bmy88 online casino NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Friday 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 123.19 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.8% to set its own record. The quiet trading came after the latest jobs report came in mixed enough to strengthen traders’ expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again at its next meeting in two weeks. The report showed U.S. employers hired more workers than expected last month, but it also said the unemployment rate unexpectedly ticked up to 4.2% from 4.1%. “This print doesn’t kill the holiday spirit and the Fed remains on track to deliver a cut in December,” according to Lindsay Rosner, head of multi-sector investing within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to offer more help for the slowing job market, after bringing inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower interest rates can ease the brakes off the economy, but they can also offer more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts from the Fed have been a major reason the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times so far this year. And the Fed is part of a global surge: 62 central banks have lowered rates in the past three months, the most since 2020, according to Michael Hartnett and other strategists at Bank of America. Still, the jobs report may have included some notes of caution for Fed officials underneath the surface. Scott Wren, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, pointed to average wages for workers last month, which were a touch stronger than economists expected. While that’s good news for workers who would always like to make more, it could keep upward pressure on inflation. “This report tells the Fed that they still need to be careful as sticky housing/shelter/wage data shows that it won’t be easy to engineer meaningfully lower inflation from here in the nearer term,” Wren said. So, while traders are betting on an 85% probability the Fed will ease its main rate in two weeks, they’re much less certain about how many more cuts it will deliver next year, according to data from CME Group. For now, the hope is that the job market can help U.S. shoppers continue to spend and keep the U.S. economy out of a recession that had earlier seemed inevitable after the Fed began hiking interest rates swiftly to crush inflation. Several retailers offered encouragement after delivering better-than-expected results for the latest quarter. Ulta Beauty rallied 9% after topping expectations for both profit and revenue. The opening of new stores helped boost its revenue, and it raised the bottom end of its forecasted range for sales over this full year. Lululemon stretched 15.9% higher following its own profit report. It said stronger sales outside the United States helped it in particular, and its earnings topped analysts’ expectations. Retailers overall have been offering mixed signals on how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain amid the slowing job market and still-high prices. Target gave a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season, for example, while Walmart gave a much more encouraging outlook. A report on Friday suggested sentiment among U.S. consumers may be improving more than economists expected. The preliminary reading from the University of Michigan’s survey hit its highest level in seven months. The survey found a surge in buying for some products as consumers tried to get ahead of possible increases in price due to higher tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has threatened. In tech, Hewlett Packard Enterprise jumped 10.6% for one of the S&P 500’s larger gains after reporting stronger profit and revenue than expected. Tech stocks were some of the market’s strongest this week, as Salesforce and other big companies talked up how much of a boost they’re getting from the artificial-intelligence boom. All told, the S&P 500 rose 15.16 points to 6,090.27. The Dow dipped 123.19 to 44,642.52, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 159.05 to 19,859.77. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury yield slipped to 4.15% from 4.18% late Thursday. In stock markets abroad, France’s CAC 40 rose 1.3% after French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to stay in office until the end of his term and to name a new prime minister within days. Earlier this week, far-right and left-wing lawmakers approved a no-confidence motion due to budget disputes, forcing Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his cabinet to resign. In Asia, stock indexes were mixed. They rallied 1.6% in Hong Kong and 1% in Shanghai ahead of an annual economic policy meeting scheduled for next week. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.6% as South Korea’s ruling party chief showed support for suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law and then revoked that earlier this week. Yoon is facing calls to resign and may be impeached. Bitcoin was sitting near $101,500 after briefly bursting above $103,000 to a record the day before. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.Key details to know about the arrest of a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO

Court challenge over vote to extend post-Brexit trading arrangements dismissedStock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more records

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Court challenge over vote to extend post-Brexit trading arrangements dismissed(TNS) — It was about a year and a half ago when Lindsey Tropf began to hear from school districts that post-pandemic budgets were getting tight as the extra funding for educational institutions to help them bounce back was running dry. Her Buffalo-based startup, Immersed Games, had been selling its video games that promote inquiry-based learning to schools that were adopting them into their curriculum. But now those digital products were one of the many items being put on the chopping block to help get district budgets under control. “I started to get feedback from people who loved what we’re doing and the learning theory, but they literally were not allowed to buy anything right now,” said Tropf, founder and CEO of Immersed Games, a 43North finalist in 2018. So Tropf started to have conversations with partners in the education space about the best path to take to help grow the business, and she decided to pivot her company’s direction. Rather than continuing to create her own custom content, Tropf began to focus more on getting the company’s programs — games used to empower learning — embedded into the already established offerings of other publishers. And that’s led to the opportunity for the games to have even broader use and garner additional support for their development. While the focus remains to bring Immersed Learning into the classroom, the educational tech company now is gaining the funding to expand the games into different areas of learning and adding new features to make the product more powerful, Tropf said. It could lead to the creation of additional jobs as well. Though some deals have taken a while to close, Immersed Games’ new focus has been creating traction. The company was recently named one of 50 winners, earning a $150,000 prize, in the global tech Tools Competition for its math game and flagship product, Tyto Online, which helps illustrate how artificial intelligence is being used to improve learning. The company is also about to launch a pilot with one of the largest K-12 online course providers in the United States. It has multiple partner schools in Buffalo and is now part of a pilot program with software company CypherWorx of Rochester. The company also has received two Small Business Innovation Research grants to make more tool sets for math and to introduce products that are inclusive and accessible to all. “My first year or two, I thought we were going to make all that content, but then I realized that is a terrible idea,” Tropf said. “We really need to become a tool that other people can use to create their own content.” Immersed Games, which has an office on 1160 Main St., moved to Buffalo in 2019 from Gainesville, Fla., after winning $500,000 in the 43North competition and has remained here. Since the company was founded a decade ago, it has grown to 12 full-timers. All but two of them are in Western New York, where the cost of living has been a bonus, especially as inflation and interest rates go up, Tropf said. The company also uses contractors for various tasks, like instructional design work. Tropf came up with the idea for Tyto Online while playing World of Warcraft. In the game, for example, users help solve problems on urban heat islands with statistics or learn about coordinate grids by planning a community park. This is so that students can experience the “why” behind math. Contestants in the 43North competition had to be fast on their feet at Shea’s, answering questions from judges. Big money was on the line. Lindsey Tropf faced a doozy. A judge questioned why someone from Gainesville, Fla., would choose move her company, Immersed Games, to Buffalo. “I won’t have to lose two weeks of development every year fleeing the state from a hurricane,” Tropf said. “I realized how much I learned just through experience and became fascinated with educational games and the idea that we could create a single video game that would serve as a platform began to emerge for me,” she said. “We focus on deep learning that emphasizes skill building. ... Models for great learning can be done in games and often in more empowering ways than we see in other school lessons.” For the pilot program with CypherWorx, Tropf was connected through Upstate Venture Connect, and then helped design the quest to fit into one of the organization’s compliance courses. It’s part of CypherWorx’s effort to try out game-based learning to help support adult learners. Tropf’s team took home the $150,000 prize from the Shark Tank-style Tools Competition to help it reach its goal of growing from 30,000 users to 5 million users by 2027. This year’s competition generated nearly 2,000 submissions from 92 countries, and the 50 winners were from 18 countries. The pilot deal with one of the largest K-12 online course providers in the U.S. is not signed yet, so Tropf said she cannot reveal any details. She also is waiting on the potential state level contract for customized content that could bring additional jobs and opportunities for the company. Also in the pipeline is the potential to use the company’s products for career exploration and middle school science. One of the SBIR grants it received, worth up to $1.25 million in funding, will help bring additional features to the company’s gaming products to support visualizations for math and start building its program for math with middle school statistics and probability. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the grant provides $250,000 for eight months of rapid prototype development and evaluation of new education technology prototypes in phase one and, potentially, $1 million for the full-scale development and evaluation of new education technology products in the second phase. The other grant Immersed Games received is for work to make the gaming products accessible for blind and visually impaired learners. To help in that effort, Immersed Games is partnering with the nonprofit rehabilitation and social services agency Visually Impaired Advancement, which will provide students to assist with product development. This grant program is structured in three phases, the first two of which are supported by SBIR funds. During phase three, the business will look to commercialize the products. “If we’re going to be scaling through these partners to get to a million students, we don’t want to leave out groups of students,” Tropf said. “The direction I’ve always wanted for the company is that we are this video game where you can learn across any area. You can not only play this video game at school but also outside of school at home and learn about all sorts of other things.” Tropf said she may still sell custom content math tools to schools if curriculum directors tell her that there is a need. She’ll continue collecting that data. “It’s really about what schools need,” she said. “I’m trying to figure out what is going to make the most sense business wise and with the demand and kind of making sure it’s something that works well and is accessible to everyone, while finding that mix of how we can scale cost effectively.”

Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) reacts during the second half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the ball to the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo Georgia quarterback Carson Beck seeks a rehabilitation and strengthening program for his throwing arm, but the Bulldogs' outlook for the College Football Playoff at the position is unclear. Beck had 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the final month of the season to propel Georgia into the SEC Championship. He hurt his throwing arm on the final play of the first half and was replaced by sophomore Gunner Stockton. Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with an interception to help the Bulldogs defeat Texas 22-19 in overtime. Georgia did not confirm reports Beck suffered damage to the UCL in his right arm. But the Bulldogs did announce punter Brett Thorson, also injured Saturday in the SEC title game victory, is out for the season with a knee injury. "Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in a statement on Monday. "I'm confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way." Beck threw for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a senior in 2024, returning to school after considering jumping to the NFL last spring. Thorson is a finalist for the Ray Guy Award given to the top punter in college football. He was carted to the locker room in the SEC Championship after attempting to corral Texas returner Silas Bolden in the third quarter. A junior from Melbourne, Australia, Thorson averaged 47.6 yards per punt with only five touchbacks in 2024. Smart said freshman Drew Miller, ranked as the top punter in last year's class, would be ready to handle the punting chores in the Sugar Bowl. --Field Level Media 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

It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”

Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at EvertonWashington, DC, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coming from Tennessee, Florida and Ohio, are Arwood, Ernest and Yana, three of the hundreds of AmeriCorps NCCC members supporting disaster recovery after Hurricanes Helene and Milton . They are serving with FEMA Corps , an innovative, team-based national service program that provides 18-to-26‐year‐olds the opportunity to gain experience and training in emergency response while supporting immediate needs after a disaster for survivors and their communities. Arriving immediately in Florida after Hurricane Helene, their team of six members has been on the ground for the past two months. The AmeriCorps NCCC team is helping survivors connect to the resources they need by tabling at sites, canvassing neighborhoods, and more. They were previously in Selma, Ala., inspecting travel trailers and mobile housing units for water damage, decay, and other issues, helping supplement housing in areas facing housing shortages due to disaster impacts. The Leader Arwood is the AmeriCorps NCCC Team Leader and joined after graduating from American University in December 2023. Arwood was struggling to find a job that was both inspiring to work for and that he was qualified to hold when he found AmeriCorps. "The opportunities of AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps were incredibly enticing," said Arwood, from Tennessee. "I was very interested in the chance to serve my country in such a unique way while also gaining valuable practical experience in an industry so interesting and robust as emergency management. AmeriCorps has put me in an incredible position both socially and professionally. Bayou 4 is composed of incredibly capable and compassionate members whose dedication to service and kindness is as palpable as admirable." Together with the team, Arwood is making a difference in affected communities. At the beginning of the deployment, the team spent most of the time registering survivors for support. Since deployment, the team has transitioned to canvassing neighborhoods to ensure that everyone in the community who needs assistance is registered. "The quick response and our team's efforts in supporting this response, led to many survivors being granted aid early in the recovery process, allowing for the community to move towards recovery." Passion Meets Opportunity Ernest is a Floridian who is helping his home state recover from the disasters. Before AmeriCorps, Ernest worked in retail while pursuing a degree from Florida State College. He chose to serve with AmeriCorps because emergency management was his passion. AmeriCorps service was an opportunity for Ernest to gain the experience needed to kickstart his career in emergency management. Ernest shares that his most memorable moment was when a small act of compassion gave survivors the hope they needed. "When I first got deployed to help with Hurricane Helene, I was stationed at a registration intake center," said Ernest. "A local florist gave us flowers she needed to get rid of, so our team set them at each table. About halfway through the day, a woman started to break down. She told me that she was putting on the bravest face ever since the disasters to get herself through the day. But, when she came in to get help, she was stunned to see the flowers. She was unsure where to go for help, but when she walked in and saw the flowers, she felt a sense of comfort that we would help her." Since deployment, Ernest has visited nearly 1,000 homes across communities and has helped more than 150 people register for disaster assistance. Finding Careers For Yana, AmeriCorps was an opportunity to find a carer pathway. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Yana joined AmeriCorps NCCC after graduating from college. He decided to take a gap year before attending graduate school to help people in need and gain work experience. What he's learned is far more than experience. "There was this one interaction where I was so thankful for being there to help this survivor," said Yana. "When he first came in, he was extremely worried that he wouldn't get any aid due to not having things or not being qualified. I registered him and explained a bit of the process as far as I knew, which helped. Having heard that the aid he would be given was a grant to do with it what he needed it for – that his spending of the money wasn't tracked or needed to be sure for what it was given out for – he teared up knowing he was receiving the help he desperately needed. That moment, I was just grateful to be there and help this community member be relieved and grateful for the aid." This team's experience is one of many for AmeriCorps members. Through national service, Americans are provided the opportunity to explore careers beyond their work experience and education. Whether it's gaining skills in emergency management systems, using tools to repair roofs, or learning how to interact with people coping with unforeseen challenges, it's a chance to seek challenges and grow. Learn more about the more than 750 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who have and continue to support disaster recovery after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Attachment AmeriCorps NCCC

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Congressional bicameral team pushes for insurance, pharmaceutical reformDean Walsh says the High-Performance Unit saved his life but still managed to break his heart. The Wexford boxer, who officially ditches the vest when he punches for pay in Waterford on Saturday, completed one of the greatest comebacks when he fought his way back from life’s basement to the top of the domestic amateur pile. However, he didn’t get the fairytale ending in the form of Olympic qualification and was disappointed not to get selected to represent Ireland at the final Olympic qualifier. It means his recent amateur history has a bitter-sweet feel and while his Paris disappointment wasn’t the sole reason he turned over it played it’s part. “I wouldn’t say it was my sole decision maker,” he tells Wexford Weekly . “Everyone knows I’ve toyed around with the pro idea for a while, but that Olympic selection process – it definitely affected it. “Everyone was telling me to go to the Elites this November and prove this and that. I’ve proved all I can in amateur boxing; it’s just a pity the selection process is so covert, being the best fighter and national champion just isn’t enough so what’s the point going up, winning it out again and still not get picked? It’s mental torture,” “I have nothing left to offer amateur boxing. I gave all I had to offer and I hung up the vest bittersweetly. I’m grateful for all my years with the Irish Team, I got back on the team when just a short time before I didn’t see myself making it to tomorrow let alone back on an Olympic squad. The last few years back in HP saved my life really and that’s being honest. What I went through is a story for another day. I’m 30 years old, in the best shape of my life both physically and mentally so now’s my time to turn over,” he adds. The Michael Conlan managed Jimmy Payne coached, Byrne has a new challenge ahead of him as he embarks on a pro fight. He begins over six against Tamas Horvath on the War in Waterford card and is hoping to progress quickly. “Everyone has seen what I have to offer, I’m a fighter, I don’t back down from anyone. I want the big fights and I want them fast, as I said I’m 30 now and my teams plan is to get me fast tracked, jump straight into 6 rounds and get the ball rolling. I have an adaptable style so I think I’ll adjust into the pro game nicely and with the addition of my trainer Jimmy Payne together we will see a whole new level.”MIAMI (AP) — One of Venezuela's most popular bands canceled its homecoming tour after President Nicolas Maduro criticized the group for what he said were sexist lyrics — a lashing out that many said was an attack by the leftist leader over the band's embrace of his political opponents. Rawayana, a 2025 Grammy nominee, was to play across the country to sold-out shows, starting this week but the concerts were abruptly cancelled on Tuesday night.

