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Update 11/25/24: If you’re looking for dirt cheap items that don’t skimp on quality this year — don’t worry because we’ve found ’em. This early selection shows exactly what we’re looking forward to as the deals season progresses. We’ll continue to update this list throughout the Black Friday sale event. As you know, Black Friday is coming up on November 29th. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until then to start getting great deals — early Black Friday deals are already here. That means you can get early Black Friday TV deals , early Black Friday laptop deals , and even early Black Friday Keurig deals . But what if you just have a few dollars to spare on your shopping or if your major purchase didn’t cover all of your shopping budgets for the season? That’s where these little pick-me-ups, items under $25, really come in handy. They’re all things you need or might want and just might go well with your other purchases this season. Plus, with the low prices available now, you can come away feeling like you got a great bargain. Amazon Echo Pop — $18 $40 55% off Our Amazon Echo Pop review referred to it as “a perfectly priced Alexa,” and that was before $22 came off the price. If you’re in the market for this device, you probably don’t need an overview of what it does, but you should be reminded that this is the model that has a bonus Eero extender built-in. Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad — $20 $28 30% off This is the keyboard I use with the laptop hooked to my projector. It’s super convenient, has a basically unkillable battery life, and makes remote control of computers easier than ever. Has quick mute and volume controls above the trackpad and an alternate mouse-click button at the upper left for added control. I bought it for more than $23 and am still quite happy with it. Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Bulbs (800 lumens, 4-pack) — $21 $40 48% off These smart light bulbs can go multicolor or adjust to warm and cool lights, setting the mood for whatever room they’re put into. Make them shine green in your coffee and reading nook for natural vibes or set them a cheerful red to joy up your Christmas celebration. HP 420 Programmable Bluetooth Mouse — $21 $30 30% off The HP 420 is surprisingly fully-featured for a mouse that’s usually $30 (you can save $9 if you buy it now). It has a total of six programmable buttons. Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A (4-Pack) — $19 $30 37% off These plugs will let you turn just about any electronic device in your home into a voice-activated smart device. Kasa is the maker of many of the best smart plugs , and we think you’ll like this affordable offering, too. SanDisk Ultra Plus 128GB SDXC Memory Card — $12 $23 48% off If you need an extra boost of memory for your digital camera or other device with an SDXC memory slot, this is your chance to save $11 on 128GB of bonus space. Logitech M340 Mouse Collection — $10 $20 50% off The Logitech M340 is a flat, minimalist mouse for travel. All of the collection is now on sale, with each mouse costing just $15. Choose from the ‘Speckles’ pattern above, or choose from the six others available. Lego Technic Monster Jam Monster Mutt Dalmatian Set — $16 $20 20% off This is a high-value Lego kit. Though it has just 244 pieces, it makes a Monster Jam car in two different configurations, giving you double the building fun. Plus, you can make it go by doing a simple pull back and release motion, making this a fun and affordable toy for those 7+. Overture Matte 3D Printer Filament (various colors, 2.2 pounds) — From $15 $20 20% off If you want to kickstart your 3D printing with colored models, these matte colors are a great way to start. Dozens of PLA spools are offered, with most hitting around the $16 mark while this sale is ongoing. Tap the button below to check them all out. Conair Double Ceramic Hair Dryer with Diffuser — $20 $33 40% off This Conair hair dryer comes with a diffuser and concentrator, giving you control over your dry, and all at a price of just $20 while this deal lasts. How to choose products under $25 on Black Friday This is a great time of year to look at the small things that you use again and again and stock up on them. Or, pick up a great gift for someone you love. Or, try something new at an unbeatable price. Or... There is a lot of “or” here, and that’s for a good reason — the products under the $25 category are pretty varied. In any event, remember that small dollar purchases add up, but it goes both ways. Sure, buying a lot of something can be expensive, but if you pay attention to things you really need and want, your savings can pile up, too. How we chose these products under $25 for Black Friday The $25 and under category for Black Friday is a surprisingly broad category, even for the most tech-oriented readers of Digital Trends . They range from toys that we love to gift the kids in our lives to more “consumable” items like light bulbs that you’ll need to stock up on every once in a while. We’re mostly presenting these items here because they are easy pickups, and this serves as a good reminder to you to buy these kinds of items when deals season strikes and a good price can be found. In many ways, the preceding list was built with the intuition you gain from writing for a set audience over the years.None
