic State militant group, according to an Associated Press reporter Israeli fire has killed at least 700 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began last year, Palestinian health officials said. In that time, Palestinian militants have launched a number of attacks on soldiers at checkpoints and within Israel. DOHA, Qatar — The prime minister of Qatar says he has seen new momentum in Gaza ceasefire efforts since the U.S. presidential election, with the incoming Trump administration seeking an end to the conflict before it takes office. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key mediator in the ceasefire efforts, declined to give specifics of the negotiations but told an international conference in Doha that the gaps between the sides are not large. Qatar, which has served as a mediator throughout the 14-month war, suspended its efforts last month in frustration over the lack of progress. But Sheikh Mohammed said his government has re-engaged in recent days after determining a new willingness by both parties to reach a deal. ’We have sensed after the election that the momentum is coming back,” he told the Doha Forum on Saturday. He said has been in touch with both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration and found that while there are some differences in approach, both are committed to the same goal of ending the war. ’We have seen a lot of encouragement from the incoming administration in order to achieve a deal, even before the president comes to the office,” Sheikh Mohammed said. He declined to discuss details, saying he wanted to “protect the process,” but expressed hope for a deal “as soon as possible.” ’If you look at the gaps and the disagreements, they are not something substantial that really affects the agreement,” he said. CAIRO — At least 29 people were killed, including four medical staff, when Israeli strikes pummeled the area around one of the last remaining hospitals in northern Gaza, Palestinian officials said. The situation in and around the Kamal Adwan hospital is “catastrophic,” according to Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of the hospital. The dead included five children and five women, according to the hospital casualty list, which was obtained by The Associated Press. Friday’s strikes also wounded 55 people including six children and the five women, according to the hospital. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya is one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the Gaza’s northernmost province , where Israeli forces are pressing an offensive that has almost completely sealed off the area from humanitarian aid for two months. Israel’s military denied that its forces had struck the hospital or operated inside it. The army said that in the past few weeks, “coordinated efforts with international organizations have been underway in order to transfer patients, companions, and medical staff to other hospitals.” An Indonesian medical team which had been assisting in Kamal Adwan for the past week was forced to evacuate on foot after the area was surrounded by Israeli soldiers, according to a statement from the team. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the medical team’s expulsion. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization representative in the Palestinian territories, said an Israeli tank approached the hospital at around 4 a.m. Friday. Although no official Israeli evacuation order was issued, “people started to climb the wall to escape, and this panic attracted IDF (Israeli) fire,” he said. He spoke by video from Gaza to journalists in Geneva. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been struck multiple times over the past two months since Israel launched a fierce military operation in northern Gaza against Hamas militants. In October, Israeli forces raided the hospital, saying that militants were sheltering inside and arrested a number of people, including some staff. Hospital officials denied the claim. MANAMA, Bahrain — Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has reiterated the kingdom’s call for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip. Prince Faisal bin Farhan described Israel as acting with “impunity and is getting away without punishment” in its war on Hamas there. The prince said that any permanent solution requires a two-state solution, with the Palestinians having east Jerusalem as their capital. After the speech, Prince Turki al-Faisal, a prominent royal in the kingdom who led Saudi intelligence for more than two decades and served as ambassador to the U.S. and Britain, took the stage. He harshly criticized Israel’s conduct in the wars. “Israel has become an apartheid, colonial and genocidal state,” Prince Turki said. “It is about time for the world to address that issue and take the necessary steps to bring those who are thus charged by the International Criminal Court to justice.” Israeli officials could not be immediately reached for comment on Prince Turki’s remarks. The Saudis spoke at the International Institute for Security Studies’ Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.

