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Lin Zhiying's son Kimi is so handsome that he is unrecognizable! At the age of 15, his appearance steals the show, with eyes that seem like a copy-paste from his father. Father and son share the frame while attending a concert.South Dakota scores with 12 seconds left to beat FCS top-ranked North Dakota State 29-28The GPD WIN4 features a vibrant and responsive touchscreen display, providing immersive visuals that bring your games to life in the palm of your hand. The compact design ensures that you can take your gaming experience with you wherever you go, whether you're on a long commute, traveling, or simply relaxing at home.

AstroDevam is a premium organisation providing ancient and authentic knowledge of Astrology, Vastu, Numerology, and Innovative Corporate Solutions with a contemporary perspective. AstroDevam, having patrons in more than 100 countries, has been promoted by Achary Anita Baranwal and Achary Kalki Krishnan, who not only have Master's Degrees in Astrology, but are engaged in teaching Scientific Astrology, Vastu, and Numerology for more than three decades. Read More Zodiac Signs That Can Become Good Detective Zodiac Signs that Have the Cutest Smile 5 Most Generous Zodiac Signs Zodiac Signs Who Should Believe Their Intuition 5 Zodiac Signs That Are Masters of Manipulation 5 Most Stylish Zodiac Signs Zodiac Signs That Are Extremely Loving 5 Zodiac Signs Who Always Act Like Smart Zodiac Signs That Love to be Single Top 6 Religious Zodiac Signs As Per Astrology

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — LJ Thomas had 25 points in Austin Peay's 62-50 win over Georgia State on Tuesday. Thomas added five assists for the Governors (4-2). Tekao Carpenter scored 12 points while finishing 4 of 9 from 3-point range. The Panthers (3-3) were led by Zarigue Nutter, who recorded 17 points. Malachi Brown added 10 points and two steals for Georgia State. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Getting blown out at Green Bay following another squandered late lead the previous week against Seattle has quickly turned the San Francisco 49ers from a Super Bowl contender into a team just fighting to get back to the playoffs. If San Francisco doesn't get healthy and eliminate the errors that led to Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Packers, the focus will turn from playoff permutations to what offseason changes are necessary. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekCreative Global Technology 1.25M Share IPO Prices at $4 a Share

The decision to raise the mortgage interest rates in Qingdao comes at a time when the real estate market in the city is experiencing a period of rapid growth and increasing demand. With property prices on the rise and the overall economy showing signs of recovery, authorities may have implemented this adjustment to help stabilize the market and prevent overheating.One of the key changes in the new regulations is the shift from a purely price-focused evaluation to a more holistic assessment that considers factors such as product quality, efficacy, safety, and service. This approach acknowledges the importance of ensuring that patients receive high-quality and effective medications while also promoting fair competition among pharmaceutical companies.

Putin says Russia attacked Ukraine with a new missile that he claims the West can't stopOne of the key advantages of this new approach is the transparency it offers. By establishing a direct line of communication between manufacturers and consumers, the "Spring Dawn Project" promotes trust and integrity in the marketplace. Consumers can now gain insight into the production process, quality standards, and ethical practices of the manufacturers, enabling them to make more informed purchasing decisions.

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) — Zion Fruster had 15 points in Eastern Illinois' 99-55 victory over Division-III Blackburn on Saturday night. Fruster shot 6 of 11 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 3 from the free-throw line for the Panthers (4-8). Obadiah Curtis added 15 points while going 7 of 9 from the field while they also had five steals. Kooper Jacobi went 6 of 9 from the field to finish with 13 points. Odis Grissom led the Beavers in scoring, finishing with 19 points. Blackburn also got seven points and five assists from Darius Duff. Caleb Schaab had seven points and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Donald Trump has promised to reveal the last of the JFK files , as an ‘expert’ says it could not have been Lee Harvey Oswald. The death of the 35th president in Dallas on November 22, 1963 has inspired dozens if not hundreds of conspiracy theories. They range from the more mundane idea that a second shooter could have been involved, to wild theories of alien involvement. Fanning the flames of conspiracy is the fact that some of the JFK files are yet to be released. President-elect Donald Trump promised during his reelection campaign that he would declassify all of the remaining government records surrounding the assassination if he returned to office. CIA fires whistleblower 'who said she was assaulted in a stairwell of the spy agency' Three Americans arrested in Venezuela for alleged plan to 'destabilize' country He has made this promise before, but he relented to the wishes of the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld during his last term as president. J Gary Shaw and Brain Edwards, authors of the new book Admitted Assassin, told The U.S. Sun : "I think that he will do his best to do it, but the problem is, they've had 61 years to do what they want to with those documents... There will not be one shred of evidence that will give us an indication as to who really killed John Kennedy. Shaw and Edwards believe there is more than meets the eye with the deaf of JFK. Shaw said: "I think there are still people alive that have information about what happened. Some of them don't even know they have it, but the kids are talking, and the grandkids of these people are talking, and that's going to shed further light on it." At this point, only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released, and those who have studied the records released so far say that even if the remaining files are declassified, the public shouldn't anticipate any earth-shattering revelations. “Anybody waiting for a smoking gun that’s going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed,” said Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which concludes that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Historical analysis and years of expert oversight leads to Oswald being a lone shooter as the most likely outcome. Known for erratic behaviour and communist sympathies, Oswald was a lonely man with delusions of grandeur and his claims he was a “patsy” were most likely hubris. A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate the assassination, concluded that Oswald acted alone and there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that hasn't quelled a web of alternative theories over the decades. In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had boasted that he'd allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released during President Joe Biden's administration, some still remain unseen. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington, said what's been released so far has contributed to the understanding of the time period, giving “a great picture” of what was happening during the Cold War and the activities of the CIA. Posner estimates that there are still about 3,000 to 4,000 documents in the collection that haven’t yet been fully released. Of those documents, some are still completely redacted while others just have small redactions, like someone's Social Security number. “If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history,” Posner said. There are about 500 documents that have been completely withheld, Posner said, and those include Oswald’s and Ruby’s tax returns. Those files, the National Archives says on its website, weren't subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement.Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said his interest in the assassination dates back to the event itself, when he was a child. “It just seemed so fantastical that one very disturbed individual could end up pulling off the crime of the century," Sabato said. “But the more I studied it, the more I realized that is a very possible, maybe even probable in my view, hypothesis.” DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.

Maid says she’s being forced to keep working despite wanting to quit as she “can’t take the stress” of her employer’s “mood swings”

Taken seriously, Trump’s plans for deportation are ridiculousBlowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink

As Americans are beyond burned out, Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry preaches the right to rest

super ufa slot jili If the beginning of every year is associated with making resolutions, the final days of December are often dedicated to reflecting on the highs and lows of the past 12 months. As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of the strides made by Aboitiz Foundation in fulfilling its commitment to uplift Filipinos’ lives through education, jobs and climate action. Creating meaningful and lasting change requires teamwork, which is why Aboitiz Foundation scaled up partnerships with stakeholders. By cultivating the culture of collaboration, we’re able to work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure our programs reach more communities. Education has always been at the heart of Aboitiz Foundation’s mission. The Aboitiz Future Leaders program continues to make a significant impact, supporting 123 new scholars this year across various universities in the Philippines. More than just providing financial support to students, the scholarship is about creating pathways to success and empowering the youth to become changemakers. Since the program began in 2006, Aboitiz Future Leaders have graduated from college, becoming innovators and catalysts for progress in the workforce. Aurora PH, Aboitiz Foundation’s initiative to connect last-mile schools to the internet through solar power, surpassed its 2024 pilot goal of linking 10 schools to the digital world. A total of 11 schools in remote communities now harness sustainable energy to access educational materials and vital resources. One of the project’s newest beneficiaries is Iram II Elementary School in Zambales. In partnership with Subic EnerZone, solar panels were installed on top of school buildings, providing a reliable power source for students and teachers. Moving forward, Aboitiz Foundation aims to energize 300 last-mile schools to improve access to education and empower surrounding communities through access to vital services and livelihood opportunities. Elevate AIDA has been a game-changer for women empowerment. This program, in partnership with Connected Women, provides training in artificial intelligence and data annotation to women from marginalized sectors. For 2024, a total of 1,800 women from various provinces, including the cities of Naga and Talisay and the municipality of Consolacion, successfully completed the program. Equipped with digital skills, the graduates can seek employment opportunities that allow them to earn a steady income while balancing their responsibilities at home. Looking ahead over the next five years, Aboitiz Foundation plans to scale up Elevate AIDA to benefit 300,000 women, further expanding its impact and empowering more women across the Philippines. In the area of climate action, 2024 marked the launch of CarbonPH, a large-scale, multipartite reforestation and watershed recovery project in partnership with the provincial government of Cebu. This initiative involves the reforestation and protection of the 29,000-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape, which serves as Cebu’s main water source and is home to several endemic species. Beyond its mission to drive positive change, Aboitiz Foundation is committed to nation building through initiatives in education, jobs and climate action. 2024 was a testament to the power of partnership, with our programs inspiring innovation and creating lasting impact. As we look ahead to 2025, Aboitiz Foundation’s vision remains clear: To continue building a better and more sustainable Philippines. We’re keen on forging new partnerships and sustaining our collaboration with long-time stakeholders to fulfill our vision of transforming more lives and creating inclusive growth.The single major or major-minor conundrum in MBA programmes

Celero Commerce Bolsters Retail Presence With Precision Payments Purchase£10k to invest? A high-yield dividend share to consider for a £1,589 passive income in 2025 and 2026ATLANTA — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Ga., where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 White House Diary that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid . And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new Saturday Night Live show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”

Nebraska soon will seek federal Perkins canal permit as urgency grows, DNR saysAmBase Co. (OTCMKTS:ABCP) Sees Large Increase in Short InterestLaunching a counterattack at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his claims that the victory in the byelection was a vote against the propaganda by the Opposition over various irregularities, the BJP on Sunday maintained that the election mandate should not be considered as a “clean chit”. “The inquiry against the Chief Minister over alleged irregularities in the allotment of sites by MUDA to his wife is still going on. In such a situation, how can the bypoll results be construed as a clean chit to him?,” wondered Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok. “The results cannot be a clean chit as it is the court that has to give the clean chit to Mr. Siddaramaiah,” he maintained. Speaking to media persons in Srirangapatna taluk, Mr. Ashok alleged that the Congress had managed to win the byelections in three Assembly constituencies by pumping in a huge sum of money. “But despite knowing that they have won the bypolls by money power, Congress leaders are behaving as though they have conquered the universe,” Mr. Ashok ridiculed. Accusing the Congress government of failing to deliver good administration, he alleged that the government had burdened the lives of common people by increasing the service charges in various sectors. He also alleged that the Congress had failed to keep up its promises. “They came to power by taking out a padayatra demanding construction of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. But they have forgotten it now. Similarly, they accused the BJP dispensation of indulging in 40% commission for clearing contractors’ bills. But they themselves are indulging in massive corruption now,” he alleged. If anybody raises these issues, then the Chief Minister will say they are indulging in propaganda, he alleged. Expressing concern over some of the farmers’ RTCs getting a mention that their property is owned by the waqf board, he wanted to know if it would become a propaganda to question such moves. Published - November 24, 2024 09:21 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Karnataka / Bharatiya Janata Party / state politics

NoneWireless Medical Device Connectivity Market Analysis By Top Keyplayers - Baxter, Bridge-Tech, Cerner Corporation, Cisco Systems, Digi International, General Electric, Hill-Rom Services, Iatric Systems, Infosys Limited, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Lantronix, 11-25-2024 12:08 AM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Verified Market Research The "Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market" is expected to reach USD xx.x billion by 2031, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of xx.x percent from 2024 to 2031. The market was valued at USD xx.x billion In 2023. Growing Demand and Growth Potential in the Global Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market, 2024-2031 Verified Market Research's most recent report, "Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2030," provides an in-depth examination of the industry that includes insights into the market analysis. Along with competition and geographical research, the report also covers recent developments in the worldwide industry. The market for cosmetic packaging has been rising dramatically in recent years due to a variety of important factors, including rising product demand, a greater client base, and developments in technology. The market is thoroughly examined in this study, along with its size, trends, factors driving and impeding growth, competitive aspects, and potential for expansion. Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=217064&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=210 Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market business report has been produced with a thorough grasp of the business environment that best fits the client's needs. This market analysis can also help businesses understand sustainability initiatives and financial growth. This report's explanation of market drivers and constraints helps readers understand how many factors might affect how much demand a given product has from consumers. All of the leading companies' and brands' company profiles are included in this market analysis. In-depth research and analysis are used to appropriately elaborate on each area in order to produce an accurate Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market survey report. Who is the largest manufacturers of Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market worldwide? Baxter Bridge-Tech Cerner Corporation Cisco Systems Digi International General Electric Hill-Rom Services Iatric Systems Infosys Limited Koninklijke Philips N.V. Lantronix Masimo Medicollector Medtronic Silex Technology Silicon & Software Systems Ltd. (Ireland) Spectrum Medical Stryker T.E. Connectivity Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market Segmentation Analysis Segmentation analysis involves dividing the market into distinct groups based on certain criteria such as type and application. This helps in understanding the market dynamics, targeting specific customer groups, and devising tailored marketing strategies. Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market By Type Wi-Fi Hardware Wireless Medical Telemetry Hardware Bluetooth Hardware Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market By Applications Hospitals Home Healthcare Diagnostic Centers Others Get Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=217064&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=210 Detailed TOC of Global Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market Research Report, 2023-2030 1. Introduction of the Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market ►Overview of the Market ►Scope of Report ►Assumptions 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology of Verified Market Reports ►Data Minin ►Validation ►Primary Interview ►List of Data Sources 4. Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market Outlook ►Overview ►Market Dynamics ►Drivers ►Restraints ►Opportunities ►Porters Five Force Model ►Value Chain Analysis 5. Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market, By Product 6. Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market, By Application 7. Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market, By Geography ►North America ►Europe ►Asia Pacific ►Rest of the World 8. Wireless Medical Device Connectivity Market Competitive Landscape ►Overview ►Company Market Ranking ►Key Development Strategies 9. Company Profiles 10. Appendix For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/wireless-medical-device-connectivity-market/ Contact us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll-Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 About Us: Verified Market Reports Verified Market Reports is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. This release was published on openPR.

