LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brett Howden scored his 15th goal of the season and Ilya Samsonov stopped 31 shots as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Calgary Flames 3-0 on Sunday night. Howden redirected defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s shot from the top of the slot late in the second period and is now tied with Ivan Barbashev for the team lead in goals. Howden has scored a goal in four of the last five games. Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Golden Knights, who have shut out Calgary twice this season, beating them 5-0 on Oct. 28 . Dan Vladar made 34 saves for Calgary. The Golden Knights have now won six straight, the longest active win streak in the NHL, while improving to 25-8-3 on the year. They own a 13-2-1 record against Pacific Division opponents. Calgary (17-12-7) dropped to 4-4-1 against Pacific Division teams. Calgary: The Flames played in their fourth back-to-back set following Saturday’s 3-1 win in San Jose. Calgary is 3-1-0 in game one of a back-to-back scenario and dropped to 1-3-0 in game two of back-to-backs. Vegas: The Golden Knights scored twice in the third period and now boast a league-best plus-30 goal differential in the third period. Spanning the end of the first period and into the second period, the Golden Knights were successful in staving off a Calgary power play, which included a 5-on-3 for roughly a minute after Howden was given a double-minor for a high stick to Jonathan Huberdeau’s head. Samsonov stopped five shots during the entire sequence. 200 — Jack Eichel played in his 200th game as a Golden Knight, while Bruce Cassidy coached his 200th game with Vegas. The Flames host Vancouver on Tuesday. Vegas will host Montreal on Tuesday. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers were hit by another family tragedy with the announcement that star left tackle Trent Williams' wife gave birth to a stillborn son late last week. Sondra Williams announced on Instagram on Sunday that she gave birth to Trenton O’Brien Williams Jr. on Nov. 24. Williams also wrote that she was initially pregnant with twins and lost the other child earlier in the pregnancy. “I can’t even begin to describe how I felt leaving the hospital without you,” she wrote. “Nor how it feels being home celebrating Thanksgiving without my baby in my arms. My heart is broken and my arms are empty. But I know you’ll always be near watching over me and your sisters. And for that, my heart smiles with gratitude. Thank God for allowing us to bond for 35 weeks and for me to birth you so I could hold you in my arms. I’m at peace knowing you will never have to suffer.” Williams wrote that her son was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, a genetic condition also known as Patau syndrome that affects how the face, brain and heart develop, along with several other internal organs. Trent Williams spent time last week at the hospital and grieving with his family, including the couple's three young daughters. “He was there at the hospital with her and got to meet him and say bye,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. "Then he had to cremate him on Friday. So he’s been dealing with that and he’s working through it. But we’re all just trying to be here for him through it all.” This is the second tragedy to hit the Niners in recent weeks. Cornerback Charvarius Ward's 1-year-old daughter , Amani Joy, died on Oct. 28. She had born prematurely with Down syndrome and had open-heart surgery in April 2023. Ward spent a few weeks away from the team and returned to the field for the first time on Sunday. Williams has missed the last two games with an ankle injury but Shanahan said he is hoping to be able to the return as soon as he's healthy. “It’s hard as a coach. It’s hard as a friend. It’s hard as a family member. It’s hard for everybody," Shanahan said. ”But we spend a lot of time with each other. That’s what’s cool about a football team. Whatever you go through, the good or the bad, we go through it together. I do like that they have a group of guys they can go to, a group of guys that can see them every day. You can never escape that full grief and stuff. But I do think it’s nice for those guys to have another avenue to get out on the football field, to get around teammates and things like that." AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflA range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Ireland’s next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority. Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.
