Germany's conservatives want to cut benefits for UkrainiansBERLIN (AP) — Harry Kane scored a hat trick including two penalties for Bayern Munich to beat Augsburg 3-0 in the Bundesliga on Friday. The win stretched Bayern’s lead to eight points ahead of the rest of the 11th round, and Kane took his goals tally to a league-leading 14. The England forward is the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the Bundesliga in what was his 43rd game. However, coach Vincent Kompany should be concerned by his team’s ongoing difficulty of scoring in matches it dominates. Bayern previously defeated St. Pauli and Benfica only 1-0. Kompany’s team had to wait until stoppage time before Kane sealed the result with his second penalty. Two minutes later, Kane scored with a header after controlling Leon Goretzka's cross with his first touch for a flattering scoreline. “We had to be patient,” Kane said. “And at halftime that’s what we said, to keep doing what we’re doing. We had a few chances in the first half and we just had to be a bit more clinical and obviously, thankfully, we got the penalty to kind of open the game up.” Mads Pedersen was penalized for handball following a VAR review and Kane duly broke the deadlock in the 63rd. Bayern continued as before with 80% possession, but had to wait for Keven Schlotterbeck to be penalized through VAR for a foul on Kane. Kane sealed the result in the third minute of stoppage time and there was still time for him to grab another. It’s Bayern’s seventh consecutive win without conceding a goal since it conceded four at Barcelona (4-1) on Oct. 23 in the Champions League. “You can see now that we have a solid defense and that's the basis, also in games like today's,” Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich said. “When it's a game of patience, then it's important for us to know that sometimes one goal will have to do. Like today we added two more before the finish, but in the end you only need to score one more than the opponent.” Bayern next hosts Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, then Borussia Dortmund away in the Bundesliga next weekend, before defending champion Bayer Leverkusen visits in the third round of the German Cup. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
With Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan set to showcase their skills on the grand stage of the Champions League, tomorrow morning promises to be an unforgettable day for football fans. So grab your jerseys, scarves, and snacks, and get ready for a day filled with heart-stopping moments, spectacular goals, and unforgettable memories as the journey towards European glory unfolds on the pitch.As one of Hong Kong's most beloved celebrity couples, Chen Kaixin and Kevin Cheng's separation has undoubtedly come as a shock to many fans. However, their mature handling of the situation and commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship post-divorce is commendable and sets a positive example for others going through similar circumstances.Over 2.25 million avail Khidmat Marakaz services this year LAHORE : Police Khidmat Marakaz, under the guidance of IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, are actively engaged in providing digital services to citizens across the province. Every month, millions of citizens from various districts are benefiting from over a dozen Police Khidmat Marakaz. Dr Usman Anwar said that during this year, more than 2.25 million citizens have received policing services from the Police Khidmat Marakaz. Of these, 630,524 citizens obtained character certificates, over 989,000 citizens underwent general police verification, 4,319 citizens had police verification for private employees, and over 190,000 citizens registered their tenancy agreements. Additionally, more than 26,000 citizens had their vehicle verifications, 141,000 citizens obtained medico-legal certificates, over 72,000 citizens registered the loss of documents, and 5,259 citizens registered crime reports. More than 102,000 citizens obtained copies of FIRs, while 213 reports of women violence were filed. Furthermore, as part of ongoing initiatives for the protection of vulnerable groups, over 88,000 individuals were provided legal and social protection, and 2,496 citizens registered with the Employee Registration (ROPE) system.Through his dedication and vision, Mr. Zhang has proven that with the right mindset and approach, even the most unlikely materials can be transformed into treasures that benefit not only individuals but also the planet as a whole. As more businesses prioritize sustainability and circular economy principles, the potential for turning waste into wealth becomes limitless, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
None
Kuwait’s digital transformation gains momentum in 2024Despite Shandong's best efforts, they found themselves trailing behind Jilin for much of the game. Jilin's sharpshooting from beyond the arc and strong presence in the paint gave them a slight edge over Shandong, who struggled to find their rhythm on offense. The Shandong High-Speed Men's Basketball Team, known for their high-scoring performances, was held in check by Jilin's stifling defense, leading to a lower-than-usual scoring output for the team.
