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BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
JERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. Israel's army later told The Associated Press it wasn't aware that the WHO chief or delegation were at the location in Yemen. Smoke rises Thursday from the area around the International Airport after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said in a statement it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, claiming they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military added it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out more than 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. says the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones were shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. Relatives and friends mourn over the bodies of five Palestinian journalists Thursday who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists worked for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accuses six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Mourners cry Thursday while they take the last look at the body of a relative, one of eight Palestinians killed, during their funeral in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities are women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. The offensive caused widespread destruction and hunger and drove around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Two-time UK champion Selby loses in first round
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition on Sunday to the idea of using the military to carry out mass deportations of people living in the country illegally after President-elect Donald Trump signaled last week that he plans to do so . "You don't do it with the Army because it's illegal," Paul said on CBS's "Face the Nation" program. "If they send the Army into New York and you have 10,000 troops marching carrying semi-automatic weapons, I think it's a terrible image, and I will oppose that." A 19th century U.S. law prohibits federal troops from being used in domestic law enforcement except when authorized by Congress. Paul, at times a maverick within his party, noted that he supports the idea of deporting people living in the United States illegally who have criminal records, but said that law enforcement authorities are better equipped than the military to carry out that role and to heed the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures. There is a "distrust of putting the Army into our streets" among Americans, Paul said. Asked if this is a red line for him and whether it would impact his Senate vote to confirm Trump's pick of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to run the Department of Homeland Security, Paul said, "I will not support and will not vote to use the military in our cities." Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team. Trump, who built his political profile on opposition to illegal immigration, has vowed to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history as soon as he is sworn in on Jan. 20. He appeared to confirm in a social media post on Nov. 18 that he would declare a national emergency and use military assets for his plan to deport a record number of immigrants in the United States illegally. Paul said agents from the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency could carry out these deportations. The senator also questioned the use of the National Guard for deportations, saying it is "less clear" whether it would be legal or illegal to use these forces. The National Guard is a part of the U.S. military that answers to both the president and to state governors. "President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families," Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition, said in a statement on Sunday. U.S. voters, Leavitt added, gave Trump "a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness." Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, on Sunday described the potential use of the military in deportation campaigns as "hyperbole." In an appearance on the Fox News program "Sunday Morning Futures," Donalds suggested that the threat alone of using the military in such a role could have a deterrent effect. "I think you're going to see a lot of self-deportation once this process begins," Donalds said. Other Republicans defended the idea of involving the military in the deportation effort. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who will be the Senate's No. 2 Republican when his party takes control of the chamber in January, told "Fox News Sunday" that if Trump declares a national emergency "he can appropriately use the military." (Reporting by Bo Erickson and David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone and Will Dunham)Metairie, La., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magnolia Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a newly formed Louisiana corporation which will be the holding company for Mutual Savings and Loan Association (the “Association”), announced today that the Association’s members approved the plan of conversion pursuant to which the Association will convert from a federally chartered mutual savings and loan association to a federally chartered stock savings association and the transactions provided for in such plan of conversion, including the adoption of a new federal stock Charter and new Bylaws for Mutual Savings and loan association. The Company also announced that the subscription and community offering closed on December 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., Central Time. The Company is currently processing the orders and will provide additional information as soon as it is available. The number of shares to be sold in connection with the conversion and stock offering will be based on a final appraisal and receipt of final regulatory approvals. The stock offering and the simultaneous mutual-to-stock conversion of the Association are expected to close in early to mid-January 2025, subject to final regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company will provide more information as soon as it is available. The Company’s common stock is expected to be quoted on the OTCQB Market. The Stock Information Center will be confirming order fulfillment information after all final approvals are received. Other information regarding the subscription and community offerings may be obtained by contacting the Stock Information Center at 1-877-643-8217. Generally, the Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Central Time; however, with the upcoming holidays the Stock Information Center hours will vary. Normal hours of operation will resume on January 2, 2025. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, acted as selling agent in the subscription and community offerings, and served as financial advisor to the Company and the Association in connection with the conversion. Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP acted as legal counsel to the Company and the Association. About Mutual Savings and Loan Association The Association was founded in 1885 and serves the banking needs of customers in its market area, which primarily consists of Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes in Louisiana. The Association operates from its headquarters and main banking office in Metairie, Louisiana, as well as one additional full service branch office located in St. Tammany Parish on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville, Louisiana. Its primary business activity is attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds primarily to originate one- to four-family residential loans, residential construction loans and home equity lines of credit. At September 30, 2024, the Association had total assets of $35.1 million, total deposits of $20.4 million and equity of $14.0 million. Magnolia Bancorp, Inc. will become the holding company for the Association upon completion of the conversion and stock offering. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and the Company’s prospectus for the offering contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may,” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include statements of the Company’s goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding the Company’s business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the quality of the Company’s loan portfolio; and estimates of the Company’s risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain the final approval of the OCC for the proposed conversion and related stock offering, delays in obtaining such approval, or adverse conditions imposed in connection with such approval; those related to the real estate and economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Association operates; fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government; changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory compliance costs and capital requirements; fluctuations in the adequacy of loan loss reserves; decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans; operational risks including, but not limited to, cybersecurity, fraud and natural disasters; the risk that the Company and the Association may not be successful in the implementation of their business strategy; changes in prevailing interest rates; credit risk management; asset-liability management; and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov . The Company cautions undue reliance on any such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly release any revision made to any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. This press release is neither an offer to sell nor an offer to buy shares of common stock of the Company. The Company has filed with the SEC a registration statement for the offering to which this press release relates as well as the final prospectus, dated November 8, 2024, for the subscription and community offerings. Before you invest, you should read that prospectus and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the stock offering. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov . The shares of common stock of the Company are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Michael L. Hurley President and Chief Executive Officer (504) 455-2444NonePower tools are a game changer when working on any vehicle, whether as a professional in the shop or a beginner tackling a DIY auto project . However, it's important to make sure you have the right tools handy before starting. For example, if a car has SAE fasteners, which typically are only used on American-made vehicles, metric sockets are not going to fit properly and will make the job a bit more difficult. Makita has a wide variety of high-tech tools , and though the company isn't as focused on trade-specific tools as its competitor, Milwaukee, it still pushes out many products to help with nearly any type of undertaking, including working on vehicles. Based on high ratings, positive written comments, and hands-on reviews from professionals, here are five Makita tools that can help with your next car project. The methodology we used to select these tools can be found at the bottom of this article. Newer vehicles have more sealed components, so a grease gun isn't usually necessary. However, if you're working on a classic car , there may be parts that should be regularly lubricated. Makita has its 18V LXT Grease Gun, which uses the power from the battery to push out the grease. It has a variable speed trigger to adjust the flow rate. It also has two modes, low and auto-speed, which match the resistance of the part that is being greased, like a wheel bearing on a travel trailer. This grease gun can deliver a maximum pressure of 10,000 PSI with a maximum flow rate of 10 fluid ounces per minute. It also conveniently comes with a shoulder strap, so you can have it near and still keep both hands on the car project. This grease gun received a 4.6 rating at Home Depot and a 4.7 on Amazon from over a cumulative 1,000 users. Many were pleased with how much the grease gun produced with one pull of the trigger. However, some did mention that the gun tip needs to be at the same angle as the grease fitting, or else the grease won't go in properly. Pro Tool Reviews gave it a 9.5 score and mentioned that the long hose allowed better access to hard-to-reach places. However, they also pointed out that it was heavier than other 18V grease guns. The 18V LXT Grease Gun can be purchased on Amazon for $175. Cars come with a lot of nuts and bolts, and it can get exhausting having to loosen or tighten them all by hand. Makita's 18V LXT 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch Square Drive Ratchet is just the power tool