NoneA McDonald's Corp MCD restaurant in Pennsylvania became the location of a police arrest for the suspect now charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The arrest, which came from customers and employees recognizing suspect Luigi Mangione from surveillance photos released by New York City police, has some people upset that police were called. What Happened: Mangione has been charged with the death of Thompson, the CEO Of UnitedHealthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group UNH . His arrest came after a McDonald's employee called police as patrons recognized the suspect, which led to his arrest. With a potential motive for the murder of Thompson being related to the high cost of insurance premiums and high rate of insurance claim denials, the insurance sector is seeing an increased spotlight that has also made some sympathetic to whoever completed the murder. Some who were upset with the handling of Mangione being arrested at the McDonald's used the power of the internet and social media reviews to take down the Pennsylvania restaurant location. A large amount of one-star reviews began popping up on Google for the Pennsylvania McDonald's, as reported by the New York Post. Google, which is a unit of Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL removed one-star reviews. "These reviews violate our policies and are being removed," a Google spokesperson told The New York Post. While many of the one-star reviews, which are part of a process known as "review bombing" had been removed, the news outlet found several still remained. "More like Narc-donalds...I hope obesity and heart disease are in-network in PA," one review said. Review company Yelp Inc YELP also saw a rush of new reviews on the Pennsylvania McDonald's and put a warning on the location's page that said "Unusual Activity Alert." Here are some of the reviews left on Yelp for the McDonald's location: "Avoid this McDonald's location, they're out of your network. The food will send you to an early grave and no health insurance will cover that — they're in the business of denials." "Major rat problem in this most anti-American establishment. Never going to eat here again." "The staff was rude and they called the police on my friend Luigi. There were rats everywhere." "One of the employees told me because I'm poor I don't deserve healthcare." "Horrible service and the patrons today were McSnitches. Home they McStitches and their insurance doesn't pay for it." Read Also: McDonald’s Where Trump Worked Review-Bombed On Yelp: ‘Fries Too Salty As If Someone Who Lost A Major Election Had Been Crying Over Them’ Why It's Important: The Pennsylvania McDonald's had private security at the location Tuesday as it saw an increased influx of customers and media. Regulars at the location thought Mangione looked familiar and their conversation heard by an employee prompted the employee to call police. "A guy came in the door, and I didn't really look at him, I thought everyone was kidding around. The one guy said, ‘That looks like the shooter from New York,'" a witness named Larry told CBS News. The employee recognized Mangione while taking his order, according to the report. McDonald's workers have said they are worried about their safety after Mangione's arrest. The Altoona Police Department, which arrested Mangione, has also received death threats, according to the report. The sympathy that has shifted towards Mangione since his arrest comes with his social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook, which are owned by Meta Platforms Inc META being shut down . YouTube also deleted several channels linked to Mangione. An account linked to Mangione on X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk , was shut down before being reinstated as Musk said he was "looking into it." Mangione's account on X went from having under 1,000 followers to more than 300,000 at the time of writing. The last post made by Mangione was a retweet in June 2024 with his last original post made on May 14, 2024. The May 14, 2024 post, now having millions of impressions, was centered on cellular agriculture and mentioned the company Agronomics Ltd. AGNMF , a penny stock that has seen a sizable boost to its share price this week. The X account for Mangione was unverified on Monday, but is now verified Tuesday with users questioning who paid for or approved of the blue check and asking if the suspect will receive revenue similar to other accounts on the platform. A meme coin called Luigi was also launched and saw sizable action on Monday and Tuesday. Users have also flocked to the GoodReads account reportedly belonging to Mangione. The profile features a reading history of books on back pain and a four-star review of the manifesto of Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber. GoodReads, which is owned by Amazon.com Inc AMZN could end up a potential winner in the increased traffic related to Mangione on the site. Read Next: UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect: Chronic Pain, Unabomber Fascination, Isolation Details Emerge Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
