The Minnesota Vikings have held on in a thriller against division rivals the Green Bay Packers to set up a mouth-watering blockbuster for the NFC’s number one seed next week. Watch an average of 6 games each week during the regular season, plus every game of the NFL Postseason including the Super Bowl, LIVE on ESPN with Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Meantime, the New York Giants are finally back on the winner’s list, but it could come at a hefty cost in the race for pick 1 at the draft. When running back Cam Akers caught a touchdown late in the third term, the Vikings jumped out to what looked like an unassailable 27-10 lead, but the Packers weren’t going to go down without a fight. Touchdowns to Packers duo Emmanuel Wilson and Malik Heath, plus a two-point conversion for Romeo Doubs, meant the Packers fell only two points short. Vikings quarter-back Sam Darnold had a day out, completing 33 out of 43 passes for 377 passing yards and three touchdowns. Darnold has had a terrific year under centre with youngster JJ McCarthy on the sidelines, leading the Vikings to a 14-2 record. Minnesota’s QB situation remains a point of intrigue as the post-season approaches, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini is reporting that the Vikings “want Darnold back in Minnesota for 2025”. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor was electric for the Vikings with 81 yards which included an epic 31-yard touchdown, while Justin Jefferson (92 yards), Jordan Addison (69 yards), Aaron Jones (77 yards) and TJ Hockenson (68 yards) were also important contributors. Minnesota’s victory means they have set up an epic showdown with the Detroit Lions next week to decide which team clinches the NFC’s number one seed. Elsewhere, the New York Giants have returned to the winner’s list for the first time since early October after ruining the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff dreams. Quarter-back Drew Lock was in fine form with 309 passing yards and four touchdowns, while rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers had a career-best performance, racking up two touchdowns from seven catches and 171 yards. Tyrone Tracy Jr and Wan’Dale Robsinson both went for over 70 total yards as well for the Giants. Indianapolis’ hopes of remaining in playoff contention are now vanquished however after the Giants won their first home game of the season. Running back Jonathan Taylor posted 136 yards and two touchdowns, while wide-receiver duo Michael Pittman Jr (109 yards, one touchdown) and Alec Pierce (122 yards, one touchdown) also had strong outings. While the players and coaching staff of the Giants were ecstatic with a win, fans might be feeling a little torn. The Giants were frontrunners to secure the number one pick for the NFL draft, but the loss means their season win-loss record is now equal to that of the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. When you take into account strength of schedule, the Giants have slid from pick 1 to probably pick 4 after today’s win. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miam’s Cam Ward are considered to be two of the leading candidates for that selection and have been linked to the Giants throughout the season. Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills secured the second seed in the AFC after a 40-14 victory over the New York Jets, which gives head coach Sean McDermott the luxury of resting his starters next week against New England if he desires. Allen’s numbers were down by his usual standards given he is the frontrunner for the MVP this season, but that didn’t stop the Bills’ high-power offense from firing. The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East after demolishing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7, despite missing star quarter-back Jalen Hurts due to concussion, while Tampa Bay destroyed Carolina 48-14 to move into fourth in the NFC. Star Eagles running back Saquon Barkley created history, becaming just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. The AFC is heating up however, with the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins all still vying to feature in the post-season. The Broncos can book their place in the playoffs if they defeat Kansas City next week (who are likely to rest their starters), while the Dolphins need to defeat the Jets and hope the Broncos slip up. The Bengals would need to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and hope that both the Broncos and Dolphins lose their respective matches. In other results, the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tennessee Titans and the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the New Orleans Saints.49ers RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason placed on IRAnge Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham are looking into why so many players have suffered injury setbacks this season. Ben Davies is the latest to fall into that category, with the Welsh international initially primed to return for Sunday’s visit of Wolves but no longer available. Davies suffered a setback in training this week, which means Spurs could be without a fit centre-back after Radu Dragusin was forced off in the latter stages of Thursday’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest with an ankle issue. Ange with a team news update ahead of Wolves on Sunday 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/0EiYh4TP8j — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 27, 2024 Postecoglou is already without first-choice central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven after both failed to make it through their comeback fixture against Chelsea on December 7. “Yeah, that’s been our major