to solve that problem. It features an innovative design that allows the anvils to interchange between 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch, so you can attach a variety of sockets to the piece. It's also quite simple to change from forward to reverse with the flick of a toggle. This ratchet can deliver up to 35 ft-lbs of max torque at a variable speed of 0-800 RPM, or revolution per minute. That said, if the battery does die on you, or you simply wish to tighten the bolt without torque, this ratchet can be used manually in either direction. However, if the motor is engaged, the tool is equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls , which protects it from overloading and overheating, as well as Extreme Protection Technology, which gives it increased dust and water resistance. On Home Depot for $189, users give it a 4.4 rating, while on Amazon, it has a 4.5 score, and the typical price is listed at $178. Pro Tool Reviews gives it a 9.4 score and was impressed with the speed — they point out that the RPM is higher than the Snap-On version. However, they also mention that the ratchet doesn't come with a brushless motor, which isn't ideal for maintenance down the road. If you're looking for a bit more torque behind your tools to keep fasteners on tight, the 18V LXT Brushless 4-Speed 1/2-in.-sq. Drive Impact Wrench is a viable and highly-rated option. It costs $229 at Home Depot — though, you can find it cheaper on Amazon at $206. It comes with a brushless motor, which is great for less long-term maintenance, and can produce up to 240 ft-lbs of maximum torque and 430 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. This impact wrench comes with a four-speed power selection switch, so you can choose how much RPM and IPM, or impacts per minute which means the number of hammering actions delivered. It also has three forward and three reverse auto-stop modes and a full-speed mode feature to reduce user exhaustion. With a 4.8 score on Amazon and a 4.9 at Home Depot, this impact wrench is a favorite among many. They love how compact and lightweight it is at only 4 pounds, which includes the battery weight. However, there were some complaints about the minimal torque — it took one user five times to remove an axle nut. Tool Box Buzz did a hands-on test, though, and was able to use the impact wrench to replace rusty U-bolts without any issues, as well as some lag bolts in two inch by 12 inch pieces of wood. They did mention that the tool should provide enough power for most applications unless you plan to work on some serious heavy machinery. There are several Makita lighting options for any type of job, depending on what that is and how much light you actually need. An affordable and flexible choice is the 18V LXT 12 LED Flashlight . It can fold up and down with seven position stops and rotation left and right. It can also fold into itself, so it won't take up much space when it's stored away. This light can be found at Home Depot for $69 and Amazon for $65. Both retailers give the light a 4.8 out of five-star rating from over 7,000 users. Many loved how lightweight and convenient the light was. It only weighs 2.1 pounds with a battery and can hang from a car hood or be placed in an angled position, which proves a better lighting option than someone else holding a light for you. However, the light only provides 240 lumens on full brightness mode and 120 lumens on half brightness. Because of that, some users do say that they wish it was brighter. Even in a review done by Tool Review Zone , they mention that the light is compared to that of a soft, 5,000K daylight illumination. However, they did mention that it will hold up to some abuse, so dropping it off the engine bay of a vehicle shouldn't be a problem. Furthermore, it does provide up to 22 hours of continuous light from one battery. Working on a car can mean multiple things, such as performing basic engine care , replacing the coolant hoses and clamps, or checking the tire pressure . If the tires' pressure is low, though, why not use a portable inflator? Makita has its 18V LXT Electric High-Pressure Portable Inflator that is perfect for standard car tires, along with bike tires and sports balls. It has a three-speed setting and an auto-stop function which will automatically stop the tool once it reaches the preset PSI. It can reach a maximum PSI of 160 and also comes with a 25-1/2 inch hose for a better reach. This tool can be found at Home Depot with a 4.4 rating for $189 and Amazon with a 4.7 rating for $178. Some consumers have commented on the vast battery life of this tool. With a 5.0 Ah battery, one person was able to top off three cars, one half-ton truck, two spare tires, two temporary spares, and a wheelbarrow tire. Users also liked the deflation button on the side, which can come in handy for any off-roading adventures . However, some did mention that you do have to hold the trigger button the whole time while using it, which defeats the purpose of the auto-stop function. A user said that it will stop pumping air into the tire at the preset, but it does keep running. At least you won't over-inflate your tires if you space out while holding the trigger. These Makita power tools were selected based on professional reviews from reputable publications in the industry. These reviews were hands-on, so they were able to determine firsthand how well the products worked. We also looked at high ratings from users. The lowest rating recorded was 4.4 out of five stars. Furthermore, we ensured that enough users were casting a rating and comment, so the results were from more than just a handful of commenters who were only doing it for promotional purposes. We also looked at multiple retailers for well-rounded figures in both ratings and price. Many of the items discussed were actually cheaper on Amazon at its retail price and have the potential of being even lower when sales come around. We also looked at the negative comments on each product. If there was a popular negative comment or something we felt might be of concern to our readers, we mentioned it in the article. We also noticed that some negative reviews didn't have a comment or were for personal reasons that had nothing to do with the tool itself. However, before buying Makita tools , we recommend you do extra research. It's important to verify that you're purchasing the product that best fits your needs.
