Ange Postecoglou searching for answers over Tottenham’s injury crisis646jili 。

Harris has ‘no knowledge’ anyone tried to get RTE to take down viral clipOliver Glasner declared Crystal Palace are on the right path after they finally broke their away duck with a 1-0 win at Ipswich. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”

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Ange Postecoglou searching for answers over Tottenham’s injury crisis

Sports on TV for Nov. 23 - 24WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won't apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith's move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump's presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it's possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith's team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump's presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump's 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump's argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith's team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump's two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump's second term, while Trump's lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weeks-long delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transiton of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. “This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day," said Susie Wiles, Trump's designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement comes a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office on Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House had issued both public and private appeals for Trump’s team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts have emphasized to Trump's team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. Republican Senators have also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump's nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers have been particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump's designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. “That’s why it’s so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing,” said. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine on Monday. John Thune, the incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team “understands there’s going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees.” — AP congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed.Flag football uses talent camps to uncover new stars

Published 5:58 pm Tuesday, December 3, 2024 By Data Skrive Wednesday’s college basketball slate includes two games with a ranked team in play. Among those contests is the Oklahoma Sooners taking on the Louisville Cardinals. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Man City blow three-goal lead in Champions League, Bayern beat PSGSouth Sudan's President Salva Kiir held an urgent meeting of top security brass on Friday after a shootout at the home of powerful former spy chief Akol Koor, who was sacked almost two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot. Gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in the capital Juba, sparking concerns about the stability of the world's youngest country that is already plagued by power struggles, ethnic infighting and a deep economic malaise. The shooting around the home of Koor, who was fired by Kiir in early October and placed under house arrest, caused panic among local residents before it was contained after about an hour. Following the meeting, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said the incident took place after a "misunderstanding" between security forces attempting to relocate the ex-head of the National Security Services. Koang said Koor had now agreed to the relocation "with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook" elsewhere in the city. He would be provided with additional army protection at his new residence, but Koang emphasised he was not under "their (army) detention." He said four people, two civilians and two soldiers, had been killed during the confrontation. The meeting convened by Kiir included the heads of defence, police, national security and military intelligence. A source in the presidency press unit said Koor was also present. The Sudans Post newspaper quoted a security official as saying the meeting had "resolved all outstanding tensions" and that the spy chief and his family "have been assured of their safety". In an alert to its staff on the ground on Thursday, the United Nations in South Sudan had said the shooting was linked to the arrest of the former spymaster and advised people to take cover. Koang told AFP that Koor "remains at his house", and denied claims circulating on social media that he had fled to the UN compound in Juba. There was a heavy deployment of military forces around his home in the Thongpiny district, an AFP correspondent said, but traffic has resumed and people were going about their daily business. Police spokesman John Kassara said the situation was now calm but that Thongpiny remained sealed off and residents "should remain vigilant". Koor became head of the feared National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan's independence in 2011 but was sacked in October leading to widespread speculation he had been planning to overthrow Kiir. After his dismissal from the NSS, Koor was appointed governor of Warrap State, Kiir's home state, but this was abruptly revoked by the president before he took the oath of office. Koang said there had been a "misunderstanding" between two security services forces present at Koor's residence when a third unit arrived for the relocation. "That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard," he said. Four people, two servicemen and two civilians, were killed in the incident, he said, and two civilians were wounded. Koor's sacking came just two weeks after Kiir again postponed by two years, to December 2026, the first elections in the nation's history. The delay has exasperated the international community, which has been pressing the country's leaders to complete a transitional process, including unifying rival armed forces and drawing up a constitution. The NSS was at the centre of controversy in July when parliament approved amendments to legislation allowing the agency to continue to arrest -- without a warrant -- anyone accused of offences against the state, raising alarm among rights groups and South Sudan's international partners. The country has struggled to recover from a brutal civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and his now deputy Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018 that killed about 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes. It remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on the planet and continues to be plagued by chronic instability and climate disasters. str-txw-rbu/giv

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WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. As a result, flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 36% of the airline's 3,901 domestic and international flights leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company; 51 flights were canceled. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the FOS system. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS went down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Hours after the ground stop was lifted, Tajer said the union had not heard about "chaos out there beyond just the normal heavy travel day." He said officials were watching for cascading effects, such as staffing problems. On social media, however, customers expressed frustration with delays that caused them or their family members to miss connecting flights. One person asked if American planned to hold flights for passengers to make connections, while others complained about the lack of assistance they said they received from the airline or gate agents. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Bobby Tighe, a real estate agent from Florida, said he would miss a family Christmas Eve party in New York because his American flight was repeatedly delayed. The delays made him miss a connecting flight, leaving him the choice of going to his destination — Westchester, N.Y. — on Christmas Day or taking another flight to Newark, N.J., scheduled to land Tuesday evening. He chose the latter. "I'm just going to take an Uber or Lyft to the airport I was originally supposed to go to, pick up my rental car and kind of restart everything tomorrow," Tighe said. He said his girlfriend was "going through the same exact situation" on her way from Dallas to New York. Cirium noted the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 39% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays, Cirium said. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site did not post any American Airlines flights Tuesday morning, but it showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms were developing in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That's because finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so it had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The Transportation Security Administration said it expected to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Public Safety & Traffic Enforcement Branch, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gary McKenzie is warning the public against the use of firecrackers which can cause severe damage. Early Tuesday morning, videos circulated on social media showing three young boys throwing firecrackers, popularly known locally as “clappas”, into vehicles at a traffic light along Hagley Park Road in St Andrew. Speaking with Observer Online , ACP McKenzie said he had not seen the video, but reminded the public that firecrackers are illegal and advised against engaging in such activities, noting that ‘clappas’ are a form of explosives. “As we approach the end of the year and certainly this Christmas season, usually we have fireworks, we have persons bursting firecrackers and so on. Firecrackers are really illegal. As a matter of fact, it is a form of explosive and so we are advising against this,” McKenzie said. “As a matter of fact, we shouldn’t underestimate the fact that these clappas could cause some damage, especially if they go off near to petrol and so on,” he continued. Noting that the Towns and Communities Act, the Customs Act and the Gunpowder and Explosives Act allow provisions for individuals to set off fireworks which have to be applied for through the Ministry of National Security or the Custos of the various parishes, ACP McKenzie said without such authorisation, no fireworks should take place. “Once clappas are heard, then the advice is that the police are to be notified. Persons need to know that once the police discover or gain intelligence that there are any explosives or firecrackers anywhere then once they investigate and find those then the requisite charges can be laid against them,” ACP McKenzie explained. “We want people to be safe, we want people to enjoy themselves but it must be done in conformity with the law,” he added.Sleep expert Chris Tattersall claims making New Year’s “rest-olutions” can help set Brits up sleep success over the coming year and is one of the healthiest things anyone can do. Tattersal says: "Having insufficient sleep can cause issues with both physical and emotional wellbeing, leading to the increased risk of conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. It can also compromise the immune system, making us all more susceptible to illness and impaired cognitive function, such as poor memory, attention, problem-solving, productivity and decision-making." According to Woolroom’s latest Clean Sleep Report, 83 per cent of people surveyed said that getting a regular, good night’s sleep was the most important factor for their general wellbeing. Despite this, 60 per cent admitted they were getting less than six hours sleep per night. Tattersall has outline the five New Year’s restolutions Brits should be aiming for in 2025 One: Getting the right amount of shut eye - for you The average adult needs seven to ten hours of sleep per night, andh women tending to benefit from closer to ten hours than men. This increases for youngsters; teens should be aiming for eight to ten hours, with school-age children requiring nine to twelve hours of sleep a night. Tattersall says: "As part of your 2025 New Year’s restolutions, figure out how much sleep is optimal for you, and commit to achieving this every night come rain or shine. Using a sleep-tracking fitness watch can often be helpful for monitoring levels of sleep and using the data to create these goals, but this can also be achieved naturally by trialling new bedtimes and assessing energy levels the next day." Two: Create a bedtime routine – and stick to it Routine is king when it comes to getting the best night’s sleep. Consistently carrying out the same, soothing activities before bedtime, signals to the brain that it’s time to wind down. Positive habits to consider for your bedtime routine include having a hot bath, using cosy lighting or candles, listening to calming music, or getting tucked up with a book. Even something as simple as opening the window to lower the temperature in your room to 18 degrees – the optimal temperature for a good night’s sleep – can have a big impact. When these actions become habits associated with sleep, they can help to boost melatonin – the hormone responsible for making us feel tired and ready for bed. Whatever it is that helps you to drift off – stick to it every day. And yes, that includes weekends. Three: Ditch the screens before bed Screens produce blue light, which mimics the effect of daylight and suppresses melatonin. This disrupts your circadian rhythm and keeps our mind stimulated, so turning off TVs, phones, laptops and tablets two hours or more before bed works wonders for your sleep quality. For 2025, consider replacing the doomscrolling with activities like meditation or gratitude journalling, which not only set you up for a deep, restorative sleep, but also help to boost your mood upon waking. Tattersall adds: "I’d also recommend using night mode on electronics in the evening to reduce the impact of blue light, and to avoid looking at social media, news platforms or particularly action-packed TV that might cause overstimulation close to bedtime." Four: What is your bedding made of To ensure you are creating the ultimate sleep environment, try switching to natural fibre wool bedding with linen bedding sheets . It’s been scientifically proven to deliver a 25% deeper, more regenerative sleep than synthetic fibres due to its temperature regulating properties. Heat regulation is crucial to great sleep, and being too hot is often the number one disruptor. Waking intermittently throughout the night not only reduces the quality of sleep but leads to periods of restlessness, which in turn increase the symptoms of stress and deregulates your nervous system. For those who co-sleep, waking through the night due to heat can also cause unnecessary disturbance to a partner. The temperature-regulating properties of wool are not only great for individuals, but also balance temperatures between two sleepers avoiding any further disruption. Five: Become sleep-conscious throughout the day Good sleep hygiene starts from the moment you wake up, encompassing the daily habits that promote good sleep. I always advise limiting caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening, avoiding naps longer than 30 mins during the day, and getting natural sunlight exposure in the morning to regulate your circadian rhythm. It’s also important to leave a two-hour gap between both heavy exercise and meals before bedtime. "Ultimately, improving your quality of sleep doesn’t require a commitment to every practice mentioned above; it’s a handful of small, achievable improvements that will start to have an impact on your health and overall wellness. Start 2025 with these simple “restolutions”, and the rest will be history."Northwest Bank Deploys Inovatec LOS Platform to Improve Loan Origination Processes

The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.

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5jili Romeo Lavia injury update: Enzo Maresca on Chelsea midfielder's substitution against Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League winCanadian freestyle skier star Mikael Kingsbury is juggling both moguls and fatherhood. The 32-year-old Olympic and world champion from Deux-Montagnes, Que., opens his World Cup season Saturday in Ruka, Finland, with partner Laurence Mongeon and their infant son Henrik in tow. Henrik was born Aug. 25. "It changes your life, that's for sure," Kingsbury said Tuesday from Ruka in a media conference call. "Get used to waking up in the middle of the night, but at the same time, it is the most beautiful thing in the world. "It brings a beautiful balance to my career." While Kingsbury acknowledges there are great hockey players named Henrik, he says the inspiration for the name was his niece liking a boy named Henrik in her kindergarten class. "I always liked the name anyway," Kingsbury said. "Laurence and I agree it fits his face. "I didn't ski as much this summer because I wanted to be home and I wanted to be present. We're five weeks on the road for the start of this season, so I couldn't see myself doing five weeks without seeing my kid. "I would have missed my family too much, so I brought them on the road for three weeks." Regarded as the most dominant moguls skier of all time, the Canadian achieved another significant milestone last season when he surpassed Swedish alpine skier Ingemar Stenmark for the most all-time World Cup victories by a male athlete in any ski discipline. Kingsbury embarks on his 16th World Cup season with a career 90 victories. He's finished in the medals in 129 of 151 career World Cup starts. But while Kingsbury claimed last season's dual moguls crown, Japan's Ikuma Horishima challenged Kingsbury's reign by claiming his first crystal globe in moguls. "The mindset is still the same. The goals are still the same," Kingsbury said. "Coming into the season, I want to focus on one race at a time. That's how you get to a crystal globe. "The main focus is being consistent, staying healthy to start the season, try to get the momentum of the start and stay healthy until the end of this season. "I usually start strong, and I can finish very strong, and that's how you win crystal globes." Kingsbury won an Olympic moguls gold medal in 2018 and silver in both 2014 and 2022. Dual moguls makes its Olympic debut in 2026 in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Kingsbury has swept both moguls and dual moguls gold medals in three straight world championships. He'll attempt the double a fourth time March 18-21 in Engadin, Switzerland. "Henrik and my family now are my priority and skiing comes second, but I know I can still win," Kingsbury said. "It's going to be different. My family is going to be home and it might be a bit more difficult, but at the same time I see a lot of positive in being a dad. I feel way more relaxed on the mountain." One secret to Kingsbury's success has been his durability. His only major injury hiccup so far was fracturing two vertebrae in his back training in Ruka ahead of the 2020-21 season. Kingsbury sat out the first three World Cups and won the fourth upon return to action. He's closer to the end of his career than the beginning, so quality training, not quantity, is important to him. "As I get older, I cannot do too much, but I've got to do the right amount and make sure I can peak in 2026," he explained. "The challenge is going to be the best dad I can and the best skier I can and try to manage in the middle. It's never going to be perfect, but I'm to do as best as I can and make sure I'm ready in 2026. "I feel fortunate for all the team (members) that I have around me, teammates, and all the coaches and staff that are working with me. They're going to make my life easy when it's going to be difficult." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press

Canadian freestyle ski star Mikael Kingsbury seeks to extend recordNo. 24 UNLV will play Cal in this year’s L.A. Bowl once again hosted by four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 and the game will air on ESPN. UNLV (10-3) is coming off a disappointing 21-7 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West Conference championship game. The Broncos are representing the non-Power Four teams in the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, while the Rebels settle for a trip to Inglewood. The Rebels have been through many twists during a roller-coaster season. In September, they overcame the loss of starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, who left the program after starting the season 3-0 because of a dispute over alleged unfulfilled NIL payments promised during recruiting. Since then, Campbell transfer Hajj-Malik Williams has led UNLV to a 7-3 finish. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 1,845 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for nearly 1,000 yards (824) and nine touchdowns. In two seasons, UNLV head coach Barry Odom transformed a dormant program (209-335-3 all-time) into a conference championship contender. He is slated to take over as Purdue’s next head coach after the UNLV bowl game. Last season, the Rebels posted their first winning season and bowl appearance in nine years. This season, the Rebels followed it up with their winningest season in 40 years, an Associated Press top 25 ranking (19th) and a College Football Playoff ranking (20th) — the rankings both firsts in school history. Cal (6-6) began the season 3-0, including an unexpected victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium against Auburn. This victory fueled the “Calgorithm” and helped it quickly take over social media in the opening month of the season. Cheeky, politically “woke” AI memes and a clever twist on Chappell Roan’s hit song “Hot to Go!”— reworked into “Ott to Go” in honor of the Bears’ star running back Jaydn Ott — became a viral sensation. Jumping from the Pac-12 to the greener pastures of the ACC seemed like a dream start for Cal, but reality quickly set in as the Golden Bears dropped six of their last nine games. They finished 13th in the ACC, with their only wins coming against two teams that finished behind them in the standings: Wake Forest and rival Stanford. The programs have faced off once before, with Cal claiming a 20-14 victory two years ago. The L.A. Bowl was first played in 2021 and originally was named after talk show Jimmy Kimmel. After his two-season affiliation ended, bowl organizers added a new title sponsor and committed to one of the longer bowl names — “Art of Sport L.A. Bowl Hosted by Gronk.”

