Zhang Anda Advances to Last 32 in Snooker Scottish Open with Close Victory in Deciding Frame
Teens, older adults find common interests in Bookends discussion group in GreenfieldAs the release date of "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" draws closer, fans can look forward to a wave of promotional activities and marketing campaigns that will build anticipation for the film's arrival in Mainland China. From exclusive trailers and behind-the-scenes footage to interactive social media campaigns and limited-edition merchandise, the lead-up to the premiere is sure to be an exciting time for Sonic fans everywhere.
As Xue Jia Ning and Zhao Lu Si continue to navigate the highs and lows of their respective careers, one thing remains constant - their genuine friendship. Through shared laughter, tears, and triumphs, they have proven that true friends are like stars, always there to guide each other through the darkness. And as they embark on new adventures and conquer new heights, one thing is certain - their friendship will continue to shine bright, a testament to the power of genuine connection in a world that often seems fleeting.Texas A&M-Corpus Christi defeats Stephen F. Austin 67-48
On the other hand, proponents of the new rule highlight the need to protect the rights of content creators and ensure fair compensation for their work. By limiting account sharing, Tencent Video aims to deter unauthorized access and piracy, ultimately supporting the sustainability of the entertainment industry.
A NEWCASTLE business owner's application for insurance has been rejected by their insurer, due to concerns a new tobacconist nearby was at risk of being fire bombed by organised crime gangs fighting for control of the illegal tobacco trade. Login or signup to continue reading The building's owner, who the Newcastle Herald has chosen not to name for fear of reprisals, said they were shocked when their run-of-the-mill insurance renewal for a commercial building was denied. "This is purely because of the tobacconist that is next door, they are seeing this as a huge risk due to the amount of fire bombings/malicious damage these types of businesses tend to get," an email from their mortgage broker said. The owner was "stunned" the insurer's concerns regarding the tobacconist - which had appeared only a few months ago - outweighed their claimless insurance record. "They're not even a tenant," they owner said. "Even though I don't smoke or vape, the organised crime aspect is now impacting me. "The building needs to be insured, otherwise I'm defaulting on the conditions of the mortgage and it could be foreclosed. "I was shocked, you count on the fact you can get insurance on a building in Australia, particularly in a Newcastle suburb that is low crime." The high cigarette taxes and cost-of-living crisis have led to a massive spike in illegal tobacco products. The black market in tobacco and vapes is estimated to be worth at least $2 billion a year. Across the nation, there have been almost 200 fire bombings linked to the illicit tobacco turf war, including 14 in NSW. NSW Police Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja described the spate of fire bombings as "traditional standover tactics". That was how the intimidation started, he said. "That's how it usually starts, they send a message, sometimes it's just they get a verbal threat," he said. "If you're not listening, they will then target that premises ... they'll do everything they can to target that business by setting alight that business, or neighbouring businesses." Criminals are using stolen cars to plough into the front of the tobacconists, and then set the vehicle alight. Some tobacconists have sought to protect themselves from the ram raids by installing bollards. However, that has led to instances of criminals setting alight the neighbouring business to get to their target. "I have fears it will escalate," Detective Superintendent Arbinja said. "I look at other states and I can see how much it's risen. I don't want that to happen in NSW." Newcastle-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell said "mum and dad business owners" were now getting caught in the crosshairs of the illegal tobacco war. "This is the real cost to normal business and property owners of a government that refuses to look reality in the face," Senator Cadell said. "Our vaping policy and illegal tobacco enforcement have created an atmosphere that serious organised crime runs the show at the cost of legitimate business." Senator Cadell said a parliamentary inquiry into illicit tobacco heard criminals were growing increasingly brazen as the lucrative market continued to grow. "We're getting told at a federal level that organised crime members are no longer focusing on harder drugs with harsher penalties," Senator Cadell said. "They don't give a damn, there's as much money in illegal tobacco and vapes and they are absolutely ready to use violence or do fire bombings." After a few weeks of "frantic phone calls and a lot of stress", the anonymous Newcastle building owner managed to secure insurance with a different provider. "I had a couple of weeks before insurance expired, but I was worried that because I got knocked back by one [insurer], I would get rejected by others," they said. "One of the questions they ask is if you've ever been denied insurance before and they see it as a red flag." The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) said it was not aware of any broader trend among insurers in relation to risk appetite regarding tobacco retailers, but understood some insurers "may be taking this into account when pricing and renewing premiums". "Each insurer has their own approach to calculating premiums," an ICA spokesperson said. "Risks are something that can change over time and insurers typically price premiums according to that risk." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. 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Fresh daily!The sudden collapse of the Assad regime in Syria within a mere 12 days has sent shockwaves throughout the region and the world. The once seemingly entrenched and powerful government now lies in ruins, with its leader Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country in the dead of night. Many are left wondering: how did such a swift and dramatic downfall come to pass? In examining the complex web of internal and external factors at play, it becomes clear that a perfect storm of circumstances ultimately led to the demise of the Assad regime.