Garrett's comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns' worst season since 0-16 in 2017
Prominent brands struggle to adapt to an e-bike industry dominated by cheap, direct-to-consumer salesA former coach who was a key part of their has been spotted at North Queensland's pre-season training. Brett O’Farrell had previously worked under Kevin Walters as Brisbane's specialist tackle and defence coach, but left the role in the lead-up to the 2024 season. He said in February: “The most time-intensive period in my role is during the pre-season. Now that’s concluded, it’s time to take on another challenge. I wish the team all the best in going one better in 2024.” The Broncos said in a statement: "The Broncos would like to thank O’Farrell for his contribution to the club over the past three seasons and wish him all the best for the future." And it appears as though O'Farrell's new challenge is helping the Cowboys fix their defence. , the former Melbourne Storm player was spotted in Townsville this week at pre-season training with the Cowboys. O'Farrell played 20 games for the Storm from 1999 to 2001, but never really made it as a first-grade footballer. He's since established himself as a gun defensive coach, and his move to North Queensland shows Cowboys coach Todd Payten clearly rates him. O'Farrell's LinkedIn page describes him as an "expert contact coach". It says: "Having played professional rugby league, becoming a champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Freestyle Wrestling competitor with years of experience coaching, he is the edge teams need to protect players and win more games. "Most competitive contact sports have tackling programs to teach the players the most effective techniques allowed under the rules of the code. However these programs are generally taught by former players turned coaches who haven't had the necessary cross training required to understand the most effective techniques. The real difference is his experience in wrestling which adds to his thorough understanding of the game." O'Farrell won six-straight Queensland state championships in wrestling and invented the 'Tackletec' system in 2012. Described as "specialised coaching of defensive and offensive contact techniques, targeting athletes from schoolboys to elite professional representatives in rugby league, rugby union and AFL," the system "has been successfully implemented at a variety of clubs to improve speed, control and technique. In turn creating efficient, confident, dominant, physically and mentally stronger athletes in all areas of contact." With wrestling and ruck speed such core components of the modern game, the Cowboys clearly see O'Farrell as a vital asset. Of the eight teams that made the finals in 2024, the Cowboys had the worst defensive record by far. Payten's side conceded 568 points in 2024 at an average of nearly 24 per game. Their defensive frailties were hidden somewhat by their attacking weapons, which helped them achieve a 15-9 record overall before they lost in the second week of the finals - 26-18 to Cronulla. Payten has clearly identified defence as an area of priority to fix this off-season, in the hope it can help them make a deeper run in 2025. As for the Broncos, also needs to address their leaky defence after they conceded a whopping 607 points in 2024 (25.3 per game). O'Farrell's exit from the Broncos was the first of many departures in 2024, with Walters getting the sack after they finished 12th on the ladder. Assistant coaches Lee Briers and Darius Boyd have also left, while long-time trainer and club legend . Trent Barrett and Ben Te'o will act as Maguire's main assistants in 2025.
The diplomatic battle surrounding the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict came to a head on Thursday when the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Alongside that diplomatic front exists a murkier front in the social media realm, where Palestinians and those sympathetic to their cause have attempted to corner Israeli soldiers and intelligence agents. On Sunday, the Middle East Spectator Telegram channel published a file it said contained names and contact details of 35,000 Israeli soldiers and members of Israel’s Mossad spy agency. The channel presumably intends to help bring the soldiers and agents to justice outside of Israel after finding their whereabouts based on publicly available information. 5 View gallery Screenshots from the Telegram group 'Israel Genocide Tracker' ( Photo: Telegram/Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the copyright law ) “This phenomenon is not new,” Hilly Moodrick-Even Khen, an expert in international law and chair of the Ariel University Center for the Research and Study of Genocide, told The Media Line. “It began about 20 years ago with the proliferation of universal jurisdiction.” Universal jurisdiction is a legal principle that allows a state to prosecute individuals for certain crimes even if the crime was committed outside that state and did not involve any citizens of the state. The principle is based on the idea that certain war crimes and crimes against humanity are so shocking that they are of concern to the international community as a whole. Consequently, any country that has passed laws allowing for the application of universal jurisdiction can pursue justice in the case of such crimes. “More and more states have subscribed to the idea that they could invoke universal jurisdiction,” Moodrick-Even Khen said. In December 2023, International Court of Justice proceedings began against Israel when South Africa accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza. This social media campaign seems to be part of the same effort, with those behind the campaign hoping to use universal jurisdiction to file as many complaints as possible. Israel has categorically denied the allegations of genocide and war crimes. 