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setupFederal funds for Micron keep tech hub plans on trackAn international test shows adults' literacy and numeracy has fallen significantly over the past eight years. Results from the OECD's international Survey of Adult Skills in 31 OECD nations last year showed this country's scores were about average for literacy and below average for numeracy. New Zealand's 16-65 scored an average of 260 for literacy, 256 for numeracy and 249 for "adaptive problem solving". The scores were well-behind those of league table leader, Finland, with average scores of 296 for literacy, 294 for numeracy and 276 for problem solving. They were also lower than the previous round of tests, with a 21-point drop in literacy and a 15-point drop in numeracy. The report said many countries had lower scores than the last time the test was run, in 2015, but New Zealand's declines were among the largest. A quarter of New Zealand adults were reading and writing at the lowest level of proficiency, double the figure recorded in 2015 and 13 percent performed at a high level, slightly fewer than in 2015. In numeracy 28 percent performed poorly, up from 19 percent, while 12 percent were good at numeracy, down from 15 percent. The report indicated that increased immigration had affected New Zealand's results. "Between 2014 and 2022-23, the proportion of foreign-born adults of foreign-born parents grew by about 7 percentage points in New Zealand. Over this same time period, the declines in literacy proficiency were more pronounced for foreign-born adults than for native-born adults in New Zealand, and the literacy gap between the two groups widened. It also found New Zealand's gender differences were larger than the OECD average in literacy but smaller in numeracy. "On average, across participating OECD countries and economies, women displayed higher average proficiency than men in literacy (by 3 points), while men scored higher in numeracy (by 10 points) and adaptive problem solving (by 2 points). In New Zealand, a significant 12 points difference in favour of women was observed in literacy; no significant difference was observed in numeracy; and no significant difference was observed in adaptive problem solving." The report said in all countries higher levels of education were associated with greater proficiency in literacy, numeracy and problem solving. "In New Zealand, among adults aged 25-65, those with tertiary education scored 29 points higher in literacy than those with upper secondary education (OECD average: 33 points), and those with upper secondary education scored 48 points higher than those with less than upper secondary education (OECD average: 43 points)," the report said. The survey also measured differences between age groups. "Older adults (aged 55 to 65) in New Zealand displayed lower proficiency than 25-34 year-olds in adaptive problem solving, and similar proficiency in literacy and numeracy. On average across OECD countries, adults aged 55-65 scored below 25-34 year-olds in all domains (by 30 points, in literacy). Skill gaps between older and younger adults could reflect ageing effects, but also differences in the quality and quantity of education and training across generations." The report said 33 percent of New Zealand workers were over-qualified for their job, compared to the OECD average of 23 percent, and 34 percent were over-skilled. "About 10 percent of workers report that some of their skills are lower than what is required for their job (OECD average: 10 percent). In New Zealand, they often say this is because they need to improve their computer or software skills (50 percent), followed by project management or organizational skills (39 percent)," it said. "In OECD countries, adults who are overqualified for their job incur significant economic and social costs. This is less the case in New Zealand: on average, their wages are 17 percent lower than peers in well-matched jobs who have similar educational attainment (OECD average: 12 percent lower). However, they are not significantly less likely to report a high level of life satisfaction (OECD average: 4 percentage points less likely)." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.Shah Khursheed* Located 85 kilometers from Srinagar, the remote village of Jundinambal in Baramulla district, North Kashmir, is home to about 800 residents, who face daily struggles with poverty. The local economy relies on dairy farming, horticulture, and agriculture. While men are the main earners, women manage the household. Men work to provide for their families for seven months, but the seasonal slowdown during winter disrupts their income. During this time, freezing temperatures and impassable roads halt most agricultural activities, leaving many villagers without work. Additionally, limited healthcare facilities and poor connectivity make accessing even basic medical care difficult and costly. Amid these challenges, 29-year-old Rafiqa Begum, an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) from Limber Tehsil, Boniyar, Baramulla, has become a vital figure in her community. After moving to Jundinambal following her marriage, Rafiqa, a postgraduate degree in Political Science, began working as the village’s only ASHA worker in 2019. She provides essential services to the community, especially to women, including healthcare, maternal and infant care, nutrition, hygiene education, and vaccinations. Rafiqa’s work has been particularly impactful in educating women about menstrual hygiene, a topic