The future of business is here, and it's powered by artificial intelligence. BRISBANE, Australia , Dec. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Click Start Digital, a leader in e-commerce business solutions, has launched its new AI-Integrated Training Platform, designed to help entrepreneurs start and scale their online businesses with ease. This upgrade enhances its renowned training programs by integrating AI tools for market research, automation, and growth strategies. With over 13 years of expertise, Click Start Digital is revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs approach business, delivering smarter, faster results using cutting-edge technology. How to Launch Your E-Commerce Business Using AI Click Start Digital combines innovative AI tools with proven expertise to make launching an online store simple and effective. For those wondering how to start a business, the platform offers a transformative approach. From idea generation to scaling, entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, tools, and strategies they need to thrive in today's competitive marketplace. What Sets Click Start Digital Apart? AI-Powered Tools : Simplify market research, automate product descriptions, and streamline advertising for a competitive edge. Tailored Training : Practical, jargon-free lessons on leveraging AI in every step of your business. Bespoke Websites : Custom-built stores tailored to your niche and audience. Supplier Access : Reliable suppliers across industries for greater profit potential. Personalised Support : Weekly check-ins and ongoing guidance to help you succeed. "Artificial intelligence is transforming how we do business, and we're thrilled to bring this innovation to aspiring entrepreneurs," says Samantha Hurst , founder of Click Start Digital. "With our training and tools, anyone can start an e-commerce business, simplify operations, and achieve results faster than ever." Why AI is a Game-Changer for E-Commerce AI tools are reshaping business operations with benefits such as predictive analytics for high-demand products and automation for personalized customer experiences. With Click Start Digital, entrepreneurs can: Identify profitable niches and products quickly. Create SEO-optimized product descriptions. Run data-driven ad campaigns for better ROI. Automate tasks to focus on growth and strategy. Click Start Digital ensures that starting an e-commerce business is not just possible but sustainable with the power of AI. About Click Start Digital For over a decade, Click Start Digital has helped entrepreneurs launch and grow successful e-commerce businesses. Combining bespoke websites, AI-powered tools, and expert support, it has become a trusted partner for thousands turning their business dreams into reality. To learn more, visit Click Start Digital . SOURCE Click Start Digital

Georgia QB Carson Beck Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery on Elbow Injury Amid CFPB.C. cities turning to AI to speed up housing approvalsThe Wanted star Max George has said he is “staying positive” while in hospital waiting for tests that could shine a light on issues with his heart. In a post to Instagram on Thursday the singer, 36, explained that he went to hospital after feeling “really unwell” and added that he needed “a lot more tests” to determine “what surgery I will need to get me back on my feet.” Updating his fans, George posted a video from his hospital bed on Friday, and said he “had a bit of a rough day”. A post shared by Max George (@maxgeorge) He added: “My heart rate dropped a bit this morning, which was, it was a little bit scary. “But everyone here is amazing, so wanted to get it back up a little bit and get it stable again, which is great. “Reason I’m not... like a lot of friends and family are asking why I’m not just going in and having anything (like surgery) done yet, because there’s so many tests that need to be done before we do anything. “So I just need to get through till, I guess, next week. Get all the tests done, and then they’ll know exactly what to do, because otherwise, obviously, they’ll be able to do something, but it’ll be better doing it with all the information that they need. “But, yeah, it’s shit, but still here and staying positive. “And thanks everyone as well for all the lovely messages and any friends and family and that that have messaged that I haven’t got back to. “I see you all and yeah, means a lot. Much love and have a nice Friday night.” George rose to fame in the 2010s with The Wanted, who had a number of hit songs including All Time Low, Glad You Came and Heart Vacancy. His bandmate Tom Parker died in 2022 at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. George, who helped carry Parker’s coffin at his funeral alongside fellow bandmates Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes, previously said on This Morning that he continued to message his late bandmate following his death as it brought him “a bit of comfort”. He also appeared in the US musical series Glee as Clint and in his band’s reality series The Wanted Life. Over the years, he has competed in a number of competition series including Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive and Richard Osman’s House Of Games. George’s girlfriend is former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, who appeared on BBC One dancing competition series Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 at the same time as George, though they have previously said that romantic sparks only began to fly in 2022. He was due to appear on a MasterChef Christmas special before the BBC pulled the show from its festive schedule amid allegations about the conduct of judge Gregg Wallace across a range of shows.