problem this year. Guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such,” Postecoglou said. “We’re looking at those things and why they’re happening. It’s certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they’re the ones who are missing. “I think just about all of them, apart from Vic (Guglielmo Vicario), are recurrences of an injury. “Even with Romero, it was a different injury but it’s still a guy coming back, so it’s something we’re looking at.” There could be good news on the horizon with attackers Mikey Moore and Richarlison expected to return to training next week. A post shared by Richarlison (@richarlison) Richarlison suffered his own setback in November when his short-lived return after a calf issue was cut short when he injured the same area against Aston Villa. Moore, meanwhile, has been sidelined by a virus for the best part of two months but the 17-year-old could provide a much-needed spark in the new year when Newcastle visit on January 4. Postecoglou said: “Him and Richy are in the final phases. Next week they can start training. We’ve got a bit of a gap before the Newcastle game. “The plan is Mikey and Richy come back into first-team training next week.” Anticipated returns for Moore and Richarlison will fail to help Postecoglou against Wolves, with makeshift centre-back Archie Gray potentially set to partner up with fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma if Dragusin cannot recover. Pressed on the issue of fixture scheduling, with Spurs definitely missing eight players for Sunday’s fixture, Postecoglou said: “It is challenging. “All clubs are going to have to get their heads around it and authorities are going to have to get their heads around it. “One of two things need to happen: either you somehow change the fixture schedule, which doesn’t seem feasible, or you allow clubs bigger squads. Then you have other issues with that, as well. “The attrition rate you’re seeing and it’s not just us. We’re going through a particularly badly moment. Newcastle went through it last year and it affected them pretty badly. They were obviously in the Champions League as well and probably didn’t have the squad to cope with it. “It hits certain clubs at different times and is probably becoming more prevalent, and for all of us it’s a challenge as to how we navigate this process to keep our players healthy. “It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing. For us it’s been constant since August and we’re not even halfway through the year. And they’re not going to get a break now, so these things we’re constantly assessing.”
boss Rúben Amorim has admitted Pep Guardiola's new contract at is "a problem for everybody." Amorim has been tasked with bringing the title back to Old Trafford after succeeding Erik ten Hag as head coach. The 39-year-old's arrival has coincided with Guardiola's decision to , which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2027. Given his ambitions with United, Amorim said it is not ideal that Guardiola, who has won the league title in six of the last seven seasons, is sticking around. "I think it's a problem for everybody but we have so much to do we cannot focus on anybody," Amorim said. "We just have to focus on improving our club and not focus on the other clubs. It's amazing, if you can beat that team it's a good sign but we are focused on Manchester United." Amorim, who will take charge of his first game against Ipswich on Sunday, is looking to become the first United manager to win the title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Still only two weeks into the job, he said he is "not yet had the opportunity" to meet Ferguson. Despite the Scot's unbelievable success at the club, Amorim said he is not in Manchester "to copy" the legendary manager. "It's not to copy someone, so I have to be me," he said. "We have to be very demanding. This is a club that has to win things, we have to show that to our players. But it's a different time. I cannot be the same guy that Alex Ferguson was. It's a different time and I need to have a different approach but I can also be demanding with that different approach." Amorim has been parachuted into the United job following a miserable start to the season under Ten Hag. The former Sporting CP coach, who hinted that he would have preferred to stay in Portugal until the end of the season before moving on, admitted that trying to implement his methods halfway through the campaign will be tough. "It's so much harder to come to the team in the middle of the season because you have to get to know the players during the games," Amorim said. "You are talking about no national team periods to work with the players, it's just games. It depends. If you are winning it's a lot of fun, having a lot of games, trying to make changes tactically and winning games. "But if you are losing you don't have time in training to work out everything you want to work on. To improve a team, training is the most important aspect. "Players can recover very fast but if you don't do any exercise with that it's really hard to do that in video or recovery training sessions. It's really hard but we'll try to find ways to cope with that."When the cryptocurrency market moves, experts are suggesting a number of Solana alternatives that are primed to take off by Christmas. Although Solana has earned a reputation for its high transaction speed and scalability, there are other projects currently gathering momentum who are developing new and more interesting approaches to blockchain technology. One such project is Lightchain AI , which combines artificial intelligence with blockchain to offer scalable, decentralized applications across industries like healthcare, finance, and supply chain. In contrast to Solana, which is based on transaction speed, Lightchain AI applies its Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) to provide AI-enabled and value-delivering solutions. At the presale price of $0.003, Lightchain AI presents an investment with long-term upside potential. With increasing demand for AI-powered decentralized applications, professionals have concluded that Lightchain AI is likely to rank higher than mature blockchains, hence exciting options to investors at holiday season. In this article, 4 Solana substitutes are presented to and discussed by experts who claim they will be explosive growth before Christmas. 