BROSSARD, Quebec (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens might be getting some reinforcements soon after Patrik Laine practiced with his teammates Wednesday for the first time since suffering a left knee sprain. Laine skated alone before joining the team for the first few drills at practice. He wore a noncontact jersey and left the ice after about 15 minutes. “It’s nice to have him back with us,” defenseman David Savard said. “It can feel like a long time when you’re not practicing with the team, you don’t see the guys as much. We’ve made an effort to keep him involved as much as possible during team meetings, but it’s tougher when we’re on the road. “But it’s great to see him and to know he’s close to returning to play.” Laine was injured after a collision with Cédric Paré during a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 28. He opted not to undergo surgery. The Canadiens announced on Oct. 1 that he would be sidelined for two to three months . He resumed skating on his own on Nov. 6. At this point, he’s expected to make his official debut in a Canadiens uniform sometime in December. The 26-year-old Finn hasn’t played in the NHL since Dec. 14 as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets . He was sidelined with a fractured clavicle and later entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to focus on his mental health. Laine will likely need some time to get back into game rhythm. “Will it take one game? Two weeks? I don’t know, we’ll see,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. The Canadiens are riding a two-game winning streak and next play the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday at the Bell Centre. ___ A previous version of this story was published with a photo of Adam Boqvist, not Patrik Laine. The incorrect photo has been removed. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL The Associated PressBLINCYTO® (BLINATUMOMAB) ADDED TO CHEMOTHERAPY SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES SURVIVAL IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH B-CELL PRECURSOR ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (B-ALL)
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Why police are in a standoff with people working an abandoned South African mineA journalist and a photographer were also reportedly hit by the spray as the rival teams fought Jason Mowry/Getty As one of college football's biggest rivalries brawled after a heated game, police deployed pepper spray, hitting players on both sides, plus other personnel on the field. On Saturday, Nov. 30, the Michigan Wolverines were celebrating a 13-10 away victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes (their fourth-consecutive win over the team) by planting their flag at Columbus' Ohio Stadium when an OSU player interfered — and a brawl erupted. In a post-game that Columbus radio station WBNS-FM shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), OSU’s Jack Sawyer could be heard saying, “They’re not f------ planting a flag on our f------ field again.” As the Wolverines attempted to do just that — plant a Michigan flag at midfield — the defensive end grabbed the flag and threw it on the ground, prompting a physical altercation to break out between the two teams, according to shared by sports journalist Brandon Marcello on X. A Michigan flag is planted in the center of The Shoe and things get even more heated between Ohio State and Michigan — FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) After a Michigan supporter picked up the flag, several OSU players tried to grab it, the footage shows. Related: As the on-field fight escalated, security officials and police officers attempted to break it up, with several cops using pepper spray, OSU Police confirmed in an on X after the game. “Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation,” the statement read. “During the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” OSU Police also stated that they are the “lead agency” for games at Ohio Stadium, and said they “will continue to investigate" the incident. captured by Michigan fan blog UMGoBlue shows one cop tackling an OSU player to the ground and another using pepper spray. The officer appeared to point the blast at a group of players but, due to the wind on the field, some of the spray blew back in the opposite direction. FOX Related: Pepper spray reportedly hit not only players involved in the altercation, but others who were on the field as well, including the photographer who captured UMGoBlue's footage and a journalist. Following the fight, writer Pat Forde wrote on that he “got secondhand pepper sprayed,” and stated in a separate post that “a lot of people” from both teams were hit by the spray. Two Michigan players were seen squinting and rubbing their eyes after the on-field brawl, sideline shared by FOX College Football shows. Just got secondhand pepper sprayed. — Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) Addressing the fight and his players' behavior in a post-game press conference, OSU head coach Ryan Day said his team has too much pride to sit idly by as Michigan marks the territory. "I don't know all the details of it," Day said, according to . “I know that those guys were looking to put a flag on our field, and our guys weren't going to let that happen. I'll find out exactly what happened, but this is our field.” The coach added: “Certainly, we're embarrassed that we lost the game, but there's some prideful guys on this team that weren't going to let that happen.”iMars conference reveals details on the EES pre-enrollment app
Overhauls of 'heritage brands' raise the question: How important are our products to our identities?