that remains stigmatized in many parts of Kashmir. Masrat Bano, a local woman, recalls how Rafiqa introduced sanitary pads in 2019, explaining their use and benefits. Previously, Masrat, like many others, used cloth for menstrual hygiene, which was challenging and uncomfortable to maintain. “Sanitary pads seemed like a luxury,” she admits, adding that using cloth made it difficult to manage hygiene, especially during school hours, leading some girls to miss school altogether. Rafiqa explains that financial constraints and social stigma often prevent girls from accessing menstrual products. “Many women can’t afford sanitary pads, and even if they can, they are often too shy to buy them from male-run stores,” she shares. To address this, Rafiqa distributes subsidized pads and holds educational sessions for young girls and the broader community. Her efforts have helped normalize menstruation and reduce the shame around it, allowing women to manage their periods with dignity. The challenge of accessing menstrual hygiene products is not unique to Jundinambal. In Kupwara, ASHA workers like Asiya Reyaz in Langate are also working to improve women’s health. “We’ve helped reduce urinary infections to zero,” she says. Yet, even in Kupwara, challenges remain. Jabeena Begum, President of the ASHA Union in Kupwara, highlights an urgent issue: “Since July 23, there has been a shortage of supplies, which affects the health and dignity of girls in our community.” Reyaz adds that a lack of supplies forces women to buy pads from male-run stores, which is uncomfortable and often humiliating. “These are personal needs, and no woman should feel ashamed just to take care of herself,” she explains. This struggle resonates with women like Zahida Ahanger, who recalls her first experience with menstruation in eighth grade. “I didn’t know what was happening to me,” she remembers. When she asked a friend for help, she received an old cloth, which led to rashes and pain. For years, Zahida continued using rags, enduring discomfort and shame. Determined to change this, Zahida and 37 other women started a women’s wing in their community to break the silence around menstruation and fight the stigma. In areas like Haril in Langate, ASHA workers such as Asha Begum create safe spaces for girls at Anganwadi centers. “These centers aren’t just for food and supplies—they’re places of hope,” says Asha. Here, girls receive not only food but also support, guidance, and education about menstrual health. Despite challenges in accessing resources, ASHA workers in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir are making a difference. In Kupwara, girls often pay 6-7 rupees for a single sanitary pad packet, while in Baramulla, it’s slightly cheaper at 5 Rupees. Yet, these costs remain unaffordable for many families, especially those struggling financially. Jabeena Begum highlights the financial struggles of ASHA workers. “We earn only 600 rupees per delivery at a government hospital and 300 rupees for private deliveries,” she says. “It’s degrading, but the work remains the same.” Recently, ASHA workers gathered in Srinagar to demand fair pay and better working conditions. “We are the frontline of healthcare in rural areas, but the government needs to acknowledge our work and provide respect and fair compensation,” Jabeena asserts. Local stores sometimes step in to help fill gaps. Abdul Ahad, who runs a small grocery store in Jundinambal, stocks sanitary pads for emergencies. “While most women get pads from ASHA workers, I keep them for those who need them urgently,” he says. Zainab Wani from Delina, Baramulla, points out issues with the sanitary pads distributed by ASHA workers. “The government must improve their quality,” she says, explaining that low-quality pads can cause rashes and anxiety, especially among teenagers. Through grassroots efforts, ASHA workers like Rafiqa Begum are helping the next generation of girls in Kashmir overcome menstrual stigma. “More young girls, especially from marginalized backgrounds, are now enrolling in schools,” Rafiqa says proudly. “We’re working to ensure menstrual hygiene doesn’t hinder their progress.” Mohammad Ramiz, a health supervisor at the Sub-District Hospital in Baramulla, emphasizes the role of ASHA workers in improving rural health outcomes. “ASHA workers are vital for promoting menstrual hygiene, immunization, maternal care, and nutrition,” he says. In remote Kashmir, ASHA workers are not only providing essential supplies but also empowering women to take control of their health and dignity. Their work is a crucial step toward a future where no woman or girl has to face these challenges in silence and where menstruation is recognized as a natural part of life. (The author is a freelance writer from Kashmir) —–
Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister, dies at 92