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646-ph Letter on women COs shows how some Army officers are stuck in a time warpSecular and Hindu nationalist historians spar over 18th century Indian Muslim rulerChase Strangio stood before the Supreme Court on a cold December morning, the weight of history pressing against his shoulders. As the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the nation’s highest court, he carried not just legal briefs but the echoes of protests past – from the Stonewall uprising to the Compton Cafeteria riots, trans people have created a legacy of fighting for justice. Outside, hundreds of protesters pressed against police barricades, their chants rising above the marble columns. The demonstration was organized by Gender Liberation Movement (GLM) , a national collective that builds direct action, media, and policy interventions focused on bodily autonomy and self-determination in response to gender-based threats. “They want trans people to no longer exist,” said Eliel Cruz, co-founder of GLM. “And young people are the way to begin that kind of larger project.” The grassroots group has emerged as a significant force in coordinating nationwide protests against gender-based restrictions, combining street demonstrations with policy advocacy. As the Supreme Court heard arguments inside, GLM activists led chants demanding protection for transgender healthcare rights. The next day, 15 activists were arrested in a Capitol bathroom protest against new restrictions proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) – restrictions targeting even Congress’s first openly transgender member, Sarah McBride (D-Del.) . Among those detained were Raquel Willis, a Black transgender activist known for leading the historic Brooklyn Liberation March and her rallying cry “I believe in Black trans power,” and Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst who served seven years in prison for leaking classified documents about civilian casualties in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the bathroom restrictions in a statement, saying single-sex facilities in the Capitol are “reserved for individuals of that biological sex.” Supporters of similar state-level restrictions argue they protect women’s privacy rights. “Women deserve women-only spaces,” Johnson said to The Tennessean , echoing sentiments from conservative lawmakers who have introduced similar measures in state legislatures. The parallels to history are not lost on today’s movement leaders. As Republican-led states advance hundreds of bills restricting transgender rights and healthcare, activists move in lockstep with pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. But this time, the battleground isn’t just the city streets, but also the marble corridors of power, and the weapons are legal briefs instead of bricks. LGBTQ+ activists have emerged as a cornerstone for civil rights movements in the United States. “We are part of every community considered from the point of view of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, and class,” said Chris Sanders, executive director at the Tennessee Equality Project (TNEP.) “So we are affected by all forms of discrimination.” Sanders highlighted historic figures like Pauli Murray , civil rights activist, lawyer, and co-founder of the National Organization for Women, who they say used both she/her and they/them pronouns ; Audre Lorde, a pioneer in Black feminism; and Bayard Rustin, a core architect of the historic March on Washington, who adapted civil disobedience tactics from organizers in India, which established an iconic strategy of the Civil Rights Era. The list goes on. Larry Kramer, a Jewish American and founder of ACT UP during the HIV/AIDS pandemic , influenced healthcare policymakers including Anthony Fauci , who referenced Kramer during COVID-19. Trans figures fought in several instances to protect the First Amendment right of peaceful assembly and the constitutional rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Such examples include Tamara Ching, a trans Asian American woman at the Compton Cafeteria uprising, and Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera at Stonewall, all three women mobilizing against police brutality. Meanwhile, Harry Weider , a hard of hearing child of Holocaust survivors with dwarfism, joined ACT UP and advocated for public housing. Kiyoshi Kuromiya, an openly gay Japanese American and survivor of World War II internment, marched with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Selma and served as his personal assistant . When King was assassinated, Kuromiya looked after King’s children . In 1970, Kuromiya served as the only openly gay panelist at the Black Panther Convention , representing the Gay Liberation Front Philadelphia chapter; that same year, Black Panther co-founder Huey P. Newton endorsed LGBTQ+ and women’s liberation movements . “The visibility and success of LGBTQ+ rights movements have sparked broader conversations about intersectionality, encouraging other marginalized groups to advocate for their rights,” said Manuel Hernández, who uses pronouns li/naya and he/they. Hernández serves as the executive director of ALMA Chicago , which since the AIDS epidemic has advocated for the fair treatment and equality of the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. “This ripple effect has made the fight for equality more comprehensive and interconnected.” Despite broader LGBTQ+ gains, trans people find themselves excluded while being drastically impacted by modern political debates. While the recent election cycle ushered in the historic election of openly trans Sarah McBride to Congress , less than 1% of U.S. elected officials identify publicly as LGBTQ+. Since 2017, t he Victory Institute tracked a 6% decrease in elections of trans people amid increases in elections of other LGBTQ+ candidates. Representation in office continues to be dominated by cis white gay men. This underrepresentation leaves transgender people vulnerable to discrimination and political exploitation from both parties, advocates say. Blossom C. Brown, an Afro-Native trans activist based in Los Angeles, with appearances on the trans rights podcast Transparency and in viral content at Jubiliee’s Middle Ground debates, said, “We are the easiest community to be used for political points by politicians, including some Democrats.” In 2015, Jennicet Gutierrez, co-founder of trans Latine advocacy group Familia TQLM , confronted then President Barack Obama during a White House Pride Month reception about gender-based violence against trans women in ICE detention centers . Security removed her from the event, and media outlets described her actions as heckling. During her 2024 presidential run, Vice President Kamala Harris received endorsements from several major LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and the National LGBTQ Task Force . However, trans speakers were excluded from the 2024 Democratic National Convention. In 2018, then president Donald Trump referred to migrant caravans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border as “hardened criminals.” Some of the earliest known caravans consisted primarily of transgender migrates, displaced by internal conflicts including U.S.-backed coups across Latin America and targeted by police due to gender identity, self-expression, and sexual orientation. In August 2017, the Transgender Law Center recorded the first known official migrant Rainbow Caravan , 11 of whom were trans and the rest LGB . The following year, several LGBTQ+ couples married at the border with Mexico before crossing over. Cruz also warned of parallel and potentially deadly consequences similar to the struggle for abortion rights. “We are going to have thousands and thousands of families and trans young people unable to access that care,” he said. “We’ll need to find either ways to get it illegally in their state, or they might have to flee.” Transgender people have begun leaving the United States. They have fled to New Zealand , France , the Netherlands, and other countries where immigration policies welcome trans asylum seekers. According to a 2023 report from Data for Progress , 41% of trans adults and 43% of trans people aged 18-24 have considered moving. Eight percent of trans adults, including those aged 18-24, have already left, alongside 9% of LGBTQ+ adults 65 or older. “The SCOTUS ruling will have a much more impact on the trans community than it will the LGBTQ community as a whole,” said Brown. “We must wake that up in this movement.” As the protests at the Supreme Court over healthcare for trans youth remain at the forefront of the debate, gender-affirming care also applies to cisgenderpeople. A Hastings Center report found that cisgender make up the majority of those seeking gender-affirming care . “These issues have systematically contributed to our detriment,” said Brown. “[S]ystemic oppression...tries to keep us as the ‘outsider.’ But truth is we are far from it!” In November 2024, TNEP and other groups successfully fought off a second conservative proposal in Tennessee’s Knox County campaign to “ protect child innocence ” by cutting funding to programs deemed sexually explicit. Opponents called it “ undefined,” while the four-page document defined prohibited content as “harmful to minors,” “matter,” “nudity,” “obscene,” “prurient interest,” and “sexual conduct.” Several nonprofits argued that such a vague resolution threatened services, such as programs that respond to and protect children from abuse . Critics called it a thinly disguised anti-drag initiative, which could have had drastic repercussions on the entire state. Thirty-five state constitutions still ban marriage equality . While federal courts overruled these bans in the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges ruling in 2015, some legal experts worry the current court could overturn that decision as it did with abortion. Other SCOTUS rulings have undone LGBTQ+ efforts regarding universal human rights, including work and healthcare discrimination. In 2023, the Supreme Court sided with Lorie Smith, a wedding website designer, declaring that she could deny a gay couple services. However, the case centered on a straight man married to a woman who claimed that he never submitted a request . This ruling now means that anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, can be denied services. In July this year, the Biden administration was unable to enforce new rules affirming healthcare for trans U.S. citizens. The SCOTUS overturning of the 1984 Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council ruling weakened federal enforcement of regulations and reduced the political authority of the Environmental Protection Agency, creating an unforeseen connection between trans rights and climate justice. In 2017, the same year as the Rainbow Caravan, the Trump administration ordered the end of the DACA program , which SCOTUS reversed in 2020 . Trump’s vows of mass deportation , partially which incorporated his twisting of the trans struggle to fit his agenda, could threaten the livelihood of many people essential to the U.S. economy, like the agriculture sector, which employs a 73% migrant workforce . As a common practice, activists center the needs of the most marginalized to create universal solutions. Cruz said that by addressing the needs of Black trans women, including disabled Black trans undocumented women with English as a second language, the rights and needs of all will be served. “This is true for all Americans,” he said. “It’s not some special thing that only Black trans people or queer trans people need.” Amid 574 anti-LGBTQ bills circulating across state legislatures and the resulting mental health crisis for trans youth, organizers plan to follow the trans legacy of activism and continue to pressure the Supreme Court to side with them through direct action. “We will never give up on our trans youth,” said Brown. “I have hope and faith that the LGBTQ community will respond with even more powerful mechanisms of change.” Sanders encouraged activists to show up for TNEP’s Zoom phone banks and “Day on the Hill” action to campaign for LGBTQ+ rights, which they will announce later. In Chicago, Hernández indicated that ALMA will mobilize through educating the wider community about transgender issues and collaborating with legal organizations like Equality Illinois . ALMA currently offers empowerment and economic mobility through programs like its Latinx LGBTQ+ Advocacy Leadership Institute. “Where possible, we’ll also explore ways to offer financial support to trans youth and families navigating new legal or medical challenges,” said Hernández. In New York City, Cruz called for increased volunteer and financial support of the Transgender Law Center and other trans-led legal efforts nationwide. “We’ve made America a better place by pushing for inclusivity,” said Brown. “Unfortunately there are groups who are threatened by this. Not our problem! We will continue the fight.” Rohan Zhou-Lee (They/Siya/祂(Tā)/Elle) is a queer/nonbinary Black Asian dancer, writer, and organizer. A 2023 Open City Fellow at the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, they have written for Newsweek, Prism Reports, NextShark, and more . Siya is also the founder of the award-winning Blasian March , a Black-Asian-Blasian grassroots solidarity organization, and for their work has been featured on CNN , NBC Chicago , USA Today , WNYC , and more . Zhou-Lee has spoken on organizing, human rights , and other subjects at New York University, The University of Tokyo, the 2022 Unite and Enough Festivals in Zürich, Switzerland, Harvard University, and more. www.diaryofafirebird.com

Tacey Sargent, left, and Ashlee Beckmann stand in front of the counter of their new store Ren & Co. located at 111 Rodeo Rode Two sisters, each with a passion for creating, took a leap of faith and combined their businesses to open the new home decor boutique Ren & Co. at 111 Rodeo Road. Co-owners Ashlee Beckmann and Tacey Sargent, both former stay-at-home-moms, spent their days operating their own craft business before Ren & Co. opened on Nov. 25. Beckmann ran AB Cookies, Crafts & More, making delicious, custom sugar cookies, handmade signs and other decorations. Sargent was the one to come up with the name Ren & Co., based on her daughter Renley, Ren for short. Before Ren & Co. became the store front it is today, it was Sargent’s own business she started in 2023. Like her sister, she sold handmade signs and other crafts, but also did custom T-shirt printing. Sargent said their whole family is “super close” and the two sisters are “best friends,” who always bounced ideas off each other. “We’ve always been close. If I was gonna open a business it would have to be with her,” Beckmann said. So the idea for a joint venture took off. “We both kind of decided to come together and open something up,” Beckmann said. “We loved staying home with our kids, but we wanted to get out and do something and have that normalcy of having a job and having a routine.” Beckmann said they “pondered it for a while” debating whether it would be a success or not. “And then we were like, let’s just go for it, it’s either gonna work or it’s not gonna work,” she said. Having flexible hours allows the two moms to spend time with their kids while operating the business. “We wanted it to be family oriented,” Beckmann said. Upon walking into the cozy store, the tables are stacked with a mix of modern and rustic Christmas decor, earrings, stocking stuffers and framed signs. “Just kind of something for everybody, really,” Beckmann said. Ren & Co. also gets new merchandise regularly with plans to cater towards every holiday and even local celebrations. “We’re going to work towards Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and we’re even going to do something for graduation and NebraskaLand Days,” Beckmann said. The sisters wanted to do a few things to set them apart from other stores, which is why one service they offer is a “create your own t-shirt bar,” Beckmann said. Customers can pick from a variety of sizes, colors and styles, pick out a design and have it pressed in-store in seconds. “We’ll press it for you and you take it right with you when you leave so you’re not waiting,” she said. The designs can be either ones Ren & Co. has in store, or Beckmann said, customers can bring in their own designs that can be printed off and pressed onto the shirts With Christmas right around the corner, the free gift wrapping Ren & Co. offers is perfect for holiday shoppers. “You can come in, grab your gift, we’ll wrap it for you and you walk out the door,” Beckmann said. “You don’t have to go buy all the gift wrapping things.” The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday but Fridays when they are open till 6 p.m. They will be closed Dec. 20-21 and 24-25 but will be open Dec. 23 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for last minute Christmas shopping. Staying true to both their original businesses, Ren & Co. accepts custom orders that can be placed either in store, over the phone or via their Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094588321878. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

German politicians criticise Elon Musk for backing AfD ahead of electionNEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

Keir Starmer has warned local leaders that he will not hesitate to overrule them if they attempt to “dodge their responsibilities” in approving new homes, amid growing concerns among wildlife groups and councils over his plans for a . The prime minister has placed a pledge to at the heart of his government’s plans. Senior figures in his team are now focused on trying to deliver tangible improvements to the country to make a credible case for re-election. They also want to show he is taking on what they see as vested interests opposing housebuilding. Ministers will this week vow to overhaul planning rules as part of the government’s pledge, handing local mayors and leaders more powers in the process. Speaking to the , however, the prime minister said more ­powers meant “more responsibilities” and that he would not allow local leaders to stand in the way of his building overhaul. “With our reforms, we’re pushing power back into communities so they can build their own futures and make their own decisions about what’s best for them,” he said. “With our new rules, mayors will have greater planning authority to make decisions that boost local growth and housebuilding so communities can shape their own future. “But where local leaders dodge their responsibilities for deciding where and how homes should be built, and needlessly oppose developments that would provide good homes, we won’t be afraid to step in. More powers, more responsibilities.” Starmer’s remarks come in the wake of his “ ” speech last week in which his team attempted to hone the government’s programme into more accessible targets designed to focus attention in Whitehall. He also ridiculed a system that led to the HS2 high-speed rail network having to . But his comments were made amid concerns from local councils across England, including Labour-run administrations, that proposed housebuilding targets imposed on them may not be realistic. Labour-run Broxtowe council in Nottinghamshire described the plan as “very challenging, if not impossible to achieve”. Another Labour-run council in South Tyneside said the plans were “wholly unrealistic”. Meanwhile, a letter to Starmer signed by nature groups including the RSPB wildlife conservation charity, the National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts and Greenpeace warns him that they were “dismayed and disappointed to hear your attack on environmental regulations and regulators”. “Environmental planning rules play a vital role in protecting wildlife, stopping pollution, and in ensuring that a healthy environment is for ­everyone, not just a privilege for those who can afford it,” the letter states. “The rules can be improved, but they are not the problem. “The regulators that uphold the rules have been slowed down by a decade of cuts and political interference. They should be supported, not vilified. We want to work with you to speed up planning. We need ambitious reform to ensure the planning system works better for nature, too. But deregulation is not the answer.” Starmer, however, insisted that “outdated planning laws” had to be tackled. “We’re going to rebuild this nation from the ground up, but we can’t do that without reform,” he said. “It is central to this government’s agenda. Starting with sweeping changes to the national planning policy framework which will begin to remove the obstacles towards this government’s goal of building 1.5m houses in this parliament. That’s an ambitious goal – so we can’t let anything slow us down. “It’s common sense – if we want good houses, transport and energy supplies, we have to build them. There is no other way. To anyone willing to engage in finding practical, workable solutions and reforms – we will work in partnership with you. “But the government is not afraid to take on vested interests and break down the barriers that prevent action while working people are paying the price. This is the end of the ‘can’t be done’ culture that has held Britain back for too long.” Senior Labour figures and MPs are desperate for Starmer to learn the lessons from by ensuring the party focuses on a small number of issues that they believe will make a real difference to people’s lives. Writing in the today, Deborah Mattinson, Starmer’s former policy chief, warns that Donald Trump successfully painted Harris as too focused on “woke” issues and out of touch with swing voters. “There is food for thought for the new Labour administration, too,” Mattinson writes in an article co-written with the prime minister’s former director of policy Claire Ainsley. “Labour must continue to channel its powerful change message in government, reflecting the anti-establishment mood that now exists both sides of the Atlantic. It must be prepared – enthusiastic even – about disrupting rather than defending old, tired institutions. “That work started last week with the launch of Starmer’s ‘plan for change’, with its powerful emphasis on working people being better off, but there remains much to do.”Tulane QB Mensah transfers to Duke

Google Search in 2025: Prepare for a RevolutionSpending squeeze ‘could cost more than 10,000 Civil Service jobs’

Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues and Adam Boqvist also scored for Florida, which won 6-3 at Carolina on Friday. The Panthers have won three straight — that streak following a stretch of six losses in seven games for the Stanley Cup champions. It was Knight's fourth career shutout, his first since Nov. 9, 2022 — also at home against Carolina. Spencer Martin made 23 saves on 28 shots for the Hurricanes, who have dropped four of their last six games (2-3-1). It was Martin's fourth consecutive start for Carolina. Hurricanes: This was the first time all season that the Hurricanes failed to get a point in the game immediately following a loss. Carolina was 4-0-1 after a defeat entering Saturday. Panthers: A big day for Samoskevich — his alma mater Michigan beat Ohio State in football on Saturday, that game ending just before the Florida-Carolina game started. The Panthers are 5-0-0 when he scores this season. Sam Reinhart had each of the four most recent Florida goals at 19:59, before Samoskevich got his Saturday. The Panthers scored two goals 11 seconds apart in the third to make it 5-0, and Yaniv Perets replaced Martin in the Hurricanes' net with 8:12 remaining. It was the second NHL appearance for Perets, who came on once in relief for Carolina last season. Ekblad's goal was his first in a span of 1,045 regular-season shifts since Feb. 20. Carolina starts a two-game homestand Tuesday against Seattle. Florida goes to Pittsburgh to start a two-game trip on Tuesday. AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHLBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Celta Vigo gave 10-man Barcelona a shock by scoring two late goals and snatching a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league on Saturday. Barcelona was minutes away from a win to pad its league lead after Raphinha and Lewandowski had put Barcelona ahead. But the game dramatically swung after Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casadó was sent off with a second booking in the 81st. Moments later Jules Koundé’s poor control of a ball in his area allowed Alfon González to pick his pocket and give the hosts hope in the 84th minute. Celta poured forward at Balaidos Stadium and Hugo Álvarez rifled in the 86th-minute equalizer with Barcelona unable to mark the extra man. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, however, said that he saw it coming since his team had never been able to establish its passing game and was making mistakes even when up 2-0. “It was not only the 10 last minutes, it was the whole match. We played today a really bad game,” Flick said. “The passing game for us was bad. We made a lot of mistakes and at the end we had no confidence with the ball.” This was Barcelona's second straight stumble since Lamine Yamal was sidelined with a right-ankle injury. Barcelona lost 1-0 at Real Sociedad without Yamal before the international break. Barcelona is seven points ahead of third-place Real Madrid, which has played two fewer games. Koundé accepted the blame for what he called his “gross mistake” that helped give Celta hope. “We didn’t do what we needed to all game, and at the end they made us pay,” Koundé said. “It starts with me. I can’t lose my focus like that. It was a gross mistake that can’t happen. I accept that it was my fault.” The late rally by Celta came after Raphinha had led Barcelona as he filled in for Yamal on the right side of the front three. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 15th when he ran onto a long pass by Koundé that bounced over left back Óscar Mingueza, cut back to his left foot and fired home. Lewandowski doubled the lead in the 61st after Raphinha intercepted a pass by Minqueza and set up his strike partner. The Poland striker scrambled the ball past two defenders before slotting beyond Vicente Guaita. Lewandowski took his league-leading tally to 15 goals in 14 rounds, while Raphinha has added eight league goals. Raphinha came close to a second goal that would have made it 3-0 when he hit the post in the 77th, just moments before the wild final stretch when it all crumbled for the visitors. “We have to learn from this. This can’t happen just because we had a player sent off. But onto the next game,” said Gavi Páez, who started his first match since returning from a serious leg injury last season. Antoine Griezmann converted a late penalty to equalize and Alexander Sorloth struck an 86th-minute winner to give Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win at home over Alaves. The comeback victory lifted Atletico into second place — five points behind Barcelona. Coach Diego Simeone showed his sensitive side after the match when he choked up when speaking about this love for the team he has coached for nearly 13 years. Valencia played its first home game since last month’s devastating floods that killed over 200 people in eastern Spain. The club honored the victims before kickoff when several fans were seen to cry during the ceremony. Hugo Duro led the 4-2 win over Real Betis by scoring a double. Girona routed Espanyol 4-1 in a Catalan regional derby with Bojan Miovski’s first two goals since joining the club. Mallorca forward Johan Mojica scored off a set piece from a free kick inside Las Palmas' area to complete a 3-2 win for the visitors in injury time. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

646 lodi Spaceships of the future that could jet humans to Mars from Nasa Star Wars-style nuclear rocket to Elon Musk’s StarshipIndia’s 13th prime minister and a key architect of the country’s economic liberalization, Manmohan Singh, died on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi following a health emergency at his residence. Doctors confirmed his death late Thursday evening. Born in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh held significant roles in Indian public life, including as finance minister, where he introduced reforms in 1991 that opened the Indian economy to global markets. A former economist with a doctorate from Oxford University, Singh also served as governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Singh became prime minister in 2004, leading the nation for a decade. During his tenure, his government oversaw a civil nuclear agreement with the US in 2008 and other significant initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media, saying: “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.” Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters.