The Golden State Valkyries selecting Kate Martin in the expansion draft makes perfect senseWhen Katja Vogt considers a Jaguar, she pictures a British-made car purring confidently along the Italian coastline — a vision of familiarity that conveys "that dreaming, longing feeling we all love." She's not sure what to think about Jaguar now after the 89-year-old company announced a radical rebranding that featured loud colors and androgynous people — but no cars. Jaguar, the company says, will now be JaGUar. It will produce only electric vehicles beginning in 2026. Bad attention is good attention, Jaguar execs would appear to believe. The car brand has prompted mockery online for posting a glitzy ad without a single car in it. Say goodbye to British racing green, Cotswold Blue and black. Its colors are henceforth electric pink, red and yellow, according to a video that sparked backlash online. Its mission statement: "Create exuberance. Live vivid. Delete ordinary. Break moulds." "Intrigued?" @Jaguar posted on social media. "Weird and unsettled" is more like it, Vogt wrote on Instagram. "Especially now, with the world feeling so dystopian," the Cyprus-based brand designer wrote, "a heritage brand like Jaguar should be conveying feelings of safety, stability, and maybe a hint of rebellion — the kind that shakes things up in a good way, not in a way that unsettles." Jaguar was one of several iconic companies that announced significant rebrandings in recent weeks, upending a series of commercial — and cultural — landmarks by which many modern human beings sort one another, carve out identities and recognize the world around them. Campbell's, the 155-year-old American icon that artist Andy Warhol immortalized in pop culture decades ago, is ready for a new, soupless name. Comcast's corporate reorganization means there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News, a U.S. legacy news outlet. CNBC One could even argue the United States itself is rebranding with the election of former President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate. Unlike Trump's first election in 2016, he won the popular vote in what many called a national referendum on American identity. Are we, then, the sum total of our consumer decisions — what we buy, where we travel and whom we elect? Certainly, it's a question for those privileged enough to be able to afford such choices. Volumes of research in the art and science of branding — from "brandr," an old Norse word for burning symbols into the hides of livestock — say those factors do contribute to the modern sense of identity. So rebranding, especially of heritage names, can be a deeply felt affront to consumers. "It can feel like the brand is turning its back on everything that it stood for — and therefore it feels like it's turning its back on us, the people who subscribe to that idea or ideology," said Ali Marmaduke, strategy director with the Amsterdam-based Brand Potential. He said cultural tension — polarization — is surging over politics, wars in Russia and the Mideast, the environment, public health and more, creating what Marmaduke said is known as a "polycrisis": the idea that there are several massive crises converging that feel scary and complex. Campbell's soups "People are understandably freaked out by that," he said. "So we are looking for something that will help us navigate this changing, threatening world that we face." Trump's "Make America Great Again" qualifies. So did President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" slogan. Campbell's soup itself — "Mmm Mmm Good" — isn't going anywhere, CEO Mark Clouse said. The company's new name, Campbell's Co., will reflect "the full breadth of our portfolio," which includes brands like Prego pasta sauce and Goldfish crackers. None of the recent activity around heritage brands sparked a backlash as ferocious as Jaguar's. The company stood as a pillar of tradition-loving British identity since World War II. The famous "leaper" cat Jaguar logo is pictured in 2019 at the Auto show in Paris, France. Jaguar said its approach to the rebrand was rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, to "copy nothing." What it's calling "the new Jaguar" will overhaul everything from the font of its name to the positioning of it's famous "leaper" cat. "Exuberant modernism" will "define all aspects of the new Jaguar world," according to the news release. The approach is thought to be aimed at selling fewer cars at a six-figure price point to a more diverse customer base. The reaction ranged from bewilderment to hostility. Memes sprouted up likening the video to the Teletubbies, a Benetton ad and — perhaps predictably — a bow to "woke" culture as the blowback intersected with politics. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
The S&P 500 rose 0.3 per cent. The benchmark index's 1.7 per cent gain for the week erased most of its loss from last week. Wall Street has steadied after a volatile few weeks. Credit: AP The Dow rose 1 per cent as it nudged past its most recent... Damian Troise and Alex Veiga
EL EJIDO has become the national leader in Poinsettia production, growing 72 per cent of the province’s total. El Ejido: Spain’s Poinsettia capital With more than 2 million of these festive flowers produced each year, the town has truly earned its place as Spain’s Christmas Poinsettia capital. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Vital A-334 Road reopens with temporary detour after DANA flood damage Vera celebrates 'Best Blue Destination 2024' award with year-round activities for all Hundreds rally in Almería to end gender-based violence Semilleros Laimund: Innovation in Poinsettia production During a recent visit to Semilleros Laimund, a nursery with over 30 years of experience, El Ejido’s mayor, Francisco Góngora, celebrated the company’s remarkable growth and innovative spirit. Semilleros Laimund first began growing Poinsettias in 1989, starting with just 2,000 plants. Today, it produces around 350,000 of these iconic Christmas flowers annually at its El Ejido and Níjar facilities. Supporting local: The economic impact of Poinsettia farming Mayor Góngora encouraged local residents to bring the holiday spirit into their homes by purchasing Poinsettias grown right in their own town. With 17 producers in El Ejido, the town leads the way in ornamental flowers, and supporting local production helps strengthen the community’s economy. Poinsettias with purpose: Empowering communities through AgroIntegra The mayor also visited ‘AgroIntegra,’ a workshop run by the Down El Ejido association, where participants gain skills in this industry. This plan helps boost their independence and social skills, making a real difference in the lives of those involved, especially as the Christmas season draws near. The History Behind Decorating with Poinsettias at Christmas Poinsettias have become a popular symbol of Christmas, thanks to their red and green leaves, which evoke the colors of the holiday season. The connection between Poinsettias and Christmas dates back to 16th-century Mexico, where the plant was known as ‘Nochebuena’ or ‘Holy Night,’ referring to Christmas Eve. According to legend, a poor girl who had no gift to give to the Christ child on Christmas Eve gathered weeds from the side of the road. When she placed them at the altar, the weeds miraculously transformed into beautiful red flowers. The plant was later named after Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico in the early 1800s, who brought the plant to the United States and began cultivating it. Today, the Poinsettia remains a beloved decoration during the holiday season, symbolising the spirit of giving and the beauty of Christmas. Read more Almeria news, articles and events hereLONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
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Drug dealer, 25, jailed for three years after advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin in a message - then texting it to a police officer By ED HOLT Published: 18:36 EST, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 18:47 EST, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments A drug dealer has been jailed for three years after he accidentally texted a serving police officer an advert selling crack cocaine and heroin. Phillip Paul, 25 from Lewisham in southeast London , was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and for the possession of cannabis. Paul had been involved in a sophisticated county line drug operation which stretched across most of Surrey. Surrey Police were aware of the drug lines operation in March this year after examining messages from a buyer. However, the force were able to track down Paul after he misdialed the wrong phone number and texted a mobile number which happened to belong to a serving Surrey police officer. The officer - who received a messages advertising the sale of drugs including crack cocaine and heroin - reported his bizarre text message to his colleagues. Following an investigation the police were able to identify Paul as the 'line holder' in the area. Surrey Police tracked Phillip Paul (pictured) down after he misdialed the wrong phone number and texted an advert for Class A drugs to a serving Surrey police officer The officer who received the text messages advertising the sale of drugs including crack cocaine and heroin reported it to his colleagues (stock image) Paul was sentenced to three years in prison at Chichester Crown Court (pictured) after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of cannabis When Paul was arrested at his home, officers uncovered £337 in cash, a wrap of crack cocaine, three wraps of heroin and a bag containing two grams of cannabis. A number of messages from users requesting to buy drugs were also found on Paul's phone. At court, Paul pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of cannabis. Investigating officer, PC Joseph Brown, said; 'Drug dealing can have a hugely disruptive effect on the local community and dealers make their ill-gotten money off the misery of others. 'If you come into Surrey to deal drugs, we will pursue you and bring you to justice.' London Share or comment on this article: Drug dealer, 25, jailed for three years after advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin in a message - then texting it to a police officer e-mail Add commentTrump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full a dose of presidential pomp. And they held an impromptu meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The DNC chair candidates discuss Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and winning Latino voters SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Four Democrats are running for Democratic National Committee chair, looking to take on the task of reinvigorating a party demoralized by a second loss to President-elect Donald Trump. Others may still get into the race as Democrats reckon with what went wrong in the 2024 election, which saw Trump gain with nearly every demographic group in a decisive repudiation of the incumbent party. The 448 DNC members will elect a successor for outgoing Chair Jaime Harrison on Feb. 1. The party’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is scheduled to meet next week to approve rules for the contest. 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor recalls confusion and chaos during Japanese bombing 83 years ago PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors are planning to return to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. They are each over 100 years old. They will join active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. Do weighted blankets help you sleep better? Here's what to know NEW YORK (AP) — Weighted blankets are a popular choice to warm up in cold weather, but research on their effectiveness is limited. Such blankets come with extra heft in the form of glass beads, pellets or cotton. They're also more expensive than regular blankets. Scientists think the added pressure could calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response or signal the brain to produce what’s called the love hormone. There isn’t a ton of research on whether weighted blankets actually work, and the studies that do exist are on small groups. Experts say there’s no harm in giving them a try if you're willing to splurge.