646jili com The Israeli government cited security concerns as the reason for the airstrikes, claiming that they were targeting sites used by Iranian-backed militias to store weapons and launch attacks against Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes were a necessary response to the threat posed by these militias and their activities in Syria.

Two days and a pair of time zones after handling the high-flying Minnesota Wild, the Winnipeg Jets will try to pick up where they left off tonight in Los Angeles. Facing a Kings team that’s in the middle of the NHL pack at 11-8-3, the league’s most surprising squad will try to improve on an 18-4 mark as they play the fourth game of a six-game road trip. “This is a team where you’ve got to be patient,” Jets defenceman Haydn Fleury said after the morning skate. “You can’t force anything. We’ve got to play a mature game tonight. Just manage the puck all around the ice. It’s not going to be perfect, but we’ve got to take what they give us. “Play to our strengths, work the puck down low and good things will happen.” This will be Fleury’s second game alongside Neal Pionk, a move forced by the injury to Dylan Samberg, who suffered a broken foot during a loss in Nashville on Saturday. The Jets rebounded with a 4-1 win over the Wild on Monday, a game in which they were roundly outplayed for the first 30 minutes but were kept in it by goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Defenceman Ville Heinola made his season debut in that one, on a third pairing with Colin Miller. Head coach Scott Arniel planned to go with the same pairings against the Kings. “There was lots of learning on the fly,” Arniel said. “But as the game went on they got stronger and started to work off each other.” The way the Jets took over in the final 30 minutes is how they would like to start tonight. “They’re a pretty responsible group,” Arniel said of the Kings. “They’ve got a hard-working forward group ... they really do a good job of boxing out and protecting the guts of the ice. That’ll be a grind for us. But at the same time we faced Minnesota the other night, the same kind of things. “You’ve got to create your offence by using your quickness, getting inside and looking for those second, third opportunities.” After a long flight from Minnesota and a day off on Tuesday, Arniel is looking for his team to shake off any jet lag or time-zone brain fog and get right back to work. “When you get to the game, that part can’t even be in your head.” One player who’s getting his chances but not scoring is forward Cole Perfetti After scoring four goals in his first 12 games, Perfetti has gone 10 games without. His coach isn’t worried about it and says the 22-year-old isn’t, either. “You still have to play the game the right way,” Arniel said, adding Perfetti is doing so. “If all you do is go out there thinking about goals, you’re going to have a long night. He learned a little bit of a lesson last year. He went through a stretch. That’s like everything about his career. He’s learning every year and every game. “He’s not as shook up right now about it as maybe he was in the past.” Perfetti went 23 games without a goal late last season, still finishing with a career-high 19 in 71 games before being scratched from the lineup for all but one playoff game. “His game isn’t just all centred around scoring goals,” Arniel said. “He’s had some Grade As. Sooner or later they’ll go in ... hopefully he gets a crazy bounce or an empty-netter to go in and that gets him feeling good and going again.” Still leading the league, the Jets will wrap up their road trip with games in Las Vegas on Friday and Dallas on Sunday afternoon. paul.friesen@kleinmedia.ca X: @friesensunmediaFor those fortunate enough to gain access to the OpenAI website during the chaos, the experience was nothing short of mesmerizing. From interactive demonstrations showcasing Sora's ability to generate human-like text to real-time simulations highlighting its decision-making prowess, users were treated to a captivating display of AI magic.

Silicon photonics I/O is a groundbreaking technology that utilizes light to transmit data, enabling faster and more efficient communication between components. By integrating silicon photonics directly into the AI accelerator, NVIDIA aims to drastically reduce latency and increase bandwidth, unlocking new possibilities for AI workloads. This integration not only boosts overall system performance but also paves the way for seamless connectivity in high-speed data processing tasks.In a surprising move that has sparked both intrigue and controversy, the historical figure Cao Cao, known for his strategic acumen and military prowess, has reportedly upgraded his legendary Gatling gun with artificial intelligence (AI), pushing the boundaries of innovation and technological advancement. The implications of this upgrade, however, raise important questions about intellectual property rights, copyright infringement, and the ethical considerations of modifying historical artifacts.