By Sheree Strange Australia is a big country, and exploring all of it can feel overwhelming if you're on a tight budget. Luckily, there are many amazing accessible experiences that won't break the bank across all the states and territories. Befriend the wildlife Queenslanders are a friendly bunch – and we're not just talking about the humans. There are plenty of opportunities to befriend the wildlife of the Sunshine State (just be sure to do so safely and under supervision). If your budget doesn't stretch to an all-day ticket to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or you don't have a full day in your itinerary to spare, you can pop along to the daily Lorikeet Feedings for free. READ MORE: The best hotels in Australia have been crowned for 2024 At 8am and 4pm, the beautiful birds descend on the flat and paved Lorikeet Arena and feast on the seed provided right from your hands. You can watch from a short distance behind a low fence (height of 630mm to allow unobstructed views), or you can get in there and feed them yourself for a gold coin donation. Frolic in the forest If your holiday takes you to Far North Queensland , you'll want to take full advantage of your proximity to one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. The Wet Tropics are 80 million years older than the Amazon, and home to staggering biodiversity in flora and fauna. You can experience a section of it for free at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which has the best exhibition of tropical plants in Australia. Most areas are fully accessible (though some paths in the Flecker Gardens are not suitable for wheelchair users), and there is a helpful accessibility map available on the local government website , along with details about free walking and bird-watching tours. READ MORE: Top locations to escape off-grid in Japan Make a (beach) day of it Many tourists head straight for the big-name beaches of Bondi and Coogee, but there's a lot more accessible fun to be had on a budget at Manly Beach. Take one of Sydney's accessible ferries across to Manly , and spend the day on the scenic foreshore. If you want to take a dip, head to the Queenscliff Rockpool (widened ramp access from the beach and modified pool stairs) or borrow a beach wheelchair from the Manly Life Saving Club and get out on the sand. Rinse off at the accessible showers, then wheel or wander along the flat paved paths of the beachfront promenade. Kids will have a wonderful time at the North Steyne Major inclusive playground , with a pod swing, carousel, sensory play boards, and a Butterfly see-saw to cater to all abilities. Appreciate some art Across New South Wales , you have plenty of opportunities for art appreciation, with many museums offering free or discounted admission. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is the shining jewel in the art scene's crown, welcoming over one million visitors each year. Admission is free, and the galleries are open 10am-5pm daily (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). The venue is designed for universal access, with barrier-free entrances and navigation throughout. There are both accessible bathrooms and a Changing Places facility available for use. Additional aids and supports are available for people with low vision or colour vision deficiency, people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing , and people with sensory sensitivities . Everyone gets an opportunity to fully appreciate the art on display. Go big before you go home No trip around Australia is complete without checking one or two Big Things off your bucket list. There are several you can visit across New South Wales, including: the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour ; the Big Merino in Goulburn; the Big Prawn in Ballina; the Big Potato in Robertson; and the Big Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri. Most of these sculptures are free to see, and can be accessed by vehicle or on foot and/or wheel. You can purchase a souvenir or a themed meal at each, or simply snap a photo for your scrapbook for a free memento. Bask on the beach The beautiful beaches of Western Australia are less crowded than their East Coast counterparts, with free services and support available for visitors with disabilities. The beach at Hillary's Boat Harbour has been developed with accessibility in mind. There is permanent beach matting leading to the water at the swimming cove, and an accessible fishing platform at the northern end of the harbour. If you're approaching from the water, or heading out that way, a Universal Floating Pontoon allows for easy boarding and disembarking. Two free beach wheelchairs are available for use. Sorrento Beach, also in Perth 's northern suburbs, has a beach wheelchair and all-terrain walker free to use on a first-come-first-serve basis (no bookings required). Park at the convenient accessible parking, and make your way around on the firm sand with gentle gradient, or stick to the barrier-free paths. There is a Changing Places facility at Sorrento, accessible with an MLAK key. Get back to nature National Parks throughout Western Australia have step-free paths and viewing decks, allowing you to get close to nature without sacrificing accessibility. In Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, take in spectacular views on the Cape