Rely partners with Credendo and Bpifrance to push green hydrogen projects forward This signature sets the willingness of the two Export Credit Agencies (ECA’s) to provide Rely clients with insurance, co-insurance or re-insurance schemes with the view of maximizing the project eligibility to ECA financing, based on the large eligible sourcing that the standardized product approach of Rely will enable. This will facilitate the involvement of commercial banks as lenders to Rely’s clients for debt financing at competitive rates. ECA’s will provide insurances to commercial banks for loans granted for project financing, covering commercial and political risks up to 95% of commercial bank’s losses in case of default, thus enabling credit approval by lenders. CEO of Rely said: “ ” the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Rely partners with Credendo and Bpifrance to push green hydrogen projects forward, Hysata, POSCO Holdings and POSCO E&C partner to advance green hydrogen high efficiency electrolyser technology Hysata and POSCO Holdings sign joint development agreement (JDA) to advance Hysata’s electrolyser... Revolutionizing the Green Hydrogen Market: City of Lancaster and City of Industry Launch First Public Hydrogen (FPH2)–the First Public Hydrogen Utility LANCASTER, Calif., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The... Axpo and partners launch further green hydrogen plant 13.12.2024 – A ground-breaking ceremony was held today by Axpo and its partner shareholders in the H2Uri company to mark the start of construction on a new...Oakes girls' hoops tkae down Kidder County 61-37Vadodara: Police have booked a woman, her family members, and her lover for allegedly abetting her husband's suicide. The husband took his life on Monday, with a video subsequently emerging on social media where he detailed his struggles. Bharat Bamaniya, 38, who lived in Mora village within Morva Hadaf taluka of Panchmahal district, died by hanging from a tree near Tuva village in Godhra taluka. Prior to his death, he contacted his brother Vanraj Bamaniya, requesting him to collect him from the location where his body was later discovered. At Kakanpur police station, Vanraj lodged a complaint explaining that his brother Bharat was married to Radhika Bamaniya, with whom he had two children. According to the complaint, Radhika had an extramarital relationship with Mahesh. When Bharat discovered this relationship and presented Radhika's family with audio evidence of conversations between Radhika and Mahesh, her family responded with threats. The police named Radhika's mother, Ganga Pateliya, and her brothers—Bhupat and Suresh—as suspects along with Mahesh. The complaint states that Mahesh repeatedly intimidated Bharat, claiming a relationship with Radhika before their marriage, and even threatened harm to Bharat's children. Additionally, Mahesh verbally harassed Bharat's brother-in-law. Overwhelmed by these circumstances, Bharat ended his life near Tuva. Following his final call, Vanraj and others arrived to find his body.
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Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the fan-praised sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle is getting a revival. Disney+ will release a limited, four-episode run with cast members Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston , and Jane Kaczmarek reprising their roles as Malcolm’s parents Hal and Lois respectively, Variety reported Friday. Malcolm in the Middle creator Linwood Boomer returns as a writer on the comedy’s renewal, with Ken Kwapis directing the four-episode series. “I have been waiting for this moment for 18 years,” Muniz said in a social media post, marking the family sitcom’s 2006 finale. “Let’s find out where Malcolm and his family are now.” The family sitcom ran for seven seasons, airing its final episode in 2006. In the reboot, Malcolm and his daughter get pulled into family chaos when his parents force him to attend a celebration of their 40th anniversary. A post shared by Disney+ (@disneyplus) “What a delight that I get to yell at that kid again,” Kaczmarek said in a social media post Friday. “We’re very very excited about coming back together and seeing what this family has been up to.” “ Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again. With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved — along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.” An early adopter of single-camera comedy and a laughtrack-less series, Malcolm in the Middle placed number 28 on Rolling Stone’s best sitcoms list. Cranston and Kaczmarek gave “Hall of Fame performances” as the parents of four kids, including the dysfunctional, yet highly intelligent middle kid Malcolm. The series also paved the way for other sitcom classics like Arrested Development and Scrubs . The creator behind Scrubs, Bill Lawrence, is also working on a reboot of the single camera sitcom, whereas Prison Break has also been renewed.Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiasts
Trade Tech, Inc., a global logistics platform, is proud to announce its key role in enabling its clients to meet the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) compliance requirements by the December 4, 2024, critical deadline. As enhanced EU Customs regulations take effect, Trade Tech’s expertise and technology have ensured seamless transitions for freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and other supply chain stakeholders. The ICS2 ENS regulations require detailed filings for all shipments entering or transiting the EU, including house bill-level data for freight forwarders and NVOCCs. Non-compliance risks severe penalties, cargo holds, and operational delays. “Our expertise in managing security filings globally has been a cornerstone of our approach to ICS2 ENS,” said Bryn Heimbeck, President and Co-Founder of Trade Tech. “Our solutions have allowed clients to adapt quickly to these new requirements with minimal disruption, ensuring their cargo continues to flow seamlessly into the EU.” Key Features of Trade Tech’s ICS2 