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lol 646 WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning re-election despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In asking for the election case to be dismissed, prosecutors requested that Chutkan do it “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump again after he leaves office. But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump's lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict." Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Michael Sisak and Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this story.

Real Madrid star Endrick’s ‘brother-in-law’ is shot dead in Christmas Day bar massacre

Eight weeks ago, Beverly 'Bev' Sherwood had to re-teach herself how to walk at 104 years old after suffering a stroke while gardening. or signup to continue reading It was not the first time Ms Sherwood had to re-learn how to walk after she suffered from "an unknown health condition" as a child which took away her ability to walk. "I used to sit on the veranda of my family house in a chair until one day I decided to hang onto the railing and I pulled myself up and taught myself to walk," she said. Now 105, Ms Sherwood participates in spin classes in Gerringong, an activity she looks forward to "every week". "I started spin at 101 years old, and now I am 105 years old, and I just love moving my body with all my class friends," she said. "My husband Choc was a sportsman and together we enjoyed playing tennis and lawn bowls together. "Keeping fit and active has helped my body keep going through life, serious health conditions and to now live as at 105 years old." Ms Sherwood's trainer from Soul Fit Co, Korin Koutsomihalis, called the centenarian the "biggest inspiration". "I honestly don't think I will meet someone in my lifetime again who inspires me to live life active more than Bev Sherwood," she said. "At a recent visit with her in recovery at the hospital, Bev said to me, 'Korin, I want to walk.' She stood up and held onto my arm, and we together started to take her first steps forward again. "She is iconic and reminds us all to make every training session count to help us live our best lives." A new study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has revealed 60 per cent of Australians are obese or overweight and as Australia's biggest killer. The new research has promoted AUSactive to call for a new "Walk the Talk" preventative health campaign. AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the urgency was "clear". "Australia needs to stop being a nation of spectators and become one of participants," he said. "Just 15 minutes of movement a day can reverse poor health trends, ease mental strain and save billions in healthcare costs." Ms Koutsomihalis said Ms Sherwood is proof "you can get active and healthy" no matter your circumstances. "When we approach moving our bodies with a mindset that is positive and nurturing, great things happen," she said. "The key is that we need to tap into our bodies 'do-ability'. "That is training for life and training that allows us to enjoy exercise to its full potential." Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering the local community. Got a tip? Send it through to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, covering the local community. Got a tip? Send it through to me at joel.ehsman@austcommunitymedia.com.au. He/Him 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. 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DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementI refer to Professor Teo Yik Ying’s Opinion piece “ Say aah! Why is Singapore neglecting dental health? ” (Nov 20). Neglecting dental health is a significant problem which goes beyond the oral and facial regions. The World Health Organisation identifies it as a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. Take this simple but all too common example – tooth decay and/or gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which can lead to chewing difficulties, poor diet and nutrition, low self-esteem, difficulty speaking and a lower quality of life. Prof Teo suggests sound solutions in which, importantly, all health professionals, government, industry and community can contribute. Good health literacy lets people access, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health – for example, through preventive care. Inter-professional collaborative health practice, implemented recently at NUS as a common curriculum among health professional students, helps with this, particularly as dental disease has common risk factors with other diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Such courses ensure that health professionals speak a common language, underpinned by evidence, that has relevance to all health disciplines and, importantly, the community and patient. It is time for us to step out of our respective disciplinary “tribes” and focus on a total patient care approach. Incentivising subsidised dental care is a great idea, and those demonstrating good preventive habits and related health outcomes could receive increased subsidisation. When I arrived in Singapore 15 months ago to join NUS’ Faculty of Dentistry as its dean, I was surprised that