5 View gallery Screenshots from the Telegram group 'Israel Genocide Tracker' ( Photo: Telegram/Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the copyright law ) “There is no concrete suspicion because the IDF has a robust legal system that advises units on how to apply the relevant provisions of treaties that regulate the laws of armed conflict,” Moodrick-Even Khen said. “But it is important that the military and civil legal system in Israel be alert about all of the IDF activities and whenever a suspicion arises, conduct an investigation of the suspicions in good faith.” She said that Israel conducting a good-faith internal investigation would significantly reduce the chances of charges being pressed under universal jurisdiction. Eyal, an Israeli military reservist who asked to go by a pseudonym, told The Media Line that photos he had posted online were put on a Telegram channel entitled “Israel Genocide Tracker.” “I changed my privacy settings now so that no account that I am not familiar with can access my photos,” Eyal said. “My page was public beforehand. But the information they posted about me is not accurate. Much of it is lies. The same goes for friends of mine.” “I guess it might not be a good idea to travel to Europe anytime soon,” he added. 5 View gallery Screenshots from the Telegram group 'Israel Genocide Tracker' ( Photo: Telegram/Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the copyright law ) Earlier this month, Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam after a game played between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam Football Club. Footage on social media showed attackers taking Israelis’ passports, allegedly to cross-reference the names online and check whether they had served in the military. The Israeli military forbids soldiers from posting anything about their service on social media without receiving prior approval. “At the very beginning of the war, we were told not to post pictures of where we were in real time but could post them afterward with no telltale signs of where they were taken,” Eyal said. “We were told that even though this is forbidden, the army knows there is no real way to prevent it from happening.” The Defense Ministry and the military declined to comment on the policy. On Sunday, Israel announced that the body of a rabbi working in the United Arab Emirates had been found in the Gulf country several days after the rabbi was reported missing. The Israeli prime minister’s office described the killing of Rabbi Zvi Kogan as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” Kogan had reportedly maintained a high-profile social media presence featuring pictures of his combat military service. Immediately after his death was announced, Israel’s National Security Council published guidelines for Israelis traveling to the UAE, calling them to “avoid posting travel details on social media and posting photos and visit details before the trip and in real-time, including on various groups that focus on tourism abroad.” 5 View gallery Screenshots from the Telegram group 'Israel Genocide Tracker' ( Photo: Telegram/Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the copyright law ) It also advised Israelis abroad to set their social media profiles to private. Hours later, the council posted an updated travel advisory for Thailand, calling on Israelis to “avoid talking about their military service ... or posting content relating to it on social media.” Soldiers in compulsory service are allowed to travel on leave subject to approval. Travel restrictions for reserve soldiers are much harder to enforce, as are social media restrictions. Aaron (not his real name) realized his photos had been posted on the “Israel Genocide Tracker” a few days after they were uploaded. As a soldier in regular compulsory service, he did not receive any reprimand from his commanding officers for posting pictures from his service. Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv “We may have been told not to post things,” Aaron told The Media Line. “But our commanding officers themselves were taking pictures right along with us.” 5 View gallery Screenshots from the Telegram group 'Israel Genocide Tracker' ( Photo: Telegram/Used in accordance with Clause 27a of the copyright law ) He said that most of the information posted alongside his photos on the Telegram channel was inaccurate. “They are just being hatemongers, so they make up stuff,” he said, noting that he had not personally received any hateful messages. Moodrick-Even Khen said that low- and mid-ranking members of the Islamic State group had been brought to justice through universal jurisdiction in Germany and France. However, the details of carrying out such a case against an Israeli would be tricky. “The suspect needs to be brought to trial. A suspect cannot be tried in absentia in such a case,” she said. “There is also a question about how to collect evidence—something Israel will not cooperate with and has no obligation to.” Regardless of the impracticality of trying individual Israeli soldiers, Moodrick-Even Khen encouraged soldiers to be wary. “They should be encouraged not to post because of the danger it poses,” she