DUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubileeMinutes of an Executive meeting from June of that year state further action would be considered “as appropriate” if the DUP went ahead with a threat to rotate its ministers. The minutes are within files which have been declassified at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Devolved powersharing had been restored to Northern Ireland in May 2000 when Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble had received the backing of his party to go back into the Assembly, despite there having been no decommissioning of IRA arms at that point. Then DUP deputy leader Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds took up the offices as ministers for regional development and social development, but refused to attend Executive meetings due to the presence of Sinn Fein ministers. The party also said it would rotate its ministerial posts to prevent other parties from taking them. A minute of an Executive meeting on June 8 said Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds had refused a request from First Minister Mr Trimble and deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon to meet with them “to discuss recent public comments by the DUP concerning their positions as ministers”. The minute records that the Executive endorsed a proposal from the First and deputy First Ministers to write again to the two DUP ministers setting out sanctions against them. It says: “The First Minister and and Deputy First Minister would assume responsibility for representing the Executive Committee on transport matters at the British-Irish Council in place of the Minister for Regional Development. “The Minister for Social Development and the Minister for Regional Development would not be nominated to attend meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee. “Pending the receipt of satisfactory assurances from DUP Ministers regarding the confidentiality and integrity of Executive Committee business, the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would not receive Executive Committee papers as of right. “The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would seek briefing, as appropriate, from officials in the Department for Regional Development and Department for Social Development.” The minute continues: “If the DUP carried out their threat to change the holders of the two Ministerial offices on a frequent basis, the Executive Committee would consider other action as appropriate.” Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds resigned as ministers on June 27 and were replaced by party colleagues Gregory Campbell and Maurice Morrow. A minute from an Executive meeting that day says: “The Executive Committee noted that the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would be resigning their posts that afternoon, and expressed concern at the proposed rotation of the ministries held by their Party Members.”
Revamping IPPs: lessons from international practicesWORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Max Green's 16 points helped Holy Cross defeat Regis (MA) 82-46 on Sunday. Green also had nine rebounds and six assists for the Crusaders (8-5). Aidan Richard scored 13 points, going 4 of 6 (3 for 5 from 3-point range). Declan Ryan went 6 of 8 from the field to finish with 12 points. Jamir Harvey finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals for the Pride. Aamyr Sullivan added nine points and five assists for Regis (MA). Dan Grasso finished with six points. Holy Cross took the lead with 19:46 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 36-20 at halftime, with Richard racking up 10 points. Holy Cross extended its lead to 82-43 during the second half, fueled by a 15-2 scoring run. Green scored a team-high 11 points in the second half as their team closed out the win. Holy Cross hosts Loyola (MD) in its next matchup on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Chinese ambassador hails economic partnership with UKFORT WORTH, Tex — Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark clearly expressed his displeasure about the College Football Playoff rankings while insisting Wednesday that his conference's champion should get a first-round bye over any Group of Five champion. Arizona State and Iowa State, the 10-2 teams that will play in the Big 12 championship game Saturday, are outside the top 12 in the latest CFP rankings and behind three Southeastern Conference teams with three losses: No. 11 Alabama, No. 13 Mississippi and No. 14 South Carolina. The Sun Devils are 15th, and the Cyclones 16th. “The (selection) committee continues to show time and time again that they are paying attention to logos versus resumes,” Yormark said to open a nearly four-minute statement during a Zoom call to preview the Big 12 title game. The Big 12 is below No. 10 Boise State (11-1) from the Mountain West Conference. The Broncos, who play No. 20 UNLV on Friday night in the MWC title game, have a 10-game winning streak since a 37-34 loss on a last-second field goal at top-ranked Oregon, their only P4 opponent. The five highest-ranked conference champs in the the selection committee's final top 25 ranking on Sunday are guaranteed playoff spots, and the top four getting first-round byes. There are now four potential conference champions ahead of the Big 12, which in current projected pairings would be the No. 12 seed and have to play a first-round game on the road. “Strength of schedule should matter and wins against Power Four opponents should matter — 74% of the Big 12 wins were against Power Four opponents this season,” Yormark said. "Meanwhile, the Group of Five is 11-80. ... In no way should a group of Five champion be ranked above our champion.” Yormark repeated that last line for emphasis, and said strength of schedule was reiterated multiple times before the season as a key metric for the CFP rankings. But he says he hasn't seen that taken into account as much as it should, then pointed out that Arizona State and Iowa State both were 7-2 in Big 12 play and won the non-conference games they played against P4 opponents. Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates a touchdown against BYU with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) and offensive lineman Kyle Scott (77) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State won 28-23. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin Right below Arizona State and Iowa State in the CFP rankings is No. 17 Clemson (9-3), which plays eighth-ranked SMU in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game Saturday night. The Tigers would get in the playoff as the ACC champion with a win. No. 5 Georgia (10-2) plays No. 2 Texas (11-1) in the SEC title game. “The committee clearly focuses on the wins and loss column. Going by that principle, no three-loss team from a Power Four conference should get a bye over a two-loss champion from the Big 12,” Yormark said, again forcefully repeating his thought. Yormark had advocated for the 12-team playoff, and believes it has generated the expected excitement and fan engagement that made November “truly magical.” There was a four-way tie for first place in the 16-team Big 12 at the end of the regular season. Arizona State and Iowa State advanced in a series of tiebreakers that knocked No. 18 BYU and No. 23 Colorado out of title game contention. The Big 12 commissioner said that while he disagrees with what has transpired so far, he is hopeful that there will be some adjustments in the final CFP rankings. “Obviously I challenge what I’ve seen to date, and again I'm going to lean on strength of schedule. I don’t think it’s played out the way it should,” Yormark said. “But I do have trust in the committee that ultimately we'll land where we’re supposed to land. And, you know, that ultimately will mean we’ll get a bye. ... It will come down to the selection committee making that decision, but I’m hopeful it will be the right one."
NORMAL, Ill. — In closing the 2024 season on a cloudy, cold Saturday afternoon, the UND football program was consistent right up to the bitter end. The Fighting Hawks consistently struggled to stop the run and consistently were unable to perform on the road. ADVERTISEMENT UND lost a fifth-straight game for the first time since 1986 with a 35-13 loss against No. 14 Illinois State at Hancock Stadium. The Fighting Hawks gave up at least 35 points for the fifth-straight game and finished the year 0-5 on the road. UND ends the year 5-7, finishing under .500 for the fourth time in Bubba Schweigert's 11 years as head coach. Schweigert signed a contract extension through the 2027 season this past offseason but a lengthy losing skid to close 2024 has produced a growing buzz of those questioning his job security. "There's two people that I have concern how they feel and that's our athletic director and the president of the university," Schweigert said when asked about his future after the game. "The other stuff is outside noise." Illinois State's Wenkers Wright ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns as the Redbirds piled up 420 yards of total offense. "We've got to tackle better," Schweigert said. "We know that's a fundamental that we have to get better at. We have to be more physical up front and fit the run better." The game's turning point came early in the third quarter. ADVERTISEMENT The Fighting Hawks trailed 14-10 at halftime and the defense forced a stop on Illinois State's opening drive of the second half. UND running back Sawyer Seidl took the next three carries. The young speedster busted off a run of 11 yards, then an 18-yard run in which the Hawks' offensive line helped push the pile in a scrum situation. Seidl entered another scrum situation on his next carry and UND's sideline was energized by the physical running game. As the scrum carried on, however, Illinois State was able to rip a fumble away from Seidl at the last moment. Nine plays later, Wright scored from 18 yards out to extend the Illinois State lead to 21-10. "I didn't see it but it went to review and they confirmed it," Schweigert said. "We had three, four physical plays in a row. Sawyer was running hard, and it was unfortunate he lost the ball." UND was limited to 266 yards of total offense as quarterback Simon Romfo was 11-for-26 for 135 yards. "We left a lot of plays out there," said UND wide receiver Bo Belquist, who had three catches for 42 yards. "I thought our offensive line and running backs were super physical and did a great job. We got stuck on a couple of drives, and you can't do that against good teams and that's why they're in the playoffs." ADVERTISEMENT Belquist finishes his decorated career one touchdown shy of Greg Hardin's Division I school record for touchdown catches (31). "Not the way you want to end (your career)," Belquist said. "It wasn't my greatest performance out there but it's over and it is what it is. You have to move on and embrace the memories you made over the years and the relationships you created. Life goes on."
