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. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump 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 dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr 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. 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. 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. 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. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance 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. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.
The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels
After Thanksgiving, I watched a new documentary that set me at odds with December’s frenzied pace. For me, the month has evolved from a time of calm reflection into a month of haves and wants. National Geographic’s “Tsunami: Race Against Time” chronicles the ravaging impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean eruption on Thailand and numerous other Southeast Asian countries. It hit me hard and gave me the jolt to ask myself how to get off the consumer train. Southeast Asia has my heart; my family and I lived in Asia beginning in the early 2000s. Our children were little then, and we established a set of holiday traditions that meant Christmas in Bangkok with minimal gifts and maximum adventures. The Thais are beautiful people, welcoming and gracious. The Dec. 26, 2004, earthquake and resulting tsunami in the Indian Ocean wrecked countless lives. It killed nearly a quarter of a million people in that region, including thousands of Thais and tourists. The documentary is spellbinding. The viewer becomes a participant in the unbelievable scenery and chaotic devastation the giant waves caused in the early hours of the day after Christmas. Watching the four-part series on a streaming platform created an alarming experience of seeing the water washing away beachgoers, buildings, and even a train. Frequent advertising, however, distracted from and contrasted with the presentation. Ads for mobile phones, fast-food restaurants and shoes horrifyingly broke up the narrative every few minutes: T-Mobile, Chick-fil-A, and DSW in between actual human misery. Relentless phone ads foreshadowed the documentary’s disaster just before smartphones became omnipresent. Ironically, frantic scientists in the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu were tracking the earthquake and tsunami in real time and struggled as they had few options to warn the millions of people who dotted the ocean’s coastlines and were exposed and vulnerable to the massive waves. Today’s ads show an American life that seems superficial, too loud, too brightly lit, and primed for consumption compared with 20 years ago. Toggling between the ads and the documentary left me thinking about how to revise my forecast. I don’t want to be an extreme version of humankind. Too many technology advancements are going somewhere scary where we all require experiences and stuff on demand, catered precisely to our highly refined sense of personal algorithms. I know a lot of good comes from the high-tech advancements, including ways to help warn about natural disasters such as future tsunamis. What is not good is the louder, self-focused lives presently occupied. I will do better in 2025. I will think more about how to spend my time, effort, and money and try to pay back. I don’t want to be that extreme version of humans that play out in those commercials. Do you? Megan Giles Cooney is a columnist for the Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle, a CNHI newspaper along with The Daily Item. Reach her at megan.cooney1@gmail.com .
3 things we heard from Chicago Bears coordinators, including Montez Sweat’s ‘reset’ and ‘no fear’ from Caleb Williams
In Udaipur, a big family fight is making waves—and it’s not your regular argument. It’s a clash between the former royal family! A newly crowned “maharana” (kind of like a king) wanted to visit a family shrine for blessings, but his uncle and cousin blocked him. Why? Because they’ve been left in charge of the palace trust by the late maharana. Drama alert! But wait, this isn’t just happening in Udaipur. All across India, from Rajkot to Gwalior, old royal families are fighting over their fancy stuff—palaces, jewellery, and the titles they don’t officially hold anymore. These families may not rule anymore, but they still have plenty of wealth to argue about. Here’s a quick history lesson: India’s royal families had their golden age from the 1700s to the 1900s, after the Mughal Empire weakened. During British rule, they stayed in power as a kind of second-tier royalty, sometimes helping the Brits and sometimes just enjoying their riches. But when India became a republic in 1947, things changed. By 1971, they lost their royal titles and huge government payments called “privy purses.” So, what do royals do now? Some have joined politics, using their royal charm to win votes. Others turned their palaces into fancy hotels, while some are social media stars, showing off a glamorous, aristocratic life. Around the world, former royals are mostly seen as symbols of history or juicy gossip material. In countries like Britain or the Netherlands, they don’t have real power anymore—they just cut ribbons and attend events. But their personal lives, full of scandals and squabbles, keep people hooked. Even though India is a democracy where everyone is equal (at least in theory), people are still fascinated by royal drama. Whether we’re watching their fights or following their luxurious lifestyles, royals make for amazing reality TV—whether on screen or in real life!