In news broken by Air & Space Forces Magazine on November 21 , the United States Air Force (USAF), as the primary F-35 contractor, and the F-35 Joint Program Office made what is being characterized as an “initial” agreement as to the quantity and price for F-35 Lots 18 and 19. All this means for now is that F-35 production will continue. Despite likely per-unit price increase, F-35s will keep coming Although Lockheed Martin is unable to share details, the Lot 18 and Lot 19 F-35s will likely cost more per unit thanks to inflation, increased capability – such as Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), and fewer annual purchases of F-35 fighter jets. Below is a photo of each variant of F-35 : Why F-35 cost increases? For example, as reported by Defense One on July 25 , Lockheed Martin’s President of Aeronautics Greg Ulmer shared, “Inflation is real. The cost of raw materials has gone up. The cost of everything has gone up, so there is just inflation pressure in the system.” In addition to global inflationary pressures, each new F-35 will come with newer technology than previous lots. Additional money is also available in the TR-3 program to retrofit previously built F-35s, which will upgrade avionics and allow for more diversity in weapons carried by the F-35. But higher costs on a limited budget mean fewer F-35s to spread the cost around. TR-3 and engine core upgrades might be cost pressures but... One should note that TR-3 makes F-35 more expensive. But as covered in a recent guide , TR-3 adds: Increased onboard processing Increased memory Increased power production Ability to handle new sensors and new weapons Increased electronic warfare capabilities Below are two L3Harris infographics from TR-3’s primary contractor providing more details. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney recently won a F135 engine core upgrade contract to support the above work with cooling plus increased fuel efficiency and vertical thrust for the B variant of the F-35. One can see the details in the story below: The F135 is well on the way to an important set of upgrades. Read on for details. Even without these upgrades, the F-35 is already working for significant global air forces, showcasing the demand for fifth-generation fighter jets. Over 1,060 F-35s delivered with F-35s flying key missions As per the below November 4 Lockheed Martin F-35 fact sheet, the F-35 Enterprise has accomplished no less than: 14 services flying 10 nations operating 1,060+ deliveries 940,000+ flight hours 569,000+ sorties 2,680+ trained pilots 17,200+ trained maintainers With the factsheets above, below are examples of recent F-35 key missions showing the need for more F-35s. For example, Norwegian F-35s recently intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M Coot-A doing electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT) like the US’ retiring Lockheed EP-3E Aries—one of which had an unfortunate mid-air collision in the Hainan Incident . Halfway around the world, US Marine Corps F-35Cs recently were deployed in airstrikes against Houthi terrorists targeting civilian commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Yemen. It appears the Marines have become the first to use the F-35C variant in combat, using on strikes against Houthis in Yemen. In a November 20 statement by the USS Abraham Lincoln, the commanding officer of VMFA-314 “Black Knights” Lt. Col. Jeffrey "Wiki" Davis shared these observations after multiple days of airstrikes: “The F-35C demonstrated its warfighting advantage by transiting contested airspace and striking targets in the heart of Houthi territory over multiple days. My Marines are honored to be first to fight with the F-35C.” Below are two photos of the F-35C operating on the USS Abraham Lincoln during the airstrikes: The US Marines also held a fourth test flight with the XQ-58A Valkyrie and F-35B Lightning II for some teaming exercises. Although Simple Flying has previously covered the Marines’ XQ-58A Valkyrie – according to Col. Derek Brannon, Branch Head for the Cunningham Group, Deputy Commandant for Aviation in an October 17 Marine Corps Headquarters statement, the fourth XQ-58 test flight’s significance comes from the testing for, “tactical data links to enable digital communication between the XQ-58A and an airborne four-ship of F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214.” Additionally, speaking of F-35 photo opportunities, the USAF’s F-35A Demo Team concluded another successful airshow season, conducting public diplomacy for the USAF and the F-35 program. As pictured below, the team leader, Major Melanie “Mach” Kluesner, performed at AIRPOWER, the largest air show in Europe in 2024. As Major "Mach" shared in an October 1 158th Fighter Wing statement, “The enthusiasm of the spectators here has been incredible. When I was taxiing back from the demo I felt like I was waving to a crowd lined miles long. That makes the show so much better when I can tell the crowd is so excited that we’re here.” Public diplomacy mission aside, Vermont Air National Guard F-35s were also in Austria for scrimmaging with the Austrian and Swiss Air Forces. The Swiss Air Force is a F-35 customer , while the Austrians will stay with the Eurofighter Typhoon. So the question is, when will details on the next lots of F-35 deliveries come? When will Lots 18 & 19 details arrive? As Lockheed Martin Chief Financial Officer Jesus Malave, Jr. shared in the firm’s Q3 2024 earnings call, “We expect F-35 Lot 18-19 to be awarded this year, maintaining program funding and continuity” that “secures our mutual goals of delivering advanced fifth-generation fighter capability to our services.”

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Narin An leads with a 64 in the wind as Nelly Korda struggles in LPGA finaleHyderabad: Today, November 23, 2024, marks the 38th birthday of Naga Chaitanya, a popular Telugu actor from the legendary Akkineni family. As the son of superstar Nagarjuna and grandson of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Chaitanya has created his own name in the industry with his talent and dedication. Chaitanya began his acting journey with Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010, a romantic drama that won hearts. Over the years, he has delivered hits like Manam, Majili, and Love Story. These movies have made him a favorite among fans and a respected name in Telugu cinema. On the personal front, Chaitanya is all set to marry actress Sobhita Dhulipala on December 4, 2024. This follows his earlier marriage to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, which ended in 2021. A post shared by Chay Akkineni (@chayakkineni) Naga Chaitanya is not just a talented actor but also one of the richest stars in Tollywood. His extravagant lifestyle includes: Net Worth: Estimated at Rs. 154 crore, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Telugu cinema Luxurious Home: A lavish mansion located in the upscale Jubilee Hills area of Hyderabad Despite setbacks like his recent movie Custody, Chaitanya’s star power remains strong. With an exciting future, both in his career and personal life, fans have much to look forward to.POET Technologies Signs Manufacturing Agreement with Globetronics in Malaysiajili super ace free play 。

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Sports on TV for Nov. 23 - 24NEW YORK (AP) — The immigration officers sat in their vehicles before dawn near a two-story building. A New York subway line rumbled overhead, then an officer’s voice crackled over the radio. After watching for about two hours, he said, “I think that’s Tango,” using a term for target. “Gray hoodie. Backpack. Walking quickly.” The immigration officers surrounded and handcuffed a 23-year-old man from Ecuador who had been convicted of sexually assaulting a minor. Kenneth Genalo, head of Enforcement and Removal Operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York, said a popular misconception is that officers can sweep into a community and pick up a wide swath of people who are in the United States illegally and send them to their home countries. “It’s called targeted enforcement,” Genalo said. “We don’t grab people and then take them to JFK and put them on a plane.” With Donald Trump returning to the White House, there is intense interest in how the Republican will carry out his immigration agenda , including a campaign pledge of mass deportations . His priorities could run into the realities faced by agents focused on enforcement and removals, including the unit in New York that offered The Associated Press a glimpse into its operations: The number of people already on its lists to target eclipses the number of officers available to do the work. The Biden administration had narrowed deportation priorities to public safety threats and recent border crossers. Trump’s incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan , says officials in the new administration also will prioritize those who pose a risk , such as criminals, before moving on to immigrants whom courts have ordered removed from the U.S. But Homan also has signaled that enforcement could be wider: “If you’re in the country illegally you got a problem,” he said recently on Dr. Phil’s Merit TV. It’s a tall order. About 1.4 million people have final orders of removal, while about 660,000 under immigration supervision either have been convicted of crimes or are facing charges . But only 6,000 officers within ICE are tasked with monitoring noncitizens in the country and then finding and removing those not eligible to stay. Those staffing numbers have largely remained static as their caseload has roughly quadrupled over the past decade to 7.6 million. About 10% of that workforce was pulled from their regular duties last year to go to the U.S.-Mexico border at times when immigration spiked. Jason Houser, ICE chief of staff earlier in the Biden administration, said the number of officers needed to pursue those deemed a public safety threat are at direct odds with the goal of deporting people in large numbers . “You’re not going to be able to do both of those with the resources you have, with the deportation officers you have,” Houser said. “Just the arithmetic, the time-intensive nature of those sort of arrests will overwhelm any ability to get to those large scale numbers.” Genalo said the officers in charge of individual cases have to get a lead, ensure they have the legal authority to arrest someone and then track the person down. They generally aren’t allowed to enter a residence, so they want to catch people outside. On this recent operation, about a dozen officers gathered before 5 a.m. at a White Castle parking lot in the Bronx. After putting on their body armor and checking their equipment, they circled around for a briefing. Besides the 23-year-old Ecuadorian man, they were going after a 36-year-old Mexican man convicted of forcibly touching a young girl and another Ecuadorian also convicted of sexual abuse of a minor. The first target, the 23-year-old man, who pleaded guilty to raping a 14-year-old girl, was believed to usually leave the apartment building around 7 a.m. or 7:30 a.m. Sometimes he was with a woman and child. “Light came on in the first floor of the apartment,” an officer waiting outside said over the radio. Then later: “Someone came out of the basement, but it’s not our target.” They finally spotted him, swept him into the back of a vehicle and quickly left the neighborhood. Inside, the man’s 22-year-old wife didn’t know what had happened until he called later from detention. In an interview, she said they met in Ecuador and had a child — a bubbly 3-year-old girl with braids — and she was pregnant with their second. He worked construction while she was a manicurist. She said she knew why her husband had been arrested but felt there were important mitigating factors. She said they knew it was possible her husband could be sent back to Ecuador after his criminal case wrapped up but that it was still a shock. ICE deported more than 270,000 people over a recent 12-month period, the highest annual tally in a decade, the agency said in a recent report . But it also said it made fewer arrests of noncitizens, in part because of the demand of sending staff to the border. Of those arrested, a greater proportion had serious criminal histories. Some cities and states work with ICE to turn over people in their custody who aren’t U.S. citizens. But many left-leaning states and cities have so-called sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In New York City, for example, ICE used to have an office at the jail to easily take custody of noncitizens. In 2014, then-Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation kicking out ICE and restricting police cooperation. His successor, Eric Adams, has shown willingness to revisit some of those policies. He recently met with Homan and told reporters they agreed on pursuing people who commit violent crimes. Genalo said agents spend time and resources picking up immigrants few would argue should have the right to stay in America. “How can you state that sanctuary policies help the community when you’re releasing all these criminals right back into the community?” he said. “We’re safer when we collaborate.” Staffing is also an issue. He said he’s supposed to have about 325 officers, but in recent years, the number has been about 30% lower. Many immigration advocates have long-standing concerns about ICE’s tactics, and those concerns are deepening with Trump’s return to office in January. Advocates say the incoming administration’s position of going after public safety threats is already longtime policy. They object to rhetoric they say paints immigrants as people to be feared. They say there can be nuances in some cases: Maybe someone committed a crime a long time ago and has been rehabilitated, or someone facing a final order of removal moved and never got the notice. During Trump’s first term, there were a lot of “collateral arrests” where immigration officers would detain others besides those being targeted, said Jehan Laner, a senior staff attorney for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. That destabilizes communities, she said, adding, “We saw them go after everyone.” Genalo said he couldn’t comment on the incoming administration’s plans but stressed that officers are going after specific targets with criminal histories. He said he has a docket of about 58,000 people who either have criminal convictions or pending charges. “I’m pretty sure we’re going to be tied up for a while dealing with the criminal population,” Genalo said.

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Bolivia’s former president Evo Morales said his car was fired on in what he claimed was an “assassination attempt” amid simmering political tensions in the South American country. Morales, who was not injured, blamed the government for the attack, which he called a “failure” that adds to the “political defeat of a government that has lost legitimacy in the eyes of the Bolivian people.” The government denied any involvement and said that an investigation had been opened. Morales said he was heading to the radio station in the central Bolivian department of Cochabamba, where he hosts a weekend program, when two vehicles intercepted his car and “four hooded officers dressed in black with weapons in their hands, got out and began to shoot.” Fourteen bullets hit the car, injuring his driver in the head and arm, Morales said during his radio show. Morales posted a cell-phone video on Facebook which he claimed shows the alleged attack. It shows the driver’s bloodied head and several bullet holes in the car’s windshield. Morales is seen in the passenger seat as they frantically drive away. Morales posted to his Instagram profile a statement from his party, Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), blaming the attack on current Bolivian President Luis Arce and two of his government ministers. The statement did not provide evidence supporting this claim. CNN reached out to the presidential office and the respective government ministries for their response to Morales’ accusations. It also reached out to the Bolivian Attorney General on the status of their investigation. CNN has not received a response from Arce’s office or the government ministries. However, in a statement on X, Arce condemned political violence and said he had ordered an “immediate and thorough investigation” into the alleged attack. Bolivia’s Deputy Security Minister Roberto Rios said that there had not been a police operation against Morales and that his department would investigate the claims, including the possibility of a “self-attack” staged by Morales, state-run news agency Agencia Boliviana de Información (ABI) reported. Several Latin American leaders have condemned the alleged assassination attempt, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also warned the attack could represent a threat to democracy. “Fascism is on the rise throughout Latin America. It is no longer just about legal elimination. Now they are moving on to the same old thing: the physical elimination of those who think differently,” he said. In a twist on Monday, Bolivian Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo Del Carpio accused individuals in Morales’ car of shooting at drug enforcement officers during the same incident. According to Castillo Del Carpio, law enforcement officers had set up the checkpoint to conduct an anti-drug tracking operation over the weekend. When Morales’ car approached, they ordered it to slow down, but the people onboard sped up and pulled out weapons, firing at the officers, he alleged. Morales has denied the allegations as “false and lying,” saying in a statement on X that no one in the car carried “any kind of weapon.” Power struggle Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, led the country for more than a decade before he resigned from his office in November 2019 due to mounting accusations of electoral fraud, which he has denied. Ultimately, Morales claimed he was forced out in a coup and fled to Mexico, where he was granted political asylum. His resignation was followed by deadly clashes between Bolivian security forces and Morales supporters. After a year of exile in Argentina, Morales returned to his home region of Chapare in central Bolivia in 2020, while stating his intention to remain involved in politics. Throughout the past year, Morales has clashed with sitting president Arce – his fellow MAS party member and former ally – as both politicians battle for reelection in 2025. Arce’s government is currently investigating Morales over allegations of human trafficking, which he rejects as political persecution. The power struggle has unfolded during a period of acute economic strife in Bolivia. In recent weeks, blockades set up by Morales’ supporters on major highways have led to food and fuel shortages in some cities. Bolivian police have said the blockades involve “violent armed groups.” In a statement, Bolivia’s foreign ministry denounced the “destabilizing actions” from Morales, who they said encouraged the blockades in an attempt to “disrupt the democratic order.” The political turmoil in Bolivia reached a flashpoint in June with the arrest of a general accused of orchestrating a coup against the government. Armed soldiers and armored vehicles led by Gen. Juan Jose Zúñiga attempted to occupy government offices and break into the government palace to oust Arce.