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Emily Andre has given fans a rare peek into her family life with Peter Andre and their adorable children. The 35-year-old mum to Amelia, who will be celebrating her 10th birthday in January, eight-year-old Theo, and baby Arabella - affectionately known as 'Belle' - who was born in April this year, shared a heartwarming video of the kids' reaction to seeing their famous dad on TV. Despite being cautious about showing her children's faces on social media, Emily couldn't resist sharing the sweet moment on her Instagram stories. In the clip, she can be heard asking, 'Who's that?' as the older kids excitedly shout, 'Daddy!' and baby Belle makes noises, seemingly recognising her dad on the screen. Emily captioned the post: "Daddy's biggest fans," reports the Mirror . Pete, 51, was making an appearance on ITV News to discuss his upcoming performance at the New Year's Parade, which will take place in central London on January 1. He is set to perform some of his biggest hits such as Mysterious Girl, Flava, Only You and I Feel You. However, he also has a New Year's Eve gig booked in Dubai, meaning it will be a race against time for him to get back to London for his New Year's Day performance. Pete has been in the biz for three decades, but he's just confessed that the past few months have been a whirlwind of activity. Chatting with ITV News, he shared: "At 51, I thought it was going to really slow down now, but I'm very grateful. There's lots going on." He's not just resting on his laurels; Pete spilled the beans about his current projects, saying: "I'm filming a TV drama at the moment overseas, so I'm coming backwards and forwards. Then we've got the New Year's Day Parade and New Year's Eve in Dubai. It's crazy." But there's a touching reason behind Pete's non-stop schedule – he wants to perform in a show that his parents in Australia can watch live, as they can't travel anymore due to health issues and age. He explained: "Not a lot of people know this, but it's actually televised around the world. This means my mother and father can watch from Australia, which for me is a huge thing because they'll be watching me live. That for me is a massive, massive plus so I'm very honoured to do it." While many know Pete for his catchy tunes, he's actually a thespian at heart and has even appeared in a movie. With plans to continue acting, he's proving that his talents go way beyond the music charts – and his son Junior, who he shares with ex Katie Price , seems to be following in his versatile footsteps. The pop sensation Peter is branching out beyond his iconic hits, he shared, "I'm doing film at the moment. I've actually just finished my first feature film, which isn't out until next year. And we're now doing this TV drama, so I'm now moving into that area. And getting to write songs for - I've written a song for the drama and for the film. For me, that's a way of kind of evolving a bit because I don't think anyone wants to see me standing there singing the same old songs from 30 years ago constantly." Pete went on to stress the importance of personal growth by adding, "You've got to evolve in other ways. I do try, I'm very driven and now that I've got so many children I have to make sure that I keep working to provide." Familial ties also keep him on his toes; aside from his three darlings with wife Emily, Pete co-parents two older children with his ex-flame Katie Price: Junior, 19, and Princess, who's 17.Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Great British Baking Show: Holidays’ Season 7 on Netflix, A Festive Pair of Episodes Featuring Fan Favorite BakersWEC Energy director Gale Klappa sells $4.4m in stock

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The ongoing conflict in Syria has been a source of concern for the international community for nearly a decade. As the situation continues to deteriorate, experts warn of the escalating impact that the overflow of the Syrian crisis is having on neighboring countries and beyond. One of the most significant consequences of the conflict is the increasing risk of terrorism and the surge in the number of refugees fleeing the violence.bmy88. com 。

Ever since the announcement, there has been a palpable shift in the sentiment surrounding the real estate sector. Investors, developers, and homebuyers alike are expressing renewed optimism, signaling a turning point in what has been a challenging period for the industry. The long-awaited bottoming out of the market has now become a reality, paving the way for a potential recovery and revitalization of the property sector.Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas’ Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders’ skid to three games. Seibert was wide left on the point-after attempt following a bad snap. On the ensuing onside kick attempt, Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown as the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Earlier in the fourth quarter, KaVonte Turpin returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD. Sam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo’s game-ending 29-yard field goal, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings, who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears, who lost their fifth straight. Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns, Spencer Shrader kicked a 31-yard field goal as time expired and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 to reach double-digit wins for the 10th straight season. The Chiefs bounced back from last week’s 30-21 loss at Buffalo and won at the buzzer yet again in a season of narrow escapes. Noah Brown caught two TD passes and DeAndre Hopkins also had a touchdown catch. Bryce Young finished 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who had their two-game winning streak snapped. No. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak LOS ANGELES (AP) — Londynn Jones scored 15 points and fifth-ranked UCLA stunned No. 1 South Carolina 77-62. The Gamecocks' overall 43-game winning streak and their run of 33 consecutive road victories were snapped. The Gamecocks, who fell to 5-1, lost for the first time since April 2023. Te-Hina Paopao scored 18 points for South Carolina. The Bruins knocked off a No. 1 team for the first time in school history. The Bruins dominated from start to finish and their defense prevented the Gamecocks from making any sustained scoring runs. AP Top 25: Alabama, Mississippi out of top 10 and Miami, SMU are in; Oregon remains unanimous No. 1 Alabama and Mississippi tumbled out of the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll and Miami and SMU moved in following a chaotic weekend in the SEC. Oregon is No. 1 for the sixth straight week and Ohio State, Texas and Penn State held their places behind the Ducks. The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Notre Dame returned for the first time since Week 2 after beating Army for its ninth straight win. No. 6 Georgia moved up two spots, No. 7 Tennessee and No. 8 Miami rose three and No. 9 SMU jumped four places. Indiana dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 following its first loss. Thitikul finishes eagle-birdie to win CME Group Tour Championship and claim record $4M prize NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Down by two shots with two holes to play, Jeeno Thitikul knew exactly what was needed to capture the biggest prize in women’s golf history. And a eagle-birdie finish for the second straight day made it happen. Thitikul claimed the record-setting $4 million first-place check by winning the CME Group Tour Championship on Sunday. It was the biggest money prize in women’s golf history. Thitikul shot a 7-under 65 on Sunday and finished the week at 22 under, one shot ahead of Angel Yin (66). Yin had a two-shot lead walking to the 17th tee, only to wind up settling for the $1 million runner-up check. From Maui to the Caribbean, college hoops' Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of the sport College basketball is ready for its Thanksgiving Week closeup. The schedule is full of early season tournaments that could create buzzworthy marquee matchups. And many of those come in warm-weather locations. The Maui Invitational in Hawaii turns 40 years old this year. It opens Monday with a field that includes two-time reigning national champion and second ranked UConn. The Battle 4 Atlantis men's tournament in the Bahamas opens Wednesday. It has a field topped by No. 3 Gonzaga. There are also multiple women's events in the Bahamas featuring ranked teams, including the fourth Atlantis women's tournament. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup title MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Jannik Sinner clinched Italy's second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season at the top of tennis by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (2), 6-2 for a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the final of the team competition in Malaga, Spain. Matteo Berrettini won Sunday's opening singles match 6-4, 6-2 against Botic van de Zandschulp. The Italians are the first country to win the Davis Cup twice in a row since the Czech Republic in 2012 and 2013. The No. 1-ranked Sinner stretched his unbeaten streak in singles to 14 matches and 26 sets. Netherlands reached the Davis Cup final for the first time. Verstappen still manages to win 4th straight F1 title in one of worst seasons of his Red Bull career LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen won an unbelievable 19 races last season that included an incredible streak of 10 in a row in what would arguably go down as one of the greatest years in Formula 1 history. And yet it is this year’s eight-win season — his lowest victory total since 2020 — that Verstappen considers a career-defining campaign. Those eight wins were enough to win him a fourth consecutive F1 championship on Saturday night with his easy drive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The championship made Verstappen only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four or more titles. Maverick McNealy birdies the last hole at Sea Island to finally become PGA Tour winner ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Maverick McNealy is finally a winner on the PGA Tour, and it took a shot he won't soon forget. McNealy was part of a four-way tie for the lead when he drilled a 6-iron to 5 feet on the final hole at Sea Island for birdie and a 68. That gave him a one-shot victory over Daniel Berger, Nico Echavarria and Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton. Berger and Henrik Norlander moved into the top 125 to keep full PGA Tour cards for next year. Clanton continued to show his promise. It was his second runner-up finish and fourth top 10 this year.Fortunately, after days of being missing, the woman was discovered in a secluded area by a group of hikers who immediately alerted the authorities. She was found in a disoriented state, unable to provide clear information about what had transpired during her absence. Concerned about her well-being, she was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

Every Time The Simpsons Predicted New Technology And Got It RightAP News Summary at 6:04 p.m. ESTDrama surrounds final three F1 races of season

Tharindu Ramanayake is an up and coming young film director who has taken a dramatic turn into a little-known venture in Sri Lanka, dance films. His cinematic creation merged contemporary dance and traditional dance forms to showcase the tragedy of a sea oyster following the aftermath of the Express Pearl disaster. The dance film has received many plaudits and has been showcased in many Film Festivals in Asia and Europe. ‘This is not a pearl’ won in the Experimental International Category at the 2024 Big Syn International Film Festival in London and has been nominated for various other Festivals including the South Asian Film Festival 2024 and in the Documentary Section at the prestigious 23rd Imagine India International Film Festival in Madrid, Spain among many others. Tharindu has a background in filmmaking and has made several short films, a full length film and music videos. This is the first dance film he has done and one of the first in Sri Lanka to have been acclaimed in the international circuit. Filmmaking His foray into filmmaking started when he began studying drama and theatre for his degree, later on he received a scholarship to study at the Rabindra bharati University, in Kolkata. He got another scholarship to study film direction and script writing at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute and was the first Sri Lankan to achieve this accolade. Youth Observer sat with this talented filmmaker to delve deep into his artistic process and career in filmmaking. Dance films are a little known genre in Sri Lanka so what inspired Tharindu to make a dance film? “The main dancer in the film called me and said she would like to do a dance film” said Tharindu.” I have danced as a child, so I wanted to experiment because no one has attempted to do a dance film before. Once I researched the idea, I realised this genre was not popular in Sri Lanka and I was eager to try out this new concept”, he said. Tharindu was influenced by Maya Derrin who was the pioneer of this genre. “But the way I conceptualised the film, blending politics, dance and environmental issues is something new, I didn’t have anything to influence me. I wanted my dance film to have the vibe of a documentary; however, in Sri Lanka the documentary has a standard prototype. A narration plays in the background, with interviews. But, internationally documentaries have evolved. The lines are blurred between fiction films and documentaries, sometimes we can’t figure out whether it’s a film or a documentary. This is what I aspired to do with my work although it is a fictional story I take props from the real incident and work accordingly to bridge it closer to reality”, Tharindu said. Environmental catastrophe The Express Pearl disaster was one of the biggest environmental catastrophes that have occurred in Sri Lanka in recent years, a true environmentalist at heart the plight of the environment and the animals that lived in the sea touched Tharindu. As an aspiring film director he questioned why no one voiced this issue through cinematic mediums. “I believe the more we connect to nature our true selves emerge” said Tharindu. “When this catastrophe occurred in Sri Lanka I was in India. While I was going through the pictures I noticed a fish whose gills were embedded with plastic particles. In the article it said ‘these are not pearls’. That was my inspiration says Tharindu. “Three words came to my mind as I saw this, Sri Lanka is called Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the name of the ship was Express Pearl and the plastic that glistened looked like pearls. That’s how I turned the fish into an oyster and wondered instead of the pearl if a plastic particle entered the oyster what would be the outcome”, he said. In the film a pearl oyster living happily in the Indian Ocean encounters a ‘strange pearl’ the Pearl Express which completely changed the environment where it lived. The pearl that she had been protecting gets corrupt and turns black with oil and is destroyed. When the oyster floats away it tries to find its pearl only to encounter many little plastic pearls and it puts it inside only to find that these are plastic pearls and then it dies! Cinematic quality The cinematic quality of the dance film is highly captivating that one wonders whether the Film maker was trying to downplay the tragedy that befell our oceans. “Didn’t you feel sad at the plight of the oyster pearl?” asks Tharindu. “I wanted to evoke a sense of pity. I believe through this film I was able to summon these emotions rather than seeing the disaster. From smearing colour in the face to depict the contorted dancing, my intention was not to beautify the dancer, but rather to bring about the emotions of the pearl oyster” said Tharindu. The dance film has a documentary feel to it with the real footage capturing the disaster as it actually happened. Tharindu wants the audience to feel that it is a real situation without getting caught up in the cinematography and the aesthetics of his production. The film incorporates a range of dance genres, the dancer Ama Nethmi is a contemporary dancer. However, the production was not to restrict to one form of dance. The main purpose of the dance was to tell a story, animal movements and kathak dancing were acted out. Towards the end of the film, many viewers felt that they didn’t see a dancer there but an animal writhing in pain In one instance the oyster tries to fan out the engulfing flames, according to Tharindu this was inspired by the Jataka tale where a squirrel mother tried to empty the ocean with its tail to save her child, which is an impossible situation. The oyster in a similar fashion tries to save her precious pearl. “I don’t make films to give a message” quips Tharindu, “a message is naturally conveyed but that is not the sole purpose. I expressed what I felt, an environmental tragedy had befallen the country and action should be taken to rectify it”, he said. The long-term consequence of this tragedy is irreparable. To this very day we are probably eating salt, laden with micro plastics. So what does the future hold for this passionate young filmmaker? “I might do another dance film, purely based on dance because ‘This is not a Pearl’ falls into the category of an experimental documentary film more so than a dance film,” added Tharindu. “I am someone who likes to diversify my creations; I don’t like to stick to just one thing”, Tharindu says. The future looks bright for Tharindu as he gears up to dive into other unchartered territories in film while capturing the hearts and minds of his audience.Recently, the Bu incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community as several individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement and subjected to criminal coercive measures. The case, which has captivated the public's attention, continues to unfold as authorities work tirelessly to unravel the complexities surrounding the circumstances of the incident.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jarvis Walker's 20 points helped IU Indianapolis defeat Trinity Christian 106-49 on Saturday. Walker shot 7 for 12, including 6 for 10 from beyond the arc for the Jaguars (4-5). Paul Zilinskas shot 5 for 9, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc to add 15 points. DeSean Goode had 14 points and shot 4 of 5 from the field and 5 for 5 from the line. The Trolls were led in scoring by Tylan Harris, who finished with 11 points. Kaden Eirhart added nine points for Trinity Christian. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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During the summit, participants discussed various strategies for boosting domestic demand, including increasing household income, improving social safety nets, and promoting consumer confidence. They also highlighted the importance of investing in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and green energy to drive long-term growth and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.Trump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fate

Looking ahead, Ricoh remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, striving to set new standards for environmental stewardship, social impact, and ethical business practices. By continuing to uphold the principles of the "Ricoh Way" and embracing a culture of sustainability, Ricoh will continue to lead the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

As Suarez reflects on his time at Arsenal, he recognizes that the circumstances were not ideal for him to fully demonstrate his potential. The frenetic nature of top-level football, coupled with the unforgiving spotlight of the media and fans, left little room for patience and understanding towards a player trying to rediscover his form and fitness.

The Republican who ran for a House seat representing Roseville and Shoreview is contesting his election loss by challenging the residency of the Democrat who defeated him Nov. 5. Republican Paul Wikstrom filed the challenge in Ramsey County District Court Wednesday alleging that Democrat Curtis R. Johnson doesn’t live in District 40B. Johnson easily defeated Wikstrom to win the seat, receiving 65% of the vote. Wikstrom is asking the court to “invalidate and revoke any certificate of election issued to Johnson.” The challenge, if successful, could have implications for control of the House during the coming legislative session. The 134-member chamber is currently split between 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans for the first time since 1979. Minnesota law requires candidates to reside in districts they want to represent for six months prior to the election. If Wikstrom’s challenge succeeds, a special election would likely be called in February. Johnson, a Roseville Area Schools board member, faced questions about his residency during the campaign . He owns a home outside the district in Little Canada and began renting an apartment on Rice Street last spring to establish residency so he could run for the 40B House seat. In October, Johnson said in a statement that he was renting the Rice Street apartment while looking for a “forever home” in the district. His wife and their oldest child continued to live in their Little Canada house so they were not unnecessarily uprooted, he said. Johnson did not respond to a voicemail on Friday seeking comment. In a statement, a DFL spokesperson said Johnson lives in the district and expects the case to be dismissed. Wikstrom’s residency challenge alleges that Johnson continued to reside in Little Canada after renting the Roseville apartment. His campaign conducted surveillance of Johnson’s home and regularly saw his vehicle out front, according to affidavits filed with the case. Wikstrom’s campaign established an “investigative team” which put a piece of tape on Johnson’s apartment door to see if it was being used, looked into the window and slid a camera phone under the door. The challenge also alleges that Johnson never hooked up utilities at the apartment. Wikstrom deferred questions about the case to his attorney, who declined to comment. His case will be decided by the Minnesota Supreme Court, which handles election challenges. Residency questions are common during campaigns for state legislative seats. Republican Bob Barrett was the last candidate to be found ineligible when the Supreme Court ruled in 2016 he didn’t live in the Taylors Falls district he wanted to represent.USC men’s basketball: 3 takeaways before Big Ten debut

In conclusion, the overwhelming praise and accolades that "Black Myth: Wukong" has received is a testament to the game's exceptional quality and the hard work and dedication of the development team at Game Science Studio. As the game continues to capture the hearts and minds of players around the world, it is clear that "Black Myth: Wukong" has rightfully earned its place among the best of the best on Steam's user review chart. With its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and epic storytelling, "Black Myth: Wukong" stands as a shining example of what a truly exceptional gaming experience can achieve.During a recent interview, Donald Trump suggested that the Ukrainian military casualties in the conflict were significantly higher than officially reported. In response, President Zelensky took to social media to release the official numbers and set the record straight. According to the data provided by the Ukrainian government, the total number of military personnel killed in action since the beginning of the conflict stands at 2,345, with thousands more wounded.

Fine Gael's Jennifer Carroll McNeill the first TD elected in the country... Eoin O’Malley: Everyone gets a slice of the pie in an election that no one seems to have won Shocks, drops and ministerial meltdowns: What we’ve learned from the tallies so far 'It's clear the Green Party has not had a good day' - Roderic O'Gorman Don’t blame the electorate when Simon Harris is Taoiseach for Christmas, Kevin Doyle writes Irish Independent Election 2024 hub and live count centre Mary Lou McDonald thanks voters as she arrives at the RDS Simmonscourt Fine Gael's Jennifer Carroll McNeill the first TD elected in the country... Five Sisters from Clarissa Missionary Order greet political supporters in Kerry 'Massive galvanising of anti-establishment vote around Gerard Hutch' - Clare Daly Meath West Count 1: No candidate reaches quota as six eliminated Niall Collins confident in Limerick Carroll MacNeill 'grateful to voters' as she leads in Dún Laoghaire Kildare North - complete tally shows FF and Soc Dem candidates in the lead Director Jim Sheridan says 'anger' is behind the vote for Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch Political Correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite gives us the latest from the RDS: Can Fine Gael hold onto Damien English's old seat? First counts expected after 6pm in Cork South Central and Cork North Central 'I don't like politics, I've never liked it, but it's a privilege' First count underway in Donegal Final tally for Carlow-Kilkenny with two FF candidates leading Michael Fitzmaurice, Claire Kerrane and Martin Daly to take seats A seven-horse race in Cork East? Sinn Féin potentially on target to take three seats in Cavan/MonaghanIn the unpredictable world of football, anything can happen, and with the margins at the top of La Liga now razor-thin, the race for the title promises to be a thrilling and dramatic affair. As the season unfolds, fans can expect plenty of twists and turns as the top teams battle it out for supremacy in Spanish football.