President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to serve as U.S. Attorney General in his new administration. "For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans," Trump wrote in an announcement of the nomination. "Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime, and making America safe again." Bondi was Florida's attorney general from 2011 to 2019. During her tenure, she brought or participated in lawsuits to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Bondi was also a defense lawyer for Trump during his first impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate and has worked at the conservative nonprofit America First Policy Institute . Bondi's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. RELATED STORY | Matt Gaetz says he's removing his name for consideration for attorney general Bondi's nomination comes the same day that former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration for the position. Trump nominated Gaetz last week, a decision that was quickly criticized by both Democrats and Republicans. On Thursday, Trump thanked Gaetz for his efforts to try and secure the support of the senators needed for confirmation. "Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do," Trump said on Truth Social. This is a developing story and will be updated.
Izzy Morelli put Gray-New Gloucester ahead for good with two free throws in the fourth quarter and finished with a game-high 12 points as the Patriots edged Edward Little, 31-28, in a girls basketball game Friday in Gray. Gray-New Gloucester (6-2) also got nine points from Ella Kenney. Elizabeth Galway scored 10 points and Alexis Creaser had eight for Edward Little (3-3). GREELY 41, LEWISTON 32: Molly Partridge scored 11 points, Hannah Hussey added nine, and the Rangers (3-3) extended their winning streak to three games by turning back the Blue Devils (0-6) in Lewiston. Lewiston’s Ella Beaudoin was the game’s high scorer with 12 points. Bailey Tardif-Mockler finished with nine points and Bailey Toderico had eight for the Blue Devils. LEAVITT 42, CAPE ELIZABETH 32: Jordyn Boulay scored 16 points for the Hornets (4-1) in a win over the Capers (0-6) in Turner. Gabrielle Smith added 10 points. Lila Rosu-Myles paced Cape Elizabeth with 16 points. BOYS BASKETBALL OXFORD HILLS 51, BRUNSWICK 46: Brady Delamater (15 points), Brayden Murch (14) and Cam Pulkkinen (11) all reached double figures as the Vikings (4-3) edged the Dragons (4-2) in Paris. Oxford Hills took control by outscoring Brunswick 18-8 in the second quarter to build a 29-19 lead. Trevor Gerrish led Brunswick with 12 points. Logan Gray added 10. OAK HILL 65, WATERVILLE 37: Braden Dubuc and Eli Desmond each scored 16 points, leading Oak Hill to a win over Waterville in Wales. Desmond got all but two of his points in the second half. Oak Hill (2-4) held the Purple Panthers (2-6) to three points in the second quarter as it turned a 15-15 tie into a 29-18 lead, then continued to pull away from there. Braden New also reached double figures with 10 points. Derek Couture scored 21 points for Waterville. FOREST HILLS 82, RANGELEY 46: Jaxson Desjardins scored 23 points and four assists as the Tigers won in Jackman. Blaine Nadeau also had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Forest Hills (5-3). Anthony Whittier led the Lakers (1-5) with 25 points. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousIt seemed like companies couldn’t hire information technology analysts fast enough in 2014 when Michael Deneen began his IT career. Job counts nationally soared in the 2010s and early 2020s, but then the market flattened and a profession that looked like it might grow uninterrupted started shedding jobs. Laid off twice this year from Minnesota IT jobs, Deneen said he’s found it hard to snag the next gig. “Before I could have three, four offers lined up and would have to choose between them,” the Columbia Heights man said. “It’s like I’m struggling to even get a foot in the door in places that I’m more than qualified for.” ADVERTISEMENT Even with the state’s relatively low 3.5 percen t unemployment rate, some mid-career Minnesotans and those just coming out of college are seeing a job market now that worries them. Recent layoffs at Cargill in the Twin