Daniel Penny doesn't testify as his defense rests in subway chokehold trial
Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich: Gunners close gap at the top and move up to second in the Premier League thanks to Kai Havertz's first half strikeSaturday, December 28, 2024 Cuba’s tourism sector, once a vital economic lifeline, is faltering as the country battles chronic power shortages, a stuttering economy, and the ongoing effects of a decades-long U.S. embargo. Compounding these challenges, the possibility of tighter restrictions under the potential return of Donald Trump’s administration looms large. Tourism in the Dark In cities like Trinidad, known for its colonial charm and proximity to national parks, visitors are greeted by warm evenings but also by frequent power cuts. Guests staying in private accommodations, or casas particulares, often find themselves relying on camping lamps during blackouts, as electricity outages can last hours. Restaurants and hotels power through with generators, but smaller businesses struggle to keep up. Across the island, power shortages disrupt daily life in major tourist hubs, including Havana, Santa Clara, and Vinales. Electricity is sometimes available for only a few hours each day, creating a challenging environment for travelers and business owners alike. A hostel owner in Old Havana described the situation as “very, very difficult,” noting a significant drop in tourist numbers. While his central location ensures a steady stream of guests, others face dwindling bookings, particularly in areas more severely affected by power cuts. Tourism’s Struggles Post-COVID Cuba has been slow to recover from the downturn in tourism caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Emily Morris, a senior research fellow at University College London, attributes the sluggish rebound to U.S. sanctions, which have cut visitor numbers to around half of pre-pandemic levels. The sanctions have also led to foreign exchange shortages, undermining the quality of hotels and facilities. Repairs are delayed, staff morale has declined, and these issues are increasingly reflected in negative reviews, further discouraging visitors. Power Crisis Rooted in Sanctions Cuba’s power shortages stem from a “confluence of different issues,” according to Dr. Helen Yaffe, a political studies expert. U.S. sanctions restrict Cuba’s access to international credit and essential equipment, while also complicating fuel procurement, which hampers power generation. A nationwide blackout in October underscored the fragility of the island’s energy infrastructure. Recent efforts to reduce vulnerability to power outages have shown some progress, with quicker recovery times after incidents. Cuba is also ramping up its solar energy capacity, aiming for renewables to constitute nearly a quarter of its energy mix by 2030. These efforts are often supported by Chinese suppliers, reflecting Cuba’s pivot toward nations outside the U.S. sphere of influence. A Shrinking Population and Economy Beyond power and tourism struggles, Cuba faces a declining population and economic hardship. With shortages of basic medicines and widespread poverty, many citizens are emigrating in search of better opportunities. The World Health Organization forecasts that Cuba’s population, currently around 11 million, could drop to 9.4 million by 2050. Signs of economic distress are evident across the island, from dilapidated housing blocks to the reliance on horse-drawn carts and oxen for transportation and farming. Despite these challenges, the Cuban government under President Miguel Díaz-Canel continues to prioritize energy independence and resilience. A Complex Political Landscape The strained relationship between Havana and Washington, which briefly thawed under Barack Obama, has since hardened. In the latter part of his first term, Donald Trump designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism, discouraging travel and financial remittances. If Trump returns to office, experts expect further restrictions, particularly under the influence of Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal opponent of the Cuban regime. Dr. Yaffe suggests that the U.S. aims to create conditions for Cubans to turn against their government. However, she sees little sign of internal collapse, noting that most vocal critics of the regime have left the country. Younger Cubans, while less ideologically aligned with the revolution, appear more focused on personal survival than political upheaval. Outlook for Cuba While Cuba’s economic and social challenges are stark, the country’s resilience remains a defining feature. The energy transition, strengthened ties with nations like China, and the enduring determination of its people suggest that while the road ahead may be difficult, Cuba is not on the brink of collapse. For now, the nation faces the dual task of weathering its internal crises and navigating the external pressures of its geopolitical environment.