The Open Day of Yuanwai International High School and the Strategic Cooperation Press Conference with American Wisdasmart School was a great success, attracting a large number of attendees from both local and international communities. The event, held on a sunny Saturday morning, showcased the innovative educational approach and the strong partnership between the two esteemed institutions.

bmy88 login account register As It Happens 5:56 In world 1st, Belgian sex workers now have access to contracts, benefits and pensions Many sex workers in Belgium will now be treated like any other worker in the country, with access to employment contracts, maternity leave, health benefits, pensions and more. That's thanks to a groundbreaking new law, which came into effect Sunday, and is being hailed the first of its kind anywhere in the world. "Sex work is work, and that is something people need to understand," Mel Meliciousss, a sex worker based in Antwerp, Belgium, told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. "When somebody works at another industry or something, they do also get these rights, so why not for sex workers? CBC is identifying Meliciousss by her professional pseudonym in light of the dangers and stigma sex workers often face. Sex workers rights' advocates are hailing the new law as a victory that will make the industry significantly safer and more equitable. But some feminist organizations argue it formalizes an industry they see as inherently violent, while failing to protect those who are most likely to be exploited. How does it work? The new law was passed last year, following the country's 2022 decision to decriminalize sex work. It applies to sex workers who have employers, like those who work in brothels. Under the legislation, anyone wishing to employ sex workers must obtain authorization from the state, adhere to safety protocols, and meet background requirements, including no prior convictions for sexual assault or human trafficking. "From the employer's perspective, this will also be a revolution," Isabelle Jaramillo, co-ordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group involved in drafting the legislation. "Under the previous legislation, hiring someone for sex work automatically made you a pimp, even if the arrangement was consensual." Mel Meliciousss is a sex worker based in Antwerp, Belgium, and a member of the sex workers' union UTSOPI. (Mel Meliciousss/Instagram) Workers at these establishments will have access to health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support and pensions. Employers must provide clean linens, condoms, and hygiene products, and install emergency buttons in workspaces. The legislation also establishes rules on working hours, pay and safety measures, ensuring sex workers can refuse clients, choose their practices, and stop an act at any moment. What does this mean for sex workers? Meliciousss, a member of the Belgian union of sex workers UTSOPI, says the law doesn't impact her directly, as she is currently self-employed. But she's hopeful it means her younger colleagues will never have to go through what she did. "I know for the younger Mel, it would have made a big difference. Because the first time I went to work at a brothel, the things that were happening over there were not quite right, and I felt it," she said. As It Happens 'Dream come true' for L.A. dancers who just formed the only strippers' union in the U.S. Sex worker survey offers rare glimpse into risks, needs of those often forced into shadows She had no choice but to take on clients that she wasn't comfortable with, she says. It was also brothel policy to perform oral sex without a condom. "If I had the rights back then that are happening now for sex workers, I would have made a change about this, and I would speak up and defend myself in this job," she said. Meliciousss says she knows other sex workers who became pregnant and had to keep working until the very last minute, then start working again right away after having their babies. "It's not healthy. It's not right that this ever was like this," she said. She hopes other countries will follow suit, including Canada, where it is legal to sell sexual services, but illegal to purchase them. It's also illegal in Canada for third parties to advertise, facilitate or benefit from sex work. The Supreme Court of Canada is currently hearing arguments about the constitutionality of those laws . What's the pushback? But not everyone sees the law as a victory for sex workers, and several feminist organizations have decried it. Isala, a non-profit that works with sex workers on the streets in Belgium, argues that prostitution is inherently violent, and this law "amounts to normalizing the exploitation of women's bodies and sexuality." This exploitation, Isala argues, disproportionately affects undocumented women and girls, who will be far less likely to benefit from employment contacts. "On the contrary, the new legislation reinforces the social and psychological isolation in which they already live, and above all does not respond to the wish expressed by the majority of them: that of leaving prostitution and leaving it with dignity," the group said in a press release , translated from French. Jaramillo says the law alone won't be enough to protect everyone, and called for better police and judicial training to protect marginalized workers. "There's still a lot of work to be done," she said. WATCH | Sex workers in B.C. on the obstacles, dangers they face: Vancouver worker describes being attacked by client 2 years ago Duration 2:00 A survey of 239 sex workers in southwestern B.C. is offering a glimpse into the needs and risks they faced during the pandemic, and ways to make their work safer. Meliciousss says she understands this law is not a magic bullet. "I'm not naive," she said. "The bad people who don't have good intentions, they don't care about this law. I understand that." Nevertheless, she says it's a positive first step that entrenches rights, and legal resources, for those who previously had none. As far as Meliciousss is concerned, sex work has always existed, and it always will. "It's better to have it regulated than just leave people to their destiny," she said.

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The much-hyped Mike Tyson fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul showed the potential power of Netflix to create live, global sports events on streaming video. For many people though, it also demonstrated the limitations of the technology. Thousands of Netflix users reported technical difficulties while trying to watch the fight. Frustrated viewers contended with buffering and blurry video, a result of tens of millions of households trying to watch the bout at once. It’s the kind of thing that, if the event were aired on a traditional network, would have provoked angry calls to cable companies. Live sports is considered one of the great opportunities for streamers, including Netflix, which need mass audiences tuning in to please advertisers. Companies including Amazon and Apple are spending big, driving up the price of live sports rights and encroaching further on the turf of legacy network rivals. But sports are also a challenge for tech firms. Even without buffering or grainy feeds, live streams are typically delayed compared with cable and satellite broadcasts, which means streaming audiences risk seeing spoilers on social media if the events are simulcast. For Netflix, the stakes are high. The company will host its first live NFL games on Christmas, including one featuring a halftime show from Beyoncé. Netflix is also preparing to air WWE’s “Raw” pro-wrestling franchise starting next year. Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said he has “full faith” in the company’s engineering team, which learned much from the Paul vs. Tyson live match and will adjust before the NFL games. Netflix said it worked quickly to stabilize the viewing for a majority of its subscribers during the boxing event, in which the 27-year-old Paul defeated the 58-year-old Tyson. “We were overwhelmed in the sense of the expectation — it far exceeded our expectations in terms of how many people came to the fight,” Riegg told The Los Angeles Times. “It’s as simple as that. As much as we forecast how many people would come, many, many more people came. It’s impossible for our engineering team to test that magnitude of traffic and viewership unless they have a real, live thing, which is what happened.” On the bright side, Netflix showed that it can be a big draw for sports fans, with an average audience of 108 million live viewers globally tuning in for the fight. Netflix said there were 65 million live concurrent streams, calling it the “most-streamed global sporting event ever.” Industry observers say the day is coming when streamers could place their own bid to host the Super Bowl on their platforms, as long as they can handle the traffic. “Once they prove that they’re capable of delivering a consistent, robust, top-of-the-line, premium experience for these events that consumers have grown to expect, then I have no doubt that we’re going to get there,” said Rob Rosenberg, a former Showtime Networks executive and founder of New York-based Telluride Legal Strategies. The technological challenges aren’t unique to Netflix. Glitches have arisen during other live events streamed on competitors’ platforms, including on YouTube during an NFL game last year and on Amazon’s Prime Video during a Thursday Night Football game in 2022. There are various reasons why buffering occurs, particularly with a highly-anticipated program. When a sporting event is being live streamed, the captured video is released in smaller segments of a few seconds in length that are then transmitted to streaming subscribers and decoded by the users’ devices. If too many devices are seeking those video segments at the same time, it can cause a backlog. Streamers can try to solve the problem by rerouting traffic, but even that sometimes isn’t enough. Streaming services can try to prepare ahead of time by buying more bandwidth capacity from the internet service providers, but it can be difficult to guess how many people will watch, especially if the streamer is new to a particular type of content. There may be limits on how much bandwidth companies can buy. For example, Australia has much less available bandwidth compared with the United States, said Simon Wistow, a co-founder and vice president of strategic initiatives at cloud computing company Fastly. Wistow added that if streamers buy too much capacity and it isn’t used, that’s wasted money. “There’s a lot of complexities, a lot of things go on,” Wistow said. “The scale of internet traffic just gets bigger and bigger every year.” Netflix said it will improve its systems to better handle live events at unprecedented scale and work with ISPS to continue increasing its capacity. The company has been steadily putting on more live events, such as a hot dog eating competition, Screen Actors Guild Awards and a tennis exhibition match. The company’s first live event was a Chris Rock comedy special last year, which has drawn 23.5 million views. An early effort at live streaming, a “Love Is Blind” reunion special, encountered technical trouble due to a bug that went unnoticed until people tried to watch the program. The Paul vs. Tyson event was a new milestone for Netflix’s live streaming efforts. For some viewers, like Florida resident Malcolm Scott, the streamer’s issues were unacceptable. Scott even sued Netflix for breach of contract last week, alleging that Netflix viewers missed large portions of the fight. Netflix declined to comment on the lawsuit. Brian Comiskey, a futurist at the trade group Consumer Technology Assn., chalked Netflix’s problems up to technological growing pains. “At the end of the day this is content being delivered from thousands of miles away via files,” said Comiskey, calling himself a millennial who remembers what it was like pre-smartphone. “This is a tremendous step in technology, but it only gets better from there.” Brian Rolapp, the NFL’s chief media and business officer said he believes Netflix will be ready to stream its games. “I think it shows the power of their global platform, their international reach, which is one reason why we did this deal,” Rolapp said during the Sports Business Journal Media Innovators Conference. “So, I think what they did was pretty extraordinary.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is checking off another item on her bucket list: Broadway. Jackson will appear in a one-night performance of the musical comedy “& Juliet” on Saturday, according to an Instagram post from the Broadway show. The role is a walk-on, which does not typically include any lines of dialogue. Jackson will also participate in a special “talkback” after the performance, according to the social media post. RELATED STORY | Could Democrats pressure Justice Sotomayor to step down for replacement? In her recently published memoir, "Lovely One," Jackson wrote about her dreams of becoming the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court and appear on a Broadway stage. Now, it seems that her once-teenage dreams will come true. The show begins at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 14 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City.Captain Harry Wilson cuts a forlorn figure after the Wallabies' grand slam dream died. Photo: AP PHOTO Wallabies' captain Harry Wilson says his crestfallen crew have been left "hurt" by the end of their British Isles grand slam dream at the hands of a buoyant Scotland. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Yet at least there was one elated Australian at Murrayfield after the comprehensive 27-13 defeat. Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu, Melburnian born-and-bred, proved inspirational for the hosts, his opportunist try in front of his own Glasgow-born gran on Sunday (Monday AEDT) sparking plenty of emotion. Granny Jaqueline ended up handing over the Hopetoun Cup to the former Australia Under-20 player - the Wallaby who got away - as the visitors reflected gloomily on the reality check of a four-try-to-one beating. Sione Tuipulotu powers in for the score that made his gran smile. (AP PHOTO) To cap a chastening day, the Wallabies were left fretting over an arm injury to superstar cross-code centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who, on his second start, went off clutching his wrist after handing out a hit on Tuipulotu, which the Scottish captain described as "humungous", late in the first half. Apart from a bullocking start, the Wallabies were constantly blunted by a much superior Scottish defence to the porous English and Welsh rearguards of the past fortnight. A side that scored 13 tries in their first two matches only scored on a breakaway in the 75th minute, when Harry Potter, with a fittingly magical little juggling act before he finally touched down, celebrated a debut try. But the tries from Tuipulotu, a national record-breaking 30th for Ruhan van der Merwe, flanker Josh Bayliss and the brilliant Finn Russell, who scored 12 points, were a fair reflection of the Scots' dominance as they crashed through too many Wallaby tackles. Australia's Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, right, watches after being injured in the first half. (AP PHOTO) "It is disappointing. I know everyone really wanted to be part of history, so it does hurt," said Wilson. Neither he nor Joe Schmidt were about to search for excuses despite a hugely difficult week in which the Wallabies had been deprived of training by frozen pitches and getting snowed in at their hotel. And in the 24 hours before the game, they lost both key hooker Matt Faessler through injury and poorly lock Jeremy Williams. "We were already a little bit glued together," conceded Schmidt. "But it's a really good exercise for us to be put in that situation against a good team and I felt they stayed really competitive - albeit you can't miss 30-plus tackles in an international against a really good team and expect to get the result." Yet with the frozen conditions miraculously replaced by blue skies on a perfect day for rugby, the Wallabies did enjoy a first 15 minutes on the front foot, in which they ought to have been rewarded by more than Noah Lolesio's 12th minute penalty. From then on, the Scots increasingly bossed them, and there could be no excuse for Tuipulotu latching on to a long line-out throw to barge between Andrew Kellaway and Len Ikitau for a score on his emotional day. "I don't really score many tries so that was pretty special to score while my gran was here - and knowing how much she also wanted to beat Australia!" beamed Tuipulotu. He was later sent crashing by Suaalii, but still the former Rooster came off worse, leading to the pair having a no-love-lost contretemps afterwards. Tuipulotu was really up for all this. "He's got pretty numb arm, but we're hopeful it's not too bad," said Schmidt. "But losing Joseph early didn't help." Tuipulotu raises the Hopetoun Cup trophy after their victory. (AP PHOTO) After Russell and Lolesio exchanged early penalties following the break, the crowd were incensed in the 50th minute when Tom Wright stood his ground in defence, taking out Scottish halfback Ben White who was making a break. Irish ref Chris Busby ruled no penalty and no card, and as if enraged by perceived injustice, the Scots roared forward to put in van der Merwe. The Wallabies' wheels began to come off as Bayliss ploughed over in the corner, taking three players with him, and Russell went over for a nicely-worked fourth. It was all hugely anti-climactic after the first two legs of the tour had proved so exhilarating, but for Schmidt, a return to Dublin to play his old charges Ireland next Saturday (Sunday AEDT) gives his developing side a chance to depart on a high. "Scotland are a good side and, hopefully, people can still see there's some quality starting to be built through through an Australian side that's actually starting to show a bit of depth, albeit with some pretty inexperienced players," said Schmidt. Australian Associated Press Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy More from AFL Marinoff, Garner favourites to be named AFLW's best Joanna Guelas Tough-tackling Conway ready for Roos Steve Barrett Lions mow down Crows, storm into AFLW grand final Steve Barrett Marinoff, Garner favourites to be named AFLW's best Joanna Guelas Tough-tackling Conway ready for Roos Steve Barrett Lions mow down Crows, storm into AFLW grand final Steve Barrett Ruthless Roos thump Power to charge into AFLW decider Anna Harrington More from sports Sunday roast: Why Caps believe again, and the United screamer you need to see Caden Helmers • No comment s 'It reinforces what you do': The Canberra horse race making a difference Caden Helmers • No comment s This ACT Comets quick is about to take on India's all-stars for the PM's XI Caden Helmers • No comment s Sunday roast: Why Caps believe again, and the United screamer you need to see Caden Helmers • No comment s 'It reinforces what you do': The Canberra horse race making a difference Caden Helmers • No comment s This ACT Comets quick is about to take on India's all-stars for the PM's XI Caden Helmers • No comment s Tragedy drives one. One was the last pick. Meet Canberra's newest AFL players Caden Helmers • No comment s More from Rugby Wallabies' slam hopes slayed by Scots at Murrayfield 27m ago Nine-try England hammer Japan 1hr ago Error-prone All Blacks struggle to a win over Italy Wallabies' bounce helps Schmidt convince Campo and co Aussie Hansen's try double for Ireland, Wallabies next Springboks thump hapless Wales, complete unbeaten tour Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... WEEKDAYS The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Loading... DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Loading... WEEKDAYS The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Loading... WEEKLY Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Loading... WEEKLY FootyHQ Love footy? 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WASHINGTON — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray, as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence, a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.USC QB Miller Moss enters transfer portal after losing starting job to Jayden MaiavaDelaware judge reaffirms ruling that invalidated massive Tesla pay package for Elon MuskDETROIT – If President-elect Donald Trump makes good on his threat to kill federal tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, it's likely that fewer buyers will choose EVs. Yet tax credits or not, auto companies show no intention of retreating from a steady transition away from gas-burning cars and trucks, especially given the enormous investment they have already made: Since 2021, the industry has spent at least $160 billion on planning, designing and building electric vehicles, according to the Center for Auto Research. Recommended Videos In campaigning for the presidency, Trump condemned the federal tax for EV buyers — up to $7,500 per vehicle — as part of a “green new scam” that would devastate the auto industry. His transition team is reportedly working on plans to abolish the tax credits and to roll back the more stringent fuel-economy rules that were pushed through by the Biden administration. It is far from clear, though, that the Trump administration could actually rescind the credits. Trump's argument — one that most economists dispute — is that a rapid U.S. shift toward electric vehicles would lead to most EVs being made in China and would swell prices for America’s auto buyers. He has said he would redirect federal revenue recaptured from a canceled tax credit to build roads, bridges and dams. Ending the credits, which were a key provision of President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, almost certainly would reduce EV sales, which have been growing in the United States this year, though not nearly as fast as automakers had expected. The slowing growth has forced nearly all auto companies to scale back EV production and delay construction of battery factories that are no longer needed to handle a more gradual transition. Jonathan Chariff, an executive at Midway Ford in Miami, one of the company's top EV-selling dealers, said he thinks ending the tax credits would severely hurt sales. The credits reduce monthly payments, he noted, making an EV closer in price to a gasoline counterpart. “It becomes more affordable,” he said. “Otherwise, those individuals won't be able to afford the payments.” Chariff calculated that the $7,500 credit could shrink a buyer's monthly payment by between $200 and $250, allowing many to afford an EV. On average, electric vehicles sell for about $57,000, compared with around $48,000 for a gasoline vehicle, according to Cox Automotive. (Though they cost more up front, EVs generally are cheaper to operate because maintenance costs are lower, and in most cases electricity is much cheaper than gasoline.) To qualify for the credits, EVs must be built in North America. EVs that contain battery parts or minerals from China or any other nation that is deemed an economic or security threat to the United States qualify for only half the federal credit. Because of that restriction, most of the 75 EV models on sale in the U.S. are not eligible for the full credit. All EVs, though, can receive the full credit toward a lease — a benefit that Trump likely will target. Some plug-in gas-electric hybrids qualify for the credits, too. Asked about the president-elect's opposition to EV tax credits, Trump's transition team would say only that he has “a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail.” Elon Musk, a close adviser to Trump and co-leader of a commission that intends to identify ways to vastly shrink the federal government, appears to be aligned with the president-elect in canceling the tax credits. Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla who spent an estimated $200 million to help elect Trump, has said that ending the credits would hurt his rival companies more than it would Tesla, the U.S. sales leader in EVs by far. “I think it would be devastating for our competitors and would hurt Tesla slightly,” he said. Even so, it might prove difficult for Trump to rescind the credits without help from the new Republican-led Congress, many of whose members represent districts where the EV credit is popular. Trump has floated the idea of using a constitutional theory by which a president could decide whether or not to spend money Congress has appropriated. The president-elect has promoted the concept of “impoundment,” under which congressional appropriations set a ceiling — but not a floor — for spending federal money. John Helveston, an assistant professor at George Washington University who studies electric vehicles and policies, said that in his view, the impoundment theory wouldn't apply in this circumstance because the EV tax credits affect government revenue and are not an appropriation. In any case, Helveston said he doubts Trump could persuade Republican lawmakers to remove the credits from the Inflation Reduction Act because so many congressional districts benefit from the tax breaks. “Cutting the EV tax credit makes it harder for the battery factory in their town to sell their product,” he noted. A 1974 federal law bars a president from substituting his own view of spending programs, said David Rapallo, associate law professor at Georgetown University. If Trump cancelled the tax credits, Rapallo said, it would be challenged in court. Research by J.D. Power shows that once people know about the tax credits, they're far more likely to consider an electric vehicle. In the meantime, federal subsides, not only for buyer tax credits but also for converting factories to EV production, are helping General Motors, Ford and Stellantis make the enormously expensive transition away from gasoline vehicles. It's also helping Detroit's Big Three compete with foreign rivals, notably Chinese automakers that received government subsidies and had a head start in developing EVs, said Sam Fiorani, a vice president at the consultancy AutoForecast Solutions. At present, Ford and GM, while profitable overall, are losing money on EVs, unlike Tesla, though both expect their electric-vehicle operations to generate positive earnings in the coming years as costs ease and more vehicles are sold. Eliminating the federal tax credits, Fiorani suggested, would “hurt the Detroit Three in the long run as they become less competitive against global players making the technological leaps” for electric vehicles, GM, Ford and Stellantis all declined to comment, though their executives have said in the past that they will continue to develop EVs while still selling gasoline vehicles and hybrids. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group that represents most automakers, has written to Trump in support of the tax credits, arguing that they help ensure that the U.S. “continues to lead in manufacturing critical to our national and economic security.” Hyundai, the Korean automaker, which has spent more than $7 billion on an EV factory in Georgia, could also suffer. The company sped up construction of the huge plant near Savannah and is now building EVs in the United States to try to capitalize on the tax credits for buyers. In the end, most automakers say their ambitious plans for transitioning to electric vehicles won't change regardless of policy changes in Washington. “We plan for the long term, so political considerations aren’t a factor in how we approach product development or capital investments,” said David Christ, vice president of Toyota North America, which is building a battery factory in North Carolina. ____ AP writers Fatima Hussein in Washington and Jeff Amy in Atlanta contributed to this report.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Taylor Swift once raved about the sweet potato casserole served at a New York City restaurant and now that recipe pops up every now and again at Thanksgiving. The holidays encourage many of us to try new recipes. Social media right now is flooded with recipes for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Anyone making that cornbread casserole from TikTok? While we might not get to share a Thanksgiving feast with Swift — is your name Blake Lively? — or other celebrities beloved by Kansas City, we can eat like them. So here’s the recipe for that casserole Swift loved so much, and favorite family side dish recipes from Donna Kelce and Eric Stonestreet. Enjoy. Travis Kelce's mother, Donna Kelce, seen here last year at her son's music festival, dined on a cheesesteak made by actor Bradley Cooper at QVC festivities in Las Vegas this week. (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star/TNS) Donna Kelce’s dinner rolls If we tried to guess how many holiday dinner rolls Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, have scarfed over the years, would it be in the hundreds? Thousands? Their mom has spoken often about the batches of holiday crescent rolls she has baked over the years. Based on the recipe that won the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs , they’re now known as Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls. They blend the crescent roll pastry with marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar. Dinner roll or dessert? We bet they didn’t last long enough in front of Travis and Jason for that debate. Ingredients Rolls •1/4 cup granulated sugar •2 tablespoons Pillsbury Best all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) •16 large marshmallows •1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Glaze •1/2 cup powdered sugar •1/2 teaspoon vanilla •2-3 teaspoons milk •1/4 cup chopped nuts Directions Make the rolls 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with nonstick baking spray. 2. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon. 3. Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in the sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on the shortest side of a triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover the marshmallow with the dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup. 4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. 5. When done, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on cooling racks set over waxed paper. Make the glaze and assemble In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm. Eric Stonestreet attends 'Eric Stonestreet visits The SiriusXM Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles' at SiriusXM Studios on Oct. 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM/TNS) Eric Stonestreet’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts Thanksgiving is one of the “Modern Family” star’s favorite holidays. Three years ago, as part of a campaign honoring hometown heroes , he shared one of his favorite recipe with McCormick Spices: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Butternut Squash . This recipe serves eight. Ingredients •1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved •1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes •1 tablespoon olive oil •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder •1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper •5 slices bacon, chopped •1 shallot, finely chopped •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1 teaspoon whole grain mustard •1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) •1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Spray large shallow baking pan with no stick cooking spray; set aside. Place Brussels sprouts and squash in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Spread in single layer on prepared pan. 2. Roast 16 to 18 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through cooking. 3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat about 6 minutes or until crispy. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Add shallot to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in cranberries, vinegar and mustard until well blended. Transfer mixture to small bowl; set aside. 4. Arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and squash on serving platter. Drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. Donna Kelce, left, mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watched the game with pop superstar Taylor Swift, center, during the first-half on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. (Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS) Taylor Swift’s favorite sweet potato casserole Swift gushed about the sweet potato casserole served at Del Frisco’s Grille in New York City, a dish crowned with a crunchy candied pecan and oatmeal crumble. “I’ve never enjoyed anything with the word casserole in it ever before, but it’s basically sweet potatoes with this brown sugary crust,” she told InStyle. ”Oh my God, it’s amazing.” The media rushed to find the recipe, which Parade has published this Thanksgiving season . “Similar to T. Swift herself, we think this recipe is a mastermind, especially if you’ve been asked to bring the sweet potato side dish to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. It seriously begs the question: who needs pumpkin pie?” the magazine writes. Ingredients •4 lbs sweet potatoes •1⁄3 cup oats •12 oz unsalted butter, divided •1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar •1⁄2 cup toasted pecans •1⁄2 cup granulated sugar •1 tsp kosher salt •2 tsp vanilla extract •4 large eggs, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. 1. Scrub sweet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a sheet pan. Bake 90 minutes or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. 2. Meanwhile, place oats in a food processor; process 1 minute. Add 4 oz butter, brown sugar and pecans; pulse five times to combine. Spread mixture on a baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, crumble. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Melt remaining 8 oz butter. Remove skin from cooled sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar and remaining ingredients until slightly lumpy. Transfer to a greased baking dish, smoothing surface evenly. Top with oat mixture. Bake 12 minutes or until heated through. Make-ahead tips •Sweet potato filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato filling, cool, place in a casserole dish and keep refrigerated. •Oat-pecan crust can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the crust according to recipe directions, cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle over the sweet potato filling just before baking. More Thanksgiving recipes Satisfy your cravings With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.None