ENS Compliance Solutions: • Global Coverage • Real-Time Filing Capabilities • Multiple Filing Options • Advanced Error Checks • Comprehensive Jurisdictional Compliance Trade Tech’s commitment to simplifying Customs compliance extends to its dedicated platform, cargofiling.com, which provides comprehensive resources and tools for businesses navigating complex Customs regulations. The platform ensures clients are equipped to meet not only ICS2 ENS requirements but also future regulatory changes. Since 1997, Trade Tech, Inc., a global logistics platform, has provided world-class solutions that connect shippers, importers, Customs House Brokers, NVOCCs, carriers, truckers, and warehouses, enabling full visibility across the supply chain. With its multi-tenant, cloud-based platform, Trade Tech enhances connectivity, reduces operational costs, and minimizes errors for its clients globally—without the need for software downloads. Source: Trade Tech, Inc.Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc Announces Closing of Private Placement of Unsecured Convertible Debentures MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (TSXV: NXH, OTC: NXHSF) (“ ” or the “ ”), announced today that it has completed a closing of its previously announced offering (the “ ”), on a private placement basis, of 10% unsecured convertible debentures of the Company (the “ “). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company has issued and sold 2,725 Debentures for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of C$2,725,000. , President & CEO, said : “This offering coupled with (1) $4.8M in approved government grants and $1.7M in advanced discussions and (2) up to $5M working capital debt financing Letter of Interest from EDC provides us with good visibility to meet our capital requirements for 2025. In addition, we are in advanced strategic discussions which include technology licensing opportunities in attractive geographies which have the potential to capitalize us for 2026 and beyond.” The Debentures shall mature on the earlier of the following to occur: (i) 24 months from the date of issuance; (ii) on (x) a sale, merger, arrangement, amalgamation, business combination, or other transaction or series of transactions which results in a person other than the shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such transaction holding more than 50% of the votes attributable to the shares of the surviving issuer or acquiring corporation; or (y) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license, or other disposition of all of substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless such sale, lease, transfer, license or disposition is to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; or (iii) on any demand for payment as a result of an event of default under the terms of the Debenture. The Debentures shall bear interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum from the date of issue, calculated and paid in cash on a semi-annual basis. The holders of the Debentures may elect to convert the principal and all accrued, but unpaid interest under the Debenture into that amount of common shares of the Company (“ ”), computed on the basis of the outstanding principal and all accrued, but unpaid interest under the Debenture divided by the conversion price, which shall mean: (i) in respect of the principal amount of the Debenture outstanding, $1.00 per Common Share; and (ii) in respect of any interest accrued but unpaid thereon, $1.00 per Common Share or the last closing price of the Common Shares listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “ ”) before the date of conversion, whichever is greater. Any conversion of interest accrued but unpaid thereon into Common Shares will be subject to the prior approval of the TSXV. Mr. MacKenzie, a control person and director of the Company, has subscribed for $500,000 principal amount of Debentures in the Offering. Mr. Guglielmin, a director and an insider of the Company, has subscribed for $50,000 principal amount of Debentures in the Offering. The Company has relied on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – (“ ”) contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation. The proceeds of the Offering will be used for working capital and for general corporate purposes. The Company has not paid any finder’s fees in connection with the Offering. The completion of the Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSXV. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory four month hold period from their date of issuance. None of the securities issued in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ ”), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc Announces Closing of Private Placement of Unsecured Convertible Debentures, Everfuel and Karlstads Energi gets funding notification for potential project in Sweden Herning, Denmark, 13 December 2024 – Everfuel A/S’ is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Everfuel Production Karlstad AB... Charbone Hydrogen secures warrant proceeds, extends expiry dates, and grants stock options Charbone Hydrogen Corporation (TSX-V:CH, OTCQB:CHHYF) announced $371,150 from warrant exercises expiring in late 2024 and early... AI platform accelerating approval procedures for hydrogen projects Hydrogen centre Hamburg developing a digital infrastructure for planning and approval The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing is working on an AI...