Cities and last week’s announcement that Arctic Cat, the Minnesota snowmobile maker, will shutter its manufacturing operations next year in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, have added to the anxiety. Analysts say Minnesota’s job market remains robust, but for some there’s a skills matchup problem as some sectors grow while others flatten or decline. “I’m not gonna lie, it’s been hard,” Deneen said of finding the next IT job. “I’ve had a lot of self-doubt now, like questioning is this really an industry I am good at? Is this something I should even be in anymore? I’m also 40. It’s like, I can’t really switch careers at this point.” ‘Shouldn't be this way’ Health care, government, leisure and hospitality and transportation are among the Minnesota sectors that continue to show strong job growth, according to state data. Other industries are growing slower, including construction and manufacturing. “We’ve heard from some folks that maybe it has taken a little longer than what they remember in the past if they were previously unemployed. Some individuals don’t say that at all,” said Sara Garbe, workforce development supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “November and reaching December, we certainly see a slowdown of hiring and folks may mention things like that they’ve heard from recruiters that maybe a decision won’t be made until after the holidays or after the first or the last quarter of the year,” added Garbe, whose staff works with new job seekers and those in mid-career. For recent college grads who haven’t landed work, the holiday season can bring its own pressures. ADVERTISEMENT Raina Hofstede, 22, studied English at Harvard University. Since graduating in May and coming back to Minnesota, she said job prospects have been nearly nonexistent. “I feel kind of directionless in the time period that I’m waiting,” said Hofstede, who grew up in Coon Rapids. “I feel like I really want to plan. I’m at a point where, like, I’d love to get things moving.” She’s applied to post-undergrad internships and career-advancing work. She’s looking into publishing, creative writing spaces and museums and hopes a stint working in comedy clubs while at Harvard might intrigue an employer. The search and the uncertainty around it is a grind, she acknowledged. “I think, as time goes on, and this feels sad, but I think as time goes on, my belief in myself slowly drops a little bit more with more rejections, and so I feel like I’ll be applying to less and less competitive things as I move forward,” Hofstede said. ' Minnesota showed strong steady job growth coming out of the Great Recession in 2009, reaching nearly 3 million jobs by February 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic torpedoed that growth — the state lost more than 400,000 jobs, nearly 14 percent of its employment, in the span of a few months. Job counts didn’t return permanently to pre-pandemic levels until September last year. The current state and national unemployment rates are relatively low, although they have ticked up over the past year. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. unemployment rate at 4.2 percent. Based on the most recent data, Minnesota has six unemployed people for every 10 job openings where nationally there are nine unemployed people for every 10 openings. ADVERTISEMENT Knowing that doesn’t make it easier for those looking for work, waiting for answers from prospective employers. “It just kind of feels like they have no respect for a candidate or their time, or them as a person,” Deneen said of the current market. “It’s an entire game, and it shouldn’t be this way.” ‘A little community’ Garbe said technology is transforming job searches in ways that may make landing work more challenging for some in mid-career or just starting out. Companies are using automated systems or in some cases artificial intelligence systems to screen applicants before a human gets to them. She encourages job seekers to reach out to one of DEED’s more than 50 CareerForce offices across the state where analysts can review resumes or cover letters with job seekers and offer help with writing and strategy. They can also connect people to needed training or certifications. Garbe also suggests reflecting on what you’ve