Oklahoma's Zac Alley joins Rich Rodriguez's West Virginia staff as defensive coordinatorAP News Summary at 6:15 p.m. ESTBEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- China has unveiled two newly revised national standards aimed at improving the quality of services provided by maternity matrons and nannies, in a bid to support childbirth amid shifting demographics. The standards, which will take effect on March 1, 2025, will better regulate domestic maternal and baby nursing services, and home-based care services for children from birth to three years old, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Maternity matrons, known as "yuesao" in Chinese, provide postpartum care to mothers and newborns during the first month or longer after childbirth. Nannies who take care of young children are known as "yu'ersao" in Chinese. Both groups are being increasingly sought after by Chinese parents who want better quality of life. The new standard for maternity matrons introduces or specifies the requirements for the training, procedures and quality of such services, better meeting consumers' growing demand for more professional, secure and individualized services, and providing the basis for effective oversight, said Zhang Boyu, an expert on domestic service standards who participated in drafting the standard. The standard for nanny services contains recommendations for taking care of children's emotional and psychological needs, apart from their basic life needs, and offers guidelines for early education, according to experts taking part in formulating the standard. This move comes as part of China's effort to enhance childbirth support and address the challenges of a rapidly aging population. A directive from the State Council in October outlined 13 targeted measures to enhance childbirth support services, expand child care systems, strengthen support in education, housing and employment, and foster a birth-friendly social atmosphere. The country has gradually relaxed its family planning policies over the past decade, phasing out the decades-long one-child policy. In 2021, it announced support for couples who wish to have a third child. Local governments across China have since put in place a series of stimulus measures for childbirth, including subsidies, expanded insurance coverage, extended maternity leave, and more public child care facilities.
The international community has also expressed alarm at the escalating situation, with the United Nations calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully. Several countries, including the United States and Russia, have urged both Israel and Syria to exercise restraint and refrain from further military escalation.
Despite the whimsical nature of these myths, they have gained traction on social media and have fueled further speculation about the true intentions behind the Pepsi Coke collaboration. Some netizens have expressed concerns about potential changes to their favorite beverages, while others have voiced their support for the collaboration, hoping that it will lead to exciting new flavors and products.MARSHALL, Mo. — The Hastings College men's soccer team was on the other end Thursday of the shutouts it had recently been recording down the stretch of the season. The Broncos were the ones without a goal on the scoreboard in a 1-0 loss to Louisiana Christian in the first round of the NAIA men's soccer national tournament in Marshall, Missouri. Adrian Amoros Navarro's goal in the 54th minute stood for Louisiana Christian, which recorded its second-ever national tournament victory. Navarro was assisted by Lucas Lima. Hastings (11-8-2) lacked on the attack as a whole in its return trip to nationals after snapping a seven-year streak a season ago. The Broncos, who reached the tourney by winning the Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament championship, were outshot 15-6 (5-1 on goal). HC didn't have its first try on net until there were 13 seconds left in the game. Louisiana Christian (15-4-3) entered the game 23rd in the NAIA with its 0.94 goals against average. HC was dominant in the physicality aspect, evident in the Broncos receiving 20 fouls and four yellow cards. Each team took five corners. Hastings keeper Pablo Arce-Salinas made four saves.
While the absence of these four key players may temporarily disrupt the team's dynamics, it also provides an opportunity for other squad members to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for a spot in the starting lineup. The resilience and depth of the team will be put to the test as they prepare for upcoming matches without the presence of Caraffiori and Timpber on the field.
The incident occurred during a tense protest in a small town, where a group of demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers. The military service member, who was deployed to assist local authorities in maintaining order, became involved in a physical altercation with one of the protesters. Eyewitnesses reported that the soldier had placed the protester in a chokehold, leading to the protester's death.