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Global Payments Inc. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the dayThank you, President Biden. Thank you for the person that you are and reminding us of what kind of person we want to look up to and see in the highest office in our land. Thank you for trying. Your efforts were beyond good given the overwhelming odds against success. You brought sanity back with people around you who believed in justice, law, respect for tradition and a government with separate constitutional branches designed to manage a nation of multiplicity and diversity in a democratic system. A democratic society, a point you constantly made as you tried to nudge us back to a common identity we had lost. You led us out of a crippling pandemic with respect for science and empowerment of thousands of people who knew how to get the job done. You paved the way for infrastructure improvements and brought manufacturing and good-paying jobs to our states, a fact that is less apparent now but will be undeniably true over time. You stood for civil liberty, personal choice and autonomy. You listened to science, respected experts, made health care better, supported and protected our technological expertise, and focused policy on healing our environment. You restored our place in the world community. You quietly brought vision back to a citizenry blinded by fear, mistrust and misinformation. We should have sensed in the softness of your voice, the tongue tripping over words and the gait almost tripping along the way, that you were feeling your age despite your best efforts and we ultimately failed you. We should have insisted and prepared for a transition of leadership that would complete the mission. There are many amongst us who believe this country has been blessed and is guided by the hand of providence. It’s proclaimed on our currency. The great Russian novelist and historian Alexander Solzhenitsyn once said America is the last best hope for mankind. There’s a ring of truth in that. Progress is not a straight line. As hard as it may be to endure, change only comes through upheaval. History proceeds through turbulent waters. The tranquil lake is our restful reward. You told us you wanted to be the bridge over troubled waters into a promising future. That you were. You and your team conceived a plan and set it in motion and we as a nation will reap the rewards in years to come. History will mark the time of your presidency as the beginning of a new era that others will benefit from, even those who opposed and thwarted your efforts. The world thanks you President Biden. It is we who let you down by not making you see when your job was done and when to lateral the ball. You deserve so much better. Patrick J. Moriarty Waterburybmy888 net index php 。

HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

I n the words of Alfred Wainwright, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. When you live in boggy Britain, where it rains more than 150 days a year, waterproofing is a serious business – and a great waterproof jacket is a year-round wardrobe staple. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or heading out on the commute, it’s worth investing in a decent jacket that’s fully waterproof, breathable and fits you properly. I’ve put nine through their paces in rainy hike conditions to find the very best women’s waterproof jackets. Best overall waterproof jacket: Montane Torren £300 at Montane Best waterproof jacket for hiking: Rab Kangri £199 at Ultimate Outdoors Best casual waterproof jacket: Patagonia Torrentshell £180 at Cotswold Outdoor Best waterproof jacket for skiers: The North Face Summit Tsirku Gore-Tex Pro £503.30 at Ellis Brigham Best waterproof jacket for the mountains: Tierra Nevado £222 at Trekitt I’m a seasoned adventure travel writer and gear tester who’s been putting outdoor kit through its paces across the globe for more than a decade. I’ve hiked many a mile in the name of testing waterproof jackets. I reckon I’ve tried well over 100 different raincoats on for size, wearing them everywhere from the summit of Mount Kenya to my favourite local pathways in Cornwall and the Cotswolds. I’ve also just finished working on two UK walking guides for Lonely Planet – a great excuse to hit the trails in any weather. Handily for me, we’ve just had one of the wettest summers on record in the UK, so I had plenty of time to figure out which waterproofs could tackle long rainy days in the great outdoors. I took each jacket I’ve recommended on hikes around everywhere from the top of Scafell Pike in the Lake District to the seriously sodden Yorkshire Moors and down to the sea-sprayed Cornish coast. As the weather was mild, I could test out the other key performance factor in a good waterproof – breathability – on muddy trails and city streets. The jackets called in to test for this article will be donated to the Julian Trust Night Shelter in Bristol, which gives outdoor kit to homeless people. Montane’s Torren is an award-winning jacket, and for good reason. There’s lots of great stuff here, and the design is pleasingly lightweight and comfortable to wear. It’s technical enough for adventures at altitude yet doesn’t feel like overkill if you’re walking the dog. The Torren’s recycled nylon shell is also highly waterproof without the use of damaging chemicals, something all outdoor clothing manufacturers should be working to achieve. Why we love it The Torren is indeed highly waterproof and kept the rain off all day long when I was out in this October’s wet and windy Storm Ashley. Montane uses its own-brand Petrichor technology to waterproof this coat, but it seems to stand up when compared with Gore-Tex, plus it doesn’t use environmentally harmful PFAS. The Torren is ready for high-stakes days outdoors, thanks to a helmet-compatible hood, harness-compatible pockets and articulated arms, which give a good range of movement. But it’s also simple enough to use for relaxed hiking days and, although it fits on the slim side, you can stick a thinner insulated jacket underneath. It’s hard to pick holes in the design, but if pushed, my niggle would be that, besides plain black, the only colours available are pastels. It’s a shame that ... there are limited neutral colours available. Material: recycled nylon Waterproof ing: Petrichor (20,000mm) Colours: blue, green, black Sizes available: 8-16 £300 at Montane £274.95 at Outdoor Action British climbing and mountaineering brand Rab designed the Kangri with “the avid all-weather adventurer in mind” – if that’s you, and you love to hike hill and dale in any weather, read on. This jacket marries comfort and a female-specific fit with rain-repelling Gore-Tex in a smart, sleek design that’s ready to trek. Why we love it I did lots of happy hiking in Rab’s Kangri. Gore-Tex is ever reliable for waterproofing, and the Kangri has a massive hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm – nary a drop of rain seeped through as I hiked through sustained wet weather. The hood was also my favourite in testing – it stays put in high winds and the stiffened peak keeps rain off your face. I did find the sizing was off – this jacket does feel like it’s designed with women in mind (unlike some brands, which simply shrink men’s jackets), but the size 12 was on the small side when wearing more than a thin base layer underneath. The sleeves were a shade too long, too, although they are adjustable. While the colour of your waterproof isn’t the most important feature, it doesn’t hurt to have a good range, and I really liked the five smart hues available. It’s a shame that ... you’ll have to play around with sizing. Material: nylon Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Colours available: 5 Sizes available: 6-18 £199 at Ultimate Outdoors £330 at Ellis Brigham I always rate Patagonia’s effective and eco-friendly women’s outdoor range, and the Torrentshell jacket, the mid-priced all-rounder of its waterproof offerings, is no different. It’s made from 100% recycled materials; is lightweight, waterproof and comfortable; and there’s a wider fit to the torso and sleeves that’s perfect if you find slim jackets restrictive. Why we love it The Torrentshell ticked many boxes for me, from the cosy fleece-lined collar that feels nice against the skin to the stowable, adjustable hood. The Torrentshell repelled water effectively out in the Cumbrian hills, with water beading on the jacket’s surface, and was breathable enough for hiking, thanks to good pit zips. I don’t think this design would be breathable enough for sweatier endeavours such as climbing or mountaineering, however. I also like that this lightweight coat stuffs into its own pocket if the sun comes out. If you want to squeeze a thicker puffer jacket underneath, I’d consider a size up. As well as a high-quality jacket, Patagonia is an ethical pick – this jacket is Fairtrade and made using recycled materials and without PFAS (chemicals harmful to the environment). It’s a shame that ... breathability is limited. Material: recycled nylon Waterproofing: H2No standard Colours available: 5 Sizes available: XS-XXL £180 at Cotswold Outdoor £180 at Ellis Brigham A “hardshell” jacket (one without insulation built-in) is ideal for hiking but skiers and mountaineers often also choose to swap their heavy padded waterproofs for them, wearing insulated layers underneath to trap in heat. I’ve been testing out a range of shells aimed at skiers and The North Face’s Summit Tsirku is brilliant for snow – perhaps unsurprisingly, since the brand is all about adventures in mountain terrain. Why we love it The North Face Summit Tsirku, named for a river in Alaska, has a hefty price tag, but it’s worth the spend if you’re a seasoned skier, an athlete or an outdoors professional. This bright jacket is totally waterproof, with a three-layer Gore-Tex fabric that even torrential rain can’t touch. The Summit Tsirku was also the most breathable jacket I tested – the airy fabric and good ventilation zips should keep you comfortable on sweaty, stop-start sporting adventures. The fit is great, with just the right amount of room to layer up underneath, and I love the longer length of this coat (short jackets that ride up around the waist are my bugbear). This design is overkill for casual walks, but it comes into its own in the backcountry. It’s a shame that ... it’s too technical – and pricey – for mere mortals. Material: recycled nylon Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Colours available: one (orange) Sizes available: S-L £503.30 at Ellis Brigham Climbers, mountaineers and hikers unite – the Nevado is a technical shell that Tierra created using feedback from professional mountain guides. While this jacket packs the punch of Gore-Tex waterproofing, it’s not too bulky or heavy to move fast, so it’s perfect for venturing high into the hills. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Why we love it Ever-reliable Gore-Tex renders the Nevado fully waterproof, and rain rolls off its surface like water off the proverbial duck’s back. Unlike some shell jackets, which can feel plasticky against the skin, the Nevado’s soft liner makes it a cosy pleasure to wear, even if the only warmth the liner adds is psychological. This jacket has Alpine adventures in mind – the hood is adjustable and fits over a helmet, and the two-way zip is designed to be used while wearing a climbing harness. The Nevado was my top pick for pockets, too, with a chest pocket for easy access and handy inside pockets to hold your phone and gloves. There’s even a ski pass pocket, and you could use this jacket for ski holidays, so it’s a real quiver-of-one hardshell. It’s a shame that ... it’s a bit too pricey for casual country walkers. Material: polyamide Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Colours available: two (deep sea/black) Sizes available: XS-XL £222 at Trekitt Best for: a warm parka Meet my pick of the warm parkas. If you like a bit more coverage than a hip-skimming waterproof jacket, you’ll love Seasalt’s popular, longer-cut Janelle waterproof coat. It comes in eight nature-inspired muted shades, it fits beautifully and it’s fully waterproof, even in pelting rain. There’s enough insulation to trap in warmth on winter dog walks, plus nicely placed hip pockets, a reinforced wide hood and a cosy soft lining. The Janelle coat is made with fully recycled materials, and you can also choose from petite, regular and tall iterations as well as plus sizes. It didn’t make the final cut because ... it’s not short or breathable enough for sports. Material: recycled nylon; waterproofing: Tide Cycle; colours available: eight; sizes available: 8-28 £170 at Seasalt Cornwall £170 at Next Best for: a long raincoat After a good-looker of a long raincoat rather than a more technical sporty shell? Meet the lovely Lilja, designed with city use and commuting in mind. This flattering coat hits the mid-thigh, looking and feeling sleek, simple and stylish to wear. During testing, I found rain beaded off it brilliantly thanks to Helly Hansen’s own-brand water-repellent technology, and the detachable, adjustable hood fits well and protects the face from the elements. This fabric isn’t very breathable, so you could work up a sweat running for a bus, but I still like this rain slicker for city slickers. It didn’t make the final cut because ... it’s too casual and not breathable enough for active types. Material: polyester; waterproofing: Helly Tech Protection; colours: three (yellow/green/khaki); sizes available: XS-XL £190 at Helly Hansen From £258.58 at Amazon Best for: packing light Light and liberating to wear, the Ampli-Dry packs down small, so you can pop it in a rucksack pocket when the sun comes out. I like that it’s made with recycled polyester, and this jacket was one of the most breathable I tested, with wide zips to help with ventilation. It does feel a little plasticky to wear, but the fit is good and there’s room to layer underneath. If lightweight and packable are top of your shopping list, this could be the waterproof for you, and it’s well-priced, too, with some colours currently reduced. It didn’t make the final cut because ... it feels on the flimsy and plasticky side. Material: recycled polyester; waterproofing: Omni-Tech; colours available: six; sizes available: XS-XXL £155 at Columbia Waterproofing Make sure any jacket you buy is labelled as “waterproof” rather than just “water resistant” or “water repellent”, as the latter two labels usually mean a coat can repel only light rain. For full waterproofing, look for a jacket that incorporates tried-and-tested technology such as Gore-Tex or own-brand waterproofing into the outer layer of the jacket (or the hardshell). Some brands also list the amount of waterproofing their jacket offers, which is tested according to its hydrostatic head (this test assesses a fabric’s waterproofing abilities by subjecting it to increasing water pressure). Up to 1,500mm is considered only water resistant. Above 5,000mm is waterproof enough for wearing in steady rain, and a jacket with 10,000mm to 20,000mm is likely to be reliably waterproof and should work in torrential rain or snow. Breathability Cheap and cheerful macs-in-sacs and rain ponchos will keep you dry at a pinch, but they’re not breathable – you’ll quickly get sweaty and hot, which isn’t ideal when you’re out on hikes or cycle trips. Instead, high-quality jackets incorporate a breathable membrane that wicks away moisture, so that you don’t overheat when you sweat. Think about how and where you’ll wear your jacket before you buy – if you want something for casual use, a longer parka-length jacket with some insulation will offer warmth and you won’t need it to be very breathable. If you’re planning fast-paced hikes or cycles, you’ll want something light and breathable, without insulation and with added ventilation zips. Design and fit A good jacket should fit snugly but not too tightly at the waist, cuffs and neck, and should include taped seams, sealed or protected zips, zipped pockets and a well-designed, adjustable hood. If you’re a keen climber, cyclist or mountaineer, look for a jacket with a hood that can be worn over a helmet, and a fit designed to work when worn under a backpack and a harness. A slim-fitting jacket will keep you warmer, but make sure there’s space to wear a down layer or fleece underneath it in cold weather. How much to spend There are rain-ready jackets at price points to suit pretty much every budget on the market. Aim to spend about £150 on a good versatile waterproof. High-end, £200+ jackets are only worth the splurge if you’re heading out in serious conditions on proper hiking trips. If you are, though, they’re likely to be breathable, comfortable and completely waterproof. It’s worth noting that no jacket – unless it’s a purely plastic mac, which won’t be breathable – will be completely waterproof for ever. If your coat begins to lose its waterproofing (rain will sink into the outer fabric rather than bead straight off it), re-waterproof it with a treatment such as Nikwax . Sian Lewis is an award-winning freelance outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.comMumbai : Bigg Boss 18 fans are in for a treat as one of the most talked-about contestants, Vivian Dsena, is set to receive an emotional surprise in today’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode. His wife, Nouran Aly, will make her first-ever television appearance to interact with him and provide game tips and insights. This much-awaited moment has created a buzz among fans, with many speculating that Nouran’s presence could be a turning point for Vivian in the game. Known for her strong support of her husband, Nouran has been actively voicing her opinions about the show on her social media. She frequently shares photos and videos of the Sirf Tum actor, rallying support for him while addressing day-to-day happenings in the house. #VivianDsena with Wife #NouranAly pic.twitter.com/LYgXMPrUoC A former entertainment journalist, Nouran first met Vivian during an interview. Their professional encounter soon turned personal, blossoming into a love story that culminated in their marriage in 2023. Nouran’s appearance on Bigg Boss 18 will mark her official television debut, and fans are eager to see the couple’s heartfelt reunion. Recently, in a candid conversation with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Vivian expressed how much he misses his wife and daughters. He revealed that the separation has often left him feeling anxious, making Nouran’s surprise visit all the more meaningful. Fans have been buzzing with excitement since news of Nouran’s appearance surfaced. Many believe she will provide Vivian with the clarity and motivation he has been seeking, possibly reigniting his drive to win the competition.