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US President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by January 19 while the government emphasised its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Mr Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for January 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute, leading TikTok to appeal to the Supreme Court. The brief from Mr Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office”.TORONTO - Broad-based gains led Canada’s main stock index higher in late-morning trading on Christmas Eve, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 57.82 points at 24,806.80. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 177.64 points at 43,084.59. The S&P 500 index was up 43.11 points at 6,017.18, while the Nasdaq composite was up 210.74 points at 19,975.62. The Canadian dollar traded for 69.50 cents US compared with 69.47 cents US on Monday. The February crude oil contract was up 91 cents at US$70.15 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was up 13 cents at US$3.48 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$1.10 at US$2,627.10 an ounce and the March copper contract was up two cents at US$4.11 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD)ORCHARD PARK — Taylor Rapp had some extra energy as he ripped off his red No. 9 practice jersey after practice Thursday. The non-contact jersey he was wearing the last few weeks was a necessity as he nursed an ailing neck and shoulder injury. Rapp declined to discuss the exact nature of his injury, but it was enough to keep him out of the last two games. When Rapp dressed for practice Friday, he didn’t put the red jersey back on, instead returning to the defensive white uniform. Officially listed as questionable, Rapp’s return would provide a boost to the Buffalo Bills secondary — as should the return of cornerback Rasul Douglas — as the safety has emerged as the conductor on the back end. To decipher Rapp’s value, look no further than the games the Bills have allowed the most passing yards. Rapp was playing injured or out in four of the five games Buffalo allowed more than 250 yards through the air, including the last three games. It’s a flip from where Rapp was a year ago, serving as the team’s third safety on third downs after signing with the team on a prove-it, one-year $1.77 million contract. “From a safety perspective, across the league, this is definitely one of the harder systems and schemes,” Rapp told GNN Sports. “Just being able to get that first year under my belt to learn from guys like Micah (Hyde) and (Jordan Poyer), some of the best to ever do it in this system. Just having that first year under my belt to get comfortable and keep it moving.” Is simply winning a game no longer enough for #Bills fans? How much goodwill can the #Sabres get back after a 13-game losing streak? And just how much coal did @billhoppe.bsky.social get in his stocking? fireside.fm/episode/sMvb... [image or embed] Last week’s 253 passing yards allowed to rookie quarterback Drake Maye and the New England Patriots marked the first time the Bills have allowed 250 yards in three consecutive games since 2020. They have never had four such games in Sean McDermott’s eight seasons as head coach. Now the Bills get the New York Jets and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who despite dropping 10 of their 12 games, has thrown for over 250 yards in three consecutive games, the first time he’s done so since December 2021. Rodgers threw for 294 yards in the teams’ first meeting Oct. 14, Rapp’s first game back after leaving with a concussion sustained against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks earlier . Having Rapp in the lineup gives the Bills a playmaker who has two interceptions, two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. Typically the Bills are among the best in the league in limiting opposing playmakers. The brand of defense Buffalo plays is designed to limit long passing plays and the Bills have allowed just eight passes over 30 yards, second in the NFL to the Green Bay Packers. But the Bills have given up three passing plays over 50 yards after allowing one in the previous two seasons combined and two over 60 for just the second time (2021) under McDermott. But the Bills view it as a communication issue rather than a decline in talent. All five Week 1 starters in the secondary have missed at least one game due to injury, with cornerback Christian Benford being the only player not to miss more than one. The Bills played without three starters in back-to-back weeks, while slot cornerback Taron Johnson missed parts of last week’s game while being assessed for a concussion and safety Damar Hamlin (rib) is questionable to miss a third consecutive game after wearing a red non-contact jersey all week. “Just hone in on the details,” Rapp said. “It always starts with the details. ... Honing in on the game plan, knowing what you’re supposed to do and knowing your job.” Dealing with Rodgers’ quick release The 41-year-old Rodgers is tasked with facing the Bills defense with his blindside protected by New York’s third-string left tackle. It may seem like a game for the Buffalo pass rush to feast, but the Jets will surely have a plan. Rodgers already has the fourth-quickest release in the NFL this season, getting the ball out in 2.64 seconds on average. Buffalo held him to 2.71 seconds in the 23-20 Week 6 win, but the Jets have added receiver Davante Adams since then. The Bills have struggled with quarterbacks with quick release this season. Opposing quarterbacks are unloading in 2.68 seconds this season, faster than the league average of 2.8. Nearly half of passing attempts against the Bills have left the quarterback’s hand in 2.5 seconds or faster and they are completing 76.7% on those throws.The Bills are allowing 7 yards per attempt on those throws, up from 6.3 on throws over 2.5 seconds. Buffalo hasn’t been able to get to the quarterback on quick-release throws, with seven of its 34 sacks coming on attempts longer than 2.5 seconds. Often the only hope on those plays is to knock passes down, but the Bills don’t have any batted balls on quick throws this season. “We’re expecting a lot of quick throws, a lot of timing things to get him in rhythm and try to get us to second-guess ourselves,” Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa said. “But if we can keep a one-track mind and keep getting after him, I think we can get to him.” Keeping running back Breece Hall in check should help the Bills put Rodgers in more positions to hold the ball a little longer. But an offense that ranks 31st in the NFL with 88.7 yards rushing per game put up 121 on the Bills in the first matchup. And even if the Bills can make the Jets pass reliant, they must do a better job closing out games defensively. Buffalo has one fourth-quarter sack since Week 10 — it came last week on a bad snap — and they have not had an interception in the final frame since picking off Patrick Mahomes to seal a Week 11 win. Opposing quarterbacks have gone 31 of 38 for 357 yards and four touchdowns the past three games. Not only does the defense know it’s going to be a passing play when playing from behind late in the game, but the offense knows the defense is rushing four and dropping seven in coverage to prevent big plays. “It’s not like we’re hiding what we’re doing,” Epenesa said. “They do certain things to help protect, whether it’s chipping, mixing up protection plans, bringing people in and out from different formations to block. It’s just us trying to get on our stuff and get after it.” What’s at stake The Bills have no chance at the No.1 seed in the AFC after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans on Wednesday. They are now focused on the No. 2 and just need a win over the Jets to clinch it for the third consecutive season. If the Bills don’t beat the Jets, it likely puts them in a position to have to play the Patriots without resting starters in the regular season finale. It would also squander an attempt to go 6-0 in the AFC East for the first time since 2020 and finish with an unbeaten home slate for the first time since 1990. “That’s a precedent that (McDermott) sets early on from everybody that gets here of defending our dirt and making sure that that’s one of the best ways to help yourselves get in the playoffs, is being a good team at your home field,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said. NOTES: S Damar Hamlin (rib), DB Cam Lewis (shoulder), S Taylor Rapp (neck/shoulder) and WR Curtis Samuel (rib) are questionable to play Sunday.

Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump's defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host's personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth met with legislators on Capitol Hill, conducted a radio interview and released an opinion article denying allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. He insisted he was “not backing down one bit," that Trump was still supporting him and he planned to return Thursday for more meetings with lawmakers. But the president-elect's team was looking at alternatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump himself remained quiet about Hegseth while issuing a flurry of statements on social media Wednesday about other nominees and his news coverage. Hegeth, asked if he'd meet with Trump on Thursday, said he'd meet with him “anytime he'd like." Hegseth is the latest nominee-designate to be imperiled by personal baggage after the recent withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vulnerabilities were well-documented. But Hegseth’s past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies, was not widely known. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people, showcasing the uneasy intersection between law, politics and individual rights. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism of arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, will return to serve in Donald Trump’s second administration, the president-elect announced Wednesday. Navarro, a trade adviser during Trump’s first term, will be a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump said on Truth Social. The position, Trump wrote, “leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.” The appointment was only the first in a flurry of announcements that Trump made on Wednesday as his presidential transition faced controversy over Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Pentagon chief. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, and Trump has considered replacing him with another potential nominee. As he works to fill out his team, Trump said he wanted Paul Atkins, a financial industry veteran and an advocate for cryptocurrency, to serve as the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He wrote on Truth Social that Atkins “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Trump also said he was changing course on his choice for White House counsel. He said his original pick, William McGinley, will work with the Department of Government Efficiency, which will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending. Now David Warrington, who has worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and a lawyer for his campaign, will serve as White House counsel. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants “involved in terrorist activities” in the area, without providing additional details, and said it took precautions to minimize harm to civilians. The strike on the Muwasi tent camp was one of several deadly assaults across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. An Israeli attack in central Gaza killed at least 10 more people, including four children, according to Palestinian medics. Israel’s devastating war in Gaza, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, shows no signs of ending after nearly 14 months. Hamas is still holding dozens of Israeli hostages, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced and is reliant on international food aid to survive. Israel is also pressing a major offensive in the isolated north, where experts say Palestinians might be experiencing famine. The Biden administration has pledged to make a new push for a Gaza ceasefire now that there's a truce in Lebanon between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, ending more than a year of cross-border fighting. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump demanded this week the release of hostages held by Hamas before he is sworn into office in January. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term and whether he will abide by democratic principles. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Here's a look at the political firestorm caused by the martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years. Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday night was accompanied by a pledge to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces at a single stroke.” He vowed to protect the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” Yoon, a conservative, cited repeated attempts by his liberal rivals in control of parliament to impeach his top officials and curtail key parts of his budget bill for next year. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. President-elect Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support the Republican over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. About two-thirds of voters said they own a dog or cat, but pet owners don't usually get much attention from politicians. This year, however, past comments by Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue — and Taylor Swift signed her Instagram endorsement of Harris in September as “Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.” Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who owned a cat but not a dog. Still, those voters were a relatively small slice of the electorate, and pet owners as a whole did not seem to hold Vance's remarks against the GOP ticket. Childless or not, women who only owned a cat were more likely to support Harris than were dog owners, or voters who had a cat and a dog. About 6 in 10 women who owned a cat but not a dog supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast. She did similarly well among women who did not own either kind of pet.AS Nigeria and South Africa hold the 11th session of Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, in Cape Town, on Tue Dec 3, 2024 it is trite to establish the contours of their relationship and to thank President Tinubu for keeping faith with Africa’s other big brother. The radar on Nigeria again shifts to South Africa witnessing three weeks of unprecedented shuttle political and economic diplomacy. President Bola Tinubu’s co-chairmanship of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa marks a significant diplomatic step towards fostering stronger bilateral ties. This meeting, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the BNC, underscores the importance of high-level engagements between Africa’s two largest economies. As Nigeria and South Africa convene the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, it is imperative to reflect on the historical and evolving contours of their relationship. This milestone session, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the BNC, serves as a testament to the resilience, ambition, and shared vision of Africa’s two largest economies. It is also a fitting moment to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to fostering robust ties with Africa’s other “big brother,” South Africa. In the wake of three weeks of intense shuttle diplomacy spanning political and economic arenas, Nigeria’s radar is again fixed on South Africa. These engagements underscore a mutual recognition of their intertwined destinies in shaping Africa’s future. As leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders converge in Cape Town, the air will be laden with both expectation and nostalgia—a poignant reminder of a partnership that has endured triumphs, challenges, and moments of historic significance. One cannot but recall May 1990, when Nelson Mandela, few months after his release from Robben Island, embarked on a state visit to Lagos. That moment, etched in the annals of African solidarity, rekindled the bond between Nigeria and South Africa, catalyzing a renewed era of collaboration. It was a symbolic bridge, uniting the aspirations of two nations whose struggles and victories have defined the narrative of Africa’s journey toward liberation and unity. This week, Cape Town becomes the stage for another chapter in this storied relationship. With the BNC serving as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, the two nations are poised to reaffirm their roles as co-architects of a continent driven by shared prosperity, peace, and purpose. Their ability to navigate the currents of history while embracing the opportunities of the future demonstrates that this partnership is, indeed, coming of age. Established in 1999, the Nigeria-South Africa BNC is a structured platform aimed at enhancing cooperation across political, economic, and social sectors. Over the years, the commission has evolved into a key mechanism for dialogue, addressing shared challenges, and fostering sustainable development. This year’s session, encompassing eight working groups, highlights both nations’ commitment to addressing mutual priorities: These key priorities include political consultations (ensuring stability in regional and global contexts), consular and migration Issues (addressing concerns such as xenophobia and facilitating smoother relations), banking and finance (exploring avenues for economic integration), defence and security (trackling transnational crimes and terrorism), as well as manufacturing and trade (including strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, AfCFTA). Also covered are mines and energy (leveraging natural resources for mutual benefit, social sector development (promoting education, healthcare, and culture), and trade and Investment (expanding business opportunities for both nations). The philosophical underpinnings for the BNC embodies principles of Pan-Africanism, Ubuntu, and liberal institutionalism, emphasizing unity, collective progress, and institutionalized cooperation. As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” This captures the essence of overcoming historical frictions to achieve a united African future. President Tinubu’s leadership in this context is pivotal, reflecting Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa’s socio-economic and political landscape. A discussion of the ongoing efforts would be incomplete without referencing philosophical concepts that accentuate its significance. Rooted in the works of W.E.B. Du Bois, Kwame Nkrumah, and Julius Nyerere, Pan-Africanism emphasizes the solidarity of African nations to combat external domination and promote socio-economic progress. The BNC reflects this ideal by uniting Nigeria and South Africa as pillars of African development. As Kwame Nkrumah once said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”. This quote underscores the importance of Nigeria and South Africa overcoming historical challenges, such as xenophobia, to focus on collective progress. The BNC’s deliberations and MoUs can be seen as an extension of this principle. According to Aristotle, “The good of the people must be the great aim of government.” The Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu, often translated as “I am because we are,” aligns with the spirit of the BNC. It emphasizes interconnectedness, mutual respect, and the collective good. Ubuntu offers a philosophical lens through which Nigeria and South Africa can navigate shared challenges and opportunities. As Desmond Tutu once reflected: “We can only be human together: hence, the essence of collaborative efforts in fostering a united African front. Beyond these, the Dependency Theory, associated with scholars like Andre Gunder Frank, critiques the global economic system’s perpetuation of underdevelopment in the Global South. By strengthening intra-African trade and reducing reliance on foreign powers, Nigeria and South Africa can challenge these structures through platforms like the BNC. Joseph Stiglitz’s words that “Development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies,” aligns with the BNC’s goals of translating economic growth into meaningful societal impacts. The pragmatic effort to address specific issues in trade, security, and development stresses the responsibility of both leaders to focus on concrete outcomes over rhetoric. More importantly, it reflects the basic principles of African Renaissance. Championed by scholars like Cheikh Anta Diop and Thabo Mbeki, the African Renaissance envisions a continent reclaiming its rightful place in global affairs through unity, cultural revival, and economic development. The BNC is a practical manifestation of this vision.Certainly, Tinubu and Ramaphosa are evoking the shared identity and destiny of Nigerians and South Africans in fostering an African Renaissance. The BNC serves as a practical example of liberal institutionalism, fostering dialogue and collaboration in a structured manner. As Martin Luther King Jr once stated, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” This underscores the imperative for sustained collaboration through institutions like the BNC. Constructivism suggests that international relations are shaped by ideas, identities, and shared values rather than mere material factors. Therefore, the symbolic 25th anniversary of the BNC is a reflection of the shared identity and history of Nigeria and South Africa. According to John Maynard Keynes, “The ideas of men, their dreams and visions, are much more powerful than material forces.” The role of shared visions in shaping Nigeria-South Africa relations cannot be over-emphasized. Shared History The history of Nigeria-South Africa relationship runs through the period of Anti-Apartheid Solidarity of 1960 – 1965, through Post-Apartheid engagement that started in 1999. Nigeria was a leading supporter of South Africa’s liberation movement. Between 1960 and 1995, Nigeria committed substantial financial and diplomatic resources to the anti-apartheid struggle, offering refuge and education to South African exiles like Thabo Mbeki.The Bi-National Commission, established in 1999, institutionalized bilateral cooperation. However, relations have faced challenges, including xenophobic attacks in South Africa and trade imbalances. The current nature of the two countries’ economic relations shows that Nigeria’s oil exports and South Africa’s industrial expertise complement each other. Opportunities under AfCFTA and energy collaboration highlight the untapped potential of this relationship. Looking ahead, it is rather easy to see that with strong historical ties and shared visions, Nigeria and South Africa are well-positioned to lead Africa’s socio-economic transformation. From Anti-Apartheid Solidarity to Economic Collaboration The Nigeria-South Africa relationship is a tale of resilience, solidarity, and transformation, deeply rooted in shared historical, political, and economic narratives. As Africa’s largest economies, the two nations have carved distinct yet intertwined paths that highlight their roles as both leaders and collaborators in shaping the continent’s destiny. From Nigeria’s pivotal support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle to their evolving economic partnership, this relationship embodies the essence of African unity. Yet, it has not been without its challenges, marked by moments of friction and unresolved tensions. The forthcoming 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town provides a fitting occasion to reflect on this storied partnership. With the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the BNC, it is an opportune moment to examine how the two nations have evolved from their shared fight for justice to becoming co-architects of Africa’s economic and political renaissance. The roots of the Nigeria-South Africa partnership lie in the era of apartheid, where Nigeria emerged as one of the most steadfast allies of the African National Congress (ANC) and other liberation movements in South Africa and Nigeria’s key contributions cover: Nigeria-South Africa relations in the post-apartheid era reflects collaboration, along with some measure of frictions. With apartheid dismantled in 1994 and Nelson Mandela’s election as South Africa’s first democratic president, the dynamic between the two nations transitioned from solidarity to collaboration. However, this new era was also punctuated by moments of tension. Collaborative Achievements Sources of Tension: Pragmatic mutual exploration of trade and economic potentials has since taken over. As Africa’s two largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa are uniquely positioned to lead the continent’s economic transformation. Current Dynamics. Opportunities for Growth. A Vision for the Future Despite historical and contemporary challenges, the Nigeria-South Africa partnership remains a cornerstone of African diplomacy. The 25th anniversary of the Bi-National Commission serves as an opportunity to recalibrate their relationship and unlock its potential for mutual and continental benefits. As Thabo Mbeki poignantly remarked: “We share a common destiny as Africans. Only through unity and cooperation can we rise above our challenges and achieve greatness.” This sentiment captures the essence of Nigeria-South Africa relations—a partnership poised to redefine Africa’s trajectory toward peace, prosperity, and global relevance. •Dare is Special Adviser, to the President on Media and Public Communications Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowFinland Jumps to Early Lead to Defeat Germany 3-1

Smokers have been urged to kick the habit in the new year after new analysis shows how much of their lives are lost by each cigarette smoked. Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”Smokers have been urged to kick the habit in the new year after new analysis shows how much of their lives are lost by each cigarette smoked. Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at or — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Jonah Pierce had 20 points in Presbyterian's 67-42 win against Youngstown State on Friday night. Pierce added nine rebounds for the Blue Hose (4-3). Kory Mincy scored 12 points, shooting 5 for 11, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc. Kobe Stewart had 11 points and finished 4 of 9 from the field. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.None

Troy Aikman, Joe Buck call out CFP bashers during ‘Monday Night Football’Global Aircraft Refueling Hose Market Set For 8.2% Growth, Reaching $3.41 Billion By 2028