A senior bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a social media post on Tuesday, ahead of Christmas, sparking a controversy. Yuhanon Meletius, the Metropolitan bishop of the Thrissur diocese of the Church, wrote in Malayalam on Facebook, “There, bishops are revered and cribs are bowed to. Here, cribs are destroyed. Isn’t there a phrase in Malayalam for such an action?” The bishop was referring to the Christmas event hosted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi on Monday, where the PM was the chief guest. Simultaneously, he pointed out the two separate incidents that took place at Palakkad district in Kerala, in which suspected Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) supporters allegedly attempted to disrupt Christmas celebrations at a government school on December 20, and a crib was found to be vandalised at another school on Monday. The Christian leader’s remarks came at a time when the BJP is conducting an outreach programme with a focus on the Christian community in Kerala and elsewhere. Under the programme, BJP leaders and workers are heading to Christian homes across the state to convey Christmas greetings of the PM as part of its attempts to get closer to the community, which accounts for 18% of the state’s population. The incident involving VHP leaders took place at the Government Upper Primary School in Nallepilly where they allegedly questioned the teachers and other staff about the reasons for celebrating Christmas and ignoring Hindu festivals. In the second incident, the crib, set up as part of Christmas celebrations at a government school in Thathamangalam, was allegedly vandalised. Three VHP leaders have been arrested for the first incident and sent to judicial remand. The Orthodox bishop later told reporters on Tuesday, “I see the Delhi event (of the CBCI) as a drama. In Malayalam, there’s a saying ‘cutting the neck while blowing from mouth’. That’s the fashion I see.” He meant that the BJP and the PM were indulging in contrasting actions at the same time. After the remarks, Mar Andrews Thazhath, president of the CBCI, told reporters, “We didn’t invite a BJP leader to the event. We invited the Prime Minister of India. We thanked him for attending the event. At the same time, we appealed to him to take the country forward by following the basic tenets of the Constitution and including people of all faiths such as Christians and Muslims in the process.” Congress MP KC Venugopal hit out at PM Modi saying, “Are people in Manipur able to celebrate Christmas? Did the PM utter a single word about it? Instead he spoke about the incident in Germany (where there was an attack on a Christmas market).” BJP state president K Surendran condemned the incident of Christmas celebration disruption at the school in Palakkad and suspected a conspiracy behind it. “Members of the VHP or other Sangh Parivar outfits are not responsible for it. I condemn it in the strongest terms. It cannot be encouraged. There must be strong action. I suspect a conspiracy behind it. For the past few years, the BJP has been interacting with the Christian community in a loving and harmonious way. There are some people who don’t like it. Some people who have left the BJP may have been involved. I demand a fair and transparent probe,” he said.What inspires one of the country’s biggest superstars to direct a children’s movie? That is where we begin our conversation with , as his new drama, Barroz, hits theatres across the country. “Children are increasingly drawn to screens, be it to participate in games, watch videos, or scroll through social media content. [This consumption] comes at the cost of the outdoor activities that were once a staple part of people’s childhood. Children would climb trees, play in the fields, tell stories, and explore their creativity in ways that shaped their understanding of the world. Today, those moments of wonder and connection are becoming rare. So, I thought we should do something for children,” he says of his directorial debut that is being widely dubbed as a visual spectacle. Actors who’ve turned attention to direction will agree that helming even a regular production comes with a host of challenges. The obstacles in Mohanlal’s way were multifold, given that is a technologically advanced 3D offering that demanded the use of contemporary filmmaking methods. Direction, he says, required him to be uncomfortable with the unknown. “You need special cameras and [an understanding of] colours, costumes, and makeup. Everything is different from the normal filmmaking process. I have done this [been part of films] for 47 years, and here is something new. We created animated characters and underwater sequences. We have a fully animated underwater song sequence starring the main characters,” he says, asserting that he also had to exercise restraint while employing technology to ensure it did not hamper the storytelling. “Too many complicated shots could affect the storyline. Excessive camera movements and tilting could cause nausea or disorientation for the viewer. So, I had to think from the perspective of the audience. I have to credit Santosh Sivan for his groundwork. The 3D glasses [he chose] reduce screen brightness [and