MANCHESTER, NH – Elliot Health System is launching a Cardiothoracic Surgery Program with plans to offer open heart surgery to patients starting in January 2026. This critical step forward expands upon the existing expertise of The Elliot cardiovascular team, which provides patients with the latest technology and care including advanced cardiac imaging, advanced heart failure treatment, interventional cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation, electrophysiology, nuclear cardiology, and cardio-oncology. “As Manchester’s most comprehensive nonprofit health system, we are laser-focused on delivering on our mission to best care for our community. To fulfill this promise, we continue to evolve with the hard work and dedication of our staff and providers—expanding our services to ensure every individual receives the comprehensive care they deserve,” said Elliot Health System President and CEO Dr. Greg Baxter. “With the transformative step of adding heart surgery to our existing expertise in cardiovascular care, The Elliot can offer patients a fully comprehensive range of cardiac care services with outstanding surgeons and providers who are proven and have served the greater Manchester community for decades.” The Elliot’s cardiovascular team has grown throughout 2024 with additional Board-certified cardiologists. In Fall 2025, a newly dedicated location will open on the Elliot Hospital campus for cardiovascular services to best serve patients. Learn more about The Elliot’s cardiovascular services at ElliotHospital.org/Cardiovascular . We don’t spam! You're on the list! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.No. 15 Houston rides balanced offense into league opener at Oklahoma St.This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) By JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Outdoor Winter Container | Red Bluff Garden Club Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Things To Do | Horoscopes Dec. 26, 2024: Jared Leto, focus on what excites and bring you joy Things To Do | The Hot New Trend | Everyday Cheapskate Things To Do | A preview of some stunning hotels and resorts opening in 2025 Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .

This investor made a fortune during the 2008 housing crash. Here’s his take on today’s housing market

When looking at what Lane Hutson has done since his debut in the NHL, it’s clear that it would have been hard to ask for better. The defenseman, who accumulated two points in two games at the end of last season, quickly proved this year that he wouldn’t need to pass through Laval. And since the beginning of the year, he continues to demonstrate that his offensive talent is special. In 34 games this season, the defenseman already has 26 points to his name. It took him some time to score his first goal, but he currently has two to his record. Of course, this places him in an excellent position among rookies ( especially with Matvei Michkov struggling lately ), but when looking among all the defensemen in the league, it stands out that the CH defenseman looks very good. In fact, right now, only seven defensemen in the entire Bettman circuit have accumulated more points than him since the start of the year. That’s it. And among these seven defensemen, it’s notable that Adam Fox, recognized as being a role model for offensive defensemen in the NHL, is not included. Fox also has, like Hutson, 26 points to his name since the beginning of the campaign. I am not saying that the CH rookie is already a better defenseman than Adam Fox, but the fact that Hutson is neck-and-neck with Fox for points this season is already a huge success, especially since he has more points than other big names across the league. Points this season: 26 — Lane Hutson 25 — Evan Bouchard 24 — Roman Josi 24 — Erik Karlsson Insane. pic.twitter.com/FcVO8ZI88N — Canadiens Muse (@Canadiens_Muse) December 25, 2024 Hutson, who has seven points in his last six games, makes a few small mistakes in his zone, but offensively, he proves game after game that he is indeed a special talent. And if the CH can finally count on a top offensive defenseman within its ranks, it will already be a significant boost for the future of the club. In Brief – A hat trick for Axel Sandin Pellikka during the first game of the WJC. Sweden won by a score of 5-2. HAT-TRICK Axel Sandin Pellikka makin’ it look too easy in the opening game of the #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/ueg6qnQJg2 — BarDown (@BarDown) December 26, 2024 – Ivan Demidov among the elite under 20 in the KHL. The KHL’s brightest 19-year-olds. pic.twitter.com/gRkgGw2BUD — KHL (@khl_eng) December 26, 2024 – Attention interested parties. Les soldes de l’Après-Noël de Tricolore Sports sont en cours! Profitez de rabais allant jusqu’à 70% sur une vaste sélection de styles et obtenez une réduction additionnelle 30% sur les modèles à prix déjà réduit! Magasiner ↓ #GoHabsGo — Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 26, 2024 This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission."Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.

AIIMS, CSIR To Collaborate For Research In Healthcare, Emerging TechnologiesMercury retrograde in 2025 presents unique challenges for Aquarius, from communication breakdowns to relationship tensions. Learn how to prepare for each retrograde phase and turn disruptions into opportunities for growth. Mumbai: Mercury retrograde is a time when the seemingly backward motion of this celestial body stirs up disruptions in communication, technology, and travel. For Aquarians, a sign ruled by intellect and forward-thinking innovation, this phenomenon can feel particularly frustrating. Mercury typically lends its support to Aquarius, aiding clarity and connection. However, during its retrograde, you may find yourself navigating misunderstandings, delays, and a heightened potential for misplaced trust. This calls for heightened awareness and patience to turn potential mishaps into opportunities for introspection and recalibration. The retrograde periods in 2025 present distinct challenges for Aquarius, with effects rippling through communication, relationships, and social networks. Whether it’s a sudden miscommunication with colleagues, unresolved issues in partnerships, or disruptions in group projects, the key to navigating these phases lies in preparation and flexibility. Let’s delve into the retrograde periods, their specific impacts, and actionable precautions for each. Understanding Mercury Retrograde Mercury retrograde is more than just an astrological buzzword; it’s a celestial event that can upend everyday life. During this time, Mercury’s usual influence over communication, learning, and travel is disrupted, leading to delays, misunderstandings, and technical glitches. For Aquarius, known for their logical and progressive nature, this can feel like swimming against the tide. Mercury retrograde is a time to slow down, reassess, and revisit unfinished business rather than forge ahead. 1st Mercury Retrograde: March 14 to April 7 — Aries and Pisces In this period, Mercury retrogrades in your 3rd house, governing communication, siblings, and short travel. Be prepared for potential mix-ups in daily exchanges and disruptions in your travel plans. Emails, texts, and social media posts are more prone to misunderstandings, and interactions with siblings or coworkers may feel strained. Precautions: 2nd Mercury Retrograde: July 17 to August 11 — Leo This retrograde hits your 7th house, bringing tension to partnerships and close relationships. Old issues may resurface, requiring delicate handling. Avoid making new commitments or signing partnership agreements, as details may be unclear. Instead, focus on honest dialogue and revisiting unresolved matters. Precautions: 3rd Mercury Retrograde: November 9 to November 29 — Sagittarius and Scorpio Mercury retrogrades in your 11th house of social networks and aspirations, disrupting group activities and networking opportunities. Plans with friends or community projects may face sudden changes, while social dynamics might feel tense. This is a time to reflect on your long-term goals rather than embark on new ventures. Precautions: Key Takeaway for Aquarius in 2025 While Mercury retrogrades in 2025 may bring moments of confusion, delays, and challenges, they also offer valuable opportunities for growth. For Aquarius, these periods will encourage a reevaluation of communication strategies, partnerships, and long-term goals. By staying flexible, double-checking details, and embracing patience, you can transform potential obstacles into moments of clarity and insight. Approach these retrogrades as a time for reflection, and you’ll emerge stronger and more aligned with your true aspirations. ( Disclaimer: The predictions provided are for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice. News9 Live does not take responsibility for any decisions made based on these predictions. ) Click for more latest Astrology news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. AK Singh, an astrologer with over 5 years of experience, offers Vastu tips, daily horoscope predictions, Lal Kitab remedies, tarot card readings, and numerology services. For inquiries, contact him at frolicstars99@gmail.com. Latest News

SANTA CLARA — Brandon Allen prepared as if he was the 49ers’ starting quarterback all week, but the reality didn’t hit home until Friday, when Brock Purdy again missed practice. “I know he had a plan for his shoulder all week, rest it a little bit on Wednesday and we’d split reps,” Allen said of Purdy. “I think the plan Thursday was to come out and practice. I guess in warmups it just wasn’t feeling right. I found out (Friday).” Allen, a 32-year-old veteran in his ninth season, will start Sunday when the 49ers (5-5) visit the Green Bay Packers (7-3) at Lambeau Field. Purdy was ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained in a 20-17 loss to Seattle , the first time he has missed a start because of injury after 31 regular-season and six postseason starts. Here are five things to know about Allen: 1. Arkansas roots The Fayetteville, Arkansas native’s father Bobby spent more than 20 years as an Arkansas assistant coach. After a redshirt season in 2011, Allen played in 42 games with 38 starts for the Razorbacks. As a senior, Allen completed 57.4 percent of his passes for 3,440 yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions as Arkansas went 8-5. His brother Austin took over as the Arkansas quarterback. In his ninth season, only Joe Ferguson (11 seasons) of the Buffalo Bills has more time in the NFL among Arkansas quarterbacks. 2. Professional route Drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen spent his rookie season behind Blake Bortles and Chad Henne as a third-string quarterback and did not play. He was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 and played behind Jared Goff and Sean Mannion before being signed by the Denver Broncos in 2019. Allen won his first start against Cleveland 24-19 in Week 9 of that season, passing for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Allen signed with Cincinnati in 2020, spent time on the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in November. Subbing for Joe Burrow, Allen had his career-best game, passing for 371 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-31 win. Allen is 2-7 as an NFL starter with 1,611 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 78.0 passer rating. 3. Signing with the 49ers Allen became a 49er on May 8, 2023, signing as a free agent. The 49ers, who up to that point seldom kept a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, kept Allen as a No. 3 all season behind Purdy and Sam Darnold after the previous year’s injuries to Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, and finally Purdy in the NFC Championship Game. Allen did not take a snap. 4. Installed as No. 2 QB Allen signed another one-year contract with the 49ers for one year and $1.21 million (which is more than the $985,000 that Purdy makes on his rookie deal). The 49ers also signed Joshua Dobbs to a one-year, guaranteed $2.35 million contract. Allen and Dobbs competed throughout training camp, with Allen earning the nod from coach Kyle Shanahan. “You’ve got to make a decision. Usually I don’t want to have to make it,” Shanahan said. “I want it to be that obvious, let it play out. Brandon had the head start just being here. I thought he did some better things in practice.” 5. Familiarity with the system While in Denver, Allen’s offensive coordinator was Rich Scangarello, who was the quarterbacks coach under Shanahan in 2017-18. In Los Angeles, the head coach was Sean McVay and the offensive coordinator was Matt LaFleur, both of whom run variations of the Shanahan offense. In 2018, Zac Taylor was his quarterbacks coach with the Rams. Taylor, upon being hired as head coach in Cincinnati, signed Allen to back up Burrow.COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) today announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) for TransCon hGH (lonapegsomatropin-tcgd; marketed as SKYTROFA® for pediatric GHD). The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of July 27, 2025. “This marks another step towards achieving our objective to expand SKYTROFA’s label beyond pediatric GHD and expand its reach to address new groups of patients,” said Jan Mikkelsen, Ascendis Pharma’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Adult GHD is an undertreated condition associated with significant comorbidities and higher annual healthcare costs compared to the 5-10% of patients who receive treatment, indicative of the high unmet need.” The sBLA submission is based on results from foresiGHt, a Phase 3 randomized, parallel-arm, placebo-controlled (double-blind) and active-controlled (open-label) trial that compared the efficacy and safety of weekly TransCon hGH with weekly placebo and daily human growth hormone (hGH) in adults with GHD. The trial evaluated 259 adults with GHD aged 23 to 80 years old, randomized 1:1:1, titrated to receive a target fixed dose of TransCon hGH, placebo, or daily hGH based on age and oral estrogen intake with approximately equivalent hGH mg/week for TransCon hGH and daily hGH. TransCon hGH demonstrated superiority on its primary efficacy and key secondary efficacy endpoints at Week 38, with TransCon hGH-treated participants showing a statistically significant reduction from baseline in trunk fat and increase in total body lean mass at Week 38 compared to placebo. In the trial, TransCon hGH was generally safe and well tolerated, with no discontinuations related to study drug and with comparable safety and tolerability to daily hGH treatment. About Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Growth hormone plays an essential role in the health of children and adults, promoting normal growth in children and maintenance of normal body composition and cardiometabolic health throughout adulthood. In adults, growth hormone boosts protein production, promotes fat utilization, enhances muscle mass, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Adult GHD is a condition in which an individual’s body does not produce enough growth hormone. Symptoms and morbidity can include central obesity, metabolic syndrome, decreased bone density, alterations in lipid profile and markers of cardiovascular risk, fatigue, general weakness, lack of muscle tone, and psychological symptoms such as cognitive impairment, social isolation, lack of motivation, and depression.1 About Ascendis Pharma A/S Ascendis Pharma is applying its innovative TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by its core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, Ascendis uses its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has additional facilities in Europe and the United States. Please visit ascendispharma.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding Ascendis’ future operations, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) the PDUFA goal date for SKYTROFA, (ii) Ascendis’ objective to expand SKYTROFA’s label and reach to address new groups of patients, (iii) Ascendis’ ability to apply its TransCon technology platform to build a leading, fully integrated biopharma company, and (iv) Ascendis’ use of its TransCon technologies to create new and potentially best-in-class therapies. Ascendis may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions, expectations, and projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that Ascendis makes, including the following: dependence on third party manufacturers, distributors and service providers for Ascendis’ products and product candidates; unforeseen safety or efficacy results in Ascendis’ development programs or on-market products; unforeseen expenses related to commercialization of any approved Ascendis products; unforeseen expenses related to Ascendis’ development programs; unforeseen selling, general and administrative expenses, other research and development expenses and Ascendis’ business generally; delays in the development of its programs related to manufacturing, regulatory requirements, speed of patient recruitment or other unforeseen delays; Ascendis’ ability to obtain additional funding, if needed, to support its business activities; the impact of international economic, political, legal, compliance, social and business factors. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Ascendis’ business in general, see Ascendis’ prospectus supplement filed on September 20, 2024 and Ascendis’ current and future reports filed with, or submitted to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on February 7, 2024. Forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future licensing, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments that Ascendis may enter into or make. Ascendis does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Ascendis, Ascendis Pharma, the Ascendis Pharma logo, the company logo, TransCon, and SKYTROFA ® , are trademarks owned by the Ascendis Pharma group. © December 2024 Ascendis Pharma A/S. 1.Hoffman AR, Mathison T, Andrews D, Murray K, Kelepouris N, Fleseriu M. Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: Diagnostic and Treatment Journeys From the Patients' Perspective. J Endocr Soc. 2022;6(7):bvac077. Published 2022 May 12. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvac077

In an official communication, the district administration announced the formation of a team to expedite the preparation of necessary revenue documents. The team comprises officers and officials from various tehsils, including Naib Tehsildars from Newa and Kakapora, as well as revenue staff such as Girdawars and Patwaris from Trich, Parigam, Patalbagh, Kangan, and Newa. These officials have been directed to report to the office of the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Pulwama, to begin their work. The Deputy Commissioner's office has also circulated the directive to the Tehsildars of Pulwama, Pampore, Kakapora, and Rajpora for their information and further action. Seizing 5000 Kanals Unacceptable: PDP Peoples Democratic Party leaders on Thursday opposed the government move to transfer nearly 5000 kanal of land for setting up the National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. PDP leaders Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti termed acquiring thousands of kanals of land for the institution as“unacceptable.” MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Para took to X and wrote :“Pulwama welcomes the establishment of an NIT, but seizing 5000 kanals of land is unacceptable. Without fair compensation and guaranteed jobs for locals, this project will face strong resistance.” Party chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti, voiced strong objections to the acquisition of 5000 kanals of land for the establishment of a new NIT campus in Pulwama. In a post on X, she wrote,“Grabbing land in Kashmir under the ruse of 'development' in J&K continues unabated. Pray tell what's the need to seize 5000 kanals of prime agricultural land in Pulwama to establish a NIT? If education was such a priority why have a lopsided reservation in the first place?” Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now Be Part of Quality Journalism Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. CLICK FOR DETAILS MENAFN26122024000215011059ID1109033282 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Rosen Law Firm Announces Investigation of Breaches of Fiduciary Duties by the Directors and Officers of Southwest Airlines Co. - LUV

Selexipag Tablets Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030Dairy Testing Services Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 12-22-2024 01:29 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Dairy Testing Services Market The dairy testing services market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the dairy testing services market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Dairy-Testing-Services-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for dairy testing services products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Dairy Testing Services Market: SGS Eurofins Scientific Intertek Bureau Veritas ALS Global Neogen Corporation Mérieux NutriSciences Dairyland Laboratories, Inc. Charm Sciences IDEXX Laboratories Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the dairy testing services market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the dairy testing services market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the dairy testing services market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the dairy testing services market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the dairy testing services market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the dairy testing services market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the dairy testing services market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Contaminant Testing Nutritional Analysis Chemical Testing Microbiological Testing Allergen Testing Others Application: Liquid Milk Milk Powder Others Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the dairy testing services market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. Other Reports Orthopedic Knee Pillows Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Orthopedic-Knee-Pillows-Market Bioabsorbable Polymer Scaffold (BPS) Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Bioabsorbable-Polymer-Scaffold-BPS-Market Corporate Uniforms Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Corporate-Uniforms-Market Native Landscape Stone Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Native-Landscape-Stone-Market "Contact Us Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited Contact No: +91 7580990088 Email Id: sales@dhirtekbusinessresearch.com" "About Us Dhirtek Business Research & Consulting Pvt Ltd is a global market research and consulting services provider headquartered in India. We offer our customers syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.