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) — Adrian Wooley and Simeon Cottle each scored 32 points and Kennesaw State beat Brewton-Parker 112-77 on Sunday. Wooley added eight rebounds and eight assists for the Owls (8-5). Cottle went 11 of 16 from the field (8 for 13 from 3-point range) to add 32 points. Braedan Lue went 5 of 8 from the field (2 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. Dre Burroughs finished with 25 points for the Barons. Brewton-Parker got 20 points and seven rebounds from Tommy J Tisdale III. Kennesaw State took the lead with 15:42 left in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 57-31 at halftime, with Cottle racking up 16 points. Kennesaw State extended its lead to 83-38 during the second half, fueled by a 10-0 scoring run. Wooley scored a team-high 19 points in the second half as their team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The future of mobility is going to be focused on and around the preservation of the environment while keeping in mind the dynamic commuting needs of city dwellers. We’ve seen numerous and prototypes that envision the designs of vehicles a decade from now. The same is true for public transportation needs as new technological innovations will change the dynamics of how we move in and around metro cities. Meet TREO a new kind of sustainable transportation system specifically designed for future rewilding cities, seamlessly integrating with the green urban ecosystems. The proposed concept can be configured both as a personal commuter or a suspended transport module when connected with other TREO vehicles. The idea is to have a single-module vehicle that can transport you to the city center for short-distance travel, and then you can get connected to the other vehicle modules for automated transportation to your destined location. Designer: The aerodynamic single-person module can reach speeds up to 25 km/h and has freedom for multidirectional movement on smooth surfaces. On the rear, this module has a suspension link that can be connected to the lifting mechanism when mode switching is required. In the ground movement mode, the rider gets a semi-automated travel option while in the suspended transportation mode, the steering wheel folds, HUD turns into an entertainment hub, and seats retract back in the circular structure for a laid-back travel. Most of the TREO’s structure is made out of 3D-printed material keeping the weight down and opening the possibility of multimodular movement for adjusting according to user’s needs. The omnidirectional wheels are made out of spherical tires and have individual motors. The vehicle is a combination of organic U shapes contrasted with sharp cutting lines. The interior is kept very open and airy so that the rider has 180-degree vision on all sides to enjoy the ride home. Overall this futuristic ride is targeted towards future cities that have the basic infrastructure sorted and more oriented towards quality of life.By Ross Cristantiello Multiple people fell through ice in Arlington and Shrewsbury on Monday, prompting responses from local authorities. Just before 7:30 a.m., Shrewsbury police responded to reports that two people had fallen through the ice at Dean Park Pond, the department said in a release. Police officers and firefighters from Shrewsbury were joined by EMS personnel from Worcester at the scene. Upon arrival, they found two people who had fallen through the ice, but were skating toward the shoreline. They had been ice skating on the pond and fell through somewhere near the middle, officials said. First responders helped them to the shoreline and transported them to local hospitals for treatment. The Arlington Fire Department said in a social media post that firefighters responded to an ice rescue call Monday at the Arlington Reservoir. “The only safe ice is indoor ice at the rink,” the Arlington Fire Department said in its statement. A Lexington official told Boston 25 News that a teenage boy fell through the ice at the reservoir around 4 p.m. The boy’s father was with him, but was unable to pull him out. First responders from Arlington and Lexington successfully saved the boy. He was reportedly evaluated by paramedics and is expected to recover. Arlington and Lexington officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Shrewsbury police offered a series of tips to avoid dangerous situations like these. Clear, blue ice is strong and usually safe, while white, opaque ice is weaker and thinner, they said. Gray or dark ice is unsafe, as this indicates that the surface is melting. People should check for cracks, slush, or open water before venturing out onto any ice, officials said. They should avoid going near any areas with moving water. Carrying ice picks, ropes, and whistles is encouraged. People going out on the ice should never do so alone, they added. 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.76ers' star Paul George sidelined the next 2 games with bone bruise in left knee

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Vaccines don't cause autism. What does?

‘Living in a home that damages health the norm for far too many older people’

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index lost more than 100 points Tuesday ahead of an expected interest rate cut Wednesday, while U.S. markets were also down. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 121.09 points at 25,504.33. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 154.10 points at 44,247.83. The S&P 500 index was down 17.94 points at 6,034.91, while the Nasdaq composite was down 49.45 points at 19,687.24. “Relative to the churn we have seen in the markets the last few days ... today being a little bit of a boring day would be fairly welcome for many investors,” said Stephen Duench, vice-president and portfolio manager for AGF Investments Inc. Wednesday is set to be more exciting, with an interest rate cut expected in Canada and important consumer inflation data coming in the U.S. “I do expect a little bit more fireworks tomorrow,” said Duench. The Bank of Canada is widely expected to announce an outsized cut Wednesday of half a percentage point, he said. “Anything other than that would be a surprise.” The U.S. Federal Reserve has its last decision of the year scheduled for next week, and market watchers are leaning toward a smaller quarter-percentage-point cut there, said Duench. It would be the third cut this year after the central bank hiked rates to a two-decade high to fight inflation. The inflation report will be the last significant data point before the central bank’s decision, Duench said. If the inflation report shows price growth is proving more stubborn than expected, that could change the Fed’s thinking on rates next week, he said. “Maybe that's part of the reason we've seen churn in the market the last few days in the U.S.” Beneath the surface, there was some movement in the tech sector, where Oracle sank 6.7 per cent after its latest earnings report missed expectations. Meanwhile, Google's stock price rose by more than five per cent. The company on Tuesday unveiled its new chip meant for quantum computing. Duench said after the advent of artificial technology led a rally earlier this year, quantum computing could be another frontier for investors to keep an eye on. The Canadian dollar traded for 70.59 cents US compared with 70.77 cents US on Monday. The January crude oil contract was up 12 cents at US$68.59 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was down two cents at US$3.16 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was up US$32.60 at US$2,718.40 an ounce and the March copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.27 a pound. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press

NoneBreakfast with Jimmy Carter in a tense KhartoumOn 24th December, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the selection process of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson. In their dissent letter, the Congress leaders termed the selection process a “pre-determined exercise” and claimed it disregarded the established tradition of consultation and consensus. On 23rd December, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, appointed retired Justice V Ramasubramanian as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Alongside, Priyank Kanoongo and retired Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi were appointed as Members of the Commission. Justice Ramasubramanian will take charge of the post that has been vacant since June this year when retired Justice Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure. Hon’ble President of India appoints Shri Justice V. Ramasubramanian (Retd.) as the Chairperson, and Shri Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) as the Members of the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), India. @PIBHomeAffairs @airnewsalerts @ANI On 24th December, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the selection process of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson. In their dissent letter, the Congress leaders termed the selection process a “pre-determined exercise” and claimed it disregarded the established tradition of consultation and consensus. Dissent note given by Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Mr Mallikarjun @kharge ji & Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha, Mr @RahulGandhi ji during the meeting of selection committee for selection of chairperson & members of NHRC on Dec 18... pic.twitter.com/jxlBGB2Pxg Both Gandhi and Kharge are members of the high-powered selection committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In their dissent letter, they claimed that there were fundamental flaws in the selection process and argued that the committee relied on its numerical majority to finalise the appointments while sidelining “legitimate concerns” raised during deliberations. The note read, “The selection process adopted by the Committee was fundamentally flawed. It was a pre-determined exercise that ignored the established tradition of mutual consultation and consensus. This departure undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality, which are critical to the credibility of the Selection Committee.” Interestingly, they had recommended retired Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph for the post of NHRC Chairperson. The Congress leaders claimed that both judges “possess the requisite merit” and represent marginalised communities, which would have made the NHRC “inclusive.” The note read, “Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, a distinguished jurist from the minority Parsi community, is renowned for his intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to constitutional values. His inclusion would send a strong message about the NHRC’s dedication to representing India’s pluralistic society.” For the position of NHRC members, they had proposed the names of Justice S Muralidhar and Justice Akil Abdulhamid Qureshi. The note read, “Their inclusion would contribute to the NHRC’s effectiveness and its commitment to diversity.” Both leaders also claimed that the finalised names lack diversity and stated that the NHRC’s credibility depends on the ability of the Commission to represent the country’s regional, caste, and religious diversity. They argued that the dismissive approach of the committee towards these considerations risks eroding public trust in the institution. The letter read, “The NHRC’s credibility and effectiveness depend on its ability to embody the diversity and inclusiveness that define India’s constitutional ethos. By neglecting this critical principle, the Committee risks eroding public trust in this esteemed institution.” The first name mentioned in the dissent letter is that of retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Rohinton Nariman, who recently sparked controversy with his remarks criticising the 2019 Ayodhya verdict. Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, born on 13th August 1956, is a former judge of the Supreme Court of India. Before his appointment to the bench, he practised as a senior counsel and served as the Solicitor General of India. His career has often drawn attention for reasons beyond his judicial contributions. During a lecture, he termed the verdict a “mockery of justice” and claimed it violated secularism by allegedly ignoring the Places of Worship Act, despite the Act explicitly stating that the Ayodhya land dispute was outside its scope. Nariman further condemned the Hindu community for acting “outside the law” and expressed dismay over the failure to rebuild a mosque on the disputed site, calling it a “travesty of justice.” Interestingly, his father, Fali S. Nariman, a renowned lawyer, also opposed the Ram Mandir movement and had expressed discomfort with Yogi Adityanath, a monk, becoming the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This familial stance aligns with Rohinton Nariman’s contentious criticisms, which often ignite debates about selective secularism and perceptions of Hindu traditions. Justice Rohinton Nariman has a history of sparking controversies with his remarks. In March 2023, he openly criticised the Government of India for banning the BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question”, which accused then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi of involvement in the 2002 Godhra riots. The documentary was banned for its misleading content, but Rohinton claimed the move was a blow to media freedom, stating that India still had a long way to go in upholding press rights. He further attempted to link tax raids on BBC India’s offices to the documentary’s release, disregarding substantial evidence of the broadcaster’s tax evasions in India and globally. This selective criticism fuelled debates on his stance and the credibility of his arguments. Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph, born on 17th June 1958, is a former Supreme Court judge of India. He studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Loyola College, and Government Law College, Ernakulam, and began practising law in 1982. He served as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in August 2018, retiring in June 2023. Justice Joseph faced criticism during his tenure for his conduct in court, particularly in a hearing on hate speech. When calls for genocide against Hindus were brought up, he smiled and made remarks that angered the Hindu community. His reaction was biased and he was accused of being insensitive to the plight of Hindus. In the same hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pointed out hate speeches against Hindus, but Justice Joseph referred to Periyar in his reply which aimed to justify such speeches. His handling of the case led to widespread backlash, with many questioning his fairness and impartiality in delivering justice. When Rahul Gandhi was disqualified after being sentenced in a defamation case, during a hearing against the disqualification of another lawmaker, Justice KM Joseph criticised the law and said, “But this section is very drastic.. that is why you have to be careful thinking about the sentence. If it’s 14 years.. then imagine after another 6 years...” He was referring to the provision in the section according to which such a lawmaker remains disqualified from contesting polls for six years after release from jail. Justice S Muralidhar, born on 8th August 1961, served in the Delhi High Court from 2006 to 2020 before being transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He later became the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court in January 2021 and retired in August 2023. His transfer from the Delhi High Court in February 2020 became a point of controversy. The left-liberal section of the society claimed that it was due to his orders during the Delhi riots case, where he directed police to protect victims and provide medical aid. However, the government clarified that the transfer was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on 12th February, well before his rulings. Furthermore, the government said that it followed proper procedures, including his consent. However, in 2023 he claimed he did not understand “why the central government was upset” by his verdict in the Delhi Riots case. Notably, the allegations that his transfer was politically motivated or abrupt were proven false. The case he handled during the riots was not originally listed under him. however, he heard the case in urgency asto the Chief Justice was not available. His transfer was part of a routine Collegium decision. Notably, similar notifications were issued for other judges. Thus, the claims of the retaliation from the government over the Delhi Riots verdict were baseless. In 2024, the Delhi High Court closed contempt proceedings against scientist Dr Anand Ranganathan, observing that it was a “sheer wastage” of the court’s time. The court observed that Ranganathan did not pass any adverse comments against then-HC judge S Muralidhar but merely stood in support of those who did. The case pertains to suo-moto criminal contempt proceedings initiated against Dr Anand Ranganathan, Vivek Agnihotri, Swarajya Magazine and others in 2018 in connection with relief provided by Justice S. Murlidhar to UAPA accused Gautam Navlakha. Details of the case can be checked here. Justice Akil Abdulhamid Kureshi, born on 7th March 1960, is a former Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court and the Tripura High Court. He also served in the Gujarat and Bombay High Courts, including a brief tenure as Acting Chief Justice of Gujarat. His career has been marred by controversies and claims of victimhood over his non-elevation to the Supreme Court. In 2019, he was transferred to the Tripura High Court after the Union Government rejected the Collegium’s recommendation to appoint him as Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The transfer sparked a controversy and was framed by his supporters as a slight. Interestingly, in his farewell speech, Justice Kureshi claimed that the government had “negative perceptions” about him, and it was a “certificate of independence” for him. However, he conveniently ignored that such transfers are routine and part of the Collegium’s established procedures. The incident was used by the likes of The Wire to attack the government and the judicial system. Justice Rohinton Nariman and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal later used Justice Kureshi’s career to criticise the judicial system. Justice Nariman claimed that independent judges are “pushed out.” On the other hand, Sibal said , “If judges of the High Court can be transferred, if they give decisions in a particular way – Justice Muralidhar is an example, Justice Kureshi is an example – then why should the subordinate court judge not be afraid of his transfer?” However, such remarks appeared less concerned with facts and more focused on creating a narrative of systemic bias. This selective outrage overlooks that the Collegium itself, not the government, plays a decisive role in judicial appointments and transfers. The Congress’s insistence on proposing names like Justice Rohinton Nariman and Justice KM Joseph for the NHRC Chairperson role raises questions about their judgment and priorities. All four judges named by Congress have faced significant criticism for controversial remarks and actions that many believe undermined judicial impartiality. By championing individuals whose records have sparked debate rather than uniting, Congress’s approach seems more about political posturing than a genuine commitment to strengthening the institution.Lakers, Warriors enter spotlight chasing bounce-back efforts

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Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment periodLarson Financial Group LLC lessened its holdings in ARK Genomic Revolution ETF ( BATS:ARKG – Free Report ) by 15.1% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 2,819 shares of the company’s stock after selling 501 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC’s holdings in ARK Genomic Revolution ETF were worth $72,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Chris Bulman Inc bought a new position in ARK Genomic Revolution ETF during the second quarter valued at about $36,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of ARK Genomic Revolution ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $49,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of ARK Genomic Revolution ETF by 9.4% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 4,650 shares of the company’s stock worth $109,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ARK Genomic Revolution ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $222,000. Finally, Ping Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of ARK Genomic Revolution ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $237,000. ARK Genomic Revolution ETF Price Performance Shares of BATS ARKG opened at $25.95 on Friday. The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $24.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $25.12. ARK Genomic Revolution ETF Profile The ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund is an actively managed fund that targets companies involved in the genomics industry. ARKG was launched on Oct 31, 2014 and is managed by ARK. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARKG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ARK Genomic Revolution ETF ( BATS:ARKG – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for ARK Genomic Revolution ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ARK Genomic Revolution ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Trump calls for end to 'spring forward, fall back' clock changesNEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin on Friday. The Yankees also will send more than $1 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn't make his season debut until July 28 . Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 94.7 mph and he threw it on 53.5% of his pitches, mixing in 45% changeups — known as the “Airbender” — around 1.5% cutters. An All-Star in 2022 and 2023, Williams was a second-round pick in the 2013 amateur draft and is 27-10 with a 1.83 ERA and 68 saves in 78 chances over six seasons, striking out 375 and walking 112 in 235 2/3 innings over 241 games. Milwaukee declined a $10.5 million club option in favor of a $250,000 buyout last month, making Williams eligible for arbitration. Cortes, who turned 30 on Tuesday, was an All-Star in 2022 when he went 12-4 with a career-best 2.44 ERA in 28 starts. He made just one start after May 30 in 2023 because of a strained left rotator cuff and was sidelined late in the 2024 season by a flexor strain in his left elbow. He returned for the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and entered in the 10th inning of the opener, retiring Shohei Ohtani on a foulout with his first pitch and giving up a walk-off grand slam to Freddie Freeman on his second. Cortes, know for his many deliveries, is 33-21 with a 3.80 ERA in 86 starts and 49 relief appearances over seven seasons. He is eligible for arbitration and also can become a free agent after next season. New York had an excess of starters after reaching a $218 million, eight-year agreement with left-hander Max Fried that is pending. The rotation also is projected to include ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, with Marcus Stroman also available. Durbin, who turns 25 in February, hit .287 with 10 homers, 60 RBIs and 29 stolen bases this year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was with the big league team last spring training and hit .312 with five homers, 21 RBIs and 29 steals in 24 games at the Arizona Fall League. “I think he’s a stud," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said last month. "Great bat-to-ball, elite ability on the bases as a base stealer, good defender in the middle of the diamond, second base. He’s really started over the last year-plus to create some position flexibility, too. He's played some short, he's played some third. We introduced him to some outfield this year.” This story has been corrected to note New York is sending cash to Milwaukee, not the other way around. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