On pornography platform OnlyFans, prostitutes make most of their earnings by directly engaging with their “fans” through messages and conversations. A global industry has popped up of imposters paid to pretend they are the OnlyFans model to trick lonely and desperate men into opening their wallets. Now, those human “chatters” are increasingly being replaced by AI-powered chatbots. Wired reports that the rise of AI has brought about concerns regarding its potential to replace human workers across various industries. One niche occupation that is already experiencing disruption due to AI is the role of OnlyFans chatters. These gig workers are paid to impersonate top-earning OnlyFans creators in online conversations with their fans, providing a crucial element of relationship simulation that complements the platform’s pornographic content. Traditionally, human chatters from countries with lower wage expectations, such as the Philippines, Pakistan, and India, have been employed to manage the deluge of amorous messages received by popular OnlyFans creators. Desperate men think they are talking to an OnlyFans prostitute when they are actually talking to a person sitting at a keyboard on the other side of the world. However, AI-generated stand-ins are increasingly replacing these human chatters, with several startups now offering access to AI chatbots and other generative AI tools tailored for this purpose. Kunal Anand, the founder of ChatPersona, an AI OnlyFans chatting service, states that his company has built its own model using data from creators’ chats to meet the growing demand for AI chatters. Since its launch last year, ChatPersona has attracted around 6,000 customers, including both individuals and agencies. Anand claims that ChatPersona does not violate OnlyFans’ terms of service, as it requires human intervention to send the AI-generated messages. The field of AI chatbots for OnlyFans is becoming increasingly crowded, with competitors like FlirtFlow, ChatterCharms, and Botly vying for market share. Supercreator, another player in the space, offers a suite of AI tools, including an assistant called Inbox Copilot that algorithmically sorts fans based on their spending habits, prioritizing “spenders” over “freeloaders.” Eden, a former OnlyFans creator who now runs a boutique agency called Heiss Talent, is an enthusiastic adopter of AI technology. She represents five creators who all use Supercreator’s AI tools, resulting in a significant increase in sales. One of the features automatically sends messages to inactive fans when they log in, which has led to substantial tips from conversations initiated by AI. While some AI chatter tools are fully automated, Eden prefers a mixed approach, with creators combining their own words with AI-generated content to maintain authenticity. This raises questions about the transparency of AI use in online interactions and whether companies should disclose when conversations are being handled by chatbots. Read more at Wired here. Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering issues of free speech and online censorship.Whistleblower: Biden-Harris HHS Created 'White Glove Delivery Service' Giving Migrant Children to Criminals, Traffickers, Cartels

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Last year, tech giant Huawei catapulted to the top of the smartphone market in China when it released the Mate 60 Pro, a phone that contained a tiny computer chip more advanced than any previously made by a Chinese company. The chips used by Huawei’s smartphones have become a symbol in the struggle between China and the United States for control over advanced technology . Huawei’s new Mate 70 phone. Policymakers in Washington have spent years trying to prevent Chinese companies from being able to make the kind of chip Huawei uses in its Mate phone. But Huawei has pressed ahead, and the phone has burnished its image as a national leader, triumphant in the face of US restrictions. Shoppers in China were excited to buy a phone with state-of-the-art components that had been made entirely at home. Huawei was able to appeal to Chinese customers who previously would have been more likely to buy iPhones, eating into Apple’s most important market outside the United States. On Tuesday, Huawei unveiled the next generation of that phone, the Mate 70 series, from its offices in Shenzhen in southeastern China. Richard Yu, Huawei’s consumer group chair, called the flagship device the “smartest” Mate phone. Powered by its homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS Next, which was officially launched last month, the Mate 70 series has artificial intelligence-enabled functions, including improved photography, live transcription and translation of phone calls. Apple has yet to release its AI features in China. Starting at 5499 yuan ($1172) the price of the Mate 70 is meant to compete with the iPhone in China. HarmonyOS Next allows phones to connect with Huawei’s other products: electric cars, smart speakers and watches. But widespread commercial success for the Mate 70 could depend on Huawei’s ability to secure a steady supply of chips. The company relied on Chinese chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., or SMIC, to make the chips in the Mate 60 Pro. SMIC, which is partly state owned, is the only maker of advanced chips in China. Analysts said they believed Huawei had again turned to SMIC for the Mate 70. Huawei did not reveal details about the chips in the new phone. A critical question is how advanced the chips are, because that can determine whether they can perform more sophisticated tasks like AI at a faster speed. The chips used by Huawei’s smartphones have become a symbol in the struggle between China and the United States for control over advanced technology. Credit: Bloomberg US officials seeking to control China’s chip development say advanced technology is essential not just for consumer technology like chatbots but also for military superiority. They have tried to prevent Chinese companies from buying these kinds of chips and related machinery, leaving SMIC dependent on dated tools. Experts say SMIC has strained to make enough chips for Huawei. Even though production for some parts in Huawei’s latest phones began in July, the Mate 70 has not gone on sale until now because it has been challenging for Huawei to acquire enough chips, said Lori Chang, a senior analyst at Isaiah Research, a market research company. SMIC did not respond to a request for comment. As of Tuesday, more than 3 million people had signed up on Huawei’s website to reserve the company’s latest flagship phone, which does not require a deposit. The premium version of the Mate 70 is set to go on sale in China on Tuesday, according to Huawei’s website. A critical question is how advanced the chips are, because that can determine whether they can perform more sophisticated tasks like AI at a faster speed. Huawei has been working for years to position itself as synonymous with the country’s tech industry, as Apple is with Silicon Valley. Resurgence despite Washington’s controls is a crucial part of this image. A top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, became a hero to many in China after her return in 2021 following almost three years of detention in Canada while facing fraud charges in the United States. A series of trade restrictions against Huawei first put in place during the Trump administration pummeled its profits in 2022. Since Meng’s release, Huawei has expanded its product range and developed some of China’s most advanced AI technology. Over the past two years, the company has steadily gained ground in China’s smartphone market. In 2022, three-quarters of the high-end smartphones sold in China were iPhones. This year, it was just about half, as Huawei’s share more than doubled, according to Canalys, a market research firm. “Huawei’s goal over the past few years has been consistent — to reclaim some of the market share that iPhone holds in China,” Chang said. Huawei faces stiff competition from domestic rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which sell less expensive devices. To compete, Huawei will have to sell more midrange models, too, said Toby Zhu, a senior analyst at Canalys. But even those devices will require a large number of chips. And as foreign chipmakers like the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., or TSMC, stop sending chips to Chinese clients, this could become increasingly difficult as more companies will depend on SMIC for advanced chips. “Not only Huawei but now all China-based AI makers, they face the same issue,” said Linda Sui, a senior director at TechInsights, a market research firm. “If they all ship through SMIC, that’s going to make the supply constraints even worse next year.” This article originally appeared in The New York Times . Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday . Sign up here .

Xylem Inc. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitorsInside Nvidia’s takeover of the AI world — and why its success shouldn’t be a surpriseSame old story for 76ers as Embiid, George remain out vs. Rockets

A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her move

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was caught off guard by reports early Tuesday that linebacker Shaq Barrett wants to unretire. The two-time Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March, then abruptly announced his retirement on social media in July, just days before the start of Miami's training camp. “Just to be candid, obviously there's a reason why you target and sign somebody," McDaniel said Tuesday afternoon. “I was fully caught off guard, or caught by surprise this morning as I found out.” McDaniel indicated the Dolphins have not had any conversations with Barrett recently. Miami holds the 32-year-old’s contractual rights. ESPN first reported the news. “It was kind of news as you guys got it,” McDaniel said. He also said he hasn't had a chance to think about Barrett potentially rejoining the team, and that his immediate focus is on Miami's Thursday night game at Green Bay. “The team is counting on me to think about the Packers,” he said. "I'll get with (GM) Chris (Grier), and we'll work through that. There's a ton of implications that go along with it in terms of team and roster stuff, so we'll work through that as we just got the news today.” Barrett has 400 tackles, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions in nine seasons — four with Denver and five with Tampa Bay. He was a second-team All-Pro with the Buccaneers in 2019, with a league-high 19 1/2 sacks. The Dolphins waived veteran safety Marcus Maye on Tuesday and activated rookie safety Patrick McMorris from injured reserve. Maye, who signed with the Dolphins in June, played in 11 games with three starts for Miami this season. He had 30 tackles and a tackle for loss. He could re-sign to the team's practice squad if he clears waivers. Maye previously played for New Orleans, but was cut in a money-saving move in March after two seasons with the Saints. Maye's release made room on the roster for McMorris, who was drafted in the sixth round by Miami in April. He began the season on injured reserve because of a calf injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon that will take effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Moments after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire deal , which Israel's Cabinet approved late Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike slammed into the Lebanese capital. Residents of Beirut and its southern suburbs have endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began nearly 14 months ago, as Israel's nationwide onslaught of bombings signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold. At least 42 people have been killed by Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens in the country’s north. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel a day after Hamas’ attack. The fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Here's the Latest: PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah marked a “new page” for Lebanon and called on its leaders to elect a president “without delay.” In a video message on X, Macron said restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty depends on ending the presidential vacuum. “It is the responsibility of Lebanese authorities and all those in senior political roles,” he said. BEIRUT — Ahmad Khateeb, a musician and artist who performs in a renowned theater in Beirut’s Hamra neighborhood, fled to the city’s seaside promenade with seven members of his family after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in central Beirut, including one close to his area. “This is the first time this area in Ras Beirut, Hamra, has received such a threat. This neighborhood has historically been a refuge for everyone,” Khateeb told The Associated Press. Outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Hamra, dozens of people sought refuge, hoping the hospital would not be targeted. Among them was Rima Abdkhaluk, who sat on a sidewalk with a backpack at her side. “I was at home having lunch when I received a call from (relatives) in Syria telling me they were about to hit Hamra,” she said. She quickly packed her belongings and left with her mother. She convinced the hospital’s staff to allow her mother inside while she waited outside on a piece of cardboard. Israeli jets struck Beirut’s Mar Elias neighborhood as Abdkhaluk was speaking to The Associated Press. She held her hands tightly together and prayed. “I just need to see where they hit,” she started saying frantically. Asked about the expected ceasefire, Abdkhaluk was skeptical. “I don’t believe it. Israel can’t be trusted.” BEIRUT — The Health Ministry in Lebanon says 18 more people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes across the country, bringing the total death toll on Tuesday to at least 42 people. Eleven people were killed by Israeli bombing in eastern Lebanon, four were killed by strikes on border crossings between northern Lebanon and Syria, and three people were killed in southern Lebanon, the Health Ministry said early Wednesday. In the hours before a ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel launched its most intense wave of strikes on the capital Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict. Strikes have targeted what Israel said were Hezbollah-related targets in several other parts of the country as well. Israel’s military issued a record number of evacuation warnings in Beirut, sending people fleeing from their homes. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations chief welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and hopes it can end the violence and suffering of people in both countries, the U.N. spokesman says. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Hezbollah to swiftly implement all commitments under the agreement, and take immediate steps toward fully implementing the 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said late Tuesday. Resolution 1701 called for the deployment of Lebanese forces throughout the south, which borders Israel and is now mainly controlled by Hezbollah, and it calls for all armed groups including Hezbollah to be disarmed. Neither has happened in the past 17 years. Dujarric said U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon “both stand ready to support the implementation of this agreement, in line with their respective mandates.” WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s senior national security team was briefed by the Biden administration as negotiations unfolded, according to the senior U.S. official. The official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity in a White House-organized call, added that the incoming Trump administration officials were not directly involved in the talks, but that it was important that the incoming administration knew “what we were negotiating and what the commitments were.” The official said “all fire will stop from all parties” at 4 a.m. local time. The next step would be what the official described as a “phased withdrawal” by the Israeli military. As the Israelis pull back, Lebanese national forces will occupy the territories. The process is slated to finish within 60 days. Lebanese forces is supposed to patrol the area and remove Hezbollah weaponry and infrastructure there. “Hezbollah is incredibly weak at this moment, both militarily and politically,” the official said. “And this is the opportunity for Lebanon to re-establish its sovereignty over its territory.” The official said the ceasefire agreement will strengthen what’s known as the “tripartite mechanism” by including the United States and France. The goal is to address violations of the ceasefire without a return to hostilities. UNITED NATIONS – The top U.N. envoy for Lebanon welcomed the ceasefire announcement and urged Israel and Hezbollah militants to take concrete actions to fully implement the 2006 agreement that ended their last war. U.N. Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the agreement “marks the starting point of a critical process” that must see both sides fully implement U.N. Security Council resolution 1701. It called for the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in the south bordering Israel and the disarmament of all armed groups including Hezbollah – neither of which has happened in the past 17 years. “Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required,” Hennis-Plasschaert said. “Neither side can afford another period of disingenuous implementation under the guise of ostensible calm.” She commended the parties for “seizing the opportunity to close this devastating chapter,” stressing that “Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today’s achievement.” UNITED NATIONS — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is calling for urgent international intervention to stop what he described as “an ongoing genocidal war” in Gaza. Abbas heads the Palestinian Authority which has limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, but not Gaza, which has been controlled by Hamas. The U.S. and others want a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority to run Gaza when the war ends. In a speech on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Abbas accused Israel of repeating what happened to the Palestinians in 1948 and 1967 – displacing them and seizing their land and resources. Abbas demanded to know how long the world will remain silent and refuse to compel Israel to abide by international law. The speech to U.N. member nations was read by Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour. “The only way to halt the halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” Abbas' speech said. This must be done in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions which call for a two-state solution, he said. BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, describing it as a crucial step toward stability, the return of displaced people to their homes and regional calm. Mikati made these comments in a statement issued just after U.S. President Joe announced the truce deal. Mikati said he discussed the ceasefire agreement with Biden by phone earlier Tuesday. The prime minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing U.N. resolution 1701, strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence in the south, and cooperating with the U.N. peacekeeping force. He also called on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and withdraw from southern Lebanon in accordance the U.N. resolution. JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect. Netanyahu’s office said the plan was approved by a 10-1 margin. The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announced details of the deal in Washington. Earlier, Netanyahu defended the ceasefire, saying Israel has inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah and could now focus its efforts on Hamas militants in Gaza and his top security concern, Iran. Netanyahu vowed to strike Hezbollah hard if it violates the expected deal. WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)

“The optics are (expletive),” summarized one Denver Democratic official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal party frustrations. “They’re terrible.” Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.The immediate past governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, allegedly withheld President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s books from students Governor Monday Okpebholo said Obaseki refused to distribute and hoarded the books because President Tinubu’s face was printed on them He described Obaseki's move as wickedness, stating that the warehouse was filled with books donated by the President of Nigeria CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events Benin City, Edo State - Governor Monday Okpebholo said the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki refused to distribute books donated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to students in Edo state. Okpebholo said Obaseki allegedly withheld the books from students because President Tinubu’s face is printed on the books. According to The Punch, Okpebholo described the act of hoarding the books as an act of wickedness. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow He stated this while supervising the distribution of notebooks, textbooks, and other instructional materials in Benin City, the state capital. Read also Tax bills: PDP chieftain Sowunmi mentions Tinubu's biggest mistake amid northern opposition The governor ordered the books to be distributed across the 18 local government areas of the state. “These books you see here were donated by the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for use by Edo children, but the immediate past administration did not distribute them to our children because the President’s face is printed on the books. “I want to thank the President for his kind gesture, and for me, the action of the former administration is an act of wickedness. This warehouse is filled with books donated by the President of Nigeria, but because of the wickedness, the then governor prevented the books from being distributed to the children. Today, we are here to distribute the books to our children." Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the governor has commenced a state-wide remodelling of public schools and the distribution of books. Itua said the first phase of the remodelling, eight schools for the three senatorial districts of the state, will be taken care of. Read also Rivers crisis: Fubara narrates how traditional ruler was detained 4 months for supporting him Okpebholo sacks Obaseki’s political appointees Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Okpebholo sacked Obaseki's political appointees with immediate effect. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governor dissolved executives of all boards in the state and relieved permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state’s public service. Okpebholo directed all affected appointees to hand over government properties in their possession to the most senior public officer in their offices. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

No. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. Mitch Stacy, The Associated Press Nov 23, 2024 2:24 PM Nov 23, 2024 2:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka, right, catches a touchdown pass thrown over Indiana defensive lineman Lanell Carr during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defence that sacked Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke, a 24-year-old from Oakville, Ont., is the brother of BC Lions QB Nathan Rourke. He was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defence. The takeaway Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Poll implications Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. All about Will Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Up next Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Mitch Stacy, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Sports McNealy and Whaley share lead at wide open RSM Classic, Canada's Hughes tied for third Nov 23, 2024 2:19 PM Argentina's Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 Nov 23, 2024 2:11 PM Maple Leafs' Matthews says Wednesday return possible after visiting doctor in Germany Nov 23, 2024 1:47 PM Featured FlyerContextLogic Inc. (NASDAQ:WISH) Shares Bought by Caprock Group LLC

Did you know Pope Francis was a nightclub bouncer, his favorite movie is “La Strada” by Federico Fellini, and that he doesn’t watch television? On the occasion of his 88th birthday on December 17, these and other interesting facts about Pope Francis are highlighted below. 1. How did he discover his vocation? On the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle, Pope Francis discovered his vocation to the priesthood after going to confession when he was 16 years old. It happened on Sept. 21, 1953. It was Student Day in Argentina, which coincides with the day when spring begins in the southern hemisphere and is celebrated with a big party. “Before going to the party, I passed by the parish I attended and I found a priest I didn’t know and I felt the need to go to confession. This was for me an experience of encounter: I found Someone who was waiting for me.” “I don’t know what happened, I don’t remember, I don’t know why that priest was there, whom I didn’t know, why I had felt that desire to go to confession, but the truth is that Someone was waiting for me. He had been waiting for me for a long time. After confession I felt that something had changed,” the Holy Father shared. He said that after that confession he said that he was no longer himself: “I had heard something like a voice, a call: I was convinced that I had to be a priest.” 2. What is his favorite dish? November 19, 2022, was one of those rare occasions when Pope Francis left the Vatican without an official program. The reason? A family reunion in Asti, the Italian city where his cousin Daniela di Tiglione lives, who was celebrating her 90th birthday. On that occasion, Pope Francis was able to enjoy his favorite dish: Bagna Cauda, a typical Piedmont dish prepared with anchovies, oil, and garlic and used as a sauce for vegetables. 3. A passion for tango Before being ordained a priest, especially during his youth, Pope Francis enjoyed tango, one of the most emblematic dances of Argentina. He also liked the milonga, another typical dance from his homeland. 4. He was a bouncer in a nightclub Like any young man, Jorge Bergoglio worked various jobs to earn his first salary. Although his first job was scrubbing the floors of the hosiery company where his father worked, in 2013 he confessed to a group of young people that he was also a bouncer at a nightclub. Thanks to that experience, he began “to guide the disillusioned to the Church.” 5. He’s missing a lung When he was 21, he had to have a lung removed due to an infection, which has caused him to suffer from some breathing difficulties in recent years. 6. He has refused forgiveness only once On more than one occasion, Pope Francis has encouraged priests to forgive “everything” in the confessional and to “not torture” the faithful in the confessional. During an interview on Italian television in January, he stated that in his more than 50 years as a priest he has refused forgiveness only once, “because of the hypocrisy of the person.” 7. The prayer he says every day to keep his good humor On several occasions, Pope Francis has praised a good sense of humor and stressed that sadness is not a Christian disposition. He has even gone so far as to say that the “hallmark of a Christian” is joy and not being a sourpuss. To be good-humored, he says a prayer from St. Thomas More every day, a prayer he has referred to in numerous public appearances, most recently with the president of France, Emmanuel Macron. “Lord, give me a sense of humor. Grant me the grace to understand a joke, to discover in life a bit of joy, and be able to share it with others,” the Holy Father prays every day. 8. St. Joseph, his help in difficulties There is an image of St. Joseph that Pope Francis is very fond of that shows the “silent” saint lying down asleep. During his apostolic trip to the Philippines, the pontiff referred to St. Joseph as “a strong man of silence” and said that he keeps this figurine on his desk. “Even when he sleeps, he takes care of the Church,” he said. “When I have a problem, a difficulty, I write a little note and put it under St. Joseph so that he can dream about it. In other words, I tell him: Pray for this problem!” the Holy Father confessed. 9. Pope Francis favors taking a daily nap Pope Francis usually goes to bed at 9 p.m. and wakes up around 4 a.m. He sleeps about six hours a day, as he usually reads for an hour after going to bed, until 10 p.m. “Later I need a nap. I have to sleep for 40 minutes to an hour. I take off my shoes and fall into bed. And I also sleep deeply and wake up alone. On days when I don’t take a nap, I notice it,” he once said. 10. What is his favorite soccer team? Even though he no longer lives in Argentina, Pope Francis continues to root for the San Lorenzo de Almagro team from Buenos Aires. He keeps up to date thanks to a Swiss Guard who informs him of the team’s news every week, since the pope doesn’t watch the games. In fact, during an audience at the Vatican in September, a delegation from the San Lorenzo club asked the Holy Father for his blessing to name the club’s next stadium after him. 11. The day his life was saved At the age of 44, Pope Francis suffered from gangrene of the gallbladder, a serious complication that occurs when the tissue of this organ of the digestive system becomes necrotic due to an interruption of blood flow. “I felt like I was dying,” said the Holy Father, referring to the night in 1980 when he was operated on by Dr. Juan Carlos Parodi, an eminent Argentine surgeon who saved the life of then-Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio. In 2014, 34 years later, the two held a private meeting in the Vatican. 12. Where does he want to be buried? Unlike many pontiffs throughout the history of the Church, whose coffins are in the crypts of the Vatican in the grottoes under St. Peter’s Basilica, the Holy Father revealed that he has had his tomb prepared in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome due to the great devotion he has to the Virgin Salus Populi Romani (protectress of the Roman people), to whom he made a promise. In addition, in December 2022, the pontiff gave an interview in which he announced that he had signed his resignation in case his health did not allow him to continue exercising his ministry. 13. What is his favorite movie? “La Strada” by Federico Fellini, winner of the Oscar for best foreign film in 1957. 14. He doesn’t watch television because of a promise to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pope Francis says he hasn’t watched television since July 15, 1990, when he promised Our Lady of Mount Carmel that he would no longer do so. The Holy Father made this promise because he “felt that God was asking me to do it.” 15. He went to therapy at age 42 In the book interview “Politics and Society” by Frenchman Dominique Wolton, Pope Francis recounted that, when he was provincial of the Society of Jesus in Argentina, he went to therapy for six months with a Jewish psychologist. “She was very good, very professional,” the Holy Father said. 16. An ‘incognito’ pope on the streets of Rome In 2013, the year he was elected bishop of Rome, a Vatican source informed the “Huffington Post” that Pope Francis went out at night dressed as a priest to give alms and help the poor on the streets of Rome. Suicide bombers planned to attack the pope Meanwhile, Pope Francis marked his 88th birthday with revelations that he almost didn’t make it, the Associated Press said. According to excerpts from his upcoming autobiography, suicide bombers had planned to attack him during his March 2021 visit to Iraq, but were killed before striking. Italian daily “Corriere della Sera” ran excerpts of “Hope: The Autobiography,” written with Italian author Carlo Musso, which is being released in more than 80 countries next month. IFrancis recalled his historic March 2021 trip to Iraq, the first ever by a pope. Covid-19 was still raging and security concerns were high, especially in Mosul. According to Italian publisher Mondadori, “Hope” is the first autobiography ever published by a pope. Catholic News Agency with Associated Press

By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.Stock market today: Wall Street rises toward records despite tariff talkFocus on solutions, not mockery of successive govts, Osinbajo’s aide tells ObasanjoValero Energy Corp. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading day

bmy88.com app Furthermore, international stakeholders and mediators have been urged to play a more proactive role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating dialogue among the warring factions. By engaging with all parties involved and offering diplomatic support, they can help prevent the situation from spiraling out of control and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Today, OpenAI released its video generation model Sora to the public. The announcement comes on the fifth day of the company’s , a 12-day marathon of tech releases and demos. Here’s what you should know—and how you can use the video model right now. Sora is a powerful AI video generation model that can create videos from text prompts, animate images, or remix videos in new styles. OpenAI first previewed the model back in , but today is the first time the company is releasing it for broader use. The core function of Sora—creating impressive videos with simple prompts—remains similar to what was previewed in February, but OpenAI worked to make the model faster and cheaper ahead of this wider release. There are a few new features, and two stand out. One is called Storyboard. With it, you can create multiple AI-generated videos and then assemble them together on a timeline, much the way you would with conventional video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro. The second is a feed that functions as a sort of creative gallery. Users can post their Sora-generated videos to the feed, see the prompts behind certain videos, tweak them, and generally get inspiration, OpenAI says. You can generate videos from text prompts, change the style of videos and change elements with a tool called Remix, and assemble multiple clips together with Storyboard. Sora also provides preset styles you can apply to your videos, like moody film noir or cardboard and papercraft, which gives a stop-motion feel. You can also trim and loop the videos that you make. To generate videos with Sora, you’ll need to subscribe to one of OpenAI’s premium plans—either ChatGPT Plus ($20 per month) or ChatGPT Pro ($200 per month). Both as well. Users with ChatGPT Plus can generate videos as long as five seconds with a resolution up to 720p. This plan lets you create 50 videos per month. Users with a ChatGPT Pro subscription can generate longer, higher-resolution videos, capped at a resolution of 1080p and a duration of 20 seconds. They can also have Sora generate up to five variations of a video at once from a single prompt, making it possible to review options faster. Pro users are limited to 500 videos per month but can also create unlimited “relaxed” videos, which are not generated in the moment but rather queued for when site traffic is low. Both subscription levels make it possible to create videos in three aspect ratios: vertical, horizontal, and square. If you don’t have a subscription, you’ll be limited to viewing the feed of Sora-generated videos. OpenAI is starting its global launch of Sora today, but it will take longer to launch in “most of Europe,” the company said. OpenAI has broken Sora out from ChatGPT. To access it, go to Sora.com and log in with your ChatGPT Plus or Pro account. ( was unable to access the site at press time—a note on the site indicated that signups were paused because they were “currently experiencing heavy traffic.”) A number of things have happened since OpenAI first unveiled Sora back in February. Other tech companies have also launched video generation tools, like Meta and . There’s also been plenty of backlash. For example, artists who had early access to experiment with Sora the tool to protest the way OpenAI has trained it on artists’ work without compensation. As with any new release of a model, it remains to be seen what steps OpenAI has taken to keep Sora from being used for nefarious, illegal, or unethical purposes, like the creation of deepfakes. On the question of moderation and safety, an OpenAI employee said they “might not get it perfect on day one.” Another looming question is how much computing capacity and energy Sora will use up every time it creates a video. Generating a video uses much more computing time, and therefore energy, than generating a typical text response in a tool like ChatGPT. The AI boom has already been an energy hog, presenting a challenge to tech companies aiming to rein in their emissions, and the wide availability of Sora and other video models like it has the potential to make that problem worse.

Furthermore, enhancing the regulatory framework surrounding personal pensions is crucial for ensuring the security and stability of these schemes. Stricter regulations can help prevent abuses and fraud, protect participants' interests, and promote transparency in the management of pension funds. By establishing strong governance mechanisms and oversight measures, personal pension systems can gain the trust and confidence of the public, encouraging more people to participate.Ultimately, these photos serve as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the inherent humanity that lies beneath even the most authoritarian rulers. They force us to confront the duality of individuals who are capable of both acts of great cruelty and moments of tenderness and love. As we grapple with the implications of these images, we are challenged to see Assad not just as a symbol of tyranny, but as a multifaceted human being with emotions and relationships that transcend politics.3 strange foods and a drink that have pumpkin spice pairings

Bu's disappearance sparked widespread concern within the community, with many individuals and organizations coming together to aid in the search efforts. Their safe return is a testament to the power of collaboration and community support in times of crisis.

Could comeback spark winning streak for West Virginia or NCCU?---Abortion has become slightly more common despite bans or deep restrictions in most Republican-controlled states, and the legal and political fights over its future are not over yet. It's now been two and a half years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and opened the door for states to implement bans. The policies and their impact have been in flux ever since the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Here's a look at data on where things stand: Overturning Roe and enforcing abortion bans has changed how woman obtain abortions in the U.S. But one thing it hasn't done is put a dent in the number of abortions being obtained. There have been slightly more monthly abortions across the country recently than there were in the months leading up to the June 2022 ruling, even as the number in states with bans dropped to near zero. “Abortion bans don’t actually prevent abortions from happening,” said Ushma Upadhyay, a public health social scientist at the University of California San Francisco. But, she said, they do change care. For women in some states, there are major obstacles to getting abortions — and advocates say that low-income, minority and immigrant women are least likely to be able to get them when they want. For those living in states with bans, the ways to access abortion are through travel or abortion pills. As the bans swept in, abortion pills became a bigger part of the equation. They were involved in about half the abortions before Dobbs. More recently, it’s been closer to two-thirds of them, according to research by the Guttmacher Institute. The uptick of that kind of abortion, usually involving a combination of two drugs, was underway before the ruling. But now, it's become more common for pill prescriptions to be made by telehealth. By the summer of 2024, about 1 in 10 abortions was via pills prescribed via telehealth to patients in states where abortion is banned. As a result, the pills are now at the center of battles over abortion access. This month, Texas sued a New York doctor for prescribing pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine. There's also an effort by Idaho, Kansas and Missouri to roll back their federal approvals and treat them as “controlled dangerous substances,” and a push for the federal government to start enforcing a 19th-century federal law to ban mailing them. Clinics have closed or halted abortions in states with bans. But a network of efforts to get women seeking abortions to places where they're legal has strengthened and travel for abortion is now common. The Guttmacher Institute found that more than twice as many Texas residents obtained abortion in 2023 in New Mexico as New Mexico residents did. And as many Texans received them in Kansas as Kansans. Abortion funds, which benefitted from “rage giving” in 2022, have helped pay the costs for many abortion-seekers. But some funds have had to cap how much they can give . Since the downfall of Roe, the actions of lawmakers and courts have kept shifting where abortion is legal and under what conditions. Here's where it stands now: Florida, the nation’s third most-populous state, began enforcing a ban on abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy on May 1. That immediately changed the state from one that was a refuge for other Southerners seeking abortion to an exporter of people looking for them. There were about 30% fewer abortions there in May compared with the average for the first three months of the year. And in June, there were 35% fewer. While the ban is not unique, the impact is especially large. The average driving time from Florida to a facility in North Carolina where abortion is available for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is more than nine hours, according to data maintained by Caitlin Myers, a Middlebury College economics professor. The bans have meant clinics closed or stopped offering abortions in some states. But some states where abortion remains legal until viability – generally considered to be sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy , though there’s no fixed time for it – have seen clinics open and expand . Illinois, Kansas and New Mexico are among the states with new clinics. There were 799 publicly identifiable abortion providers in the U.S. in May 2022, the month before the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. And by this November, it was 792, according to a tally by Myers, who is collecting data on abortion providers. But Myers says some hospitals that always provided some abortions have begun advertising it. So they’re now in the count of clinics – even though they might provide few of them. How hospitals handle pregnancy complications , especially those that threaten the lives of the women, has emerged as a major issue since Roe was overturned. President Joe Biden's administration says hospitals must offer abortions when they're needed to prevent organ loss, hemorrhage or deadly infections, even in states with bans. Texas is challenging the administration’s policy and the U.S. Supreme Court this year declined to take it up after the Biden administration sued Idaho. More than 100 pregnant women seeking help in emergency rooms and were turned away or left unstable since 2022, The Associated Press found in an analysis of federal hospital investigative records. Among the complaints were a woman who miscarried in the lobby restroom of Texas emergency room after staff refused to see her and a woman who gave birth in a car after a North Carolina hospital couldn't offer an ultrasound. The baby later died. “It is increasingly less safe to be pregnant and seeking emergency care in an emergency department,” Dara Kass, an emergency medicine doctor and former U.S. Health and Human Services official told the AP earlier this year. Since Roe was overturned, there have been 18 reproductive rights-related statewide ballot questions. Abortion rights advocates have prevailed on 14 of them and lost on four. In the 2024 election , they amended the constitutions in five states to add the right to abortion. Such measures failed in three states: In Florida, where it required 60% support; in Nebraska, which had competing abortion ballot measures; and in South Dakota, where most national abortion rights groups did support the measure. AP VoteCast data found that more than three-fifths of voters in 2024 supported abortion being legal in all or most cases – a slight uptick from 2020. The support came even as voters supported Republicans to control the White House and both houses of Congress. Associated Press writers Linley Sanders, Amanda Seitz and Laura Ungar contributed to this article.

Title: Time News Digest: Chris Evans Returns in "Avengers 5," Emma Dumont Comes Out as Transgender/Non-BinaryMoreover, experts emphasize the need for stricter penalties to deter individuals from engaging in sexual harassment. While many jurisdictions have laws in place that prohibit sexual harassment and provide for sanctions against offenders, the enforcement of these penalties may not always be consistent or robust. By imposing more severe consequences, such as hefty fines, community service, or mandatory education programs, individuals who engage in sexual harassment are more likely to think twice before committing such acts.