Ukraine's strategy under Trump, problematic signals from Ukrainians and parallels with WWI: an interview

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Pitt QB Eli Holstein to start vs. Louisville

Court orders first imprisonment under OSALITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Sasa Ciani and Filip Skobalj scored 15 points apiece and Tyem Freeman added five of his nine points in overtime to lead UIC over Little Rock 77-69 on Sunday. Ciani added 10 rebounds for the Flames (7-4). Skobalj made 5 of 11 from 3-point range. Javon Jackson scored 13. Jackson sank three free throws with less than a second left to force OT tied at 64. The Trojans (6-5) were led by Johnathan Lawson, who posted 25 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Lewis added 11 points and two steals. Tuongthach Gatkek had 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Skobalj scored nine points in the first half for UIC, which trailed 32-30 at halftime. Skobalj hit a 3-pointer with 2:45 left in OT to put the Flames up 68-65 and they stayed in front from there. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Trump or Musk should buy Greenland themselves instead of US annexation: Senior Russian officialNumber of women who are state lawmakers inches up to a record highChief 'disappointed' to see clean water used as a political 'tactic' by Conservatives

UNSW Sydney signs landmark agreement with OpenAINone

Millionaire investor and “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary delivered an unsparing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, suggesting the failed presidential candidate’s November loss resulted from long-running political inadequacies. During a roundtable on “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” O’Leary said the glaring mistake by Democrats came early on when they positioned Harris as the nominee without holding a primary. “They made an excuse of $317 million in the kitty. They kept the same campaign manager and said we will anoint this faulted, broken candidate who was inconsequential in her vice presidency,” he said. “Lost in 2019. As you detailed, complete loser in 2020. Never could articulate anything. Had no compassion for people and her own advocates.” O’Leary also pointed to Harris’ appearance on “The View” as a turning point in the campaign. He suggested that the women on the show wanted Harris to win and threw her “softball” questions to bolster her public image; in that interview, Harris couldn’t say what she would have done differently from Biden in the previous four years, linking her even more strongly to the unpopular incumbent. “She was so weak as a candidate, she couldn’t even answer that she would do something different. It ricocheted around the world. She was finished. They will never do that again,” he added. O’Leary has been an outspoken critic of Harris and the Democrats leading up to the 2024 presidential election. He said on “CNN NewsNight” in October that after watching her town hall the night before, Democrats should have concerns about how she ended up being the nominee. O’Leary said he was struck by how “only 90 days ago, [Nancy] Pelosi went to Biden and said, ‘You need to step aside’ and convinced him to do so. He made the decision, and he did actually ask her, and we’ve now learned this, ‘Is she the right person to drive this home?’ He questioned that. He could have said, ‘We need to run a process in order for me to make this move,’ but they decided not to. I don’t know who ‘they’ is. Was it [Barack] Obama? Was it Pelosi? I don’t care who it was.” After using an analogy about stock picking, O’Leary asserted that Harris’ ascendancy to the nomination “is the second time the Democratic Party has circumvented democracy.” Fox News’ Alexander Hall contributed to this report.Govt warns PTI against bringing ‘armed groups’ to Islamabad PTI wants to take "dead bodies" to KP for playing politics, says Khawaja Asif Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. — Facebook@khawajaAsifofficial/file Hours before the PTI’s much-hyped “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned the former ruling party against bringing “armed groups” to Islamabad. His remarks came amid the looming showdown as the government all set to thwart any attempt to enter the federal capital by the protesters and the PTI remained resolute in its plan for the November 24 protest. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Talking to journalists, the defence minister said: “If they [PTI] are bringing armed groups [to invade the federal capital], the government would deal them in the same way.” He revealed that the majority of PTI leaders wanted the former ruling party’s planned demonstration in Islamabad to be cancelled. The defence minister said: “I can name those PTI leaders who wanted the sit-in to be cancelled.” The government has devised its action plan in connection with the November 24 protests by the former ruling party, he added. The minister warned the PTI leadership against bringing armed groups to the federal capital. “If they [PTI] are bringing armed groups [to invade the federal capital], the government would deal them in the same way,” he warned. Taking a dig at the PTI leadership, Asif said that "they want to do politics on dead bodies". “They [PTI] wanted to take dead bodies to KP and make it an issue and the government wants to avoid it.” He warned the PTI that they should not take it as the government’s weakness. Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan that no gathering, sit-in or protest can be allowed in the city in the light of Islamabad High Court's (IHC) order. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi looks on during a meeting. — AFP/File The minister discussed in detail the ongoing political situation in the wake of PTI's protest call for tomorrow in a telephonic conversation with Gohar. "We are bound to follow the IHC's orders, cannot allow any rally, gathering or sit-in," the security czar told the PTI chairman. The Islamabad High Court on Thursday directed the authorities concerned not to allow the former ruling party to hold its protest in the federal capital, in adherence to the newly enacted peaceful assembly law. The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024 empowers the district magistrate to regulate and ban public assemblies in the federal capital, proposing a punishment of up to three years or/and an unspecified fine to the members of an "unlawful assembly". In today's conversation, Naqvi told Gohar that a high-level delegation from Belarus is set to arrive in Pakistan on November 24, while the Belarusian president will reach on November 25 for an official visit. The foreign delegation will stay in the federal capital till November 27. Insiders said that the PTI chairman, after the meeting, asked the minister for time to have a consultation with the party in this regard. "I will update you with the final decision after consultation," he said while speaking to Naqvi. Meanwhile, PTI's political committee last night deliberated on the issues of cancelling tomorrow's protest march, keeping the IHC orders in view. According to some PTI leaders, who were part of the last night deliberations, majority of the committee members were in favour of calling off the November 24 protest march, according to The News report. They were of the view that dialogue with the government should be given a chance. It was decided by the PTI’s political committee to present this option of cancelling the protest call and giving dialogue a chance to the jailed party’s founder Imran Khan for a decision.

SAN JUAN – The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has yet to produce a certified vote tally for a single district almost a month after holding historic general elections . Then on Wednesday, a judge issued a ruling that sparked an outcry and threatened to further delay the certification process as the Jan. 2 swearing-in looms. The judge, in response to a lawsuit, ordered Puerto Rico’s State Elections Commission to count early votes following ID verification even if the postal address used to request those votes is different from the one in the general voter registration. Recommended Videos “Contrary to what some actors in our society may have encouraged in public opinion, our legal framework in electoral matters is covered with guarantees of reliability, which leave no room for speculation or doubts about the validity of early votes,” Judge Raúl A. Candelario López wrote. The Nov. 21 lawsuit was filed by a dozen voters affiliated with the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, which won the gubernatorial race, according to preliminary results. The ruling noted that those voters alleged “their rights are being violated since they requested early voting, complied with all the requirements for it, and their votes are being subject to additional requirements without any legal basis.” The judge’s decision angered many including Karla Angleró, electoral commissioner for the opposing Popular Democratic Party, one of Puerto Rico’s two main parties, She said the party would appeal Wednesday’s ruling. In September, Angleró and electoral commissioners from other parties agreed that if they uncovered addresses that didn't match, officials would call people to confirm that they indeed requested an early vote to prevent any fraud. Angleró and other commissioners had recently requested that the elections commission investigate how more than 40 ballots with different residential addresses were requested from the same P.O. box in the southern coastal town of Santa Isabel. “We’ve been waiting for weeks,” she told reporters on Wednesday of the investigation. Judicial officials already are investigating allegations made before Nov. 2 about electoral crimes including people who said they received confirmations for early voting when they had made no such request. As those investigations continue, workers are certifying ballots with the aim to finish by Dec. 20 or 22, according to Jessika Padilla, alternate president for the elections