90 jili super ace Georgia to inaugurate disputed president amid political crisisOAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hub Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUBG) today announced its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share on the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on December 20, 2024, to stockholders of record as of December 6, 2024. Hub Group's quarterly cash dividend program, initially set at $0.50 per share per year, is part of its previously announced growth-focused capital allocation plan. CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, provided pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause the actual performance of Hub Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied by this discussion and, therefore, should be viewed with caution. Further information on the risks that may affect Hub Group's business is included in filings it makes with the SEC from time to time, including those discussed under the "Risk Factors” section in Hub Group's most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. Hub Group assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. ABOUT HUB GROUP: Hub Group offers comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers' needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes, and applies industry-leading technology to our customers' supply chains for better service, greater efficiency, and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company (Nasdaq: HUBG) with over $4 billion in revenue, our nearly 6,000 employees and drivers across the globe are always in pursuit of "The Way Ahead” - a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. For more information, visit hubgroup.com. SOURCE: Hub Group, Inc. CONTACT: Lorna Williams, Investor Relations, [email protected]SOLON, Ohio , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eagle Electronics, a new leader in high-tech electronics and cellular module production, is proud to announce it has raised $14mm, led by the O.H.I.O. Fund with participation from Asymmetric Capital Partners, to establish cutting-edge manufacturing technology and operations in Solon, Ohio , in partnership with CO-AX Technology. This strategic initiative marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to onshoring the advanced high-tech supply chain to the United States . Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Over the last few years, DraftKings (DKNG) has positioned itself as the clear leader in America’s digital gaming revolution, with its stock soaring well over 100% year-to-date towards a market capitalization of $35 billion. Despite some recent headwinds, the acceleration of sports betting legalization across the U.S. makes me highly bullish on the company’s future prospects. Don't Miss our Black Friday Offers: Unlock your investing potential with TipRanks Premium - Now At 40% OFF! Make smarter investments with weekly expert stock picks from the Smart Investor Newsletter Revenue Growth Accelerates Past Expectations I’m encouraged to see DraftKings continue its exceptional momentum, with Q3 2024 revenue surpassing $1 billion, a remarkable 39% increase from $790 million in the previous year. This rate significantly outpaces competitors in the broader gaming industry, strongly reinforcing my bullish outlook. Moreover, the company boasts some impressively robust fundamentals, with $878 million in cash and a relatively modest debt level of $1.34 billion when compared to market capitalization. This provides plenty of resources for continued expansion and support for any unseen challenges. A resilient balance sheet is one of the green flags I look for in a company looking to capitalize on new market opportunities, so I’m fairly confident that this growth story can continue. Looking ahead, DraftKings projects impressive growth for the coming year, with revenue expected to reach between $6.2-$6.6 billion, representing 27-35% growth from 2024’s guidance midpoint of $4.9 billion. User Base Expands Dramatically The platform’s popularity continues to surge, with Monthly Unique Payers (MUPs) jumping to 3.6 million, up significantly from 2.3 million last year. This 57% increase demonstrates an impressive ability to attract and retain customers. I place real value on the first-mover advantage the company has across many states, where many customers will likely stay loyal to the brand long after competition moves in, especially where the experience is enjoyable, accessible, and overwhelmingly positive. Average Revenue per Monthly Unique Payer (ARPMUP) is clearly a critical indicator for management. This has now reached $103, demonstrating the company’s ability to monetize its user base effectively. When excluding recent acquisitions, ARPMUP increased 8% year-over-year to $122, demonstrating significant improvements in the monetization of the core platform. Technology Innovation Drives Market Leadership For me, the company’s interface and user experience is unmatched. Recent recognition as the number one U.S. Mobile Sportsbook App highlights this, with the platform ranking first in key categories, including User Experience, Betting Interface, and overall Features. Management has clearly prioritized and invested heavily in product enhancement for the most popular sports on the platform, particularly in NBA betting markets, where it now develops and powers all player prop and derivative markets in-house. This opens up the potential for further analysis and greater flexibility for new product offerings. The live betting experience has also undergone significant upgrades, with new features including real-time trending bets and new ‘micro-betting’ capabilities. Users now benefit from integrated real-time scores, statistics, and enhanced live content, creating a more engaging and informed betting experience. I suspect such investments may help to cement the company as the obvious destination for sports fans going forward. Wall Street Endorses DKNG’s Growth Strategy Wall Street’s enthusiasm mirrors my own bullish stance, with analysts generally on a Strong Buy consensus based on 25 Buy ratings and only 3 Hold ratings. Furthermore, the average DKNG price target of $50.20 per share implies 15.3% upside from the current level. See more DKNG analyst ratings In addition, several prominent firms have recently raised their price targets, with TD Cowen increasing to $55 from $50 and Barclays raising to $50 from $45. Temporary Headwinds Create Opportunity I’m clearly very bullish on this one, but the share price has admittedly suffered a few bumps in the road as of late. Some recent NFL outcomes have negatively hit revenues, with the latest quarter seeing the most customer-friendly stretch in company history. For this, companies tend to look at the Hold Percentage, which shows the percentage that the company expects to retain from the total amount wagered by bettors. The company’s own analysis of NFL Hold Percentages shows that these recent results are outliers compared to the typical performance over the past two years, suggesting a likely return to normalized rates in future periods. As a result, I tend to view these as statistical anomalies rather than structural issues within the company’s betting algorithms. Such an outcome could be viewed as a positive in the long run, with increased returns boosting enthusiasm for the platform, retaining customers, and building the market further. Rising Acquisition Costs Will Likely Be Overcome Another potential headwind to keep one eye on is the competitive landscape. As many would expect from such a potentially lucrative sector, established gaming companies and new entrants are looking to capture market share. As a result, DraftKings has experienced some increases in the price of acquiring customers over the last year, potentially as the latest wave of excitement and enthusiasm for sports betting fades. However, this is likely to be experienced by all involved in the sector. Fortunately for investors, I’d expect DraftKings’ technological edge, robust balance sheet, and market leadership to position it well to overcome these challenges as these cycles inevitably continue. DraftKings Presents a Highly Compelling Opportunity From my perspective, DraftKings presents a highly compelling opportunity. Clearly, the ongoing state-by-state legalization of sports betting provides a solid stream of growth opportunities. With management demonstrating strong execution capability and rapidly improving financials, to me, DraftKings remains very well-positioned to capitalize, particularly as sports betting gains mainstream acceptance. The combination of first-mover advantage, robust user growth, and a compelling platform experience sets DraftKings aside from the competition. While some near-term volatility may persist, the company’s strong fundamentals in this market with enormous potential suggest this is definitely one to watch over the coming years. DisclosureTrump touts tariffs, mass deportations, Nato skepticism in TV interviewLions prepare for NFC Championship rematch vs. banged-up 49ers

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The Dominican Republic is preparing to launch its biometric passports with embedded electronic chips to replace the machine-readable version, with authorities assuring the public that the project will incur no direct cost to the state. The development follows months of procurement challenges and is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance travel security and streamline passport services. The initiative adopts a payment-per-passport model, where the supplier company shoulders the costs of production and related investments. According to , the government will only pay for passports issued to citizens, ensuring taxpayers face no additional financial burden. The details provided on the cost structure of the new contract to issue the Dominican Republic’s biometric passports do not clarify whether a supplier has been selected yet. The contract and production details are classified information as a matter of national security under Presidential Decree . The General Directorate of Passports (DGP) projects that by the end of 2024, over 800,000 of the legacy passports will have been issued, signaling high demand as the country transitions to the new electronic system. The Dominican’s machine readable passports are supplied by and local partner Pastoriza SRL under a contract signed in 2017. De La Rue’s citizen identity business was in 2019, and HID’s citizen identity business was just . The Dominican Republic’s national ID cards are printed on Toppan printers, according to , through a contract to Copy Solutions International, and . The ID cards are also going through a . the high demand shows that the modernization effort will require facilities with better connectivity and sufficient space to accommodate the necessary technology needed for the e-passports. To address these issues, the DGP says it will relocate to a new rental facility. The new passports will feature biometric security measures, including polycarbonate materials and embedded microchips storing fingerprint and facial recognition data, in a bid to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Dominicans with expired passports will be prioritized to receive the new , which will be available beginning mid-2025, according to Dominican Today. The initiative faced hurdles earlier this year when the original tender process for the chip passport implementation was suspended in September, . The Public Procurement and Contracting Directorate (DGCP) temporarily halted the process due to irregularities, and signs of violation in regards to the principles of participation during the process. The DGCP notes that 25 domestic and international companies expressed interest in bidding on the passport issuance contract, but only two bids were received. This follows by the DGP was issued in search of digital identity service providers to install new infrastructure that will allow the issuance of electronic passports, which closed by May 27, 2024. | | | | |WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s personnel choices for his new Cabinet and White House reflect his signature positions on immigration and trade but also a range of viewpoints and backgrounds that raise questions about what ideological anchors might guide his Oval Office encore. With a rapid assembly of his second administration — faster than his effort eight years ago — the former and incoming president has combined television personalities, former Democrats, a wrestling executive and traditional elected Republicans into a mix that makes clear his intentions to impose tariffs on imported goods and crack down on illegal immigration but leaves open a range of possibilities on other policy pursuits. “The president has his two big priorities and doesn’t feel as strongly about anything else — so it’s going to be a real jump ball and zigzag,” predicted Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s 2017-21 term. “In the first administration, he surrounded himself with more conservative thinkers, and the results showed we were mostly rowing in the same direction. This is more eclectic.” Indeed, Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio, the Florida senator who has pilloried authoritarian regimes around the world, is in line to serve as top diplomat to a president who praises autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon has been tapped to sit at the Cabinet table as a pro-union labor secretary alongside multiple billionaires, former governors and others who oppose making it easier for workers to organize themselves. The prospective treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, wants to cut deficits for a president who promised more tax cuts, better veterans services and no rollbacks of the largest federal outlays: Social Security, Medicare and national defense. Abortion-rights supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump’s choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which Trump’s conservative Christian base has long targeted as an agency where the anti-abortion movement must wield more influence. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich allowed that members of Trump’s slate will not always agree with the president and certainly not with one another. But he minimized the potential for irreconcilable differences: “A strong Cabinet, by definition, means you’re going to have people with different opinions and different skills.” That kind of unpredictability is at the core of Trump’s political identity. He is the erstwhile reality TV star who already upended Washington once and is returning to power with sweeping, sometimes contradictory promises that convinced voters, especially those in the working class, that he will do it all again. “What Donald Trump has done is reorient political leadership and activism to a more entrepreneurial spirit,” Gingrich said. There’s also plenty of room for conflict, given the breadth of Trump’s 2024 campaign promises and his pattern of cycling through Cabinet members and national security personnel during his first term. This time, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign goods, end illegal immigration and launch a mass deportation force, goose U.S. energy production and exact retribution on people who opposed — and prosecuted — him. He’s added promises to cut taxes, raise wages, end wars in Israel and Ukraine, streamline government, protect Social Security and Medicare, help veterans and squelch cultural progressivism. Trump alluded to some of those promises in recent weeks as he completed his proposed roster of federal department heads and named top White House staff members. But his announcements skimmed over any policy paradoxes or potential complications. Bessent has crusaded as a deficit hawk, warning that the ballooning national debt, paired with higher interest rates, drives consumer inflation. But he also supports extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that added to the overall debt and annual debt service payments to investors who buy Treasury notes. A hedge-fund billionaire, Bessent built his wealth in world markets. Yet, generally speaking, he’s endorsed Trump’s tariffs. He rejects the idea that they feed inflation and instead frames tariffs as one-time price adjustments and leverage to achieve U.S. foreign policy and domestic economic aims. Trump, for his part, declared that Bessent would “help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States.” Chavez-DeRemer, Trump promised, “will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.” Trump did not address the Oregon congresswoman’s staunch support for the PRO-Act, a Democratic-backed measure that would make it easier for workers to unionize, among other provisions. That proposal passed the House when Democrats held a majority. But it’s never had measurable Republican support in either chamber on Capitol Hill, and Trump has never made it part of his agenda. When Trump named Kennedy as his pick for health secretary, he did not mention the former Democrat’s support for abortion rights. Instead, Trump put the focus on Kennedy’s intention to take on the U.S. agriculture, food processing and drug manufacturing sectors. The vagaries of Trump’s foreign policy stand out, as well. Trump’s choice for national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, offered mixed messages Sunday when discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, which Trump claims never would have started had he been president, because he would have prevailed on Putin not to invade his neighboring country. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Waltz repeated Trump’s concerns over recent escalations, which include President Joe Biden approving sending antipersonnel mines to Ukrainian forces. “We need to restore deterrence, restore peace and get ahead of this escalation ladder, rather than responding to it,” Waltz said. But in the same interview, Waltz declared the mines necessary to help Ukraine “stop Russian gains” and said he’s working “hand in glove” with Biden’s team during the transition. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, the top intelligence post in government, is an outspoken defender of Putin and Syrian President Bashar al Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Perhaps the biggest wildcards of Trump’s governing constellation are budget-and-spending advisers Russell Vought, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Vought led Trump’s Office of Management and Budget in his first term and is in line for the same post again. Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, and Ramaswamy, a mega-millionaire venture capitalist, are leading an outside advisory panel known as the “Department of Government Efficiency.” The latter effort is a quasi-official exercise to identify waste. It carries no statutory authority, but Trump can route Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s recommendations to official government pathways, including via Vought. A leading author of Project 2025, the conservative movement’s blueprint for a hard-right turn in U.S. government and society, Vought envisions OMB not just as an influential office to shape Trump’s budget proposals for Congress but a power center of the executive branch, “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” As for how Trump might navigate differences across his administration, Gingrich pointed to Chavez-DeRemer. “He might not agree with her on union issues, but he might not stop her from pushing it herself,” Gingrich said of the PRO-Act. “And he will listen to anybody. If you convince him, he absolutely will spend presidential capital.” Short said other factors are more likely to influence Trump: personalities and, of course, loyalty. Vought “brought him potential spending cuts” in the first administration, Short said, “that Trump wouldn’t go along with.” This time, Short continued, “maybe Elon and Vivek provide backup,” giving Vought the imprimatur of two wealthy businessmen. “He will always calculate who has been good to him,” Short said. “You already see that: The unions got the labor secretary they wanted, and Putin and Assad got the DNI (intelligence chief) they wanted. ... This is not so much a team-of-rivals situation. I think it’s going to look a lot like a reality TV show.”A multi-agency operation targeting small businesses and cross-border transporters involved in smuggling and unethical practices has led to the impounding of dozens of vehicles, including buses and haulage trucks, and the confiscation of illicit goods such as foodstuffs and second-hand clothes. The operation, spearheaded by a high-level task force established by the Cabinet, is a response to the growing threat smuggling poses to local industries, consumer welfare, and government revenue. The task force, led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, includes the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and the Consumer Protection Commission, among others. The crackdown has seen the establishment of 24-hour roadblocks along major highways leading to cities. Teams comprising law enforcement and regulatory bodies are inspecting vehicles suspected of carrying smuggled goods, while retail outlets are undergoing surprise inspections to verify the legality of their stock. Businesses unable to provide proper documentation risk hefty fines and the seizure of goods. The operation is set to intensify during the festive season, a period notorious for increased smuggling activities. Returning expatriates, often bringing undeclared goods, have been identified as a significant factor exacerbating challenges faced by local manufacturers. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, emphasized the importance of the operation in protecting Zimbabwe's economy and local businesses. "This is a critical issue, and we want to deal with the smuggling which is negatively impacting local businesses. The government is losing revenue, and this cannot be allowed to continue," he said. Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the operation's role in promoting ethical business practices and safeguarding the local manufacturing industry. "Business malpractices, including smuggling, currency manipulation, and the sale of counterfeit goods, undermine consumer welfare and threaten job creation. This task force is a proactive measure to restore order and ensure compliance with laws and regulations," said Minister Ndlovu. Zimra has warned that all travellers and cross-border traders must declare goods at ports of entry, stressing that failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of goods. "The roadblocks are part of a post-clearance audit process to ensure customs compliance. Non-declaration contributes to revenue losses and disrupts market stability," Zimra said in a statement. In his 2025 National Budget presentation, Prof Ncube decried the prevalence of smuggling, noting its impact on public health, safety, and the economy. "Smuggling undermines local production, discourages investment, and creates an uneven playing field. The government is committed to reviewing anti-smuggling strategies, including the introduction of drones at ports of entry and complementary measures to curb this illicit activity," he said. Authorities have also raised concerns over the safety of smuggled goods, particularly food items, medicines, and alcohol, which evade health and safety checks. The government has pledged to enforce strict measures to protect consumer welfare, including confiscating expired and fake products during inspections. The multi-agency task force plans to sustain its momentum to ensure long-term compliance. Businesses are urged to adhere to established laws and regulations to avoid disruptions, while consumers are encouraged to report any unethical practices to the authorities. "Forewarned is forearmed," Minister Ndlovu emphasized, urging all stakeholders to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Senate Republicans Strategize to Propel Trump's Agenda ForwardNew 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians. “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said. He said the U.K. was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry statement issued Sunday marked Iran’s first official reaction to the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, who it had strongly backed through nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad’s government was a close ally of Iran that served as a crucial conduit between it and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The rebels who toppled Assad view Iran as a hostile foreign influence, and the abandoned Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked as they entered the city. The Foreign Ministry statement said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. “It is expected that the wise and farsighted relations of the two nations will continue based on mutual ties and interests,” the statement said. TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. MASNAA, Lebanon — At Lebanon’s Masnaa crossing into Syria, the mood was festive Sunday with some local Lebanese residents handing out congratulatory sweets to Syrians lined up to return to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” he said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. Abdel-Latif, a construction worker, said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said, “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for. “You feel yourself psychologically free - you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and take care of their country. It’s a new phase.” DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest. MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully.” In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, the ministry said Moscow had not directly participated in these talks. It also said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern." It also said Russian troops stationed in Syria have been put on high alert and that as of early afternoon Sunday, there was “no serious threat” to the security of Russia’s military bases there. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.