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Thane Election Results 2024: Sanjay Kelkar vs Rajan Vichare vs Avinash Jadhav, who's winning?WASHINGTON (AP) — A Dallas man who tried to fly overseas to join the Russian military and fight against Ukraine was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for violating the terms of his probation for storming the U.S. Capitol four years ago. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WASHINGTON (AP) — A Dallas man who tried to fly overseas to join the Russian military and fight against Ukraine was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for violating the terms of his probation for storming the U.S. Capitol four years ago. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — A Dallas man who tried to fly overseas to join the Russian military and fight against Ukraine was sentenced on Friday to six months in prison for violating the terms of his probation for storming the U.S. Capitol four years ago. Kevin Loftus, a 56-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army, was stopped from boarding an Oct. 28 flight from Dallas to Tbilisi, Georgia, by way of Istanbul, Turkey, when Turkish Airlines identified a “security flag” associated with him, according to federal prosecutors. Loftus didn’t have the court’s permission to travel internationally or to drive from Texas to Iowa, where the FBI arrested him three days after his flight plans fell apart, prosecutors said. Loftus told the FBI that he had hoped to secure a 90-day visa to travel to Russia, where he intended to apply for temporary residency. Loftus said he had used the Telegram messaging platform to communicate with a man who would connect him with the Russian Territorial Defense Unit, a volunteer military corps. “Loftus said he had already sent the man approximately $1200 to purchase equipment for Russian soldiers,” prosecutors wrote. “Loftus said his intent was to fight for Russia and against Ukraine.” Loftus declined to address the court before U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich sentenced him for the probation violation. The judge said Loftus has repeatedly violated court orders. “He doesn’t think these rules should apply to him,” Friedrich said. “He wants to be above the law.” Defense attorney Benjamin Schiffelbein said Loftus wanted to enlist in the Russian military because he “felt bad” for Russian soldiers and wanted to help them. “He had no idea whether they could make use of him,” the lawyer said. Loftus, a six-year Army veteran, intended to permanently relocate to another country, according to prosecutors. “And his planned travel was for the express purpose of joining a foreign army to take up arms against one of this country’s allies and in opposition to this country’s foreign policy,” they wrote. In January 2021, Loftus traveled from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C., to attend then-President Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House. After joining the mob of Trump supporters at the Capitol, he entered the building and took photographs. He spent approximately five minutes inside the Capitol. Loftus was arrested at his Wisconsin home several days after the riot. He pleaded guilty in October 2021 to a misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. After his arrest, Loftus posted comments about his case on social media, referring to himself as “famous” and a “hero” for taking part in the Jan. 6 attack. “Loftus also stated that he gained that fame by ‘standing up for all Americans’ because he ‘broke the law,’ and he would file lawsuits against unidentified persons after the criminal case was over,” prosecutors wrote. Prosecutors recommended 30 days of imprisonment for Loftus, but Friedrich initially sentenced him to three years of probation. For his probation violation, prosecutors requested a six-month prison sentence. They noted that Loftus, while on probation, also was arrested in December 2023 and charged with driving while intoxicated in Richardson, Texas. Loftus was required to attend a substance abuse program, but he avoided jail time for that violation. Over 1,500 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related crimes. More than 1,000 of them have been convicted and sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving a term of imprisonment ranging from a few days to 22 years. Trump has repeatedly vowed to pardon Capitol rioters, but the district court judges in Washington, D.C., typically have refused to postpone sentencings, plea hearings and trials until after the president-elect returns to the White House. Advertisement