accomplished to boost your self-confidence if you get overwhelmed. Social media has become a resource for job seekers as they look. Groups on Reddit like r/StudentJobSearch have become a space for venting and advice with conversations about job searching and applications. LinkedIn is also seeing similar support groups, including two Deneen is in that focus on networking and project management. ADVERTISEMENT Hofstede said she’s found solace leaning on those around her who are going through these same experiences. She and a group of new graduates meet at their public library to sift through job postings and work on cover letters and resumes together. “Something of a little community of people who are unemployed and looking for jobs, and I like having the friends support,” she said. “It is harder to go through something uncertain like this alone.”AI voice cloning: How programs are learning to pick up on pitch and tone
Investors' hopes of future interest rate cuts were buoyed on Friday by weak UK economic data, pushing the FTSE 100 upwards. London's blue-chip index gained 112.81 points, or 1.38%, to end the day at 8,262.08. It came after a business survey showed activity across the UK's private sector contracted in the first weeks of November, amid a slump in optimism in the period following the Budget. The S&P Global flash UK composite purchasing managers' index (PMI) reported activity hit a 13-month low. But the news had a positive effect on UK stocks, which rose on hopes of faster cuts to the base interest rate by the Bank of England. Elliott Jordan-Doak, an analyst at the consultancy Pantheon Macroeconomics, said that rising inflation and risks from Donald Trump's election in the US "leaves only a low chance of another rate cut in December". "Signs of weaker growth, however, make a February rate cut a slam dunk, we think." "Accordingly, the market repriced closer to our call after the PMI release, now pricing three rate cuts over the next 12 months." At the end of the day in Europe Frankfurt's Dax index rose 0.83%, while the Cac 40 in Paris gained 0.58%. In New York a little while after markets had closed in Europe the S&P 500 had gained 0.27%, while the Dow Jones was 0.76% higher. On currency markets the pound was trading 0.54% lower against the dollar at 1.2516 and had risen 0.14% against the euro at 1.2037. In company news, National World shareholder Media Concierge has said it tabled a £56.2 million takeover approach for the Yorkshire Post owner. Media Concierge, which runs a raft of newspapers in Ireland as well as direct mail and advertising operations, put forward a potential offer of 21p per share for National World on October 31. This represents a 40% premium against the firm's share price at the close of trading on Thursday November 21. Shares in National World rose 25.67% on Friday. Brent crude futures were up 0.92% to 74.91 US dollars at the close of trading. The biggest risers on the FTSE 100 were Diploma, up 244p to 4466p, Spirax, up 280p to 6790p, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, up 78p to 1950p, AstraZeneca, up 412p to 10474p, and Melrose Industries, up 18.6p to 526.8p. The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 were NatWest Group, down 9.8p to 390.7p, Barclays, down 5.45p to 257.2p, JD Sports, down 1.98p to 93.46p, Antofagasta, down 25p to 1664.5p, and Standard Chartered, down 13.4p to 945.6p.World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after easing through to the last 16. While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. THE WORLD NUMBER ONE KICKS ON! Luke Humphries comfortably books his spot in the Last 16 with a 4-0 whitewash victory over Nick Kenny, averaging 98.59! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XAADalXD4Q — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.” Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥 UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯 Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. There were several other titanic battles, none better than Gerwyn Price’s sudden-death leg victory over Joe Cullen. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. PRICE WINS A THRILLER! That might just be the game of the tournament so far! 💥 Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.