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Video Highlights Keanu Reeves’ Performance as Shadow By A new is out, previewing the upcoming movie’s new character, Shadow, and how actor is excited to channel the role. What happens in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 video? The new video is a featurette of the upcoming film, and highlights Reeves’ portrayal of Shadow, which says in the video is incredible. Stars Ben Schwartz (who plays Sonic) and (Knuckles) also appear in the video, also praising Reeves’ role. Meanwhile, the actor himself also dives deep into what makes the character so emotional. Check out the new Sonic the Hedgehog 3 video below: “Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before,” the synopsis for the movie reads. “With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.” Ben Schwartz returns to play in the new movie, while the voice cast also includes Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Miles “Tails” Prower, Idris Elba as Knuckles the Echidna, and Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog. James Marsden will reprise his role as Tom Wachowski. The live-action cast also features Tika Sumpter, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Cristo Fernández, Alyla Browne, and more. The film is directed by Jeff Fowler, who also helmed the previous two live-action movies in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 releases in U.S. theaters on December 20, 2024, from Paramount Pictures. Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he’s not writing about games, he’s usually playing them. You can find him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash. Share article
Japan Must Prepare To Host Deaflympics in 2025; Intl Sign Language Interpreters Especially NeededNoneP. Gayatri Gopi Chand and Treesa Jolly take pride in being the only Indians in the prestigious BWF World Tour finals in China next month, and they are keen to prove a point by coming up with some special performances. “Honestly, the feeling of making it to the BWF Finals hasn’t sunk in yet. It is amazing for sure. Definitely, this was not on our charts at the start of the year. Couldn’t believe we made it,” a composed Gayatri said in an exclusive chat with The Hindu. For a doubles combination which started playing together post-Covid, both Gayatri and Tressa have been the silent performers. “Right now, our focus is on the coming Syed Modi International. We would love to take it event by event and not think too far ahead,” Treesa said. “The focus in all major events will be to minimise the mistakes, especially unforced errors,” she said. Gayatri believes playing in the BWF Finals will be a memorable experience. “Till now we have only seen the other big names in action there. So, playing there should be a huge motivation. And, we are determined to stay focussed and give our best,” she said. “Honestly, we don’t think there will be any pressure on us. We would love to treat the BWF Final also like any other Super Series. Our primary target is to perform consistently right through,” Gayatri said. “Missing the 2024 Paris Olympics qualification was disappointing. Now, it is time to prove ourselves at this level,” she said. Treesa said they will target improving their world rankings (now World No. 16) also in the coming weeks. “This (doubles performance) is the result of the kind of efforts we have put in over the years and also the support we got from coaches, especially Gopi Sir and Arun Vishnu Sir,” Treesa said. “We need to win a big Super Series title now. I feel that I mentally much stronger and positive,” Gayatri said. Published - November 27, 2024 03:40 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit badminton / sportAs he delivered his postgame speech after the Vikings escaped with a 23-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, head coach Kevin O’Connell locked eyes with undrafted defensive tackle Jalen Redmond. After watching Redmond explode into the backfield on multiple occasions, making a couple of tackles for a loss in the process, O’Connell wanted to make it known how much he appreciated his impact on the game. So, as he handed out game balls like he typically does after each win, O’Connell made sure Redmond got the recognition he deserved. “Sometimes we start feeling a guy’s energy,” O’Connell said. “Just highlighting that.” Redmond was caught off guard in the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium, joking that he almost started to get emotional when he heard O’Connell say his name aloud. “It meant a lot,” Redmond said. “It was a special moment.” It was a stark contrast to back in training camp at TCO Performance Center when Redmond got kicked out of practice by O’Connell in response to a scuffle after the whistle. He remembers leaving that particular summer practice a little bit unsure about his future with the Vikings. “When I was walking off I was like, ‘Oh man. What did I do? I messed up,’ ” Redmond said. “The rule was not to fight, and I know that, so I was, like, ‘Man. I can’t be doing this stuff. I’m barely here.’ ” Fortunately for Redmond, O’Connell was forgiving in the immediate aftermath, and he got to keep his spot on the roster. Fortunately for the Vikings, Redmond has made the most of his opportunity, and he has slowly started carving out a niche for himself this season. “There’s a reason why he made our team,” O’Connell said. “He’s a perfect fit for our scheme with the way we move those guys up front.” The fact that Redmond has proven skills as interior pass rusher is something defensive coordinator Brian Flores has tapped into even more he’s found places to insert him into the game on a weekly basis. “The athleticism jumped out immediately,” Flores said. “This guy can run.” That has long been a calling card for Redmond. He was an explosive athlete in college at Oklahoma, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds, proving he had the twitchiness to play at the next level. After signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, Redmond arrived at rookie minicamp hellbent on proving everybody wrong. He got cut after training camp despite showing flashes of his potential. “It crushed me,” Redmond said. “I didn’t know if I was ever going to get another shot.” As he sat at home wondering what was next for him, Redmond randomly got a call from the legendary Bob Stoops, the former head coach of Oklahoma, who is now the head coach of the Arlington Renegades of the UFL. “It was wild,” Redmond said. “I look at my phone and see the name. I was like, “Why is Bob Stoops calling me?’ I answered it and he asked if I wanted to play on his team.” After growing up in in Oklahoma, Redmond was not about to say no to a legend. He joined the Arlington Renegades and eventually parlayed that into a cup of coffee with the Vikings ahead of training camp “I went there with the mindset that I was going to make the best of it and try to get back to where I wanted to be,” Redmond said. “I had a lot of fun there, and it helped get me to where I am now.” Though he wasn’t exactly a household name, Redmond did enough to make the team out of training camp. “Whenever I walk through those doors and my code still works, I don’t take it for granted,” Redmond said. “I put in everything I can to everything I do here because I’ve been on the other side of it.” Now he’s starting to look more and more like somebody who could emerge as a key contributor for the Vikings down the road. “That’s all I wanted to do when I got here,” Redmond said. “Just prove that I can play at this level.” He can. He has a game ball as proof. “I was so happy for him,” Flores said. “I think he’s got a long career in front of him.”
Oklahoma's throwback offensive approach against Alabama gets LSU's attentionButler out 2 more games, to rejoin Heat next week
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SINGER Dua Lipa looked sensational as she stripped off to just stockings and a fur coat in a series of sultry new snaps. The Illusion hitmaker sipped on a cocktail as she struck a variety of poses for the hot new pictures. The star wowed in just her black underwear and stocking to flash some flesh. Dua, 29, opted to keep wrapped up warm in a big black fur coat but made sure to keep it unbuttoned to show some skin. Uploading the snaps to Instagram, the star went for a clever festive caption as she said: "Baby it's cold outside." In another of the snaps, Dua appeared to have ventured outside as she posed atop a balcony in the barely-there ensemble. Recently, the Brit Award winner opened up about the struggles she has faced being a woman in the tough music industry. The star – who is dating actor Calum Turner - “You’re always met with some kind of pushback as a female artist. "If you’re not, like, with a guitar or with a piano, just like, ‘Oh, she can’t sing; oh, it’s all processed; oh, it’s this; oh, it’s whatever. “I just think there’s just, like, a stigma around pop music.” The New Rules singer recently released her first ever live album. The record was recorded at her one-off Royal Albert Hall gig in London last month - which recently screened on ITV. The special show saw Dua belt out her biggest hits, flanked by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, a 14-strong choir and her own seven-piece band.TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Snoop Dogg has nearly as many ties to football as he does to rap music. The entertainer coached youth football for years and created the Snoop League, an after-school program for inner city Los Angeles youths. Snoop has been a guest analyst on football broadcasts and his son, Cordell Broadus, played Division I football. When Snoop took his latest step, becoming the sponsor of a bowl game, he had a demand: Find a way for all players in the game to receive name, image and likeness (NIL) money. “This was Snoop's idea,” said Kym Adair, executive director of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice. “He was having conversations with people he knows in the college football world and I got a call that said he wants us to be the first bowl to make this commitment and that's what we did.” The beneficiaries are Colorado State and Miami (Ohio), who will conclude their seasons Saturday at Arizona Stadium in the Arizona Bowl. The bowl is classified as a 501(c)(3), so all revenue goes to charity. And, being one of the few bowls not tied to ESPN, it opens the door for unique sponsorship opportunities. The bowl was previously sponsored by Barstool Sports and the digital media company used its own cast of characters on the broadcast, which was streamed on its digital platforms. Snoop Dogg takes over this year. The rapper/entertainer is the latest celebrity to sponsor a bowl, following the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel and Rob Gronkowski at the LA Bowl. And, Snoop being Snoop, he wanted to put his own spin on his own bowl. “College football fans are exhausted by the constant talk around NIL, conference realignment, coach movement, transfer portal and super conferences,” Snoop said in a video posted on social media. “So it’s time that we get back to the roots of college football — when it was focused on the colleges, the players and the competition, the community, the fan experience and the pageantry.” With that will be an NIL component. The bowl can't pay players just for playing in the bowl, but both teams participated in football clinics on Friday and will get paid for their services. Other bowls have given single players NIL opportunities, but this is believed to be the first to offer it to every player on both teams. “I love the fact that the Arizona Bowl is unique and tries new things, and obviously having Snoop here is unique,” Colorado State coach Jay Norvell said. “The NIL component, it’s the future. It’s what football has become now. We think it’s fantastic for our kids and then the interaction with the kids is the hidden gem of the whole thing.” The NIL component of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl comes a month after a similar effort in The Players Era Festival basketball tournament in Las Vegas. The eight-team tournament said it paid out $9 million in NIL money to participating players for activities outside the competition. It also offered $50 million in NIL opportunities over the next three years for services and activities compliant with NCAA regulations. Are the Players Era Festival and Arizona Bowl the start of a new future? It is not out of the question in big-time college athletics, where schools are already preparing for the era of revenue sharing with players next year. “Revenue sharing between the players and the athletic departments is already on the horizon, so whether that takes the place of these types of arrangements or they're completely separate has yet to be determined," Adair said. "We're just trying to be flexible, ahead of the curve and make an impact any way we can.” Just the way Snoop wants it. 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-footballOklahoma's throwback offensive approach against Alabama gets LSU's attention
Whatever Mexicans feel about Trump’s style and prejudices, the bottom line is that some of his requests will need to be addressed, Bloomberg Opinion columnist JP Spinetto writes.
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Hillenbrand Declares First Quarter Dividend of $0.225 Per ShareTesting complete: BSD Builders, Inc. successfully pushed the boundaries of innovation with its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions, having undergone rigorous testing for seismic certification by California’s OSHPD/HCAi. BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor specializing in the healthcare industry. Focusing on exceeding industry standards and delivering exceptional value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the construction and energy sectors. Testing complete: BSD Builders, Inc. successfully pushed the boundaries of innovation with its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions, having undergone rigorous testing for seismic certification by California’s OSHPD/HCAi. BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor specializing in the healthcare industry. Focusing on exceeding industry standards and delivering exceptional value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the construction and energy sectors. SAN DIEGO , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BSD Builders, Inc. today announced it has received seismic certification from California's OSHPD/HCAi for its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions. Developed in partnership with 2G Energy Inc., the BSD Special Seismically Certified (SSC) Microgrid product is set to revolutionize energy resilience and efficiency for all types of buildings. The BSD SSC Microgrid system, consisting of a cogeneration power plant and fuel storage, was initially designed to support California skilled nursing facilities' compliance with California Assembly Bill 2511, which California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on September 29, 2022 . This bill requires these facilities to have an alternative power source to protect resident health and safety for at least 96 hours during any type of power outage. This microgrid power solution is a self-contained electrical system that can operate independently from the main power grid. With the seismic certification, it is now available for any type of building that needs uninterruptable power. "At BSD Builders, we're passionate about creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives. We have developed a proprietary solution that not only meets but exceeds California's stringent seismic requirements while providing a reliable and efficient source of power, especially during unexpected power loss or natural disasters," said Jeff Blair , CEO of BSD Builders, Inc. "This solution offers long-term benefits not only by lowering utility costs, it can also help to improve the stability of the regional electric grid and reduce carbon emissions." Key features of the BSD SSC Microgrid Solution include: "2G Energy is proud to partner with BSD on the BSD SSC Microgrid System designing it for a wide range of applications, providing a reliable and cost-effective energy solution for skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, data centers, pharmaceutical labs, research facilities, cold storage units, data centers, and more," stated Darren Jamison , Managing Director of 2G Energy North America. "The design utilizes proprietary technologies to offer clients reduced utility costs and increased reliability. It is designed for continuous parallel operation with the utility as well as stand-alone island mode," concluded Jamison. For more information about the BSD SSC Microgrid System or to schedule a consultation, please visit bsdbuilders.com . About BSD Builders, Inc . - BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor specializing in the healthcare industry. Focusing on exceeding industry standards and delivering exceptional value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the construction and energy sectors. About 2G Energy – 2G Energy is a globally recognized leader in the development and production of combined heat and power (CHP) systems. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, 2G Energy provides cutting-edge solutions that optimize energy efficiency and environmental performance. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bsd-builders-inc-advanced-microgrid-solutions-receives-california-seismic-certification-for-uninterruptible-power-supply-302324334.html SOURCE BSD Builders, Inc.