Trump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fate

As the football world eagerly anticipates the outcome of these discussions, one thing remains certain – Ansu Fati's talent and potential make him a player worth fighting for. Barcelona's commitment to nurturing and developing young talents, combined with Ansu Fati's ambition and drive, could pave the way for a successful and prosperous future for both the player and the club. The January meeting is set to be a decisive moment that could shape the course of Ansu Fati's career and legacy at FC Barcelona.Why Navitas Semiconductor Rocketed Over 20% Today

Fernanda Galan | (TNS) The Sacramento Bee Is your Thanksgiving turkey safe to eat? As poultry farms and dairies across California continue to battle bird flu outbreaks, residents may be worried about food safety this holiday season. Related Articles Health | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Health | Trump chooses controversial Stanford professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead NIH Health | Abortion bans could reverse decline in teen births, experts warn Health | After institutions for people with disabilities close, graves are at risk of being forgotten Health | A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her move Highly pathogenic avian influenza surfaced in the United States in January 2022, the virus has been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry, according to the Fresno Bee’s previous reporting. As of Nov. 18, a total of 294 dairies in California were under quarantine due to the avian flu, state agriculture officials confirmed. More than 4 million turkeys and chickens have been killed at poultry ranches across the state in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading. Meanwhile, the bird flu virus was detected in a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm in Fresno County, the California Department of Public Health reported. The Fresno Bee talked to María Soledad, a food safety inspection service spokeswoman at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to learn more about the virus and how it affects food safety. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highly pathogenic avian influenza — also known as bird flu or H5N1 — is a highly contagious and often deadly disease primarily found in poultry. It is “caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses,” the agency said on its website. HPAI can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry and other animals. The virus can also infect humans in rare cases. “It is important to note that ‘highly pathogenic’ refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans,” the agency said. Unlike seasonal influenza viruses, which are typically contracted through human-to-human transmission, avian influenza viruses are spread by infected birds through saliva, mucus and feces, according to the CDC. The virus can also be present in the respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or body fluids of other infected animals — including milk. Human infections occur when the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled through airborne droplets, aerosol particles or dust. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. “Illness in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death,” the CDC said. “Consumers can safely enjoy turkey this holiday season,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wrote in an email to The Bee, noting that food safety inspectors examine turkeys for disease “before and after slaughter.” That includes your Thanksgiving bird. “The turkeys from farms with confirmed avian influenza don’t even get sent to slaughter,” Soledad said. “They are destroyed on premises.” During an avian flu outbreak, “The chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low,” the FDA said on its website in April, “because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards in place, which include testing of flocks and federal inspection programs.” “When food is properly prepared and stored, the risk of consumers becoming infected with HPAI is reduced even further,” the FDA said. UC Davis professor Linda J. Harris, who focuses on microbial food safety, says you should prepare your Thanksgiving turkey using four essential steps: clean, cook, chill and separate. You can watch the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Holiday Food Safety video for tips on how to prepare a turkey the safe way, or check out the turkey recipe developed by the Partnership for Food Safety Education, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food-borne illness risks. According to the USDA, any traces of highly pathogenic avian influenza in your turkey are inactivated when food reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The USDA recommends following this rule anytime you’re preparing raw poultry, including chicken. On its Thanksgiving food safety website , the USDA has videos and information including calculators that help you determine the appropriate amount of time to thaw and cook your turkey. “Simply select your turkey’s weight, along with your preferred thawing and cooking methods, and you’ll immediately receive guidance on how to safely prepare your turkey this Thanksgiving!’ USDA congressional public affairs specialist Maria Machuca wrote in an email to The Bee. “There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on its website. Pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume and cook with, according to Hebah Ghanem, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco, Fresno. “The most important thing that it has to be pasteurized, because the virus is killed with heat,” Ghanem told The Bee. “Pasteurization of milk was adopted decades ago as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous bacteria and largely eliminate the risk of getting sick,” the FDA said on its website. All egg products are pasteurized as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “This means that they have been rapidly heated and held at a minimum required temperature for a specified time to destroy bacteria,” the agency said. However, eggs that are still in their shells aren’t required to be pasteurized, leading to potential health risks if eaten raw or uncooked. According to the CDC, avian flu symptoms in humans may include: California dairy workers infected with avian flu have experienced mild flu-like symptoms, The Bee previously reported. “All the cases that we have here in California are very mild,” Ghanem told the Fresno Bee in October. “They haven’t needed hospitalization.” To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, people should avoid exposure to dead animals, Ghanem said in October. That includes wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds and cows. People should also avoid exposure to animal feces as well as fluids. Here are other tips from Ghanem: ©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit at sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Black Caps v England: Hagley Oval test underway

President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app’s impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. “We got to keep this sucker around for a little while,” Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump’s unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok’s American users. President-elect Donald Trump once argued for a US ban on TikTok, but has recently expressed support for the popular video sharing platform – Copyright AFP JOSH EDELSON Even with Trump’s decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect’s desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump’s influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation’s highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court’s unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law’s national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok’s US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. – ‘Deal of the Century’ – Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan’s SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren’t detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a “deal of the century” satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance’s interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing’s approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump’s upcoming term. This isn’t the first attempt to resolve TikTok’s US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal’s completion. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forum also focused on the importance of global solidarity and cooperation in addressing public health challenges. Participants discussed the importance of sharing experiences, resources, and best practices to control the spread of the virus and ensure the well-being of all citizens.Just because you retire does not mean you have to be done working. Plenty of people who have cashed out on their main career still want something to do every day — a place to go, familiar faces to see, and of course, . Living on a fixed budget when you are retired isn’t always easy, so generating extra income can often be essential for paying bills in the golden years of your life. “There are options for retirees who want less physically demanding work,” said Adam Wood, co-founder of . “The availability of these opportunities may vary by location, so be sure to research each option.” Getting paid in a timely manner can often be just as important. Check out these same-day pay . Do you know and love where you live? Do you have extensive knowledge about a historical site or a tourist destination in your hometown? Then being a could be the perfect fit for your work goals. “As a Walking Tour Guide for city or historical societies, retirees can immerse themselves in local history, leading groups through cultural landmarks,” said Kimberley Tyler-Smith, an executive at the career tech platform . “It’s an ideal fit for those with a passion for history, offering daily pay ranging from $75 to $150. This role allows retirees to stay active, share their knowledge, and contribute to an enriching experience for tour participants.” Maybe you prefer to spend your retired life with animals instead of people, but you still like to get out and see the sights. Try becoming a professional dog walker! “Dog walking is an for retirees as it enables them to contribute to society while staying active,” said Nathan Brunner, CEO of , where dog-walking jobs pay anywhere between $12 and $20 per hour, with the highest earnings in . “The easiest way to get started and earn daily money would be to get a dog-walking job from friends or family,” Brunner said, offering that another option is to use simple and senior-friendly apps like Rover or Wag! that connect dog owners with dog walkers. “It is important to note that even though you can see your daily earnings on the app, it is only possible to withdraw every two days,” Brunner said. Lots of retirees spend their days at the links. But what if you could be on the golf course and get paid for it? All you have to do is become a marshal. “Retirees who relish the outdoors and have an affinity for golf can consider the role of a golf course marshal,” Tyler-Smith said. “Responsibilities include maintaining a smooth course flow and assisting golfers. With a daily pay range of $50 to $100, this position provides a refreshing outdoor setting and often includes perks like free or discounted access to the golf course, making it an attractive option for retirees.” The primary function of tax preparers is to prepare and submit taxes to the government. However, tax preparers work year-round but are most busy between January and April. “For temporary positions, many tax companies hire part-time or contract workers,” Wood said, noting that it could be a good fit for retirees during or leading up to tax season, with the average hourly pay coming to about $14.46 per hour. Just like the golf course, many senior citizens and retired professionals can be found at grocery stores around the country. One of the most popular? Costco. And who better to work at Costco than retirees who know the products well? “Retirees looking for an engaging role can explore becoming a sample