to Cape Track, with a 3.5km path from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock lookout. The sealed grade 1 track is suitable for visitors using mobility aids , and there is seating en route if you'd like to rest and take it all in. Entry is free. Take it up a notch with the incredible Valley of the Giants treetop walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The 600m path is suspended 40m above the forest floor, with incredible unique views from accessible vantage points. There are complimentary wheelchairs available for visitors with limited mobility, as well as designated parking and accessible bathrooms. Peer into the past The newly-renovated National ANZAC Centre in Albany offers an award-winning experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. The museum uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. All areas, including outdoor pathways and interiors, are step-free. There is designated parking and a wheelchair accessible bathroom available. Tickets are $25 for adults, with concessions available for cardholders and children. Companion Cards are accepted. Group tours of 10+ people also attract a lower rate. While you're there, wander around the grounds and take in the Princess Royal Fortress Convoy Walk & Lookout. You'll see original gun batteries, large coastal gun defences and the barracks where officers lived and worked. If you're lucky you may even catch a traditional gun salute! Entry is free, with gold coin donations encouraged. READ MORE: 10 must-try winter activities for all abilities See the sun set Darwin , the territory's capital, has endless excellent spots to catch a truly stunning sunset. Access at some of the more popular spots, like Mindil Beach, can be challenging, but there are plenty of alternatives. Cullen Bay Beach has an accessible path that runs parallel to the sandy beach, with unobstructed views as the sun goes down. The Darwin Waterfront also has step-free access across a single level, designated parking, accessible bathrooms, and a Mobi-Mat down to the water until 6pm. Go chasing waterfalls The Northern Territory has a reputation for being dry and dusty, but the picturesque waterfalls prove that it's undeserved. Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park (150km south of Darwin) has everything you need for a low-cost day trip. There's plenty of undercover seating in accessible paved areas, a wheelchair accessible viewing platform, gas barbecues for lunch (or the Wangi Falls Cafe if you'd prefer lunch made for you), and two access points to take a dip (including one by ramp). The falls are closed to swimming during the wet season (October-March), but that's when they're flowing fastest, which looks fantastic in photos. Meander around the markets The Northern Territory has some of the best local markets in Australia. Each has its own community flavour, but you'll always find amazing bargains. The Parap Markets (8am-2pm every Saturday, whatever the weather) has incredible Asian cuisine on offer, as well as arts and crafts. Head down early to Rapid Creek Markets (7am-2pm Saturday and Sunday, year-round), and you'll get the best pick of fresh produce to fuel you for your whole trip. The Nightcliff Sunday Markets (8am-2pm) is the best spot to pick up a unique gift with a wide range of crafts and plants, or treat yourself to a reflexology massage, or simply relax in the shade and enjoy free entertainment by local artists. Try a tipple No trip to South Australia is complete without trying a tipple in the world-renowned wine region. You needn't shell out big bucks to have a taste of some of the best wines in the world, as cellar door experiences are usually very reasonably priced. The fully-accessible ArtWine Estate tasting experience is just $25 per person, which gets you six fresh and vibrant wines plus a small Adelaide Hills cheese tasting plate and delicious house-roasted almonds. Check out a church Adelaide is the City of Churches, and there are many architectural wonders to behold. St Peter's Cathedral is a landmark in the city, and free to visit. Worshippers can attend morning or evening services, and sight-seers are welcomed across the middle of the day (check opening hours close to your visit, as they are subject to change for events). The main body of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible unisex bathroom and designated parking. Indulge your sweet tooth Chocaholics rejoice! Haigh's Chocolates offers free tours of its factory in Parkside, and it's a must-do for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can choose whether to take a guided tour, or make your own way around, to see the chocolatiers in action. Watch the chocolate frogs (the best chocolate frogs in the world), truffles, and bars roll off the production line, and – if you're lucky – score some chocolate seconds. You don't need to book, so it's a flexible option to fill a gap in your itinerary. Access to the factory is challenging for people using mobility aids, so it's best to check in with staff at the Visitor's Centre; if a tour doesn't suit your needs, you can still pick up some delicious goodies from the accessible souvenir shop. Give the Great Ocean Road a go If you're driving your own vehicle, or you've