Guardiola denies rift with De Bruyne during Man City's dramatic slump

OFG Bancorp ( NYSE:OFG – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, October 28th, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.25 per share by the bank on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.31%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. OFG Bancorp has increased its dividend by an average of 46.5% per year over the last three years. OFG Bancorp has a payout ratio of 25.3% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect OFG Bancorp to earn $4.07 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.00 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 24.6%. OFG Bancorp Stock Down 0.3 % OFG Bancorp stock opened at $43.20 on Friday. OFG Bancorp has a 52 week low of $33.19 and a 52 week high of $47.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $43.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $42.49. The stock has a market cap of $1.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.51 and a beta of 1.02. Insider Buying and Selling at OFG Bancorp In related news, CEO Jose Rafael Fernandez sold 50,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.24, for a total transaction of $2,262,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 284,775 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,883,221. The trade was a 14.94 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Company insiders own 2.16% of the company’s stock. OFG Bancorp announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Monday, October 28th that allows the company to buyback $50.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the bank to repurchase up to 2.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the company’s board believes its shares are undervalued. Analyst Ratings Changes OFG has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of OFG Bancorp from $49.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 4th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of OFG Bancorp from $48.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 3rd. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on OFG Bancorp from $49.00 to $47.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 17th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on OFG Bancorp About OFG Bancorp ( Get Free Report ) OFG Bancorp, a financial holding company, provides a range of banking and financial services. It operates through three segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and Treasury. The company offers checking and savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts; certificate of deposits, as well as time deposit products; commercial, consumer, auto leasing, and mortgage lending services; credit cards; cash management; financial planning and insurance services; and corporate and individual trust, and retirement services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for OFG Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OFG Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

But the City boss has vowed to stay on and lift the club back to the top even if they are sent all the way down to the National League. Guardiola ended speculation over his immediate future this week by extending his contract, which had been due to expire at the end of the season, through to the summer of 2027. That has given the club some stability at a time of great uncertainty as they fight 115 charges related to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. City have denied all wrongdoing but their punishment if found guilty could be severe, with demotion even a possibility. Guardiola has strongly defended the club in the past and is happy to continue doing so. The Spaniard said: “I don’t enjoy it, I prefer not to be in that position, but once it’s there I love it because, when you believe in your club, and the people there – I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. “I cannot say yet because we’re awaiting the sentence in February or March – I don’t know when – but at the same time, I like it. “I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff. “I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, (and people asked) what happens if we are relegated, (I said) I will be here. “Next year, I don’t know the position of the Conference they are going to (put) us, (but) we are going to come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.” The immediate priority for Guardiola, who said his contract negotiations were completed in “just two hours”, is to arrest a run of four successive defeats in all competitions. Yet, ahead of their return to action against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the champions continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list. Mateo Kovacic is their latest casualty after sustaining a knock on international duty that could keep him out for up to a month. On the positive side, defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji could feature and Jack Grealish is also closing in on a return after a month out. Much to Guardiola’s frustration, Grealish was called up by England for their recent Nations League games, although he later withdrew. Guardiola said: “I want the best for Jack and I want the best for Jack with the national team but the doctor said to me that he was not ready to play. “I know (England) want him but they have 200 players to select from and Jack was not fit. He had to recover from many things.” Kyle Walker played for England against both Greece and the Republic of Ireland despite limited game time since suffering injury in the October international break. Guardiola said: “If he is fit I like him to play in the national team. It is not a problem, don’t misunderstand me. “Kyle has a dream to make 100 caps for the national team. Do I want to cancel this dream? Absolutely not. “But if you are not fit, if you cannot play here, you cannot play for the national team. It is quite obvious.”$HAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues to Investigate the Mergers of MKFG, CFB, and ARCH

Three different former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks threw touchdowns with their new teams on Sunday. Kenny Pickett , Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph all found the end zone on Sunda. That means the entire 2023 Steelers quarterback room scored touchdowns. Pickett started for the injured Jalen Hurts, who has a concussion. He combined two touchdowns while leading the Eagles to the NFC East crown. Pickett aggravated a rib injury and could not finish the game, but the Eagles led 24-7 before hie exit. Trubisky replaced Josh Allen after the Buffalo Bills had already routed the New York Jets. Trubisky drove the offense down the field with the backups in the game and found paydirt for the first time this season. Rudolph is starting for the Tennessee Titans after they benched second-year quarterback Will Levis. He hit another former Steeler, tight end Nick Vannett, for his lone touchdown pass of the game. The Titans would drop the game 20-13 to the Jacksonville Jaguars as the Titans continue to plummet in the NFL Draft order. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News Pittsburgh Steelers likely to play in Ireland game in 2025 Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback helps lead new team to division title Possible Pittsburgh Steelers playoff opponent eliminated Potential Pittsburgh Steelers playoff opponents revealed Ravens star cornerback hit with massive fine for taunting Steelers player(The Center Square) – The Illinois House speaker’s executive assistant has reported to the witness stand at former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial. Mika Baugher has worked for Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, D-Hillside, since 2021. Baugher was Madigan’s executive assistant from 2017-2021. Madigan had been speaker for all but two years from 1983 to 2021. Baugher previously worked in the speaker’s office from 2001 to2010 and returned in 2013. U.S. government attorney Julia Schwartz introduced pages of Madigan’s schedules over a period of years, which included meetings and dinners with Madigan’s codefendant Michael McClain. The schedules also included meetings with Reyes Kurson law partner Victor Reyes, Madigan campaign worker Ed Moody, state Reps. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, and Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others. AT&T Associate Director of Technology Jack Randall, who oversees wireless records for the company, took the stand Tuesday afternoon after former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis finished his testimony. Randall discussed AT&T’s wireless network with a focus on the years 2017 and 2018. Randall explained that any given call might not go through the network’s nearest processing center. Randall reviewed and verified six calls that had been presented as government exhibits. Prosecutors played several recordings of McClain Tuesday, including conversations with former Madigan chief of staff Tim Mapes. In a call with state Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, McClain warned Rita about emails related to a gaming bill. McClain advised Rita not to put things in print and said, “The feds are gonna look at it.” Government attorney Sarah Streicher then played a series of calls related to gaming legislation. In one recording, McClain said he was a “Madigan’s agent” and that he was “guiding Rita.” Earlier Tuesday, McClain defense attorney John Mitchell resumed his cross-examination of Solis. After Mitchell asked Solis about his city pension of “approximately $100,000” per year, Solis said it was important to him as a government cooperator to keep his pension. Solis said he understood that his truthful cooperation could lead to the dismissal of his remaining bribery charge and thereby allow him to keep his pension. When asked by Mitchell, Solis affirmed that he was a well-respected alderman and Latino leader in Chicago. At times during Mitchell’s cross-examination of Solis, McClain had his elbows on the table in front of him with his head lowered against his clasped hands. Mitchell referred to a videotaped meeting at Solis’ City Hall office on Dec. 18, 2017, when Solis and McClain discussed the proposed development of state-owned land in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. During the conversation, Solis mentioned developers Eddie Ni and Ray Chin and then-Speaker Madigan. “Eddie and Ray, have always been, well, not Eddie, ‘cause he’s recently maybe the last five years, but Ray, for the 22 years I’ve been here, he’s always been a strong supporter. Listens to my advice and everything. And so, in the past, I have been able to steer some work to Mike. And these guys will do the same thing. And then, so I’m hoping whatever happens in this 2019, 2018 election that this is gonna go through,” Solis told McClain. The Chinatown project faced opposition from then-Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn, who served under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. In undercover video former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis captured for federal investigators on Dec. 18, 2017, Solis meets with Michael McClain, codefendant in the corruption case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. During the meeting with Solis, McClain expressed optimism that the project might still go through. McClain also offered a “dual path,” with Democrat J.B. Pritzker projected to defeat Rauner in the gubernatorial election the following year. “Instead of just keeping it quiet, if that’s what we think is happening, then we wanna get inside the Pritzker group. So in 2019, the Pritzker IDOT will say, “OK,” McClain told Solis. After Mitchell finished, government attorney Diane MacArthur asked for a sidebar discussion, which led to an early lunch break at Judge John Robert Blakey’s direction. MacArthur introduced a recording of a phone call from Oct. 10, 2014, before Solis began cooperating with the government in 2016. During the call, Madigan asked Solis for an introduction to developer Michael Chivini of The Pizzuti Companies. Madigan attorney Dan Collins asked Solis if, in cooperation with the government, he was investigating conduct or people. Solis said he thought he was investigating crimes. When Collins asked if he was asked to develop evidence against Madigan, Solis said, “I’m not sure how to answer that.” Collins pressed Solis about one of his visits to a massage parlor, which Solis said he did at the government’s instruction. MacArthur objected and called for a sidebar. Shortly after, Judge Blakey told Solis he could step down. In undercover video former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis captured for federal investigators on Dec. 18, 2017, Solis meets with Michael McClain, codefendant in the corruption case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The jury was not seated until 9:59 a.m. Tuesday, after Blakey met with prosecutors and defense attorneys over “legal matters.” The judge called for an early lunch shortly after 11 a.m., again due to “legal matters” that involved attorneys resolving several issues. Blakey allowed prosecutors to address Solis’ cooperation in other investigations, including the corruption trial of former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke. The judge, however, instructed government attorneys not to use Burke’s name during redirect testimony. Prosecutors agreed to defense attorneys’ request that Burke be referred to as a “high-ranking official” instead of a “high-ranking alderman.” Madigan’s defense team had earlier objected to potential testimony from AT&T's Randall. McClain’s defense team joined the objection, but attorneys from all sides resolved the issues before the jury returned from lunch. Connie Mixon, professor of Political Science and director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, told The Center Square that government attorneys have a lot of material. “They have many counts. They’re hoping that at least some of those counts are going to stick, and (they) usually have built a solid foundation upon which to make their case,” Mixon explained. Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct in connection with a scheme that federal prosecutors referred to as "Madigan Enterprise." Prosecutors allege that ComEd and AT&T Illinois gave out no-work or little-work jobs and contract work to those loyal to Madigan to get legislation passed that would benefit them in Springfield. Four ComEd executives and lobbyists were convicted last year in a related trial, and ComEd itself agreed to pay $200 million in fines as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with prosecutors. Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021. He was speaker for all but two years between 1983 and 2021. Madigan also chaired the Democratic Party of Illinois from 1998 to 2021. McClain was a longtime lobbyist who previously served as a state representative in Illinois’ 48th district from 1973 to 1982. The trial is scheduled to resume Wednesday at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.

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First City Monument Bank is working with EStars to bring e-sports education to Nigerian schools. A statement from the bank said that the goal was to introduce Nigerians aged 7 to 14 across primary and secondary schools to essential skills for thriving in a digital world early in life. EStars launched its educational esports platform in Nigeria on July 16. The platform provides a fun and structured way for students to learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through gaming. These skills are essential for success in today’s world but are often not a focus in traditional classrooms. Commenting on the partnership, the Managing Director of FCMB, Mrs Yemisi Edun, said, “EStars has brought a fun and innovative way to advance students’ knowledge and life skills. This platform allows schools to harness the power of play to cultivate a love for learning.” This initiative aligns with FCMB’s commitment to fostering education and youth development in Nigeria. Related News FCMB offers N30m clean energy loans FCMB launches new accelerator programme to empower 350 FCMB celebrates customer service week Edun added, “At FCMB, we believe in equipping the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in the age of AI and automation. We are not just preparing them for the future but empowering them to shape it.” EStars’ founder, Mags Byrne, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our mission is to empower young minds with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the esports industry and beyond.” The partnership aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the burgeoning esports industry, providing students with valuable skills and potential career pathways. At the launch of the platform in July, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, noted that “Esports is now fully professional and is expected to contribute significantly to the UK economy. We are happy to support EStars in partnering with Nigerian schools.”