distributor at Costco,” said Tyler-Smith. “This position involves interacting with shoppers, providing product samples, and enhancing the overall shopping experience. With a daily pay ranging from $60 to $100 and potential perks such as product discounts, it offers a dynamic and social opportunity for retirees.” Many retirees don’t even need to leave home these days in order to get jobs and get paid daily. That’s particularly true for those living in condo communities. “Retirees with strong interpersonal skills can find satisfaction as a condo concierge,” Tyler-Smith said. In this role, they can assist their neighbors with tasks like package reception and providing information for about $80 to $120 a day. “Additionally, retirees may enjoy benefits such as access to complex amenities, making it a rewarding option for those seeking a service-oriented role in a residential setting,” Tyler-Smith said. This article originally appeared on :Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. He's converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Biden says the commutations are consistent with a pause on executions put in place by his administration in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. Biden says he couldn't let a new administration resume executions. Trump has talked about subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. A spokesperson for Trump said Biden's decision is “abhorrent" and a “slap in the face” to victims and their families. House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress. The 37-page report was released Monday by the bipartisan panel after a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The report includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz took part in while representing Florida in the House. Congressional investigators concluded that he violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and he filed a lawsuit Monday trying to block the report’s release. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's attorney complained during a brief hearing Monday that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Mangione was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his not guilty plea. Man faces murder charges in the death of a woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames. Police on Monday said the man, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, had been taken into custody as a person of interest in the case hours after the woman died. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jeff Carter said he is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018. Transit police apprehended the man hours after the fatal fire. Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland, the ice-covered semi-autonomous Danish territory. That's added to the list of allied countries he’s picking fights with, even before taking office on Jan. 20. Greenland insists it's not for sale and Trump's initial calls to purchase it in 2019 came to nothing. But his latest suggestion comes after the president-elect suggested the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal and that Canadians wanted their county to become the 51st U.S. state. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized. At the same time there are fears that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. A church a short walk from the scene of the attack has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening and killed five people. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond This holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They range from a “Calm Christmas” in West Virginia to an inclusive Hanukkah in New Jersey. Many disabled people, advocates and families want more houses of worship to know that there are ways to fully incorporate and welcome people with these and other disabilities and their families — and not just during the holidays but year round. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. They were the headliners among the Southeastern Conference's haul of 10 ranked teams. Iowa State, Duke and Alabama rounded out the top five. Kentucky had the week's biggest fall, sliding six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Illinois and Baylor rejoined the poll after stints in the rankings earlier this season. They replaced Memphis, Dayton, Michigan and Clemson. The Big 12 and Big Ten were tied for second with five teams each in the AP Top 25.

In an unprecedented move, the A-share market saw a surge in trading volume exceeding 200 billion RMB within the first 10 minutes of opening today. This unexpected and substantial increase in market activity has caught the attention of investors, analysts, and industry experts alike.Türkiye’s ambassador to Moscow and Russia’s special envoy for the Middle East and North Africa discussed the latest developments in Syria, diplomatic sources said Monday. The sources said that the meeting between Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç and Mikhail Bogdanov, who is also Russia’s deputy foreign minister, focused on current developments in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the situation in Syria. Both sides emphasized the importance of preserving Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Syrian issue was a key topic of discussion between Bogdanov and Bilgiç. Russia is maintaining a dialogue with Türkiye to discuss Syria’s future after the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime, the country's consul general in Istanbul said last week. Türkiye vowed to help new rulers revive Syria after decades of autocratic rule and a brutal civil war. Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.Zelensky's decision to publicly disclose the number of military casualties serves as a powerful rebuttal to Trump's claims, highlighting the very real and devastating impact that the conflict continues to have on the people of Ukraine. By providing transparency and accountability regarding the loss of Ukrainian lives, Zelensky is sending a clear message that the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers will not be forgotten or minimized.