arranged for an accessible car rental , you can spend a lovely day or two heading down the Great Ocean Road. Take your time travelling from surf haven Torquay to the charming town of Allansford, and make the most of every opportunity to stop and check out the postcard-worthy views. Gaze out at the 12 Apostles, let the kids burn off some energy at the inclusive Port Campbell Playground, and savour the sensory haven of Stevensons Falls, all for free. There's plenty of accessible accommodation en route, too, if you're looking for somewhere to spend the night. Look in at the library Bookworm or not, you're sure to find something of interest at the State Library Victoria. The building holds more than two million books, as well as museum-worthy exhibitions (such as Ned Kelly's armour), free events and workshops, cafes and afternoon teas, and more. Access is excellent throughout, with lifts to all levels, complimentary wheelchairs to borrow, assistive technology workstations, reading assistance tools, and hearing loops. There's even a designated Access & Inclusion Librarian, available to assist visitors with disabilities and connect them to resources. Best of all, aside from the occasional ticketed event, it's all completely free. Have fun at Federation Square Free live music, outdoor cinema screenings, festivals, installations, exhibitions, meditation and tai chi – what more could you ask for? Federation Square is a hub for the culture that makes Melbourne marvellous, and a gateway to the arts precinct of the city. It's located directly across from Flinders Street Station, and 'open' 24 hours a day. A marked access path runs through the Square from Swanston Street, with lift access to the Atrium, the Edge, and the River Terrace. Recent upgrades have added a Changing Places facility and Hearing Loop technology for visitors. Explore with your ears One of our favourite accessibility apps, VacayIt , now offers free audio guides to many of Tasmania 's most popular attractions. Each guide provides a rich and detailed description of the full range of sensory experiences, from vibrant sunsets on the coast to the towering trees of Tasmania's forests. VacayIt provides both audio files and complete transcripts, all completely compatible with assistive technology. You can cruise the Gordon River, taste something tantalising at Furneaux Distillery, explore the Bay of Fires, learn the rich history of Port Arthur, and so much more. Take a TrailRider out for the day Tasmania might be a small island, relatively speaking, but there's lots of natural trails and wilderness to explore. The Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service provides a TrailRider , free of charge, to allow people to access areas previously unreachable without full mobility. Book the TrailRider ahead of time and collect it from the Mount Field National Park Visitor Centre when you arrive. One of the most magical experiences can be had on the Tall Trees loop, a 1km track that takes you around the tallest flowering plants in the world. The trees you'll see there can reach 100m in height, and some have been growing since Abel Tasman first sighted Tasmania in 1642. If you're travelling solo, or you'd prefer not to transfer to the TrailRider, there are other paths accessible for standard mobility equipment, like the Russell Falls track. Peek in on the penguins The Friends of Burnie Penguins volunteers offer visitors a free guided tour of the Little Fairy Penguin colony, and it's a must for all animal lovers. You'll get a close-up view of the penguin families at every stage of life, including the baby chicks lovingly reared by their adorable parents. The guides will explain the daily activities of their charges, answer any questions you might have, and help you get the best views and a few Insta-worthy photos (without flash). The Penguin Observation Centre is accessible via the city boardwalk, and the viewing area is level and suitable for wheelchairs. It's best to arrive just before dusk as the penguins come ashore, every night from 1 October-31 March. Learn the law of the land Of course, the Australian Capital Territory is built around the nation's capital, Canberra , the centre of our political system. Parliament House will be a fascinating experience for anyone who's curious about the laws that govern our day-to-day lives and the history of our federal government. Entry is free, and the building is open year-round (9am-6pm on non-sitting days, 9am-5pm on days when parliament is sitting). The free Heart of the House guided tour will introduce visitors to the architecture and history of the building, and highlights of the political events that take place inside. All public areas are accessible, and there are complimentary wheelchairs available from the Information Desk in the Marble Foyer. Contemplate and commemorate at the War Memorial The Australian War Memorial is perhaps not the cheeriest attraction in Canberra, but it's still a fascinating and moving experience for visitors. The Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. Contemplate the sacrifice of soldiers, learn about the ceremonial customs of the Australian military, and look up information about your ancestors who served. Lift access is available between