4 Solana Alternatives to Keep an Eye On Here are four Solana alternatives that are gaining attention and could see significant growth: 1. Lightchain AI : Combining artificial intelligence with blockchain, Lightchain AI offers decentralized, AI-driven solutions for industries like healthcare, finance, and supply chain. Its Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) make it a unique project set for long-term success. With its presale priced at $0.003, Lightchain AI presents an exciting investment opportunity. 2. Polkadot (DOT) : Polkadot is focused on creating an interoperable multi-chain network, allowing different blockchains to communicate with one another. Its scalability and cross-chain compatibility make it an attractive option for decentralized applications. 3. Avalanche (AVAX) : Avalanche offers high-speed, low-cost transactions and is known for its subnets, allowing developers to create customized blockchains that meet specific needs. It's a strong competitor in DeFi and enterprise blockchain solutions. 4. Cardano (ADA) : Cardano emphasizes sustainability, scalability, and security, using a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. It’s a leader in providing decentralized applications (dApps) with a focus on global real-world impact, especially in developing regions. These alternatives to Solana each bring unique strengths and are poised for substantial growth in the next market cycle. Experts recommend keeping a close eye on these projects and considering them for investment opportunities this holiday season. Why Solana Alternatives Are Worth Considering Solana alternatives like Lightchain AI, Polkadot, Avalanche, and Cardano are gaining attention for their unique strengths, offering investors valuable opportunities. Lightchain AI stands out with its integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain, providing scalable, AI-powered decentralized applications that tackle real-world challenges in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and supply chain. Polkadot is worth to think about for its skill to allow connections between various blockchains, making a many-chain network that helps with growth. Avalanche gives fast, cheap deals with a flexible blockchain choice that attracts DeFi plans and businesses. Cardano l͏ooks at lasting growth and big size through its green proof-of-stake way, trying to bring shared apps to areas that lack them. These four projects mix quickness, size, real-world uses, and new ideas make them solid rivals to Solana with good chances for rise in the next months. So as the crypto field keeps changing and getting better experts suggest watching these Solana choices and thought about them for buying this holiday time. Why Lightchain AI Is More Than Just a Solana Alternative While Lightchain AI has been mentioned as a Solana alternative, it's more than just that. As the first blockchain project to combine AI and blockchain technology, Lightchain AI offers unique solutions for industries where these technologies can have a significant impact. Its Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) make it stand out from traditional blockchains like Solana, which focus primarily on speed and scalability. With its presale priced at $0.003, experts believe Lightchain AI is an attractive investment opportunity with long-term growth potential beyond being compared to Solana. And as the demand for AI-driven decentralized applications grows, Lightchain AI could see significant adoption and success in the market. This makes it a top contender to watch in the crypto space, not just as an alternative to Solana but also as a project with its own unique potential for explosive growth. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.49ers RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason placed on IRTinubu finally responds to Zulum, says Borno governor backward in thinking
Chandigarh: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against eight people, including four officials, three contractors, and their associates, for alleged manipulation in awarding a tender for outsourcing manpower by Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) 16 years ago. The FIR was filed on the recommendation of a DSP-level officer posted in the Gurugram bureau, who conducted a preliminary investigation into the allegations against former power minister Randeep Singh Surjewala . However, Surjewala’s name was referred for the probe only and is neither in list of accused nor in any observation made by the officer in his report while recommending the registration of case under sections 13 (1 and 2) and 13 D of Prevention of Corruption Act and section 12 0B of IPC. Other accused named in the case include Sumer Singh Yadav, now retired superintending engineer, operations circle, DHBVN Gurugram, two former DGMs, V K Aggarwal and Daljit Singh, and Ashok Mehta, former accountant, DHBVN. The accused contractors are Ajay Singh Sandhu and Ishwar Singh Nain, the owner and partners of Sandhu Security Services, and unidentified persons. The cause of action dates back to April 2021 when, acting on a complaint moved by Sandhu, the