enhance] colour perception, especially in the shots for which we had to compensate during the shoot. The visual effects too needed to be rendered with the depth, which could be computationally intensive and expensive.” Mohanlal may have put his prowess as an actor on display for several years, but taking on a new role enabled him to showcase his artistry in a different way. “To direct a film, one must be patient and committed. Your passion and integrity must be [evident]. This is a requirement for every film, but a movie like this one needs you to be stronger because each day is complicated. Post-production is the most difficult part of making it.” Rubbishing claims that superstars are not given the freedom to experiment, he says he has taken the decision to be part of all kinds of cinema ever since he began his journey. “As an actor, I developed myself inside that aura. You have to approach cinema with passion. There has been a beautiful flow in my life for 47 years. I never stop feeding the excited kid in me.” We can’t part ways with the actor without asking him about the Drishyam franchise that has been fronted by him since 2015, and whose Hindi remake—led by Ajay Devgn—gained unwavering attention from Bollywood fans. Would the third edition of the franchise be underway soon? “We are trying [to create it],” he confirms. “But it’s not that easy. To make the sequel, it took us six years. So, when we create another edition, we must be careful. We should not ridicule the appreciation we have received from the audience.”
Many have questioned Gan Wei's rationale for staying with Jia Yueting, especially considering the tumultuous nature of his entrepreneurial endeavors and financial setbacks. However, Gan Wei's perspective sheds light on a deeper level of support and understanding in marriage. She acknowledged that their journey was not easy, but it was a part of her life that she cherishes and does not regret. Gan Wei's unwavering loyalty to Jia Yueting is a testament to her commitment and resilience in the face of adversity.
Kate Middleton's brother James praises his 'incredible' sister in sweet tribute ahead of her Christmas Eve carol concert
Throughout his career, Alonso's class and elegance on the field earned him the respect of players, managers, and supporters alike. His professionalism, work ethic, and dedication to his craft set him apart as a role model for aspiring young footballers. Off the field, Alonso's charitable work and commitment to giving back to the community further cemented his status as a true gentleman of the game.
It took billions of dollars in losses, a company-wide overhaul, cost-cutting and price hikes to get there, but Bob Iger and Walt Disney Co. appear to have reached a long-awaited turning point in the streaming business. Disney direct-to-consumer operations — a combination of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ — have been profitable two straight quarters, helping to drive earnings that topped Wall Street expectations. The Burbank, Calif.-based entertainment giant last week said its streaming trifecta produced fiscal fourth quarter operating income of $321 million, swinging from a $387 million loss reported at the same time a year ago. Full-year operating profit for the direct-to-consumer group came in at $134 million, compared with fiscal 2023’s $2.6-billion loss. Disney+ added 4.4 million subscribers to reach 120 million accounts globally in the fourth quarter. It’s a far cry from just a few months ago, when Iger was the focus of a nasty proxy campaign from activist shareholder Nelson Peltz , the billionaire founder of the investment firm Trian Fund Management. One of Peltz’s demands was that Disney show a realistic plan to achieve Netflix-like profit margins from streaming. Now, Disney and Iger are showing signs of renewed swagger. The stock is up 25 percent so far this year, though it still isn’t as high as it was in April, when Iger defeated Peltz in the hedge fund agitator’s quest to win a board seat. Disney’s fourth quarter earnings were also buoyed by a strong showing from its resurgent film studios, which put out big hits with “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” In an unusual flex for Disney, the company on Thursday surprised analysts by giving earnings guidance for the next three years. Not just 2025 and 2026, but the following fiscal year as well. The company is projecting a “double digit” increase in adjusted earnings per share in 2027, as Iger prepares to hand off the baton to a yet-to-be determined successor. Notably, 2027 is after Iger is expected to exit as chief executive, so the fact that the company is giving his replacement a financial target, however vague, caught several observers’ attention.”We’re not sure the incoming CEO will appreciate having their hands tied in that way,” TD Cowen analyst Doug Creutz wrote in a note to clients. Disney also must contend with issues that continue to weigh on all legacy media companies, including the volatility of the film business and especially the erosion of traditional TV networks. Fourth-quarter sales from Disney’s linear networks business fell 6 percent to $2.5 billion, while profits from the unit dropped 38 percent to $498 million. Revenue at