the Galleries, wheelchairs available for loan from the Information Desk, and there are video-guided Auslan tours of the Memorial available ($10 p.p.). Entry is free, though it is recommended that you pre-book your timed ticket online to guarantee entry. The Last Post Ceremony takes place at 4.30pm, with the last entry at 4.00pm. Go (Cockington) Green! Cockington Green is a quaint and quirky attraction on the outskirts of Canberra that will delight the whole family. A whole town of meticulously crafted miniature buildings is laid out across beautifully landscaped gardens, with lots of treasures to discover. Wide paved paths let you wander or wheel through with ease, and the displays are at a perfect viewing height. There's a licensed Garden Cafe on site, free barbecues if you'd like to make your own lunch, and two gift shops to score a souvenir. An adult ticket is $25 at time of writing, but there are senior and family discounts available. This story first appeared on Travel Without Limits and has been reproduced here with permission.Broncos can wipe away back-to-back heartbreakers and make playoffs by beating Kansas CityNone
NoneFormer Turkish international Nihat Kahveci has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his impressive performances and selfless teamwork since his summer loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray . The 25-year-old Nigerian striker has become a fan favourite, captivating Turkish pundits with his goal-scoring ability and team-oriented mindset. Osimhen has already made a significant impact, scoring eight goals in nine matches and providing four assists—two in the Süper Lig and two in the UEFA Europa League. In a recent interview with the Kontraspor YouTube channel, Kahveci shared his admiration for Osimhen ‘s strong partnership with teammate Mauro Icardi. “Victor Osimhen has no explanation without Icardi. This alone is very important. Goal scorers are a bit egoistic, selfish, and a bit jealous,” Kahveci said. “They always want to score more than the one next to them. There were some like that—I played with some like that—but Osimhen always talks about Icardi. He is very generous; when his teammates score, he’s happier than they are.” Kahveci further highlighted Osimhen’s exceptional character, emphasising how the Nigerian striker prioritises team success over personal achievement. “He even stops celebrating his own goal to celebrate for Icardi. He is a very great character. I think he is a player and a personality that every team’s fans would love to have. Well done, congratulations,” the retired Turkish star added. Kahveci stressed that Osimhen deserves all the recognition he has garnered in Turkey. “Since the first day he arrived, he has been showing everything he has on the field without any hesitation. I am not exaggerating at all. This player deserves it. How can we not praise such a player?” he concluded. Osimhen’s contributions have been instrumental in Galatasaray’s strong performances this season.
Stock market today: Wall Street closes higher as the Dow reaches another record
A new month (and year) is now on the horizon, so what better time to consider making some new additions to your investment portfolio. If you are interested in exchange-traded funds ( ), then it could be worth considering the three in this article. Here's why these highly rated funds could be top options for investors next month and beyond: ( ) The first ASX ETF for investors to look at is the . This ETF gives investors access to the leading Australian companies in the technology sector. Betashares recently named it as one to buy. Its analysts believe that "with the nascent adoption of AI, cloud computing, big data, automation, and the internet of things, there's a good chance that the next decade's major winners will come from the tech sector." Its holdings include ( ), ( ), and ( ). (ASX: MTUM) Another ASX ETF for investors to consider is the . It was also recently as a buy for Aussie investors. Betashares points out that the ETF is the first to provide investors with a momentum strategy over Australian shares. It also highlights that the index the fund tracks has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index by an average of 2.3% per annum since its inception over 13 years ago. The fund manager notes that momentum investing looks for stocks that show a recent trend of outperforming the broad market. It works on the theory that rising asset prices often continue rising, and falling prices tend to continue falling. The ETF's holdings include giants such as ( ) and ( ). ( ) Finally, the could be an ASX ETF to consider buying in January. This fund provides investors with access to approximately 8,000 large, mid, and small cap stocks from Australia, the United States, developed markets, and emerging markets. This is achieved using ETFs from both Betashares and other leading ETF managers, and includes ETFs that trade in Australia, as well as on overseas exchanges. Betashares also recently tipped it as one to buy. Its analysts note that the fund gives investors exposure to an "all-cap, all-world" share portfolio with the potential for high growth over the long term, which it feels it could be suitable for investors with a high tolerance for risk.