dental care was not a part of Healthier SG. This omission needs rectification, and as Prof Teo outlined, with encouragement on prioritising prevention over corrective treatments. The workforce to achieve this is not limited to dentists, but must include oral health therapists, the key behaviour change agents in the dental team. Let’s also consider non-dental workers, such as other health or social workers, neighbours, community centres and workplaces, to contribute to improving dental health in the community. It’s time for us to focus on making the whole greater than the sum of the parts by integrating all stakeholders into the dental team. Chris Peck 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 nowFor Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, President-elect Donald Trump ’s pledge to end birthright citizenship is more than just a provocative anti-immigrant policy likely to be blocked by courts. It’s personal. > Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Tong, 51, a Democrat who has served as the state’s top legal official since 2019, is the son of immigrants who came to the United States from China and Taiwan. He is the first member of his family to have been born on U.S. soil and is the first Asian American to be elected to statewide office in Connecticut. “I grew up working side by side with my parents in our family’s Chinese restaurant, and in one generation I’ve gone from that Chinese restaurant kitchen to be the attorney general of the state of Connecticut,” he said in an interview. “That only happens one place in this world, and that’s in America.” On the campaign trail, Trump promised to take action to end birthright citizenship on day one of his second term in office, a move that would immediately prompt legal challenges. “I would be the first to sue,” Tong promised. He is one of 23 Democratic state attorneys general who are likely to be regular opponents of Trump on various issues, ranging from immigration and LGBTQ rights to environmental policy and abortion, just as many were in the first Trump administration. Likewise, Republican attorneys general routinely sued to block President Joe Biden’s policies, notching up major victories on issues like student loan debt forgiveness and a Covid vaccine-or-test mandate for businesses. The fight over birthright citizenship might be one that challengers have a good chance of winning, even with a conservative Supreme Court that includes three justices appointed by Trump. The vast majority of legal scholars think there is no genuine legal dispute over the guarantee of birthright citizenship as enshrined in the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States,” the amendment states. James Ho, now a Trump-appointed judge on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals who is considered a contender for the Supreme Court if Trump has a vacancy, wrote an article in 2006 rejecting the claim that the children of undocumented immigrants should not be considered citizens. “Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment. That birthright is protected no less for children of undocumented persons than for descendants of Mayflower passengers,” he wrote. Ho himself was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States with his parents. Trump has said he will sign an executive order that would ensure children born to parents who do not have legal status in the U.S. will not be considered U.S. citizens. At least one parent would need to be a citizen or legal resident for a child to receive birthright citizenship, Trump said in a video announcing the plan last year. He indicated the policy would not apply retroactively. A Trump spokesman did not respond to a request for comment about the brewing plans to counter his efforts. The administration could try to implement the policy, thereby kicking off a legal fight, by ordering federal agencies to prevent people from obtaining passports or Social Security numbers. Supporters of limiting birthright citizenship say the language in the 14th Amendment referring to citizenship being awarded to people “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States does not include the children of undocumented immigrants. Conservatives have embraced the idea of declaring the act of migrants crossing the southern border as a form of invasion — a move that could have them treated more like enemy combatants than migrants. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has taken that approach , leading to conflicts with the Biden administration. A declaration along those lines by Trump could be used to defend a policy seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship, an approach Judge Ho outlined in remarks made after the November election that seem to backtrack on his earlier view. He said that “birthright citizenship obviously doesn’t apply in case of war or invasion.” Cecillia Wang, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is also gearing up to sue Trump on birthright citizenship and other policies, said calling immigration a form of invasion reflects “a white nationalist view” that is not supported by the facts. “I don’t think that anyone’s theory about so-called invasion ... should fly in the courts,” she added. From Tong’s perspective, any limitation on