I remember where I was when I first heard the term. It was early 1998 and I was in a McDonald's drive-thru. My friend was explaining to me why he and his family had decided to move to rural Arkansas next year. "Y2K," I said. "What's that?" Y2K. The "millenium bug" arriving in the year 2000. The new millennium. Some of you might well remember this time. For those under about age 30, let me catch you up. Many of the computers used in government and business in the late 20th century, including ones that powered the early internet, supposedly had something of a ticking time bomb inside of them. "It's very hard to tell how bad the situation will be. I'm sure things will break. It's very hard to dispel a nightmare scenario," Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft's chief technology officer, was cited as saying in a January 1999 Forum column. "The dark-side scenario of airplanes falling out of the sky and bank computers crashing is possible. But it's fundamentally very, very hard to know whether the impact will be big or little." The problem was the two-digit-year date field (think "93" as in "1/1/93"). Theoretically, the arrival of the new millennium — the year 2000 — would reset all these computer clocks to "00" as in "1/1/00," wrecking anything that counted on dates to function properly. Theoretically, anyway. The list of public fears was a long one, illustrating how central computer technology had become in our lives, and mirroring larger uncertainty about the new millennium. And while company officials and local, state and federal officials sought to reassure the public, indicated nobody was quite sure nothing would fail. So the fears remained up until the last minute. "Up against the deadline for fixing an unprecedented technological blunder, the world exhibited some jitters Thursday over the prospect of failures in the computers on which we depend," wrote the Associated Press, as printed by The Forum on New Year's Eve, 1999. "There was testing galore and a few confessions of Y2K-unreadiness." Some religious figures took the moment to insist the coming apocalypse was God's judgment on a wayward culture. "(God) may be preparing to confound our language, to jam our communications, scatter our efforts and judge us for our sin and rebellion against his lordship," evangelical Christian leader Jerry Falwell said in August 1998. "We are hearing from many sources that Jan. 1, 2000, will be a fateful day in the history of the world." As if to embody the looming fears, WWE wrestler Chris Jericho gave himself the moniker Y2J (for Jericho), playing off the Y2K term. His entrance to arenas was marked by that, when it got to zero, included shutting off the venue lights, leaving people in noisy darkness before Jericho was revealed. As the year 2000 approached, the fears began to grow into something of a hysteria for some people, sparking drastic decisions, like my friend's family's decision to move to the woods. Others took money out of the bank. Some stocked up on supplies and guns and ammunition to survive the coming failure of civilization. The growing fears were in odd juxtaposition to the more joyful expressions by some about the year 2000. Big millennium parties were planned. Monopoly put out with fancy holographic cards. The boy band Backstreet Boys released their still iconic among my generation (OK, fine — I'm listening to it right now). Many people dismissed the fears and planned to go about their lives, expecting the furor was overblown. I moved from North Dakota to South Dakota in 1999, and as the new millennium approached, I was about 55% convinced Y2K was going to cause big problems. I remember counting down the last days of the 1900s and thinking everything was possibly about to change. It didn't, of course. While there were some hiccups among some computer systems, much of the worked. A concerted global effort to stave off disaster was effective. The apocalypse never arrived, civilization continued. In fact, my daughter was born later that year — one of many "millennium" babies who are now 24 years old. So what happened to my friend who moved to Arkansas? I don't know. I'd like to think he and his family went on to live their best life in a cabin in the Ozarks, ready for the end of the world that never arrived.S&P/TSX composite, U.S. markets trade lower Friday morning after holiday break
When it comes to investing, the power of compounding dividends cannot be denied. Companies' ability to regularly increase their dividend requires growing free cash flow. I love to invest in companies with strong free cash flows. In today's video, I will look closely at the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF ( SCHD -0.45% ) and other dividend-focused ETFs to determine which ETF is set up to perform well heading into 2025. Watch this short video to learn more, consider subscribing to the channel, and check out the special offer in the link below. *Stock prices used were end-of-day prices of Dec. 2, 2024. The video was published on Dec. 3, 2024.Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets is as cloudy as it has ever been before. That's what happens when the team sits at a dismal 3-8 record and has already fired the general manager and head coach that the quarterback seemingly saved when their jobs were up for debate after the 2023 season. Making matters even more interesting has been multiple reports from different media circles stating Rodgers' reluctance to return to the Jets following the 2024 season. Whether it be through retirement, or by release, it had appeared the four-time NFL MVP's time in New York was coming to a close. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images At last, that's what was originally thought. Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, Rodgers offered a completely different thought process compared to what had been previously reported. Not only did the 41-year-old suggest he could play next season, but that he would be more than happy to return to the Jets. "I've really enjoyed my time in New York," Rodgers said. "Obviously we haven't had the success we've all wanted to have, but I've made some great friendships on the team. I've enjoyed living in Jersey. I've enjoyed time in the city, I've enjoyed getting to know the fans, & I came here to win here, so I'm not jumping off ship." These reports started last week with The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt detailing what exactly went wrong with the Jets this year. Rodgers and owner Woody Johnson were key names in the piece with their own share of blame for the struggles the team has gone for. But while Russini and Rosenblatt have plenty of sources to discuss the status of what could happen with New York's starting quarterback, Rodgers made it clear they didn't come specifically from his camp. "I don't talk to that person" Rodgers explained citing Russini's article specifically. "There's obviously people she talks with, but when it comes to me, my circle is really small. I'm not talking to people who are talking to people like that. At best it's a 3rd game of telephone with me." Related: Inside The Jets 'Big Lie' About Aaron Rodgers So here we are. A quarterback who wants you to believe exactly what he is saying compared to multiple national media pundits who have stated the Jets and Rodgers are heading for a split. Who exactly is to believe here? It's important to remember that while Russini and Rosenblatt reported first regarding the unlikelihood of Rodgers returning to the Jets, they were not the only ones either. For so many different reporters to detail similar stories to what The Athletic first wrote is a sign that there might be some truth to those initial reports. That doesn't mean Rodgers' is wrong either, though. New York will be under new management this offseason. If a new general manager doesn't want to deal with Rodgers, he could very well move on from him. And just because there's some frustration with the lack of stability going on around the organization doesn't mean he's ok with leaving the team after this year. At the end of the day, the truth of these reports won't be fully known until the completion of the 2024 season and the hiring of the key front office roles for the Jets. Related: Spiraling Jets Reveal Playing Time Plan For Aaron RodgersIowa turns to former walk-on QB to start against Maryland
Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 402 points, or 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite is down 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The major indexes are still on track to close the week with gains, and the S&P 500 remains headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Climate-friendly electricity sees big battery projects soar again for 2024 2024 was another banner year for a source of electricity that is better for people’s lungs, better for climate change and may be reaching your home now when you turn on the lights or turn up the thermostat — large banks of batteries. Storing extra power in batteries effectively extends the hours of solar and wind power in a day. Storage is also important as global electricity demand rises. Last, it is important for increasingly frequent extreme weather events, worsened by climate change. Texas and California are embracing the benefits of batteries, but some other regions are dragging their feet.In Udaipur, a big family fight is making waves—and it’s not your regular argument. It’s a clash between the former royal family! A newly crowned “maharana” (kind of like a king) wanted to visit a family shrine for blessings, but his uncle and cousin blocked him. Why? Because they’ve been left in charge of the palace trust by the late maharana. Drama alert! But wait, this isn’t just happening in Udaipur. All across India, from Rajkot to Gwalior, old royal families are fighting over their fancy stuff—palaces, jewellery, and the titles they don’t officially hold anymore. These families may not rule anymore, but they still have plenty of wealth to argue about. Here’s a quick history lesson: India’s royal families had their golden age from the 1700s to the 1900s, after the Mughal Empire weakened. During British rule, they stayed in power as a kind of second-tier royalty, sometimes helping the Brits and sometimes just enjoying their riches. But when India became a republic in 1947, things changed. By 1971, they lost their royal titles and huge government payments called “privy purses.” So, what do royals do now? Some have joined politics, using their royal charm to win votes. Others turned their palaces into fancy hotels, while some are social media stars, showing off a glamorous, aristocratic life. Around the world, former royals are mostly seen as symbols of history or juicy gossip material. In countries like Britain or the Netherlands, they don’t have real power anymore—they just cut ribbons and attend events. But their personal lives, full of scandals and squabbles, keep people hooked. Even though India is a democracy where everyone is equal (at least in theory), people are still fascinated by royal drama. Whether we’re watching their fights or following their luxurious lifestyles, royals make for amazing reality TV—whether on screen or in real life!Texans trying to get 'locked in' with Jags up next