said. “If they have already, they should carefully consider their travels. The fear of arrest is not unfounded. This is a risk that should not be ignored.” The story is written by Keren Setton and reprinted with permission from The Media Line . >Home | India | Congress Star Campaigner Revanth Reddy Fails To Impress Maharashtra Voters Congress ‘star campaigner’ Revanth Reddy fails to impress Maharashtra voters Apart from his assurances on guarantees, the Chief Minister’s theory that it was only a battle between Congress and BJP, with there being no 'regional parties'. By Telangana Today Published Date - 23 November 2024, 10:31 PM Mumbai: (L-R) File photo of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressing a press conference before of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, in Mumbai on Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was the sole “star campaigner’ from Telangana in a list of 40 such campaigners for the Congress in Maharashtra, but his claims of having implemented promises made to people in Telangana apparently failed to convince voters in Maharashtra, with the Congress performing pathetically in nine of 10 constituencies that Revanth Reddy campaigned in. Most strikingly, Revanth Reddy had held road shows and participated in public meetings in constituencies that have a substantial Telugu speaking population. These included Chandrapur, Solapur Central, Naigaon, Digras, Bhokar, Nagpur Central, Rajura, Wardha and Kadegaon, most of which were in close proximity with the Telangana border. In eight of these, the BJP was leading in seven, while the Shiv Sena was leading in one. Apparently, though the final results were yet to be announced officially, the trend reflected the complete lack of confidence among people on the words of Revanth Reddy and in the Congress party’s guarantees announced in Maharashtra. At Digras, even former AICC Telangana incharge Manikrao Thakare was also trailing, indicating the impact of Chief Minister’s campaign. Political analysts pointed out that even as farmers were staging protests over the Telangana government’s failure in implementing the crop loan waiver, Revanth Reddy had claimed at a meeting in Rajura constituency that within 25 days of Congress government coming to power, Rs.18,000 crore was spent to waive loans of 22 lakh farmers. At Chandrapur, Revanth Reddy had told the voters that if they elected Congress candidate Pravin Padwekar from Chandrapur, they would have one brother to look after them in Chandrapur, and the second in Hyderabad. Padwekar, however, lost. Apart from his assurances on guarantees, the Chief Minister’s theory that it was only a battle between Congress and BJP, with there being no ‘regional parties’. That too apparently did not win the people’s confidence. Taking a dig at the Chief Minister, BRS leader Manne Krishank said on X: “Congress arrogant Chief Minister said there are no regional parties. Did the Congress score better than regional parties in Maharashtra?” Follow Us : Tags AICC BRS Chandrapur Congress Related News TG’s Rishitha wins ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors-J60 Girls singles title held in Guwahati Revanth Reddy does volte-face on pharma village in Kodangal; says it is industrial corridor Singareni to deposit Diwali bonus for retired workers on November 27 Food poisoning again: 18 students fall sick after mid-day meals in KarimnagarAGNC Investment Corp. Declares Monthly Common Stock Dividend of $0.12 per Common Share for December 2024PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in iShares Silver Trust ( NYSEARCA:SLV – Free Report ) by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 196,237 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock after buying an additional 3,901 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.’s holdings in iShares Silver Trust were worth $5,575,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SLV. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Silver Trust by 106.0% in the 3rd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 61,402 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock valued at $1,744,000 after purchasing an additional 31,601 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in iShares Silver Trust by 29.8% during the second quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 11,976 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock worth $318,000 after buying an additional 2,749 shares during the period. Inspirion Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Silver Trust in the second quarter worth $220,000. ORG Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Silver Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Silver Trust by 7.0% during the 1st quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 16,905 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock valued at $381,000 after acquiring an additional 1,110 shares in the last quarter. iShares Silver Trust Trading Up 1.5 % Shares of NYSEARCA SLV opened at $28.47 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $28.99 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.60. iShares Silver Trust has a 12-month low of $20.07 and a 12-month high of $31.80. The company has a market cap of $13.36 billion, a P/E ratio of -7.01 and a beta of 0.43. iShares Silver Trust Profile iShares Silver Trust (the Trust) owns silver transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust. The Trust’s each share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in its net assets. The assets of the Trust consist of silver held by the Trust’s custodian on behalf of the Trust. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SLV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Silver Trust ( NYSEARCA:SLV – Free Report ). 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NFL Insider Reveals 'Worst-Kept' Secret in Sports Regarding Shedeur Sanders and the NFL