birthright citizenship would be a violation of the 14th Amendment. It is “beyond clear” what the law states, he said, and it will “get real when people’s lives and communities are impacted, or worse, destroyed” if Trump’s plan goes into effect. He was quick to cite the experience of his parents, who “ran for their lives” before reaching the United States and settling in Connecticut. “Let’s just cut the crap and acknowledge that we’re Americans. Everybody is as American as anybody else,” Tong added. “I mean, it strikes to the core of our constitutional foundation, the 14th Amendment.” This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Reniya Kelly had 18 points and six assists, Maria Gakdeng added 16 points and nine rebounds, and No. 16 North Carolina beat 14th-ranked Kentucky 72-53 on Thursday night in the SEC/ACC Challenge. North Carolina opened the game on a 14-4 run, capped by Alyssa Ustby’s fifth 3-pointer of the season. The Tar Heels led 36-25 at halftime after holding the Wildcats to 36% shooting. North Carolina only made one field goal in the opening five minutes of the third quarter as Kentucky got as close as seven points. But The Tar Heels made five field goals in the final five minutes to take a 50-39 lead into the fourth. Kentucky’s opening four baskets of the fourth were from 3-point range to get within 60-51 with 5:52 left on Dazia Lawrence’s basket off a nice assist from Georgia Amoore on an inbounds play. North Carlina sealed it by scoring the next six points — all from the free-throw line. Ustby scored 13 points with eight rebounds for North Carolina (8-1). The Tar Heels outscored Kentucky 42-10 in the paint. Lawrence scored 17 points and Amelia Hassett had 13 points and 13 rebounds for Kentucky (7-1). Amoore added 10 points and eight assists and Clara Strack, averaging a team-high 18.3 points per game, was held to four points on 2-of-10 shooting. North Carolina stays at home to play Coppin State on Sunday. Kentucky returns home to face Queens University on Monday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballIt’s Thursday, December 26, and the Houston Rockets (20-9) and New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) are all set to square off from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Rockets are currently 9-5 on the road with a point differential of +7, while the Pelicans have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts. Game details & how to watch Rockets vs. Pelicans live today Date: Thursday, December 26, 2024 Time: 8:00 pm EST Site: Smoothie King Center City: New Orleans, LA Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page , along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game. Game odds for Rockets vs. Pelicans The latest odds as of Thursday: Odds: Rockets (-336), Pelicans (+264) Spread: Rockets -8 Over/Under: 221.5 points That gives the Rockets an implied team point total of 113.83, and the Pelicans 109.65. Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more! Expert picks & predictions for Thursday’s Rockets vs. Pelicans’ game Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals. Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Rockets & Pelicans game: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New Orleans Pelicans at +8. Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 221.5. Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar! Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Rockets vs. Pelicans on Thursday · The Rockets have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records · The OVER is 4-1 in the Pelicans’ last 5 division matchups · The Rockets have covered in 4 of their last 5 games against divisional opponents If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: - Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) - Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) - Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) - Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

NHL insider: Jim Montgomery ‘had one eye on the Blues’ after Bruins firing

The 'perverse' reason we've given up on California and are now fleeing to the other side of the world By JAMES CIRRONE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:24 GMT, 7 December 2024 | Updated: 21:24 GMT, 7 December 2024 e-mail View comments A writer has revealed that he and his wife are fleeing from California to Spain because they are fed up with soaring cost of living and America's obsession with cars. Rocco Pendola, 49, who has lived in San Francisco and Los Angeles for the last 25 years, has previously stated that these cities 'represent the best of America' in many ways. But he has now announced on his Substack personal finance blog that he and his wife will be permanently moving to Valencia next month. The move to Spain's third largest city has been months in the making, with Pendola writing in January: 'When my wife and I decided to move to Spain, I set the goal of celebrating my 50th birthday there. If all goes as hoped, planned and intended, I’ll begin the official second half of my life on foreign soil.' Numerous blog posts revealed that his decision boils down to the cost of living rising beyond what he believes is reasonable and how reliant the US is on cars. 