5. Inclusion of Additional Services: Some dental clinics may bundle root canal treatment with other services, such as dental cleaning, X-rays, or cavity fillings, which can affect the final price.As Li Xiang and Wang Shilin continue to captivate audiences with their respective pursuits, the online world remains divided between admiration and envy. While some aspire to attain the level of success and luxury enjoyed by Li Xiang, others find solace in the relatability and charm of Wang Shilin. The duo represents a spectrum of dreams and realities, reminding us of the complexities and nuances of fame, fortune, and ambition.Under sanctions for human rights abuses, Ortega himself had proposed the change, which also increases the Central American country's presidential term from five to six years. Nicaragua's National Assembly is under control of Ortega's ruling FSLN party, and parliament chief Gustavo Porras said Friday the measure was approved "unanimously." It is all but guaranteed to pass a second reading in January. Ortega, 79, has engaged in increasingly authoritarian practices, tightening control of all sectors of the state with the aid of his powerful wife, 73-year-old Vice President Rosario Murillo in what critics describe as a nepotistic dictatorship. The ex-guerrilla had first served as president from 1985 to 1990, returning to power in 2007. Nicaragua has jailed hundreds of opponents, real and perceived, since then. Ortega's government has targeted critics, shutting down more than 5,000 NGOs since 2018 mass protests in which the United Nations estimates more than 300 people died. Thousands of Nicaraguans have fled into exile, and the regime is under US and EU sanctions. Most independent and opposition media now operate from abroad. The constitutional amendment stipulates that "traitors to the homeland" can be stripped of their citizenship, as the Ortega government has already done with hundreds of politicians, journalists, intellectuals and activists, among others perceived as critical. Ortega and Murillo accuse the Church, journalists and NGOs of having supported an attempted coup d'etat, as they describe the 2018 protests. The change also allows for stricter control over the media and the Church, so they are not subject to "foreign interests." And it gives the co-presidents the power to coordinate all "legislative, judicial, electoral, control and supervisory bodies, regional and municipal" -- formerly independent under the constitution. Manuel Orozco, a Nicaraguan analyst for the Inter-American Dialogue, told AFP the reform "guarantees the presidential succession" of Murillo and the pair's son, Laureano Ortega. The Geneva-based UN human rights office (OHCHR) in its annual report on Nicaragua warned in September of a "serious" deterioration in human rights under Ortega. The report cited violations such as arbitrary arrests of opponents, torture, ill-treatment in detention, increased violence against Indigenous people and attacks on religious freedom. The revised constitution will define Nicaragua as a "revolutionary" and socialist state and include the red-and-black flag of the FSLN -- a guerrilla group-turned political party that overthrew a US-backed dictator in 1979 -- among its national symbols. Constitutional law expert Azahalea Solis said this change excludes other political ideologies, while Salvador Marenco, a human rights lawyer exiled in Costa Rica, said it will end political pluralism and the doctrine of separation of powers. "Everything in the reform is what has actually been happening in Nicaragua: a de facto dictatorship," Dora Maria Tellez, a former comrade in arms of Ortega turned critic, told AFP from exile in the United States. When it was proposed by Ortega earlier this week, Organization of American States secretary general Luis Almagro described the amendment as "an aberrant form of institutionalizing the marital dictatorship." He also labeled the initiative an "aggression against the democratic rule of law." mis-mlr/dwOpinion: Australia is banning social media for teens. Should Canada do the same?