commission. The aim was to finalize the district of the capital of San Juan on Wednesday, but that was pushed back to Sunday, she told reporters. Numerous obstacles have delayed the certification process, including an increase in write-in votes and a flurry of errors detected in bedside ballots, prompting all electoral commissioners to agree to start counting more than 60,000 such votes from scratch. The delay prompted electoral commissioners last week to temporarily halt the counting of ballots cast in a nonbinding referendum also held Nov. 5 on Puerto Rico’s political status so they could focus on election ballots. Local law dictates the certification process must be completed by Dec. 31.THE African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, for his contribution towards enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM) in the continent through his close collaboration with the regional tax advocacy agency. Following the ATAF Exchange of Information Conference (EOI) held in October in Johannesburg, South Africa, this year, regional tax experts, policymakers and strategic partners made key pronouncements towards improving revenue generation to bolster Africa’s development. One fundamental outcome from this conference was the call to African political leaders to support the implementation of EOI as a critical tool for DRM as opposed to compliance to international standards. At the recent ATAF Annual General Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, executive secretary, Mr Logan Wort, applauded Prof Ncube’s contribution and urged other policy makers in the region to follow suit. Zimbabwe is a member of ATAF. “We continue to express our sincere gratitude to the Hon Prof Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion for the Republic of Zimbabwe for his offer to champion this agenda among his peers on the continent. “We call upon other African leaders to join this worthy course,” said Mr Wort. Zimbabwe is one of the regional champions in embracing digital technology in taxation matters and a few weeks ago, Prof led the launch of the Electronic Tariff Tool (e-Tariff Tool), marking a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation and improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe. “The e-Tariff Tool will undoubtedly serve as a vital resource for traders, simplifying the complexities of tariff classification and duty estimation,” said Prof Ncube during the launch. “This initiative is a remarkable step towards making our customs operations more efficient and user-friendly, ultimately benefiting the entire trading community.” During the ATAF Indaba, Mr Wort noted that besides the digital transformation agenda and the domestic tax base expansion, this year ATAF embarked on a new journey of revamping effective use of exchange of information and promotion of tax transparency given its significance on the enhancement of DRM and for addressing illicit financial flows. “To support our members on this critical transformation, we have been providing technical assistance on EOI including support on the development of automatic exchange of information IT system, support on the necessary legislative reforms for implementation of EOI and provision of the necessary toolkits such as the Toolkit on Joining ATAF Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters (AMATM),” said Mr Wort. The high-level meeting highlighted, among other things, that the African continent continues to be impacted by various challenges, including the debt crisis in many countries, the geopolitical conflicts and tensions, the changing political landscape and the climate and environmental considerations. Delegates stressed the need to embrace technology and digital solutions in tax administration as central to enhancing domestic resource mobilisation capacities for African countries, which is necessary for financing development. Nqobile Bhebhe, A CONSORTIUM of local and foreign investors has commenced work on the Lubimbi coal-bed methane (CBM) gas field in Matabeleland North Province, a development hailed as a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s energy sector, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed. Coal-bed methane, a natural gas trapped in coal seams, [...] Leonard Ncube in Livingstone, Zambia ZIMBABWE’s and Zambia’s Energy and Finance Ministers are set to meet in Livingstone, Zambia, this morning for the 44th Council of Ministers Ordinary Meeting. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) is organising the high-level bilateral meeting which will be attended by key stakeholders to deliberate and receive updates on various issues. [...] Leonard Ncube, SMALLholder farmers across selected provinces in Zimbabwe can now access grants of up to US$20 000 for agricultural projects under the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP), a Government initiative aimed at fostering market-led, climate-smart agriculture. The SACP is a six-year programme running from 2021 to 2027, and it is being implemented by the [...]