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF ( NASDAQ:QMOM – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 65,400 shares, an increase of 59.9% from the November 30th total of 40,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 28,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.3 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF stock. Baker Boyer National Bank raised its stake in shares of Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF ( NASDAQ:QMOM – Free Report ) by 8.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,769 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 783 shares during the period. Baker Boyer National Bank owned 0.25% of Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF worth $569,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF Trading Down 0.9 % NASDAQ QMOM opened at $64.73 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $67.68 and its 200 day moving average is $62.91. Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF has a 12 month low of $48.31 and a 12 month high of $72.19. The stock has a market cap of $282.87 million, a PE ratio of 11.02 and a beta of 1.08. Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF Dividend Announcement About Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF ( Get Free Report ) The Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the QMOM-US – No underlying index. The fund is an active, equal-weighted portfolio of US stocks, screened for their strong and consistent momentum. QMOM was launched on Dec 2, 2015 and is issued by Alpha Architect. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Hyderabad: Traffic restrictions in place on Dec 1 in view of ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade GroundsManmohan Singh funeral: Congress claims ‘mismanagement’; BJP alleges ‘cheap politics’

GameStop (NYSE:GME) Shares Gap Up – What’s Next?Title: Zhao Lusi Comforts Bullied Fans: Spreading Warmth and Strength

On the other hand, some subscribers have taken a more understanding stance towards Tencent Video's decision. They acknowledge that the streaming landscape is constantly evolving, and companies need to make adjustments to stay competitive and sustain their businesses. By limiting simultaneous streaming to one device, Tencent Video may be aiming to optimize its resources and enhance the overall streaming experience for users.Percentages: FG .529, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 11-27, .407 (LeGree 3-5, Alocen 2-3, Wagner 2-5, Teel 2-6, Harding 1-2, Doughty 1-4, Summers 0-2). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Daughtry, Summers). Turnovers: 17 (Teel 5, Daughtry 4, Doughty 3, LeGree 3, Alocen, Harding). Steals: 6 (Daughtry 3, Alocen, LeGree, Teel). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .469, FT .579. 3-Point Goals: 9-23, .391 (Reaves 6-9, Bundy 1-2, Menard 1-4, Njie 1-6, Jungers 0-1, Wallace 0-1). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: 3. Blocked Shots: 3 (Barr 2, Bundy). Turnovers: 11 (Moundi 3, Barr, Bundy, Emuobor, Hogarth, Jungers, Menard, Njie, Reaves). Steals: 10 (Reaves 3, Hogarth 2, Njie 2, Bundy, Jungers, Moundi). Technical Fouls: None. A_325 (4,000).

NoneThe family of a teenager with autism have said she has been left traumatised after being removed from a shop by police officers. Katie Mitchell, 19, is non-verbal and has severe autism. Eileen Mitchell said her sister tried to buy a DVD that cost £2 in the CeX store in Lisburn, but tills had closed for the day. The family said Katie's mother called the police in an effort to deescalate the situation. "There was no understanding. There was no empathy. There was no awareness from police," said Dr Mitchell. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a woman with complex needs was removed from the shop by a family member, assisted by police. One officer was injured. The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been notified. The BBC has contacted CeX for comment. Eileen Mitchell said her sister and their parents had been Christmas shopping when Katie spotted a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD. She was unable to buy it as the store had just closed its tills. "She couldn't understand what was going on and my mum pleaded with them if she could pay the £2," Ms Mitchell said. "Mum even offered to come back the next day with the DVD to see if they could take a photo of the DVD so they would have the barcode," she added. Ms Mitchell said her mother tried to explain that Katie has a learning difficulty but staff became "quite abusive with my parents. They started swearing at my sister." "She was starting to cry" and "my sister was told to get the F out of the shop," said Ms Mitchell. "One of the staff members asked my mum if Katie had a leash, if my mum would put her on a leash to take her out of the store." Ms Mitchell said that her mother tried "to calm Katie down", adding: "She's not an animal. She's not a dog." She claimed there was also "a lack of understanding from the staff". The girl's mother decided to call the police but the family said what happened next was "just completely shocking". "Five police officers came into the store, didn't speak at first...The staff explained the situation to the police officers that the store was closed and as far as the police were concerned the door was closed. Katie needed to leave." Katie is a "vulnerable adult who was at this point crying in the store and had her hands in her ears", according to her sister. "The police said that Katie needed to leave the store and grabbed her, had her arm behind her back and my dad fearing that because she's quite small, she's quite petite, that they'd break her arm." "My parents were really fearful at this stage, so my dad, you'll have seen in the video, where he's holding her and the police officers are dragging her out of the store." Ms Mitchell said her family feel "completely let down by the police service". "I felt the need to publish this story to try and raise awareness about making sure it never happens again and to make sure the police service in Northern Ireland have training and more awareness of how to deal with people with vulnerable disabilities." Kerry Boyd, of Autism NI, said she was "appalled" by "what appears to be a lack of understanding and respect". She believes the situation "could have been resolved with better understanding of autism". "Training needs to be mandatory," Kerry added. Kerry said she hopes to meet the senior executive team in the PSNI to address this to "ensure that situations like this never happen again". "This can't go on. We're nearly into 2025." Some local politicians have posted responses to the video on X, formerly Twitter, saying they have been in contact with the police and the family about the incident. These include Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly who said on X: "Many will be aware of a very troubling incident recorded in Lisburn before Christmas. "Many have contacted me, sending the clip and expressing serious concerns. Please be assured, we have reached out and also have contacted the PSNI in relation to the incident." Folks, regarding a video of an incident last week in Lisburn, I've made contact with all parties concerned this evening. In order to respect privacy and process, I will not be commenting further. Please rest assured that we are supporting the family and will be following... — Sorcha Eastwood MP (@SorchaEastwood) has been made aware of a video circulating on social media involving a young & vulnerable person in Lisburn. He has since made contact with the PSNI regarding this incident. More to follow. — Lisburn Sinn Féin - Sinn Féin Lios na gCearrbhach (@HenryMunroSF) In a statement, Supt Kelly Moore said police were aware of video footage which is circulating on social media in which officers are "seen to be carrying a female from a shop". "Police were called by the female's mother to provide assistance in the Bow Street area of Lisburn at 6.15pm on Sunday 22nd December. The shop was closing its shutters when a female entered the premises. "Officers attended and after discussions with family and staff members for approximately 20 minutes, a 19-year-old female with complex needs was removed from the shop by a family member, assisted by police. "This was a very difficult and complex set of circumstances for everyone involved and I have spoken to the family today to discuss their concerns. "As an organisation we are committed to continuous learning and any feedback will be reviewed and considered." She said the Police Ombudsman had been notified "not because there is any suspected criminality or inappropriate behaviour which would justify disciplinary proceedings but owing to the widespread public concern and media attention surrounding the release of a short video clip of a few seconds of this incident".

A Florida homeowner shot at two migrants who allegedly broke into his home Thursday night. One of the migrants, a Mexican national, died from multiple gunshot wounds. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells told reporters his deputies responded to a call about a shooting connected to an alleged home invasion burglary. The homeowner said his home surveillance camera alerted him to the two masked men who were about to break into his home, Fox 13 reported . “He [the homeowner] knew something bad was about to happen, and he didn’t stall. He grabbed his firearm, told his wife to get into a safe spot,” the sheriff said. “This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone’s home, you should expect to be shot.” The homeowner reportedly told his wife to find a safe place in the house as he grabbed his firearm to defend his home and family. Florida is a Castle Doctrine state that allows a homeowner to use deadly force to defend himself or others. The homeowner entered a room where a Mexican national was standing, later identified as Nestevan Flores-Toledo, 27. aka Anibal Miller-Valencia. The homeowner fired at least three shots, striking the intruder multiple times. A second man, Michel Soto-Mella, 39, was in the process of entering the home through a window and retreated, the sheriff explained. Deputies with a K-9 team tracked the Chilean migrant down and arrested him a few blocks away from the house. The sheriff stated that Miller-Valencia had an active warrant for a parole violation out of Oak Brook, Illinois. The Mexican national was considered armed and dangerous after his 2023 residential burglar conviction. Miller-Valencia died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Friday morning from the gunshot wounds received in this week’s burglary. The sheriff explained that Soto-Mella, a Chilean national, entered the country in California on a 90-day visa. That visa expired in September. Soto-Mella is under arrest in the Manatee County jail on the armed burglary charge. Officials said he could face a felony murder charge connected to the death of Miller-Valencia. “We’re trying to get everything that we can from the suspect,” Wells explained. “He’s being somewhat cooperative, but he’s not telling us everything.” Bob Price is the Breitbart Texas-Border team’s associate editor and senior news contributor. He is an original member of the Breitbart Texas team. Price is a regular panelist on Fox 26 Houston’s What’s Your Point? Sunday morning talk show. He also serves as president of Blue Wonder Gun Care Products .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Efforts by New Mexico to save and invest portions of a financial windfall from local oil production are paying off as state government income on investments surpasses personal income tax collections for the first time, according to a new forecast Monday. General fund income from the state's two, multibillion-dollar permanent funds and interest on treasury accounts is expected to climb to $2.1 billion for the fiscal year between July 2024 and June 2025, surpassing $2 billion in revenue from personal income taxes. The investment earnings are designed to ensure that critical programs — ranging from childcare subsidies to tuition-free college and trade school education — endure if oil income falters amid a possible transition to new sources of energy. At the same time, legislators this year revised personal income tax brackets to lower taxes in the nation's No. 2 state for oil production behind Texas. “We’re not a poor state anymore,” said Democratic state Sen. George Muñoz of Gallup. “We’ve got things that we can win on — free education, childcare ... low taxes for working families, for children. And that’s all because we’ve done a lot of the work to set this up for the future.” The comments came at a legislative panel Monday where economists from four government agencies announced an income estimate for the coming year. The figures are the baseline for budget negotiations when the Democratic-led Legislature convenes in January. State government income, which is closely linked to oil production in New Mexico, continues to grow, though at a slower pace, as legislators discuss new investments in social programs aimed at curbing crime and homelessness. Economists estimate the state will bring in a record-setting $13.6 billion in general fund income for the fiscal year that runs from July 2025 to June 2026, a 2.6% increase over the current period. This year’s income bump leaves room for an additional $892 million in state spending in the coming fiscal year, a 7% increase, according to the Legislature’s accountability and budgeting office. State income is forecast to exceed current bedrock annual spending obligations by $3.4 billion. New Mexico legislators are pushing to open new savings accounts. One proposal would set aside as much as $1 billion in a trust to underwrite spending on mental health and addiction treatment in response to public frustration with crime and homelessness. Legislators also are likely to revisit a stalled proposal to create a trust for Native American education that could expand Indigenous language instruction. Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- Blend Labs, Inc. (NYSE: BLND), a leading platform for digital banking solutions, today announced the appointment of Srini Venkatramani as Head of Product, Technology, and Customer Operations. Srini’s leadership will be instrumental in accelerating Blend’s next phase of growth in the digital banking space. With over 23 years of experience, Srini joins Blend with a proven track record of scaling SaaS businesses, driving product innovation, and delivering accelerated value creation for stakeholders. In his role as Head of Product, Technology, and Customer Operations, he will orchestrate the company's product vision, technology strategy, and operational excellence to ensure exceptional customer outcomes. “I’m excited to join Blend and support its mission to bring simplicity and transparency to digital banking,” said Srini Venkatramani. “Blend’s culture is obsessively customer-centric, and it clearly radiates through the team’s passion for building impactful technology. I look forward to contributing my expertise and taking Blend into its next phase of growth as the industry’s most digitally-robust, efficient, and powerful origination platform.” Srini draws on experience gained from working on three continents, where he has led product, engineering, and customer operations in organizations of various sizes, ranging from $35 million to $80 billion in annual revenue. Most recently, Srini spent five years as Chief Product and Technology Officer at PlanSource, where he spearheaded the development and execution of a multi-year product and operational strategy. Prior to that, Srini was a senior executive at IBM, where he was responsible for overall strategy, P&L management, and cross-functional leadership for the Publishing & Information services industry. “I’m delighted to welcome Srini to Blend’s executive team,” said Nima Ghamsari, Co-Founder and Head of Blend. “With his leadership experience in product and technology and a track record of driving value creation for SaaS businesses, Srini will be invaluable as we continue our evolution into a platform-first company. With his expertise, we’ll be well-positioned to help our customers leverage Blend’s technology to unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater ROI.” Ghamsari added, “I’m also grateful to Erik Wrobel for his outstanding product leadership over the past five years. He has had a remarkable career here at Blend, and we wish him the best in his next chapter.” Erik will depart Blend at the end of this year. In the third quarter of 2024, Blend signed multi-year deals with new customers in both mortgage and consumer banking and accomplished significant milestones for the business, including a 50% year-over-year revenue growth in its Consumer Banking business. Earlier this year, Blend also announced a new strategic partnership with Haveli Investments that included a $150 million investment to advance the company’s goal of driving innovation and delivering lasting value for its customers and shareholders. About Blend Blend Labs Inc., (NYSE: BLND) is a leading origination platform for digital banking solutions. Financial providers— from large banks, fintechs, and credit unions to community and independent mortgage banks—use Blend’s platform to transform banking experiences for their customers. To learn more, visit blend.com . Forward-Looking Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements generally relate to future events, future performance or expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, but are not limited to, quotations of management; our expectations regarding our product roadmap, future products/features, the timing of new product/feature introductions, market size and growth opportunities, macroeconomics and industry conditions, capital expenditures, plans for future operations, competitive position, technological capabilities and strategic relationships, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from the outcomes predicted. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology that concern Blend’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Further information on these risks and uncertainties are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Blend and assumptions and beliefs as of the date hereof. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Blend does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209416327/en/ CONTACT: Press Contact Chloé Demeunynck Corporate Communications press@blend.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING FINTECH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Blend Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209416327/en

SpeedingTicketKC.com: Kansas City's Trusted Traffic Lawyer with a Personal Touch 12-16-2024 11:06 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Kansas City, Missouri - SpeedingTicketKC.com [ http://speedingticketkc.com/ ], a modern traffic law firm, is revolutionizing the way traffic matters are handled in the Kansas City metro area and beyond. Combining advanced digital processes with an old-fashioned personal touch, the firm provides clients with a seamless, accessible, and efficient way to manage their traffic issues, all while ensuring they receive direct attention from an experienced, local attorney. Led by Traffic Attorney R. Christopher Simons, SpeedingTicketKC.com is designed to make handling traffic tickets easier and more convenient than ever. In today's fast-paced digital age, the firm's innovative online system allows clients to resolve basic traffic matters without having to leave the comfort of their home. From speeding tickets to other traffic violations, SpeedingTicketKC.com makes it possible to take care of legal matters quickly and efficiently. "We understand that dealing with a traffic ticket can be stressful and time-consuming. That's why we've embraced technology to streamline the process, while still offering the personalized service that sets us apart from the rest," said R. Christopher Simons, founder and lead attorney of SpeedingTicketKC.com. "We're here to make sure our clients can take care of their legal matters without hassle, but also ensure they have direct access to me throughout the process. I'm personally available to answer any questions and provide guidance every step of the way." One of the key features of SpeedingTicketKC.com is the direct communication clients have with their attorney. Attorney Simons offers his personal email and cell phone number to every client, ensuring they can always reach him with questions or concerns about their case. With this level of accessibility, clients can feel confident that their case is being handled by someone who genuinely cares about their well-being. SpeedingTicketKC.com handles traffic tickets in various locations throughout the Kansas City metro area and beyond, serving clients in need of representation for a variety of traffic-related matters. Whether it's a speeding ticket, failure to stop, or other common violations, SpeedingTicketKC.com provides the expertise and attention necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. Key Services Provided by SpeedingTicketKC.com: * Speeding Tickets * Red Light Violations * Stop Sign Violations * Reckless Driving * CDL Driver Ticket Defense * License Suspensions * And more... Why Choose SpeedingTicketKC.com? * Convenience: Handle your traffic matter online without leaving home. * Direct Access: Get personal support from attorney Chris Simons, who offers his direct contact information for easy communication. * Local Expertise: R. Christopher Simons is a Kansas City local, with in-depth knowledge of the area's traffic laws and court systems. * Results-Oriented: SpeedingTicketKC.com is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes for their traffic cases. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, visit SpeedingTicketKC.com [ https://speedingticketkc.com/ ] or contact R. Christopher Simons directly at info@speedingticketkc.com About SpeedingTicketKC.com SpeedingTicketKC.com is a Kansas City-based traffic law firm offering expert legal services to individuals facing traffic violations. With a unique blend of technology and personalized service, the firm is committed to providing clients with efficient, cost-effective, and straightforward solutions to their traffic matters. Led by Traffic Attorney R. Christopher Simons, SpeedingTicketKC.com serves clients throughout the Kansas City metro area and beyond. Media Contact Company Name: Speeding Ticket KC Traffic Law Firm Contact Person: R. Christopher Simons Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=speedingticketkccom-kansas-citys-trusted-traffic-lawyer-with-a-personal-touch ] Phone: +18163988772 City: Kansas City State: Missouri Country: United States Website: https://speedingticketkc.com/ This release was published on openPR.Seann Walsh fumes ‘I’m unfollowing all of you’ as he’s voted off by celebs on The Weakest Link special

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COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev , and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency just weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.” “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement. Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday. “The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?” Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director. “These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office. Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden “has shown our country — and the rest of the world — that the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.” Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, on the other hand, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions. “Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.” Liz Murrill, Louisiana's Republican attorney general, criticized the commuted sentence of Len Davis, a former New Orleans policeman convicted of orchestrating the killing of a woman who had filed a complaint against him. “We can’t trust the Feds to get justice for victims of heinous crimes, so it’s long past time for the state to get it done,” the tough-on-crime Republican said in a written statement to the AP. Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, and Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.Simone Biles sports custom Jonathan Owens outfit to Bears' final home game