ATLANTA—Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old. The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never 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 said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights, he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics. Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Alex Sanz is a former Associated Press reporter.‘Abundance in Scarcity: Exploring Ladakh’s Sustainable Ingenuity’, an immersive exhibition showcasing Ladakh’s innovative solutions to environmental and cultural challenges, is on display at Samba Square as part of the Serendipity Arts Festival ADITHI SHARMA | NT kuriocity Ladakh is often celebrated as a bucket-list destination for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic landscapes. However, its fragile ecosystem and the delicate balance required to sustain life in this region often go unnoticed. This lesser-known narrative lies at the heart of Abundance in Scarcity: Exploring Ladakh’s Sustainable Ingenuity’, curated by Sandeep Sangaru. A designer with a deep passion for traditional practices, Sangaru’s journey with Ladakh began in 2007 when he first visited the region, captivated by its resourceful way of life. “What struck me,” he recalls, “was how people survive in harsh conditions with scarce resources. Summers last barely three to four months, a time used to grow crops and tend livestock, while the long winters demand meticulous planning and preparation.” Over seven years and numerous trips, Sangaru’s fascination grew, eventually leading him to the idea of sharing Ladakh’s story with a wider audience. The exhibition explores the ingenious interplay of scarcity and resourcefulness that defines Ladakhi culture. Rather than simply displaying artefacts, it offers a custom experience that captures life in this Himalayan region. Themes of migration, cultural resilience, and environmental responsibility are intricately woven with traditional practices like wool weaving and mud-based architecture. The exhibition showcases how Ladakhi architecture blends tradition with modern ideas. It traces the transition from the nomadic Chalpas’ mobile tents to permanent buildings made from local mud and stone, designed to fit the harsh Ladakhi environment. However, as urbanisation brings more concrete buildings, the exhibition highlights the environmental and practical issues these changes cause. Architects Suril and Faisal, who have worked in Ladakh, demonstrate how traditional methods can be adapted for modern needs. As Sangaru points out, while mud construction is more labour-intensive, it is far more sustainable and better suited to Ladakh’s climate. Weaving, an important part of Ladakh’s culture, is a main highlight of the exhibition. Wool from yaks and sheep is turned into beautiful and useful textiles, with Pashmina—made by the Changpa nomads—being the most valuable. The exhibition celebrates this craft while also showing its connection to the environment. One impressive display uses old weaving tools in the fabric, showing the strong link between the artisans, the materials, and nature. The exhibition also highlights local artisans and performers. Craftsman and musician Serin Amchuk, along with his partner Kalzang Tunduk, bring traditional Ladakhi string instruments like the Dranyen to life. “Music is integral to Ladakhi culture, especially during the long winters,” Sangaru. Their performances add a sensory dimension, immersing visitors in the rhythm of Ladakhi life. Film also plays a critical role in the storytelling. A commissioned short film by vlogger Saravana of “India in Motion” documents Ladakh’s resourceful practices, from water-powered mills to winter harvests. These visuals provide a vivid window into a world where every resource is precious, every action deliberate. “Through his lens,” Sangaru says, “the ingenuity and joy of Ladakhi life comes alive, offering insights that are difficult to replicate in static displays.” The exhibition also focuses on current issues in Ladakh. Migration and the dreams of younger people, influenced by technology and global connections, are changing the region’s way of life. Sangaru highlights that the aim is not to keep traditions for the sake of nostalgia, but to make them fit modern needs. Projects, like partnerships between young furniture designers and local artisans, are creating products that mix traditional style with modern use, helping Ladakhi crafts stay important in the future. Bringing Ladakh’s story to Panaji, Goa, where the exhibition is being held, was no small feat. Limited resources in Ladakh meant raw materials had to be carefully sourced, and the short summer season added logistical challenges. “Life in Ladakh is slow-paced,” Sangaru explains. “Craftspeople often create their own raw materials before production even begins.” Despite these obstacles, the exhibition authentically captures the essence of Ladakhi life. Abundance in Scarcity is more than just an exhibition; it’s a space for conversation. Sangaru hopes visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Ladakh’s sustainable ways of living and cultural strength. “Our modern lifestyles often ignore the importance of local traditions,” he says. “By learning from these practices, we can find ways to live more sustainably.” The exhibition encourages people to take part actively, with interactive displays meant to inspire curiosity and conversation. “This isn’t just about watching,” says Sangaru. “It’s about creating an experience that invites people to explore and engage.” In the end, Abundance in Scarcity asks visitors to rethink how they connect with resources and the environment. By celebrating Ladakh’s creativity in challenging conditions, it shows how tradition and progress can go hand in hand. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder of the need to protect the planet’s delicate ecosystems for future generations.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eGain (Nasdaq: EGAN), the AI Knowledge Management platform for business, announced today that its Board of Directors approved an extension to the stock repurchase program from November 14, 2024, until the earlier of (i) the date the aggregate amount of shares that can be repurchased under the stock repurchase program have been repurchased and (ii) November 14, 2025. "This extension underscores our belief that our shares are undervalued and reinforces our confidence in the significant growth potential of the AI knowledge market. With our strong balance sheet, we believe we are well-positioned to expand our market presence in knowledge management while delivering value to shareholders through our ongoing buyback program," said Ashu Roy, eGain's CEO. As of November 15, 2024, eGain has repurchased approximately $27.6 million of shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program, leaving approximately $12.4 million of shares of its common stock available for repurchase after the increase. Under the stock repurchase program, eGain may purchase shares of common stock on a discretionary basis from time to time through open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at prices deemed appropriate by eGain. In addition, at the discretion of eGain, open market repurchase of common stock may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit common stock to be repurchased when eGain might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws or self-imposed trading restrictions. The timing and number of shares repurchased will be determined based on an evaluation of market conditions and other factors, including stock price, trading volume, general business and market conditions, and capital availability. The stock repurchase program does not obligate eGain to acquire a specified number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time at eGain's discretion without notice. The stock repurchase program will be funded using existing cash or future cash flows. About eGain eGain AI Knowledge Hub helps businesses improve experience and reduce cost by delivering trusted, consumable answers. Visit www.egain.com for more info. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation: statements regarding the timing, scope, and funding of our stock repurchase program; our belief that our shares are undervalued; our belief that we are well-positioned to expand our market presence; our focus, growth potential and market opportunity; and the expected benefits of our products. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: risks to our business, operating results, and financial condition; the pace of technological advancements in generative AI and the adaptability of our services to incorporate these advancements; market demand for AI-enabled solutions; risks associated with new product releases and new services and products features; risks that customer demand may fluctuate or decrease; risks that we are unable to collect unbilled contractual commitments, particularly in the current economic environment; risks that our lengthy sales cycles may negatively affect our operating results; currency risks; our ability to capitalize on customer engagement; risks related to our reliance on a relatively small number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; our ability to compete successfully and manage growth; our ability to develop and expand strategic and third party distribution channels; risks related to our international operations; our ability to continue to innovate; our strategy of making investments in sales to drive growth; general political or destabilizing events, including war, intensified international hostilities, conflict or acts of terrorism; the effect of legislative initiatives or proposals, statutory changes, governmental or other applicable regulations and/or changes in industry requirements, including those addressing data privacy, cyber-security and cross-border data transfers; and other risks detailed from time to time in eGain's public filings, including eGain's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. eGain, the eGain logo, and all other eGain product names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of eGain Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company names and products mentioned in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. MKR Investor Relations Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers Phone: 323-468-2300 Email: [email protected]Published 9:26 pm Sunday, December 29, 2024 By Data Skrive Today’s NBA lineup features plenty of excitement, including a matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings. Ahead of today’s NBA action, get a sneak peek at the odds right here. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get access to games, live and on-demand, and more for the entire season and offseason. Watch ESPN originals, The Last Dance and more NBA content on ESPN+. Use our link to sign up for ESPN+ or the Disney bundle. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .
ROME (AP) — In 2020, it was a run to the Champions League quarterfinals just as Bergamo was becoming the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic . Last season, it was an upset victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to end the German club’s European-record unbeaten run at 51 games. Atalanta keeps on surprising and its latest exploit was moving atop Serie A following a 3-1 win at Parma on Saturday for its seventh straight win in the Italian league. And to think that coach Gian Piero Gasperini considered leaving Atalanta toward the end of last season. Now, Gasperini has the chance to guide “La Dea” (The Goddess), as the team is nicknamed, to its first ever Italian league title. There’s a long way to go, though, and it should be noted that Atalanta is level on points with second-place Inter Milan, which routed Hellas Verona 5-0 earlier, and that Napoli has a chance to reclaim the lead when it hosts Roma on Sunday. Also Saturday, AC Milan and Juventus drew 0-0 at the San Siro in a match with few chances from both sides. Milan produced one shot on goal and Juventus created two. Gasperini’s attack-first tactics have produced a league-best 34 goals Atalanta's Mateo Retegui scored his league-leading 12th goal of the season, Ederson made it 2-0 before the break and Europa League final hero Ademola Lookman restored the two-goal advantage after Matteo Cancellieri had pulled one back for Parma. Retegui’s fourth headed goal of the season put him atop that category across Europe’s five major leagues, according to Opta, while Lookman volleyed in a cross from Juan Cuadrado after having two goals disallowed. Gasperini was sent off midway through the second half for protests. But he was smiling in the stands at the final whistle. Atalanta's 34 goals are the most in Italy, and trail only Barcelona (42), Bayern Munich (36) and Paris Saint-Germain (36) across Europe's top five leagues. Atalanta has won two and drawn two in the Champions League this season. Thuram scores 2 in Inter's rout of Verona Marcus Thuram scored twice for defending champion Inter at Verona. Inter was missing top striker Lautaro Martinez, who was out sick. But five goals in the first half made Lautaro’s absence a non-issue. Joaquin Correa opened the scoring 17 minutes in, Thuram then scored twice before more goals from Stefan de Vrij and Yann Aurel Bisseck. Correa nearly added another in second-half stoppage time but his effort hit the woodwork. Inter's only loss across all competitions this season was a derby defeat to Milan in September. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Elevate your roast potatoes to show-stopping status with this chef's secret. When it comes to the art of the perfect Christmas Dinner or a sublime Sunday roast, the spotlight often falls on the roast potatoes , hailed as the pièce de résistance of the feast. Amidst a myriad of personal hacks and tips that many swear by for golden, crispy perfection – from anointing them with different fats to a bold Marmite glaze before their oven pilgrimage – one culinary expert claims to hold the key to transforming the humble spud into an "epic" taste sensation. The Great British Menu champion and proprietor of Benedicts Restaurant in Norwich, Richard Bainbridge, has divulged to The Mirror his game-changing ingredient that promises to infuse your roasties with unparalleled flavour. His festive ritual? A generous dusting of crushed Chicken OXO stock cube over the potatoes and turkey prior to roasting , a move he swears elevates the taste to "epic" proportions. And for those looking to jazz up their starters, Bainbridge suggests a novel twist: crush frozen raspberries and sprinkle them atop a classic prawn cocktail. The pro offered insider knowledge to get you ready for the kitchen, sharing essential tips for organisation and preparation, not just for Christmas but any time you're hosting a grand dinner. His golden rule is to prep as many side dishes ahead of time as possible and pop them in the freezer; this includes pastry, cranberry sauce, mincemeat, and brandy butter, reports the Mirror. He highlighted: "When it comes to any large party or when you are required to cook for large numbers preparation is essential, for example, two weeks before Christmas you should start writing your to-do list and making any items you can in advance so that the day before and the morning of, the bulk of your preparation is complete and you can be calm and relaxed with a glass of Sherry in hand as no one likes to see a stressed chef." Bainbridge elaborated: "In the lead-up to Christmas homemade pastry is a store cupboard must. Make it in advance and it can be kept for up to three months in the freezer, perfect for those emergency canapés." Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge also suggests making mincemeat ahead of time, as well as Christmas cake, pudding and brandy butter, which he claims can be preserved for ages due to the high booze content. He said: "Mincemeat is another great store cupboard essential which can be made at the end of the summer... if you're that organised, while Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, and brandy butter are some of the greatest things about Christmas and as they contain so much booze the flavour can be preserved for ages." He added: "The brandy butter can be whipped up in a large batch and used all year round - my mum will still be finding uses for it next July."
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Guwahati: Bypolls in five assembly constituencies of Assam emerged as a significant setback for the opposition parties, which failed to secure any victory. Congress's autonomous approach proved detrimental as the grand old party lacked direct support from other opposition parties united under the banner Asom Sanmilita Morcha (ASOM). Of the five constituencies, BJP secured victories in three — Samaguri, Behali, and Dholai, while its allies AGP and UPPL triumphed in Bongaigaon and Sidli. Five-time MLA from Samaguri Rakibul Hussain's son, Tanzil, was defeated by BJP's state general secretary Diplu Ranjan Sarmah by a substantial margin. Tanzil endeavoured to represent Samaguri as the third politician from their family, after father Rakibul and grandfather Nurul Hussain. Rakibul served as a prominent cabinet minister in the Tarun Gogoi-govt and secured successive assembly polls from Samaguri since 2001. Nurul Hussain contested from Congress (S) ticket in the 1983 election and joined Congress (I) after winning. He subsequently prevailed as Congress candidate in the 1991 assembly polls and became a state minister in the Hiteswar Saikia-govt. Deputy leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi's preferred candidate Jayanta Borah had to bite the dust in the Behali seat to BJP's Diganta Ghatowal. Congress remained unwilling to relinquish Behali for CPI-ML despite ASOM's recommendation, ultimately causing opposition disunity. Jayanta Borah, a BJP defector, procured Congress ticket even before formally joining the party. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 L + W Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Leads + Wins : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue In the remaining constituencies, Congress leaders demonstrated comparatively diminished enthusiasm. ASOM leaders campaigned for CPI-ML candidate Lakhikanta Kurmi in Behali, while advocating for a "conscience vote" elsewhere. After poll results, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhupen Kumar Borah pledged door-to-door visits, emphasising unified opposition as crucial for challenging BJP in the 2026 assembly elections. ASOM president and MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan and general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi expressed disappointment regarding Congress's failure to recognise opposition unity's importance, while affirming ASOM's commitment to unified political resistance against BJP. Akhil Gogoi, MLA and Raijor Dal leader, criticised both Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the Jharkhand defeat and Congress's perceived "big brother" attitude. Gogoi challenged Sarma's "unstoppable" narrative, citing Jharkhand results. He endorsed Jharkhand's opposition model, contrasting it with Assam's fragmented opposition. Gogoi faulted Gaurav Gogoi for undermining opposition unity by denying Congress allies constituencies, particularly regarding CPI-ML in Behali."Clear Smiles Dental" Adds New Dental Physician and Dental Inhouse LabMinutes of an Executive meeting from June of that year state further action would be considered “as appropriate” if the DUP went ahead with a threat to rotate its ministers. The minutes are within files which have been declassified at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Devolved powersharing had been restored to Northern Ireland in May 2000 when Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble had received the backing of his party to go back into the Assembly, despite there having been no decommissioning of IRA arms at that point. Then DUP deputy leader Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds took up the offices as ministers for regional development and social development, but refused to attend Executive meetings due to the presence of Sinn Fein ministers. The party also said it would rotate its ministerial posts to prevent other parties from taking them. A minute of an Executive meeting on June 8 said Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds had refused a request from First Minister Mr Trimble and deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon to meet with them “to discuss recent public comments by the DUP concerning their positions as ministers”. The minute records that the Executive endorsed a proposal from the First and deputy First Ministers to write again to the two DUP ministers setting out sanctions against them. It says: “The First Minister and and Deputy First Minister would assume responsibility for representing the Executive Committee on transport matters at the British-Irish Council in place of the Minister for Regional Development. “The Minister for Social Development and the Minister for Regional Development would not be nominated to attend meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee. “Pending the receipt of satisfactory assurances from DUP Ministers regarding the confidentiality and integrity of Executive Committee business, the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would not receive Executive Committee papers as of right. “The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would seek briefing, as appropriate, from officials in the Department for Regional Development and Department for Social Development.” The minute continues: “If the DUP carried out their threat to change the holders of the two Ministerial offices on a frequent basis, the Executive Committee would consider other action as appropriate.” Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds resigned as ministers on June 27 and were replaced by party colleagues Gregory Campbell and Maurice Morrow. A minute from an Executive meeting that day says: “The Executive Committee noted that the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would be resigning their posts that afternoon, and expressed concern at the proposed rotation of the ministries held by their Party Members.”Federal police in Brazil have formally accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of orchestrating a coup to overturn the 2022 election results. The accusations, filed with the Supreme Court, conclude a two-year investigation into Bolsonaro's involvement in the election-denying movement, which led to riots in Brasilia in January 2023. Investigators found that Bolsonaro and his aides were aware of plans to disrupt the democratic process. The accusations include spreading election misinformation, inciting military participation, and supporting violent actions. Police arrested several conspirators allegedly plotting to assassinate President Lula da Silva before he took office. Bolsonaro, via social media, dismissed the accusations as unfounded, while his lawyer plans to review the report. The court is set to forward the police findings to the prosecutor general, who will decide on potential charges against Bolsonaro and his associates. (With inputs from agencies.)
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