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The ordered closure of TikTok’s Canadian operations over national security concerns will make it more difficult to force the company to cooperate with privacy investigations, Canada’s privacy commissioner said Tuesday. Philippe Dufresne testified to MPs on the House of Commons ethics committee who are scrutinizing the federal government’s order last month that TikTok Canada wind up its operations following a national security review. The government hasn’t shared the specific national security risks that led to the windup order, but has said it won’t prevent Canadians from using the app. The company filed documents in Federal Court in Vancouver last Thursday to challenge the government’s order. Dufresne — whose office and provincial counterparts are currently investigating whether TikTok unlawfully collected and shared younger users’ information — said privacy laws allow his office to seek a Canadian court order to force a company to provide evidence and testimony during an investigation. “Certainly in terms of compelling powers, if there’s a refusal to provide us with documentation, it’s easier if the organization is in Canada,” where that order can be enforced by Canadian authorities, he said. Dufresne said his office, which has no enforcement powers itself, can ask a foreign company to cooperate in an investigation if there is a provable “real and substantive connection to Canada,” such as Canadian users of an app or service. “Where the issue could come up is in terms of enforcing it,” he said. “If all the assets are in another country then it becomes an issue of private international law, where you seek to have another court, another country, enforce the decision of Canadian courts.” Dufresne told the committee the government’s windup order will not have an impact on his current investigation, which was launched last year alongside British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. He said he expects a final report and recommendations to be released in the coming months. Canada, the U.S. and other countries have raised national security concerns about TikTok , whose corporate owner ByteDance is based in China and would be subject to Chinese laws compelling the sharing of private information held by Chinese companies if ordered by the government. The popular social media app is facing a potential ban in the U.S. in January unless ByteDance divests itself of TikTok. A U.S. appeals court last week upheld the legislation that would enforce that ban, but TikTok has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. U.S. prosecutors have redacted entire sections of court documents to protect what they say is top secret information while defending the law. Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, whose department conducted the national security review, has repeatedly declined to share the information raised by the national security review that led to the decision to order TikTok Canada’s closure, citing national security laws. Dufresne wouldn’t give an opinion on the government’s decision when pressed by several MPs, saying he hasn’t seen the information the government has, and wasn’t notified or involved in the national security review as his office is independent from the government. “I think transparency is important,” he told NDP MP Matthew Green, who asked if the government should be more forthcoming about its decision. “I think the more the public can understand about the decisions of the government, the decisions of my office, the better. There may be some limits in terms of confidentiality, but certainly this is important.” The federal and provincial privacy commissioners’ investigation into TikTok is focused on whether the company obtained valid and meaningful consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. The commissioners said last February, when announcing the launch of their probe, that they are focused on younger users given their outsized use of the app compared to other age groups. Dufresne said Canadian privacy law should be strengthened to give his office enforcement powers after an investigation concludes that a company violated the law. He argued that would help rein in social media and other tech companies that seek to avoid punishment. “Technology is moving very quickly, websites are evolving very quickly, so we need to be able to have faster application of decisions,” he said. An example cited during the meeting was the lack of penalty against Meta, which owns Facebook, for a 2019 privacy investigation that found the company failed to obtain user consent for the sharing of information. Dufresne’s office in 2020 asked the Federal Court to enforce its findings , but the commissioner said no penalty has been issued to date. Meanwhile, Meta agreed Tuesday to settle a Quebec class action lawsuit over its data sharing practices for $9 million, while refusing to admit to wrongdoing.
OMAHA — Creighton did it again. In an in-state women’s college basketball series with Nebraska largely dictated by what happens beyond the 3-point arc, the Jays rallied with six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to beat No. 21 Nebraska 80-74 on Friday at Sokol Arena. At one point in the fourth quarter, the Jays made four straight 3-pointers. The Jays were 6 for 9 on threes in the fourth quarter and 13 for 29 for the game to give Nebraska its first loss to the season. The Jays outscored Nebraska by 24 points on 3-pointers. Creighton has won three straight in the series. Lauren Jensen had a game-high 31 points for the Jays with four 3s. Morgan Maly, a senior from Crete, scored 18. Alexis Markowski worked really hard for Nebraska, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds and calling for the ball inside where she often had an advantage. Britt Prince added 20 points in the first game against her hometown school. Nebraska led 55-52 to start the fourth quarter. For the final 10 minutes, one of the questions was how much did Markowski have left? And also, could the Huskers defend the 3-point line just a little longer? The Jays made two of their first three 3-point attempts to start the quarter to regain a 60-57 lead. Molly Mogensen had the first one, and Jensen the second for her fourth of the game. When Mogensen made another three the Jays led 72-66. The Jays sealed the deal when Prince missed a 3-pointer with seven seconds left and the Jays made their free throws. Nebraska led 22-19 after the first quarter. It was an entertaining start. The game started with Markowski going at Maly inside the paint, the Nebraska natives who played in the same club in Lincoln. There were five combined 3-pointers, with three for the Jays and two for Nebraska (each from Prince). Creighton used a 13-2 run that included three 3-pointers to take a 15-8 lead. But Nebraska got back in it with a steal and layup from Allison Weidner and a take to the basket from Callin Hake. Creighton added two more 3-pointers in the second quarter, but Nebraska was able to keep a lead at halftime 37-35. Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