Article content Three dozen Toronto eateries have made OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in Canada. Recommended Videos The online restaurant-reservation platform released its lineup, giving diners in and around Toronto more reason to check out the diverse and delicious offerings at available across the GTA. The list was compiled following an analysis of more than 1 million customer reviews, along with ratings from verified diners, between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024. Reservation demand and the percentage of five-star reviews were also factors. Aside from tables at Toronto’s most-sought-after restaurants, OpenTable’s data uncovered that Torontonians have a bigger appetite when it comes to dining out, showing an 11% year-over-year increase in seated dining. New consumer research conducted by PureSpectrum suggests that the number is only going to grow in 2025, with 58% of those surveyed saying they plan to dine out even more. A post shared by The Butcher Chef (@thebutcherchef) The recent announcement from the Trudeau government of a temporary GST break should help restaurants in general, with their offerings being items that will be tax-free until Feb. 15. Research also shows that Torontonians are craving unique, curated experiences, with 46% of Toronto residents saying they would be more interested in experiential dining next year than they were in 2024. RECOMMENDED VIDEO That includes restaurants with tasting menus, group dining, taking cooking classes and other one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. In fact, group dining rose 18% year-over-year, the largest increase out of any other party size, according to OpenTable data, with a whopping 45% of Canadians saying they anticipate dining out with groups more frequently in 2025. A post shared by Via Allegro Ristorante (@viaallegroristorante) ”At Bridgette Bar, group dining has become more popular and usually indicates a celebration,” Amanda Jansen, director of operations at Concorde Entertainment Group, said. “Our menu is designed for sharing, which makes the decision process easier and allows diners to focus on creating unforgettable memories.” The reservation data also found that Canadians are dining out earlier in the evening, partly due to hybrid and more flexible work schedules. The top restaurants in Toronto include: Akira Back Alo Restaurant Alobar Yorkville Amal Restaurant Avelo Restaurant Azura Bar Isabel Bar Prima Bar Vendetta BlueBlood Steakhouse Caffino Canoe Restaurant and Bar DaiLo Don Alfonso 1890 Enoteca Sociale Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace General Public George Restaurant Giulietta Grey Gardens Gusto 501 Joso’s Lee Mamakas Taverna Mother Cocktail Bar Osteria Giulia Parallel Prime Seafood Palace Quetzal Rasa Scaramouche Restaurant Sorrel Rosedale The Butcher Chef The Chase Tutti Matti Via Allegro Ristorante (Etobicoke) The complete list can be found here .
AI access: A human right in the digital ageComedian Rob Schneider announced that he plans to launch an all-women talk show that he expects to directly compete with The View . The Saturday Night Live alum announced his plans during a recent appearance on Fox News @ Night . “No Apologies Media, my new company, we’re going to do an all-ladies talk show that won’t be like The View ,” he told host Trace Gallagher. “It will be the opposite because this will be entertaining. It’ll be funny.... It’ll have funny women on it that are going to tell jokes and tell stories.” Schneider threw some serious shade at the ladies of The View as he promised his new show will feature “household names” and will not “be drowning in politics.” “It’s not going to be shaming people and making people wince,” he said, claiming it will be “the opposite” of ABC’s The View . “People are sick of it.” “We’re going to have an entertaining show with people from all over America,” he said. “We’re not trying to just bring people who are angry and bitter and reinforcing their political echo chamber.” “You’re going to love it,” he promised. Schneider later promoted the show on X, maintaining that it will be “a show for ALL OF US!!” “We will be a show that will NOT be a ‘Narrow View’ or what you have had to endure all these years... a ‘single view’ that scolds and demeans those that have a ‘differing view,'” he wrote . The View was launched in 1997 by veteran journalist Barbara Walters, featuring a rotating panel of female television personalities discussing politics and culture. The current iteration stars Whoopi Goldberg , Joy Behar , Sara Haines , Alyssa Farah Griffin , Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro . The ladies of The View have largely become quite critical of the right and President-elect Trump’s politics, including Griffin, a former Trump staffer who was brought on after Meghan McCain ‘s exit to be the more conservative voice on the panel. Schneider’s new talk show appears to be in early development, with no title or names attached just yet. But Schneider said he hopes to begin filming episodes before Donald Trump’s inauguration, which is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025.
Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the cash market for the 38th consecutive session on Friday. However, they remained net buyers in all other segments like stock futures, index futures, and stock options and index options. Overseas investors remained net sellers of Indian equities for the 38th consecutive session on Friday, while domestic institutional investors stayed net buyers for the 13th straight session. Foreign portfolio investors net sold stocks worth Rs 1,278.4 crore, according to provisional data shared by the National Stock Exchange. The DIIs were net buyers of shares worth Rs 1,722.2 crore. In the last five sessions, the FPIs have sold equities worth Rs 13,264.1 crore, while the DIIs purchased shares worth Rs 13,518.6 crore. The FPIs have offloaded stocks worth Rs 40,947.5 crore so far in November, while the DIIs mopped up stocks worth Rs 37,559.1 crore. In October, the FPIs sold stocks worth Rs 1.14 lakh crore, while the DIIs mopped up stocks worth Rs 1.07 lakh crore. In September, the FPIs had bought stocks valued at Rs 15,423.4 crore, while the DIIs purchased stocks worth Rs 31,860.3 crore. Foreign institutions have been net sellers of Rs 19,940 crore worth of Indian equities so far in 2024, according to data from the National Securities Depository Ltd., updated till the previous trading day. Ahead of the Nov. 28 expiry, the value of outstanding positions—also called open interest in the derivatives segment—has increased for the FIIs in Nifty Futures. The FIIs' long-to-short ratio in index futures remains at 31%:69%. The FIIs bought index options worth Rs 32,895 crore, stock futures worth Rs 12,395 crore, index futures worth Rs 3,018 crore, and stock options worth Rs 2,655 crore. The Nifty November futures were up by 2.36% to 23,900 at a discount of 7 points, with the open interest down by 10.8%. The open interest distribution for the Nifty 50 Nov. 28 expiry series indicated most activity at 25,000 call strikes, with the 21,700 put strikes having maximum open interest. The value of total Nifty 50 Futures open interest in the market decreased by Rs 2,319 crore at the end of November expiry — from Rs 26,228 crore a day earlier — to Rs 23,909 crore. The total long-short ratio for foreign investors fall to 1.34 from 1.23 as compared to the previous session.
FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January
AI Technology to Overcome Initial Accessibility Challenges in 3D Cadastral Mapping Using Only Aerial Imagery The award-winning "AI2RE" leverages a proprietary AI engine to extract 2D (vector) lines exclusively from aerial imagery, including satellite and drone capture. Based on these extracted vectors, this technology supports 3D models such as terrains, buildings, and roads. This technology addresses initial accessibility challenges in 3D cadastral mapping—such as data loss and compatibility issues—using only aerial imagery. Doing so contributes to providing reliable and stable 3D geospatial information to government agencies and enterprises. The technology is currently being utilized in projects related to the European Union (EU)'s Data Governance and Utilization Strategy, showcasing a remarkable improvement in cadastral mapping efficiency—from 6 months per person to just 5 days per person. Furthermore, business discussions are ongoing with South American and African countries, expanding its global reach. OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform At CES, Spaid will unveil its first-ever OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform. This innovative platform allows users to receive personalized geospatial data card recommendations through the OpenAI agent. By simply dragging and dropping these cards, users can intuitively visualize and analyze data in a 3D map viewer without the need for additional tools or software. Spaid is progressively advancing the digital twin transformation of the world within its geospatial data platform using a data-driven approach. This roadmap aims to create a metaverse that can be effectively utilized in real-world industries. Spaid at CES 2025 Spaid's booth will be located at LVCC South Hall 2 (35726), where visitors can experience the cutting-edge "AI2RE: Image to 3D Geospatial AI Metaverse" solutions and the innovative "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform (Geo Data Platform)." For the award-winning AI2RE, attendees can dive into ongoing projects that demonstrate the full workflow—object detection, 2D line extraction, and 3D model generation—with a single click. In addition, the "OpenAI-Integrated Geospatial Data Platform" will feature an interactive demo designed specifically for CES. Visitors can engage with geospatial data cards for San Francisco by simply dragging and dropping them to visualize the data in 3D, showcasing the platform's intuitive and user-friendly capabilities. Chongkul Yi, CEO of Spaid, said, "We are incredibly proud to have our 'One of a Kind' innovative AI Engine recognized by the CES Innovation Award." He added, "At CES 2025, we aim to showcase the excellence of our cutting-edge Geospatial AI solutions and the data-driven metaverse platform, accelerating our efforts to expand into the global market." About Spaid SPAID pursues being "one of a Kind." It aims to bridge the gap between the physical and digital environments by leveraging all live streaming information and data to maximize usability. We specialize in providing geospatial AI-based solutions that enable synergetic decision-making by deriving new insights through a fusion network of diverse data sources provided by public agencies and enterprises. Our solutions empower clients across industries by facilitating smart decision-making in smart city and smart factory digital twin operations, defense simulations, real estate location value analysis, building energy management, financial investment and risk management, and telecom network resource management. SPAID aims to drive transformative progress across various industries through these innovative solutions, contributing to sustainable development and fostering long-term growth. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spaid-winner-of-ces-innovation-awards-for-redefining-the-future-of-geospatial-with-ai-to-unveil-ai-solution-and-openai-platform-at-ces-2025-302339321.html SOURCE Spaid