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Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay homeKimball Electronics Wins Highest Customer Ratings in Seven Categories of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY’S 2024 Service Excellence Awards
Illinois (6-0) moved to 6-0 for the second time under third-year coach Shauna Green. Illinois scored the opening nine points of the game and took a double-digit lead for good with 2:11 left in the first quarter when Makira Cook made a 3-pointer to begin 13-2 run. UMES scored 13 straight points midway through the second quarter to get as close as 32-22, but Cook answered with a basket to end Illinois' three-minute drought. Bryant finished the first half with 14 points and Cook added 13 to help Illinois build a 43-26 lead. The pair combined to make seven of Illinois’ 14 field goals. UMES was 9 of 36 (25%), including 0 of 7 from 3-point range at halftime. Illinois also got 15 points from Cook and a career-high 11 rebounds from Brynn Shoup-Hill. Bryant, who reached double figures in the first quarter, scored 20-plus for the first time this season. Zamara Haynes led UMES (4-3) with 20 points and Mahogany Lester added 14. Illinois stays in Nashville to play No. 14 Kentucky on Wednesday. UMES travels to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face Georgia Southern in the Battle on the Banks on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:24 p.m. EST
NoneSister of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion also injured, friend says
New digital platform aims to combat systemic discrimination in PeelHoliday stress can lead Alzheimer’s patients and those with dementia to go missing
Top 7 must-read EV stories of 2024 — Interesting Engineering1. A Comfy that'll give them the comfort of a hoodie and the warmth of a blanket — who could possibly hate the epitome of coziness? Promising review: "I bought this for my dad for Christmas. He is extremely hard to buy for. I knew this would be something he loves or never wears. He is always really cold. He works from home and so I got him this in hopes he could stay warm and still be able to do video on his calls. I hit a home run! He loves it. It’s so soft and warm and it’s surprisingly stylish. It’s the perfect warmth for him so he doesn’t have to continually turn a space heater on and off to keep the room at the right temp. It would be perfect for relaxing around the house while staying warm and not having to continually readjust a blanket." — Katie M Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in 28 styles). 2. A cult-favorite candle which radiates luxurious vibes without even being lit, thanks to the gorgeous jar and bold scent. When they *do* light this bad boy, it'll give off a captivating aroma of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood — giving their home a warm and delightful feeling. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business specializing in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review : "I’ve enjoyed these candles for almost five years. They are a delightful scent, and I will use no other. People often comment about how nice my house smells. Even when the candles aren’t lit, there is a lovely scent remaining ." — Jane Brown Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in six sizes, gift box options, packs of two, and various other scents). 3. An original Kit-Cat clock that's a little expensive but will be 100% worth it when you see the smile on their face after they unwrap this lil' cutie. Promising review : "Wanted one of these since I was a child 65 years ago! Finally bought one for myself. Arrived in perfect condition which is what I expected from Museum of Modern Art. Will really enjoy having this on my wall!" — Ned C. MoMA Shipping Info: $7.95 Flat standard shipping fee on all orders. Express and Overnight delivery options are also available at an additional cost. See MoMA Design Store's full shipping policy here . Get it from MoMA Design Store for $50 or Amazon for $59.99 (available in 15 colors). 4. Emotional support plushies to comfort them when they're feeling a little down. There are so many options to choose from — like some ~berry~ adorable strawberries, cheery chickies, and (my fave) some juicy dumplings! Promising review: "I got this for a coworker who had been stressed out lately and happens to love chicken tenders/nuggets. She loves it and has kept it in her office. Everyone comments on how cute the nuggets are and can’t resist picking them up." — pantone76 Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 14 styles). 5. Pillowy slippers that must have been made by the comfort gods themselves because over 700 reviewers say they're like walking on clouds ☁️ and as a proud owner of a pair myself, I wholeheartedly agree with that. I recently purchased a pair of these (but will not be including a pic because my feet are looking a lil' yeesh 😬 right now) and I swear it was the best purchase I've made this year — not to be dramatic or anything. I needed some summer shoes because I've been running errands in my Uggs, and in 90-degree weather...that's not very fun, to say the least. These babies are the softest things EVER; I'm not even exaggerating. Every step I take feels like I'm being cushioned by the spongiest cloud, and TBH, it's pretty freaking comforting. I wear them to run errands, during casual outings, and even on my hot girl walks! Promising review: "These are probably the most comfortable slippers I have ever worn. It's like walking on clouds. They are very soft but still give excellent support. When walking on hardwood or tile floors they are very quiet. No one will hear you coming. I purchased two pairs. One for me and one for my partner. We both love them and highly recommend them to anyone." — Robert Get them from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–16, men's sizes 3–14, and 14 colors). 6. The Book of Unusual Knowledge , a tome filled with quite entertaining and interesting facts. I mean, they don't NEED to know food name origins, but it sure would be a neat party trick for them to say, "Deviled eggs got their name because they were devilishly spicy." 🤓☝️ Promising review: "This book has more tidbits of information than you can shake a stick at. This is a large tome with information on some things you are already aware of and some that you are not. I didn't read this all at once; it's a good book to pick up for an hour just to relax the mind and get away from what is going on around you." — Gary M. Buyachek Get it from Amazon for $14.99 . 7. An instant camera so their only source of pictures aren't from their phone. It instantly prints pictures onto individual film sheets so they can hang them up on their wall right away. Plus, it comes with a selfie mode — I mean, who doesn't like a good selfie? It doesn't come with film, but you can check out options with a Toy Story border, a rainbow border, or plain ones ! Promising review: "Great picture quality and nice little updates to the body! Bought this as a gift for my 12-year-old daughter and it has been a huge time killer for quarantine. We love it and will be buying a second one for myself!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $75.92+ (available in five colors). 8. The famous nonstick ceramic Always Pan (the 2.0 version!) that's made with nontoxic ceramic materials. They'll be able to replace up to 10 pieces of their boring ol' cookware because this bad boy can do it all! The best part? The ~eye-catching~ colors they come in. It comes with a steamer basket, pouring spout, and a nesting spatula with a rest. They can even put it in the oven — talk about versatility! What makes the 2.0 version different? They've upgraded the nonstick to last 50% longer and it's oven-safe to 450°! Our Place is a POC-owned business based in Los Angeles. All of their boxes are packaged with biodegradable and recyclable materials, and the Always Pan is made in a woman-owned factory in China . Promising review: "My Always Pan is going to be my new favorite cooking ware. Super versatile and absolutely beautiful. Love the functionality that it possesses and the versatility range; someone really thought about all the best ways to cook with this! Safe, easy to clean, and beautiful to look at! Makes you want to cook more delicious meals all day long! Shipping took a while because I preordered, but I was happy to wait!" — Celyn V. Get it from Our Place for $150 (available in seven colors and also in mini and large). Shipping info: In-stock products take up to two business days for processing and typically 1–7 business days for delivery . Expedited 2–3 day shipping options are available at additional cost. Check out our Always Pan review (number four in the post) from one of my BuzzFeed colleagues to learn more! 9. A heated massager so they can relieve all their stress when they come home from work. They can use it on their back, neck, legs, and even their feet so they can knead out all those knots. Promising review: "I have horrific tension headaches and migraines. This thing melts them away so quickly. You can adjust the pressure by pulling on the handles or lying back into it. The heat is just enough to relax. I went around and around trying to decide if something like this was worth it and I finally just decided to try it. Trust me; buy the massager!" — Kelly Dyer Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors). 10. A little journal that no one could be picky about, because it's a book filled with reasons why you love them. There are versions for all kinds of people in your life, from your parents to your bestie! They're filled with 50 fill-in-the-blank prompts so you can create sentimental, personalized gifts for the special people in your life! Promising review: "This makes an excellent gift for someone you care about. The more time you put into creating it the more special it is. It does take some time, so don't buy it unless you are committed to filling it out." — California Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in so many themes here , from mom to grandpa to teacher). 11. A set of affordable, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds to bump to "Cruel Summer," and guess what?! These are completely waterproof. These pair easily and they'll get up to 10 hours of playtime (45 hours with the wireless charging case)! Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port, so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing, and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" — Kate Arnold Get it from Amazon $24.99+ (available in six colors). 12. And an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so the next time they're on a plane, they don't have to pay for a pair of wired headphones if they only have AirPods or other wireless headphones. They just need Bluetooth to connect their listening device to the transmitter and insert it into any audio jack! Twelve South is a husband-and-wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina, with just 20 team members! They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009. Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds , I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset — very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from carrying multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" — Ryan Malloy Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in two colors and three other models). 13. A Christmas gift basket that's filled with the most scrumptious treats to fulfill anyone's sweet or savory tooth. The basket includes: a few pears, dark chocolate Moose Munch, raspberry-filled shortbread cookies, yogurt-covered pretzels, Gouda, tree-shaped crackers, milk chocolate-covered almonds, dark chocolate peppermint bark, and all kinds of chocolate truffles!! Did I just drool a little? Yes. Promising review: "My brother and his family really enjoyed the variety of items in the basket. He said there was something for everyone to enjoy!" — Sandra S. Shipping info: Products take up to 4–7 business days for delivery . Expedited 2–3 day shipping options are available at additional cost. Order by 12/19 to get orders by Christmas with standard shipping. Get it from Henry & David for $89.99 , and check out all their other baskets here ! 14. An Owala FreeSip tumbler offering all the benefits of a Stanley without the spills. What sets this bb apart from all the other bottles out there is its spout — they can either drink through a straw or tilt it back to chug. Plus, they'll never have to painfully sip on a lukewarm bev again because it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours with its triple-layer insulation. I've been wanting to get an Owala for the longest time because one, I'm a sucker for colorful things and two, I'm obsessed with water bottles. With that being said, I didn't need another bottle, and my friends kept telling me it was a waste of money to get one. Obviously, I didn't listen to them and caved and I'm not even kidding you, this is the one water bottle I bring with me EVERYWHERE. I've tried the Hydro Flask bottle and tumbler , HydroJug , and Stanley — I love them all, but I hate to say, the Owala just reigns supreme. My fave feature has to be the straw because not only does sipping require less effort, but it's so much easier to drink while walking or in the car (aka no more dribbles!). It's basically like having a tumbler with a lid. Seriously, whoever invented the Owala is an absolute genius. I recently went to the Bahamas and brought it everywhere with me and let me tell you, my water stayed cold the entiiiiire day. It's also so easy to carry around thanks to the loop and when you want to put it in your bag, just push the loop down and it'll lock the lid in place, GENIUS! Promising review: "Without a doubt everyone has heard the uproar over huge insulated cup brands using lead to make their cups. If that is a concern for you, then there is no need to worry about this one. This cup is made lead-free and works phenomenally! I always put ice in my Owala with my water and notice that all the ice is still there over a span of 48 hours and still freezing cold ." — DietDrKelp069 Get a 24-ounce tumbler from Amazon for $27.99 (available in three sizes and 22 colors ). 15. Or an insulated tumbler that comes in so many gorgeous designs, you'll no doubt find the perfect one for them. Aside from it looking absolutely ~fab~, it'll keep their drinks cold for up to 20 hours *AND* it's leakproof! Stanley Cup, who? It'll also keep drinks hot for up to five hours and comes with a straw lid with two straws as well as a flip lid! Promising review: "Love the spillproof lid so I can toss it in my bag after it's empty without leaking. Keeps things warm for a long time, and the lid is easy to open and drink from. Bought a few as gifts because I love mine so much. The B&W one is nice looking and has a matte finish. The teal/navy and pink/purple colors are beautiful." — AndieR Get it from Amazon for $19.94+ (available in 16 designs and three sizes). 16. A Birthdate candle because zodiacs are the talk of the town right now. They'll get a personalized label and scent based on what day of the year they were born! The label includes their star sign, ruling number, ruling planet, personality description, 2024 horoscope, tarot card, and their strengths and weaknesses based on the zodiac. Birthdate Co. is a small business hand-pouring candles in the Northeastern US. Promising review: "I ordered two of these and they were great hits with my friends. I’ve just ordered four more! They really make perfect personalized gifts!" — Pamela M. Shipping info: Since every candle is personalized to the day, it can take up to 1 week after ordering for them to ship . Expedited 1–2 day shipping is available for an additional cost. Get it from Birthdate Co. for $44.99 (originally $54.99). 17. A sophisticated glass that's etched with their home town to let them know home is always where the *drink* is. Promising review: "Great gift. Recipient was super excited and instantly started identifying places on the map!" — ks2019 Shipping info: Usually ships within 24 hours and shipping is free with Uncommon Perks membership. Expedited shipping also available for an additional cost. Get it from Uncommon Goods for $20 (available in a ton of major cities). 18. A splurge-worthy towel warmer to give your dear ones an at-home, 5-star spa experience because no one can turn down the feeling of a warm, snuggly towel. Who's winning gift-giving this year? You. It fits two large bath towels at a time and they can program the heat in 15-minute intervals up to an hour. Promising review: "Absolutely love this warmer. I got this as a Christmas present for myself and use it every time I shower. It is definitely worth the price. I usually put clothing inside first, unravel a towel, and place it in next, then turn the warmer on before I shower. In 15–20 minutes, the towel is HOT. If you’re contemplating purchasing this warmer, do yourself a favor and submit your payment ASAP!" — Brittvny Thomvs Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in gray and white). 19. A classic Kate Spade bangle that is inscribed with the cutest message that says "heart of gold," because that's what they have. Plus, it's such a simple piece of jewelry, it'll go with anything and everything. Promising review: "The perfect gift. If you are looking for a simple quality gift for the wife this is it. She loved this. I was impressed by the quality of the finish at this low price. I could not be happier about this purchase and highly recommend to anyone looking to make a big splash for a lower price point." — Andrew B Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in three finishes). 20. A cloud squiggle tray to keep their bits and bobbles safe on their bedside table so they don't have to search high and low for their jewelry when they're getting ready to go to work the next morning. Promising review: "Love this! I wanted a cute dish to sit keys and bracelets on. This works perfectly! The color and quality is perfect! Heavy enough not to slide off when my cat jumps next to it, too! Would make a cute gift too!" — Arizona Williams Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight colors/shapes). 21. Or an initial trinket dish because everything is better when it's personalized. Plus, the gold trim and letter are so gosh darn darling — eek, I'm obsessed! Promising review: "I recently purchased this jewelry tray for my girlfriend, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The personalized touch was a hit, adding a sentimental value that made the gift extra special. The color scheme is tasteful and adds a touch of elegance to her dresser. In terms of functionality, this tray is a winner. Despite its compact size, it holds all her favorite jewelry pieces without crowding the space. Plus, the quality is top-notch. It feels sturdy and well-made , reassuring me that it'll last a long time. Honestly, I couldn't find any downsides to this tray. I t's stylish, practical, and well-crafted — all at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a thoughtful gift or just want to organize your jewelry in style, I highly recommend. You won't be disappointed." — Steve J. Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 26 letters). 22. A pom-pom throw that is EXTREMELY soft and fluffy, perfect for cozying up on the couch — that is, if they can steal it back from their dog, who's going to fall in love with it. Promising review: "I love this blanket! It’s incredibly soft, not overly heavy, and fits my tall husband. I bought this blanket to accent our bedding, and my husband has now claimed it as his. I also like that it hasn’t lost its softness even after washing, probably close to 10x now. Would definitely recommend and buy again!" — Hannah Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and 20 colors). 23. A handheld milk frother to give them a deluxe cafe experience from the comfort of their own home. With just a push of a button, they'll be able to whisk up foamy goodness in seconds and save countless trips to Starbucks. They'll be thanking you a *latte*! Promising review: " Best frother that I've ever used...very comfortable to use and powerful, too. Got this to replace another branded one that zonked out on me after only a couple of months. Love love this frother. I use it to 'blend' my morning coffee with coconut oil . This frother is more powerful than my last. The stand is a nice little bonus to keep the frother off the table and from rolling off the counter. The handle is very comfortable to hold. The back (if the label is facing you), has an index finger rest. I highly recommend this frother." — N Duong Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 25 colors). 24. An *ingenious* fruit-infuser water bottle that adds a little ~twist~ on plain ol' water. It'll add a hint of fruity flavor to their agua and comes with a time marker so they can keep track of their hydration! It comes with an insulation sleeve, cleaning brush, and recipe booklet! Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Brittany Ross has to say about it: "I am one of those people who has, until recently, gone through life thinking, 'Why would I drink water when there are other beverages that actually taste good to be had?' Well, I received this gizmo as a birthday gift from my water-loving husband as a not-so-subtle hint to change my ways, and lo and behold, it's been a revelation. I often have lemon remnants left over from cooking and baking, and they're the perfect things to throw into the infuser section of the bottle to liven things up. It's amazing what a little fruitiness can do — I can guzzle a whole bottle easily! Plus, it's much easier to clean than you'd think (each section comes apart and there's an included brush!), and there's a grippy section on the side so it doesn't slip out of your hand. Oh, and did I mention it has not ever leaked?! 10/10, no notes, buy it NOW!!!" Promising review: "This water bottle is my new best friend! Really, I don’t leave the house without it. It’s helping me drink more water and I love that I can use all the parts of a fruit to flavor my water, no waste! The bottle is easy to clean and the handle is perfect for when you have your hands full. Very happy with my purchase!" — Laura L. Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six colors). 25. A heating pad for their sore neck, back, and honestly entire body that has been working too hard. It heats up in just 20 seconds and will help relieve any tension that's been living within them. Promising review: "This is the best heating pad I have ever bought. It is the perfect size and so soft. The 12 levels of temperature control are perfect. In the past I have had heating pads that are either surface of the sun hot or you can't tell they are even on. I would absolutely recommend this one!" — Kim Deal Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three styles). 26. A lustrous wine-chilling bucket that looks even better than the one at the Ritz (maybe). It'll keep their vino cold for up to two hours — that should be plenty of time, right? It can fit practically any 750-milliliter bottle of wine. Promising review: "Top marks! This wine/bottle cooler is both an elegant AND practical addition for any occasion where you want cooled wine, champagne, or other beverages close at hand. I used it at Thanksgiving for the first time and my company remarked how nice it looked. I like its 'clean' elegant design and it’s more effective than what I’ve used in the past. I also think it would make a lovely hostess or holiday gift!" — Bev Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in stainless steel or a copper finish). 27. An artisan-crafted wooden tortilla press because the only thing better than street tacos are 100% homemade tacos, with ZERO rolling required. This is perfect if they're especially picky about their food (I'm looking at you, hard shell tacos). Central Coast Woodworks is a small biz based in Orcutt, California, that makes tortilla presses you'll want to keep out on your counter at all times just so you can admire them. Keep in mind that the tortilla press is meant for making corn tortillas, not flour ones. Promising review: "I’ve been watching the Mexican cooking class on MasterClass and after the lesson on tortillas, I knew I wanted to try to make my own. I’d read you can use two cutting boards, so I tried that first, and while it worked, it definitely wasn’t quick and easy. So I looked online to see what I could find. In the class, she uses a wooden press, so I knew what I wanted, but I did look at the cast iron ones as well. The reviews on the cast iron presses would have comments about the handle breaking off or other issues with the press, so I decided to look for something I’d enjoy using and that would look nice on my countertop. I knew I wanted this one as soon as I saw it, and the reviews just confirmed it. I could hardly wait during the week it took to receive my order, but it definitely was worth the wait. We’ve used this every day since receiving it and absolutely love the results. The tortillas come out perfect every time ." — T. Bramhall Get it from Central Coast Woodworks on Amazon Handmade for $79.99 . 28. A sleek diffuser and humidifier to make their home smell so amazing with essential oils . IDK what'll be more mesmerizing, the smell or how it'll look. According to Johns Hopkins , you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA . It has seven different color settings! Promising reviews : "This is a really good little humidifier for a small office space. It's sleek and looks pretty sitting on my desk. Sometimes I just use it for the light because it's so pretty. I normally add a few drops of oil to it, and it diffuses the perfect amount." — Lacey C. Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five styles). 29. A pack of hidden pocket scrunchies because watching them struggle to carry their necessities when they don't have pockets pains you. The hidden zipper in these will allow them to tuck their keys and cash inside! Who would want to carry a purse when they could bring this nifty thing with them? They're less likely to lose this than a coin purse, since they can wear it in their hair or on their wrist. Promising review: "I love this idea! These scrunchies are very convenient when I go to the gym since I hate carrying around my keys and chapstick. The colors are fun and the band that is used is great for thick hair! The scrunchies stretch very well and hold my hair without falling off. I am very satisfied with the product and I would recommend!" — Ossiris Acevedo Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six color assortments). 30. A stainless-steel rainfall showerhead for a luxurious at-home pamper for a *fraction* of the price of going to the spa. They can pretend they're standing in the Amazon Rainforest but with more warmth and less bugs. Promising review: "This is a beautiful showerhead, very thin, but feels quite sturdy and heavy. Installation took no more than five minutes. The showerhead has a very smooth, highly polished, mirror-like chrome finish. It gives a satisfying showering experience without wasting too much water. Absolutely no leaks whatsoever. Everybody in our family said they liked it. What else is there to say about a showerhead?" — Sadda Reddy Get it from Amazon for $21.74+ (available in four sizes and four finishes). 31. A three-pack of color drip candles that may look plain ol' boring at first, but when they're lit, they'll slowly melt to reveal more and more hues, creating a stunning masterpiece! Here are some holders that you can gift as a set! Promising review: "Love these candles! Don't be deterred by the candles out the box, though they are mostly white on the outside there are lots of primary color pockets on the inside. They do take a while to burn (three to four hours, by my count) but the results are by far worth being patient for. As the flame works through the candle, the primary color pockets blend with the white as well as with each other to create a wide range of colors...I've seen yellows, oranges, reds, pinks, greens, and blues on my finished bottles." — 5ammosh Get six candles from Amazon for $14.99 . Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia’s attack with new hypersonic missile
Clarke Reed, who helped Gerald Ford win the 1976 Republican nomination, has died at 96
The ( ) share price is pushing higher on Wednesday morning. At the time of writing, the travel technology company's shares are up 14% to $4.82. This follows the release of the WebBeds owner's first since the demerger of its ( ) online travel agency. Web Travel share price jumps on results day What happened during the half? For the six months ended 30 September, Web Travel reported a 1% increase in revenue to $170.4 million. This reflects weaker margins, which largely offset strong booking and TTV growth over the prior corresponding period. Commenting on the company's performance, managing director John Guscic said: Following a record FY24, WebBeds' first two months of trading in 1H25 continued to reflect the previous 6-month trading conditions. In the period of June and July, TTV margins declined in Europe. The decline coincided with the collapse of FTI Group, the Paris Olympics and European football championships. We underestimated this decline and the extent of changing market conditions and customer mix, and underlying margins did not recover in August as anticipated. We also underestimated the incentive payments during August (at the time of the AGM) which were $7.5 million higher than planned, representing a decline of 0.3% of the TTV margin in 1H25. Combined with an 8% increase in expenses, this ultimately led to underlying EBITDA falling 8% to $70 million and underlying group net profit after tax coming in at $52.5 million. Outlook The company revealed that its top line growth has continued in the second half. For the first seven weeks of trading for the second half, TTV is up 23% and TTV margins were at 6.5% in October. Based on current trading, management is expecting FY 2025 EBITDA to be between $117 million to $122 million. Looking further ahead, Guscic advised that he expects the company's margins to recover next year. He said: In the universe of global publicly traded companies, WebBeds remains one of the fastest organically growing travel brands. The business is highly scalable and efficiencies now in place give us confidence we will return to our c. 50% EBITDA margin target in FY26. The Web Travel share price is up 20% since this time last month.The Indiana vs. Notre Dame matchup in the first round of the College Football Playoff is the most expensive ticket on StubHub, but it's Tennessee vs. Ohio State that's selling the fastest. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli said Monday that the game being hosted in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 21 has sold 34% more tickets than the game in South Bend, Indiana, on Dec. 20. “The expanded college football playoffs are seeing early high demand, especially as we see new teams enter the competition for the first time,” Budelli said. StubHub lists tickets for sale from official event organizers, but most of its offerings are from the resale market. Here's the ticket marketplace's average CFP first-round prices as of Monday evening: 1. Indiana at Notre Dame — $733 2. Clemson at Texas — $518 3. Tennessee at Ohio State — $413 4. SMU at Penn State — $271 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-football
These were the most Googled questions by Canadians in 2024
Sister of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion also injured, friend says
Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz is not coming back to Congress. The Florida Republican said Friday he has no intention of serving another term in the House now that he is no longer President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew as the nominee this week amid growing fallout from the allegations of sexual conduct against him. Gaetz denies the allegations. Gaetz didn't lay out his plans now that he's out of office, saying only, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch." After Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday, Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump's most contentious picks WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role. He's been helping Donald Trump’s most contentious Cabinet picks try to win confirmation in the Senate, where he has served for the last two years. Vance spent part of Wednesday at the Capitol with Rep. Matt Gaetz sitting in on meetings with Trump’s controversial choice for attorney general. On Thursday, Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings over the coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, but he didn't focus exclusively on large religious voter blocs. He and his allies also wooed smaller religious groups, away from the mainstream. He posted a tribute to Coptic church members on social media and met with members of Assyrians for Trump — two smaller Christian communities with Middle Eastern roots. He visited the grave of the revered late leader of an Orthodox Jewish movement. His allies sought votes from the separatist Amish community. While Trump won decisively, the outreaches reflected aggressive campaigning in what was expected to be a tight race. NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Ukraine's parliament canceled a session Friday over the security threat. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech Thursday that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik, saying it's so powerful that several of them fitted with conventional warheads could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board has voted to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools. The approval Friday follows other Republican-led states that have pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms. The curriculum adopted by the Texas State Board of Education is optional for schools to adopt, but they’ll receive additional funding if they do so. Parents and teachers who opposed the curriculum say the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds. Supporters argue the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich learning. 2 convicted in human smuggling case after Indian family froze to death on US-Canada border FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury has convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand each faced four charges related to human smuggling before being convicted on Friday. Patel is an Indian national. Shand is an American from Florida. They were arrested after the family froze while trying to cross the desolate border during a 2022 blizzard. Storm inundates Northern California with rain, heavy snow. Thousands remain in the dark in Seattle HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — Heavy rain from a major storm prompted evacuation warnings for communities near a Northern California river that forecasters say could break its banks Friday, as the system continued to dump heavy snow in mountainous areas where some ski resorts opened for the season. The storm reached the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands before moving through Northern California, where several roads were closed due to flooding and strong winds toppled some trees. Forecasters are warning about the risk of flash flooding and rockslides in areas north of San Francisco as the region was inundated by this season’s strongest atmospheric river. Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of ancient Maya WASHINGTON (AP) — Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize. The research published Friday in Science Advances shows that long before the ancient Maya built temples, their predecessors were already altering the landscape of Central America’s Yucatan peninsula. The ancient fish canals were used to channel and catch freshwater species such as catfish. These structures were used for around 1,000 years — including during the “formative” period when the Maya began to settle in permanent farming villages and a distinctive culture started to emerge. California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced confirmatory test results on Friday. Officials say the child had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is recovering. The child’s infection brings the reported number of U.S. bird flu cases this year to 55, including 29 in California. State officials have said the child lives in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and attends day care, but released no other details. Brazilian police formally accuse former President Bolsonaro and aides of alleged 2022 coup attempt SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup to keep him in office after his electoral defeat in the 2022 elections. The findings are to be delivered Thursday to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put the former president on trial or toss the investigation. The former right-wing president has denied all claims he tried to stay in office after his narrow electoral defeat in 2022 to his rival, leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has faced a series of legal threats since then.DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector came "to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. "It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty," the command said on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. "Don't be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!" In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. "I haven't seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he's alive." Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. "We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth," he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. "We want to give everyone their rights," Haddad said outside the courthouse. "We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods." But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector "has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. "This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation's capital," Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again."
The ninth Islamic Finance Forum South Asia (IFFSA) concluded this week in Colombo, with delegates and speakers from across the region, namely Pakistan, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Featuring CEOs of banks, international scholars, insurance companies, and technology firms, the forum aims to strengthen the role of Islamic finance as a catalyst for economic and social progress in South Asia through dialogue on emerging challenges and highlighting new trends, like digital transformation in Islamic banking. Addressing the forum on the promising developments in Islamic finance across South Asia today, Malaysia INCEIF Associate Dean for Students and Internationalisation Prof. Dr. Aishath Muneeza said: “Sri Lanka is preparing to issue its first corporate Sukuk, a landmark move that signals the country’s openness to Islamic capital markets. In addition, Pakistan recently amended its Constitution, mandating the transition to a Riba-free economy by January 2028, which is a significant milestone for the nation.” She emphasised that these developments demonstrate that, despite limitations, there is significant progress made in Islamic finance that can be enhanced by taking advantage of opportunities like the IFFSA that utilise networking and discourse between different countries and financial institutions to achieve greater success. Outlining the strategies she believed could achieve this success, Prof. Muneeza mentioned the need for regional integration and financial inclusion. Establishing cross-border regulatory and market collaborations to share best practices will push for a unified vision of Islamic finance in South Asia, while expanding Shariah-compliant microfinance schemes will empower low-income communities and small businesses. She also called for leveraging fintech and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, lower costs, and therefore improve access to Islamic financial services, particularly in rural areas. Speaking about the global developments in the broader Islamic economy, South Africa Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance Founder and Director Ash-Sheikh Shafique Jakhura said: “Among the UN sustainable goals is the important goal of alleviation of poverty, through equal distribution of wealth. Trying to achieve that in an economy that is based on the principles of interest is like an oxymoron. This cannot be achieved unless fundamental changes in economic systems are made globally. Therefore, we must lead a new economic system founded on the eradication of interest.” He praised Pakistan’s efforts at supporting Islamic finance through its constitutional amendment while acknowledging that significant progress is yet to be made. Jakhura highlighted that the Islamic economy is not solely limited to banks and other financial institutions but must permeate every economic system. “Really, a lot of work needs to be done as far as promoting the Islamic economy is concerned. It goes to halal food and even halal tourism. Businesses have to change their mind and start operating across the spectrum if we want to make a difference to humanity at large, because success is not measured by the amount we have amassed for ourselves, rather, success is measured by the impact we have had on the lives of others. Ways in which this can be achieved is via capacity building and adhering to the highest standards of Shariah compliance of governance. Lobbying governments to introduce governance standards for Islamic financial institutions and establishing think tanks to formulate resolutions to improving Islamic financial services will ensure public trust and the eventual expansion of Islamic finance further in the region,” he opined. Chief Guest Maldives Former Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq elaborated on his tenure at the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) of the Maldives, during which remarkable breakthroughs, such as the setup of the Islamic finance window and the issuance of the first listed Sukuk in the Maldives, were accomplished. Shafeeq expressed his gratitude to being able to contribute to the Maldives Islamic Financial Developmental Roadmap as Cabinet Minister of the current Government, signifying Maldives’s path to becoming an international Islamic finance hub. Its recognition for sustainable promotion of Islamic Financial practices at the 2024 Global Islamic Finance Leadership Awards is a testament to the rapid expansion of the Islamic Finance industry over the last decade. Speaking about this growing demand for Islamic financial products in the Maldives, Shafeeq claimed: “The HDFC’s portfolio is now 35% Islamic finance, while 65% remains conventional. More than 50% of applications received by the HDFC are now for Islamic finance products. The Non-Performing Assets (NPA) for Islamic finance are impressively low, at less than 2%. These numbers speak volumes about the trust, acceptance, and confidence that the public places in Islamic financial services.” He acknowledged that the Maldives, like many other countries, faces significant challenges in financing its development needs while managing a growing debt burden. Innovative Islamic finance products, particularly Sukuks, can offer viable alternatives to conventional borrowing and address debt sustainability through mechanisms that align with Shariah principles. The use of an array of Islamic finance products, in addition to Sukuks, is crucial to promoting responsible borrowing and enhancing socially beneficial projects, he stressed. One such example is the issuance of green Sukuks in Maldives, which are specifically designed to fund environmentally sustainable projects that align with the Maldives’ priorities as a nation vulnerable to climate change. Women Leadership Forum Founder Dr. Irum Saba reiterated this necessity for a variety of Islamic financial products in addition to the Sukuk, encouraging savings and breaking the cycle of debt that customers endure. She also described the scepticism surrounding Islamic financial practices due to lack of public awareness, hindering many from seeking such services. Nevertheless, she believes that the Sri Lankan consensus to have the Sukuk launched in the country and similar finance forums in the western world signify its inbuilt value that is steadily being understood and accepted. “Islamic finance assets are $ 4.9 trillion in the world. Over 53 nations have regulated Islamic banking and finance. In the present, 23 countries have their centralised Shariah committees or Shariah board. If you consider the number of Islamic financial institutions, even that is increasing with every passing day. So far, Islamic finance has expanded by 11% in the world, showing that there is an overall upward trend in its growth.” The first session of the seminar was themed “Country Round up: A Period of Severe Headwinds”. It featured Maldives MCDGI Founder Fathimath Shafeega, Sri Lanka Amana Bank CEO Mohammed Azmeer, Maldives Amana Takaful Deputy Senior Manager – Treasury Risk and Compliance Fazeel Naeem, and Dr. Irum Saba. Prof. Muneeza chaired this discussion. Dr. Saba elaborated on developments in the IBF industry of Pakistan due to the landmark constitutional amendment, increasing the demand for education and training on Islamic banking. Seven sub committees approved by the State Bank of Pakistan and Finance Minister are in place to ensure a smooth transition to the Islamic system of 2028. In the case of Maldives, however, Shafeega described that limitations prevail due to the lack of sectorial diversification within the economy. The Maldives is primarily a tourist destination, and a resort is often worth $ 30-40 million, which is excessive to be funded through an Islamic bank, she stressed. However, there has been considerable improvement in the present with 800 guest houses financed by Islamic institutions. Although she acknowledges that there may be significant challenges associated with transforming into a finance hub due to its abundance of scattered islands, she asserts that Islamic finance cannot be niche, especially with a Muslim majority in the region. Speaking about the path to recovery in the banking sector of Sri Lanka, Azmeer highlighted that Amana Bank experienced a fast-paced financial recovery with its best performance recorded in 2023 as they managed to double their dividends. Describing his outlook for 2025, Azmeer hopes for greater collaboration, a range of financial products that are Shariah compliant, and knowledge sharing that distinguishes Islamic banking from the conventional banking system. The second session focused on “Collaboration, Cooperation, and Cultivation”, moderated by Sri Lanka KPMG Tax Regulatory and Tax Principal Rifka Ziyard. It featured Prof. Muneeza as one of the panellists, emphasising the need for improved quality as a means of strengthening Islamic finance’s role on the global stage. She argued that demand was never an obstacle to expansion, as there is a vast Muslim population across the world. LOLC Finance DGM – Alternate Financial Services Shiraz Refei spoke of the array of opportunities Islamic finance would offer to the world, including experience with many countries making headway in Islamic finance. Ethical investments will also be facilitated on a global scale, as Islamic banking systems favour projects that foster community development and economic growth. The final session moderated by Innovation Quotient CEO Mafaz Ishaq examined the impact of technology on the banking sector in particular. BPC Global Solutions Director – Digital Platforms Imran Vilcassim said that while customer experience and personalisation have faltered due to AI, technological innovations such as these have proven highly effective in fraud management. Nevertheless, Creative Junc. Founder and CEO Shaaf Sourjah believes in the consistent availability of both online and in-person services to target customers of all age groups. He said that software like ChatGPT can be utilised to challenge one’s perceptions and provide valuable insights when brainstorming digital marketing strategies for banking. “AI will not replace humans, but it can replace humans if they do not adapt,” he said. Lead Event Partner, Sri Lanka Adl Capital Director Shiraz Sideek spoke of Adl’s persistent presence at conferences since its inception. Establishing AdI’s role as the facilitator of this event, he claimed that they had a prominent part to play in the design of the program based on the requirements of the hour. “One key area of focus that we have always tried to rigorously support is the creation of an association of financial institutions within the region. We have one within Sri Lanka, which is working quite actively, but we need more across the region. Looking forward, as part of our extended role, we are also working towards another first, having the 10th IFFSA in two separate locations.” He also praised the climate of collaboration at the IFFSA, stating that: “Without all these members today, there is no IFFSA. Therefore, we hope and pray we get even more support in the 10th year celebrations of the forum.” The 10th IFFSA 2025 will be a milestone event as it marks 50 years since Islamic banking was integrated into the financial mainstream.US cyber watchdog seeks switch to encrypted apps following 'Salt Typhoon' hacksShelia Poole | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire What Americans think of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his health stances Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US What’s behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screening Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent Facts & Figures report . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. Facts on wandering: There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. If a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia disappears: Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association and Cobb County Police Department.) ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.