A fugitive gains fame in New Orleans eluding dart guns and netsCollege football talk this week is focusing on the playoff bracket that was revealed Sunday, the bowl lineup that followed and potential coaching moves. While there’s plenty to ruminate over regarding all of those subjects, that will have to wait. There have recently been a couple of other interesting tidbits that have popped up regarding three local high school standouts — Amari Washington, Harrison Bey-Buie and Rusty VanWetzinga — who are figuring out their college football futures. Washington has signed with the Northern Illinois University Huskies, while VanWetzinga and Bey-Buie have already tasted college action but are looking to change their fortunes through the transfer portal. Here is information on them: Amari Washington People are also reading... The athletic Washington was among 18 freshmen and two transfers to ink letters of intent with the NIU football program last week. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound defensive tackle was a disruptive force for the 8-2 Bettendorf Bulldogs this past season, finishing with 42.5 tackles (35 solos) while leading the team in tackles for loss (17) and sacks (6). He also logged three pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He also caught two passes for 16 yards as a tight end. The all-state selection was a three-year varsity starter at Bettendorf, totaling 103.5 tackles in his prep career (84 solos) to go with 47 TFLs and nine sacks in his last two seasons. As a junior, he caught nine passes for 96 yards and rushed for two TDs and scored a pair of two-point conversions. He is also in his third year of varsity basketball this season for the Bulldogs. Rusty VanWetzinga VanWetzinga has been with the University of Iowa program the past two years but will not be around when his younger brother, Joey, joins the Hawkeyes in January as an offensive lineman. “Thank you Iowa for a great 2 years,” he posted on social media last week. “After a coaching/system change over the past year on offense I have decided it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal with 3 years of eligibility left as a Linebacker/Fullback.” Fullbacks were less utilized in the Tim Lester offense this year, and that had the former Pleasant Valley prep and 2022 state wrestling champion looking for a new path. The 6-foot, 235-pound redshirt freshman played in four games for the Hawkeyes this year without accruing any statistics. Harrison Bey-Buie Bey-Buie, a 5-foot-10, 220-pound running back out of Bettendorf, transferred to UNI after his freshman year at Eastern Illinois University. He saw limited action this season for the Panthers, playing in two games and rushing 17 times for 74 yards without finding the end zone. In 2023, he played in six games, rushing 43 times for 209 yards and scoring four times. In four games in 2022 he totaled 115 yards on 27 carries. “First I would like to thank god for allowing me to play the game love! With that being said, I appreciate the opportunity to play at the University of Northern lowa,” he wrote on X. “I will be entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer with 1-2 years left!” His freshman season at EIU was his most productive as he rushed for 479 yards in 11 games and was one of 11 players selected to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team. Similar to the VanWetzingas at Iowa, a younger Bey-Buie — Hyson — is still on the UNI roster. He is a 6-4, 250-pound redshirt defensive lineman for the Panthers. Bey-Buie Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! sports writer/golf editor {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Nanta (front, centre) leads the cake-cutting ceremony. With him on stage are (front, from left) Alwin, Watson, Ambrose, Jamit, Kaso, Nyabong, Peteohella and Cerisologo. KAPIT (Nov 25): The Tadika Methodist Private Kapit (TMPK) has been commended for its commitment to provide quality early education to the children here. This was highlighted by Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi during an event at the civic centre here Saturday that celebrated the preschool’s 50th anniversary and also served as a fundraiser. “It has been a long journey for Tadika Methodist Private Kapit since its establishment in 1974. It is not an easy task, but I praise the dedication and commitment of its board of management, the tutors and fellow Methodists in Kapit who have been giving their unwavering support to this private early education centre,” he said in his speech. Nanta, who is Kapit MP, said several years ago through government funding, the kindergarten had added a new double-story concrete block to house more classrooms. “I assure you that the government has various ways to help promote education,” he added. He also highlighted the importance for today’s young generation to excel in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and now, artificial intelligence (Al). “This is the trend in today’s world; thus, I call upon the parents to look after their teenage children, guiding them in their early years to focus on their studies.” Among those present at the event were Nanta’s wife Datin Sri Angeline Celestine Ujang, Deputy Minister in Premier’s Department Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, administrative officer to Nanta’s ministry Datuk Alwin Runggah, Nanta’s political secretary Ambrose Abong Bugek, a political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai, Kapit district officer Cerisologo Sabut, and TMPK chairman Kaso Linang. Later, Nanta announced allocations for the TMPK Fund amounting to RM25,000 from his minor rural project grant, another RM25,000 from Jamit, RM15,000 from Nyabong, RM10,000 from Alwin, as well as RM3,000 each from Cerisologo, Watson and Ambrose. Meanwhile, TMPK headmistress Peteohella Biya informed that the preschool currently has 10 tutors and 135 pupils.Oklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago. “Fred Harris showed us what is possible when we lead with both heart and principle. He worked to ensure everyone had a voice and a seat at the table,” said Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Harris appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this year as a guest speaker for the Oklahoma delegation, where he reflected on progress and unity. “Standing alongside him in Chicago this summer was a reminder of how his legacy continues to inspire,” Andrews said. Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma and the DNC, said that there is no one else in public service whom she admired more than the former senator. RELATED COVERAGE Fred Harris, former US senator from Oklahoma and presidential hopeful, dies at 94 “He was a friend, a mentor, a hero and my True North. Oklahoma and America have lost a powerful advocate and voice,” Free said in a statement. “His work for Indian Country will always be remembered.” “Senator Harris truly was an Oklahoma treasure and was ahead of his time in so many ways,” said Jeff Berrong, whose grandfather served in the state Senate with Harris. “He never forgot where he came from and he always remained focused on building a society that would provide equality of opportunity for all.” Harris served eight years in the state Senate before he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served another eight years before his 1976 presidential campaign. State party leaders commemorated his work on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, or the Kerner Commission, to investigate the 1960s riots. Harris was the last surviving member of the commission. Shortly after his presidential campaign, Harris left politics and moved to New Mexico and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. —- Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

One decision stands out from all others in what has been a grim year for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – and it holds a clue as to what he may do next. Albanese ends 2024 in a dire position for a leader who must face the people in just a few short months: the economy is weak, the federal budget is back in deficit and his personal popularity is down. But his allies name his move to overhaul personal tax cuts in January, delivering bigger benefits to millions of workers, as the best example of what he did right this year. Albanese began the year with a bold move by breaking an election pledge to leave the “stage three” personal tax cuts intact after years of argument about a tax package that had been written into law by the Coalition five years earlier. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton railed against the Labor changes and called for an election to be held to decide the matter, only to retreat when polls showed that most Australians liked the idea of a $313 billion package with bigger tax cuts for more workers on low and middle incomes. Albanese won the policy and the politics. He took a risk and it paid off. The tax cuts went ahead as scheduled in July with the Labor brand stamped all over them. If there was a reward from the electorate, however, it evaporated before the summer was over. Just as Albanese seemed to be taking the initiative, the Labor primary vote . It fell from 35 per cent in December to 34 per cent in February and 32 per cent in March. This became the pattern of the year. Nothing seemed to work for Albanese. His readiness to do radio interviews, while Dutton avoided scrutiny, did not appear to create a lasting bond with listeners. His speaking style, with mangled sentences instead of sharp messages, made it harder for him to cut through. Worse, the government never seemed to galvanise Australians with a sense of political mission. It unveiled more assistance for childcare, an age limit for social media, subsidies for energy bills, a wage boost for aged care workers and changes to prescriptions to make medicines cheaper. And it drifted down in the polls. “Labor and Albanese appear so dour, a government of grinding necessity,” says Paul Strangio, the emeritus professor of politics at Monash University. “The sense of missed opportunity is all the greater since they are in office at a time when the public shows signs of being fed up with business as usual. Albanese doesn’t appear to know how to harness or manage that sentiment.” Strangio highlighted this challenge in an essay for in September and says there has been no shift in the pattern in the final months of the year. “Growth in office has been a hallmark of many of Australia’s best prime ministers,” he says. “Albanese is yet to demonstrate this.” While Albanese was elected to parliament in 1996 and watched John Howard govern for 11 years, there is no sign he is learning a lesson from the Howard era. “When Howard was in trouble during his first term, he drew upon his deep-seated convictions to strike out in a bold direction,” Strangio says. The result was a high-stakes election on the GST. On international affairs, however, Albanese has moved easily into overseas meetings and global summits. He lowered the temperature with China, resumed leadership meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and helped restart exports of beef, barley and lobster. This added billions of dollars to Australian industry. There was no economic dividend, and possibly no political payoff, from his effort to secure the release of from the United States and the from Indonesia. Even so, he pursued the talks to bring Australians home. The defeat of the Indigenous Voice in October 2023 still reverberates around Australian politics – and polling shows a slide in Labor support from that moment – but the government points to other achievements in this term, such as legislating a climate target to cut greenhouse gas emissions, to counter claims it has too little to show for its time in office. One minister says Australians will back the prime minister when the election arrives because of his personal qualities and what he offers in hard policy. “We are closer to making sure voters see this as a choice between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese,” he says. Labor strategists say this is not just about what Albanese has delivered during this term, but about the “forward offer” of policies for the next three years. In this assessment, from those closest to Albanese, the prime minister is just getting started in winning voters with new policy measures and attacking Dutton on Coalition vulnerabilities, such as its nuclear energy plan. But Albanese has been subject to relentless attacks from left and right while trying to hold the middle ground on the Middle East. Greens leader Adam Bandt accused him of complicity in genocide over the war in Gaza, while Dutton accused him of deserting Israel and being weak on antisemitism. The conservative media picked up on the claim and rammed it home. When arsonists committed what police called a “likely act of terrorism” at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne in early December, Albanese condemned the antisemitism in a statement and on radio. But he was scheduled to fly to Perth and did not divert the aircraft to Melbourne, which meant he took several days to visit the destruction and stand with the Jewish community. The symbolic show of support seemed too slow, even if the actual support was strong. Albanese gave no quarter to protesters who called antisemitic chants, and he made sure that laws were passed to ban the “doxxing” used to reveal personal details of Jewish Australians. He arranged more funding to protect synagogues and schools. This was not enough, however, when the government was infuriating Israel by voting at the United Nations in a motion that did not condemn Hamas, listed by Australian authorities as a terrorist group. “I don’t subscribe to the view that he has been weak on antisemitism,” says Strangio. “To me, this is an idea prosecuted by dogmatic elements – especially the Murdoch media – and doesn’t allow for the diabolical challenge it has been for the government to strike a position that doesn’t aggravate the polarisation of community opinion but maintains some degree of social cohesion.” Australians, meanwhile, felt their household incomes shrinking in real terms. Although wages moved ahead of inflation in recent quarters, they remain down in real terms since the election. With the Reserve Bank seeking to reduce inflation, the government could not risk spending more money to help voters. The pressure on households generated pain in the polls. Voters are clearly sceptical about Albanese. Thirty-one per cent said in early December that he was doing a good job, but 57 per cent said he was doing a poor job. His net rating in the Resolve Political Monitor, minus 26 per cent, was four times worse in December than it had been in February. The verdict is more savage from some of his own Labor colleagues. “He’s tough on the weak issues and weak on the tough issues,” says one caucus member. The complaint is that Albanese can take a strong line on something that is secondary to most Australians – like the release of the last of the Bali Nine – but struggle on the problems that will decide the election. Most of all, the cost of living. Cautious in choosing his battles before the election, Albanese risks leaving voters with the sense that he does not know what to fight for. “I like Anthony Albanese, and I regard him as a friend, but I find his government underwhelming,” says independent MP Andrew Wilkie. “And that would be the view of many of my constituents. It is fair to add that politics in general has become underwhelming. I’m not suggesting for a moment that Peter Dutton is any better.” Albanese tried through the year to outline practical policies – including a rush in December to pass dozens of laws through parliament. This included the Help to Buy scheme to offer $5.6 billion in federal equity for young people buying their first homes, as well as the Build to Rent scheme to attract investment into new homes. Also in December came the $1 billion early education fund for childcare and the “three-day guarantee” to make it easier for new parents to receive childcare subsidies. The Coalition opposes the move, which could help Albanese in a cost-of-living battle. Albanese can point to other measures that help with costs. The changes to student loans will help young Australians by reducing their debts by $3 billion, with the promise of more change if the government holds power at the election. Again, the Coalition opposes the move. This leaves some observers wanting a bolder vision. Saul Eslake, an independent economist, says Australia needs ambitious reform to lift living standards over the long term. Dutton has no significant economic policy, other than his nuclear plan, and Albanese is not revealing anything too risky. “I sort of despair, really, that the government has shown no inclination to argue for an ambitious second-term reform agenda,” says Eslake. “And it’s almost too late now. Albanese seems not to have the vision or the rhetorical capacity to do this stuff.” Leaders are not only judged on what they do, but what they choose not to do. Will the prime minister lift his fortunes after a difficult year? Watch for some policy moves early in 2025 to convince voters to stick with him rather than take a risk with Dutton. The Labor strategy seeks to copy the approach taken at the last election: to kick with the wind in the final quarter. One of the prime minister’s allies says the critics of today forget the mistakes of the critics from three years ago, when Albanese was not given much credit for lining up a victory that swept Labor into power. “On the big calls he was proven right,” he says. This year has been no triumph for Albanese. But the contest is not over.Oklahoma Democrats mourn Fred Harris, former US senator and presidential candidate