After 50 years of Assad cruelty, Syrians search for dead loved ones - and closure

This new free AI chatbot protects Discord users with AI technology to identify potential scamsCanada’s Farm Show (CFS) in Regina, Sask. is shaking things up in 2025. The event, usually held in June, is now moving to Mar. 18 to 20. The show is built on three pillars: education, innovation, and collaboration with programming emphasizing seminars, hands-on experiences, and cutting-edge technology. Roberta Engel, acting President and CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited said CFS is all about advancing agriculture while celebrating the people who power it. “Moving the show to March aligns with farmers’ seeding cycles, ensuring they get an early look at the tools and technologies they need,” she said. “Our goal is to create an inspiring and valuable experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.” With 80 per cent of spaces sold, returning exhibitors include Bourgault Industries, Brandt Group of Companies, Dutch Industries, Degelman Industries, Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Nick’s Service, Prairie Ram, Ritchie Brothers, Thunderstruck Ag, and Viterra. Several first-time participants are Apache Sprayers, Condie Seed, AG Access, DyMark Industries, FP Genetics, among others. The trade-show floor will include product showcases and launches happening throughout the three days. A CFS Kick-Off Party will feature award winning country artist Jelly Roll on Mar. 16. CFS will be offering a VIP Program for the concert before the week begins. The entertainment continues throughout the show at the Young’s Equipment Farmhouse Lounge, opening daily at 11:00 a.m. Monday will see Farm Management Canada host their Bridging the Gap Farm Transition Workshop and the annual Welcome Reception. On Tuesday, March 18, CFS will celebrate farmers with the Regina Pats’ Thank You Farmers Game where the Pats will take on the Swift Current Broncos. Each day of the show will feature a theme. Opening day on Mar. 18 is Farmer Appreciation Day which starts with breakfast at 9:00 a.m., followed by industry leaders and speaker panels and safety programming. The day concludes with a Thank You Farmers Tailgate Party. Day 2 is Innovation Day on Mar. 19 which spotlights advancements shaping agriculture’s future. The 2025 Innovator Recognition Program will honour four individuals in the categories of emerging, lifetime, farmer, and community Innovators. Cultivator, powered by Conexus, returns with a new session designed to help farmers integrate new technologies and practices into their operations. This year will include back-to-basics learning sessions, providing insights to evaluate and adopt the right innovations for each farming operation. Mar. 20 is Young Farmer Day which supports the next generation of agriculture leaders. CFS is home for the Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers Program the Launch Your Career in Ag and Think AG. Show Passes are available now, with single-day and three-day options. – alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com On X: @farmnewsNOW

646 jili For laptops, PCs, Macs, chips, peripherals, and other hardware, 2024 was the best of times, and 2024 was the worst of times. And in prepping my year-end wrap-ups for 2024, I found that it was a big enough year that I needed to expand on the collection of articles I usually write. And so this article, which began as a "best laptop of 2024"-type post, now highlights the best and worst hardware moments I experienced in 2024, some personally and some industry-wide. Note that hardware in this case is limited only to those devices one uses personally. Sorry, Nvidia. ✍️ Reviews, I've made a few I may as well start with the laptop and PC reviews. I typically estimate that I write about 12 laptop reviews each year. But I've already written 19 laptop and PC reviews this year, and will likely get a few more done before New Years: I have six new hardware devices in-house as I write this, including four laptops and one all-in-one PC, plus one tablet and one e-reader. My 2024 laptop and PC reviews are, in chronological order: HP Spectre x360 14 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus HP Envy Move Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 9 Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 14 Gen 9 HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 HP EliteBook Ultra HP EliteBook 1040 G11 Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 Lenovo ThinkBook x13 Gen 4 Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 HP OmniBook Ultra Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 15 Aura Edition Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid 👍 No regrets: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Surface Laptop 7 isn't perfect: It lacks a fingerprint reader and presence sensing capabilities, for example. But with this laptop, Microsoft delivered exactly what I wanted: A MacBook Air-alike with a large display, Snapdragon X/Arm internals, killer performance, battery life, compatibility, efficiency, and reliability, a terrific keyboard with a near-perfect typing experience, and the clean software experience I hope to see on all PCs. I spent way too much on this PC and I couldn't be happier: It's the best laptop of 2024, and my best purchase of the year too. I only wish I could have gotten it sooner. 👎 Nothing but regrets: Apple iPad Air 13-Inch M2 Looking back on this, I'm having trouble reconciling my decision to purchase an Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2 to replace my aging 11-inch iPad Air 4th generation (2020). I mean, I can rationalize it. I had to keep resetting my old iPad Air because it kept slowing down. Between 2023 and 2024, I'd really started preferring larger-screen 15-16 inch laptops, so maybe a larger iPad made sense too. And while Apple had dashed my hopes of a more sophisticated iPadOS at WWDC 2024 in the wake of releasing new M-based iPad Pro and iPad Air models, it would have to come around to reality at some point, right? Maybe it will happen someday. But this was a mistake t... With technology shaping our everyday lives, how could we not dig deeper? Thurrott Premium delivers an honest and thorough perspective about the technologies we use and rely on everyday. Discover deeper content as a Premium member. Paul Thurrott is an award-winning technology journalist and blogger with 30 years of industry experience and the author of 30 books. He is the owner of and the host of three tech podcasts: with Leo Laporte and Richard Campbell, , and with Brad Sams. He was formerly the senior technology analyst at Windows IT Pro and the creator of the SuperSite for Windows from 1999 to 2014 and the Major Domo of Thurrott.com while at BWW Media Group from 2015 to 2023. You can reach Paul via , or . Join the crowd where the love of tech is real - become a Thurrott Premium Member today! Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each FridayThe basketball world thrives on comparisons. Fans love to pit players from different eras or even contemporaries against one another, debating endlessly about who would come out on top. Tracy McGrady and Kevin Durant are two of the most gifted scorers the NBA has ever seen, and naturally, the question of who would win in a one-on-one matchup ignites heated conversations. Who would win? T-Mac was a force of nature during his prime. He was an artist with the basketball, combining finesse, power, and a silky-smooth jump shot. A two-time scoring champion and seven-time All-Star, McGrady had stretches of dominance where he was regarded as the best wing player in the league. Then Durant arrived. Tall, lean, and equally adept at scoring from anywhere on the court, KD was hailed as a new version of McGrady, only better. The four-time scoring champion's rookie season hinted at greatness, and as he developed, fans couldn't help but compare his style to T-Mac's. Yet McGrady has never shied away from the conversation. When the topic of a one-on-one matchup between the two arose, McGrady quickly stepped in. "Have you ever seen me shoot over seven-footers? You have your opinion about who you think would win, and all I'm saying is if you're going to put me one-on-one in that box with KD, I was pretty damn good," T-Mac said . Tracy scored 13 points in just 33 seconds to lead the Houston Rockets to a miraculous victory over the San Antonio Spurs. It wasn't just the points; it was how McGrady pulled it off—a deep three-pointer, a steal, another triple, and a game-winning four-point play. That kind of clutch performance under pressure is why he believes he could hold his own against Durant in a one-on-one setting. 15 years ago today, Tracy McGrady dropped 13 points in 33 seconds 😳 Still, one of the greatest individual comebacks in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/dlLEBLUHd1 The debate is tight As with any sports debate, opinions vary widely, and among those who entered the fray for T-Mac vs. KD was JR Smith. Smith dismissed the idea of McGrady beating Durant, flatly saying in a tweet that KD would win and it wouldn't even be close. Prime T-Mac. Prime KD. Game to 11. Who wins? pic.twitter.com/HleM5SzB4p The Orlando Magic icon didn't take kindly to such a definitive dismissal. While he refrained from directly claiming he would beat the Phoenix Suns star, he made it clear the matchup warranted respect. "Nobody will ever know; I mean, you're talking about two guys that can score with the best of them that ever played this game. I think the problem lies when the kid that plays for Cleveland tweeted out, 'Is KD, not even close?' Now you're being disrespectful; I don't know what his problem is," McGrady said. Ultimately, it's about what could have been. While we'll never know the outcome of a one-on-one game between these two icons, the conversation ensures their legacies remain intertwined, sparking the imagination of fans everywhere. Related: Tracy McGrady considers Kevin Durant as the best 1-on-1 scorer: “KD doesn’t need ten dribbles to get his rhythm to rise up”

ONGC MUMBAI: Markets regulator Sebi has decided to expand the list of stocks for the optional T+0 mode of trading & settlement to include 500 more from Jan 31. Currently, the T+0 settlement cycle is offered for 25 select stocks that include SBI, ONGC and Bajaj Auto. The mechanism was started in March this year. A Sebi circular said that as a first step, top 500 stocks will be selected according to market capitalisation on Dec 31. In the first phase, the T+0 settlement will be available in the last 100 stocks of the 500 selected. In each month thereafter, the next bottom 100 stocks will be added to the list, it said. The process would start on Jan 31, 2025. Under the T+0 (same day) settlement system, investors will get their stocks and funds at the end of the day they put in their trades. India is the first country to move into such a stock trading process . Globally, and in India too, the more prevalent mode of settlement is the T+1 process. Under the T+1 settlement system, buyers and sellers of stocks get them in their demat accounts and the money in their bank accounts a day after the day of trade. On Tuesday, Sebi said that all brokers would be allowed to offer the T+0 settlement system to their clients. From May 2025, even custodians, who serve large investors including institutional ones, would join the system and block trades would be offered under this process too. Sebi has asked qualified stock brokers with a minimum number of active clients as of Dec 31, 2024 to put in place systems so that their clients can participate in the T+0 settlement cycle. New QSBs will get three months to put in systems compliant with the T+0 process, it said. The regulator has also asked stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories and custodians to work on systems so that institutional investors can participate in this shorter mode of settlement. Earlier, Sebi had said that once the T+0 mode of settlement is fully implemented, it would move to an instant settlement mode.

NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global pilates equipment market size is estimated to grow by USD 146.3 million from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of about 12% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Product (Pilates machines, Pilates mats, Pilates rings, Pilates balls, and Others), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered Balanced Body Inc., BASI Systems Pilates Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Bonpilates SL, CAP Barbell, Etsy Inc., Gratz Industries LLC, Mad Dogg Athletics Inc., Merrithew International Inc., Metalife, PILATES DESIGNS LLC, Pilates Scandinavia, PilatesEquip The Joint Workshop Pty Ltd., Sivan Health and Fitness, Stamina Products Inc., The Mad Group HQ Ltd, Tirado Pilates Apparatus, Trending Fit LLC, VIVA FITNESS, XtendPilates, and Zhejiang Woods Technology Co. Ltd. Regions Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Region Outlook 1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 37%. To the growth of the global market. The Pilates Equipment Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The Pilates equipment market in the North American region is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing number of millennials joining fitness and recreational sports centers. This trend is driven by the availability of technologically advanced Pilates equipment designed for end-users. The US, being the largest market for fitness and recreational sports centers globally, contributes significantly to the Pilates equipment market in North America . Canada , the fifth-largest contributor to the global fitness market, is also experiencing growth due to rising health consciousness, government initiatives, and the increasing rate of obesity and related diseases. These factors are encouraging more Canadians to join fitness centers and invest in Pilates equipment for their workouts. For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The Pilates equipment market is experiencing notable growth, particularly in the segment for Pilates machines. Popular machines include cadillacs, reformers, pilates towers, and trapezes, with pilates chairs and other products also available. The increasing use of reformers and cadillacs in medical clinics and health clubs for therapy and injury rehabilitation is a significant market driver. Product innovations and the shift towards eco-friendly manufacturing materials are also contributing factors. For instance, BASI Systems Pilates Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi's pilates reformer features an enhanced pulley system and expanded gear system for precise control. Traditionally, pilates machines were made from amber and bamboo, but modern equipment is increasingly manufactured using nanomaterials and carbon fiber for lightweight and eco-friendly options. These factors, along with the rising demand for pilates machines in developed countries, are expected to fuel the growth of this segment in the coming years. Research Analysis The Pilates Equipment Market has witnessed significant growth in recent years due to the increasing health awareness and the need for effective solutions to address various health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and lung problems. Pilates, with its low-impact and full-body workouts, has gained popularity as a preferred choice for those seeking to improve their overall health and fitness. Pilates equipment includes various types of machines and accessories such as mats, resistance bands, Pilates balls, rings, towers, Cadillacs, Reformers, Chairs, Barrels, and Arcs. These tools help individuals perform exercises that enhance physical activity, self-care, and promote better sleep. Pilates is also beneficial for individuals dealing with sexual preference issues, alcohol, and drug addiction recovery, as it helps improve mental and emotional well-being. Pilates equipment is used not only in gyms and professional Pilates studios but also in the comfort of one's own home. The Pilates method, with its focus on proper alignment, breathing, and controlled movements, offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. Market Overview The Pilates Equipment Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing health awareness and the need for effective solutions to address various health issues such as diabetes, obesity, lung problems, and musculoskeletal disorders. Pilates equipment, including machines like Cadillacs, Reformers, Chairs, Barrels, Arcs, and mats, balls, rings, and towers, are popular choices for those seeking to improve their physical health and overall well-being. These devices offer numerous health advantages, making them an essential addition to fitness regimens, rehabilitation facilities, and professional Pilates studios. The market caters to diverse populations, including those with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, respiratory issues, and cancer, as well as exercise enthusiasts looking to enhance their fitness routine. Pilates equipment is also gaining popularity in virtual fitness and at-home workout options, making it accessible to a wider audience. Smart features, novel materials, and eco-friendly collections are some of the trends shaping the Pilates Equipment Market. Moreover, Pilates equipment is not only beneficial for individuals with specific health concerns but also for those seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is an effective tool for weight loss, improving flexibility, and promoting self-care. Additionally, Pilates is a low-impact form of physical exercise, making it suitable for individuals with sexual preference preferences or those recovering from injuries. The Pilates method, which controlled movements, proper alignment, and focus on the core, is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional forms of exercise like running and swimming. Pilates equipment offers a more personalized and interactive experience, with smart features like AI-driven training applications and interactive mirrors, providing a more engaging workout experience. In conclusion, the Pilates Equipment Market is poised for continued growth as more individuals seek effective solutions to improve their health and well-being. With a focus on smart features, novel materials, and eco-friendly collections, Pilates equipment is an excellent investment for those looking to enhance their fitness routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pilates-equipment-market-37-of-growth-to-originate-from-north-america-with-ai-redefining-the-market-landscape---technavio-302327540.html SOURCE TechnavioHII's Ingalls Shipbuilding Undocks USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000)The curious case of Jaguar's polarizing rebrand

The Morphology Of Anatase Rutile And Brookite And Their Industrial Significance

Singapore, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Webuy Global Ltd. (Nasdaq: WBUY) (the "Company”), a Southeast Asian community-oriented e-commerce retailor with a focus on grocery and travel, today announced the closing of its previously announced registered direct offering with certain institutional investors for the sale and purchase of an aggregate of 21,013,239 of the Company's Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.000000385 per share (the "Shares”) (or Class A ordinary share equivalents in lieu thereof) in a registered direct offering at a purchase price of $0.1756 per share. The purchase price for the pre-funded warrants is $0.1755 to the purchase price for Shares, less the exercise price of $0.0001 per share. The gross proceeds to the Company from the registered direct offering are estimated to be approximately $3.7 million, before deducting the placement agent's fees and other estimated offering expenses. D. Boral Capital LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP acted as counsel to the Company and Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC acted as counsel to D. Boral Capital LLC. The proposed offering of the securities described above is being offered by the Company pursuant to a "shelf” registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-283356) filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on December 3, 2024, and the accompanying prospectus contained therein. The offering was made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The prospectus supplement describing the terms of the public offering was filed with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting D. Boral Capital LLC Attention: Syndicate Department, 590 Madison Avenue, 39th Floor, New York, NY 10022, by email at [email protected] , or by telephone at +1 (212) 970-5150. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Webuy Global Ltd Webuy Global Ltd. (Nasdaq: WBUY) is a forward-thinking, technology-driven company aimed at becoming the leading e-commerce and travel platform in Southeast Asia. Leveraging advanced AI technologies, the Company enhances its 'group buy' model by providing personalized recommendations, predictive demand analytics, and seamless community interactions. In addition, Webuy integrates AI-powered travel solutions, such as its proprietary AI Travel Consultant, to deliver personalized itineraries, group travel planning, and real-time support. These innovations streamline the traditional supply chain, foster a community-driven shopping experience, and simplify travel planning for its users. Webuy is committed to improving the lives of millions of families in Southeast Asia with high-quality, affordable products, services, and travel experiences. For more information, visit http://webuy.global Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's current expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties described more fully in the Company's filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update them, except as required by law. CONTACT: Webuy Global Ltd. Email: [email protected]NEW YORK , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) in connection with Southwest Airlines' information technology infrastructure impacting the Company's business, operations, and stock price. If you currently own shares of Southwest Airlines stock, please visit the firm's website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=10716 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at case@rosenlegal.com . Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40 th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rosen-law-firm-announces-investigation-of-breaches-of-fiduciary-duties-by-the-directors-and-officers-of-southwest-airlines-co--luv-302334153.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