'I might be willing to keep paying a premium to live in [Los Angeles or San Francisco] if not for the perverse and never-ending influence of the automobile on the planet, our safety, and how we function and feel in our day-to-day surroundings,' Pendola wrote in a piece published in SFGate . Rocco Pendola (pictured) has been a freelance writer for decades and offered two reasons for why he's moving in January from California toSpain Pendola has spent the last 25 years in California, first living in San Francisco and then in Los Angeles (pictured) Much of America's car-centric culture stems from how leaders responded to the transportation needs of its citizens post-World War II when the country's population and economy was booming. With an interstate system that has 46,876 miles of road connecting the streets of nearly all cities, major and minor, Pendola thinks it's clear: you need a car in America. And that is his main problem with the country. Pendola wrote that car dependency in the US has led to the 'proliferation of not only suburbia but, in many cases, less dense urban cores.' 'Some urban planning experts believe that San Francisco, Boston and Portland, Oregon, might as well be suburbs relative to their European counterparts,' he added. After World War II decimated nearly all of Europe and countries rebuilt themselves, those states have gone in a starkly different direction than the US when it comes to how people get around. Between 10 and 20 percent of Western Europeans use public transit for their commutes, while only 2 percent of Americans do the same . His move to Valencia (pictured) was spurred on by how reliant the United States is on cars and the high cost of living in most major US cities Pictured: A section of the brand new National Interstate Highway System in the 1950s Pendola also views the automobile as a menace to society, both in how they degrade urban residents' lifestyles and kill thousands of pedestrians a year . In a Substack post from last July, Pendola ranted about how 'you limit yourself' if you don't drive in Los Angeles, where he currently lives. 'You limit yourself when you don’t have a car because our public transportation system either doesn’t take you places where you want to go or takes you there using a route that’s so absurd you’d never even consider it,' he wrote at the time. 'Too much time. Too many transfers. Super inefficient and unpleasant.' Pendola longs to live 'a car-free lifestyle' in a 'built environment that not only encourages and facilitates, but pretty much necessitates walking, biking and taking public transit.' In San Francisco, where he lived for seven years, he pointed out that there is a fight to close a single city block to cars so it can be pedestrianized. Meanwhile, cities in Spain like Barcelona and Valencia are pursuing 'superblock' programs that often fashion as many as nine city blocks into a space conducive to people walking and biking. Two blocks on Hayes Street in Hayes Valley, a neighborhood in San Francisco, became car-free on Fridays and weekends at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporters include restaurants and businesses on the street that had access to a new clientele who were ambling into stores they might not have given a second look if they were zooming by in a car. People walk the Hayes Street Promenade in San Francisco during the day This section of road was first closed to cars on Fridays and weekends during the COVID-19 pandemic Over the years, the street closures were gradually pared back. Now, only the 400 block of Hayes Street can remain closed and just on Fridays from 4pm to 10pm and Saturdays from 10am to 10pm. The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, headed up Andrew Seigner, wanted to expand the closure back to three blocks. Pendola spoke to Seigner, who said the overwhelming majority of businesses on the 400 block support closing it to cars permanently. The opposition to this is led by a group called Hayes Valley Safe, which according to Seigner, is made up of a small handful of businesses that are not on the 400 block. Pendola found it ironic that 'safe' is in their name, considering that they support letting cars to go through Hayes Street at all times when dozens of people die every year from vehicle crashes in San Francisco. On what many call one of the deadliest streets in America , Lombard Street has had five deaths within 10 years, with two people killed this past year in the span of 10 days. Signs were also placed at the intersections where pedestrians were killed, reading: 'This is the site of a fatal traffic crash. Every year, around 30 people are killed and 600 people are severely injured in traffic crashes on San Francisco streets. 'Arguing to keep a street safe by leaving it open to cars sounds odd, if not heartless,' he argued. Last month, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board allowed the 400 block to close for another year but activists are continuing to fight for a permanent closure. Lombard Street, which locals call the 'deadliest' street in the city, has a famous steep and winding road section Walk San Francisco posted signs near pedestrians were killed along Lombard Street Some businesses say ousting cars and pedestrianizing streets hurts their bottom line, but a study that examined pedestrian-friendly areas in Spanish cities disagreed. Based on transaction data from a major Spanish bank, researchers found that 'stores located in pedestrian environments tend to record higher sales volumes than stores located in non-pedestrian environments.' The difference, Pendola says, between Barcelona and Valencia and a city like San Francisco, is that those two Spanish cities are pursuing infrastructure plans that benefit pedestrians citywide - not merely on a single city block. 