From Jelly Roll to TWICE, top acts hit 'Amazon Music Live' to spotlight their upcoming projects

Fernanda Galan | (TNS) The Sacramento Bee Is your Thanksgiving turkey safe to eat? As poultry farms and dairies across California continue to battle bird flu outbreaks, residents may be worried about food safety this holiday season. Related Articles Health | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Health | Trump chooses controversial Stanford professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead NIH Health | Abortion bans could reverse decline in teen births, experts warn Health | After institutions for people with disabilities close, graves are at risk of being forgotten Health | A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her move Highly pathogenic avian influenza surfaced in the United States in January 2022, the virus has been detected in wild birds and domestic poultry, according to the Fresno Bee’s previous reporting. As of Nov. 18, a total of 294 dairies in California were under quarantine due to the avian flu, state agriculture officials confirmed. More than 4 million turkeys and chickens have been killed at poultry ranches across the state in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading. Meanwhile, the bird flu virus was detected in a batch of raw milk from Raw Farm in Fresno County, the California Department of Public Health reported. The Fresno Bee talked to María Soledad, a food safety inspection service spokeswoman at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to learn more about the virus and how it affects food safety. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highly pathogenic avian influenza — also known as bird flu or H5N1 — is a highly contagious and often deadly disease primarily found in poultry. It is “caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses,” the agency said on its website. HPAI can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry and other animals. The virus can also infect humans in rare cases. “It is important to note that ‘highly pathogenic’ refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans,” the agency said. Unlike seasonal influenza viruses, which are typically contracted through human-to-human transmission, avian influenza viruses are spread by infected birds through saliva, mucus and feces, according to the CDC. The virus can also be present in the respiratory secretions, organs, blood, or body fluids of other infected animals — including milk. Human infections occur when the virus enters the eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled through airborne droplets, aerosol particles or dust. It can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. “Illness in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in death,” the CDC said. “Consumers can safely enjoy turkey this holiday season,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wrote in an email to The Bee, noting that food safety inspectors examine turkeys for disease “before and after slaughter.” That includes your Thanksgiving bird. “The turkeys from farms with confirmed avian influenza don’t even get sent to slaughter,” Soledad said. “They are destroyed on premises.” During an avian flu outbreak, “The chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is low,” the FDA said on its website in April, “because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards in place, which include testing of flocks and federal inspection programs.” “When food is properly prepared and stored, the risk of consumers becoming infected with HPAI is reduced even further,” the FDA said. UC Davis professor Linda J. Harris, who focuses on microbial food safety, says you should prepare your Thanksgiving turkey using four essential steps: clean, cook, chill and separate. You can watch the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Holiday Food Safety video for tips on how to prepare a turkey the safe way, or check out the turkey recipe developed by the Partnership for Food Safety Education, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food-borne illness risks. According to the USDA, any traces of highly pathogenic avian influenza in your turkey are inactivated when food reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The USDA recommends following this rule anytime you’re preparing raw poultry, including chicken. On its Thanksgiving food safety website , the USDA has videos and information including calculators that help you determine the appropriate amount of time to thaw and cook your turkey. “Simply select your turkey’s weight, along with your preferred thawing and cooking methods, and you’ll immediately receive guidance on how to safely prepare your turkey this Thanksgiving!’ USDA congressional public affairs specialist Maria Machuca wrote in an email to The Bee. “There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on its website. Pasteurized milk and other dairy products are safe to consume and cook with, according to Hebah Ghanem, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco, Fresno. “The most important thing that it has to be pasteurized, because the virus is killed with heat,” Ghanem told The Bee. “Pasteurization of milk was adopted decades ago as a basic public health measure to kill dangerous bacteria and largely eliminate the risk of getting sick,” the FDA said on its website. All egg products are pasteurized as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “This means that they have been rapidly heated and held at a minimum required temperature for a specified time to destroy bacteria,” the agency said. However, eggs that are still in their shells aren’t required to be pasteurized, leading to potential health risks if eaten raw or uncooked. According to the CDC, avian flu symptoms in humans may include: California dairy workers infected with avian flu have experienced mild flu-like symptoms, The Bee previously reported. “All the cases that we have here in California are very mild,” Ghanem told the Fresno Bee in October. “They haven’t needed hospitalization.” To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, people should avoid exposure to dead animals, Ghanem said in October. That includes wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds and cows. People should also avoid exposure to animal feces as well as fluids. Here are other tips from Ghanem: ©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit at sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The tragic events that unfolded in Haiti serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the devastating consequences of unchecked violence. As the nation mourns the loss of over 184 lives, let us stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti, offering our support, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building a more just and peaceful world for all.