Ottawa police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 31-year-old man. Erik Vien was last seen at around 9:40 p.m. Sunday, boarding a westbound LRT train at Blair Station. Police said his family is concerned about his health and wellbeing. Vien is described as white, approximately 6-foot-2 (188 cm), with a thin build, dirty blond curly hair, blue eyes and a beard. He was last seen wearing a red plaid coat, dark jeans with paint marks on them, tan coloured construction boots and a dark tuque. Anyone with information about his current whereabouts is asked to call the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222. Ottawa Top Stories FREEZING RAIN WARNING | 1 to 3 mm of freezing rain possible in Ottawa-Gatineau tonight OC Transpo well below punctuality targets on 'less frequent' routes Cargo ship runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont. OC Transpo hands out 1,900 fines to riders not paying fares in 2 months Katy Perry coming to Ottawa next summer Renovated pool in Pembroke, Ont. could reopen in early 2025 $10k worth of cannabis stolen from Renfrew, Ont. store MISSING | Ottawa police seek help locating missing 31-year-old man CTVNews.ca Top Stories 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Warren Buffett gives away another US$1.1B, announces plans for distributing $147B fortune after death Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than US$1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Premiers seek 'urgent' meeting with Trudeau before Trump returns to White House Canada's premiers are asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold an urgent first ministers' meeting ahead of the return to office of president-elect Donald Trump. Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began. Los Angeles judge postpones hearing on release of Menendez brothers A Los Angeles County judge on Monday postponed a hearing over the possible release of Lyle and Erik Menendez after 35 years in prison for the shotgun murder of their parents, saying he wanted to hear from a new district attorney due to take office on Dec. 3. Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Defence Minister Bill Blair 'ready to go faster' on spending timeline Defence Minister Bill Blair said Monday that he's ready to work with the incoming Donald Trump administration to speed up Canada's timeline to meet its NATO alliance spending targets. CEOs demand changes to Liberals' military spending plan The federal government risks jeopardizing the economy unless it meets its NATO military alliance spending obligations within the next five years, says the Business Council of Canada. 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 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now 21 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Kids (And They're All From Amazon Canada) Home Our Guide To The Best Stand Mixers In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Nespresso Machines in Canada in 2024 (And Where to Get Them) Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now Gifts 19 Of The Best Tech Gifts Under $100 17 Gifts Your Husband Actually Wants 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals From Anthropologie To Adidas: Here Are The Best Early Black Friday Deals On Clothing And Accessories These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Atlantic 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Man charged with unsafe storage of a firearm in Tyson MacDonald homicide: RCMP A 61-year-old man is facing unsafe storage charges in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald on P.E.I., last December. From cellphones to dentures: Inside Halifax Transit’s lost and found Every single item misplaced on a bus or ferry in the Halifax Regional Municipality ends up in a small office at the Halifax Transit Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth, N.S. Toronto Ontario government passes bill to limit bike lanes Ontario's Progressive Conservative government has passed a controversial law that will force municipalities to seek approval for installing new bike lanes on arterial roads and could see some existing bike lanes torn up. Toronto mother now facing murder charge in death of four-month old baby Toronto police say they have charged a mother with second-degree murder following the death of her infant, who was found with critical injuries in midtown Toronto last week. 'Embarrassing:' NHL team ditches bus and walks to Scotiabank Arena amid gridlock The Utah Hockey Club got the full Toronto experience Sunday night ahead of their first-ever matchup against the Maple Leafs—bumper-to-bumper traffic that forced the team to walk to the game. Montreal More people hurt in Quebec road accidents after fall time change, data shows New data from Quebec's auto insurance board shows that evening road accidents -- including those involving pedestrians -- rise sharply in the 30 days following the fall time change, when the sun sets earlier. Montreal mayor says Friday pro-Palestinian protests were taken over by 'professional vandals' Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told journalists 'professional vandals' took over protests and smashed windows at the Palais des Congres. Teen girls engage in more risky behaviour than boys: Quebec study Fewer young people in Quebec secondary schools are drinking alcohol, consuming sugary drinks and eating junk food, but not all their habits are improving. More of them are also inactive, taking action to change their weight and not eating breakfast before going to school, according to a recent study. Northern Ontario Elliot Lake, Ont., woman charged with choking neighbour's dog An intoxicated woman in Elliot Lake has been charged with breaking into her neighbour's apartment and choking their dog. Winter weather advisory in effect for most of northeastern Ont. Environment Canada has issued a winter weather advisory for areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Drug bust after a suspect pointed handgun at victim at northern Ont. gas station Three people have been charged with numerous drug and weapons offences following an incident at a gas station in Bruce Mines, Ont., on Nov. 21. Windsor 'Active investigation' underway in Windsor Windsor police are on the scene of what's being called an, "active investigation." "Expect a sustained police presence in the area," read a post on social media. Memorial put up on Walker Road after fatal crash A memorial is located on Walker Road to mark the site where a Windsor couple was killed after getting struck by a vehicle. Alleged impaired mom found asleep at the wheel with two kids in the backseat Windsor police arrested two motorists for impaired driving in separate incidents over the weekend, including a mom with two small children in the backseat. London 'It’s getting dangerous downtown': Rear entrance of London business sprayed with gunfire London police said that no-one was injured when the back entrance of a downtown cannabis shop was sprayed with gunfire early on Monday morning. 'I just knew something was up': London family recounts rushing to their burning home where pet perished A weekend house fire has left a family displaced and taken the life of a beloved pet. The blaze at 454 Alston Road broke out shortly after 12:30 p.m. Christmas tax break will be 'challenging' for small businesses, says gift shop owner Tom Fincher is all for a tax break for consumers but implementing the GST tax break announced by the federal government last week at his till will be easier said than done. Kitchener Waterloo reviews most collision-prone areas to improve safety The City of Waterloo is trying to make its roads safer by putting together a report on some of the locations with the most crashes in the past five years. Driver warned after police receive complaints about car decked out in Christmas lights in Waterloo Drivers are being reminded not to take the holiday spirit too far after police received complaints about a distracting vehicle in Waterloo. Kitchener, Ont. doctor officially claims second Guinness World Record A Kitchener, Ont. emergency room doctor has officially earned his second Guinness World Records title. Barrie 'James deceived us,' Slain Collingwood, Ont. woman's family speak ahead of husband's sentencing James Schwalm sat in the prisoner’s box Monday morning weeping as friends and family members told the court about the devastation he caused when he murdered his wife, Ashley Milne, two years ago inside their Collingwood, Ont. home. Novice driver charged with speeding 95km/h over limit on Hwy 11 accused of being impaired A Thornhill resident accused of driving at a high rate of speed along Highway 11 in Muskoka while impaired faces charges. Freezing rain, snow in the forecast for Muskoka A freezing rain warning is in effect for Muskoka, with slippery roads and power outages possible. Winnipeg Winnipeg police shoot, kill suspect after officer stabbed in the throat Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating a deadly police shooting at Winnipeg's Unicity Shopping Centre Sunday evening. Mounties looking for missing car in connection with suspicious death Manitoba RCMP are looking for a missing car connected to an investigation into human remains discovered north of Winnipeg. $4.2M from feds to create Indigenous-led family care centre in Winnipeg A new Indigenous-led family care centre will be coming to Winnipeg, with more than $4.2 million for the project coming from the federal government. Calgary Alberta seeks to 'de-risk' oil, gas pipeline investments in wake of Trump victory Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is looking for ways to encourage pipeline companies to boost capacity and increase Alberta's oil and gas export volumes to the U.S. $3.69M Calgary mansion with basketball court for sale in Aspen Woods If you've ever dreamed of having a home with a basketball court, now's your chance. Alberta aiming to create test site to support new drilling technologies Alberta’s government says it will invest up to $50 million to support the creation of a first-in-Canada drilling test site to support technology development in the oil, gas, geothermal and lithium industries. Edmonton 24 arsons in south Edmonton under police investigation The Edmonton Police Service now says it is investigating 24 suspicious fires in south Edmonton. Death of worker in Edmonton smokehouse leads to 26 charges against food processing company An Ontario-based food processing company is facing 26 charges under Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation in connection with the death of a worker at an Edmonton facility in 2023. The story of Alberta's rural long COVID program that never was As better diagnosis and symptom management emerged for people with long COVID, researchers in Alberta set to work creating a program that could remotely connect urban specialists and rural patients. Between development and clinical implementation, the project was shelved. Regina Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature. Regina commits to clearing all 'high priority roads' of snow by Tuesday morning Following a second significant dump of snow in less than a week, the City of Regina says it plans to have all high priority roadways cleared by 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. Regina police release images of suspects following early morning armed robbery Regina police are looking for two people following an early morning armed robbery in the city's downtown on Monday. Saskatoon Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature. Saskatoon's second big snowfall in a week won't trigger emergency response: City City crews and contractors are at it again — clearing roadways after another major snowfall. Two dead after crash on Saskatchewan Highway 4 Two people are dead following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 4 Friday evening. Vancouver Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. Wild weather behind 11-cent surge in Vancouver gas prices, analyst says The intense storms that battered parts of B.C. and the United States last week are partly to blame for a significant surge in Vancouver gas prices, according to a petroleum analyst. Canadian border agents seize 246 kilos of cocaine in B.C. Canadian border officials in British Columbia have seized nearly a quarter-tonne of cocaine that was coming into the province in three separate smuggling incidents in recent weeks, according to the agency. Vancouver Island Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Deer spotted wearing high-visibility safety jacket in Northern B.C. Andrea Arnold is used to having to slow down to let deer cross the road in her Northern B.C. community. But this weekend she saw something that made her pull over and snap a photo. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Two weeks after the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff run ended in the first round, the team has fired head coach Vanni Sartini. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay ConnectedFollowing the results of the 2024 presidential election, searches related to emigrating from the U.S., including if it’s possible to buy Canadian citizenship , began surging. Similar searches have spiked following past presidential elections as well. Over the past week, however, people have also searched about the possibility of buying cheap homes in Italy. One VERIFY reader texted us to ask if it’s true an Italian village is selling Americans $1 homes following the election, and people on social media are also asking if it’s a real offer. THE QUESTION Is an Italian village offering $1 homes to Americans following the election? THE SOURCES Live in Ollolai website Archive of Live in Ollolai dating back to Nov. 13, 2024 November 2024 CNN interview with Francesco Columbu, Ollolai’s mayor 2018 CNN story on Ollolai May 2024 CNBC report on renovation costs of 1-Euro Italian homes THE ANSWER Yes, an Italian village is offering $1 homes to Americans following the election. WHAT WE FOUND Ollolai, a village on the island of Sardinia in Italy, is courting American homebuyers following the presidential election by offering them homes for as little as $1. Ollolai and other Italian villages have made similar offers to people around the globe for several years. However, the cheapest homes available require renovations that will push the cost of the home much higher than just a dollar. A website run by the village titled “ Live in Ollolai ” offers homes from 1 Euro to 100,000+ Euros ($1.05 to $105,000) for people “worned [sic] out by global politics.” The earliest appearance the website makes on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine is Nov. 13, 2024, just over a week after the U.S. presidential election. The website itself makes no direct mention of Americans or U.S. politics. However, the village’s mayor, Francesco Columbu, told CNN that “the website was specifically created to attract American voters,” who would receive “preferential treatment” when applying. “We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” Columbu told CNN. “We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.” The website promises any prospective buyers that the village will guide them through the process of buying and renovating the home, as well as navigating whatever paperwork Italy might require the homebuyer to go through. Ollolai’s website says 1-Euro homes will need renovations, but there are “move-in-ready” homes at affordable prices that “require minimal renovation.” Italian villages such as Ollolai have offered homes for as little as 1 Euro for years, but the cheapest homes have always come with the caveat that the buyer will need to pay for renovations. CNN first wrote about Ollolai in 2018 , when it reported the village was selling hundreds of abandoned homes for 1 Euro each. “The real estate bonanza comes with a catch, though,” CNN wrote at the time. “The 200 stone-built dwellings up for grabs are in poor condition and buyers must commit to a refurbishment within three years, which will likely cost about $25,000.” Other villages in Italy, such as Mussomeli on the island of Sicily, similarly require buyers of 1-Euro homes to renovate the homes within three years of purchase. In May 2024, CNBC reported on the true price of Italian 1-Euro homes purchased by two Americans. Both Americans first purchased their homes in villages in Sicily in 2019. One of them won their home in an auction after bidding 5,555 Euros, which was about 5,900 Euros (about $6,200) after taxes and fees. That homeowner then bought the neighboring home in a private sale for 22,000 Euros and spent about 425,000 Euros renovating the combined space. In total, the homes and renovations cost about $475,000. The other homeowner bought three homes in another village for 1 Euro each. Each building came with a 500-Euro realtors fee and a 2,800-Euro deed — that’s about $10,500 between the three buildings. At the time, that homeowner had spent about $35,000 in renovations. Ollolai’s website says prospective buyers will be able to explore properties online soon. Ollolai also maintains a separate website for foreign remote workers to apply to rent a home for a month in Ollolai for 1 Euro. Ollolai is just one of several villages listed by websites promoting 1-Euro home deals in Italy . The trend began when some Italian villages began making the offers to attract foreigners to boost their local economies and offset aging, declining populations. The offer does not come with Italian residency or citizenship. Any American seeking to live in Italy will have to apply for residency separately. The U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Italy describe the process for obtaining legal Italian residency. While Ollolai’s offer was announced following the election of Republican Donald Trump, people looking for a more liberal government may not find that in Italy. The country is currently led by a right-wing political party with roots to post-WWII fascist groups . Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion and anti-migrant positions .

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Michael Villella , the actor known for playing the serial killer Russ Thorn in the cult classic “The Slumber Party Massacre,” has died. He was 84. Villella’s death was announced Saturday through a statement on his Facebook page: “Michael Pasquale Villella has left this world, may he rest in peace. May God welcome Michael with open arms and bring him into heaven.” His daughter, Chloe Villella, also confirmed the news on social media . A cause of death was not disclosed. Villella made his onscreen debut as the drill-wielding killer in 1982’s “The Slumber Party Massacre,” also starring Michelle Michaels and Robin Stille. The film, directed by Amy Holden Jones and written by Rita Mae Brown, was originally meant to be a parody of the slasher genre but ultimately became a straight horror movie. Although “The Slumber Party Massacre” received mixed reviews from critics, the 1982 original garnered a cult following and inspired two direct sequels that were released in 1987 and 1990; a reboot film was released in 2021. “The Slumber Party Massacre” also inspired two spinoff film series, the “Sorority House Massacre” trilogy and the “Cheerleader Massacre” films. Villella had an uncredited role in the 1990 spinoff film, “Sorority House Massacre II,” and he appeared in the 2010 documentary, “Sleepless Nights: Revisiting the Slumber Party Massacres.” Along with “The Slumber Party Massacre,” Villella’s film credits include “Love Letters” (1983), “Gotham” (1988), “Wild Orchid” (1989) and “Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue” (1991). On the television side, he made guest appearances on “Amazing Stories” and “Getting Away With Murder.”'Absolute tragedy': Riverina community in shock at helicopter crashThe Great British Bake Off fans were left divided as Georgie Grasso was declared the 2024 champion, beating the series favourite to the title. After a suspense-filled series hosted by Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, the final three bakers were Georgie, 34, Christiaan de Vries, 34, and Dylan Bachelet, aged 20. The finalists' first challenge in the tent involved crafting scones. They later had to impress the judges with an afternoon tea assortment. The last task required them to construct an intricate hanging celebration cake. With the tension escalating, Alison declared: "This is the bake between winning or losing," reports Wales Online . The finalists took on their last challenge on The Great British Bake Off (Image: Channel 4) As the pressure intensified, Christian, Georgie, and Dylan began to exhibit signs of anxiety under the scrutinising gaze of judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, along with hosts Alison and Noel. For fan favourite Dylan, who had been performing well in the competition, things took a turn for the worse as he grappled with the consistency of his genoise sponge in the final round. This led fans to speculate that Christian, who remained composed under pressure, could snatch the victory from him. Meanwhile, Georgie also encountered her own set of challenges during her final showstopper, as she seemed to forget what she was doing. Retreating to the back of the tent, Georgie pondered aloud: "What am I doing here? " What did I come over here for?" Georgie didn't think she could scoop the win (Image: Channel 4) Georgie, amidst her initial perplexity, emerged triumphant following three nail-biting rounds. For her concluding showstopper, Pru lauded Georgie's cake as "absolutely delicious," with both Pru and Paul in agreement about its extraordinary presentation. Yet, this verdict left some watchers befuddled who took to social media platform X to express their bewilderment. A viewer pondered: "How on earth has Georgie won?" An additional comment came in: "I'm happy for Georgie BUT Dylan is probably the best contestant this show has ever had. Such a weird result." Georgie was crowned the winner of the show (Image: Channel 4) However, several fans celebrated Georgie's triumph, one viewer praised: "Bravo Georgie, well done!" Another added: "Go Georgie... well deserved Welsh winner." The children's nurse from Carmarthenshire, said of her final contest, "the most challenging bake I've ever done". She admitted: "When I saw the brief, I thought, game over. "It took a lot of thought and planning to be able to make it work. I practised about three times. I wanted the judges to really see a piece of me in the bake, through my choice of colours and tastes. Undoubtedly, the most taxing part was the assembly combined with managing the time constraints." The mother of three opened up about the significant sacrifices required to stay in the contest, admitting: "Ive had to put the family on the back burner which has been really hard. I've had to tell the kids 'no' a lot." The Great British Bake Off is available to watch on Channel4.com.

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed SalahSAN DIEGO, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of The Toronto-Dominion Bank ("TD Bank") TD securities between February 29, 2024 and October 9, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Monday, December 23, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the TD Bank class action lawsuit. Captioned Tiessen v. The Toronto-Dominion Bank , No. 24-cv-08032 (S.D.N.Y.), the TD Bank class action lawsuit charges TD Bank and certain of TD Bank's top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the TD Bank class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-the-toronto-dominion-bank-class-action-lawsuit-td.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com . CASE ALLEGATIONS : The Toronto-Dominion Bank offers its products and services in the United States under the "TD Bank" and "America's Most Convenient Bank" brand names. The TD Bank class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts concerning the true state of TD Bank's anti-money laundering ("AML") program; pertinently, TD Bank concealed or otherwise minimized the significance of the failures of TD Bank's AML program and made no indication that the imposition of an asset cap or other punitive or compliance measures would be imposed that would undermine TD Bank's continued growth for the foreseeable future. The TD Bank class action lawsuit further alleges that, on October 10, 2024, TD Bank unveiled the resolutions reached from U.S. investigations, which included, in addition to the punitive payment of $3.09 billion, both an asset cap, preventing TD Bank's U.S. subsidiaries from exceeding a collective $434 billion, a reflection of TD Bank's assets as of September 30, 2024, and further subjects TD Bank to more stringent approval processes for its product, service, and market rollouts. Further, the U.S. Department of Justice, in their own corresponding release, highlighted the significance of TD Bank's failures as "the largest bank in U.S. history to plead guilty to Bank Secrecy Act program failures and the first U.S. bank in history to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering," the complaint alleges. On this news, TD Bank's stock price fell by more than 10%, according to the TD Bank class action lawsuit. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS : The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired TD Bank securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the TD Bank class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the TD Bank class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the TD Bank class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the TD Bank class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER : Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases – over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Courtland Sutton's surge is helping rookie Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos make a playoff push"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 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Social Media Has Little Sympathy for Murdered Health Insurance ExecLAS VEGAS (AP) — A team that previously boycotted at least one match against the San Jose State women’s volleyball program will again be faced with the , this time in the with a shot at the NCAA Tournament on the line. Five schools in the regular season against San Jose State, which carried a No. 2 seed into the conference tournament in Las Vegas. Among those schools: No. 3 Utah State and No. 6 Boise State, who will face off Wednesday with the winner scheduled to play the Spartans in the semifinals on Friday. Wyoming, Nevada and Southern Utah — which is not a Mountain West member — also canceled regular-season matches, all without explicitly saying why they were forfeiting. Nevada players cited fairness in women’s sports as a reason to boycott their match, while political figures from Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Nevada suggested the cancellations center around protecting women’s sports. In a lawsuit , plaintiffs cited unspecified reports asserting there was a transgender player on the San Jose State volleyball team, even naming her. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity and through school officials has declined an interview request. A judge on Monday made by nine current conference players to block the San Jose State player from competing in the tournament on grounds that she is transgender. That Tuesday by an appeals court. “The team looks forward to starting Mountain West Conference tournament competition on Friday,” San Jose State said in a statement issued after the appeals court decision. “The university maintains an unwavering commitment to the participation, safety and privacy of all students at San Jose State and ensuring they are able to compete in an inclusive, fair and respectful environment.” Boise State did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. “Utah State is reviewing the court’s order,” Doug Hoffman, Aggies associate athletic director for communications, said in an email. “Right now, our women’s volleyball program is focused on the game this Wednesday, and we’ll be cheering them on.” San Jose State, which had a first-round bye, would be sent directly to the conference title game if Utah State or Boise State were to forfeit again. If the Spartans make the title game, it’s likely the opponent would not forfeit. They would face top-seeded Colorado State, No. 4 Fresno State or No. 5 San Diego State — all teams that played the Spartans this season. The conference champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. ___ AP college sports: Mark Anderson, The Associated Press

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