'I want to move to a place that gets stuff done because I’m drained by the piecemeal approach. Random projects throughout large cities that, even if successful, don’t change the prevailing lifestyle. The culture,' Pendola wrote. Barcelona began its superblock program in 2016 and built its first one in 2017. These superblocks don't ban cars entirely, but they're 'often eliminated or calmed on the inner segments and directed to the outer avenues,' Pendola said. Engineers hope to build 503 superblocks by 2030, which would make '60 percent of the streets previously used by cars would thereby be free for other uses,' according to the city government of Barcelona . Valencia, where Pendola is moving to in a few weeks, is pursuing similar plans as part of its 2030 Climate Mission. An overhead view of Barcelona's pedestrian-friendly superblocks. They're bigger than normal city blocks but smaller than entire neighborhoods The city plans to build 503 of them by 2030 For Pendola, there's a certain magic to Valencia and Spain as a whole that makes him want to call it home But Spain is not just full of better designed cities in Pendola's opinion. For him and his wife Melisse, urban areas there have an indescribable quality that makes them feel like home (even though he is of Italian heritage). His wife 'described this weird feeling of re-entering Spain from another country and feeling like she’s home. While I can’t quite put my finger on this feeling and why I also feel it, it’s palpable,' Pendola wrote in a November Substack article. Pendola's Substack started out as a personal finance blog for people who believe they will never retire either out of necessity or by choice. He advocates not banking on a traditional retirement strategy where you invest a portion of your income into a 401(K) and rely on measly Social Security payments. The situation is bleak for three in ten Americans, who have nothing saved for retirement , let alone 13 times their current gross income that some financial planners recommend. Barring an unrealistic scenario where a lucky stock pick makes you a millionaire, Pendola suggests people keep their costs low and find a career they can do into old age. For Pendola, that's writing. It's what he's been doing for more than 20 years and hopes to be able to do it for the rest of his life. But the first part of the equation, keeping your costs low, fits perfectly with how Pendola's blog has shifted in recent months to chronicle his move to Spain. He believes moving to Spain will allow him to 'never retire' but still live comfortably - mainly because of the country's lower cost of living . Housing remains by far the largest annual expenditure for Americans at 32.9 percent. Rent in Valencia, even on the pricier side, is more than 20 percent cheaper than the median apartment in Los Angeles Valencia is pursuing similar pedestrian-centered plans as Barcelona as part of its 2030 Climate Mission In Los Angeles, the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,853 as of December, according to data compiled by Apartment List . By comparison, one-bedroom apartments in the city center of Valencia range from 800 to 1400 euros per month ($845 to $1480), according to a ReValencia , a real estate company aimed at expats. That's 20 percent cheaper than the City of Stars. For retirees, that should be a siren call. If two people retire at 67 years old - receiving full Social Security benefits - and both live until the average US life expectancy of 77 years old, the difference in how much they will pay is drastic between LA and Valencia. Over the next 10 years, the Valencia retiree will have spent roughly $178,000 in rent, while the Los Angeles resident will have spent nearly $222,000. Pendola also recently delved into how much groceries - the third biggest spending category for Americans - cost in Barcelona as opposed to Santa Monica. While he was in Barcelona in February, he took a recent receipt he had from a Trader Joe's in Santa Monica and bought all the exact same things at a Mercadona store in the heart of the city. 'After making adjustments and running all of the math, the Trader Joe’s shopping trip cost $57.79, while - after making the currency adjustment - the Mercadona run would have cost $37.59, good for a $20 difference,' Pendola wrote. 