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended the Indianapolis Colts’ slim playoff hopes Sunday as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 45-33 victory. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan’Dale Robinson in leading the Giants (3-13) to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a 100-yard return on the second-half kickoff on a day the league’s worst offense set a season high for points. Jonathan Taylor scored on runs of 3 and 26 yards for Indianapolis (7-9), while Joe Flacco, subbing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw touchdown passes of 13 yards to Alec Pierce and 7 yards to Michael Pittman, the last bringing the Colts within 35-33 with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lock, who finished 17 of 23 for 309 yards, iced the game by leading a nine-play, 70-yard drive that he capped with a 5-yard run. The 45 points were the most for New York since putting up 49 in a 52-49 loss to the Saints in 2015. It’s the Giants most in a win since a 45-14 rout against Washington in 2014 and most at home since a 52-27 win against the Saints in 2012. Nabers finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards. Flacco was 26 of 38 for 330 yards with two interceptions, the second by rookie Dru Phillips shortly after Lock’s TD run. Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards in a win over Tennessee last weekend, finished with 125 yards on 32 carries. Pierce had six catches for 122 yards. Rookies Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy become the third pair of rookies to have more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the same season. The previous duo was running back Reggie Bush and receiver Marques Colston of the Saints in 2006. Injuries Colts: Richardson was inactive with foot and back injuries sustained against Tennessee. Giants: DL Armon Watts (knee) was ruled out in the first half. Up next Colts: Finish the regular season by hosting Jacksonville. Giants: At Philadelphia to face Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. ___ AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNo. 14 BYU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12, No. 14 CFP) at No. 21 Arizona State (8-2, 5-2, No. 21), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) League newcomer Arizona State has a three-game winning streak and BYU is coming off its first loss. The Cougars, after losing at home to Kansas, still control their own destiny in making the Big 12 championship game. They can clinch a spot in that Dec. 7 game as early as Saturday, if they win and instate rival Utah wins at home against No. 22 Iowa State. Arizona State was picked at the bottom of the 16-team league in the preseason media poll, but already has a five-win improvement in coach Kenny Dillingham's second season. No. 16 Colorado (8-2, 6-1, No. 16 CFP) at Kansas (4-6, 3-4), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox) Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are in prime position to make the Big 12 title game in their return to the league after 13 seasons in the Pac-12. If BYU and Utah win, Colorado would be able to claim the other title game spot with a win over Kansas. The Buffs have a four-game winning streak. The Jayhawks need another November win over a ranked Big 12 contender while trying to get bowl eligible for the third season in a row. Kansas has won consecutive games over Top 25 teams for the first time in school history, knocking off Iowa State before BYU. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown a touchdown in a school-record 14 consecutive games, while receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel both have more than 800 yards receiving. San Jose State is the only other FBS team with a pair of 800-yard receivers. Becht has 2,628 yards and 17 touchdowns passing for the Cyclones (8-2, 5-2), who are still in Big 12 contention. Oklahoma State goes into its home finale against Texas Tech with a seven-game losing streak, its longest since a nine-game skid from 1977-78. The only longer winless streak since was an 0-10-1 season in 1991. This is Mike Gundy's 20th season as head coach, and his longest losing streak before now was five in a row in 2005, his first season and the last time the Cowboys didn't make a bowl game. ... Baylor plays at Houston for the first time since 1995, the final Southwest Conference season. The Cougars won last year in the only meeting since to even the series 14-14-1. ... Eight Big 12 teams are bowl eligible. As many as six more teams could reach six wins. The Big 12 already has four 1,000-yard rushers, including three who did it last season. UCF's RJ Harvey is the league's top rusher (1,328 yards) and top scorer with 21 touchdowns (19 rushing/two receiving). The others with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons are Texas Tech career rushing leader Tahj Brooks (1,184 yards) and Kansas State's DJ Giddens (1,128 yards). Cam Skattebo with league newcomer Arizona State has 1,074 yards. Devin Neal, the career rushing leader at his hometown university, is 74 yards shy of being the first Kansas player with three 1,000-yard seasons. Cincinnati's Corey Kiner needs 97 yards to reach 1,000 again.