Vietnam's OnPoint nets 51% stake in Crea

'Something is happening we don't fully understand': Video shows mysterious lights over Oregon

For laptops, PCs, Macs, chips, peripherals, and other hardware, 2024 was the best of times, and 2024 was the worst of times. And in prepping my year-end wrap-ups for 2024, I found that it was a big enough year that I needed to expand on the collection of articles I usually write. And so this article, which began as a "best laptop of 2024"-type post, now highlights the best and worst hardware moments I experienced in 2024, some personally and some industry-wide. Note that hardware in this case is limited only to those devices one uses personally. Sorry, Nvidia. ✍️ Reviews, I've made a few I may as well start with the laptop and PC reviews. I typically estimate that I write about 12 laptop reviews each year. But I've already written 19 laptop and PC reviews this year, and will likely get a few more done before New Years: I have six new hardware devices in-house as I write this, including four laptops and one all-in-one PC, plus one tablet and one e-reader. My 2024 laptop and PC reviews are, in chronological order: HP Spectre x360 14 Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus HP Envy Move Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 9 Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 14 Gen 9 HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 HP EliteBook Ultra HP EliteBook 1040 G11 Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Snapdragon Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 Lenovo ThinkBook x13 Gen 4 Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 HP OmniBook Ultra Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 15 Aura Edition Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid 👍 No regrets: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Surface Laptop 7 isn't perfect: It lacks a fingerprint reader and presence sensing capabilities, for example. But with this laptop, Microsoft delivered exactly what I wanted: A MacBook Air-alike with a large display, Snapdragon X/Arm internals, killer performance, battery life, compatibility, efficiency, and reliability, a terrific keyboard with a near-perfect typing experience, and the clean software experience I hope to see on all PCs. I spent way too much on this PC and I couldn't be happier: It's the best laptop of 2024, and my best purchase of the year too. I only wish I could have gotten it sooner. 👎 Nothing but regrets: Apple iPad Air 13-Inch M2 Looking back on this, I'm having trouble reconciling my decision to purchase an Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2 to replace my aging 11-inch iPad Air 4th generation (2020). I mean, I can rationalize it. I had to keep resetting my old iPad Air because it kept slowing down. Between 2023 and 2024, I'd really started preferring larger-screen 15-16 inch laptops, so maybe a larger iPad made sense too. And while Apple had dashed my hopes of a more sophisticated iPadOS at WWDC 2024 in the wake of releasing new M-based iPad Pro and iPad Air models, it would have to come around to reality at some point, right? Maybe it will happen someday. But this was a mistake t... With technology shaping our everyday lives, how could we not dig deeper? Thurrott Premium delivers an honest and thorough perspective about the technologies we use and rely on everyday. Discover deeper content as a Premium member. Paul Thurrott is an award-winning technology journalist and blogger with 30 years of industry experience and the author of 30 books. He is the owner of and the host of three tech podcasts: with Leo Laporte and Richard Campbell, , and with Brad Sams. He was formerly the senior technology analyst at Windows IT Pro and the creator of the SuperSite for Windows from 1999 to 2014 and the Major Domo of Thurrott.com while at BWW Media Group from 2015 to 2023. You can reach Paul via , or . Join the crowd where the love of tech is real - become a Thurrott Premium Member today! Sign up for our new free newsletter to get three time-saving tips each FridayThe New York Giants announced the release of now-former starting quarterback Daniel Jones on Friday, sending waves around the NFL world. The Giants thought Jones was their franchise quarterback, signing him on a four-year, $160 million contract last year. Now, the franchise is on the hunt for its next starting quarterback of the future. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.

Trump's casting call as he builds out his administration: TV experience preferred

Key Takeaways In any business's journey, leaders must make tough calls about what products to keep offering and which to discontinue in order to facilitate long-term profitability and growth. When Steve Jobs returned to Apple as CEO in 1997, he found a company that was bloated and underperforming. He decided to scrap over 70% of the existing product line, which included over a dozen versions of the MacIntosh computer and focused on four key products: two desktop computers and two "portable" laptops. Jobs had the company design sleek, eye-catching products that performed as well or better than their competition. He defended the decision to eliminate dozens of existing offerings by saying , "Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do." It's hard to imagine that Apple would have ever become the biggest company in the world without Jobs' bold decision to streamline Apple's bloated product line and start from scratch. Related: Advice From the Greats: Deciding When to Retire a Product Jobs' scorched earth approach worked for Apple, but your own product assessment doesn't have to be as drastic. Here are key considerations: Is the product generating profits? The profitability of a given product is the simplest way to determine its ongoing viability. If you are continuing to invest in a product that people do not want to buy, sometimes you need to put your ego aside and declare defeat. But it's not always as simple as the bottom line of sales and profit. Costco has famously kept the price of its hotdog/soda combo at $1.50 since 1985, and it's become part of the company's brand legacy. Adjusted for inflation, the combo should cost around $4.50, but the company knows the loss leader is a draw for its customers and a good way to foster brand loyalty . The combo is as much a part of Costco's identity as its giant shopping carts and bulk offerings. But when assessing any product — even a potential loss leader that helps you in the big picture — you have to know the profit margin of the product and understand how it is performing over time. There are many methods to track product profitability, including calculating operating margin , net profit margin or gross profit margin , which subtracts the cost of goods sold (COGS) from the overall profit. If the overall revenue from a product is $100,000 in a given period and the COGS is $30,000, the product's gross profit margin is $70,000 or 70%. The method of calculation isn't as important as consistently tracking the data with the same metric for a long enough period to account for short-term variations like winter holiday sales increases and seasonal drop-offs. I recommend tracking at least two years of data before making any decisions. That will give you a solid picture of how your product performs in terms of profitability and overall sales trends. There is no correct answer on what level of profitability is acceptable, given that profit margins can vary significantly from one sector to another, and each business has its own profit goals. But, if your product is consistently losing money and not creating other benefits (e.g., the Costco hot dog combo that created returning customers), it's time to move on. Related: Is It Time to Let Go of Your Business? How to Adapt When Your Product Stagnates Does the product continue to meet a market need? Technological advancements can make once-profitable products obsolete. It's important to regularly assess whether your product is currently meeting a market need and if it will continue to do so in the near future. In the automotive industry, there is a significant shift underway to electric vehicles. Sales of EVs rose in Q3 of 2024 to almost 9% of total vehicle sales in the U.S., compared to 5.3% in Q1 of 2022. Does that mean car companies should abandon their non-EV products? Of course not. The gas-engine Ford F-15 continues to be the country's top-selling vehicle , selling over 750,000 units. The best-selling EV was the Tesla-Y, with 403,000 units. So, while there is a clear demand for EVs, it does not mean that Ford should abandon its best-selling product anytime soon. So, you need to regularly undertake an honest assessment of your product's viability in the current and future markets. Bigger businesses can hire market research firms to conduct a thorough analysis of where your product stands against competitors and assess its future viability against predicted market trends. For smaller businesses, Google Trends is a free tool that lets them do their own market research by assessing customer behavior — even on a regional basis — and overall industry trends and product demand. There are dozens of excellent tutorials online. Regularly exploring market and sales trends will give you a feel for the market, where it's going, and where your product fits in. Just like if you're looking to sell your house, you need to familiarize yourself with the housing market in your area so you can become attuned to its trends, prices, and level of demand so you can price your house for optimal profit. How do your customers feel about your product? Before making any changes to your product lines, it's important to take into account how your customers feel. Consider the example of Research In Motion (RIM), the Canadian company that offered mobile devices with physical keyboards via its BlackBerry line. RIM dominated the market from the late 2000s to 2011 with a loyal customer base who loved the company's physical keyboards. When RIM started to lose ground after the launch of the Apple iPhone and Android platforms — with their increasingly popular touchscreens — RIM tried to keep pace by making both a touchscreen and physical keyboard version of the product. To offset the increased production costs, they outsourced manufacturing from Canada to Taiwan and the quality of the devices plummeted. Eventually, the diminished quality of the new products failed to attract new customers and turned away those previously loyal to Blackberry. The takeaway is that keeping track of consumer trends is important, but it can be more important to consider your own customer's preferences before undertaking drastic changes. Online surveys following purchases allow customers to provide direct, immediate feedback on the product, with Survey Monkey and Typeform offering affordable solutions. Social media searches are less representative of the broader market as people typically only post about products they love or hate, but they gauge how customers feel at a given moment. Hootsuite and Brandwatch are both excellent tools to assist your analysis. Focus groups with customers are another tool to dig deeper into how customers view your product, whether they will repurchase it, or how it could be refined for broader appeal. Conducting a Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey is another useful way to gauge how customers perceive your product and whether they are promoters or detractors when discussing your offering with others. A high NPS indicates a strong product perception, while a low score means there is an issue that you'll need to dig into. Ultimately, evaluating a product's contributions to your company's bottom line and whether it will deliver significant strategic value in the future can be more art than science. However, the tools above should provide a solid foundation for understanding what is working and what is not in order to sustain and grow a successful business.

After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soonAn incident above Oregon earlier this month may not be so easy to explain away, according to several people, including some with first-hand knowledge of the event. On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 7, multiple pilots reported unidentified red lights “zooming” around the sky over Oregon to air traffic controllers. See video of one of the sightings here: On a recording of one of the conversations, two pilots were perplexed by what they saw. “We’re seeing three or four targets,” one pilot said. “They’re all altitudes. Up and down. It’s pretty crazy.” The pilot describes the lights “shooting way up” into the range of 50,000 feet. “Just had another one show up,” said another pilot, who reported that the light was “zipping towards us and back out towards the ocean, red in color, moving at extreme speeds. I don’t even know how to describe it.” “You are cleared to maneuver as necessary left and right to avoid the UFO out there,” an air traffic controller told him. Tim Gallaudet, an oceanographer and retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy who testified last month before Congress about government transparency when it comes to “unidentified anomalous phenomena,” the government’s term for unidentified flying objects or UFOs, sees the lights over Oregon as part of a trend of mysterious events witnessed by pilots. While one researcher told KGW that the lights appear “to be Starlink satellites, most likely,” Gallaudet and others don’t believe Oregon’s lights can be explained that way. “Nothing that we make can move like they were describing,” Gallaudet said Monday. “Starlink is pretty easy to observe and verify because the satellites seem to move in a pretty predictable orbit.” “Most pilots who see Starlink, they know they’re seeing Starlink,” he added. The Oregonian/OregonLive spoke with several people who had first-hand knowledge of the lights over Oregon. Those people, who were unable to go on the record out of concern for their jobs, said the lights did not move like Starlink or look like Starlink. And they do not believe they were Starlink. But they do not have a good explanation for what they are. Unlike the drones seen over the East Coast, these red lights have so far defied an easy explanation. At the time, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed at least one of these sightings in a statement, saying, “A pilot reported seeing unidentified lights while flying in Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace on Saturday, Dec. 7.” The FAA has declined to offer any further information and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the lights did not fall under their purview. Gallaudet sees that lack of explanation is part of a trend. In 2015, Gallaudet was serving as a meteorologist with the task of reducing flight safety risks for a naval exercise off the East Coast. “During this exercise, I received an email on the Navy’s secure network from the operations officer of Fleet Forces Command,” Gallaudet testified before Congress. “The text of the email was brief but alarming,” Gallaudet said, “with words to the effect: ‘If any of you know what these are, tell me ASAP. We are having multiple near-midair collisions, and if we do not resolve it soon, we will have to shut down the exercise.’” The email included a video of “an unidentified object exhibiting flight and structural characteristics unlike anything in our arsenal.” But, he told Congress, “The very next day, the email disappeared from my account and those of the other recipients without explanation.” Observing objects that have no explanation is not new. It’s so common that the government has an agency called the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office that collects reports of UFOs. The official line, however, is that most of these mysterious celestial events do have a concrete explanation. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Oregon lights but Jon Kosloski, the director of the office, also testified before Congress in November. “Only a very small percentage of reports AARO receives are potentially anomalous,” Kosloski said. “These are the cases that require significant time, resources, and a focused scientific inquiry by AARO and its wide network of partners.” “It is important to underscore,” he added, “that, to date, AARO has discovered no verifiable evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity, or technology.” Gallaudet isn’t so sure. “Something is happening we don’t fully understand,” he said. “Consider this,” Gallaudet said. “Our galaxy alone has between 100 and 400 billion stars. We know there are habitable planets around many stars and the observable universe has at least 2 trillion galaxies.” Gallaudet doesn’t know what the lights over Oregon were last week. But he thinks the official silence about those lights and other unexplained phenomena is because the government is worried about what will happen if they admit they don’t have total control over United States airspace. “We know life can evolve and is a property of this universe because we’re here,” he said. “How can we think, as big and old the universe is, we’re the only planet where that happened? It’s just really naive and myopic.” ©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit oregonlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Daily year-round service will seamlessly connect our guests between the nation's capital and one of our key West Coast hubs SEATTLE , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines is proud to announce new nonstop service between San Diego International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), becoming the only airline to offer this direct route and enhance connectivity to the nation's capital. Tickets will soon be available for purchase on www.alaskaair.com . On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved our application as part of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 to operate roundtrip service between San Diego and DCA. For nearly 40 years, we've proudly served San Diego with the exceptional and caring service that we're known for. We've connected our guests to DCA since 2001 and today offer nonstop service from Seattle , Portland , San Francisco and Los Angeles . "We are pleased the DOT sees the value of Alaska providing direct service between San Diego and DCA, and we thank the many leaders, local businesses and organizations who supported our bid," said CEO Ben Minicucci. "This new route reflects our commitment to San Diego , home of the nation's largest military community, and offers our guests a seamless travel option to our nation's capital." "Today is a great day for the San Diego Region with the announcement of a new, nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport. This flight will further connect our growing defense, research and innovation economies to our leaders in the Capitol," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria . "Securing this flight was a team effort by our partners from Alaska Airlines, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, and our congressional delegation. I especially want to thank U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker for selecting San Diego as one of the five new DCA flight slot recipients." As the carrier with the most nonstop destinations from San Diego , Alaska will offer 40 nonstop destinations and more than 70 peak-day departures when our new service to DCA begins. Together with our Global Partners, we offer one-stop service from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to more than 330 destinations.* Currently, SAN has the greatest number of passengers of any U.S. airport without service to DCA. Whether you're flying nonstop or catching a connecting a flight at SAN, www.alaskaair.com has options for what works best for you: you can book flights on 22 partner airlines or redeem Mileage Plan miles, all on our site. "We are very pleased Alaska Airlines has received approval to begin nonstop service between San Diego International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport," said Kimberly J. Becker , president and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. " San Diego has been the largest origin-destination market without service to Reagan National Airport and it has significant defense, biotech, and communications technology sectors that require efficient access to the core of the national capital region. This new nonstop route will greatly enhance the connectivity between these two strategic regions for business and our leisure passengers." Alaska's elevated travel experience offers a blend of comfort and caring service for a seamless journey, including no change fees, the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class, satellite Wi-Fi and the most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status. Savor the best of West Coast-inspired food and beverages, including complimentary snacks and chef-curated meals. With access to Alaska Lounge locations for members and First Class guests on flights more than 2,000 miles, you can unwind in ultimate comfort before take-off. Building off our newest Lounge in San Francisco , we're set to nearly double our footprint in 3 years. We recently announced a plan to continue expanding our Lounge program, including in San Diego and Honolulu , followed by a new world-class Lounge in Seattle to support international service. We'll begin with an expanded Anchorage Lounge early next year and open our new Portland Lounge in 2026. In September, we began adding more Premium Class seating across our mainline fleet, including our 900ERs, 800s and MAX9s. We plan to increase our 737-800 First Class seats from 12 to 16 to make it easy for our guests to upgrade and meet the demand for premium seating. In First Class, our new premium seating will provide a calf rest, new seatback device holder, 6-way headrest with neck support and USB-C charging capabilities. In our 737-800 Main Cabin and Premium Class, guests will continue to experience comfort and convenience at every seat with improved features, including new device holders with built in cup holders, USB-C charging and a 6-way headrest with dedicated neck support. About Alaska Air Group Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America , Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the one world Alliance. With one world and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com . Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog . Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK." SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES

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The stocks that did the most damage in 2024 – and the ones that ruledAs part of a national “moonshot” to cure blindness, researchers at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus will receive as much as $46 million in federal funding over the next five years to pursue a first-of-its-kind full eye transplantation. “This is no easy undertaking, but I believe we can achieve this together,” said Dr. Kia Washington, the lead researcher for the University of Colorado-led team, during a press conference Monday. “And in fact I’ve never been more hopeful that a cure for blindness is within reach.” The CU team was one of four in the United States that received funding awards from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health , or ARPA-H. The CU-based group will focus on achieving the first-ever vision-restoring eye transplant by using “novel stem cell and bioelectronic technologies,” according to a news release announcing the funding. The work will be interdisciplinary, Washington and others said, and will link together researchers at institutions across the country. The four teams that received the funding will work alongside each other on distinct approaches, though officials said the teams would likely collaborate and eventually may merge depending on which research avenues show the most promise toward achieving the ultimate goal of transplanting an eye and curing blindness. Dr. Calvin Roberts, who will oversee the broader project for ARPA-H, said the agency wanted to take multiple “shots on goal” to ensure progress. “In the broader picture, achieving this would be probably the most monumental task in medicine within the last several decades,” said Dr. Daniel Pelaez of the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which also received ARPA-H funding. Pelaez is the lead investigator for that team, which has pursued new procedures to successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors, amid other research. He told The Denver Post that only four organ systems have not been successfully transplanted: the inner ear, the brain, the spinal cord and the eye. All four are part of the central nervous system, which does not repair itself when damaged. If researchers can successfully transplant the human eye and restore vision to the patient, it might help unlock deeper discoveries about repairing damage to the brain and spine, Pelaez said, as well as addressing hearing loss. To succeed, researchers must successfully remove and preserve eyes from donors and then successfully connect and repair the optical nerve, which takes information from the eye and tells the brain what the eye sees. A team at New York University performed a full eye transplant on a human patient in November 2023, though the procedure — while a “remarkable achievement,” Pelaez said — did not restore the patient’s vision. It was also part of a partial face transplant; other approaches pursued via the ARPA-H funding will involve eye-specific transplants. Washington, the lead CU researcher, said she and her colleagues have already completed the eye transplant procedure — albeit without vision restoration — in rats. The CU team will next work on large animals to advance “optic nerve regenerative strategies,” the school said, as well as to study immunosuppression, which is critical to ensuring that patients’ immune systems don’t reject a donated organ. The goal is to eventually advance to human trials. Pelaez and his colleagues have completed their eye-removal procedure in cadavers, he said, and they’ve also studied regeneration in several animals that are capable of regenerating parts of their eyes, like salamanders or zebra fish. His team’s funding will focus in part on a life-support machine for the eye to keep it healthy and viable during the removal process. InGel Therapeutics, a Massachusetts-based Harvard spinoff and the lead of a third team, will pursue research on 3-D printed technology and “micro-tunneled scaffolds” that carry certain types of stem cells as part of a focus on optical nerve regeneration and repair, ARPA-H said. ARPH-A, created two years ago, will oversee the teams’ work. Researchers at 52 institutions nationwide will also contribute to the teams. The CU-led group will include researchers from the University of Southern California, the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University and Johns Hopkins University, as well as from the National Eye Institute . The teams will simultaneously compete and collaborate: Pelaez said his team has communicated with researchers at CU and at Stanford, another award recipient, about their eye-removal research. The total funding available for the teams is $125 million, ARPA-H officials said Monday, and it will be distributed in phases, in part dependent on teams’ success. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat who represents Denver in Congress, acknowledged the recent election results at the press conference Monday and pledged to continue fighting to preserve ARPA-H’s funding under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The effort to cure blindness, Washington joked, was “biblical” in its enormity — a reference to the Bible story in which Jesus cures a blind man. She and others also likened it to a moonshot, meaning the effort to successfully put Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon nearly 50 years ago. If curing blindness is similar to landing on the moon, then the space shuttle has already left the launchpad, Washington said. “We have launched,” she said, “and we are on our trajectory.”20 Autocorrect Jokes That’ll Hope You Leaving in Snitches!

jili 646 casino login WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press

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A man has made a blood-chilling discovery in his laundry after his dogs raised the alarm in his Northern Territory home. Vince Nathan was asleep about 1.30am on Tuesday when the sound of his dogs Boff and Bluey began echoing through the house, waking him up. Curious to see what the dogs were making a fuss about, Mr Nathan got out of bed and walked around the corner, spotting something underneath his feet – a saltwater crocodile. Vince Nathan and his wife Raylene found a crocodile in their laundry. Picture: Supplied “As I came around the corner, I nearly stood on him,” he told 9News. “He was sitting there in the pathway.” The crocodile, which was about 1m in length, wasn’t too impressed to see him, opening his mouth and hissing at Mr Nathan, prompting him to take off and wake up his wife, Raylene. “I call my wife and said ‘Ray, come look, come look, there’s a croc here, mate’,” he said. While the Northern Territory is known for its large crocodile population, Mr Nathan and his wife do not live close to waterways, leaving the couple scratching their heads about the crocodile’s origins. “We’re not near any water to the west of us,” Mr Nathan said. “We’ve got a beach which is five kilometres away and we’ve got a creek that goes up there called crocodile creek.” He tried calling a snake catcher but wasn’t expecting anyone to pick up the phone in the middle of the night. Picture: Supplied The crocodile likely walked for kilometres to get to the couple’s house. Picture: Supplied He then tried to call the local snake catcher, though was not expecting them to pick up the phone in the middle of the night. “When you call them it goes to voicemail, it usually goes: ‘If there is a buffalo in the area or a dangerous dog please leave a message and I’ll get back to you’,” he explained. “I’m thinking, ‘Well, it’s sort of a dangerous dog’.” It was quite the surprise for the couple. Picture: Supplied Thankfully, the snake catcher was able to take the metre-long reptile out of the house, though there isn’t an indication how the crocodile got there in the first place. Mr Nathan believes it may have walked “two to three kilometres plus” to get to the house; the crocodile could have been there for weeks, hiding in the laundry while the occupants went on with daily life. “Ray had been going there the last two weeks every day doing washing and not even half a metre away this croc was under the table,” Mr Nathan said. Originally published as ‘Nearly stood on him’: Man makes chilling discovery in laundry Animals Don't miss out on the headlines from Animals. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories WA News Shark ‘shook’ surfer during attack A teenage surfer has described the moment a shark attacked him, but vowing it won’t stop him getting into the water again. Read more Animals Bull shark spotted in popular river Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water after a bull shark was spotted in a popular river in Victoria’s east. Read moreRudy Giuliani was rebuked in court by the judge presiding over the collection proceeding for the $146 million defamation judgment against him for an emotional outburst, saying he cannot pay his bills. Giuliani spoke to reporters outside the courthouse and repeated his claims that he has no cash and decried the judgement against him as political retribution. Nov. 26, 2024

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Aaron Rodgers left Week 17 with another NFL record, but not the one he wanted. Rodgers is heading into the final game of his two-year spell with the New York Jets and has not snapped the teams playoff drought, which is a US Sports-leading 14 seasons. Rodgers does however need to throw just one more touchdown to become just the second quarterback to throw 500 touchdowns in fewer than 250 games. It is a feat only achieved by Peyton Manning - not by Tom Brady, Dan Marino or Joe Montana and for Rodgers games are now running out. However, the 40-year-old arrived in Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills with 14 touchdowns in his last eight games, and no interceptions, his TD in defeat to the Rams in Week 16 leaving him on the brink of history. The feeling was the former Green Bay Packers quarterback would hit the mark and give the Jets something to celebrate in a miserable season. But standing on the brink he was left to reflect on slowly diminishing standards following a miserable afternoon in Western New York. Rodgers completed 12 of his 18 passes against the Buffalo Bills for 112 yards, but with no touchdowns and two interceptions he left the game in the second half as the Bills ran riot. Instead, Rodgers walked away with another NFL record but not the one he wanted. He was sacked four times on the day, the third of which saw him overtake the total of Tom Brady as the most sacks in an NFL career. It speaks to Rodgers longevity that he hit the mark, but it was a bad day at the office. To make matters worse, with the Jets trailing 40-0 Rodgers' replacement Tyrod Taylor came in to throw the Jets only two touchdowns of the afternoon. Rodgers has now played 247 games to stand one short, but with his future shrouded in doubt he may only have one more game to do it. The Jets face the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium, but Rodgers has said he has not decided on whether he will stay with the Jets or even play on - adding another note of drama to his two-year spell in the Big Apple. Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos great Manning took 244 to reach the mark, Tom Brady (649 touchdown passes) and Drew Brees (571) join Hall of Famers Pro Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508) on an elite list of players to hit the mark. The closest active player is Matthew Stafford, who has 377 in 222 games. Patrick Mahomes is on track to beat Manning and Rodgers' pace with 245 passing scores in just 112 games. Davante Adams' first-ever receiving score happened to be the 200th passing TD of Aaron Rodgers’ career. In 2020, Adams caught Rodgers’ 400th touchdown pass while they were both on the Green Bay Packers. He is well aware of his place in history and was depserate to catch No. 500. “Obviously, I’d love to,” Adams said, via ESPN. “I got 200, I got 400, so it would be dope to get 500 as well . Adams and Rodgers will get one more try in Week 18, when the 4-12 Jets finish out a season that has seen them fire head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. An overhaul is coming is coming in New Jersey, and whether Rodgers gets his landmark moment this season he also has franchise history in his sights. talkSPORT is your home of the NFL, join us every Sunday through the regular season and the playoffs for live commentary - and talkSPORT will be in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX Catch up on the latest news, views and interviews via our dedicated NFL YouTube channel and weekly 'Run Down' showPyxus Releases Fiscal Year 2024 Sustainability Report

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LINCOLN — In a conference known for offensive lines and running the ball, Nebraska’s defense is set to face its biggest challenge to date in Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson for Friday’s regular season finale at Kinnick Stadium. The Huskers ( 6-5, 3-5 Big Ten) have been stout against the run all season, not allowing a single rushing touchdown at home and only 110 rushing yards per game. But this challenge will be on the road, under the lights, in a rivalry game against the second-leading rusher in all of college football. “When you go back and watch the film, they are good at what they do,” Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White said of the Hawkeyes. “Offensive line is excellent at blocking and sifting through all that stuff. (Johnson) is as elite as they come in terms of breaking tackles, great vision and can put a foot in the ground and plant any which way. It’s going to be a great challenge. That is what the Big Ten is about and we've got to tackle well, play with dominant contact and get a lot of bodies around the ball.” Johnson only trails Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty this season in rushing yards with 1,492 and 21 touchdowns. The junior has rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games and has scored in all 11 Iowa games to this point, while averaging nearly seven yards per carry. “He breaks tackles,” White said of Johnson. “He doesn’t go down just by lowering the shoulder. His center of gravity is low, and it doesn’t look like he is running very hard, but you cannot tackle. He is an elite back, and it is going to be a challenge to the guys to make sure they wrap up, run their feet and get bodies in pursuit around him.” But Friday night will be strength against strength with the Huskers’ defensive front coming to town. The Huskers, though having allowed over 100 yards rushing in three straight games, have been dominant in the trenches for most of the season, allowing under 80 rushing yards in five of their 11 games. Having one more shot against the best of the Big Ten has been a challenge, White said, the group has welcomed during this week’s practices. “The stuff (Terrance) Knighton is having them key on and all of those things, it’s been a good week of preparation so far. Embracing the process gives you a chance to go out there and play well,” White said. “Right now, it's just looking schematically at some things and then getting them emotionally ready to play the game. They will be geeked up to play, especially the old guys.” Holgorsen discusses switch at TE position In the second week of changes under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, the most notable adjustment seen was at Nebraska’s tight end position, which saw more snaps for its backups than usual starter Thomas Fidone. Fidone logged a season-low three snaps after being pulled following a false start just 10 seconds into the game. The majority of those snaps went to Luke Lindenmeyer and Nate Boerkircher, in an effort, Holgorsen said, to “promote competition." “I took that approach at every position,” Holgorsen said. “I know everyone wants to talk about the tight end position because of what happened on Saturday, but that has been the case at every position. It’s about competition, which makes people better.” Lindenmeyer caught one pass for eight yards in Saturday’s win against Wisconsin, while Boerkircher added two catches for a season-high 29 yards. Part of the reason for the duo’s increase in snaps has been their noticeable improvement in the offensive system over the past two weeks “I don't care who has played,” Holgorsen said. “If you are not performing at the level I need you to, based on what is done in practice, then we are going to change it. That position has been changed based on the fact that Nate and Luke have really done a nice job.” But that doesn’t mean Fidone’s benching is permanent. Holgorsen said Fidone has responded well to the change, and is expected to be involved in Friday’s game plan at Iowa. “I think that really motivated Thomas,” Holgorsen said. “He just had his best practice he has had since I have been here. I appreciate his attitude and understanding. He lined up and practiced hard for two days, so I would anticipate him lining up, going in there and making plays on Friday.” Raiola hoping for another rivalry win Friday’s game in Iowa City will be a battle of experience and inexperience. Nebraska’s offense will be led by a coordinator who has been on the job for two weeks and a quarterback who has been under center for four months. Their assignment? Beat an Iowa defensive system that has been in place since defensive coordinator Phil Parker has been on staff beginning in 1999. “Their head coach and coordinator have been together since I was even born,” Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola said. “Obviously a lot of experience and they play very sound and well together. With it being the last game, you could see them getting better and progressing each week. We will have to be ready for anything they have for us.” It was clear, following Saturday’s blowout win over the Badgers, that Nebraska’s offense is beginning to hit its stride, too, as the group gets more comfortable with Holgorsen calling plays. “Just building that relationship and understanding what he wants to call and when he wants to call it,” Raiola said. “Everyone on the offense got more comfortable and you see that as we kept progressing throughout the game.” Nebraska’s 44 points against Wisconsin were the most in two seasons under head coach Matt Rhule. Its 473 total yards of offense were the most since this year’s season opener against UTEP and its 180 rushing yards was its second-highest this season. An afternoon like that, Raiola said, only builds excitement to do it again the next game. “It’s even better when you watch the tape and see things that you can do better,” Raiola said. “We are excited. Just back at square one to get ready for the next opponent and put that one behind us.” “Serious rivalry,” Raiola said. “It will be electric Friday night. Last game at their place.”Liberals’ holiday tax break and cash giveaway has winners and losersIn a new exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Halina Zimm, a Holocaust survivor and Richmond resident, tells her story like never before. “Dimensions in Testimony“ is a new permanent exhibition that uses AI technology to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors, developed by the USC Shoah Foundation, a nonprofit organization based at the University of Southern California. The USC Shoah Foundation launched in 1994 as a way to record, preserve and share the testimonies of Holocaust survivors. The foundation makes audio-visual interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust for research and education. Currently, there are only four museums nationwide with “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibits. “This is one of the diamonds in the crown of the city of Richmond, and it will bring many, many visitors throughout the state and from outside of the state to the city to see this amazing exhibit, and learn from the survivors and from people who saw it firsthand. So it’s a great teaching mechanism,” said Samuel Asher, executive director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Holocaust survivor and Richmond resident Halina Zimm attends the opening of a new exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. The exhibit, "Dimensions in Testimony," uses AI technology to tell the story of Holocaust survivors. “Dimensions in Testimony” allows visitors to hear personal stories from Holocaust survivors, which were prerecorded, then engage in Q&A style conversations with them. In 2023, Zimm was videotaped for 15 hours over five days as she answered thousands of questions about her experiences during the Holocaust. When: Exhibit opens Friday Where: Virginia Holocaust Museum, 2000 E. Cary St. More info: Admission is free, but reservations are required. vaholocaust.org “It wasn’t easy in the beginning, because really I didn’t know how to start,” said Zimm, who is 96. For the project, Zimm revisited her life in Poland before the war, her time spent in Warsaw, how it felt to conceal her Jewish identity, Soviet liberation and how she found her way to the United States. Zimm considers it her obligation to share her story. “When I came into this country, I was 21 years old and I never stopped talking. Because I felt it’s so important, people must know,” Zimm said. “My family was wiped out. They couldn’t speak for themselves, so it was my obligation, my responsibility, speaking and telling people about the Holocaust, because people deny that. I’m so grateful I’m still here, that I can talk to you.” The exhibition is on the museum’s second floor in the new 46-seat Alan and Halina Zimm Theater of Remembrance that was built specifically for “Dimensions in Testimony.” The Virginia Holocaust Museum’s new exhibit, “Dimensions in Testimony,” uses AI technology developed by the Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors. Outside of the theater, black-and-white photos of Holocaust survivors that started a new life in Richmond hang along the wall. “It’s very important that we can teach even more kids, students and adults about what happened,” Asher said. “As Halina Zimm says, 'Love is important. Hate is not important. But there’s more hate out there, so we have to combat the hate.' And the way we do that is to have people talk to survivors through this mechanism. This mechanism will be here as a permanent exhibit for a long, long time, and we’ll add to it as the years go on.” From left to right, Virginia Holocaust Museum Executive Director Samuel Asher and Halina Zimm, a Holocaust who lives in Richmond, speak at a the opening of the “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibit at the Richmond museum on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. The “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibit at the Virginia Holocaust Museum opened Nov. 1, and screenings will run hourly with the first showing at 11 a.m. and the final showing of the day at 3 p.m. Reservations for the exhibit must be made online in advance due to limited seating in the theater. To view a schedule of the interactive biographies showing in the theater and to make reservations, visit vaholocaust.org . The museum is located at 2000 E. Cary St. in Richmond. Chelsea Jackson (804) 649-6965 cjackson@timesdispatch.com With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history.

Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squadWINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian PressConstance Kay Bloom

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is expected to announce that it will send $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Friday, as the Biden administration pushes to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. The large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defense officials acknowledged that that the Defense Department may not be able to send all of the remaining $5.6 billion in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin . Many U.S. and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he won't provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about $4.35 billion. Officials have said they hope that an influx of aid will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand, should Zelenskyy decide it’s time to negotiate. One senior defense official said that while the U.S. will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until Jan. 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about $1.2 billion remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the U.S. has provided more than $64 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.If Tar Heels fans needed further proof a deal for Bill Belichick might be imminent ... look no further than his girlfriend's Instagram page -- she just followed two UNC cheer accounts. Jordon Hudson -- a former college cheerleader who still competes on the mats -- added @carolinacheerleading and @unc_allgirlcheer to her following list on Wednesday ... a clue that Belichick could be inching toward officially being named the next head coach of the Tar Heels football team. The first account Jordon subscribed to describes itself as the "official Instagram for the University of North Carolina cheerleading program," while the second touts itself to be the landing page for UNC's competitive club cheerleading squad. It, of course, doesn't mean Belichick's a lock for Chapel Hill -- but it's now the second time this week Hudson has offered up some clues on her social media page that a signed contract could be close. You'll recall, on Monday, she told a North Carolina fan she'd let Bill know they wanted him at UNC -- all while including a winky face and a blue heart. Belichick -- whose father actually helped coach UNC in the 1950s -- confirmed late Monday morning he has been in talks with UNC officials about the open job ... and reportedly, the two sides have mutual interest in one another. Still, no pen has reached paper yet ... but if it does -- it's clear Jordon, and maybe a bunch more in Carolina blue, wouldn't mind hitting a few flips over it.None

U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.) recently disclosed he bought and sold shares of Trump Media & Technology Group DJT in November, with the transactions occurring shortly after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. What Happened: McGarvey, who has been outspoken throughout the year about Trump, disclosed that he bought shares of the company co-founded by Trump, as shown on the Benzinga Government Trades page. Benzinga has contacted both McGarvey and Trump Media & Technology group for comment on this story. The Representative disclosed the following transactions on Dec. 10: Amazon.com Inc AMZN : Sold $1,000 to $15,000 Charles Schwab Corporation SCHW : Sold $1,000 to $15,000 Interactive Brokers IBKR : Sold $1,000 to $15,000 Microsoft Corporation MSFT : Sold $1,000 to $15,000 NVIDIA Corporation NVDA : Sold $1,000 to $15,000, Sold $1,000 to $15,000, Sold $1,000 to $15,000, Sold $1,000 to $15,000, Sold $15,000 to $50,000 (five separate transactions) Shell PLC SHEL : Sold $1,000 to $15,000 Tesla Inc TSLA : Sold $1,000 to $15,000 Trump Media & Technology : Bought $1,000 to $15,000, Sold $1,000 to $15,000 All of the transactions were made on Nov. 13, with the exception of DJT, with the buy date listed as Nov. 6 and the sale date listed as Nov. 8. In the notes sections on the filing, McGarvey said DJT was "purchased without knowledge of filer or spouse." The notes also said that DJT stock was sold for a loss, as reported by Quiver Quant. Did You Know? Congress Is Making Huge Investments. Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool Why It's Important: The timing of the transaction, which occurred the day after the 2024 election was won by Trump, and the fact that McGarvey is a Democratic member of Congress will likely put a large spotlight on this transaction. DJT stock saw huge volatility and a price increase in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election on Nov. 5. McGarvey's buy transaction took place on Nov. 6, the day after the election. DJT stock traded between $34.13 and $45.77 on Nov. 6 when the shares were bought. On Nov. 8, when shares were sold, DJT stock traded between $26.70 and $33.03. Shares trade at $34.14 at the time of writing Wednesday. The DJT trade could contradict McGarvey’s outspoken stance on Trump. "In America, no one is above the law. Donald Trump, the convicted felon, is the presumptive Republican nominee for president and he is unfit to serve in any public office, especially the President of the United States," McGarvey said back in May when Trump was found guilty on 34 felony charges. In July, McGarvey also shared comments on the dismissal of Trump's classified documents case. While McGarvey saw a loss in the DJT trade, he likely profited from selling the Tesla shares. McGarvey reported purchasing Tesla stock on Oct. 25, when shares were priced between $255.32 and $269.49. By Nov. 13, Tesla traded in the range of $322.50 to $344.60, and as of now, the stock stands at $411.52. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (D-Ga.) previously disclosed buying shares of Digital World Acquisition back in October 2021, the SPAC that took the media company public in March 2024. The transaction was done with shares trading between $67.96 to $118.80. A tweet from UnusualWhales pins the purchase price at $94.20, meaning Greene is down significantly on her $15,000 to $50,000 purchase of the Trump-linked stock. DJT Price Action: Trump Media & Technology stock traded at $34.15 Wednesday, versus a 52-week trading range of $11.75 to $79.38. Read Next: Congressman Buys Meme Coins? Ski Mask Dog Coin Climbs In Value After Disclosure: ‘I Liked The Coins, So I Bought Them’ Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. 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. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. 'Jimmy Who?' His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. 'A wonderful life' At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Sanz is a former Associated Press reporter. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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The 2024 Billboard Music Awards are almost here, and Afrobeats is taking the spotlight. Asake , Burna Boy , Rema , Tems , and Tyla are all competing for Top Afrobeats Artist. Tems is nominated for Top Afrobeats Song with her track “ Me & U .” She’s joined by Tyla, who makes a strong impression with three entries in the same category: “ Water ,” “ Truth or Dare ,” and “ Jump ,” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng . This year’s show, hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau , airs live on Fox on December 12 at 8 PM ET/PT and will also be available on Paramount+ and Fire TV Channels. It’s an exciting return to Fox, where the awards originally premiered in 1990. Taylor Swift , the most decorated female artist in BBMA history, leads the nominations in 16 categories with 17 total entries, including Top Artist and Top Female Artist. Drake follows with eight nominations, including Top Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist, while Kendrick Lamar has eight nods, competing for Top Rap Artist alongside Metro Boomin and Future . In the rap categories, Nicki Minaj and GloRilla represent the women, with Nicki landing multiple nominations, including Top Rap Touring Artist. SZA has six nominations, including Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist. Beyoncé appears in country categories this year, with nominations for “Cowboy Carter” in Top Country Female Artist and Top Country Album. Other big names like The Weeknd , Brent Faiyaz, Doja Cat, and Chris Brown are also on the list. It’s shaping up to be a night of unforgettable performances and wins. You can catch the highlights on Billboard’s website and social media pages. Who are you rooting for this year? See the full list of nominees across 72 categories: Zach Bryan Sabrina Carpenter Drake Taylor Swift Morgan Wallen Benson Boone Tommy Richman Chappell Roan Shaboozey Teddy Swims Zach Bryan Luke Combs Drake Post Malone Morgan Wallen Sabrina Carpenter Billie Eilish Chappell Roan Taylor Swift SZA blink-182 Coldplay Fuerza Regida Linkin Park Stray Kids Zach Bryan Drake Taylor Swift SZA Morgan Wallen Zach Bryan Sabrina Carpenter Billie Eilish Taylor Swift Morgan Wallen Amy Allen Jack Antonoff Zach Bryan Kendrick Lamar Taylor Swift Jack Antonoff Zach Bryan Daniel Nigro Finneas O’Connell Taylor Swift Zach Bryan Sabrina Carpenter Kendrick Lamar Taylor Swift Morgan Wallen Sabrina Carpenter Doja Cat Taylor Swift SZA Morgan Wallen Jelly Roll Jung Kook Shaboozey Taylor Swift Teddy Swims Sabrina Carpenter Billie Eilish Ariana Grande Taylor Swift The Weeknd Sabrina Carpenter Billie Eilish Ariana Grande Taylor Swift The Weeknd Brent Faiyaz Tommy Richman SZA Tyla The Weeknd Brent Faiyaz Tommy Richman The Weeknd Chris Brown Bruno Mars Usher Drake Future Kendrick Lamar Metro Boomin Travis Scott Drake Kendrick Lamar Travis Scott Doja Cat GloRilla Nicki Minaj Nicki Minaj Travis Scott $uicideboy$ Zach Bryan Luke Combs Post Malone Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen Zach Bryan Luke Combs Morgan Wallen Beyoncé Megan Moroney Lainey Wilson Zac Brown Band The Red Clay Strays Treaty Oak Revival Zach Bryan Kenny Chesney Luke Combs Zach Bryan Hozier Jelly Roll Noah Kahan Linkin Park Good Neighbours Linkin Park The Red Clay Strays Bad Omens HARDY Linkin Park Coldplay The Rolling Stones Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Bad Bunny Fuerza Regida Junior H KAROL G Peso Pluma Bad Bunny Junior H Peso Pluma KAROL G Shakira Kali Uchis Eslabon Armado Fuerza Regida Grupo Frontera Bad Bunny KAROL G Luis Miguel ENHYPEN Jimin Jung Kook Stray Kids TOMORROW X TOGETHER ENHYPEN SEVENTEEN TOMORROW X TOGETHER Asake Burna Boy Rema Tems Tyla Beyoncé The Chainsmokers Charli XCX Dua Lipa Calvin Harris Lauren Daigle Elevation Worship Forrest Frank Brandon Lake Anne Wilson Kirk Franklin Maverick City Music Chandler Moore Naomi Raine CeCe Winans ALBUM AWARDS Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan Drake, For All the Dogs Noah Kahan, Stick Season Taylor Swift, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Taylor Swift, The Tortured Poets Department Hazbin Hotel: Season One Trolls: Band Together Twisters: The Album Wish Wonka Chris Brown, 11:11 Brent Faiyaz, Larger Than Life PARTYNEXTDOOR, PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (P4) Bryson Tiller, Bryson Tiller Tyla, Tyla 21 Savage, american dream Drake, For All the Dogs Future & Metro Boomin, WE DON’T TRUST YOU Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday 2 Rod Wave, Nostalgia Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan Chris Stapleton, Higher Bailey Zimmerman, Religiously. The Album. Zach Bryan, The Great American Bar Scene Zach Bryan, Zach Bryan Hozier, Unheard (EP) Noah Kahan, Stick Season Dolly Parton, Rockstar Bring Me The Horizon, POST HUMAN: NeX GEn Falling In Reverse, Popular Monster HARDY, Quit!! Pearl Jam, Dark Matter Sleep Token, Take Me Back to Eden Bad Bunny, nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana Fuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada Grupo Frontera, El Comienzo Junior H, $AD BOYZ 4 LIFE II KAROL G, MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO (BICHOTA SEASON) ATEEZ, THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL Jung Kook, GOLDEN Stray Kids, ROCK-STAR Stray Kids, Ate: Mini Album TOMORROW X TOGETHER, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL Charli XCX, BRAT Jungle, Volcano Odetari, XXIII SORROWS Troye Sivan, Something to Give Each Other John Summit, Comfort in Chaos Elevation Worship, CAN YOU IMAGINE? Forrest Frank, CHILD OF GOD Brandon Lake, COAT OF MANY COLORS Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02 Katy Nichole, Jesus Changed My Life Kirk Franklin, Father’s Day Koryn Hawthorne, On God Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02 CeCe Winans, More Than This Naomi Raine, Cover The Earth: Live in New York SONG AWARDS Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things” Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help” Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Teddy Swims, “Lose Control” Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves, “I Remember Everything” Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help” Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Teddy Swims, “Lose Control” Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things” Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me” Tate McRae, “Greedy” Taylor Swift, “Cruel Summer” Teddy Swims, “Lose Control” Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things” Jung Kook, “Standing Next to You” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help” Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Teddy Swims “Lose Control” Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything” Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar “Like That” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help” Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone “Fortnight” Morgan Wallen feat. ERNEST “Cowgirls” Benson Boone “Beautiful Things” Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso” Tate McRae “Greedy” Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer” Teddy Swims “Lose Control” Benson Boone “Beautiful Things” Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso” Tate McRae “Greedy” Taylor Swift “Cruel Summer” Teddy Swims “Lose Control” 4batz feat. Drake “act ii: date @ 8 (remix)” Muni Long “Made for Me” Tommy Richman “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” SZA “Saturn” Tyla “Water” Doja Cat “Agora Hills” Doja Cat “Paint the Town Red” Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar “Like That” Jack Harlow “Lovin on Me” Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything” Dasha “Austin” Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “I Had Some Help” Shaboozey “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Morgan Wallen “Thinkin’ Bout Me” Zach Bryan “Pink Skies” Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything” Djo “End of Beginning” Hozier “Too Sweet” Noah Kahan “Stick Season” Falling In Reverse feat. Jelly Roll “All My Life” Falling In Reverse, Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible “Ronald” HARDY “Psycho” Linkin Park “The Emptiness Machine” Superheaven “Youngest Daughter” Bad Bunny “MONACO” Bad Bunny & Feid “PERRO NEGRO” FloyyMenor & Cris MJ “Gata Only” KAROL G & Peso Pluma “QLONA” Xavi “La Diabla” ILLIT “Magnetic” Jimin “Who” Jung Kook “Standing Next to You” Jung Kook feat. Jack Harlow “3D” LE SSERAFIM “Perfect Night” Adam Port & Stryv feat. Malachiii “Move” Tems “Me & U” Tyla “Truth or Dare” Tyla “Water” Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng “Jump” Dua Lipa “Houdini” Dua Lipa “Illusion” Kenya Grace “Strangers” Ariana Grande “yes, and?” Marshmello & Kane Brown “Miles on It” Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore “Praise” Forrest Frank “GOOD DAY” Josiah Queen “The Prodigal” Seph Schlueter “Counting My Blessings” Tauren Wells with We The Kingdom & Davies “Take It All Back” Koryn Hawthorne “Look at God” Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine “God Problems” Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard “In the Room” Victor Thompson X Gunna feat. Ehis ‘D’ Greatest “THIS YEAR (Blessings)” CeCe Winans “That’s My King”