'I’ll miss you California, but not that much,' he signed off last week. Share or comment on this article: The 'perverse' reason we've given up on California and are now fleeing to the other side of the world e-mail Add commentArticle content In the days after her absence from a vigil one year after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, Mayor Olivia Chow got an earful, emails released to the Toronto Sun show. Recommended Videos A freedom-of-information request yielded 135 pages worth of emails to and from Chow and her staff. Most of them are fully redacted – essentially just blank pages – but 44 of them contain emails regarding the Oct. 7 vigil and its organizers, the United Jewish Appeal and Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. Of those, most are emails from irate Torontonians sent after Chow’s absence. Chow has since apologized and has cited fatigue, a scheduling conflict with a meeting on bike lanes , an issue with her email account and a decision to instead wear black as reasons for not attending. In a recent emailed statement to the Sun , Chow did not address the complaints but again apologized, saying she “should have been there to show the Jewish community how much I care about their safety and well-being in this city.” The vigil was held one year after the attack on Israel to honour the 1,200 people who were slain. Some of the emails were sent the night of the vigil. “You ... chose not to attend the UJA memorial tonight,” one email read. “Nor have you posted a statement on social media to honour families who lost loved ones in the most horrific attack last Oct. 7... You are a disgrace and you should continue hiding until you are finally voted out of office. You owe the Toronto Jewish community an apology. Shame on you!” (Any information that could identify someone who made a complaint, such as a name or email address, was redacted by city staff.) Another email sent Oct. 9 began: “I am a Jewish man who has lived in Toronto all of my life. Never have I, and so many other Toronto Jews, ever felt more uncomfortable and threatened in our lives.” “There seems to be ample time for you to have press conferences in opening Woodbine toilets early, time for you to tweak at Caribana, a photo opportunity at Nuit Blanche, all of the really important and relevant things you were elected to do,” the man added. A parent, who also emailed on Oct. 9, expressed “frustration” with Chow’s apparent inaction. “My daughters who attend a Jewish high school have had three bomb threats made to their school just for being Jewish,” reads that message. “I am shocked that you have not played a more active role in combating this blatant anti-Semitism!” Another Oct. 9 email from an “appalled” resident stated: “A meeting on bike lanes? That was more important than being there to show support for all those who were killed, raped or taken hostage? You did not get my vote in the last election and your absence and then your terrible excuse have made sure you will never get my vote. I am embarrassed to be a Torontonian because of you.” Another person wrote on Oct. 10: “It is shocking that someone in your esteemed position could not exercise the moral clarity to prioritize standing alongside the Jewish community, but instead chose to remain at a meeting about bike lanes. Mayor Chow – only one word comes to mind: egregious.” An Oct. 8 email accused Chow of being “conspicuously un-empathetic to the Jewish population of Toronto.” “Please comment in a meaningful way so I am able to comprehend your absence in this matter.” (It does not appear Chow replied to this or any other of the emails from constituents.) “Regardless of the mayor’s personal politics,” a constituent wrote on Oct. 10, “she is the mayor of all the people... The mayor should know that she can support one side and still have empathy and compassion for the other. The latter in this case sorely lacking.” A brief Oct. 10 email, sent to both Chow and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, stated Chow “should be kicked out of Toronto” and called the Mayor a “pathetic weasel.” On the afternoon of Oct. 9, a self-professed lifelong Jewish resident of Toronto claimed to be “astounded” that Chow wasn’t at the vigil. “The event was attended by Premier Ford and several MPPs, former mayor John Tory and several members of Toronto council and several MPs. Prime Minister Trudeau attended the event in Ottawa. Your absence is inexcusable ... I have seen you on television at several Palestinian events.” “Are we really supposed to believe that a seasoned politician and the mayor of a world-class city like Toronto was unable to attend because of an alleged email mishap?” reads another email from Oct. 10. “This explanation is as flimsy as it is offensive. ... And now, rather than acknowledging the growing fear and alienation in the Jewish community, you offer a half-hearted ‘regret’ through a statement sent to the media.” An Oct. 8 email from a voter reads: “As a Jew in Toronto – who voted for you – I feel unseen, unheard, unacknowledged, uncared-for.” In another email, sent Oct. 9, the writer admitted feeling “lost” since the no-show and brought up the memory of Chow’s late husband. “You should have been fighting to be there, to stand up for those tragically slain innocents, to support your constituents who mourn. Jack would have been there,” the email said. “My disappointment stems from your lack of concern. It deepens to disgust when I imagine the reason for your non-attendance was to please that part of your constituents to whom you pander.” An Oct. 9 email expressed “profound dissatisfaction” in the email subject line. “You are a disgrace to the office of mayor – supposedly mayor for all the people of this diverse city. You attend street festivals and smile your way