With the results just hours away, all eyes are on Thane, one of the 288 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra , which went to the polls on November 20. Located near Mumbai, Thane has always been a key seat in the state’s political landscape. Once a Shiv Sena stronghold, Thane has been held by the BJP since 2014. This election promises an intense contest between Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Rajan Vichare and BJP’s Sanjay Kelkar, the current MLA. Adding more intrigue, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) Avinash Jadhav is also in the fray. Thane's demographics Thane is an unreserved constituency with about 3.36 lakh voters. The seat has a diverse population, including significant Muslim, Scheduled Caste, and tribal communities. Patil, Yadav, and Christian voters also play an important role in deciding the outcome, according to reports. Past election trends The Congress dominated Thane for several years before Shiv Sena took control in the 1990s. However, the BJP broke through in 2014 and retained the seat in 2019. In the 2019 assembly elections, Sanjay Kelkar of BJP defeated MNS candidate Avinash Jadhav by a margin of around 92,000 votes. Jadhav had secured nearly 72,000 votes. 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Kelkar garnered around 70,000 votes, while Phatak managed fewer than 60,000 votes. Interestingly, the current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had also won from Thane in the 2004 elections. Thane constituency remains a key battleground, and the results will reveal whether BJP can continue its dominance, Shiv Sena can reclaim its legacy, or MNS can script a surprise win. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )It's something Beatles fans thought they would never hear again - Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon harmonising on stage. And Sir Paul has admitted it is "very emotional" to play new Beatles track Now And Then on his current tour - because it is a "John song" and so it feels wonderful to be singing with him. Now and Then was released at the end of 2023, after a recording process that started in the late Seventies with a John Lennon demo, and ended with Ringo Starr and Sir Paul in the studio in 2022 finishing the song. It has been described as the last ever Beatles song and after wowing fans the world over on release, it now has two Grammy nominations. Sir Paul has been including it in all his sets on his Got Back world tour and speaking for the first time about playing it, he says: "It's really great. When you introduce a new song, even though it's an old song, like 'Now and Then', the first reaction is, people aren't quite sure what it is or what you're doing. "But during the run of the concerts, they get the idea. The word gets out on the internet, you know. So now the reaction is really strong, and for us it's great to play because it's a nice song to play, and for me, it's particularly great because it's a John song. And so it's very emotional for me. I love it. I love doing it, and the audience seem to love it too." Paul is talking having just returned to the UK after being on the road since October with his Got Back Tour going to South America and round Europe. He and his band, who have been together 22 years, will end the year with four homecoming gigs, kicking off this weekend in Manchester and then moving onto more sold out shows in London. Aside from his Glastonbury headline set in 2022, and an intimate warm-up gig the night before in nearby Frome, these are the Beatles legend's first UK dates since 2018. Paul said: "Manchester is like, you know, next to my old hometown. It's a great city, and we love it really. "So that's going to be good to be there. And then London, we finish it up around Christmas time. So that's exciting. We're looking forward to London, and then that will finish this tour, and we'll all be very glad to have a nice Christmas holiday." Looking back over the year he highlights some particularly enjoyable shows in October and those close to him who have been on the road say it is clear he still loves playing live, treating fans to shows lasting nearly three hours every night with over 35 songs. "The audiences in South America are insanely wonderful," he says, having played 15 shows there to over 500,000 people. And they are so keen and crazy that we have a party every time we play to them. So it's been great." More recently he has played Paris and Madrid to incredible ovations, with fans aware that the chance to see the iconic 82-year-old does not come around too often these days. And with 12 Beatles studio albums, 26 solo albums and 22 UK number ones to his name, he has also answered the question of how you manage to choose a set list each night. Aside from perhaps some obvious hits which must stay on heavy rotation, he still likes to be inspired by culture and the world around him. In the tour programme, Sir Paul writes: "If I see a movie and then hear one of my songs in it, I think: ‘Oh, I should do that one.’ Sometimes it will give me the impetus to actually look at that song and think of doing it. It may even just be someone saying to me, ‘Oh, I love that song of yours,’ and you go, ‘Oh...’ They love it enough for me to think, ‘Yeah, I should do that, just for you.’ "There are songs that some people say, ‘Oh, I love that one,’ and it makes a difference. That’s always happened. One of my own Wings albums, I’ll be thinking, ‘Well, it didn’t do too well, so maybe it wasn’t that good,’ and then you find some kids are playing the hell out of it saying, ‘This is a great album,’ so it gets me back into it." He adds: "I'll just hear it at a random place like you say, on the radio, at a party, and decide to include it. That's always a good feeling, it's like a little light bulb moment "ding, eurika" we should definitely try that one. That is often the way I decide how to do things, or decide what to do. You work on the setlist over time, and you finally feel you get it to a place where it’s working well. That's how we all feel on the tour now - and it looks like the audiences agree!" One downside of social media is fans coming to see the tour have had a good idea of the show they are going to see and especially what it will look like. As with all music gigs these days, thousands of phones are out to record the songs, perhaps even more so when it is a Beatle on stage. But Sir Paul, who will be supported at the UK gigs by friends and family including wife Nancy McCartney, does his best to keep an element of surprise, so fans coming to the shows in the coming days won't know exactly what to expect apart from some huge singalong hits. He says: "On the first night we can pull some surprises, but then the minute that gets on social media... It’s like the old comedians who used to complain that their jokes got told, so the next people who saw them knew the jokes. I approach every show and every audience in a slightly different way depending on the location of the show, so I suppose that’s the way I change it up a little bit. "You’ll see your set list published and we’ll go, ‘Right, we’re gonna change it!’ We keep trying to be ahead of the guy who’s giving the game away. I would like it much better if people had no idea what they were coming to see, but the only answer to that is for us to make changes occasionally. So if he said, ‘They open up with this song,’ we’ll go, ‘Let's open up with a different song,’ just to prove them wrong." Recent opening songs he's played include Can't Buy Me Love in Madrid and Hard Days Night in Paris, so whatever he chooses for Manchester, I've got a feeling Beatles fans won't need much encouragement to sing along. * Sir Paul McCartney's Got Back tour ends in the UK with two dates at the Manchester Co-Op Live followed by two shows at London's O2 Arena next week. New documentary Beatles 64 is out now on Disney+ Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .None
Clearway Energy, Inc. Signs Binding Agreement to Acquire 137 MW Wind ProjectTV presenter Patrick Christys requested a surprising appearance on GB News after his co-star gave birth. Just a few days ago, GB News political correspondent Olivia Utley announced that she had welcomed a baby boy. Alongside a snap of the newborn in a knitted hat and cardigan, Olivia penned: "Introducing our wonderful little son, Wilfred George Dunnett-Stone (Wilfie), born yesterday morning weighing 7lb2oz. We are totally over the moon and very excited for our first Christmas as a family." Patrick reposted his co-star's announcement, adding the caption: "I’m hoping Wilfred might make his TV debut tomorrow on the breakfast show with me and @CarverEmily." It comes after Bev Turner brought her GB News show to a halt on Christmas Eve as she announced that Olivia had given birth to her first child. She announced: "I want to start off by telling you this hour about some brilliant news, our very own political correspondent Olivia Utley has just posted this." Bev read out Olivia's announcement, adding: "Look at him, he is gorgeous! Wilfred George Dunnett-Stone, fantastic, huge congratulations from us here on Britain's Newsroom to Olivia and her hubby. "Well done, amazing, and you get to put your feet up now for Christmas., which is a brilliant excuse to do so." Olivia announced that she was heading on maternity leave earlier this month before revealing she would return to GB News in September 2025. The channel has undergone some major shake-ups in the last few weeks, including the shocking axe of Isabel Webster and Mark Dolan. Isabel, 41, has presented the Breakfast Show with Eamonn Holmes since 2022 but has been replaced by Ellie Costello. A GB News spokesperson said on Wednesday: "Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday. Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends." Mark Dolan also announced that he had been "relieved from his duties" as he wrote: "STATEMENT. GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel." The 50-year-old spoke publicly about his departure on his new show, The Mark Dolan Show. The presenter explained how he had broken broadcasting rules after lighting a cigarette in the studio. He went on to promise that he would be "naming and shaming in the months ahead".