ACB began the probe, with one of the seven points of the complaint linked to DHBVN, Gurugram. Acting on the report of then-investigation officer, the bureau tasked the DSP-level officer in Gurugram to head the probe. Sandhu is also one of the accused in the case. The issue relates to outsourcing work for the contractual employment of 156 assistant linemen and 12 shift attendants to be attached to DHBVN’s operation circle in Gurugram. For this purpose, the DHBVN called for bids by floating the tender for hiring the manpower in 2009. The tender was awarded to Sandhu Security Services allegedly in violation of terms in the contract. We also published the following articles recently ACB to probe corruption charges against CRDA officials The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) commissioner in Vijayawada ordered a corruption probe following complaints from Amaravati farmers about bribery and delays in plot registrations. One data entry operator was fired after a video surfaced of him soliciting a bribe. Despite additional staff, registration processing remained slow, fueling allegations of deliberate delays and demands for bribes by CRDA officials. Tender scam: Discharge pleas of accused rejected A Ranchi court rejected discharge pleas from two defendants, Ram Prakash Bhatia and Neeraj Mittal, accused of laundering Rs 4.5 crore in a rural development tender fraud case. This follows the rejection of all other discharge petitions in the case involving former minister Alamgir Alam and ex-chief engineer Veerendra Ram. Hema report: Probe into SIT-filed cases in limbo Kerala police face a dilemma investigating 35 FIRs stemming from the Hema Committee report on film industry sexual harassment. Victims are hesitant to cooperate, hindering progress despite a special investigation team's efforts. The cases, dating back to the early 2000s, lack sufficient evidence beyond victim statements. Actor Mala Parvathy challenges the probe in the Supreme Court, citing harassment. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
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In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative on Good Governance Day, celebrated to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative, which is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the tools and knowledge required for effective governance and participatory planning. Advertisement Speaking at the event, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that governance reforms must begin at the grassroots to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change as well as to fill up the capacity gaps. The “Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi” initiative focuses on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through innovative tools and capacity-building frameworks. Advertisement Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance service delivery” said the Minister. The minister underlined that this program aligns with the government’s broader mission to decentralise governance and foster participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. The initiative is expected to create scalable models of citizen-centric governance, enabling PRIs to drive equitable and sustainable development across rural India. Marking Good Governance Day, Dr Jitendra Singh launched a series of other transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. These initiatives, rooted in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, underscore the government’s commitment to inclusive and accountable administration. The first initiative unveiled by Dr Jitendra Singh was the launch of a new dashboard on the iGOT Karmayogi platform, along with the milestone introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. The enhanced dashboard is designed to empower ministries, departments, and state administrators with advanced tools to monitor user registrations, course completions, and overall progress in capacity-building efforts. With customizable views and robust data filtration capabilities, the dashboard provides detailed insights to improve decision-making and optimize training initiatives. Additionally, the introduction of the 1600th course on the platform underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and comprehensive learning ecosystem. These courses, curated in collaboration with government and private ecosystem partners, aim to equip officials with the skills and knowledge needed to address dynamic challenges in governance. Together, these developments represent a significant stride toward building a capable, future-ready civil service aligned with the vision of Mission Karmayogi. The second was the launch of the Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative. The third initiative, the launch of CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024, provides a comprehensive review of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System. As the world’s largest citizen interface platform, CPGRAMS has redefined grievance redressal by integrating advanced technologies, multilingual support, and comprehensive tracking mechanisms. The report showcases key achievements, including the resolution of over 25 lakh grievances annually and the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI). By fostering transparency, accountability, and best practices, CPGRAMS has significantly improved public service delivery and government responsiveness, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of governance reforms. The fourth initiative, the Single Simplified Pension Application Form, revolutionises pension processing for retiring officials. Combining nine separate forms into one streamlined digital format, the new system ensures end-to-end digitisation through the integration of e-HRMS with Bhavishya. Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the initiative’s benefits, including real-time tracking of pension applications, Aadhaar-based e-signatures, and seamless verification through e-Service Books. This innovation reduces processing time and costs, ensuring timely disbursement of pensions while enhancing user experience through a pensioner-friendly interface. Another significant initiative launched during the event was the Compendium of Pension Related Instructions, 2024, a comprehensive document consolidating all updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. This compendium serves as a single-window reference for pensioners and administrative personnel, eliminating ambiguities and ensuring clarity in pension-related processes. Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s vision to simplify and streamline pension systems, making them more accessible and user-friendly. By integrating the latest amendments, including digital innovations and procedural reforms, the compendium is expected to enhance the ease of living for pensioners and promote efficient pension administration across the country. AdvertisementTejon Ranch director Geoffrey Stack sells $94,590 in stockIowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level MediaBill Bergey, a former pro football player, who was also a Legendary Eagles linebacker , passed away at the age of 79, after he lost his battle against cancer. His son, Jake Bergey, who is a renowned former lacrosse player, announced this tragic news on his social media handle on X, saying that Bill lost a 3-year-long battle against cancer, and the fact that he was one of the best guardians to have out there. ET Year-end Special Reads It's all Gucci for Indians' luxury craving even as economy shows wrinkles Investing in 2025: Will domestic funds continue to counter FPI sell-offs amid rising valuations? 2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley Is Bill Bergey no more? Bergey has been in the news only recent while ago, talking about his battle against cancer and how Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelley, had become his close confidant ever since his journey against the fatal disease began. Kelley has been Bergey's constant inspiration and energy source for fighting through, but little did anyone know that he would not make i through in this tough battle. What are some of the best records by Bill Bergey? Bergey has had his own set of records in his game, having made Pro Bowls in four of his first five seasons with the Eagles in the years 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1978, according to an NBC Sports report. He also made it to 1st-team All-Pro in consecutive years, which is also a record in itself. FAQs: Has Bill Bergey passed away? Yes, among the most troubling news from the world of pro football, Bill Bergey, who was also a Legendary Eagles linebacker, passed away at the age of 79. What was the reason of Bill Bergey's death? Bill Bergey has been battling against cancer for the better part of three years now, and ultimately went down against the disease. 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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has announced that he is voting against this year’s $900 billion Pentagon budget, citing the defense industry’s “massive fraud” and “waste” as Congress neglects the fact that regular Americans are struggling to survive. In an op-ed in The Guardian on Sunday , Sanders pointed out that the U.S.’s defense budget — which, between the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other spending for defense, will total nearly $1 trillion — is higher than the next nine top global spenders on the military combined. “The US has fallen far behind other major countries in protecting the most vulnerable, and our government has failed millions of working families. But while so many Americans are struggling to get by, the United States is spending record-breaking amounts of money on the military,” Sanders wrote. The NDAA is poised to come to a vote within the coming days, with the massive figure having not faced much scrutiny in Congress despite the fact that the budget balloons to extreme heights each and every year. This year, Congress is slated to authorize $850 billion for the Department of Defense directly, as well as other “national security” projects, with add-ons like nuclear weapons and emergency spending likely to push the budget close to or over $1 trillion. Sanders pointed out that this spending is going toward an agency that has failed seven audits in a row, unable to account for its over $4 trillion in assets — while hundreds of billions will also go toward private defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, RTX, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, who charge the government brazenly high prices with little accountability or consequences. For instance, the companies “jacked up prices” as Congress has appropriated emergency funds for defense contractors to expand their production capacity to make weapons for Ukraine, the senator pointed out. These four companies have brought in over $353 billion in revenue from taxpayers since 2022, turning $57 billion in profits and spending $61 billion on dividends and stock buybacks. “Very few people who have researched the military-industrial complex doubt that there is massive fraud, waste and cost over-runs in the system,” Sanders said, pointing out that defense contractors protect their profits and large executive payouts with extensive lobbying campaigns. “We do not need to spend almost a trillion dollars on the military, while half a million Americans are homeless and children go hungry,” Sanders concluded. “I will be voting against the military budget.” In his term in office, President Joe Biden has massively increased the military budget, taking it from $740 billion in 2020 to a level this year that exceeds the amount that the U.S. spent on average each year during World War II when adjusted for inflation, as analyst Stephen Semler has pointed out. When accounting for other military-related programs like veterans’ aid, U.S. spending on militarism in Fiscal Year 2025 will total a whopping $1.6 trillion, according to the National Priorities Project . The U.S.’s militarism projects have horrific and deadly consequences. In the first year of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, for instance, the U.S. sent a record $18 billion in military aid to Israel. The U.S. is slated to send another $20 billion soon, enabling Israel as it carries out an ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza, continually violates a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and occupies and attacks other surrounding countries like Syria.
Revealed: The rising star tipped to take over Michael Rowland's plum ABC News Breakfast hosting gig READ MORE: Michael Rowland announces his retirement from ABC By JIMMY BRIGGS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 21:57, 2 December 2024 | Updated: 22:31, 2 December 2024 e-mail 22 shares 2 View comments A rising media star has been tipped to replace ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland after his shock on-air resignation on Monday . ABC's 7pm newsreader James Glenday is the most likely candidate to step into the role, according to The Sydney Morning Herald . Glenday has frequently appeared as a fill-in host on the program and is finishing up his role as a newsreader in Canberra in the coming weeks. The veteran reporter has a wealth of political and field experience, having worked as both a Europe and US Correspondent for the ABC during his time with the network. When approached for comment, an ABC spokesperson told the publication it's 'too early to confirm the 2025 line-up'. Michael, 55, broke the shock news of his departure to viewers on Monday morning, revealing his last show would be on Friday, December 13. A rising media star has been tipped to replace ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland (pictured) after his shock on-air resignation on Monday 'I'm leaving News Breakfast,' Rowland announced. 'I'm sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice. I'm not one for long and drawn out farewells and I wanted minimal fuss. 'I love the job, it's the best job I've had in the ABC. In fact, anywhere. But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming "enough!". And so too is my wife. 'It's been an immense privilege to be here for 15 years presenting the news to our viewers. That, to me, has been by far the most important part of the job.' The veteran journalist anchored the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Rowland has also served as Lateline's economics correspondent and state political reporter in both New South Wales and Victoria. ABC Director, News Justin Stevens, said in a statement: 'Michael has been central to News Breakfast's success over the past 15 years, a familiar and trusted face for viewers each morning. 'His ability to traverse serious reporting as well as lighter topics, and do it on live TV for three hours every morning, shows what a hugely talented broadcaster he is. ABC's 7pm newsreader James Glenday (left) is the most likely candidate to step into the role, according to The Sydney Morning Herald Glenday has frequently appeared as a fill-in host on the program and is finishing up his role as a newsreader based in Canberra in the coming weeks Read More Michael Rowland reveals disgruntled viewer's VERY personal attack against him in wild complaint 'We'll miss him a lot on the News Brekky couch but we can't wait to see what he does next for the ABC after a well-deserved rest.' Meanwhile, Rowland's ABC News Breakfast co-host Bridget Brennan said it has been 'an honour and a privilege' sitting alongside him. 'I've been able to watch firsthand his enduring dedication to strong journalism and public service,' Brennan said in a statement. 'After 15 years, Australians will miss his presence each and every morning enormously, but I know we all appreciate the incredible effort he has given to News Breakfast for such a long time. 'Michael, I hope this next chapter brings long sleep-ins and more time to stay up late and watch your beloved Doggies!' New South Wales Celebrity Life Michael Rowland Share or comment on this article: Revealed: The rising star tipped to take over Michael Rowland's plum ABC News Breakfast hosting gig e-mail 22 shares Add commentTHE new government will have to put farming and fishing top of the agenda if they want to get over the line with Independents, they have been warned. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will go into power again after landing 84 seats between them — needing the support of just four more to secure a majority in the new larger Dail . With Fianna Fail winning the popular vote and returning with the most TDs, Micheal Martin will likely become Taoiseach while Simon Harris will take on the Tanaiste role. And with preferred partner Labour focusing on forming a strong left block of parties, the new coalition could see a number of deputies intent on unravelling the policies of the wiped-out Greens . The new Independent Ireland party has four TDs with Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue, Michael Fitzmaurice and new to the Dail, Cork’s Ken O’Flynn. The party plan to speak with like-minded independents over the coming days to come together for a voting group for speaking time in the Dail. The party’s new TD Mr O’Flynn told The Irish Sun that Independent Ireland have an “open door policy” and will discuss going into coalition but their co-operation will be dependent on their policies being implemented. He said: “There will be red line issues for individual TDs about their own constituencies but there are also red line issues on the national side of things, in particular with fisheries and farming which an awful lot of people feel let down by due to Green policy. “There will be a discussion around carbon taxes and on the structures to protect small to medium-sized businesses." Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae also claimed farming and fisheries will be two key areas that need to be addressed if he and his politician brother Danny are to support any coalition. He said: “There are a myriad of issues under the headings of infrastructure, housing, health, farming, fishing — those headline issues we want to discuss.” Asked if he is considering going into government, the popular Kerry politician said: “We’re serious about everything, every day of the week. “I take the whole issue of politics and being a public rep very, very seriously. There’s no questioning that.” Labour leader Ivana Bacik has ruled out going into coalition with the old civil war parties on their own and wants to bring the Social Democrats with them to avoid being wiped out like the Greens. After three days of counting, Fianna Fail are the big winners of General Election 2024 with 46 seats and will be joined in the Dail again by Fine Gael who have won 38 seats. This still leaves the parties four seats short of a Dail majority but insiders in both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael admit they will need closer to ten more TDs to form a stable government. Both parties will hold their first meetings with their new look parliamentary parties on Tuesday where decisions will be made about how they should approach government formation talks. Labour and the Social Democrats have boosted their numbers in this election with 11 TDs each going back to the Dail — making either of them attractive partners for government. The Soc Dems will prove difficult to negotiate with due to policy differences and their five key red lines on housing, health, childcare, climate action and a Minister for Disabilities. Labour MEP Aodhan O’Riordain has already warned the party not to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, citing the tough time that the Greens have suffered after being wiped out following their coalition. The Greens have had a disappointing election securing just one seat so far — the seat of their leader Roderic O’Gorman. Ms Bacik has consistently said she will try to form a “left block” with the Soc Dems and the Greens after the election so they can go into government formation talks with stronger numbers. The Labour leader said she was planning to phone the leaders of the Social Democrats and Mr O’Gorman of the Greens last night to discuss the left banding together. Asked if Labour would be prepared to go it alone in coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, Ms Bacik said: “No. Not at this stage. “We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there is the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do. I think anyone on the left who is serious about delivering change — whether they are in the Social Democrats, independent groups or the Greens — I think they will see the merit in forging a common platform before anyone talks to any members of the big three parties.” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald will reach out to the leaders of the other parties to try and form a government but there simply will not be the numbers there for a government without Fianna Fail or Fine Gael — both of whom have ruled out a deal with Sinn Fein. Another independent, Galway East TD Sean Canney, previously served in government with the Independent Alliance after the 2016 election and he is willing to step back into the breach again. FINE Gael’s Bernard Durkan’s reign as the Dail’s longest serving TD is finally over. He missed out on a seat in Kildare North — 43 years after he was first elected to the Dail. His running mate, Joe Neville, took the final seat. In a post to X today, Durkan, 79, wrote: “Alas, today wasn’t my day but it has been my privilege to represent the people of Kildare in Dail Eireann for over 43 years.” He said: “People think that independents have demands for their constituencies and that’s that. “However, one of the things I would be saying is that housing, and I have a background in construction, that housing needs to be addressed over the next five years, whoever is in government.” Mr Canney also said that removing the means test for the carers allowance would definitely be a non-negotiable for his support. Other independents have also signalled that they are open to talks including Marian Harkin and Kevin Moran with the latter, the returning Longford-Westmeath TD, claiming: “One day in government is better than 100 in opposition.” Fianna Fail’s deputy leader Jack Chambers said the negotiations for the formation of the next government will likely take a long time as he ruled out any final deal before the end of the year. He said: “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December when the Dail is due to meet on December 18. “Probably a Ceann Comhairle will be elected and there will have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent and stable government. He added: “I don’t think it will take five months like it did the last time because of Covid .”
Schools will start offline in Delhi, Directorate of Education issued an order; but these will remain restricted