to all – except the Jewish community,” the email accused. “The Jewish community will never forget nor forgive your absence and failure to acknowledge our pain. Shame on you!” A talk radio listener wrote on Oct. 9: “I heard you this morning on the John Moore show (on) CFRB with your incredibly ridiculous excuses, none of which will fly with anyone with even one synapse firing in their heads.” An Oct. 10 email with “Disappointed” in the subject line accused Chow of failing to do her job. “You know that Oct 7, 2023, was the most horrific day in the lives of humanity since the Holocaust... A resignation from you would please many,” the person wrote. An Oct. 9 email ended: “Apology is just a word. Your actions have conveyed a hateful message to all Torontonians.” An email from the morning of Oct. 8, with the subject line “Your silence speaks volumes,” reads: “When the Jewish community comes together they do not block streets, do not cover their faces and do not shout hate.” Another email from that same day ended: “I will be volunteering to help anyone who will put their name forward to run against you in the next election.” An email writer on Oct. 9 signed off: “You are a terrible and nasty mayor.” And another email sent on the evening of Oct. 8 stated: “The mayor should be completely ashamed of herself, and is unfit to lead a diverse city like Toronto. The sooner she resigns, the better.” jholmes@postmedia.com

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Big money as Saudi Arabia makes foray into cricket with IPL auctionAfter a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, amid fears it could bring about a strategic shift in the country. Calin Georgescu was in pole position with almost 23 percent after the first round of voting, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in Hungary and Slovakia. His victory ahead of centre-right mayor Elena Lasconi -- who scored 19.18 percent -- ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the December runoff. After coming third at 19.15, Ciolacu said his Social Democratic Party (PSD) won't challenge the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader. Experts say the far right's surprise success could affect the parliamentary elections later this week, and even influence the chances of forming a future government. In the runoff ballot on December 8, Lasconi will face Georgescu, a NATO critic who in the past expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Georgescu's popularity surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania. In a first reaction on his YouTube channel, the 62-year-old independent candidate insisted "there is no East or West", stressing that neutrality was "absolutely necessary". "I am not an extremist, I am not a fascist -- I am a Romanian who loves his country," he said in reference to media reports that "tried to portray" him in a wrongful way. For his rival Lasconi, the upcoming runoff represents "an existential battle", "a historic confrontation" between those who wish to "preserve Romania's young democracy" and those who want to "return to the Russian sphere of influence". "We must not allow anger to throw us back into the past," she said to thunderous applause from her supporters, vowing to stand up for Europe and NATO. The political earthquake comes amid soaring inflation and mounting fears of Romania being potentially dragged into Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, as the country has emerged as a key player on the alliance's eastern flank. In Sunday's vote, another far-right contender, AUR party leader George Simion, secured nearly 14 percent. Already pounding the campaign trail for this week's parliamentary elections, Simion said Romania now has "the chance to have a sovereign government and a sovereign president". Overall, the far right won more than a third of all votes in Sunday's presidential ballot. "The far right is by far the big winner of this election," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP, predicting a possible "contagion effect" in the parliamentary vote. Extremist forces and Lasconi's centre-right party now have "wind in their sails", sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though "it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise" on it. The PSD, which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, has never before been eliminated in the first round of a presidential election. The National Liberal Party (PNL) party, with whom the PSD currently governs, also suffered a defeat. While many expressed their disbelief over the poll in the streets of the capital Bucharest, others were enthused. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu's lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos. "He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change," said the pensioner, who was planning to vote for him in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy. "There is sorrow, disappointment, that after so many years in Euro-Atlantic structures we voted for a pro-Russian by over 20 percent," the 42-year-old said. "There is clearly a strong fragmentation both in society and in the political class, and I think we saw that yesterday," he said. ani-anb-kym/sbk

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