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arely a day passes without colleges scolded in the headlines over s or and or and . Schools have become scapegoats for both good and bad reasons. Prominent commentators and populist political leaders from both the far left and far right now target higher education as a common enemy. In fact the current fight over the vs charges of elitism which would not characterize other fields such as sports or entertainment have torn open a seam on the right between Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk in favor of selectivity and merit on one side and Laura Loomer and Matt Goetz on the other. Ramaswamy declared that American culture has “venerated mediocrity over excellence" launching what is termed a within the MAGA movement. Both extremes have arrived on shared areas of concern that include admissions criteria; tolerance of thought on campus; institutional voice; faculty bias in research and education; personal safety; academic integrity; donor influence; curriculum focus; government funding; financial viability, and administrative efficiency. Increasingly, universities, especially selective universities, have been labelled as elitist, self-interested, out-of-touch with societal needs, and lacking accountability. What is new is the convergence of a of elements of the MAGA movement on the right and todays’ self-styled progressives on the left. Together, they find common cause in the skepticism of societal pillars from Wall Street financiers to college educators and politicians. These critiques have corroded public opinion on the value of U.S. higher education, just as the rest of the world treasures the real contributions to the economy, quality of life, scientific knowledge, and cultural enrichment provided by American colleges. The shows a steady decline of confidence in all pillars of society from public officials and the media to clergy and colleges. At the , fully 97% of the college presidents expressed concern over the loss to public confidence in higher education. This summer, the Pew Foundation researchers found roughly half the American public surveyed believe it’s to have a four-year college degree today to obtain a well-paying job than it was 20 years ago even as facts show the opposite is true: a significant wage gap still favors those with . Similarly, a Gallup survey this summer showed a large drop in overall US confidence in higher education from almost 60% in 2015 to almost half that. Now Americans are roughly among those who have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence (36%), some confidence (32%), or little or no confidence (32%) in higher education. In taking a closer look at the Gallup survey, three issues have risen to the top in the public mind: the political climate on our campuses, questions about whether a traditional liberal arts education best prepares our graduates for success in this tech-fueled world and the cost of higher education as represented by a sticker price that is rapidly approaching $100K per year. Increasingly, people across the political spectrum question whether a traditional liberal arts education, as delivered to most undergraduates by the Ivy and other leading institutions, is the best training for leadership in today’s workplace. Indeed, the elite schools do not have a stranglehold on certain sectors. In a study of 628 U.S.-born tech founders from 287 different universities, did not come from Ivy-plus schools. What mattered most in explaining the success of founders was that they graduated from a college. The success of dropouts like Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Apple’s Steve Jobs, and Facebook/Alphabet’s Marc Zuckerberg were exceptions to such findings. Paradoxically, the drop in American public confidence in the liberal arts comes just as the prestige of US universities around the world is at an all-time high and the number of international students studying in the US has climbed to a a year. And innovation for the public good is alive and well at America’s at the leading institutions. Over a third of US research universities have spinning out anywhere from 30 to 80 new business a year employing millions of US workers and serving as a source of economic development to communities around the nation. Higher education is the most globally competitive of all US sectors. The US is home to the by far (36). Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research has shown from Ivy League schools in particular. While less than half of one percent of Americans attend the eight Ivy League colleges, Chicago, Duke, MIT, and Stanford (known as Ivy Plus schools), these universities contributed more than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs, a quarter of U.S. Senators, half of all Rhodes scholars, and three-fourths of Supreme Court justices appointed in the last half century. Roughly 22% of all , selected by judges from around the world, were affiliated with Ivy Leagues schools. This scholarship has contributed mightily to the advance of science and industry. The renowned corporate research labs of General Electric (Menlo Park), AT&T (Bell Labs), Xerox (Palo Alto Research Center) have largely disappeared with diminished research even at major chemical and pharmaceutical companies. Most of the great advances in material sciences, agricultural science, drug development, public health, environmental safety, and computer science and the internet originate in the university world. It must be noted, however, that the value of higher education should be appreciated for more than winning awards and creating wealth but also for quality of life. A decade ago, former Duke President Richard Brodhead co-chaired the Commission on the Humanities and Social Sciences for the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. In summarizing their findings, stated, that value of higher education is not to be measured merely by income earned by colleges graduates. “Its value is that it supplies enrichment to personal lives, equips students to be thoughtful and constructive social contributors, and prepares them to participate fully and creatively in the dynamic, ever-changing world that awaits them after college. It's easy to see why people might get anxious about something so difficult to calculate, and might want a straighter line to the payoff. But the fruits of such education can only be reckoned over long time-horizons, as they enable people to rise to challenges and seize opportunities they could not foresee at first. The lives of successful people almost never involve continuing to do what they prepared for. As their lives unfold, they find that by drawing on their preparation in unexpected ways, they're able to do things they hadn't intended or imagined.” Probably no issue about American higher education has received as much attention over a sustained period of time than its cost. And while some of the increase in the sticker price of leading universities can be explained by investments in need-based financial aid even the costs net of financial aid have risen between 1 and 2 percent above any reasonable measure of inflation for decades. Studies show levels of student debt rising at alarming rates. And while much of the focus has been on undergraduates, levels of student loan debt among those receiving master’s degrees is a more severe issue. Concerns about student loan debt are exacerbated by the fact that six-year graduation rates for undergraduates across all of higher education are less than 60%. So, too many students find themselves in the worst possible situation – a boatload of debt and no degree to show for it. In speaking about cost, the political right characterizes elite higher ed institutions as inefficient organizations choking on administrative bloat. The political left laments their high cost saying that the sticker price alone turns off prospective students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Both sides note the explosive growth in endowment values and want endowments to be tapped to reduce costs. The Ivy Plus institutions counter by noting their impressive investments in financial aid, the fact that they have six-year graduation rates in excess of 95% and the inherently high cost of the bundle of educational experiences that today’s students and their families expect. At these schools with strong endowments, roughly has their tuition bill covered by financial aid. Indeed, the more selective schools not only offer a challenging curriculum delivered through small classes with abundant academic support, but also house and feed students, offer them primary health care, undergraduate research and entrepreneurial activities, intramural and varsity athletics, artistic and performance opportunities, study abroad and much more. The cost of delivering all this is in excess of $100K per student per year at many institutions. These expenditures not only enrich the student experience but also enhance their local economies. American universities employ over adding $ annually to the GDP and their technology transfers have contributed over to the nation’s GOP in the last twenty years. Still, criticisms of the cost of American higher education have merit. Indeed, too many institutions have lost sight of the fact that their core missions are teaching, learning and discovery and those elements of their core mission should be prioritized in their budget decisions. have been shown to have soared disproportionately, in fact geometrically, compared to faculty staffing costs which only increased arithmetically, alongside only modest student enrollment increases. Academic leaders must also demand that administrative and support functions operate as efficiently as possible with new programs funded through internal reallocation. Many of these critiques are based in legitimate concerns and point to areas where the leading institutions of higher education can do better. However, they often overstate their case and present outlier examples. For example, published a countering the suggestion that liberal bias plays a meaningful role in tenure decisions. Indeed, their study concluded that professors were more likely to be dismissed for liberal thought. And it is incorrect to still label higher education a self-perpetuating caste system. Looking at roughly a century of data, as an example of elite universities, its student profile has shifted from 100% males to roughly 50/50; 27% of Mayflower/Social Register “Colonial” lineage to less than 6%; less than 2% underrepresented minorities to over 10% ; 0.4% Asian to 19%; 24% from elite prep schools to 4%. Plus, the report card on the impact of upward wealth mobility of these prestigious schools is much more encouraging that the critics from the left and the right acknowledge. Researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research studied at each college in the United States using data for over 30 million college students from 1999-2013 and found the students from low-income families and high-income families, had comparable incomes, when matched by the school they attended. Thus, the school had an uplifting impact on the wealth of low-income students. Furthermore, this research found, “The colleges that channel the most children from low- or middle-income families to the top 1% are almost exclusively highly selective institutions, such as UC–Berkeley and the Ivy Plus colleges. No college offers an upper-tail (top 1%) success rate comparable to elite private universities – at which 13% of students from the bottom quintile reach the top 1% – while also offering high levels of access to low-income students.” Interestingly, the critics of elite schools, indirectly but selectively cite from this research cherry picking around the upward mobility case for elite educational institutions. Similarly looking at Yale’s current first year class, benefit from some form of financial aid, thanks to the healthy endowments, 88% with zero debt and the who do have debt, owe less than $15,000, hardly a crushing burden. Thanks to a half billion dollars raised from alumni during their recent capital campaign, leaders were able to declare that "The Class of 2028 is the most socioeconomically diverse class in Dartmouth's history," with roughly 20% students from low income families receiving Pell Grants, over half of the class receiving financial aid, and no parental financial contributions for families earning less than $125,000 a year roughly 22% of the class. Despite such facts, Columnist David Brooks wrote in The Atlantic a piece entitled “How The Ivy League Broke America” where he echoes himself in a series of similar pieces he wrote in the New York Times such as one titled and , both which said elites were leaving others behind. His newest piece in this month’s concluded strangely that “a large mass of voters has shoved a big middle finger in the elites’ faces by voting for Donald Trump.” Of course, Brooks misses the irony that if this anti-Ivy League resentment drove voters, then is drove them to vote for the GOP ticket of two Ivy Leaguer grads, Donald Trump from Penn and J.D. Vance from Yale, and not the Democratic ticket of state school grads. Brooks joins a chorus of others who say that the meritocracy overrated. He cites Yale Law professor Daniel Markovits, the author of charging that applicants whose families come from the top 1 percent of wage earners were 77 times more likely to attend an Ivy League-level school than students from families making below $30,000 a year. Brooks adds that elite schools generally admit more students from the top 1 percent than the bottom 60. Then he joins Markovits in pronouncing the academic gap between the rich and the poor larger than the academic gap between white and Black students in the final days of Jim Crow. Brooks’s remedies include circumvention of new court barriers to affirmative action diversity goals, reducing the reliance upon standardized testing, emphasizing more humanistic qualities, substituting AI for analytic rigor, improving the colleges’ marketing of their own value, and that “we should aim to shrink the cultural significance of school in American society.” Missing from this list is any concern for the spreading caution of overexercising voice under the cloak of “institutional neutrality.” These practices the actual selective practices of the University of Chicago and similar schools which purported to limit presidents from showing the same periodic moral responsibility, patriotic duties, and institutional voice of other pillars of American society. Should Ivy Plus leaders even care about public support? After all, they are highly successful, highly selective institutions that are the envy of the world. Our answer is that these leaders should care about the erosion of public trust – a lot. To ignore this growing public distrust is to not only invite more public shaming by government officials as we saw in the House hearings this past year but potentially court more governmental actions such as endowment taxes, bans on DEI programs at public universities and similar interventions. Although the Ivy Plus institutions seem secure at the moment, one already sees the impacts of the loss of public trust across much of American higher education, significant reductions over the last 25 years in per-capita, inflation-adjusted state appropriations, the expansion of students wanting three-year, no-frills, degrees, employers seeking micro-credentialling rather than a bachelor’s degree, on-line course sharing among institutions to lower costs and ultimately lower enrollments. Certainly, higher education must address the ideological orthodoxy of political correctness which has diverted tolerance for original thought. Towards that end, we see newly emerging efforts to promote dialogue around difficult societal issues on a number of campuses. Similarly, universities do not do a great job with administrative efficiency with mushrooming overhead along with programs and departments that live on in perpetuity. Higher education has long been the target of satire from the Marx Brothers to Rodney Dangerfield’s “Back to School.” All institutions need constructive feedback to respond to changing societal needs, but the ideologically driven attacks on schools have lost their grounding, not to mention their humor, and risk promoting an age of ignorance.My girlfriend and I are both restless sleepers. Trouble is, when she wakes up, she wants to make love, but I don't find sweatiness sexy. Should I tell her? Ask LisiThe counting of votes will be undertaken at 8 am on Saturday in seat where the election is witnessing a major battle. Ghatkopar West (number 169), a key Assembly seat in Mumbai, is set for a highly competitive contest in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. This General category seat has historically seen intense political activity from major parties like BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS, NCP, and Congress. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the constituency’s diverse voter base ensures that it remains a crucial battleground in the city’s political landscape. Incumbent MLA Ram Kadam of the BJP is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term, having secured victories in the previous elections. In 2019, Kadam defeated Independent candidate Sanjay Bhalerao with a significant margin of 28,789 votes, securing 47.01 percent of the vote share. This year, Kadam faces strong competition, especially from Sanjay Bhalerao of Shiv Sena (UBT). A total of 12 candidates are contesting from the constituency. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Ram Kadam won with a commanding 47.01 percent vote share, securing 70,263 votes and defeating Sanjay Bhalerao, who received 41,474 votes. Kadam's 2014 victory was equally strong, with a margin of 41,916 votes, highlighting his dominance in the constituency. Key local issues include urban development, housing, infrastructure, and employment, particularly for the large working-class population in the constituency. Voters are also focused on improving public services, including education and healthcare, making these areas crucial for candidates as they seek to garner support. In the 2019 elections, Ghatkopar West had a total of 149,467 eligible voters, including 84,052 male voters and 65,169 female voters. The voter turnout was 55.49 percent, with a significant portion of the electorate actively participating in the election. This indicates a high level of political engagement, which is expected to carry into the 2024 elections. The Ghatkopar West constituency voted on November 20, with results scheduled to be declared on Saturday. The election outcome will determine who will represent this vital Mumbai seat for the next term. Ghatkopar West emerged as a key battleground, recording a voter turnout of 59.99 percent.

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Priority Income Fund, Inc. (“Priority Income Fund” or the “Fund”) announced today that it will redeem all outstanding shares of its 6.250% Series G Term Preferred Stock Due 2026 (CUSIP: 74274W 814; NYSE: PRIF PRG) (the “Series G Preferred Shares”) at a price of $25 per Series G Preferred Share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends per Series G Preferred Share from September 30, 2024, to but excluding, the Redemption Date (the “Redemption Price”). The redemption date will be December 23, 2024 (the “Redemption Date”). On the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will become due and payable on the Series G Preferred Shares and any dividends shall cease to accumulate on the Series G Preferred Shares that are redeemed from and after such date. Unless the Fund defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price, dividends on the Series G Preferred Shares that are redeemed will cease to accumulate on and after the Redemption Date, and the only remaining right of the holders of the Series G Preferred Shares that are redeemed is to receive payment of the Redemption Price. The Series G Preferred Shares are held through The Depository Trust Company and will be redeemed in accordance with the applicable procedures. This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption under the articles supplementary governing the shares. Following redemption of the Series G Preferred Shares, the Fund will have outstanding shares of 7.00% Series D Term Preferred Stock due 2029 (NYSE: PRIF PRD), 6.625% Series F Term Preferred Stock due 2027 (NYSE: PRIF PRF), 6.000% Series H Term Preferred Stock due 2026 (NYSE: PRIF PRH), 6.125% Series I Term Preferred Stock due 2028 (NYSE: PRIF PRI), 6.000% Series J Term Preferred Stock due 2028 (NYSE: PRIF PRJ), 7.000% Series K Cumulative Preferred Stock (NYSE: PRIF PRK), and 6.375% Series L Term Preferred Stock due 2029 (NYSE: PRIF PRL). About Priority Income Fund Priority Income Fund, Inc. is a registered closed-end fund that was created to acquire and grow an investment portfolio primarily consisting of senior secured loans or pools of senior secured loans known as collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"). Such loans will generally have a floating interest rate and include a first lien on the assets of the respective borrowers, which typically are private and public companies based in the United States. The Fund is managed by Priority Senior Secured Income Management, LLC, which is led by a team of investment professionals from the investment and operations team of Prospect Capital Management L.P. (“Prospect”). For more information, visit https://www.priorityincomefund.com . About Prospect Capital Management L.P. Prospect is an SEC-registered investment adviser headquartered in New York City that, along with its predecessors and affiliates, has 37-years of investing in and managing high-yielding debt and equity investments using both private partnerships and publicly traded closed-end structures. Prospect and its affiliates employ a team of over 150 professionals who focus on credit-oriented investments yielding attractive current income. Prospect, together with its affiliates, has $8.7 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2024. Prospect is the investment adviser to Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC). Additional Information Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the future performance of Priority Income Fund, Inc. Words such as “believes," "expects," "projects," and “future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under the control of Priority Income Fund, Inc. and that Priority Income Fund, Inc. mayor may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and Priority Income Fund, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Source: Stuff. All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi has been crowned as the men’s 15s breakthrough player of the year at the annual World Rugby Awards. He beat out South African first-five Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, English winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Irish centre Jamie Osborne. Sititi is the fifth All Black to win the award, which was first handed out in 2015. Winger Nehe Milner-Skudder won it that year, followed by Rieko Ioane in 2017, Will Jordan in 2021 and Mark Tele’a in 2023. Sititi made his debut against Fiji in San Diego in July then went on to earn nine more caps, most of them at blindside flanker, rather than his preferred position of No 8. He made the step up to test rugby after starring for the Chiefs in their run to the Super Rugby Pacific final. Speaking last week, in the wake of his nomination, Sititi said he was “extremely grateful”. “It’s been a big year. Just to have that acknowledgement, it’s crazy.” “Just being able to be on the same list as some of those guys, Sacha, Immanuel and Jamie, they’re all quality players. “Just to be on the same list is an honour and a privilege.” Wallace Sititi is the son of Lemalu Semo and Rosalind Sititi. Lemalu Semo is a former Captain of the Manu Samoa and is the current President of Marist Samoa Rugby. RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR Prime Minister Fiame’s Surprise Visit to Representatives of the 2024 Belt and Road Emergency Rescue Exercise for Pacific Islands Government of Samoa and WFP launch analysis to enhance access to healthy diets Pacific Small Island States hold Closed Meeting with Australia and New Zealand LEAVE A REPLY

Ten of thousands of Syrians have been celebrating after the first Friday prayers since the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad. or signup to continue reading The lightning victory by an opposition rebel alliance, which took control of Damascus last weekend, ended more than 53 years of rule by the al-Assad family. Clapping, raising victory signs and waving flags of the Syrian opposition, people in major squares across the country on Friday chanted "God bless Free Syria". "Raise your head up high you are a free Syrian now," said the crowds who gathered after the traditional weekly prayers. According to eyewitnesses, tens of thousands of people gathered at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus alone. "All the doors were open for the first time to allow everyone to do Friday prayers inside the mosque," a resident of the capital told the DPA news agency. The leader of the Islamist insurgency alliance Ahmed al-Sharaa - still widely known by his nom-de-guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani - earlier called on Syrians to celebrate peacefully. "Celebrate without firing celebratory gunfire and do not terrify people," al-Sharaa said in a video message where he was dressed with a white shirt, rather than his previous military fatigues. Eyewitnesses in various cities told DPA that strict security measures were being taken to monitor the celebrations. "Public security will deal firmly with anyone proven to be involved in shooting during the celebration," a statement from the Syrian opposition groups said. "We call for adherence to peaceful behaviour during demonstrations to preserve everyone's safety," the statement added. Khaled al-Imam, a resident of the Daraya suburb of Damascus, said he was going out "to celebrate the victory over the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who killed two of my brothers and more than 15 of my family members". Until his ouster, al-Assad had been in power in Syria for 24 years and had fought a brutal civil war against rebel groups for more than 13 years. The war seemed to have been at a stalemate, with the rebels beaten back in most areas, until a lightning offensive spearheaded by jihadist groups at the end of November revealed that the government's hold on power was far weaker than many thought. Al-Sharaa's force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and its allied insurgents have been working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing the capital early on Sunday. At the same time, they have tried to reassure a public that is both stunned by the fall of the state that had long ruled with an iron hand and concerned over extremist jihadis among the insurgents. The Friday prayers have a particular symbolism because in the early days of the anti-government uprising-turned-civil-war in Syria in 2011, protesters would turn out en masse after going to the mosque. "Unified Syria to build Syria," the crowd gathered in Damascus' Umayyad Square chanted. Some shouted slurs about the former president and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centres of Assad's security forces. As the gathering took place, the top US diplomat was in the region discussing the United States view on the developments in Syria with regional powers. In the Turkish capital Ankara, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there was "broad agreement" between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an "interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women" and does not "pose any kind of threat to any of Syria's neighbours," Blinken said during joint statements with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The insurgent groups that toppled Assad in Syria have not made clear their policy or stance on Israel, whose military in recent days has bombed sites all over the country. Israel says it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands and has seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. with AP Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement'Bad look'- Ange Postecoglou slammed for ‘dismissive’ attitude as Tottenham boss

The controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man.... Wrist re construction and back out here... blessed..................Without failing any drug tests 🙂‍↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/J8l21lnTdI — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 5, 2024 Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os) “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. A post shared by Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi, 84, was in Europe with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II . Her spokesman, Ian Krager, said in a statement that she is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals” and is unable to attend the remainder of events on her trip. He did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Krager said that Pelosi “looks forward to returning home to the U.S. soon." Among the members on the trip was Rep. Michael McCaul , R-Texas, who posted on social media that he was “praying for a speedy recovery,” for Pelosi. The two lawmakers were captured holding hands in a group photo Friday at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg. “I’m disappointed Speaker Emerita Pelosi won’t be able to join the rest of our delegation’s events this weekend as I know how much she looked forward to honoring our veterans,” McCaul wrote on X. “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time.” The former leader's fall comes two years after her husband Paul was attacked by a man with a hammer at their San Francisco home. The man, who was sentenced in October to 30 years in federal prison, broke into their home looking for Pelosi. Pelosi, who was first elected in 1987 and served as speaker twice, stepped down from her leadership post two years ago but remained in Congress and was re-elected to represent her San Francisco district in November. She has remained active in the two years since she left the top job, working with Democrats in private and in public and attending official events. Last summer, she was instrumental in her party's behind the scenes push to urge President Joe Biden to leave the presidential ticket. She attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington last weekend and was on the Senate floor Monday to attend the swearing in of her former Democratic House colleagues, Adam Schiff of California and Andy Kim of New Jersey. Earlier this week, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell , 82, tripped and fell in the Senate , spraining his wrist and cutting his face. McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership post at the end of the year, missed Senate votes on Thursday after experiencing some stiffness in his leg from the fall, his office said.

Indian Researchers Find Method To Decode Monkeypox Virus, Aid Diagnostics