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Romanian politicians have voted in favour of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops stormed one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, forcing many staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather , the territory’s health ministry said. The army denied claims it had entered or set fire to the complex and accused Hamas of using the facility for cover. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods, according to staff. The ministry said a strike on the hospital a day earlier killed five medical staff. Israel's military said it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area and had ordered people out of the hospital, but said it had not entered the complex as of Friday night. It repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan but provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. The Health Ministry said troops forced medical personnel and patients to assemble in the yard and remove their clothes. Some were led to an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israel raid this week. Israeli troops during raids frequently carry out mass detentions, stripping men to their underwear for questioning in what the military says is a security measure as they search for Hamas fighters. The Associated Press doesn’t have access to Kamal Adwan, but armed plainclothes members of the Hamas-led police forces have been seen in other hospitals, maintaining security but also controlling access to parts of the facilities. The Health Ministry said Israeli troops also set fires in several parts of Kamal Adwan, including the lab and surgery department. It said 25 patients and 60 health workers remained in the hospital. The account could not be independently confirmed, and attempts to reach hospital staff were unsuccessful. “Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital,” an unidentified staff member said in an audio message posted on social media accounts of hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. The staffer said some evacuated patients had been unhooked from oxygen. “There are currently patients who could die at any moment,” she said. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, denied the accusations. “While IDF troops were not in the hospital, a small fire broke out in an empty building inside the hospital that is under control,” he said Friday night. He said a preliminary investigation found “no connection” between military activity and the fire. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movements of Palestinians in Gaza and has barred foreign journalists from entering the territory throughout the war, making it difficult to verify information. “These actions put the lives of all of these people in even more danger than what they faced before,” U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told journalists, and noted colleagues' reports of “significant damage” to the hospital. It should be protected as international law requires, she added. Since October, Israel’s offensive has virtually sealed off the northern Gaza areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and leveled large parts of them. Tens of thousands of Palestinians were forced out but thousands are believed to remain in the area, where Kamal Adwan and two other hospitals are located. Troops raided Kamal Adwan in October, and on Tuesday troops stormed and evacuated the Indonesian Hospital. The area has been cut off from food and other aid for months , raising fears of famine . The United Nations says Israeli troops allowed just four humanitarian deliveries to the area from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23. The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights-Israel this week petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice, seeking a halt to military attacks on Kamal Adwan. It warned that forcibly evacuating the hospital would “abandon thousands of residents in northern Gaza.” Before the latest deaths Thursday, the group documented five other staffers killed by Israeli fire since October. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza vowing to destroy Hamas after the group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third believed to be dead. Israel’s nearly 15-month-old campaign of bombardment and offensives has devastated the territory’s health sector. A year ago, it carried out raids on hospitals in northern Gaza, including Kamal Adwan, Indonesian and al-Awda Hospital, saying they served as bases for Hamas, though it presented little evidence. Israel’s campaign has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians, more than half women and children, and wounded more than 108,000 others, according to the Health Ministry. Its count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been driven from their homes, most now sheltering in sprawling tent camps in south and central Gaza. Children and adults, many barefoot, huddled Friday on the cold sand in tents whose plastic and cloth sheets whipped in the wind. Overnight temperatures can dip into the 40s Fahrenheit (below 10 Celsius), and sea spray from the Mediterranean can dampen tents just steps away. "I swear to God, their mother and I cover ourselves with one blanket and we cover (their five children) with three blankets that we got from neighbors. Sea waters drowned everything that was ours,” said Muhammad al-Sous, displaced from Beit Lahiya in the north. The children collect plastic bottles to make fires, and pile under the blankets when their only set of clothes is washed and dried in the wind. At least three babies in Gaza have died from exposure to cold in recent days , doctors there have said, and the Health Ministry said an adult — a nurse who worked at the European Hospital — also died this week. Khaled and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Narions contributed to this report.For “Hysteria!” actresses Anna Camp and Julie Bowen, horror is harder than comedy. “Horror is really hard actually because there is a fine line you have to walk; you have to make it feel grounded and you’re put in these extreme circumstances: You’re being possessed or pulled through the air, there’s nothing you can do to relate to that,” explained Camp of “Pitch Perfect” fame. “With comedy, you can have a relatable situation and go, ‘I’ve been in situations like that.’ There’s nothing you can compare (horror) to, so you have to use your imagination. I find it harder. Your imagination goes home with you at the end of the day. You’re still thinking crazy thoughts.” Bowen, best known for playing Claire Dunphy on “Modern Family,” agreed. “Comedy’s pretty binary because it’s like either you can make people laugh or you don’t. I can’t watch horror. I’m terrified, terrified! I am the easiest scare in the world, so as far as doing (horror), I want to make it as real as possible. It was hard because I had to be really, really crazy. There were times when I’d get back to my hotel room at 3 a.m., I didn’t want to be alone in my head,” said Bowen, laughing. Camp, Bowen, Royal Oak native Bruce Campbell (“Evil Dead”), showrunner David A. Goodman (“Futurama”), and Ypsilanti native/creator Matthew Scott Kane (“American Horror Story”) were promoting “Hysteria!” at the New York Comic Con in October. The horror series is streaming on Peacock. Set in the fictional Michigan town of Happy Hollow, the first episode of “Hysteria” begins with a popular quarterback’s disappearance and a pentagram is discovered on a garage door. As a result, rumors of the occult and satanic influence run rampant through the town. A trio of outcasts in a heavy metal band called Dethkrunch exploit this by rebranding themselves as a satanic metal band, which leads to them becoming the targets of the town’s witch hunt. “Something on my mind a lot in 2019 was we’re living in this post-factual age with social media. It seemed like decades and decades ago, you could trust the news. Now everything is in question. When lies end up getting disseminated as truth, that starts to warp people’s version of reality. Suddenly, they’re living in a world other people are not. That was going on in the world I was living in and I very quickly connected it to the 1980s satanic panic. It’s not really that different because people were saying Ozzy Osbourne, Jason Voorhees (of ‘Friday the 13th’), and the Smurfs were going to turn your kids into satanists and kill you in your sleep. That didn’t happen. It wasn’t true, but so many people got worked up into such a fervor over it, bad things happened. ... It was smoke without fire,” Kane said. “Disinformation is not new,” Campbell said. “Disinformation will tear a town apart.” Campbell portrays Happy Hollow Police Chief Ben Dandridge. “This guy’s a reasonable cop; he’s a rational person who doesn’t treat the teenagers like they’re idiots. It’s all very refreshing,” he said. “I want to play that guy again. I want cops to be that guy. I’m playing the cop (that) cops need to be. That’s my whole motivation for playing this guy: How would you like cops to be, especially the guy in charge, the chief of police? They’re lucky to have Chief Dandridge.” “It was truly an exciting moment when Bruce signed on,” Goodman said. By the end of the first episode, a supernatural phenomenon happens to Linda Campbell, played by Bowen. “Linda seems like one thing, then you realize she’s bananas. She’s either bananas or she’s possessed. Either way, it’s a complicated thing to play,” Bowen said. “With Julie, you can have your cake and eat it too,” Kane said. “She’s this fun, quirky mom. ... As the episode goes on, she’s pulled deeper into this thing and crazy stuff starts happening. That final act of the first episode was my favorite moment with her because this announced that this is not Claire Dunphy. We’re not doing that again; we’re pushing her as a performer. “Julie was so excited about doing stunts. She told us on many occasions she’s very sturdy and can take it. The same goes for Bruce and for Anna. We didn’t ask anyone to give us a flavor of the thing they did before. We cast people we loved so much (in their famous projects) that we wanted to give them the opportunity to do the exact opposite.” Added Bowen: “I got this script and was like, ‘Oh great. She’s a mom. How fun.’ I love moms. I’m a mom, but I felt this was not worth flying out of town to Georgia and being away from my kids. Then I got to the end of the pilot and was like, ‘She’s crazy!’ Is she possessed? There’s a lot more questions. It’s fun to just stretch again and do things I haven’t done in a while, which I found really exciting.” Kane said he felt lucky Bowen signed on at the beginning. “She was the first adult actor to sign on. That gave us such credibility to have a two-time Emmy-winning actor leading this show. Suddenly, it goes from this script from a relatively unknown writer into the new Julie Bowen show,” he said. It was the quality of the writing that attracted Camp, Bowen and Campbell to “Hysteria!” “I loved the script; it was incredibly well-written. It was immersed in the time period. It was such a good coming-of-age story, too — the feeling of being in high school again, being in the 1980s,” Camp said. “I talked to Matt who said my character (Tracy) was incredibly pivotal to the series and we’ll learn about why she is the way she is. So I was like, ‘I’d love to do this!’” For Campbell, the writing is everything. “A lot of times, I’ll get a script that could make the words interchangeable with every other character because the writing is very bland and just doesn’t have the detail you need. This was different. Every character was pretty distinct and pretty well-drawn,” he said. “It’s quality. It’s not a (expletive) show. It’s a real show that’s playing around with interesting themes. A lot of it is still relevant to this day.” “Hysteria!” has other Michigan connections, including University of Michigan alumnus Jonathan Goldstein (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Dondero High School alumnus Jordan Vogt-Roberts (“Kong: Skull Island”), who both serve as executive producers. Kane explained why he set “Hysteria!” in Michigan. “You write what you know. I grew up in Ypsilanti, so that had a lot to do with it. More importantly, when you’re in a small town in the Midwest — somewhere like Michigan — these things don’t ever happen and word spreads fast and paranoia spreads quickly and (everything’s) blown out of proportion and takes up a lot of people’s minds,” he said. “Whether or not something is real doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if there are people willing to believe it does and willing it into the world. What does it matter if it’s objectively real or living rent-free in someone’s head?”Editor’s note: During the holiday season, the Fort Worth Report is looking back at the stories you told us you appreciated the most in 2024. New Heights High School’s impact will almost certainly extend beyond Fort Worth, according to two state senators. The school, which opened in September, was the first adult charter school to open in Texas. The one-of-a-kind campus helps students secure a full-fledged diploma while simultaneously earning college credit from Tarrant County College. State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, was the author of Senate Bill 2032, the law that paved the way for New Heights. Creighton, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, toured the school alongside Gov. Greg Abbott in late September . Creighton was impressed to see students excited about pursuing their education. He also saw an opportunity to build on the momentum of New Heights and SB 2023 and help an estimated 7 million Texans ages 18 to 50 who lack a high school diploma, he said. “This is a great opportunity to scale this success so that we can see these opportunities in the Valley in South Texas and in far West Texas,” Creighton told the Fort Worth Report. “We could see these opportunities and continue across the state to reach those 7 million individuals.” Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. He sees the millions of Texans who don’t have a high school diploma as an untapped resource that could maintain the state’s status as the job creation engine of the U.S. “We want all good paying jobs across the spectrum to be filled by those who want to go to work and want to make a difference in their professional career,” the state senator said. “New Heights could not be a better example of a launch like that for a future career.” New Heights is meeting the needs of southeast Fort Worth’s Stop Six community, said state Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford. King was excited to see the unique charter school bring together Fort Worth ISD, TCC and other community partners. Typically, traditional school districts oppose charter schools. What makes New Heights even sweeter for King is that the campus is in his district, which includes much of south Fort Worth and parts of Tarrant County. “You always want home to be in front of everyone else,” King said. Jacob Sanchez is a senior education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at jacob.sanchez@fortworthreport.org or @_jacob_sanchez . At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site. You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate html code. You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org . You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Jacob Sanchez, Fort Worth Report December 23, 2024

‘Twas the night before the night before Christmas, and a certain somebody still has shopping to do. Fear not. We’ve managed to rustle up some super last-minute discounts on WIRED-approved gadgets and gizmos that you can purchase on sale and pick up in time to save the holidays. Everything listed below has stock available for pickup or next-day shipping. If none of these will do, check out our list of digital gifts and extremely last-minute gifts . Note that your mileage may vary based on your location. If your local big box store is all out of something, I'm very sorry. But maybe next year we'll both have our life together before the 24th. (I'm not done shopping yet either.) Good luck! WIRED Featured Deals Best noise-canceling headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $299 ($130 off) Our favorite iPad: Apple iPad (10th Gen) for $279 ($70 off) A great gaming headset: Logitech Pro X 2 Gaming Headset for $185 ($31 off) A luxurious hair tool: Dyson Airwrap Bundle for $500 ($100 off) Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today . Last-Minute Deals Apple iPad (10th Gen) for $279 ($70 off) It's our favorite iPad , and it's on sale. The 10th-gen Apple iPad ( 7/10, WIRED Review ) offers even better value at a discount, and it's (theoretically) available in many fun colors. It's got a modern design, USB-C charging, and tons of compatible accessories . It's snappy and has decent cameras, and most importantly, it's readily available. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $299 ($130 off) The Bose QuietComfort Ultra ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) top our list of the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones . They have truly excellent noise cancelation, plus great call quality. Overall the sound is sparkling and punchy, and the design is sleek while maintaining a comfortable fit. We wish the battery life was a bit better, but overall it's difficult to go wrong here, especially at this price. Mophie Snap+ Juice Pack MagSafe Charger for $24 ($26 off) This little MagSafe charger is an honorable mention in our MagSafe Power Bank Buying Guide . It works well, and the 5,000-mAh capacity can top off most phones from dead to full at least once. The power bank is on the chunky side, and it works with non-MagSafe phones thanks to the included attachment. Anyone on your list could probably benefit from a phone charger. Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $30 ($20 off) The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is our favorite streaming stick for most people. It's fast and easy to set up—simply plug it into your TV's HDMI port. This model includes a voice remote so you can hold the microphone button down and speak your wishes into the ether. The Roku interface is easy to navigate, even if your giftee isn't the most tech-savvy. And there are lots of free channels so they can binge all of Antiques Roadshow or How It's Made . Or Mr. Beast videos, if that's their thing. Apple Watch Series 10 for $349 ($50 off) The Apple Watch Series 10 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the Best Apple Watch , period. We really wish it had blood oxygen sensing like most other fitness trackers. But it does have a suite of health metric tracking and smart features, including basics like steps and workouts all the way up to Breathing Disturbances tracking which can help detect sleep apnea. It also has Fall Detection and the new Vitals app. If you're on a tighter budget, you can also save on the second-generation Apple Watch SE for $229 ($50 off) which is a very a great buy at this price. Dyson Airwrap Bundle for $500 ($100 off) The Dyson Airwrap ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is an excellent multifunctional hair tool featured in our Curling Irons Buying Guide . This gift bundle comes in the pretty blush-colored Strawberry Bronze color that doesn't go on sale very often. It comes with a variety of attachments and accessories, including two barrels, three round brushes, a smoothing dryer, a carrying case, and more. Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum for $500 ($300 off) Dyson's V15 Detect is the very best Dyson vacuum . It weighs less than 7 pounds and it's easy to maneuver around tight corners and your household's various nooks and crannies. It can run for 60 minutes at a time and there's a sensor that automatically adjusts suction levels based on the current cleaning task. This model also has the neat neon-green laser that can help you spot missed dust particles, making it a particularly good vacuum for folks with allergies. Ninja Creami for $149 ($50 off) The Ninja Creami ( 6/10, WIRED Review ) is one of our favorite gifts for the home chef , and this price is even better than what we saw during Cyber Monday. Your giftee will be able to whip up all sorts of homemade ice cream, gelato, and sorbet, but this machine is also capable of making protein-rich treats as evinced by the subreddit full of creative recipes . It's on the large side, but all that homemade goodness will counteract the space it takes up. Logitech Pro X 2 Gaming Headset for $185 ($31 off) The Pro X 2 is the best wireless gaming headset we've tried. And we've tried many! The over-hear headphones can use Logitech Lightspeed for ultrafast wireless audio, but they can also pair via Bluetooth. They're compatible with computers, phones, and consoles. There's even the option for a wired connection. The sound quality is good, the voice quality is good, and the fit is good. The price could justifiably be higher, but luckily it isn't—especially thanks to this discount.Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?

Hungary defies ICC arrest warrant, inviting Netanyahu for state visitAn Italian war correspondent was arrested in Iran and has been held at an infamous Tehran prison for more than a week, Italian officials said. Cecilia Sala, 29, was arrested on Dec. 19, according to Italy’s foreign ministry, but her arrest was only made public on Friday. Officials did not provide a reason for her arrest. The prominent Italian journalist works for Il Foglio newspaper and hosts “Stories,” a daily podcast on Chora Media. In a statement, Chora Media said Sala was being held in solitary confinement at the Evin prison in Tehran, infamous for its mistreatment of political prisoners since the 1970s. Sala left Rome for Iran on Dec. 12 with a valid journalist’s visa, according to Chora Media. During her time in Tehran, she produced three episodes of her podcast and published several stories. Her reporting said many women were no longer wearing the hijab to protest the country’s leaders. While in Tehran, she also interviewed an Iranian stand-up comedian who had been jailed in the country. Sala was supposed to board a return flight to Italy on Dec. 20, but never made it to the airport, Italian officials said. She stopped sending messages from her phone on Dec. 19, according to Chora Media. Iranian officials did not immediately confirm the arrest. “Cecilia was in Iran, with a valid visa, to cover a country she knows and loves — a country where information is stifled through repression, threats, intimidation, violence, and detentions, often targeting journalists themselves,” Il Foglio said in a statement . “Journalism is not a crime,” the paper added. Last week, Iran had summoned a senior Italian diplomat over the arrest of an Iranian national, Reuters reported, based on Iranian media. The day before Sala’s arrest, Italian police said they arrested an Iranian man accused of providing drone parts to Iran’s military. The 38-year-old man faces extradition to the US, Italian officials said in a statement.

Article content The man accused of gunning down security guard Harshandeep Singh has an “extensive and versatile” criminal history including kidnapping, carrying a sawed-off shotgun and attacking people in prison, Parole Board of Canada documents state. Evan Chase Francis Rain, 30, was arrested over the weekend for Singh’s Dec. 6 killing in a central Edmonton apartment building. He and a woman, Judith Saulteaux, are charged with first-degree murder and possessing a prohibited weapon. The two are in custody and are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on Jan. 8. Parole documents show Rain previously served federal time for leading Edmonton police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle while carrying methamphetamine and a sawed-off shotgun. He did not apply for parole after learning Correctional Service Canada opposed his release but was granted statutory release — which is given to most inmates two-thirds of the way through a sentence in hopes of reintegrating them while they can still be supervised. Rain’s statutory release was revoked on two occasions. In the first case, he purchased meth from a man at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting and used it at his half-way house. The second time, he fled to Saskatchewan where he was charged alongside three other men in an armed highway carjacking. In its most recent decision, the parole board said it had little option but to release Rain because of the rules around statutory release. “According to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), you will be released again on statutory release, subject to supervision, until the expiration of your sentence according to law,” board member Marilyn Kenny told Rain in the April 6, 2023, decision. “As statutory release is a legislated release, the role of the board is limited to imposing special conditions.” Those conditions included residing at a half-way house, abstaining from drugs and avoiding gang activity. Rain was also ordered to seek employment or schooling and disclose any income to ensure he earned “legitimate” money. None of the documents give the date of Rain’s warrant expiry — the last day he could be held or supervised on the sentence. ‘Propensity for violence’ Recommended from Editorial A security guard was gunned down in an Edmonton apartment building. His death is drawing attention to a risky, rapidly growing industry Edmonton apartment building where security guard killed had lengthy history of health and safety violations Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun