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Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:MPB) Shares Acquired by Empowered Funds LLCOlivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets might be dealing with an opponent even tougher to overcome than their poor play, missed opportunities and ill-timed mistakes. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson suggested last Sunday a losing “gene” might be an explanation for the Jets’ inability to pull out victories after the team dropped to 3-10 with a loss at Miami. On Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers presented another perhaps more sinister reason. “I mean, it might be something like that," the quarterback said of Wilson's theory. "It might be some sort of curse we've got to snap as well.” Generations of frustrated Jets fans have half-jokingly insisted there have been negative forces at work against the franchise since Joe Namath delivered on his Super Bowl guarantee in January 1969. It remains the team's only appearance in the NFL's biggest game. Rodgers has been there once — and won — with Green Bay. The 41-year-old quarterback came to New York hoping to finally lead the Jets back to the Super Bowl. He even commented on how lonely the team's only Lombardi Trophy looked during his introductory news conference 20 months ago. Instead, Rodgers' first season in New York was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon just four snaps in, immediately resurrecting "curse” theories among jaded Jets fans. With its loss last Sunday, New York extended its playoff drought to 14 straight years, the longest active skid among the major North American sports leagues. And the team will be looking for a new general manager and coach after this season, and Rodgers' future in New York is very much up in the air. “Whatever the case, this team, this organization is going to figure out how to get over the hump at some point,” Rodgers said. “The culture is built by the players. There’s a framework set down by the organization, by the upper ups, by the staff. But in the end, it’s the players that make it come to life. "And at some point, everybody’s going to have to figure out what that special sauce is to turn those games that should be wins into wins.” The Jets have held the lead in the fourth quarter in five games this season. They've lost each of them, including the past three games. New York's inability to come away with wins in those prompted Wilson's “gene” theory. “I’m not exactly sure what he was talking about there,” Rodgers said with a smile. "I don’t know what the proper nomenclature is for the situation where we’ve lost some leads or haven’t been able to take the lead late in the game, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. We haven’t been great in situational football. “A lot of those games come down to the plays in the first and second, even third quarter, where if you make the play the game is not in that situation. But in those situations, we haven’t been very good on offense or defense or even (special) teams.” Rodgers said “it takes a conscious effort, it takes an intentional effort” to establish a winning culture, and it includes leadership, practice habits and setting standards inside and outside of the locker room. And this year's Jets, Rodgers said, are “on the edge” of that. “We just haven’t quite figured out how to get that special sauce worked out, mixed up,” he said. “It’s close and a lot of great guys are in the locker room. There’s some good mix of veterans and young guys, but we just haven’t quite put it all together.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister and head of the Awam Pakistan Party, has called for dialogue between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and the Army Chief to resolve the pressing challenges faced by the country. Speaking to the media in Kallar Syedan, Abbasi emphasised that Pakistan's development hinges on respecting public opinion. "The country will progress only when the people's voice is honoured," he said, criticising the election process. He remarked that the results displayed on Form 47 have turned elections into a mockery. Abbasi expressed concern over the country’s governance, stating, "A nation cannot be run in the manner Pakistan is being managed." He also criticised the manipulation of the stock market, saying, "Artificially raising the stock index benefits no one, even if it soars to the skies." Highlighting the influence of the military in Pakistan's political landscape, Abbasi stated, "The Army Chief holds the real power. The challenges facing the country will only be resolved when Imran Khan and the Army Chief sit together to find solutions." Abbasi's remarks come amid ongoing debates over political reconciliation and governance in Pakistan. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourMaid’s employer says, “A grocery store staff shamed their helper by calling her fat multiple times”
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed Thursday after market superstar Nvidia and another round of companies said they’re making even fatter profits than expected. The S&P 500 pulled 0.5% higher after flipping between gains and losses several times during the day. Banks, smaller companies and other areas of the stock market that tend to do best when the economy is strong helped lead the way, while bitcoin briefly broke above $99,000. Crude oil, meanwhile, continued to rise. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Sunday in response to Friday’s rise in oil prices, while the Egyptian index ended lower. Oil prices - a catalyst for the Gulf’s financial markets - settled more than 1% higher on Friday, buoyed by a larger-than-expected drawdown from U.S. crude inventories last week. Optimism over Chinese economic growth has also sparked hopes of higher demand next year from the top oil importing nation. The World Bank on Thursday raised its forecast for Chinese economic growth in 2024 and 2025. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 0.4%, led by a 1.7% rise in the country’s biggest lender Saudi National Bank and an 1.8% increase in ACWA Power. Dubai index hits over a decade high again; most Gulf shares down Among other gainers, BAAN Holding Group advanced 2% after announcing the signing of two binding agreements for the acquisition of multiple real estate assets. In Qatar, the index finished 0.9% higher, with the Gulf’s biggest lender Qatar National Bank rising 0.9%. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index fell 1.2%, with most of its constituents in negative territory including Commercial International Bank. Egypt’s central bank kept its overnight interest rates unchanged on Thursday, as expected, saying that while inflation was set to decelerate sharply in early 2025, it nonetheless remained high. SAUDI ARABIA added 0.3% to 11,893 QATAR gained 0.9% to 10,512 EGYPT lost 1.2% to 29,666 BAHRAIN was flat at 1,985 OMAN rose 1.1% to 4,516 KUWAIT eased 0.1% to 7,861Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City.
Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen Sells 230,000 Shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) StockAUSTIN, Texas — This article was originally published by our content partners at the Texas Tribune. Read the original article here . Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Wednesday against chemical giants 3M and DuPont, accusing them of decades-long misrepresentations and omissions regarding the safety of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” sold for use in countless consumer products. These products, sold under brand names such as Teflon, Stainmaster, and Scotchgard, have been staples in households across the nation despite mounting evidence that they contain chemicals that are harmful to human health. “These companies knew for decades that PFAS chemicals could cause serious harm to human health yet continued to advertise them as safe for household use around families and children,” Paxton said in a press release. “Texas is taking action to penalize these companies and hold them accountable for deceiving Texans into buying consumer products without vital information.” Daniel Turner, a spokesperson for DuPont, said in an email that the company has never manufactured PFOA and PFOS — two types of PFAS chemicals — or firefighting foam. "While we don’t comment on litigation matters, we believe this complaint is without merit, and we look forward to vigorously defending our record of safety, health and environmental stewardship," Turned wrote. Representatives of 3M could not be immediately reached for comment. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, belong to a family of manmade chemicals used to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Some estimates list more than 12,000 types of individual PFAS. They’ve been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s and have earned the name “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and can persist in water and soil indefinitely. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to certain types of cancer , birth defects, damage to the liver and immune system. They also accumulate in animals, plants, and humans, contaminating drinking water and even circulating in human blood. The lawsuit was filed in Johnson County nine days after a Texas Tribune story featured farmers in that county who have sued a fertilizer company, alleging the fertilizer they sell, which is made from municipal waste, contained PFAS that poisoned their land and killed their livestock. The farmers say they are not able to make a living off their own land because of the contamination. Dana Ames, the environmental crime investigator for Johnson County who discovered the contamination on the farmers' land, said the lawsuit represents a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against PFAS contamination. "I was over the moon. It's a legal issue and he's [Paxton] our top lawyer for the state so I am very encouraged to see that he has taken this action," Ames said. Many other farmers in other parts of the country have also shut down their operations due to PFAS contamination after using fertilizer made from “biosolids” produced from human waste. According to the lawsuit, 3M and DuPont marketed their PFAS products for more than 70 years despite knowing the dangers for more than half a century. The suit alleges that the companies concealed critical risks, misrepresented safety claims, and continued promoting the chemicals as safe for consumer use. Texas had already taken legal action against PFAS manufacturers, including a lawsuit against Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a firefighting product that has polluted Texas lands and waterways. “Attorney General Paxton has been at the forefront of holding companies responsible for exposing people to dangerous 'forever chemicals.' ” said a statement from the AG’s office. “Today’s lawsuit marks a new stage in PFAS litigation.” Texas has found PFAS contamination in some drinking water systems: Nearly 50 public water systems across the state have reported exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly-released PFAS limits for drinking water. Related Articles 'This chemical is toxic'| Residents in a rural town of North Texas are speaking out against the use of biosolids fertilizer 'Forever chemicals' on Texas land? EPA puts $3.2M into PFAS biosolids research Actor Mark Ruffalo urges Biden administration to take swift action on 'forever chemicals' before Trump takes officeDAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) — Connor Kochera scored 34 points as Davidson beat Eastern Michigan 86-64 on Saturday. Kochera added five rebounds for the Wildcats (10-3). Bobby Durkin added 17 points while going 5 of 11 from the floor, including 3 for 7 from 3-point range, and 4 for 5 from the line while they also had five rebounds. Mike Loughnane shot 4 for 6 from beyond the arc to finish with 12 points. The Eagles (6-6) were led by Da'Sean Nelson, who recorded 16 points. Jalin Billingsley added 12 points and two steals for Eastern Michigan. Arne Osojnik also had 10 points. Davidson took the lead with 19:36 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 41-21 at halftime, with Kochera racking up 16 points. Kochera scored 18 points in the second half to help lead the way as Davidson went on to secure a victory, outscoring Eastern Michigan by two points in the second half. Davidson plays Tuesday against George Mason on the road, and Eastern Michigan hosts Northern Illinois on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans went to the polls Sunday for a second round of voting to choose their next president , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month's vote. The election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party's candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou. It oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation. Orsi's Broad Front took 44% of the vote while Delgado's National Party won just 27% in the first round of voting Oct. 27. But the other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger this time around. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have helped generate extraordinary voter indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about taxes and social spending but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere. “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s most safe and stable. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals briefly tainted Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to press on with his predecessor's pro-business, market-friendly policies. His coalition would likely continue pursuing a prospective trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries that promotes regional commerce. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as an heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , a former Marxist guerilla who boosted Uruguay's profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. “He was born from ordinary workers," Mujica said in a closing campaign ad for Orsi. “He represents, precisely, the average type of what Uruguay is.” Promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi has proposed tax incentives to lure investment and industrial policy to boost Uruguay’s critical agricultural sector. He has also floated social security reforms that would buck the demographic trend in lowering the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. “This is a normal election, which is rare,” said Saldías. “It's indicative of Uruguay’s strength as a democracy.” ___ Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.
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During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated , Mercedes Mone revealed what led to her starting a website and digital magazine. Mone launched “Mone Mag” earlier this year and has since announced a new website, MercedesMone.com , to go along with it. She says the idea behind both is to “control the narrative” and get her voice back. Mone said: “This whole last two to three years, the internet, people just wanna create their own stories. Really [the website] was just to control the narrative and to get my voice back. Going on social media every single day and seeing these made up stories... It’s like enough’s enough.” “Oh, things don’t get to me at all anymore (laughs). I learned a long time ago to not let words affect me, because the internet used to affect me so much. Just the littlest things... would ruin my whole day.” “We have no idea who is on the other side of the keyboard. I don’t know if these are bots. I don’t know if it’s someone who looks like you. I don’t know if it’s a witch or rat or whoever, but at the end of the day I don’t care what you have to say about me.” For the TBS Championship! Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Kris Statlander TBS Champion @MercedesVarnado will defend the title against former champ @callmekrisstat at #AEWFullGear THIS SATURDAY LIVE on PPV from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ! https://t.co/JlBXZPMlvR pic.twitter.com/mTw2AlLYEc Mone is scheduled to defend her TBS title against Kris Statlander at AEW Full Gear on Saturday. During the interview with Sports Illustrated, Mone also spoke about how she enjoys devising a game plan/moveset geared specifically to her opponent. “I love training for my opponent. I love to try to create different moves and move sets that I can outdo their moves. I made sure I stepped into the ring for Kris Statlander because she is a legit powerhouse in this women’s division. And I definitely won’t take her lightly. My back still hurts from being thrown into the wall.” Mone says she enjoys working with wrestlers who have a size and strength advantage over her. “I become more agile. I become faster... because I have to think about how and what am I gonna do to take down these bigger opponents. How much faster do I have to be? Do I have to climb to the top rope to jump on them? Do I have to take out a knee, an ankle? I have such amazing matches with stronger people and people who are bigger than me because I love doing high flying stuff. I love when I can have a good base to try out these cool new moves that I have imagined in my head.” Tonight will be Mone’s tenth match in AEW. She has a perfect 10-0 record, winning the TBS title in her first match and defending it successfully nine times since. Mone’s full interview with Sports Illustrated is available here . Source76ers center Joel Embiid sidelined due to swelling in his left knee and will miss two games PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers say center Joel Embiid is managing swelling in his left knee and will miss a second consecutive game Sunday. The Sixers issued a statement on the condition of the 2023 NBA MVP at halftime of Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets, saying the decision to sideline Embiid was made along with the team’s medical staff. Embiid was ruled out prior to Friday’s game against the Nets due to what the team described as left knee injury maintenance. The Sixers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Austin Hays, Kyle Finnegan, Brendan Rodgers and Jordan Romano among 62 new free agents NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Austin Hays, right-hander Kyle Finnegan and second baseman Brendan Rodgers were among 62 players who became free agents when their teams failed to offer 2025 contracts. Right-hander Jordan Romano, left-hander Patrick Sandoval and outfielders Michael Tauchman and Ramón Laureano also were among the players cut loose, many of whom would have been eligible for salary arbitration. Washington cut right-hander Tanner Rainey, its last remaining player from the 2019 World Series champions. Finnegan and Hays are former All-Stars. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Russell puts Mercedes on pole at Las Vegas and Verstappen nips Norris in championship battle LAS VEGAS (AP) — George Russell put Mercedes on the pole for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in an upset over teammate Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was fastest in the first two practice sessions with Russell fastest in Friday night’s third and final session. But come qualifying, Hamilton made two mistakes in the final group and wound up a distant 10th. Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc seemed to sweep the front row until Russell’s late lap pushed Sainz to second. Pierre Gasly slid into third, and Leclerc wound up fourth. Championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull qualified fifth for Saturday night's race. Verstappen needs only to score three points more than challenger Lando Norris to win his fourth straight world championship. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. Chase Elliott named NASCAR's most popular driver for 7th straight season CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh straight year. He was announced Friday at NASCAR's annual season-ending awards ceremony. It's the only major NASCAR award determined solely by the vote of race fans. Elliott beat out Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, per results released by the National Motorsports Press Association. Bill Elliott, Chase's father who is nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” was named NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 16 times before removing his name from the ballot. Either an Elliott or Earnhardt has won NASCAR’s most popular driver award for 34 consecutive years. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” US ski star Shiffrin leads World Cup slalom after 1st run and closes in on career win No. 99 GURGL, Austria (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin closed in on what would be the American ski star’s career win No. 99 by setting the pace in the opening run of a women’s World Cup slalom. Shiffrin wasn’t clean going into the steep of the Kirchenkar course but gained time on all competitors with a near-flawless finish section. Wendy Holdener was fastest at the first two splits and the Swiss racer trailed Shiffrin by 0.13 seconds at the finish. Shiffrin says she was feeling "a little bit funky on some spots.” A victory would give Shiffrin five chances to compete for win No. 100 during a North American sweep of the World Cup starting next week. Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn’t improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision.
THE rock ’n’ roll reunion we’ve all been waiting for kicks off in July, but the Oasis tour is not the only highlight of the coming year. Here are some dates for your diaries . . . THE 82nd Golden Globe Awards kick off 2025 on January 5, with comedian Nikki Glaser as host. Denzel Washington is up for a gong in Gladiator II, as are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for their roles in Wicked. MARISHA Wallace debuts in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in the West End from January 28. She stars as Sally Bowles alongside Billy Porter. THE Revel Puck Circus in East London has two acrobatics shows a day until January 5. For all ages. PITBULL, heads to London’s O2 arena on Friday, February 21, as part of his European tour dates for Party After Dark. TAKE a trip back to Nineties Beverly Hills for Clueless: A New Musical, which kicks off on February 15 at the Trafalgar Theatre in London. The production, which is based on Jane Austen's classic novel Emma, features new songs by Suddenly I See hitmaker KT Tunstall and Grammy award winner Glenn Slater. OUR favourite pop sweetheart Sabrina Carpenter kicks off the European leg of her Short N’Sweet tour in Dublin, Ireland, on March 3 at the 3Arena, before making her way over to the UK. FELLOW Taylor Swift support act Gracie Abrams, brings her Secret Of Us tour to the UK, starting on March 3 at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. THE Brit Awards 2025 with Mastercard take place on Saturday, March 1 at London’s O2, exclusively broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX. ANASTACIA heads to Europe for her Not That Kind tour. The I’m Outta Love hitmaker will begin her UK leg at Portsmouth Guildhall on April 16. OLLY MURS, kicks off his 15 Years of Hits – Live 2025 tour at Plymouth Pavilions on April 24, with Blue supporting. We can’t wait. BRUCE Springsteen and The E Street Band return to the UK with three dates at Co-op Live in Manchester on May 14, 17 and 20. WE will be taking a trip back to the Noughties as Robbie Williams begins his live 2025 tour at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on May 31. POP’S Dua Lipa will perform at Wembley Stadium on June 20 and 21 as part of her Radical Optimism Tour. SAM FENDER returns with his People Watching Stadium Tour at London Stadium on June 6. Third album, People Watching, is set for February. GLASTONBURY is back from June 25-29. The 1975, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young are set to headline, while Rod Stewart is playing the Sunday Legends slot. CARDIFF will host the reunion of the decade when Oasis, play the first of their Live ’25 Tour dates at the Principality Stadium in Wales on July 4. BILLIE Elish will continue her Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland on July 7. IRISH post-punk band Fontaines D.C. will play Finsbury Park on July 5 with special guests Kneecap and Amyl and The Sniffers. THE Libertines fronted by Pete Doherty, will play a headline show at London’s Gunnersbury Park on Saturday 9. The Don’t Look Back Into The Sun rockers will be joined by special guests including Soft Play, Supergrass and Lambrini Girls. READING and Leeds Festival will take place on the UK bank holiday weekend on 22-24 August. The double festival will see Chappell Roan make her debut at the festival along with Travis Scott . THE National Television Awards will return to London’s O2 on September 10 to celebrate the best of British TV. OUR favourite boy bands, Busted and McFly, will be joining forces for a spectacular tour kicking off at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on September 23. SOUL-POP legends Simply Red will bring their 40th Anniversary Tour to the UK, starting on September 23 at the SSE Arena in Belfast. BEYONCE reigned supreme as she took to the stadium to perform at half-time for the Christmas Day NFL show. And I can reveal the superstar was also the Queen of festive cheer — after paying her staff bumper bonuses and her dancers double pay for joining her in a dazzling performance. Bey, inset, whose estimated net worth is more than £600million, appeared with daughter Blue Ivy at an American football game in Houston, her home city. The show — dubbed the “Beyonce Bowl” — was streamed live on Netflix and produced by her company Parkwood Entertainment. The singer, clad in a white cowboy hat and chaps, performed hits from her country album Cowboy Carter, which included her number one track Texas Hold ’Em. A source said: “Beyonce paid her staff bonuses for working on Christmas Day. "The show was a big business deal and had to happen on Christmas Day so she paid her staff and dancers double pay to make it happen. “She is also planning to bring some of her old dancers back into the mix for her next tour.” But as Beyonce and her 12-year-old daughter lit up the stadium with a flawless performance, her family has been rocked by allegations. Bey’s husband and rapper Jay-Z — real name Shawn Carter — has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl along with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The alleged victim claims she was attacked at a Music Video Awards after-party in 2000. Both men strongly deny the allegations. Earlier this week, a judge ruled against Jay-Z’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, who tried to have the woman behind the allegations identified. Judge Analisa Torres refused the motion. At a time when Blue Ivy was carving out a path to fame, her spotlight has been overshadowed. KATHERINE RYAN has hit back after MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace moaned that “middle-class women of a certain age” were behind the sexism complaints against him. In an exclusive chat at the Women in Film and TV awards, Katherine, right, said: “I feel encouraged that we have moved forward so quickly that there are men of a certain age who can’t keep up with the rules. "They haven’t learned quickly enough that they are supposed to speak to us in a different way or respect us in a different way or hold space for us in a different way – I find that really encouraging.” Last month Gregg stepped down from the BBC One show after a probe into his alleged behaviour. He has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues – accusations he denies. FLORENCE PUGH has opened up on the prospect of juggling a career with starting a family. The British actress recently starred in rom-com We Live In Time, which is set to hit cinemas on New Year’s Day. It sees Florence play Almut – a former figure skater turned chef – who falls in love with divorcee Tobias, portrayed by Andrew Garfield . She said: “Part of this story is about a woman’s dilemma to either have a successful career or start a family. “And let’s be honest, that’s something that’s still very real to this day. “When men become fathers, it doesn’t set their career back – but it can and still very much does for women. “So it was really important for me that women especially got to sympathise with Almut. “It’s going to be a dilemma I have to juggle at some point – and it’s still such an important subject matter.” It comes after Florence was recently spotted Christmas shopping with her Peaky Blinders boyfriend Finn Cole in London. The couple were first linked in September. LOVE Island star Josh Denzel has announced that he is engaged – six years after appearing on the ITV dating series. While he did not find romance on the show, the reality star announced on Instagram that he had popped the question to fashion model girlfriend Ruby Wong on the slopes in Switzerland . Sharing a collection of romantic snaps on the social media site, he wrote: “My love, every day with you is a gift, and I’m so blessed to spend the rest of my life by your side. “You are my rock, my guide, and my heart. And now you’re my fiancee. I love you always.” IT IS the scandal that has rocked Hollywood. But while Blake Lively is suing her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment, it seems that she can count on her close pal Taylor Swift for support. I am told the singer has been regularly checking in with bestie Blake, who played florist Lily Bloom in the film, following claims Justin fat-shamed her and talked about their respective sex lives. A source said: “Taylor has been speaking to Blake nearly every day and is absolutely disgusted by the revelations. “Taylor sticks by her friends and understands how tough the industry can be — especially for women. She is no stranger to legal conflicts and has been offering guidance and advice.” The talent agency that represents both actors has cut ties with Justin since the legal complaint was filed against him last week. And a list of 30 demands was released that Blake made to Justin and others before she would return to filming the movie, which is based on Colleen Hoover's novel and sees Lily navigate an abusive relationship. Legal papers reveal there was a meeting attended by Blake, her actor husband Ryan Reynolds, Justin, studio bosses and lawyers to address her complaints on set. Among the demands made were that Justin’s previous “pornography addiction” and her lack of porn “consumption” no longer be up for discussion. But while Blake is fighting to get her voice heard, it seems that her friendship with Taylor is stronger than ever. The pair, left, have been close since connecting in 2015. Since then, they are regularly spotted out together and Taylor is godmother to Blake’s three daughters — even namechecking them on track Betty from her 2020 album, Folklore. JENNIFER LOPEZ chills out in her warmest winter woollies – and a pair of giant fluffy snow boots . The On The Floor hitmaker completed the look with a huge parka jacket and oversized shades during a festive getaway to Aspen, Colorado. The singer is set to ring in 2025 as a single woman after filing for divorce from her ex, Ben Affleck , in August. And she is staying focused on her career with a part in the film adaptation of Kiss Of The Spider Woman next year. Jen said: “It’s probably the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had. It’s about love, acceptance and finding beauty in the darkness. “I think those themes are so relevant right now.” Perhaps some inspo for her 2025 mood board . . .Ben Napier, Star of HGTV’s ‘Home Town,’ Shares Challenges of Raising Young GirlsMonday, December 30, 2024 UK citizens heading to the European Union will face new travel regulations in 2025, including the implementation of biometric border checks under the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the introduction of visa-waiver requirements. These changes are part of the EU’s effort to modernize and secure its borders. EES Biometric Border Checks The long-anticipated EES system is expected to go live in 2025 after several delays. This digital border control system will replace the traditional passport stamp process with biometric data collection, such as fingerprints and facial scans, to record travelers’ entries and exits from EU countries. First-Time Registration: When the system launches, UK travelers will need to scan their passport, provide fingerprints, have a facial photograph taken, and answer four questions about their trip. Subsequent Travel: For future trips over the next three years—or until their passport expires—travelers will only need to provide one biometric detail, either a fingerprint or a facial scan. Process at Ports and Airports At airports, biometric checks will occur upon landing. For Eurostar, Eurotunnel, or ferry travelers, the checks will be conducted on UK soil before departure. Drivers crossing via ferry ports will be required to exit their vehicles for biometric processing, raising concerns about potential delays and longer queues. To streamline the process, travelers will be able to pre-register their details via an app or self-service kiosks at select locations. However, the rollout is expected to be phased, with some teething issues anticipated during the initial implementation. Exemptions for Children Children under 12 will only need to have their photo taken and will not be required to provide fingerprints. Visa Waiver Requirements Alongside the EES, UK citizens traveling to the EU will also need to obtain a visa waiver under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to be introduced in 2025. This electronic authorization will cost €7 and will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires. Impact on Travelers The new rules aim to enhance border security and streamline data collection, but they are likely to alter the travel experience for British citizens. Critics have expressed concerns about potential delays, particularly at ferry ports where drivers must leave their vehicles for checks. To minimize inconvenience, officials recommend pre-registering biometric details and ensuring all travel documentation is up to date. The UK government advises travelers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements before their first trip to the EU in 2025. Conclusion These new measures mark a significant change for UK travelers to the EU, with the introduction of advanced biometric technology and visa-waiver systems. While the updates aim to improve border security and efficiency, travelers are advised to prepare for potential initial delays as the systems are rolled out across member states.
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House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors
Martin Keown tells Mikel Arteta to replace Arsenal star after Monaco winDAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) — Connor Kochera scored 34 points as Davidson beat Eastern Michigan 86-64 on Saturday. Kochera added five rebounds for the Wildcats (10-3). Bobby Durkin added 17 points while going 5 of 11 from the floor, including 3 for 7 from 3-point range, and 4 for 5 from the line while they also had five rebounds. Mike Loughnane shot 4 for 6 from beyond the arc to finish with 12 points. The Eagles (6-6) were led by Da'Sean Nelson, who recorded 16 points. Jalin Billingsley added 12 points and two steals for Eastern Michigan. Arne Osojnik also had 10 points. Davidson took the lead with 19:36 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 41-21 at halftime, with Kochera racking up 16 points. Kochera scored 18 points in the second half to help lead the way as Davidson went on to secure a victory, outscoring Eastern Michigan by two points in the second half. Davidson plays Tuesday against George Mason on the road, and Eastern Michigan hosts Northern Illinois on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .