QTM Day 2: Focus on impact of technology on tourism sectorAs the saying goes, “You don't know what you've got till it's gone.” This couldn't ring truer for the “Lady of the Fountain,” an iconic piece of Johnson City's history that, at one point, sat in a foul-smelling dump ready to be cut up and shipped off as scrap metal for World War II. Much of what is known about the artwork — a six-foot solid bronze and aluminum statue — is thanks to former Johnson City Press columnist Bob Cox, whose fascination with local history led to several articles detailing the piece's storied past. There were — and perhaps still are — some elaborate theories and rumors about the origins of the Lady, perhaps the most popular fiction being that the work was commissioned by a European monarch for his young daughter. The true history of the Lady is something far more personal and involving. She was, in fact, saved from destruction and witnessed years of transformation around her, whether it be technological advancements like the arrival of the automobile or watching over a private garden while the family who possessed it grew up over the years. The Lady was commissioned by former Johnson City Mayor James A. Summers in 1904 or 1905, in honor of Congressman Walter P. Brownlow, who helped to establish a National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers branch in the city. The Lady was crafted in a New York City foundry, J. L. Mott Iron Works, and delivered to Johnson City. The statue was originally named “Greek Water Carrier” when it was made. According to the Smithsonian Institution, only three statues are known to be in existence. She was placed over a fountain in Johnson City's bustling Fountain Square in 1905, facing southeast toward the Unaka National Bank building on Main Street. Several small pans were positioned around the base of the fountain, supplying water for horses and small animals. Humans also used the fountain for refreshment, with the Lady “gifting” water to passersby. She remained in Fountain Square until 1938, when the fountain was discarded, and the statue was removed for the widening of Buffalo Street. She was relocated to the entrance of Roosevelt Stadium (later known as Memorial Stadium), which has since been demolished. In 1943, city officials decided to replace her with a World War I doughboy statue. Off to the dump she went. As Cox wrote in 2005, keeping the statue at a dump “was no way to treat a lady.” But the Lady was soon rescued by the widow of former Mayor Summers — Alice Mountcastle Summers — once she learned of the city's plans for the statue. According to John H. Zollicoffer, grandson to Alice, she saved the Lady “just in the nick of time as the Lady was already proceeding to be cut up into scrap metal.” John said his grandmother had to have a portion of the statue fused back together around the Lady's leg where it had already been cut. Concrete was placed in that area by the prefabricators to stabilize the repair. The statue was temporarily placed in Alice's garage on Watauga Avenue until 1950, when it was retrieved by Helen Summers Zollicoffer, John's mother. “My mother married and moved 300 miles to Henderson (in North Carolina),” said John in 2005. “(She) was building a home and the fountain was put into operating condition so that water flowed out of the vase on the Lady's shoulders, and it became the centerpiece of her home garden.” The statue was also renamed “Madam.” The statue became a part of their family's story and remained a constant presence for years. City officials learned of Madame Zollicoffer's existence and made several inquiries to have it returned to Johnson City. However, Helen loved Madam, and the statue remained at the house. In 1979, the Zollicoffer heirs sold their home and estate to Charles Peete Rose, the father of journalist Charlie Rose. In the estate sale, the Zollicoffer family requested that the statue be returned to Johnson City due to its historical significance. After three weeks of repair work made to the Lady by teacher Mike Rose and his students at Cloudland High School in Roan Mountain, she made a triumphant return to Johnson City with a homecoming celebration on Sept. 20, 1983. Upon her return, the Lady presided in the offices of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, where it remained until the Johnson City Commission voted to move the statue to the Johnson City Public Library. In the late 1990s, Johnson City Public Library Director Mark Thomas deemed the statue to be too big for the new public library that would soon be opening. After she was moved to the Municipal & Safety Building, it was decided that the statue would be better suited for the Carnegie Hotel. However, the statue never came to call the Carnegie Hotel home, and she has ultimately remained at the Municipal & Safety Building since 1998. In 2007, she was briefly put on display at the Hands On! Regional Museum during an interactive exhibit showcasing 150 years of Johnson City history. In 2008, the Johnson City Development Authority asked its brand-new director, Suzanne Kuehn, to seek out grant funding for a project to bring the Lady back to its former downtown spot. This began a series of events that ultimately led to the city deciding to create a replica for Fountain Square. In 2010, David Spence of Abingdon, Virginia, made the replica. A dedication ceremony was held at Fountain Square, where it remains to this day atop a fountain. The original Lady is located on the lower level of the Municipal & Safety Building. She continues to be a witness to the changes that unfold around her.lodibet 291 casino online games 。

In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlmArts don’t just decorate knowledge, they deepen It

The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo announced Friday that one of the hundreds of children snatched from their parents and given up for adoption during the 1976-1983 dictatorship had been found after a long search. The iconic human rights group announced at a press conference in Buenos Aires that the 138th “nieto,” or grandchild, had been identified after genetic testing. The individual is the child of two left-wing political activists who were abducted and disappeared in 1976, at the very beginning of the military junta’s era of state terrorism. “This is the son of Marta Enriqueta Pourtalé and Juan Carlos Villamayor, born in December 1976. This marks 138 cases resolved in these 47 years of unwavering search for truth and identity,” said Abuelas President Estela de Carlotto. “On December 10, 1976, the couple were abducted from their home in Buenos Aires in an operation carried out by plainclothes personnel. She was eight and a half months pregnant,” Carlotto added, speaking at the auditorium of the Espacio Memoria y Derechos Humanos, which used to house the clandestine detention centre at the ex-ESMA (Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada) Navy Mechanics School. Pourtalé and Villamayor were members of the Montoneros guerrilla group. After their abduction, the couple were seen at ESMA, one of the largest centres of torture and extermination, where more than 5,000 political prisoners were held, of whom only around a hundred survived, according to human rights organisations. “It is likely that the 138th grandchild was born there. To date, more than 30 births have been recorded” at ESMA, Carlotto noted. The announcement was broadcast live from the auditorium of the Casa por la Identidad, a space recovered by Abuelas in one of the buildings of the ex-ESMA, which was occupied by the Navy until 2007. Manuel Gonçalves Granada, a member of the Abuelas Executive Board and Executive Secretary of the Comisión Nacional por el Derecho a la Identidad (CONADI), a body dedicated to the search for identity, reported that the man is “deeply moved” and has confirmed that he will reunite with his family. Along with hundreds of others, CONADI had been investigating the whereabouts of Pourtalé and Villamayor’s missing child since 1999. After relevant information was provided by both this institution and the Judiciary, the man was contacted to undergo DNA testing, which was compared with biological samples provided by various relatives to the Banco Nacional de Datos Genéticos (BNDG). Finally, only on Thursday, Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas informed the 138th grandchild of the formal results. Carlotto explained that the grandchild, whose identity was not officially disclosed, has a brother, Diego Antonio, who was born in 1972 to Marta and a previous partner. “I am overwhelmed with emotion. You are very welcome. Thank you so much, Abuelas. You are the pride of the nation, a pride for all Argentines,” said Diego himself in an audio message played in the hall, sent from Spain, where he resides. The last grandchild to recover his identity was Daniel Santucho Navajas, the 133rd, in July 2023. He is the son of Cristina Navajas, who was abducted in 1976 and gave birth in the Pozo de Banfield, a clandestine detention centre in Greater Buenos Aires. His father, Julio Santucho, searched for him for 46 years. In September 2023, the Equipo Argentino de Antropología Forense (EAAF), CONADI, and the judiciary resolved cases 134, 135, 136, and 137, involving four pregnant women abducted during the dictatorship and murdered before giving birth: Dora Elena Vargas, Olga Liliana Vaccarini, Hilda Margarita Farías, and Liliana Beatriz Girardi. The discovery of the 138th grandchild is the first case announced by the organisation since September 2023, when it revealed the resolution of four cases of families searching for children born during the captivity of their mothers. In all those cases, the identities of women murdered before giving birth were established. It is also the first case resolved under Javier Milei’s Presidency, which outrightly challenges the historical narrative of the dictatorship and its reign of terror. Both Milei and his right-wing vice-president, Victoria Villarruel — who comes from a military family and has close ties to the Armed Forces — question the estimated number of disappeared persons put forward by human rights organisations (30,000), claiming the actual figure is closer to 8,700. Carlotto, who continues to search for around 300 grandchildren stolen during their mothers’ captivity, expressed concern on Friday over the national government’s stance on human rights policies. “This restitution is, once again, evidence of the consequences of state terrorism in the present, and of the need to prioritise human rights policies to ensure crimes against humanity cease,” said Carlotto. Since taking office a year ago, Milei has implemented severe austerity, slashing the size of government and shuttering key agencies. In this context, Carlotto reminded attendees that the Human Rights Secretariat, under the National Justice Ministry, has supported the work of human rights organisations “in seeking the answers that perpetrators have never been willing to give” and is currently suffering “one of the most brutal cuts, with staff reductions as part of a dismantling plan.” – TIMES/AFP/PERFIL Ads Space Ads SpaceBUENOS AIRES (AP) — Thiago Messi, the eldest son of the Argentina star, has made his debut in the “Newell’s Cup” tournament in the countryside city of Rosario. The 12-year-old Messi played with the No. 10 jersey of an Inter Miami youth team, which lost 1-0 on Monday to host Newell’s Old Boys in the traditional under-13 competition. The team also played Tuesday. Lionel Messi took his first steps as a footballer in the Argentinian club in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of capital Buenos Aires. Thiago's mother, Antonela Roccuzzo, and several members of his family, including grandparents Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, were in the stands to watch him play. Lionel Messi did not attend. Thiago, who was substituted in the second half, played with his friend Benjamín Suárez, son of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, Messi's teammate and close friend at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Messi and Suárez are in Rosario after Inter Miami’s early elimination in the MLS playoffs. On Sunday, they watched a friendly game of Inter Miami's U13 team against Unión at the same sports complex. The youth tournament in Argentina brings together eight teams from North and South America. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

President Joe Biden spoke Sunday on the collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad, calling the moment a "fundamental act of justice" after more than two decades of oppression. "After 13 years of civil war in Syria and more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office and flee the country," Biden said. "We're not sure where he is but there's word that he's in Moscow. At long last the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." RELATED STORY | The fall of Bashar Assad after 13 years of war in Syria brings to an end a decades-long dynasty President Biden, speaking from the White House just hours after rebels overthrew the Syrian government and Assad fled the country, said while the news is positive for the Middle East, warned that it marks "a moment of risk and uncertainty." "As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risks," he said. "You know, for years, the main backers of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah and Russia. But over the last week their support collapsed — all three of them. Because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office." RELATED STORY | Family of kidnapped American reporter still believes he is alive in Syria Meanwhile, President Biden also spoke on Austin Tice, a former U.S. Marine and freelance journalist who disappeared in August 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. Tice's family believes he is still alive in Syria, and President Biden said his administration will continue to work to locate him and bring him home. "We believe he's alive. We think we can get him back. But we have no direct evidence of that yet and Assad should be held accountable," he said. "... We want to get him out."

Messi's son debuts at Argentina youth tournament as grandparents watch

The RSM Classic Par ScoresEXCLUSIVE: Director Matt Tyrnauer is doing a rapid update of his new documentary Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid to reflect Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election. Deadline has learned the filmmaker quickly assembled a crew to shoot a new interview with the famed Democratic political consultant to include as a coda to the film. “The election wasn’t decided when we finished the film just a few weeks ago,” Tyrnauer explains. “We now know the outcome and I felt that I wanted to put a period at the end of the sentence.” The recut version is now streaming on Max. “There was a reshuffling of a few elements that are almost invisible,” Tyrnauer says. “Then we give the outcome the election, and then James gives what is almost like his homily — or, battle cry is maybe a better term — which is we’re an opposition party... And that brings the film up today.” The Democratic Party today is somewhere in the process of coming to terms with a decisive Electoral College loss that saw President-Elect Trump win all the battleground states, albeit by a relatively slim margin. “When you lose, everything is a mistake,” Carville says by way of an election postmortem. In the film, he is seen sounding the alarm that Pres. Biden was heading for a resounding defeat to Trump. It was in large part because of his influence in the Party (as well as a shove from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) that the incumbent president got out of the race. But crucially, Carville advocated for some form of mini-primary to determine who should be the Democratic Party nominee to replace Biden. That didn’t happen. After Biden bowed out, VP Kamala Harris almost immediately became the presumptive nominee. “The amount of talent in the party is just staggering, it’s breathtaking. And I thought if we could get them out on the road in a kind of dog-and-pony show or town hall or something like that, it would create excitement and people would see that Democrats are more than just an old urban party,” Carville tells Deadline exclusively. “A sports metaphor I use is we had .350 hitters all over AAA [baseball], but no one ever got to see ’em. And had Harris gone through that process, it might’ve made her a better general election candidate.” As became apparent at the polls, this was a “change” election, meaning a majority of voters wanted a sharp shift from the status quo. “The only person we could pick that really couldn’t give ’em anything different was Harris,” Carville comments. He points to a telling appearance Harris made on The View when she was given an opportunity to articulate a different vision from Biden’s. “When you go on The View to say what would you do different than Biden, and you say, ‘I can’t think of anything...’ Loyalty is great, but loyalty does not trump winning.” Carville, who played a definitive role getting Bill Clinton elected president in 1992, in large part by insisting the campaign stick to the message, “It’s the economy, stupid,” praised Tyrnauer’s choice of a name for the documentary. “I love the title because the most exalted thing you can do in politics is win the election. That’s it. Everything else is secondary. It is secondary to that one single objective.” Now that it’s Trump who has accomplished that objective, he’s announcing choices for his cabinet that have raised alarms among Democrats, and in some cases Republicans too. Matt Gaetz dropped out of the running for attorney general after several Republican senators indicated they would not back a man who has been accused of sexual misconduct. But allegations of that nature apply to several other Trump cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth, his choice to run the Defense Department. As the Washington Post reported, Hegseth “paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a nondisclosure agreement, though he maintained that their encounter was consensual, according to a statement from his lawyer.” Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Education Secretary who was formerly a senior executive with World Wrestling Entertainment, is facing a lawsuit accusing her and her husband Vince McMahon of criminal negligence in the alleged sexual abuse of children who worked as “ring boys” for the WWE (Linda McMahon has denied the allegation). Robert F. Kennedy Jr., tapped by Trump to run the Department of Health and Human Services, faces a sexual misconduct allegation of his own. “A woman who babysat for Kennedy and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that he groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23,” the Associated Press reported. She told USA Today earlier this week of another incident in which she said a shirtless RJK Jr. asked her to rub lotion on his body. Multi-billionaire Elon Musk, tapped by Trump to run a proposed “Department of Government Efficiency,” has been sued for alleged sexual harassment by employees of his SpaceX rocket company. SpaceX reportedly settled a separate suit in 2018 that accused him of requesting an erotic massage from a flight attendant. “Now Bobby Kennedy’s babysitter has come forward,” Carville exclaims. “There’s so many things that these people are, but they’re just a pack of creepy perverts is the picture that’s emerging here. It really is. Everybody has things in their past, but Jesus, the number of sexual crimes — remember, Trump was convicted and found liable in a court of law, of which the judge said, by any definition, he raped that woman [E. Jean Carroll].” Carville continues, “Sometimes accountability takes a while. I’m as distressed as anybody is about the lack of it now. But maybe it’ll come late. I don’t know. I have to hope. What can I do? I don’t have any choice.” Tyrnauer describes Trump’s cabinet picks as going “beyond farce into tragedy. It’s hard to know which to pick — tragedy or farce.” He adds, “I think one thing that is helpful about documentary film, at least the ones that I am intent on making, is that they’re the opposite of the so-called ‘hot take.’ And as horrified as I am by these cabinet choices, we live in the world of the tweet and the hot take and I think Trump is very good at manipulating that type of media. So, I think transmitting a more considered message and ideas for how to prevail on important political issues is something that this film does pretty effectively.” Tyrnauer lauds his protagonist for having the courage to tell the Democratic Party leadership that Biden was going to lose and action needed to be taken to avoid electoral disaster. Ultimately, Harris didn’t win, but one could argue a larger political catastrophe was avoided by switching to a more viable candidate (the balance of power in the House of Representatives remains very tight; Republicans took control of the Senate, but Democrats won several very closely contested races). “If you don’t believe James can see around corners, watch the movie and see him seeing around corners and calling it right at almost every turn,” Tyrnauer insists. “And I think we should keep listening to him. I think if more people see the movie and he continues to be a voice that people turn to and listen to, I think we can only be better off.” Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid has qualified for Oscar consideration this year. The original, pre-recut version of the film aired twice on CNN; A TVOD and PVOD release of the updated doc will be announced in the future.

Multifunctional Waterproof Drone Market Poised for Growth with Expanding Applications in Industrial and Commercial Sectors | Valuates Reports 12-08-2024 06:55 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Valuates Reports Multifunctional Waterproof Drone Market The global Multifunctional Waterproof Drone market was valued at US$ million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of % during the forecast period 2024-2030. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-25W12807/Global_Multifunctional_Waterproof_Drone_Market_Research_Report_2023 Major Trends: 1.Integration of Advanced Sensors: The integration of high-performance sensors, such as thermal, LiDAR, and HD cameras, is driving multifunctional waterproof drones' ability to operate in diverse environments, including search and rescue, surveillance, and agriculture. 2.Increased Use in Harsh Environments: These drones are becoming increasingly popular in industries such as marine, oil and gas, and disaster management, where drones are required to operate in wet or hazardous conditions, supporting a wider range of applications. 3.Technological Advancements in Battery Life: Improved battery technology is enabling longer flight times, which is essential for industries such as agriculture, mapping, and infrastructure inspections, where drones need extended operational periods. 4.Growth in Environmental and Agriculture Applications: Waterproof drones are increasingly being used in precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and conservation efforts, where weatherproof capabilities are crucial for collecting data in challenging outdoor conditions. 5.Regulatory Advancements: As regulatory frameworks for drones evolve, there is a greater focus on safety standards, airspace management, and commercial use, enabling more widespread deployment of multifunctional waterproof drones in various industries. Challenges: 1.High Cost of Drones: Multifunctional waterproof drones often come with higher price tags due to their advanced technology and materials, which may limit adoption in certain markets, especially for small businesses. 2.Limited Battery Life: While battery life is improving, drones still face limitations when it comes to long-duration flights. Extended flight times are critical for commercial applications, such as surveying large areas. By Type •Silicone Waterproofing •Acrylic Waterproofing By Application •Commercial •Military Key Companies Swellpro, LiDiRC, DIODON Drone Technology, GPTOYS, Autel Robotics, JJRC View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-25W12807/global-multifunctional-waterproof-drone Please reach us at sales@valuates.com Address: Valuates, 4th Floor, Balaraj's Arcade, Whitefield Main road, Bangalore 560066 Valuates offers an extensive collection of market research reports that helps companies to take intelligent strategical decisions based on current and forecasted Market trends. This release was published on openPR.Re: Spike in flu cases and delays in emergency departments put patients at risk from imminent winter crisis

lodibet 291 download Unions score a major win in Wisconsin with a court ruling restoring collective bargaining rights MADISON, Wis. Scott Bauer, The Associated Press Dec 2, 2024 1:37 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - This file photo taken Feb. 17, 2011 shows protestors of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers packing the rotunda at the State Capitol in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions scored a major legal victory Monday with a ruling that restores collective bargaining rights they lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights. That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. Under the ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place prior to 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law. Republicans vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, which ultimately is likely to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That only amplifies the importance of the April election that will determine whether the court remains controlled 4-3 by liberal justices. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed the law that catapulted him onto the national political stage, decried the ruling in a post on the social media platform X as “brazen political activism.” He said it makes the state Supreme Court election “that much more important.” Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued. Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions. Union leaders were overjoyed with the ruling, which affects tens of thousands of public employees. “We realize there may still be a fight ahead of us in the courts, but make no mistake, we’re ready to keep fighting until we all have a seat at the table again,” said Ben Gruber, a conservation warden and president of AFSCME Local 1215. The law was proposed by Walker and enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in spite of massive protests that went on for weeks and drew as many as 100,000 people to the Capitol. The law has withstood numerous legal challenges over the years, but this was the first brought since the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to liberal control in 2023. The seven unions and three union leaders that brought the lawsuit argued that the law should be struck down because it creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers. Attorneys for the Legislature and state agencies countered that the exemptions are legal, have already been upheld by other courts, and that the case should be dismissed. But Frost sided with the unions in July, saying the law violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into “general” and “public safety” employees. He ruled that general employee unions, like those representing teachers, can not be treated differently from public safety unions that were exempt from the law. His ruling Monday delineated the dozens of specific provisions in the law that must be struck. Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he looked forward to appealing the ruling. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges,” Vos said in a statement. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying organization, also decried the ruling. WMC President Kurt Bauer called Act 10 “a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings." The Legislature said in court filings that arguments made in the current case were rejected in 2014 by the state Supreme Court. The only change since that ruling is the makeup of Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys for the Legislature argued. The Act 10 law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Walker, who was targeted for a recall election he won. Walker used his fights with unions to mount an unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. Frost, the judge who issued Monday's ruling, appeared to have signed the petition to recall Walker from office. None of the attorneys sought his removal from the case and he did not step down. Frost was appointed to the bench by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who signed the Walker recall petition. The law has also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a 2022 analysis that since 2000, Wisconsin had the largest decline in the proportion of its workforce that is unionized. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature approved a right-to-work law that limited the power of private-sector unions. Public sector unions that brought the lawsuit are the Abbotsford Education Association; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215; the Beaver Dam Education Association; SEIU Wisconsin; the Teaching Assistants’ Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695. Scott Bauer, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Business Memorial planned on Dec. 11 for homeless man who died in Windsor, N.S. Dec 2, 2024 1:59 PM S&P/TSX composite down Monday, U.S. stock markets mixed Dec 2, 2024 1:43 PM Intel CEO Gelsinger retires; Zinsner and Johnston Holthaus named interim co-CEOs Dec 2, 2024 1:31 PM Featured Flyer

Married to three women, convicted in six criminal cases, charged in 14 more, and brazen in his habit of video- recording his targets. Repeat offender Gnanasekaran, arrested Wednesday for allegedly raping the second-year engineering student , was not only a frequent visitor to Chennai's Anna University but also had videos of five other women on his phone, . One of Gnanasekaran's wives is a sanitation employee on contract at the university, police said. At least 50 suspects were detained after the rape. Barring Gnanasekaran, the rest were allowed to go after submitting an undertaking. CCTV footage helped cops identify Gnanasekaran as the prime suspect. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .Macron hunts for new PM as government resignation looms

British-Canadian computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton and co-laureate John Hopfield are set to receive the Nobel Prize for physics on Tuesday in Stockholm. The pair landed the accolade because they used physics to develop artificial neural networks, which help computers learn without having to program them. These networks form the foundation of machine learning, a computer science that relies on data and algorithms to help artificial intelligence mimic the human brain. Hinton and Hopfield’s path to the Nobel began when Hopfield, who is now a professor emeritus at Princeton University, invented a network in 1982 that could store and reconstruct images in data. The Hopfield network uses associate memory, which humans use to remember what something looks like when it’s not in front of them or to conjure up a word they know but seldom use. The network can mirror this process because it stores patterns and has a method for recreating them. When the network is given an incomplete or slightly distorted pattern, the method then searches for the stored pattern that is most similar to recreate data. This means if a computer was shown, for example, a photo of dog where only part of the animal was visible, it could use the network to piece together the missing part of the image and recognize it was depicting a dog. Hinton, who was working at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1985, used the Hopfield network as the foundation for a new network he called the Boltzmann machine. Its name came from the nineteenth-century physicist Ludwig Boltzmann. The Boltzmann machine learns from examples, rather than instructions, and when trained, can recognize familiar characteristics in information, even if it has not seen that data before. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which gives out the Nobel, likens this to how humans may be able to identify someone as a relative of one of their friends, even if they’ve never met this person before, because of they share similar traits. The Boltzmann machine works in a similar way, classifying images or creating new examples based on the patterns it was trained on. This kind of technology can help suggest films or television shows based on a user’s preferences and past viewing history The Hopfield network and Boltzmann machine are considered to have laid the groundwork for modern AI. Hinton, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, went on to win the A.M. Turing Award, known as the Nobel Prize of computing, with fellow Canadian Yoshua Bengio and American Yan LeCun in 2018. He is often called the godfather of AI. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press

, With the calendar almost set to turn to 2025, Americans are beginning to look forward to a new year and all the opportunities it may bring. Like the landslide victory of President Ronald Reagan a generation ago, President-elect Donald Trump's historic political comeback is ushering in a new era of hope for the American people. For the first time since Trump's last go-round in the White House, the country seems optimistic for the future. According to a CBS News poll out just before Christmas, 57 percent of Americans say they are "hopeful" heading in the new year, a 10 percent jump from the 47 percent who said the same at this time last year. That finding echoes the results from a Fox News poll earlier this month which found that 54 percent of Americans feel hopeful following the 2024 election – with even one in five Democrats saying they feel hopeful, too. Another Ipsos poll found that 70 percent of Americans think 2025 will be a better year for their families and their country than 2024. As University of Tennessee law professor Glenn Reynolds noted in a recent op-ed for The New York Post, Trump's victory is the obvious source of this bubbling optimism in the national mood. "The entire energy of the nation, and maybe the world, has changed overnight," Reynolds writes. "Under Biden, and especially with the prospect of a successor regime under Harris, America's prospects were grim. Now they're bright, and all sorts of problems that were thought to be too tough to deal with — immigration, shrinking the deficit, reforming education, the bureaucracy, the military, and more — are suddenly being addressed by competent people." The most obvious historical comparison to the buoying confidence now sweeping the nation is the... Andrew Shirley

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After a thrilling conference championship Saturday and a drawn-out reveal show Sunday, the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff field is set. The first true tournament in FBS history has plenty to love -- and elements to loathe. What Went Right: Unique opening-round matchups Whether the first round proves to be more competitive than the four-team Playoff's often lopsided semifinal matchups remains to be seen. Until then, there is at least intrigue in the historic rarity of the four pairings. One opening-round matchup -- ACC automatic qualifier Clemson at Texas -- is a first-time encounter between two programs that combine for seven claimed national championships. Of the other three, the most recent contest occurred in 1996 when Tennessee topped Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl. The Vols and Buckeyes meet as the No. 9 and No. 8 seeds at Ohio State's Horseshoe, with the winner advancing to face top overall seed Oregon. SMU, a perhaps surprising final at-large selection given the Mustangs' dearth of high-profile wins, meets Penn State for the third time ever and first since 1978. The Nittany Lions scored a 26-21 come-from-behind win in Happy Valley, where they will again host SMU. The Penn State victory ended a 30-year stalemate after the first and only meeting in the 1948 Cotton Bowl produced a 13-13 tie. Here's hoping the third part of a 76-year trilogy is as closely contested as the initial two. Meanwhile, the matchup with the most previous installments is the closest in proximity -- less than 200 miles separate in-state counterparts Indiana and Notre Dame -- and the most lopsided. The Fighting Irish and Hoosiers last played in 1991, with Notre Dame's 49-27 win marking its sixth straight victory by multiple scores. Indiana's last win in the series came in 1950, a 20-7 Hoosiers victory in Bloomington. What Went Right: Boise State's big opportunity Although not the first outsider to reach or win a Bowl Championship Series game, Boise State's 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma was arguably the most pivotal moment in building support for outsiders to compete for the national championship. The Broncos spent two decades knocking on the door, beginning with their perfect 2004 regular season, extending through two Fiesta Bowl wins, and withstanding the heartbreak of late-season losses in 2010 and 2011. The celebration in response to Boise State being part of the bracket -- and not just in, but as the No. 3 seed with a bye into the quarterfinals -- marked a culmination of generations of effort for just this opportunity. What Went Right: ‘Football weather' comes to the postseason From the birth of the bowl system with the first-ever Rose Bowl Game, college football's postseason has resided primarily in warm-weather destinations. This makes sense for the original purpose of bowl games as showcases and celebrations of a team's regular-season performance, but less so for the goal of crowning a national champion. After decades of playing what often amounted to road games in the postseason, northern teams get their opportunity to host. Three of the four first-round contests are in such climates -- though Indiana won't be particularly disadvantaged by weather when playing Notre Dame in South Bend. With average December highs in Pennsylvania in the 30s, SMU will need its heaters on the sideline at Penn State's Beaver Stadium. The more intriguing trip, however, is Tennessee's to Ohio State. Longtime college football fans know the arguments about SEC teams playing in Big Ten country late in the year. Pitting two high-quality teams from the two leagues head-to-head in such conditions is a highlight of this new postseason system. And, given Tennessee and Ohio State have two of the nation's best defenses, expect a style of play befitting what is often described as football weather. What Went Wrong: More teams means more politicking When Mack Brown seemingly spent as much time on TV campaigning in 2004 as that year's presidential candidates, George W. Bush and John Kerry, his Texas Longhorns were among a small collection of teams vying for BCS bids. With the 12-team Playoff opening the top postseason opportunities to as many as 20 teams realistically, the political campaign ads that mercilessly ended in early November were replaced by the politicking of college football figures. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard spent last week taking shots at SMU and other programs over strength of schedule -- a point neglecting that the Cyclones' losses came to unranked Texas Tech and sub-.500 Kansas. Arizona State's thorough dismantling of Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game solved that debate at the proverbial ballot box. However, brace yourself for an offseason of recount demands coming out of the SEC. Alabama's exclusion at 9-3, while 11-2 SMU landed the final at-large spot, is sure to play into the same controversy that South Carolina coach Shane Beamer leaned into last week. Beamer told The State (Columbia, S.C.) last week that his program may consider changing its nonconference scheduling in response to its seemingly inevitable Playoff snub. It's an odd position, given South Carolina's three losses all came in-conference, and the Gamecocks' nonleague slate included sub-.500 teams Old Dominion, Akron and FCS Wofford. But then again, how often are political campaign pitches rooted in logic? What Went Wrong: Quantity over quality? A more salient position in Beamer's case for South Carolina is that the Gamecocks scored quality wins during a season-ending, six-game streak. With its Rivalry Week defeat of Clemson, South Carolina added a victory over a Playoff qualifier to complement victories over Texas A&M and Missouri. Alabama, meanwhile, boasts wins over No. 2 overall seed Georgia and that same South Carolina team in contention. SMU's resume might be the most likely to draw ire, given the Mustangs received the last at-large berth. However, SMU beat nine- and eight-win Duke and Louisville, with two losses by a combined six points. Indiana should be the more contentious at-large choice, with the Hoosiers beating only one team that finished above .500: 7-5 Michigan. Indiana's only other matchup with an above-.500 opponent was a 38-15 blowout at Ohio State. That's something Alabama and South Carolina have in common with Indiana, as all three teams lost in routs. Alabama dropped a 24-3 decision late in the season at Oklahoma that presumably doomed the Crimson Tide's chances, while South Carolina lost to Ole Miss 27-3. To that end, there are arguments to be made for and against every team that was on the bubble. No system will ever appease all parties. What Went Wrong: Seeding conundrum Much of the Playoff's very existence flies in the face of college football tradition. One facet of how the field was set that upholds tradition in its own small way is rewarding teams for winning their conferences by reserving the four first-round byes for league champions. When this format was implemented, however, the committee could not have envisioned that two of the top five conference champions would not be ranked in the top 10. Because three-loss Clemson survived a furious SMU comeback in the ACC championship game, and Arizona State caught fire after underwhelming losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati to win a weak Big 12, the committee was in the unusual position of having to slot a non-power conference champion and double-digit-ranked team in a top-four spot. This first edition of the Playoff seems likely to be the last to use this format, even if this scenario seems like an outlier. --Kyle Kensing, Field Level MediaThe slight decrease in housing prices could be seen as a positive sign for the real estate market. The government has implemented various measures to prevent speculative real estate bubbles and ensure the stability of the housing market. The decline in housing prices reflects the effectiveness of these measures in controlling price growth and promoting a healthy housing market.Today, Vander Sa stands stronger than ever, a testament to the power of resilience and determination. While the memory of his stroke lingers as a reminder of his mortality, it also serves as a testament to his courage and inner strength. He has emerged from the experience with a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life, the importance of good health, and the value of love and support in times of need.lodibet 646 login register 。

The proposed expressway, slated to be a crucial addition to the existing transportation network in Jiangxi, is expected to enhance regional accessibility and connectivity, thereby boosting economic activities and promoting regional development. The project entails the construction of a modern, efficient expressway that will link key urban centers, industrial zones, and commercial areas across the province, significantly reducing travel times and improving overall transportation efficiency.

Breyten Breytenbach, who died Sunday, was one of South Africa's most honoured writers, who found beauty in his Afrikaans language but was horrified at the white supremacy imposed by his government. The poet, author and painter had not lived in South Africa for decades, leaving in the early 1960s to settle in Paris, where he became a global voice against apartheid. What was intended to be a short and secret trip back in 1975 led to him spending seven years in jail, two in solitary confinement, after he was betrayed and arrested. French president Francois Mitterrand helped secure his release in 1982 and he returned to France to become a citizen. He travelled back to South Africa regularly, according to his daughter Daphnee Breytenbach, who confirmed his death to AFP. "My father, the South African painter and poet Breyten Breytenbach, died peacefully on Sunday, November 24, in Paris, at the age of 85," she said. "Immense artist, militant against apartheid, he fought for a better world until the end." Breytenbach was born in the small Western Cape town of Bonnievale in 1939 at a time when Afrikaans was emerging with a distinct identity as a language, having been derided as "kitchen Dutch". When in 1964 Breytenbach published his first volume of poetry -- "Die ysterkoei moet sweet", or The Iron Cow Must Sweat -- Afrikaans was not just ascendent but had given the name "apartheid" to South Africa's brutal system of racial segregation. With Afrikaners in power, their language became ever more associated with the regime. "I'd never reject Afrikaans as a language, but I reject it as part of the Afrikaner political identity. I no longer consider myself an Afrikaner," he said in an interview with The New York Times the following year. In his language and politics, Breytenbach pushed back against the strictures of the country in which he was born. He travelled around Europe in his early 20s, eventually settling in 1962 in Paris, where he met his wife, Yolande Ngo Thi Hoang Lien, who was born in Vietnam and raised in France. She was refused a visa to visit South Africa in the late 1960s as she was considered "non-white" by the apartheid system. Breytenbach returned to the country in the early 1970s on a false passport to deliver money to the anti-apartheid struggle and meet white activists. But he was discovered and sentenced to nine years in prison, serving seven. Of his more than 50 books, most are in Afrikaans. His acclaimed 1984 prison memoir, "The True Confession of an Albino Terrorist", is in English. In the book, he recalls the horrors of hearing fellow inmates being hanged, often for political crimes. "Very often –- no, all the time really –- I relive those years of horror and corruption, and I try to imagine, as I did then with the heart an impediment to breathing, what it must be like to be executed. What it must be like to be. Executed," he wrote. His path crossed once, briefly, with another famous inmate. Nelson Mandela was for a time transferred from Robben Island to Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town, where Breytenbach was serving his time. The writer was tasked with preparing new prison clothes for the future president. Breytenbach eventually turned to painting to portray surreal human and animal figures, often in captivity, with his art displayed in Johannesburg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Paris. His literature gathered several prizes, including the international Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award (2017), the Mahmoud Darwish Literature Prize (2010) and the Van der Hoogt prize for Dutch literature (1972). "His poems are rich in metaphors and are a complex mixture of references to Buddhism, Afrikaans idiomatic speech, and memories of the South African landscape," according to the Hague-based Writers Unlimited foundation. For all his activism, when democracy arrived in 1994, the older and gray-bearded Breytenbach did not return to embrace the new South Africa. He wrestled with the failings of the democratic government, even with Mandela, despairing at what he called in Harpers magazine in 2008 the "seemingly never-ending parade of corrupt clowns in power at all levels". Breytenbach also taught at the University of Cape Town, the Goree Institute in Dakar and New York University. zm-gs-br/lhd/jsIn the statement released by Evergrande Group, the company acknowledges the challenges it faces due to the current economic climate and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate industry. The company expresses regret for the distress caused to investors and stakeholders and emphasizes its commitment to resolving the financial difficulties in a responsible and transparent manner.

As Southeast Asia's overseas warehouses navigate these turbulent times, they are also presented with opportunities for growth and innovation. The increased digitization of operations, the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics, and the emphasis on sustainability and resilience are all driving forces that will shape the future of the industry.

After weeks of fear and bewilderment about over parts of New York and , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details including where they system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Bianca Vázquez Toness, The Associated PressCommentary: New legislators face significant choices with funding shortfall

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AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:39 p.m. ESTAs we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, incidents like the one involving Sarah and John serve as a cautionary tale. They remind us of the need to be vigilant about our privacy and to speak out against any violation, no matter how seemingly small. Only by fostering a culture of respect and consent can we create a safer and more secure environment for all.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Youths Development, Ambassador Shehu Usman Ndanusa, has called on parents to give their children the freedom to choose their career paths, rather than imposing personal preferences on them. Speaking during the end-of-the-year party with students and parents of the Integrity Mission International Academy in Ilorin, the Commissioner emphasised the importance of nurturing individual talents and passions, which, according to him, are crucial for personal and professional growth. He said: “Every child is unique, with their own strengths, abilities, and interests, parents should guide and support their children, but not force them into career paths that may not align with their talents or aspirations. This is key to ensuring fulfilled and successful individuals. “Youths excel when they pursue careers they are passionate about. Let us work together to help them realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.” The Commissioner also highlighted how some parents’ insistence on traditional career paths, such as medicine, law, or engineering, has led to frustration and lack of fulfilment among youths. He called for a shift in perspective, encouraging parents to embrace new and unconventional career fields, such as technology, creative arts, sports, and entrepreneurship. According to him, the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has prioritised youths development to build a stronger and a more innovative society.

The live stream event, which was meticulously planned and executed with precision, showcased the entire process of Xiang Zuo's transformation, from the initial consultation to the final styling. Viewers were given a behind-the-scenes look at Xiaohua's creative process, witnessing firsthand the intricate techniques and attention to detail that go into creating a flawless hairstyle.

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PHOENIX — As of Friday, south-central Phoenix is one step closer to more accessible public transport. Valley Metro started testing trains on the new South Central Extension for the light rail. The 5.5-mile expansion will connect the existing routes in downtown Phoenix to Baseline Road. You can expect to see trains running Washington and Jefferson streets, as well as 1st, 3rd and Central avenues during the testing period. Testing will ramp up as Valley Metro nears its projected opening date in mid-2025. Valley Metro shared the following safety tips for the new developments: Follow all traffic signals and use designated crosswalks Stay alert and listen for warning signals and train sounds Avoid standing on tracks—light rail trains are quiet and may approach at any time Do not enter the new station platforms during testing as they are currently closed You can visit valleymetro.org/southcentral for more information. Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV . 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account , or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. Up to Speed Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

TSB investigating rough plane landing in Halifax, passenger says flames were visibleFirst Security Islami Bank sacks DMDThe Chilli, Onion and Ginger Crops Fair will be held in Aungban Township in southern Shan State on 11 and 12 December, said U Than Kyaw Sint, market development official at the Farmers’ Market, which is leading the fair. The fair is mainly held for farmers in Kalaw, Aungban and Pindaya areas aiming to help farmers learn to trade in groups and get good markets. In addition to allowing buyers to buy directly from farmers at the fair, the fair will be held once every 15 days for the convenience of farmers. The fairs, traders and commodity exchanges along with the farmers’ market will also set basic prices to ensure that farmers get good prices. Similarly, farmers will be provided with farming technology, local seeds, solar irrigation machines, fertilizers and advance payment services will be available in one place and it will also be easy to connect with domestic and foreign markets. — ASH/MKKS

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Fantasy football is a passion for many. Sometimes that passion pushes fantasy managers to make emotional decisions even when the data suggest otherwise. Each week during the 2024 NFL season, Liz Loza will attempt to strike a balance between what the data states and what the heart wants. This is called Facts vs. Feelings. I'm writing this week's column on Christmas Eve, feeling as though I should incorporate a Yuletide theme. The fact is, however, you're probably going to read this after December 25th. In which case, I hope that your holiday was merry and bright. Whether Santa slid down your chimney, the glow of Hanukkah is lighting up your evenings, or the bemusement of Festivus tickled your counter-culture soul, may the ritual of your choosing have brought you a comfortable sufficiency of your favorite things and people. If it didn't ... well, then notes for next year. Because we're already thinking about next year, aren't we? These final few days of 2024 are guaranteed to be stuffed with "spin it forward" takes and headlines selling us the "hottest new resolutions" for 2025. Many of us will pen mental manifestos about counting macros (because cutting carbs faded away with the flip phone and trucker hats) and prioritizing probiotics. Others will make public proclamations regarding intentional self-care while committing to grabbing those long overdue drinks with that friend who lives across town. It's all just wheel-spinning, really. Not that creating healthful change is frivolous. Or that I would ever doubt the authenticity of anyone's personal promises. Not at all. Rather, this specific space of time exists in such a liminal way that we can't help but feel disoriented. I don't want to dodder around in a fugue-like state but straddling the end of one year while not beginning the next invites a discomforting amount of confusion. Ripping off robust resolutions and organizing tool sheds offers us agency. Sitting still is tough. Distractions often provide us with deep delight. I'm not advocating for either. Though, I am planning to give "staying present" a valiant try. The concept is not novel. I've hinted at it throughout the season. Aiming to live in the now when the now is muddy, however, requires an accented amount of discipline. And who wants to talk about discipline on Dec. 27? Instead, why don't we just allow events to unfold? Maybe change things up when new data is discovered or different feelings bubble to the surface? Even if the calendar and the coordinating fantasy football season don't imply an expanse of hours or minutes with which to cull updated information. Who cares? We still have one, maybe two more weeks. And besides, if we can't control our circumstances, let's at least focus on how we react to them. So, don't let the purgatory of this period mess with your mentals. Ponder what it is you really want and then do that thing, taking full responsibility for any potential consequences. Trust your gut in late December as much as you did in early October and as much as you will in mid-January. Purge your garage with as much enthusiasm as a De'Von Achane Stan starting him at Cleveland. Or languish in cozies on the sofa with satisfaction similar to that of Bijan Robinson managers coming off of a third multi-TD effort. The stakes may be high and the time may be muted, but you remain the captain of your destiny in fantasy ... and life. Now, get out there and enjoy all of it. It's not too late to play for free There's still time to join or create a league in the No. 1 Fantasy basketball game. Your league starts fresh on the first scoring period following your draft. Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your championship run starts today! Sign up today! Brock Purdy , QB, San Francisco 49ers : Few players have seized an unexpected moment with as much vigor as Purdy. From being under center at the Super Bowl to being unceremoniously eliminated from the postseason 10 months later, the 49ers' QB has moved through an impressive number of obstacles. And, yet, he's battled through all of the disappointment and continued to produce. Purdy is currently fantasy's QB12 in terms of points per game, registering nearly 17 per contest. That's down just 1.5 points from his 2023 average. Certainly, not bad given the number of offensive stars that made early exits from San Fran's season. Moreover, Purdy has posted 20 or more fantasy points in four of his past seven games. There were two single-digit outliers (most notably the 'snow game' versus Buffalo) during that span and he tossed an ugly INT at Miami in Week 16, but his performances have been of starting caliber more times than not. Part of Purdy's appeal sneakily exists in his legs. The 24-year-old is QB8 in rushing fantasy points behind Jalen Hurts , Josh Allen , Jayden Daniels , Lamar Jackson , Anthony Richardson , Kyler Murray and Bo Nix . More specifically, Purdy is in the second tier of mobile QBs, averaging 3.9 fantasy points per game from rushing alone. That sets up nicely versus Detroit, as the Lions' defense has given up the third-most rushing yards per game (28.3) to opposing QBs. Speaking of the Lions' defense, it is banged up to say the least. As the injuries have mounted, so has the opposing offenses' production; all three signal-callers that have reached 22 fantasy points against the Lions this season have come over the team's most recent four games. The unit allowed seven passing scores from Weeks 1-12. That number jumped to eight over the most-recent four games. With Purdy playing for pride in what's expected to be a relatively close (+3.5) and high-scoring affair (51.5) , Mr. Irrelevant is in a position to make fantasy squads anything but. Alexander Mattison , RB, Las Vegas Raiders : The Raiders' backfield has been giving EOY energy since Josh Jacobs left town. Make no mistake; the team cast Mattison in an understudy role, but with Zamir White (quadriceps) and Sincere McCormick (ankle) both on the IR, the former Viking figures to receive top billing over the next pair of weeks. Even with Ameer Abdullah stumbling into a resurgence, Mattison found the spotlight in the passing game, converting four of seven looks in Week 16. The 26-year-old has handled lead back duties on five occasions this season, registering at least 16 touches and averaging 19.5 opportunities over the collection of games. His output in those efforts has been of the RB2 variety, as he's managed a solid 13.6 fantasy points per contest. He figures to post similar stats in a plus matchup at New Orleans. The Saints have allowed 17 rushing TDs to RBs, including a whopping three (to three different Packers running backs) this past Monday night. Mattison may not have been on early-season bingo cards but could be a perfectly-timed Band-Aid for facile managers seeking positional depth. Introducing the ESPN Smack Talk Fantasy Football Greeting Cards This 3-card pack offers the perfect blend of humor and humiliation, making sure your league's biggest underachievers get the recognition they deserve. Use code FOCUS10 for 10% off your order. Shop Now Terry McLaurin , WR, Washington Commanders : Talk about delayed gratification! The unlocking of Scary Terry has been a journey six years in the making. No matter the stumbling blocks or setbacks, McLaurin efforted towards ascent. That dedication exists not only on a macro level, but also from a micro POV. The chemistry between McLaurin and Jayden Daniels didn't happen overnight. At no point, however, did the duo stop massaging it into existence. Take, for example, their splits facing Philadelphia. McLaurin converted just one of two balls for 10 yards in Week 11. That number improved to a 5-60-1 stat line (worth 17 fantasy points) in Week 16. The evolution has been equal parts constant and consistent. Currently the virtual game's WR5 overall, McLaurin has posted 15 or more fantasy points in nine of his past 10 outings and in 11 total contests over the course of 2024. For context, those 11 games of 15-plus fantasy points ranks second-most in the NFL among non-QBs. Only Justin Jefferson has more (12), while Ja'Marr Chase and Jahmyr Gibbs are tied with the same number. The climb figures to continue in a game with major postseason implications on Sunday night. Washington will host a Falcons' squad miraculously still in the hunt for the NFC South crown and, with it, a playoff berth. With both offenses firing on all cylinders and Atlanta's defense allowing the highest completion percentage in the NFL (69.8%), McLaurin should put forth a commanding display. Additionally working in the wideout's favor is the fact that the Falcons have allowed a league-high (tied with the Texans) 20 receiving scores to wide receivers. That's got to make McLaurin investors feel pretty good about their chances of victory in Week 17. Alec Pierce , WR, Indianapolis Colts : No better way to close out the year than with a little YOLO. Pierce has brought the boom (and the bust) throughout 2024. Assuming he clears the leagues' concussion protocol (from a head injury suffered in Week 15), the explosive wideout figures to deliver more of the former, especially facing an ultra-generous Giants' secondary. Ranking first at the position in deep targets (29), Pierce is averaging an astounding 22.2 yards per reception (WR2). He's listed second among Colts' pass-catchers in routes run (353) and receiving yards registered (645) while leading the corps in air yards per target (21.41) and receiving scores hauled in (tied with Josh Downs for five). Pierce's downfield ability figures to be healthily exploited given the matchup. New York's defense has given up an absurd 62% completion rate on deep passes, which is by far the worst in the NFL, registering a full five points behind of the down-and-out Jaguars (57%). Interestingly, three of the six receivers who, like Pierce (21.5 yards, WR1), rank inside the top 20 in terms of aDOT have each logged season-high fantasy point totals when facing the G-Men: Calvin Austin III (20.4 FPTS, which included a kick return), Amari Cooper (27.6 FPTS), and Rashod Bateman (23.0 FPTS). The timing for Pierce and his managers could not be better. Editor's Picks The Playbook: Your fantasy football guide for Christmas Day games 2h Mike Clay Shadow Report: Your weekly guide to WR/CB matchups 1h Mike Clay Matchup rankings: Bucky Irving, Jayden Reed set up well 56m Tristan H. Cockcroft Chig Okonkwo , TE, Tennessee Titans : I am but a humble fantasy analyst, standing before you, and asking you to, once again, consider the underutilized talents of the Titans' second-most targeted pass-catcher. To be fair, it appears as though Mason Rudolph and I share an affinity for the tight end's receiving potential. Okonkwo -- who has drawn double-digit looks in back-to-back efforts -- has logged a healthy target share of 19% with Rudolph under center as opposed to 11% with Will Levis at the helm. Coincidentally, the Maryland product has also experienced an increase in snap share, up from 54% in Weeks 1-8 to 70% since Week 9. While Rudolph has not been perfect, he has provided the offense with an undeniable spark. So much so that the Titans are favored (-1) at Jacksonville in Week 17. Of course, much of that has to do with the state of the Jaguars' (briefly aforementioned) defense. Jacksonville has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs, including 20.9 to Brock Bowers last Sunday. Chig may not be Brock, but his Week 16 effort (19.1) ranked second-most at the position, behind only the Raiders rookie. He has a solid shot to flirt with those numbers again this go-around, reminding managers that late is better than never. Yes, I just gave you two entire paragraphs of Mason Rudolph-adjacent analysis without a single on-the-nose reference. Happy New Year. Follow Liz on social @LizLoza_FF

Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th down

How to watch NFL's Christmas Gameday

However, amidst the celebrations and accolades, the specter of Barcelona loomed large. The Spanish giants had included a buy-back option in Phuket's contract, allowing them the first refusal should they choose to bring him back to the Camp Nou. While Phuket remains fully committed to his current club and focused on further success in the MLS, the potential return to Barcelona adds an intriguing subplot to his already compelling journey.lodibet agent 。

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In the competitive world of music and entertainment, it's not often that we see artists openly acknowledging and praising their mentors. However, rising rap star Jack Harlow recently took to social media to express his gratitude and admiration for his coach, Mauresmo, in a heartfelt post that has since sparked a wave of appreciation and recognition for the influential figure in his life.In the wake of this tragedy, many are calling for greater transparency and regulation in the beauty and influencer industries, urging influencers to prioritize their health and well-being over external appearances. The loss of Liu Dabeili serves as a sobering reminder that behind the filters and perfectly curated images, there are real people with real struggles and vulnerabilities.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha voiced grave concerns over the current political actions in Bangladesh, condemning attempts by those in power to rewrite history and overlook the nation's shared past with India. Speaking at an event in Rabindra Bhaban, Saha highlighted the significant role Tripura played during the 1971 liberation war and urged people to protest against recent minority attacks in Bangladesh. He emphasized the need for immediate corrective measures from the Bangladeshi authorities. He pointed out that while Durga Puja celebrations continue in India, instances of idol desecration in Bangladesh should mobilize citizens to stand united against these atrocities. (With inputs from agencies.)Enugu Governor hails CAN for promoting unity among Nigerians

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What happened to Hannah Kobayashi? Police say the Hawaii woman voluntarily disappeared

Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday seasonAs the news of Liu Yuning's hospital visit continues to capture headlines and ignite discussions, it serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability and humanity that exists behind the glamorous facade of fame. The public's interest in the well-being of their beloved stars reflects a shared concern for the health and happiness of those who bring joy and inspiration through their talents and performances.K Rafeeq shakes up Wayanad CPM, replaces P Gagarin as district secretary

As the music world continues to evolve and artists navigate the challenges of fame and creativity, the relationship between mentor and protege remains a vital aspect of personal and professional growth. Jack Harlow's public praise for Coach Mauresmo serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship and the profound impact that a guiding light can have on an artist's journey to success.Alex Ovechkin has a broken left fibula and is expected to be out four to six weeks, an injury that pauses the Washington Capitals superstar captain’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record. The Capitals updated Ovechkin’s status Thursday after he was evaluated by team doctors upon returning from a three-game trip. The 39-year-old broke the leg in a shin-on-shin collision Monday night with Utah's Jack McBain, and some of his closest teammates knew it was not good news even before Ovechkin was listed as week to week and placed on injured reserve. “Everyone’s bummed out,” said winger Tom Wilson, who has played with Ovechkin since 2013. “We were sitting there saying: ‘This is weird. Like, it’s unbelievable that he’s actually hurt.’ It’s one of those things where like, he’s going to miss games? I’ve been around a long time, and it’s new to me.” Ovechkin in his first 19 seasons missed 59 games — and just 35 because of injury. Durability even while throwing his body around with his physical style is a big reason he is on track to pass Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals that once looked unapproachable. “He doesn’t go out there and just coast around,” Wilson said. “He’s played 20 years every shift running over guys and skating. He’s a power forward, the best goal-scorer ever maybe, and he’s a power forward that plays the game really hard.” Ovechkin surged to the top of the league with 15 goals in his first 18 games this season. He was on pace to break the record and score No. 895 sometime in February. “You know when goal-scorers start scoring, it’s dangerous,” said defenseman John Carlson, who has been teammates with Ovechkin since 2009-10. “There was a bit of that in the downs that everyone was feeling about it too, of course. We see him coming to the rink every day, we know what’s at stake. You never want anyone to get injured, but there’s a lot to it and certainly he was playing his best hockey in years.” AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Similarly, Neymar, the Brazilian maestro, also hit the 10-goal mark in just 13 games during his stint at PSG. Known for his flair, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, Neymar lit up the French league with his dazzling performances and cemented his status as one of the best players in the world.

By Ross Cristantiello Rep. Ayanna Pressley praised President Joe Biden’s recent decision to commute the sentences of nearly all the people on federal death row, calling it a “ historic and groundbreaking act ” in a statement Monday. Pressley, who represents much of Boston and some surrounding suburbs, has long been an outspoken opponent of the death penalty. She had previously urged Biden to use his clemency authority to commute the sentences of all 40 people on federal death row before leaving office next month. Biden stopped just short of Pressley’s demand, commuting the sentences of 37 people in total. Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is one of the inmates still facing execution, alongside Dylann Roof and Robert Bowers. Roof was convicted of killing nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston in 2015 in a racist shooting spree. Bowers was convicted of 11 killing Jewish wor­ship­pers at Tree of life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Biden commuted the sentences of the 37 other inmates to life sentences without the possibility of parole. Tsarnaev, Roof, and Bowers did not have their sentences commuted because their cases involved “terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder,” Biden said in a statement. Many more people remain on death row at the state level. “[Biden’s decision] will save lives, address the deep racial disparities in our criminal legal system, and send a powerful message about redemption, decency, and humanity,” Pressley said in a statement. Biden campaigned in 2020 on ending the federal death penalty, and directed the Justice Department to issue a moratorium on federal executions in 2021. Earlier this month, he commuted the sentences of about 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and pardoned 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to restart federal executions when he returns to office. He restarted them during his first term after a pause of almost two decades. A total of 13 executions were carried out under his watch, all of which occurred during the final six months of his presidency. Trump said during his 2024 campaign that drug dealers and human traffickers should be subject to the death penalty. In an interview with GBH News , Pressley said that Biden should go even further, releasing incarcerated people who do not pose a threat to public safety. “State-sanctioned murder is not justice. It is not a deterrent for crime,” Pressley said on CNN this week. By commuting the sentences of 37 people on death row, @POTUS is demonstrating the type of moral and compassionate leadership this moment demands. pic.twitter.com/X8t42BT3Hj Ross Cristantiello Ross Cristantiello, a general assignment news reporter for Boston.com since 2022, covers local politics, crime, the environment, and more. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.Sophie Hediger, a member of Switzerland's snowboard cross team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort, the country's skiing federation said on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Monday at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. Hediger, 26, competed at the Beijing Games in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. “We are shocked and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we offer our deepest condolences,” said Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser in a statement. “(She lost her life) tragically, brutally and far too soon.” AP sports: https://apnews.com/sportslodibet gaming online withdrawal 。

Stock Market Surges Before Holidays! Top Stocks to Watch NowLOGAN, Utah (AP) — Mason Falslev scored 27 points as Utah State beat South Florida 88-67 on Saturday night for the Aggies' best start in school history. Falslev had nine rebounds, nine assists, and three steals for the Aggies (10-0). Ian Martinez scored 15 points while shooting 4 for 12 (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and added five assists. Karson Templin finished 5 of 8 from the field to finish with 12 points. Quincy Adekokoya led the Bulls (5-5) in scoring, finishing with 12 points. Kasen Jennings added 11 points and five assists for South Florida. Brandon Stroud finished with 10 points and two steals. NEXT UP Up next for Utah State is a Tuesday matchup with UCSD at home, and South Florida hosts Bethune-Cookman on Wednesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Ketron Shaw scores 30 to lead Maryland Eastern Shore over Bryn Athyn 91-65

Interparfums, Inc. To Develop Off-White Brand in Fragrance and Beauty CategorySyria's chemical weapons are under scrutiny after rebel forces ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, sparking fears of toxic materials falling into extremist hands. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW) has reminded Syria of its international obligations to secure these weapons. The OPCW announced Monday it is "monitoring closely the recent developments in Syria, with special attention to the status of its chemical weapons -related sites and other locations of interest." The organization has also reached out to Syria's embassy in The Hague for assurances regarding compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention . "To date, this work has continued, and the Syrian declaration of its chemical weapons programme still cannot be considered as accurate and complete," the OPCW statement said. Syria's 'Potentially Undeclared' Chemical Weapons Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, who remains in office , confirmed that most ministers are still operating in Damascus. He did not address concerns about the chemical stockpile, whose location and condition remain unclear. Syria's chemical arsenal, including sarin and chlorine-based weapons, has drawn international condemnation since it was linked to attacks during the earlier stages of the country's civil war . The worst incident killed over 1,400 people in Ghouta , near the capital. Syria declared 1,300 tons of banned chemical weapons after joining the OPCW in 2013. This was all destroyed, but weapons inspectors have since found evidence that contravenes the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention supervised by the OPCW. Assad's government saw 28 chemical weapon inspections across 24 years. In this time the OPCW's reason to believe in the existence of undisclosed weapons has only grown––the most recent assessment saw "potentially undeclared full-scale development and production of chemical weapons at two declared chemical weapons-related facilities," said OPCW chief Fernando Arias in November. Extremist Acquisition of Weapons Prevented, Says Israel Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rocket facilities to prevent their acquisition by "extremists." "Since the initial hours after the announcement of the fall of the former regime, Israel began launching intensive air strikes, deliberately destroying weapons and ammunitions depots," UK-based monitoring group The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said. Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar on Monday said, "The only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens." "That's why we attacked strategic weapons systems, like, for example, remaining chemical weapons, or long-range missiles and rockets, in order that they will not fall in the hands of extremists." Russia Grants Assad Political Asylum Meanwhile, Assad has sought political asylum in Russia . Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the arrangement but declined to comment on Assad's location or any planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin . Assad's removal from power has created a political vacuum, with rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani—emerging as a key figure. Assad has not made a public appearance since meeting with Iran's foreign minister in Damascus last week, where he pledged to "crush" the advancing rebels. Since then, forces led by former al-Qaeda commander Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, now heading the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have seized control of the capital and much of Assad's remaining territory. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

The director of Borderlands 3 criticizes game companies of playing it too safe with their big franchises – Is he right?International art school students helping with town’s projectsWilmington, Del., Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Participating in a tradition that has evolved since 1792, today, employees from Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) gathered on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as Guillermo Novo, chair and chief executive officer, Ashland, joined by company executives, rang the trading day’s opening bell . The event signifies a decade of evolution, resilience and sustainable solutions for the additives and specialty ingredients company and recognizes its 100-year anniversary. “I want to thank our employees for their dedication, our customers for their trust and our shareholders for their support over the years which continues to be the foundation of our success,” said Guillermo Novo, chair and chief executive officer, Ashland. From its origin of gavel banging to the modern workday bell ringing , the ritual marks the start and end of trading through the years and has come to celebrate economic growth and progress. One year ago, Ashland introduced seven new technology platforms aligned to the company’s pharmaceutical, personal care and specialty additives core, that extend to secondary markets with new and differentiated capabilities to unlock organic growth for Ashland and its customers worldwide. The platform solutions bring “new to the world” sustainable innovations, offering tunable choices to customers to enable the reshaping of their product portfolios, answering global megatrends, and responding to various regulatory landscapes. “As the stock market has demonstrated resilience through devastating lows and exuberant highs over time, Ashland has consistently transformed itself ahead of market trends from an oil and refining company to a matrixed chemical company, and from a broad chemicals and materials provider to the focused additives and specialty ingredients company we are today; integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) in our operating plans to responsibly solve for a better world,” said Novo. strategy update event Ashland is hosting a strategy update event for analysts and investors on December 10, 2024, in New York City. The company will provide an in-depth review of Ashland’s strategic priorities, key initiatives and financial objectives while emphasizing a proactive approach to market uncertainty in fiscal year 2025. The event includes presentations and prepared remarks from members of Ashland’s executive team, as well as breakout sessions for in-person attendees and an opportunity for both live and webcast attendees to ask questions during moderated Q&A sessions. “This was a year marked by recovery from prolonged inventory destocking in the materials sector, yet Ashland was able to deliver strategic progress, margin expansion, high-quality free cash flow, and disciplined execution across our global portfolio,” continued Novo. “Despite a complex operating environment, we demonstrated our ability to drive value through portfolio optimization, commercial excellence, and focused growth in our core markets. As we execute our strategy, we remain focused on delivering sustainable, profitable growth and long-term shareholder value. I look forward to providing more context during our upcoming event,” concluded Novo. To participate in Ashland’s strategy update event, interested participants must register for the event and have the option to attend via live webcast or in person. Presentations are expected to begin at 9:00 a.m. ET and conclude following Q&A sessions at 11:00 a.m. ET. After Q&A, in-person attendees will have the opportunity to discuss key initiatives with business line leaders and scientists in breakout sessions until 12:00 p.m ET. To register, participants should use the following link: registration page . Registration information and further event details will be posted on Ashland’s investor website at http://investor.ashland.com . A webcast of the event will be available live and can be accessed, along with supporting materials, through the Ashland website. A replay will be available within 24 hours of the live event and will be archived, along with supporting materials, on Ashland’s website for 12 months. Copies of the presentation may also be requested by sending an email to investor_relations@ashland.com About Ashland Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a global additives and specialty ingredients company with a conscious and proactive mindset for environmental, social and governance (ESG). The company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. Approximately 3,200 passionate, tenacious solvers thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com and ashland.com/ESG to learn more. TM Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Attachments Press_Release_ASH_100_Yr_Bell_Ringing_20241209 100 yr anniversary lockup for PR Dec 2024

Famine is spreading in Sudan due to a war between the military and a notorious paramilitary group that has devastated the country and created the world’s largest displacement crisis, a global hunger monitoring group said Tuesday. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said it detected famine in five areas, including in Sudan’s largest displacement camp, Zamzam, in North Darfur province, where famine was found for the first time in August. The report said the war has triggered unprecedented mass displacement and a collapsing economy. It said hostilities can result in farmers abandoning their crops, looting and stock destruction. Along with the Zamzam camp, which has more than 400,000 people, famine was also detected in two other camps for displaced people, Abu Shouk and al-Salam in North Darfur, and the Western Nuba Mountains, the IPC report said. Five other areas in North Darfur are projected “with reasonable evidence” to experience famine in the next six months, including el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, it said. Seventeen areas in the Nuba Mountains and the northern and southern areas of Darfur are at risk of famine, it added. The report also said some areas in the capital, Khartoum, and the east-central province of Gezira “may be experiencing” famine-like conditions. It said experts were unable to confirm whether famine threshold has been surpassed due to lack of data. “It is not merely a lack of food but a profound breakdown of health, livelihoods and social structures, leaving entire communities in a state of desperation,” it said. There is widespread hunger, with food in markets scarce and prices high. Aid groups say they struggle to reach the most vulnerable as warring parties limit access, especially in North Darfur province. Ahead of the IPC's report, Sudan’s government said it had suspended its participation in the global monitoring system, according to a senior United Nations official with knowledge of the move. In a letter dated Dec. 23, Agriculture Minister Abu Baker al-Beshri accused the IPC of “issuing unreliable reports that undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and dignity,” said the U.N. official, who spoke in condition of anonymity to discuss the letter. Sudan's 20-month war has killed more than than 24,000 people and driven over 14 million people — about 30% of the population — from their homes, according to the United Nations. An estimated 3.2 million Sudanese have crossed into neighboring countries including Chad, Egypt and South Sudan. The war began in April 2023 when tensions between its military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into fighting in Khartoum before spreading to other areas. The conflict has been marked by atrocities including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the U.N. and rights groups. The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Dervla Cleary, a senior emergency and rehabilitation officer at the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, said 638,000 people are experiencing famine. “The situation in Sudan is just awful. It is unacceptable in a world like today,” she said. The IPC report called for a ceasefire, calling it the only way to reduce the risk of famine spreading further." Sudan is the third country where famine was declared in the past 15 years, along with South Sudan and Somalia. The IPC comprises more than a dozen U.N. agencies, aid groups and governments that use its monitoring as a global reference for analysis of food and nutrition crises. The organization has also warned that large parts of Gaza’s Palestinian population face the threat of famine.No. 2 Auburn arrives for prove-it game at No. 9 DukeNo. 2 Auburn arrives for prove-it game at No. 9 Duke

( MENAFN - Live Mint) sheikh Hasina has raised alarm over risk to communal harmony in“today's Bangladesh” since her ouster following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime. In her Christmas message to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina also highlighted“growing hatred” and“persecution of minority communities” in Bangladesh, calling on her countrymen to work towards achieving a“society rooted in tolerance.” In a post on Awami League's social media handle on X, Sheikh Hasina said,“The ideals, teachings, and messages of Jesus Christ reflect his philosophy of humanity and love. His life demonstrated the virtues of forgiveness, magnanimity, and the pursuit of a better world for all." Moving on to the threat Bangladesh is facing, Sheikh Hasina further said,“However, in today's Bangladesh, we witness growing divisions, the spread of hatred, and the persecution of minority communities. Communal harmony is at risk, and it is imperative that we safeguard our nation from these divisive forces by building a humane society.” “Christmas arrives every year with messages of brotherhood, love, compassion, and generosity. It reminds us of Jesus Christ's sacrifices and his vision of a better world. May this holy day inspire us all to embrace these values. Let us strive to illuminate our lives with the greatness of his sacrifice and work towards a society rooted in love, tolerance, and empathy.” And signs off with“Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu. Long live Bangladesh.” Sheikh Hasina's assertion on minority persecution has come after a string of attacks targeting religious minorities since a student-led uprising over reservations toppled long-time autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina in August. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi in August, for“judicial process”, the acting head of the country's foreign ministry said. Responding to questions on Bangladesh's extradition request, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said,“We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter.” MENAFN24122024007365015876ID1109028605 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Kebbi Govt To Boost Partnerships With UK Coy On Digital Finance, Financial InclusionCalamos Investments Closed-End Funds (NASDAQ: CHI, CHY, CSQ, CGO, CHW, CCD and CPZ) Announce Monthly Distributions and Required Notifications of Sources of Distribution

ASML Lead Plaintiff Deadline Approaching – Contact Robbins LLP for Information About the Class Action Against ASML Holding N.V.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 this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. 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. 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. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.

Air traffic control language is commendably succinct. The advisory message that was sent out by the US Command Center at 11.50am GMT on Christmas Eve read: “Nationwide ground stop for all AAL Main and Subs”. AAL is , and the instruction to air traffic controllers across the US (and, as it emerged, the world) was to prevent the carrier’s planes from taking off. The fact that it affected “Subs” – smaller airlines flying regional trips for American, as well as the mainline operation – suggested something had gone awry with the departure control system. This is the technology that manages crucial elements of dispatching a flight, from check-in to load control – ensuring that the weight of passengers, cargo and fuel is appropriately distributed on the plane. The ground stop ended just an hour after it had begun. That was excellent news for the frustrated passengers packed on board flight AA137 from London to Los Angeles. The Boeing 777 pushed back from the gate on schedule at 11.15am but then held on the ground until the order was lifted. It finally took off at 1pm and is expected to reach California more than an hour late, jeopardising onward connections. In its post-meltdown statement, American Airlines followed standard aviation PR practice of blaming a third party: “A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning. That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed. “It’s all hands on deck as our team is working diligently to get customers where they need to go as quickly as possible.” Good luck with that. The Christmas choreography of air traffic control does not respond well to a giant airline’s entire fleet (save for those already airborne) being held on the ground for an hour. I estimate around 300 flights, all with the necessary air traffic control clearances, were due to depart in that forbidden hour. Those precious permissions cannot simply be held over for the next hour: American Airlines itself has another 300 planes to dispatch in that timeframe. The departure from Heathrow to Charlotte, due out 40 minutes after the ground stop was lifted, took off an hour behind schedule. For connecting passengers, that raises stress levels. Add the uncertainty of how long it will take to clear US Customs and Border Protection, as every arriving passenger must do even if they are transferring to another international flight, and the prospect of reaching their destination before 25 December recedes. All this is happening when airline passengers are heavily invested, emotionally as well as financially, in their festive travel plans. The capacity for aviation to generate a novel nightmare scenario each Christmas knows no bounds. Particularly cruel incidents include at in 2018, which caused the Sussex airport to be closed for three days in the build-up to 25 December – grounding 1,000 flights and wrecking the plans of 150,000 travellers. Five years earlier, in the early hours of Christmas Eve 2013, the basement of Gatwick’s North Terminal flooded. , leading to around 100 flights being cancelled and stranding 11,000 passengers. when heavy snow halted operations for days and thwarted the plans of 600,000 travellers. What lesson can we learn from such flightmares before Christmas? That the more important your journey, the more days you should allow to rearrange your schedule if your plans unravel. Or stay put for the festive season and wait for fares and stress to subside. On Boxing Day, British Airways wants £1,080 for a round-trip from Gatwick to Tampa in Florida for a week; I am leaving 10 days later and paying less than half as much.

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She went into care when she was 2-years-old, growing up in a mix of care homes and foster placements in London. She said: "I absconded from care many times, simply because I didn't feel safe. "There was risk of sexual abuse from other young people. Risk of abuse - not just sexual, but exploitation - from the carers. I also ran away because I didn't feel heard or didn't feel reflected in the household, so cultural differences, cultural clashes. "A lot of the time I also felt like I was just being used as a pay cheque. Foster carers often don't actually care about you. There are some amazing ones but for the most part you're a pay cheque. "So I would run away and then have to be brought back by a social worker or by the police." Most of the time Sinead would go to stay with a friend when she absconded from care. But once when she was living in a hostel when she was 16-years-old, she was taken by a neighbour to a drug den where she spent two days terrified to leave. "I couldn't call a social worker because I would have got in trouble, they would stop your pocket money that you got," she said. "I didn't have family, I didn't have anyone who I could call. My friend said just wait it out until you can get taken home. "That was the only time I ran away when I was really at risk. Because anyone could have burst into the house like a fellow gang, drug users coming with guns and knives." How to donate to Missing People Donate online: Visit this link or head to www.missingpeople.org.uk/mirror - read why we're supporting this campaign here. Text: To donate £5 Text HOPE5 to 70660 - To donate £10 Text HOPE10 to 70660 - To donate £15 Text HOPE15 to 70660 Terms & Conditions: *Text costs £5/£10 or £15 plus network charge. Missing People receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Charity No England and Wales: 1020419 , Scotland: SC047419. Missing People will send regular updates via text and may contact you at any time to ask for your contact preference. Post: Please include your name and address and make cheques payable to ‘Missing People’ via free post: Freepost Plus RRKY–XSEC–XAEC. - Missing People - Roebuck House - 284 Upper Richmond Road West - London - SW14 7JE How your donation will help: £5 could help a missing child reach support - 11 could answer an urgent Helpline call from someone who is missing - £33 could give three families advice and help from a Support Worker - £110 could pay for two vital Counselling sessions to help a family to cope with the toughest of all losses How to contact Missing People - free and confidential: Call: 116 000. Text: 116 000. Email: 116000@missingpeople.org.uk How to contact Samaritans for mental health support: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org Sinead urged people to get behind the Mirror's Christmas Appeal for the charity Missing People - the only UK charity supporting those affected by a disappearance. Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Recent figures show a 9% rise in the number of children reported missing each year, up from 69,050 in 2021-22 to 75,422 in 2022-23. There has also been an increase in the total going missing, from 166,463 to 171,192. She said understanding why young people are running away is crucial. "For me, running away from a foster placement because of cultural differences. Have that discussion, don't force me to stay there. Have the framework for young people to feel safe to talk about it. I didn't." The 34-year-old went on to become a solicitor and then set up Compliments of The House , a community-led food distribution charity that she founded after the pandemic.

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have found all manner of ways to lose close games this season. Sunday's 44-38 loss to AFC North rival Pittsburgh can be blamed on a defense that missed tackles and allowed 520 yards of offense, and three turnovers by Joe Burrow. It's become a familiar story in this disappointing season. Cincinnati (4-8) keeps scoring lots of points but can't close out games. Seven of the Bengals’ eight losses this year have been by one score. Burrow has stopped talking about the possibility of going on a run and making the playoffs. He'd just like to win another game or two. “Playoffs are the furthest thing from my mind,” the fifth-year quarterback said. “You never know what can happen, so I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to be the best player I can be for the rest of the season, week in and week out.” The Bengals allowed Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson to throw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns. After Wilson threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, the Steelers (9-3) scored on seven of their last nine possessions. They didn't punt until early in the fourth quarter. Burrow lost two fumbles and threw an interception. “We haven’t done enough to earn the win,” coach Zac Taylor said. “It’s a simple as that. It’s nobody else’s fault but our own. We haven’t earned it.” What’s working Turnovers aside, Burrow had another strong game, finishing with 28 for 38 for 309 yards with three touchdowns. Burrow is having a great season statistically, and he hasn't hidden his disappointment and frustration about Cincinnati's narrow losses. ... WR Ja'Marr Chase had a touchdown catch to bring his league-leading total to 13. What needs help The defense missed tackles and couldn't hold off the Steelers, even with Burrow keeping the game close. It didn’t help that LB Logan Wilson (knee) and DT Sheldon Rankins (illness) had to sit out. The Bengals have allowed 34 or more points six times, including in four of the past five games. Cincinnati became the first NFL team to lose four games in a season in which it scored 33 points or more. Stock up RB Chase Brown has been dependable as the featured back since Zack Moss went down with a neck injury. He rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. He also had three catches for 30 yards. The second-year back has 677 yards rushing and six TDs. “He’s really coming along, improving his game every single week,” Burrow said. “Pass game, run game, running hard, understanding his protection responsibilities. He’s a guy that practices hard, plays hard, and a guy you can count on.” Stock down The Bengals' coaching staff. Something has got to give. There was no excuse for the defense to play this badly after a bye week. The unit gave up 500-plus yards for the second time this season. Injuries None were reported in the game. Key number 30.3 — The average points per game by the Bengals against teams with a .500 or better record this season. They are 0-7 in those games. Next steps The Bengals will try to regroup before facing the Dallas Cowboys (5-7) next Monday night. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Mitch Stacy, The Associated PressT'puram: The govt issued a charge memo against suspended bureaucrat Prasanth N, citing misconduct related to his social media posts and comments criticising fellow IAS officers A Jayathilak and K Gopalakrishnan. The memo characterised the personal criticisms as potentially detrimental to the govt, claiming that Prasanth's actions caused irreparable injury to the administrative framework and damaged the govt's reputation. The charges are based on Prasanth's six Facebook posts. According to the charge memo, a post featuring an advertisement for KAMCO's (the PSU that he was heading while being suspended from service) Power Weeders, captioned "best for uprooting weeds," could be interpreted as an indirect critique of the two officers. Additionally, Prasanth's comments regarding Jayathilak with the phrase "Madampalliyile Chitharogi" (the maniac of Madampally), drawn from a popular Malayalam film, were described as derogatory, though the phrase is commonly used in a light-hearted context. The memo concludes that Prasanth's Facebook posts were derogatory for the two officers. Though satire is often a means of expressing criticism while navigating potential legal repercussions, the charges framed against the officer invite readers to consider how the use of colloquial language and marketing content, when employed satirically, could serve as a basis for initiating legal action. The document further states that Prasanth fostered "divisiveness and disaffection" within the IAS cadre and undermined governance through his remarks. It also claims that he continued to make derogatory statements about Jayathilak even after his suspension, both on social media and in television interviews, suggesting an intent to mislead and gain publicity. The controversy primarily revolves around a report by Gopalakrishnan, who accused Prasanth of not handing over files during his transfer. In response, Jayathilak submitted a report to the govt attributing it to Prasanth for the missing files, which was subsequently published in a vernacular newspaper. However, official records confirm that all files were handed over to Jayathilak on May 13, 2024, by the then minister K Radhakrishnan (who relinquished his post upon being elected as an MP). Prasanth alleged through his social media posts that the two officers conspired to disseminate defamatory information. Notably, the chargesheet describes Prasanth's allegations against Jayathilak as "baseless," despite the lack of any disclosed inquiry or investigation into the matter. While the lengthy chargesheet makes broad assertions against Prasanth, claiming that he made "derogatory remarks" about the two officers, the absence of specific evidence to conclude the comments as derogatory raises questions about the proportionality and intent of the charges. The concluding paragraph of the chargesheet lists charges including "public vilification, irresponsible behaviour unbecoming of an officer, grave indiscipline, insubordination, violation of ethical standards, integrity, honesty, accountability, and lack of courtesy and good behaviour" against the officer.New Year, New Prices: Automakers announce January price hikes amid rising costs

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Donate to provide hope locallyIn latest news, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has taken action to save TikTok from a law which would force a sale or ban of the social media platform by Jan. 19, 2025. He filed a brief on Dec. 27 asking the Supreme Court to block the law. Passed on Apr. 20, the bill called for parent company ByteDance to either divest of TikTok, or face a complete ban in the country. The brief acknowledged the "difficult tension between free-speech rights on one side, and foreign policy and national-security concerns on the other". In the light of these facts, Trump opposes banning TikTok in the U.S. "at this juncture", the brief said. However, as the deadline imposed for TikTok to either be sold or shut down falls on Jan. 19 — just a day before his inauguration — Trump requested a delay. This is so he can "resolve the issues through political means once he takes office". Intends to pursue "negotiated resolution" The brief called Trump "one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history" and said he is in a position to evaluate TikTok's importance as a medium for freedom of expression. It said: "Indeed, President Trump and his rival both used TikTok to connect with voters during the recent Presidential election campaign, with President Trump doing so much more effectively." He therefore hopes to pursue a "negotiated resolution" to save TikTok. This is in line with his earlier election promise that he was "gonna save TikTok", shortly after creating his own account on the social media platform. Notably, the brief took no position on the merits of the ongoing debate as to whether banning TikTok infringes on Americans' First Amendment rights, which include freedom of speech. On the same day, TikTok filed a brief attesting that the law is a violation of the First Amendment. Calling it "profoundly unconstitutional", the platform said that it is one of the nation's "most important venues for communication". "Shuttering the platform will silence the speech of petitioners and the more than 170 million monthly American users that communicate there about politics, arts, commerce, and other matters of public concern — as illustrated by the massive interest expressed during the recent presidential election," it said, adding: "The government has banned an extraordinary amount of speech; demands deference to unsubstantiated predictions a future risk will materialise; and gets facts wrong when it bothers to provide them." Previously wanted to ban TikTok During his tenure in 2020, Trump said he planned to ban TikTok, and cited national security concerns. “As far as TikTok is concerned we’re banning them from the United States,” he said in July 2020, calling the action a “severance”. Then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the Trump administration was evaluating TikTok akin to Chinese state-backed tech companies Huawei and ZTE. He previously described both companies as "Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence". Subsequently, in April 2024, amid a backdrop of concerns from U.S. lawmakers about TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and accusations that it handed over sensitive information to the Chinese government, the bill banning TikTok was passed. Top image from Donald Trump/Facebook and TikTok

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Pictured is the Good Giant team who received Best of Show and Student’s Choice Award on their work regarding the 2023 Reno Rodeo. Event photography was provided by Michael Higdon from Flanz Media. The Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored six individuals, 12 Silver Spike Awards, and several other accolades during its 2024 Silver Spike event on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno, Nev. The Silver Spike Awards ceremony celebrates excellence in the local public relations and communications industry. Public relations and marketing professionals, teams, and firms submit their work for evaluation by an out-of-market PRSA chapter. Submissions are judged on a 100-point scale, with top scores earning a Silver Spike, Bronze Spike, or Award of Excellence. In 2024, the Sierra Nevada Chapter of PRSA received 43 submissions. Of these, 28 were recognized for their outstanding research, well-defined goals and objectives, effective execution, and measurable results. In addition to recognizing professional projects, the Sierra Nevada Chapter also honors individuals based on community nominations. A selection committee, comprised of public relations professionals and community leaders, reviews nominations and finalizes award recipients. “The Silver Spike Awards provide a unique opportunity to honor the exceptional talent and achievements within our local public relations community,” said Jamii Uboldi, APR, 2024 PRSA Sierra Nevada Chapter president. “I am thrilled to see such outstanding work recognized this year. On behalf of our 2024 Board, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported and contributed to our local PR community, and congratulations to all of this year’s award winners!” Below is the complete list of awards presented at the 2024 Silver Spike Awards ceremony: Individual Award Winners Lifetime Posthumous Award: Guy Clifton Public Relations Hall of Fame: Don Butterfield from Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital Gold Spike Community Excellence: Yeraldin Deavila from Northern Nevada Public Health Mark Twain Community Service: Marie Baxter, CFRE from Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada Mark Curtis Sr., Chapter Member of the Year: Jen Eastwood from Good Giant Outstanding New Practitioner: Olive Giner from KPS3 Best of Show This is the highest-scoring entry. Good Giant Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning 2023 Reno Rodeo Student’s Choice Award This is the highest-scoring entry judged by students of the local PRSSA chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno. Good Giant Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning 2023 Reno Rodeo Silver Spike Award Recipients These recipients received a score of 90+. Good Giant Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning GSR Arena Press Conference Good Giant Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning 2023 Reno Rodeo Washoe County Strategies & Tactics: Audio, Video, Webcasts, etc. Weather Podcasts The Abbi Agency Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Owned: Social Media Explore Murrieta – Superbloom KPS3 Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Owned: Social Media Santa Maria Valley Influencer Strategy East Public Relations & IC Media Strategies Programs: Community Relations Nevada Child Care Fund Washoe County Programs: Community Relations Nurturing Next-Gen Leaders: How the WCLA is Fueling Board Succession In Plain Sight Marketing Programs: Special Events & Observances, 1 or 2 days Wedding Venue Open House – Park Home Ranch Washoe County Programs: Special Events & Observances, 1 or 2 days Washoe County Courthouse Sesquicentennial KPS3 Programs: Overall Campaign Greater Nevada Credit Union 2023 Public Relations Campaign The Decker/Royal Agency Programs: Overall Campaign Visit Reno Tahoe National Plan for Vacation Day Renown Health Programs: Overall Campaign Share the Love with a Career at Renown Health Bronze Spike Award Recipients These recipients received a score between 84-89. The Abbi Agency Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning American Forests Tree Equity The Decker/Royal Agency Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning Visit Reno Tahoe Mercury News Feature Renown Health Strategies & Tactics: Audio, Video, Webcasts, etc. Now Hiring: Wolf Pack Fans Like You KPS3 Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Owned: Social Media Visit Morgan Hill Social Media Strategy KPS3 Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Owned: Social Media MPOX Influencer Campaign Renown Health Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Owned: Social Media Empowering Health in Northern Nevada Through Engaging Content Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Programs: Emergency or Crisis Programs Rapid and Comprehensive Response to Aquatic Invasive Species Discovery in Lake Tahoe KPS3 Programs: Special Events & Observances, 3 or more days Donor Network West Home Run for Life, 2023 Renown Health Programs: Special Events & Observances, 1 or 2 days Renown Children’s Hospital NICU & PICU Ribbon Cutting & Open House Events Renown Health Programs: Special Events & Observances, 1 or 2 days Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit Ribbon Cutting & Open House Argentum Partners Programs: Overall Campaign The Final Flag of the National Championship Air Races Award of Excellence Recipients These recipients received a score between 78-83. Argentum Partners Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning The Final Flag of the National Championship Air Races KPS3 Strategies & Tactics: Media Relations – Earned: Online, Print, Expert Positioning Linea Energy Launch Argentum Partners Strategies & Tactics: Content Marketing Baseball Cards for A+ Jobs Renown Health Strategies & Tactics: Audio, Video, Webcasts, etc. Now Hiring: People Like You Argentum Partners Programs: Emergency or Crisis Programs The Final Flag of the National Championship Air Races Event photos can be viewed on Facebook here . Connect with the Sierra Nevada PRSA chapter on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X. For more information, visit prsasierra.org . # # # The Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) consists of public relations practitioners from Northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. The Chapter is active in professional development for its members and community-service service programs for organizations without formal public relations departments. It maintains a close working relationship with the Theodore E. Conover Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at the University of Nevada, Reno, helping the student organization toward a number of regional and national awards, including the prestigious Bateman Case Study championship. The 2024 Silver Spike Awards ceremony was made possible with generous support from: Argentum Partners, About Town Deb, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, East Public Relations, Flanz Media, Good Giant, In Plain Sight Marketing, KPS3, Northern Nevada Health System, Reno Type, Renown Health, The Abbi Agency, The Ferraro Group, Travel Nevada, and Washoe County. RelatedAP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:13 p.m. ESTlodibet legit or not 。

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“We want to be the innovation capital of this country within six years.” With that declaration, Brad Parry, CEO of Calgary Economic Development, laid out Calgary’s ambition during the conclusion of Calgary Innovation Week. Alongside Terry Rock, CEO of Platform Calgary, Parry joined Digital Journal at the Innovation Week YYC Launch Party to discuss the city’s transformation from an energy-sector giant to an emerging leader in tech innovation. Calgary’s evolution is deeply tied to its energy roots. Parry explained, “The misconception that people have about our ecosystem is that the traditional energy companies aren’t innovators, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Many of the city’s most successful entrepreneurs and startups emerged from the energy sector and have since expanded into fintech, life sciences, and agtech. Platform Calgary has been central to this transformation, acting as a hub for entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and connections. Rock reflected on its mission, saying, “This organization is about preparing the city for what’s coming next.” A turning point in Calgary’s journey came in 2018 when Amazon chose not to locate its second headquarters in the city. “Amazon came to us, said, ‘Look, we absolutely love you guys,” said Parry. “You have great talent. You just have the wrong kind of talent.’” This feedback served as a wake-up call for Calgary, prompting a focus on diversifying its workforce to meet the demands of tech and innovation industries. “That was a wake-up call to go, ‘Holy s–t. Let’s think about this. Now, what talent do we actually need?’” Parry added. Since then, the city has made significant strides in cultivating talent for emerging industries and positioning itself as a competitive innovation hub. Despite the progress, challenges persist. Parry noted, “There are still companies here that don’t know about the amazing talents in their own backyard. They go overseas to look for it. They go south of the border.” Additionally, changing perceptions of Calgary remains critical. “For so long, people told the story of Calgary without talking to Calgarians,” Parry said. Both leaders expressed optimism about Calgary’s trajectory, with Rock pointing to reinvestment from successful entrepreneurs. “We had a couple of amazing exits, and those founders are very generous [in] giving back,” he said. “That’s going to happen two or three times in the next five years again.” Watch the full interview. Digital Journal is the official media partner of Innovation Week YYC. Here’s how you can follow: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Learn more about our AI ethics policy here . Chris is an award-winning entrepreneur who has worked in publishing, digital media, broadcasting, advertising, social media & marketing, data and analytics. Chris is a partner in the media company Digital Journal , content marketing and brand storytelling firm Digital Journal Group , and Canada's leading digital transformation and innovation event, the mesh conference . He covers innovation impact where technology intersections with business, media and marketing. Chris is a member of Digital Journal's Insight Forum.

Revolutionary Single-Layer Film Eliminates Helmet Changes, Enhancing Driver Safety and Performance LAS VEGAS , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Racing Optics®, the global leader in high-performance tearoff visor film technology, proudly unveils its latest innovation: the Twilight Tearoff . This groundbreaking single-layer tearoff is engineered to elevate driver visibility during late-afternoon and early-evening races, providing superior glare reduction and contrast enhancement. The Twilight Tearoff redefines race-day performance by allowing drivers to maintain focus and adapt seamlessly to changing light conditions, eliminating the need for disruptive helmet changes. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in racing vision technology, delivering immediate and measurable benefits to professional drivers and teams alike. "The Twilight Tearoff solves one of racing's most persistent challenges—ensuring optimal visibility as lighting transitions rapidly during twilight races," said Chris Colton , Chief Applications Engineer at Racing Optics . "Our dedication to driver safety and performance drives every innovation, and the Twilight Tearoff is no exception." Transforming Racing at Twilight Racing teams are already embracing the Twilight Tearoff as a game-changing solution for twilight and low-light racing conditions. One racing team manager shared their experience: "In a recent twilight race, the Twilight Tearoff gave our drivers unmatched visual clarity. Transitioning from glaring sunlight to artificial lighting without pausing to change helmets was a decisive advantage that kept us competitive." By streamlining the driver experience, the Twilight Tearoff enhances safety and helps maintain uninterrupted race momentum—a critical edge in the high-stakes world of motorsports. Exclusive Debut at PRI Show 2024 The Twilight Tearoff will make its debut at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show , held December 12–14, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana . This highly anticipated event marks Racing Optics' 25th anniversary , celebrating a legacy of trailblazing innovations in motorsports safety and performance. Availability The Twilight Tearoff is now available for purchase at RacingOptics.com and through authorized dealers. Teams and drivers looking to gain a competitive edge are encouraged to explore this latest advancement. About Racing Optics For 25 years, Racing Optics has led the field in racing vision technology, delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety and performance. With a commitment to collaboration and innovation, the company continues to push the boundaries of motorsports protective equipment. For additional information, please visit RacingOptics.com . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2577485/Racing_Optics_Logo.jpg View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/racing-optics-introduces-game-changing-twilight-tearoff-to-enhance-visibility-in-low-light-racing-conditions-302329569.htmlMiles Hastings, Lan Larinson help UC Davis escape with 42-39 victory over Sacramento StateMackenzie Tulloch, 22, told the court that he came in from his home in Hamilton to attend the bush bash off of Pack Road in southwest London on July 30, 2021, with his girlfriend at the time Lina Latef. She was friends with Emily Altmann. He said when they got there, a verbal fight broke out with Altmann in the middle of it with others at the party. He said their group was being escorted out of the area, "She (Altmann) made a phone call on the way out." Tulloch said the call was to the accused, in this case Carlos Guerra Guerra, 23, who was described in court as Altmann’s boyfriend. Tulloch spoke with Guerra Guerra at the time, "I said there was an altercation between Emily, and we were planning to leave." However, minutes later, Tulloch said two masked men appeared at the gathering and one of them was Guerra Guerra, saying, "Obviously something being up to no good covering his face." He said he saw the accused with a firearm at the time saying, "I saw the butt of the gun in his pants...I'm confused, and a little bit concerned as to why there's a weapon." Tulloch said moments later, two males came out of the bushes and there was a wrestling match , "From what I saw it was just people on top of each other...I hear a loud bang." He said as people took off from the scene, he feared the accused, “I was scared, feared retribution, retaliation from snitching. I was terrified that I was going to get killed." Emergency crews would eventually arrive to the area to find 18-year-old Josue Silva suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach. He would later be pronounced dead in hospital. Days later, Guerra Guerra would be arrested and charged. He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a weapon. Last week, the jury was told that Altmann had been excused from the trial and that they were not to speculate. Later, under cross-examination from defence lawyer Ricardo Golec, Tulloch was questioned about why he was not being completely honest and forthcoming with police in his first statement to them, and he replied, "I was an 18-year-old kid in a world of emotions. I was concerned for everybody." The trial resumes on Wednesday. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 19 Of The Best Stocking Stuffers For Teenagers 13 Of The Best Self-Care Gifts You Can Find On Amazon Canada The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For People Who Love Working Out Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts Here Are All The Gift Wrapping Supplies You Should Order Before The Holidays 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers 15 Gifts That'll Pry Their Eyes Away From Screens For A Bit Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday London Top Stories Witness sees accused with gun at bush bash shooting scene 'A real gamut': LHSC highlights number of serious seasonal injuries ahead of the holiday season Tire shops 'spinning' with winter tire changeover demand Mayor worried about flooding following conservation dam decision 'We can’t wait for perfection': Local advocates respond to AG’s criticism of province’s plan to fight homelessness and addiction Charges laid after 'shelter in place' in Tillsonburg 'Hopefully inspire those kids': London Knights Booster Club collects thousands of stuffed animals for Teddy Bear Toss game Nearly $300,000 worth of drugs seized in Oxford County, Kitchener CTVNews.ca Top Stories Trump making 'joke' about Canada becoming 51st state is 'reassuring': Ambassador Hillman Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. insists it’s a good sign U.S. president-elect Donald Trump feels 'comfortable' joking with Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 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Canadians warned to use caution in South Korea after martial law declared then lifted Global Affairs Canada is warning Canadians in South Korea to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution after the country's president imposed an hours-long period of martial law. NDP won't support Conservative non-confidence motion that quotes Singh NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he won't play Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's games by voting to bring down the government on an upcoming non-confidence motion. Calgary man who drove U-Haul over wife sentenced to 15 years A Calgary man who killed his wife in 2020 when he drove over her in a loaded U-Haul has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Speaker's ruling clears path for Trudeau's government to face successive tests of confidence in days ahead After rallying his party's caucus and staffers on Parliament Hill Tuesday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh signalled that he's still not ready to help the other opposition parties trigger an early election, yet. Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment 'teasing' The prime minister’s emergency meeting with opposition leaders on Tuesday appears to have bolstered a more united front against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Kitchener Why Wilmot is proposing a $580 tax increase in its 2025 draft budget The Township of Wilmot has released its 2025 draft budget which included a one-time capital infrastructure investment. Teddy Bear Toss happening tonight at the Aud Calling all Kitchener Rangers fans! The Teddy Bear Toss returns for tonight's game against the Brantford Bulldogs. 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Windsor Windsor, mayor name-dropped for housing criticism The City of Windsor and its mayor have been picked out as egregious examples of municipal housing missteps by a prominent expert in the field and author of a recent report identifying poor building performance in Ontario. Survey raises concerns about cannabis-impaired driving in Ontario A recent survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) highlights an increase in cannabis use among Ontario drivers, sparking some concern about impaired driving. Could a co-pay model save the IB and RISE programs? Windsor-Essex parents are proposing a co-pay model to keep the International Baccalaureate (IB) program running in the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), but the board’s chair says it’s not feasible. Northern Ontario Man severely injured saving his wife from a polar bear attack in the Far North A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn. As propane tanks exploded, homeless Sudbury, Ont., man pulls woman from burning tent TJ Bedggood is humble about his life-saving actions Sunday evening, when he pulled his friend from a burning tent fire as propane tanks exploded in an encampment in Sudbury. Five years after toddler's brutal death, Northern Ont. family struggles to find peace, justice A North Bay family is struggling to find peace and justice as the five-year anniversary of the brutal death of toddler Oliver McCarthy approaches. Sault Ste. Marie Shooting on Manitoulin Island leads to attempted murder charges Two people have been charged – one with attempted murder – following a shooting in Wikwemikong last week. Insults on social media lead to real-life assault in northern Ont. A Mississauga First Nation woman has been charged with assault after she took offence to comments about her on social media. Snow squall warning in the Sault, heaviest snowfall expected tonight Sault Ste. Marie's run of severe winter weather will continue Tuesday, with Environment Canada issuing another snow squall warning. Ottawa TRAVEL ADVISORY | Winter weather travel advisory in effect as Ottawa expects first notable snowfall The first winter weather travel advisory of the season is in effect for Ottawa as the city's first dump of snow expected this week. 1 teen, 4 adults injured in crash involving school bus and vehicle in south Ottawa Ottawa paramedics say five people were injured following a collision between a school bus and a van in south Ottawa. 'Adapting is huge': Skiers, snowboarders prepare for first significant snowfall Winter sports enthusiasts are looking forward to the coming snowfall in eastern Ontario, as are ski resorts, which have had a slow start to the season. Toronto Richmond Hill jewelry store smash-and-grab caught on video, 5 suspects outstanding Video footage has surfaced on social media of a violent daytime robbery earlier this week at a jewelry store in a Richmond Hill shopping centre. Walking pneumonia cases in Ontario have nearly tripled since 2019: report The number of walking pneumonia cases seen in Ontario this year is triple the amount of what was reported in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Process around Ontario Place redevelopment was 'unfair' and didn't follow rules: AG Ontario's auditor general is slamming the Ford government for failing to follow proper process around the redevelopment of Ontario Place, including a revelation that senior staff communicated directly with Therme Canada and other applicants while proposals were still being accepted. Montreal Despite devastating poll, Quebec Premier Legault confident he’s here to stay Despite a devastating poll, Premier François Legault is confident that he will lead the CAQ troops into the next electoral battle in two years' time. Quebec doctors who refuse to stay in public system for 5 years face $200K fine per day Quebec's health minister has tabled a bill that would force new doctors trained in the province to spend the first five years of their careers working in Quebec's public health network. Quebec man get prison sentence after trying to smuggle fake permanent residence cards, licences A Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after attempting to smuggle more than 1,000 forged documents into the country, including Canadian permanent resident cards and driver's licences. Atlantic Snow, rain, and wind expected for Maritimes this week with early December storm A developing low pressure skirting colder air in place across eastern parts of the country will bring snow, rain, and wind to the Maritimes on Thursday. Cape Breton investigating last year of municipal credit card transactions The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is investigating more than a year of transactions on a legislative credit card due to a lack of documents. N.B. woman dies after hit and run in Notre-Dame: RCMP A 40-year-old New Brunswick woman has died after she was struck by a vehicle in Notre-Dame, N.B. Winnipeg Every Winnipeg driver pulled over during checkstop program must give breath sample: police Every driver pulled over in Winnipeg as part of the police’s annual festive season checkstop program will have to provide a breath sample. 'Terrified and outraged': Winnipeg English language school to close following federal funding cuts A school for English language learners in Winnipeg will be shutting its doors for good. Pembina Trails School Division dealing with 'cyber security incident', classes continuing People within the Pembina Trails School Division are being told to watch for any unusual activity as the division is currently dealing with a “cyber security incident.” Calgary Loved ones seek answers as Pine Creek death deemed a homicide Calgary police say the death of a man in the community of Pine Creek last month is being investigated as a homicide. Person found dead in Taradale home with high CO levels: CFD A person was found dead in a Taradale home where emergency crews discovered high levels of carbon monoxide. Calgary man who drove U-Haul over wife sentenced to 15 years A Calgary man who killed his wife in 2020 when he drove over her in a loaded U-Haul has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Edmonton Ex-Alberta teacher convicted of sex crime involving child for 2nd time Former Alberta teacher Brian Davison has been found guilty of one count of sexual exploitation in connection with an incident involving a child. Oilers tasting more success as special-teams play improves Special teams are starting to show up for the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Kris Knoblauch identified improved play – and results – from both the NHL team's power play and penalty kill as "important" factors in their last two games. U of A team repurposes culinary device to improve frostbite injury outcomes University of Alberta researchers have created a device they believe could significantly reduce the number of frostbite cases that end in amputation. Regina Regulations around foreign ownership of Sask. farmland need better enforcement, auditor finds The Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan is recommending that the province improve its system of monitoring sales of farmland to foreign entities. Regina Food Bank donations impacted by Canada Post strike, in person donations encouraged The ongoing Canada Post strike has forced a number of charitable organizations to rethink their holiday donation strategies, including the Regina Food Bank. Formal expectations needed for answering 911 calls: Sask. auditor reports The Provincial Auditor assessed the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s (SPSA) 911 call taking and dispatching processes for fire emergencies, focusing on the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre. Saskatoon Major power outage hits much of Saskatoon's west side A large power outage lasting several hours affected much of Saskatoon's west side and portions of the east side of the city Tuesday afternoon. 'That's way, way inappropriate': Saskatoon city councillor raises issue with democratic process, clerk apologizes Before Saskatoon city council unanimously approved the budget, a fiery discussion about the democratic process dominated chambers. Man dies at Saskatoon Correctional Centre A 62-year-old man was declared dead at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre on Dec. 2. Vancouver Bad blood? Taylor Swift ticket dispute settled by B.C. tribunal A B.C. woman and her daughter will be attending one of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour shows in Vancouver – but only after a tribunal intervened and settled a dispute among friends over tickets. State memorial planned for former B.C. premier John Horgan A provincial state memorial service for former British Columbia premier John Horgan will be held later this month in Colwood, west of Victoria. Vancouver Canucks defenceman Hronek out 8 weeks with lower-body injury Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to be out until the end of January as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Vancouver Island Giving Tuesday campaign targets support for Victoria health centre A Greater Victoria non-profit has launched a $1.5-million fundraising campaign to build a health centre on the main floor of its Crosstown development. Bad blood? Taylor Swift ticket dispute settled by B.C. tribunal A B.C. woman and her daughter will be attending one of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour shows in Vancouver – but only after a tribunal intervened and settled a dispute among friends over tickets. Comox Valley RCMP seek suspect who tried to climb woman's deck wearing a gas mask Mounties on Vancouver Island are seeking witnesses after a woman reported that a man wearing a gas mask tried to climb onto the deck of her home near Courtenay, B.C. Stay Connected

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aid to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial . Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.German Consulate Hosts Unity Day In Lagos as Diplomatic Ties Bloom

Orange County Bancorp, Inc. Declares Two-for-One Stock SplitTexas A&M signed the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class three years ago believing it had built a potential national title contender. Plenty of players from that heralded 2022 class could indeed be participating in the first 12-team College Football Playoff this month. They just won’t be doing it for the Aggies, who no longer have nearly half their 2022 signees. The list of 2022 recruits now with playoff contenders elsewhere includes Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen, Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart, Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton, SMU offensive tackle PJ Williams and injured Boise State receiver Chris Marshall. Texas A&M has done all right without them, going 8-4 as transfers filled about half the starting roles. Texas A&M represents perhaps the clearest example of how recruiting and roster construction have changed in the era of loosened transfer restrictions. Coaches must assemble high school classes without always knowing which of their own players are transferring and what players from other schools could be available through the portal. “It used to be you lost 20 seniors, you signed 20 incoming freshmen,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “You just had your numbers right. Now you might lose 20 seniors, but you might lose 20 underclassmen. You just don’t know.” Coaches emphasize that high school recruiting remains critical, but recent results suggest it isn’t as vital as before. The last two College Football Playoff runners-up – TCU in 2022 and Washington in 2023 – didn’t sign a single top-15 class in any of the four years leading up their postseason runs, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. This year’s contenders have shown there’s more than one way to build a championship-caliber roster. About half of No. 1 Oregon’s usual starters began their college careers elsewhere. No. 5 Georgia, which annually signs one of the nation’s top high school classes, has only a few transfers making major contributions. Colorado’s rise under Deion Sanders exemplifies how a team can win without elite high school recruiting. None of Colorado’s last four classes have ranked higher than 30th in the 247Sports Composite. Three ranked 47th or lower. “If anybody ever did the homework and the statistics of these young men – people have a class that they say is the No. 1 class in the nation – then five of those guys play, or four of those guys play, then the rest go through the spring and then they jump in the portal,” Sanders said. “Don’t give me the number of where you rank (in recruiting standings), because it’s like an NFL team," he added. "You always say who won the draft, then the team gets killed all year (and) you don’t say nothing else about it. Who won the draft last year in the NFL? Nobody cares right now, right?” Wisconsin's Christian Alliegro tries to stop Oregon's Evan Stewart, right, during the first half of a Nov. 16 game in Madison, Wis. Star quarterback Shedeur Sanders followed his father from Jackson State to Colorado in 2023, and Heisman Trophy front-runner Travis Hunter accompanied them. According to Colorado, this year’s Buffaloes team has 50 transfer newcomers, trailing only North Texas’ 54 among Bowl Subdivision programs. Relying on transfers comes with caveats. Consider Florida State's rise and fall. Florida State posted an unbeaten regular-season record last year with transfers playing leading roles. When those transfers departed and Florida State's portal additions this year didn't work out, the Seminoles went 2-10. “There has to be some type of balance between the transfer portal and high school recruiting,” said Andrew Ivins, the director of scouting for 247Sports. “I compare it to the NFL. The players from the transfer portal are your free agents and high school recruiting is your NFL draft picks.” A look at the composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports for the 2020-22 classes shows at least 40 of the top 100 prospects each of those years ended up leaving their original school. Coaches must decide which positions they’re better off building with high school prospects and which spots might be easier to fill through the portal. “The ones that have a ton of learning to do - tight end, quarterback, interior offensive line, inside linebacker, safety, where they are the communicators - they are the guys that are processing a lot of information,” Florida’s Billy Napier said. “Those are the ones in a perfect world you have around for a while. “It’s easier to play defensive line, edge, corner, receiver, running back, tackle, specialists. Those are a little bit more plug-and-play I’d say, in my opinion," Napier said. "Either way, it’s not necessarily about that. It’s just about we need a certain number at each spot, and we do the best we can to fill those roles.” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, right, congratulates place kicker Cristiano Palazzo after he kicked an extra point during the second half of Friday's game against Oklahoma Stat in Boulder, Colo. Power Four programs aren’t the only ones facing a balancing act between recruiting high schools and mining the transfer portal. Group of Five schools encounter similar challenges. “We’re recruiting every position and bringing in a high school class,” Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton said. “That’s not going to be maybe 24 scholarship guys like it used to be. It might be more like 16. It’s not four d-linemen necessarily, right? It might be three. It might not be three receivers. It might be two. And it might not be five offensive linemen. It’s two to three.” The extra hurdle Group of Five schools face is the possibility their top performers might leave for a power-conference program with more lucrative name, image and likeness financial opportunities. They sometimes don’t know which players they’ll lose. “We know who they’re trying to steal,” Miami (Ohio) coach Chuck Martin quipped. “We just don’t know who they’re going to steal.” The obstacles facing coaches are only getting steeper as FBS teams prepare for a 105-man roster limit as part of the fallout from a pending $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement. While having 105 players on scholarship seems like an upgrade from the current 85-man scholarship limit, many rosters have about 125 players once walk-ons are included. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said last week his program would probably end up with about 30-50 players in the portal due to the new roster restrictions. All the added dimensions to roster construction in the college game have drawn parallels to the NFL, but Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck believes those comparisons are misleading. “When people talk about college football right now, they’re saying, ‘Oh, we have an NFL model,’ or it’s kind of moving toward the NFL,” Fleck said. “First of all, it’s nothing like the NFL. There’s a collective bargaining agreement (in the NFL). There’s a true salary cap for everybody. It’s designed for all 32 fan bases to win the Super Bowl maybe once every 32 years – and I know other people are winning that a lot more than others – but that’s how it’s designed. In college football, it’s not that way.” There does seem to be a bit more competitive balance than before. The emergence of TCU and Washington the last couple of postseasons indicates this new era of college football has produced more unpredictability. Yet it’s also created many more challenges as coaches try to figure out how to put together their rosters. “It’s difficult because we’re just kind of inventing it on the fly, right?” Diaz said. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Get local news delivered to your inbox!Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge(All financial figures in United States dollars unless otherwise stated) VANCOUVER, BC , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - OceanaGold Corporation OGC OCANF ("OceanaGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Waihi District Pre-feasibility Study ("PFS") results, which includes the existing Waihi operation and the proposed Wharekirauponga underground mine in New Zealand . Waihi District PFS Highlights Initial Mineral Reserve for Wharekirauponga Underground of 4.1 Mt at 9.2 g/t for 1.2 Moz of gold After-tax NPV 5% of $621 million at a gold price of $2,400 per ounce, or $138 million at $1,750 per ounce IRR of 24% at a gold price of $2,400 per ounce, or 9.2% at $1,750 per ounce Gold production of 1.6 Moz over a 15-year mine life at an average All-in Sustaining Cost of $994 per ounce (or $634 per ounce over the Wharekirauponga-only mine life) Significant project upside at Wharekirauponga with ~400 koz of Inferred Resources and recent results confirming the EG Vein Zone mineralization extends a further 270 metres to the south and remains open in all directions Growth capital of $556 million over an 8-year period, expected to be funded from Free Cash Flow First ore from Wharekirauponga Underground expected in 2032 Early-works 2025 capital budget of $40 to $45 million approved for design and construction activities, subject to receipt of necessary permits. Gerard Bond , President & CEO of OceanaGold, said "This PFS is a major milestone for OceanaGold and the Waihi operation. We plan to safely and responsibly develop the Wharekirauponga Underground mine which extends the life of the Waihi operation to at least 2038, while generating strong returns for our shareholders and wider economic benefits for local communities and New Zealand . There remains significant exploration upside at Wharekirauponga, as seen in the exploration results we have released since the June 30, 2024 date of the PFS. The orebody remains open in all directions, with high-grade mineralization now defined to 270 metres beyond existing resources. Drilling is scheduled to continue on the EG Vein Zone in 2025 with the goal of expanding the orebody, extending the life of the Waihi operation and improving the economic returns to all stakeholders." The technical report is prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") with an effective date of June 30, 2024 . The technical report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on our website at www.oceanagold.com . Senior management will host a webcast to discuss the results on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10:00 am Eastern Time , details of which are provided in this release. See: https://app.webinar.net/DdjR72Pnakx Overview The town of Waihi on the North Island of New Zealand is located approximately 140 kilometres southeast of Auckland and is the location of a significant gold district which has produced an estimated 8 million ounces of gold to date. The PFS for the Waihi District includes the Martha Underground mine ("MUG") and the Wharekirauponga Underground mine ("WUG"). WUG is located approximately 10 kilometres north of Waihi (Figure 1). The Company owns a property (Willows), adjacent to and outside of the Coromandel Forest Park, that will host the main access portal to, and service the development of WUG. For a visual overview of the site and proposed project infrastructure, please see the accompanying VRIFY media at https://vrify.com/meetings/recordings/7bed3b3f-699c-42e0-b243-f219d70af6fa . The PFS is based on Mineral Reserves only and operating metrics reflect the inclusion of both MUG and WUG as they contribute to production. Existing operations at MUG, which have been in active production since 2019, are expected to continue until 2033. Production from WUG is expected to begin in 2032, with first stope ore in 2033 and mining to continue until 2038. Mineral Reserves Mineral Reserves in the Waihi District comprise underground reserves only. The Mineral Reserves estimate as of June 30, 2024 is presented in Table 1. Table 1: MUG and WUG combined Mineral Reserves estimate as of June 30, 2024 Mineral Reserve Area Class Tonnes (Mt) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Au (Moz) Ag (Moz) MUG Proven - - - - - Probable 4.4 3.8 16.1 0.5 2.3 Total MUG 4.4 3.8 16.1 0.5 2.3 WUG Proven - - - - - Probable 4.1 9.2 16.1 1.2 2.1 Total WUG 4.1 9.2 16.1 1.2 2.1 Total Mineral Reserves 8.5 6.4 16.1 1.7 4.4 Notes: The WUG Mineral Reserves estimate was reviewed and approved by, or is based on information prepared by or under the supervision of, Euan Leslie , MAusIMM CP, the Company's Group Mining Engineer and a qualified person under NI 43-101. The MUG Mineral Reserves estimate was reviewed and approved by, or is based on information prepared by or under the supervision of, David Townsend , MAusIMM CP, the Company's Mining Manager and a qualified person under NI 43-101. Mineral Reserves are reported based on OceanaGold's mine design, mine plan, mine schedule and cash flow model at a gold price of $1,750 /oz. Tonnages include allowances for losses resulting from mining methods. Tonnages are rounded to the nearest 100,000 tonnes. Ounces are estimates of metal contained in the Mineral Reserves and do not include allowances for processing losses. Ounces are rounded to the nearest hundred thousand ounces. All figures have been rounded; totals may therefore not sum exactly. Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Gold ounces are reported as troy ounces and "g/t" represents grams per tonne. All key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate Mineral Reserves and the data verification procedures followed are set out in the technical report titled " NI 43-101 Technical Report – Waihi District Pre-feasibility Study, New Zealand " dated December 11, 2024 with an effective date of June 30, 2024 (the "Technical Report"), which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com . Mineral Resources The Mineral Resources estimate at the Waihi District comprise both open pit and underground resources. The Mineral Resource estimate as of June 30, 2024 for Waihi is presented in Table 2. Table 2: Summary of Mineral Resources estimate as of June 30, 2024 Area Indicated Inferred Tonnes Grade Grade Au Ag Tonnes Grade Grade Au Ag (Mt) (g/t Au) (g/t Ag) (Moz) (Moz) (Mt) (g/t Au) (g/t Ag) (Moz) (Moz) MOP 6.50 1.95 13.44 0.41 2.81 2.3 2.1 12.1 0.2 0.9 GOP 3.22 1.44 3.76 0.15 0.39 0.8 1.0 2.6 0.03 0.1 MUG 6.42 5.29 25.51 1.09 5.27 2.7 4.7 27.1 0.4 2.4 WUG 2.39 17.88 28.02 1.37 2.15 1.3 9.6 17.1 0.4 0.7 Total Mineral Resources 18.53 5.07 17.82 3.02 10.6 7.1 4.3 17.6 1.0 4.0 Notes: Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources estimates were prepared by or under the supervision of, Leroy Crawford-Flett , MAusIMM CP, the Company's Exploration and Geology Manager and a qualified person under NI 43-101. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold price of $1,950 /oz. Mineral Resources estimate for MUG is reported below the MOP5 design and constrained to within a conceptual underground design based upon the incremental cut-off grade of 2.15 g/t Au. Mineral Resources estimate for WUG is reported within a conceptual underground design at a 2.10 g/t Au cut-off grade. Mineral Resources estimates for Martha Open Pit ("MOP") and Gladstone Open Pit ("GOP") are reported within conceptual pit designs and incremental cut-off grades of 0.50 g/t Au and 0.56g/t Au, respectively. The MOP conceptual pit design is limited by infrastructural considerations. Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units. Gold ounces are reported as troy ounces and "g/t" represents grams per tonne. No dilution is included in the reported figures and no allowances for processing or mining recoveries have been made. All figures have been rounded; totals may therefore not sum exactly. All key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate Mineral Resources and the data verification procedures followed are set out in the Technical Report, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com . Mineral Resource close out dates for data used in the estimation are as follows: MUG – June 11, 2024 ; MOP – February 1, 2024 ; WUG – April 24, 2024 ; GOP – September 1, 2022 . PFS Operating Summary The Waihi District PFS covers the current operating Martha underground mine ("MUG") and the new Wharekirauponga underground mine ("WUG"). MUG and WUG are expected to produce a combined 1.6 million ounces of payable gold over a 15 year mine life (2024-2038) with peak production of 253 koz of gold in 2035 and a life-of-mine average All-In Sustaining Cost ("AISC") of $994 per ounce (Figure 2). MUG is expected to be the primary ore source until 2033, when mining transitions to WUG. A mill expansion to 0.8 Mtpa is also included in the PFS, which begins to process at the increased throughput levels in 2033. WUG begins commercial production in 2033 with an average AISC of $634 per ounce, demonstrating the strong margins of this high-grade orebody. Project Economics At a Reserve gold price assumption of $1,750 per ounce, the Waihi District generates pre-tax and after-tax NPV 5% values of $259 million and $138 million respectively, and an IRR of 9.2%. Using a flat $2,400 per ounce gold price over the life of the operation, the project is estimated to produce pre-tax and after-tax NPV 5% values of $902 million and $621 million respectively, and an IRR of 24.0%. Table 3: PFS economic results Description Units Reserve Case $2,400 Case Gold Price $ per ounce 1,750 2,400 Payable Gold 000 ounces 1,593 1,593 Life of Mine Free Cash Flow – Pre-Tax $M 648 1,629 Life of Mine Free Cash Flow – After-Tax $M 431 1,147 NPV @ 5% - Pre-Tax $M 259 902 NPV @ 5% - After-Tax $M 138 621 IRR % 9.2 % 24.0 % Capital and Operating Costs The total non-sustaining capital investment for the Waihi District is estimated to be $556 million , spread over eight years (Table 4) beginning in 2025. Growth capital expenditures include WUG mine development, surface infrastructure, expansion of the process plant and water treatment plant and construction of a new tailings storage facility ("TSF"). WUG is accessed via 6.5 kms of underground development from surface, with two ventilation shafts to be located in the Coromandel Forest Park. Table 4: Total capital cost summary ($M) Description Non-Sustaining Capex Sustaining Capex Total WUG 357.9 62.9 420.9 MUG - 102.1 102.1 Processing and Water Treatment 92.8 8.4 101.2 TSFs 44.4 80.5 124.9 Other Capital 60.6 16.0 76.7 Rehabilitation - 71.6 71.6 Total 555.8 341.6 897.4 Total life of mine operating costs are summarized in Table 5. Table 5: Operating cost summary ($M & $/t) Description $M $/t Ore Mined UG Mining – MUG 488.8 110.8 UG Mining – WUG 264.4 65.2 Life of Mine 753.2 89.0 $M $/t Ore Processed Processing 222.7 26.3 G&A Costs 191.0 22.6 Refining / Freight Costs 5.6 0.7 Other - Carbon Costs and stockpile movements 28.2 3.3 Total Operating Costs 1,200.8 141.8 Permitting The New Zealand government Fast-track Approvals Bill (the "Bill") was formally introduced into the New Zealand Parliament on March 7 , 2024. It has completed the process of parliamentary sub-committee review and is expected to be enacted by the New Zealand Parliament imminently and become effective in the first quarter of 2025. In October 2024 , the New Zealand Government named the Waihi North Project ("WNP"), including WUG, as a listed project that will be eligible to apply for approvals through processes under the Bill once the Bill becomes law. Key permitting and schedule assumptions included in the PFS are: The Bill will be passed and the fast-track process will be open for applications before the end of March 2025 ; The WNP Fast-track application including the supporting Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) will be lodged in March 2025 ; and Fast-track approvals to commence construction will be granted to OceanaGold by the end of November 2025 . Early-works construction, including infrastructure at Willows (the main underground portal site), the water treatment plant and services trench, is expected to begin in the second half of 2025 and enables the decline and underground development to commence in late 2026. Development of WUG and the Waihi North Project generally has the potential to create significant socio-economic contributions for the communities in the Waihi region and for New Zealand . This includes significant in-country investment and a substantial increase in direct and indirect employment opportunities, with the project having the potential to extend operation of the Waihi operation to and beyond 2038. Company tax payments in New Zealand are estimated at $482 million (NZ$790 million) at a $2,400 /oz gold price. OceanaGold operates to the highest environmental and social standards which has enabled it to run a successful and responsible mining business in New Zealand for over three decades. Next Steps Detailed engineering and design work is ongoing for the services trench, the water treatment plant upgrade, and bulk earthworks for Willows Facilities area (at the WUG underground portal site). The services trench will connect power, water and telecommunications from the existing process plant to the portal site. Geotechnical investigations will continue to enable detailed portal boxcut and waste rock stack design, and the first 1.5 km of decline to the first ventilation shaft. These activities are included in the $40 to $45 million approved capital budget for 2025. Future drilling programs at Wharekirauponga and Martha target both resource conversion and growth. A broad development and drilling strategy is planned with the objective to both grow and convert Wharekirauponga resources along the EG Vein and parallel hanging wall and footwall veins as well as further test the mineralized T-Stream and Western Veins immediately to the west. The current focus of drilling is the EG Vein and the hanging wall and footwall veins and the continuation and conversion of high-grade mineralization further to the southwest. Currently ~400,000 ounces of Inferred Mineral Resource at a grade of 9.6 g/t Au have also been defined (as of June 30, 2024 ) in the central and northern area of the EG Vein Zone available for conversion. Approximately 17,700 metres of drilling is planned and budgeted for Wharekirauponga and Martha in 2025. Webcast Details Senior management will host a webcast to discuss the results on Thursday December 12, 2024 at 10:00 am Eastern Time . To register, please copy and paste the link into your browser: https://app.webinar.net/DdjR72Pnakx If you are unable to attend the webcast, a recording will be made available on the Company's website. About OceanaGold OceanaGold is a growing intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America ; Didipio Mine in the Philippines ; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand . For further information please contact: Qualified Persons Except as otherwise set out herein, the scientific and technical information in this press release relating to the Waihi operation was reviewed and approved by, or is prepared by or under the supervision of Euan Leslie , MAusIMM CP, David Townsend , MAusIMM CP and Leroy Crawford-Flett , MAusIMM CP, each of whom is an employee of the Company and a qualified person under NI 43-101. The scientific and technical information in this press release relating to exploration matters was reviewed and approved by, or is prepared by or under the supervision of, Craig Feebrey, MAusIMM, the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Exploration Officer and a qualified person under NI 43-101. Technical Report For further information, please refer to the Technical Report available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's name and on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com . Cautionary Statement for Public Release This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: expansion of the Waihi operation based on the results of the PFS; the PFS representing production growth; timing, amount and duration of future production and mill processing expansion; future AISC and Free Cash Flow; the price of gold; estimated capital and operating costs; ability to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated and extend forecasted mine life for the Waihi operation; expectations regarding forward drilling programs; the estimates of NPV and IRR from the Waihi operation; expectations regarding the ability to obtain the necessary permits and approvals for the PFS, the timing of early-works construction and decline and underground development, and the creation of significant socioeconomic contributions for the communities in the Waihi region and for New Zealand ; future growth; results of operations; and business prospects and opportunities of OceanaGold and its related subsidiaries. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. They include, among others, the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and related assumptions, inherent operating risks and those risk factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form prepared and filed with securities regulators which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's name. There are no assurances the Company can fulfil forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and information are only predictions based on current information available to management as of the date that such predictions are made; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on reasonable assumptions, readers cannot be assured that actual outcomes or results will be consistent with such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Cautionary Note Regarding Non-IFRS Measures This press release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, including AISC and Free Cash Flow. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with OceanaGold's consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to OceanaGold's Q3 2024 Management's Discussion & Analysis dated November 6, 2024 available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.com under OceanaGold's name and OceanaGold's website at www.oceanagold.com under the heading "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" for a more detailed discussion of how OceanaGold calculates such measures and a reconciliation of such measures to IFRS terms. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oceanagold-releases-waihi-district-pre-feasibility-study-with-attractive-economics-and-initial-wharekirauponga-reserve-of-1-2-million-ounces-302329497.html SOURCE OceanaGold Corporation © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. 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