ESPN, reporting under the separate “sports” segment, was up 1% with profit falling 6 percent. The company’s parks business, long a huge driver of results, faces an uncertain macroeconomic environment with a new incoming administration, as well as competition from the upcoming Epic Universe park in Florida (which Disney has downplayed). In sports, the company still has to successfully launch its flagship ESPN streaming service next year. So what’s giving Disney the self-assuredness to give out these targets? Disney executives, speaking on last week’s earnings call, cited several reasons to believe in the company’s forecasts, including steady improvement in the streaming business and considerable investment in experiences such as the parks and cruise lines . With streaming in particular, Disney was remarkably specific in its guidance for 2026. For example, executives said that Disney+ and Hulu would achieve 10 percent operating margins by then, excluding the Hulu Live TV streaming offering. Management highlighted changes and improvements the company is making to its services: anti-password sharing measures, better personalization and customization technology, adding an ESPN tile, etc. All this ought to allow Disney to improve engagement, increase subscriptions, reduce churn, please advertisers and raise prices. “We wouldn’t have given you the guidance we did if we didn’t have confidence in delivering,” Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said on the call. Disney’s results are just one sign of a broader rebound for streaming, at least among the top-tier companies. Netflix is making billions of dollars in profit, with a stock market valuation of $362 billion (significantly higher than Disney’s $206-billion market cap). Spotify, the Swedish music and podcast subscription service, recently projected it would reach full year profitability for the first time. With Disney, there are always risks to point to. The studio, which is having a strong year, has a number of high-stakes bets coming up next year, including multiple Marvel movies (“Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”) a live action “Snow White” and a nonsequel Pixar film, “Elio.” But none of that will take up as much investor attention as the ongoing succession process for Iger, which is being led by James P. Gorman, the outgoing executive chairman of Morgan Stanley, who will become chairman of Disney’s board of directors next year. Disney recently said it would choose a successor in early 2026 , which is later than many expected. The Wall Street Journal reported that the search for a replacement had widened beyond the oft-discussed quartet of internal candidates to include outsiders such as the chief executive of video game giant Electronic Arts, Andrew Wilson. Whoever gets the job, the pressure will be high, with or without the company’s earnings projections hanging over them.DaveAlan/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images I covered Delta Air Lines ( NYSE: DAL ) in July after stock tumbled following its second quarter earnings release. Since then, the stock has gained 42.4%, easily outperforming the S&P 500, which returned 6.4%. It shows that while airline stocks If you want full access to all our reports, data and investing ideas, join The Aerospace Forum , the #1 aerospace, defense and airline investment research service on Seeking Alpha, with access to evoX Data Analytics, our in-house developed data analytics platform. Dhierin-Perkash Bechai is an aerospace, defense and airline analyst. The Aerospace Forum Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BA, EADSF either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
They are investigating whether his short-lived martial law decree earlier this month amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant on Monday. Investigators plan to question Mr Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Mr Yoon has dodged several requests by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors to appear for questioning and has also blocked searches of his offices. It is not clear whether the court will grant the warrant or whether Mr Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning. Under the country’s laws, locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge and it is unlikely Mr Yoon will voluntarily leave his residence if he faces detainment. Mr Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly voted to impeach him on December 14 over his imposition of martial law that lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets. His fate lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Mr Yoon from office or reinstate him. Mr Yoon has defended the martial law decree as a necessary act of governance, describing it as a warning against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which has been bogging down his agenda with its majority in the parliament. Parliament voted last week to also impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president after Mr Yoon’s powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the court’s review of Mr Yoon’s case. The country’s new interim leader is Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also finance minister.