Pat yourself on the back and breathe a huge sigh of relief — you made it through Christmas! (As for you Hannukah celebrants — hang in there!) Hopefully, your nearest and dearest loved their gifts, and you got a few things you wanted, too. If not, never fear — Walmart has thousands of markdowns this weekend, and there's a good chance something (or some things) on your wish list is on sale. A new ? Cozy ? A coveted ? Yep, all marked down at Walmart right now. If the idea of scrolling through page after page of products sounds stressful after these past few weeks, that's totally understandable. Luckily, we've still got plenty of shopping stamina, and we've collected a bunch of the best weekend deals at Walmart for you. How about for a cool $70 off? And these sparkling ? They're down to just $18 but look so much more expensive. Pair them with a cashmere sweater for work or a black dress for a night out. There are loads more expert-approved deals from top brands like Skechers, Shark and Serta up for grabs at Walmart this weekend. Keep scrolling for more must-buys starting at just $7. If boring silver cutlery is just not your style, grab this colorful Carote set while it's over 80% off. It comes with six knives that you can use to carve meats, slice bread, peel potatoes and so much more. Even better, each blade comes with a protective cover to preserve its sharpness and keep it safely stored. Don't let its slim profile fool you: This cordless wonder has a powerful motor that provides the intense suction you need to pick up all that dirt, pet hair, dust and debris from carpets, hardwood floors, tile and more. When fully charged, it will give you up to 40 minutes of nonstop cleaning — ample time to give the entire house a once-over. The Yahoo reader favorite is down to $80, which is pretty close to the lowest price we've seen it. Your winter wardrobe isn't complete without this plaid button-down shirt. It has a slightly oversized fit and a curved hem to flatter a variety of shapes, and it's ideal for layering with tees and jackets. Plus, it comes in 14 plaid shades — and it's just $15. (And yes, that means you can buy more than one color!) Hoops are a style staple, not least because they look beautiful dressed up or down. These C&C earrings take that look to the next level, with 18-karat white gold plating, tastefully crusted with dazzling Swarovski crystals. Another plus: They're hypoallergenic and contain no lead or nickel, so they won't cause problems for even the most sensitive skin. Equal parts decorative and functional, this 64" x 21" stunner will up the elegance factor of any room (and you'll be able to give your outfit a once-over before you head out the door). More than 5,000 shoppers think it's worthy of a five-star rating, this is one deal you'll "reflect" on fondly. The cleaning has to get done, but you can give your weary arms a break by letting this nifty doodad do all of the hard work. Its bristles spin at a rate of up to 400 rotations per minute to bust away grime from grout, the tub and pretty much anywhere that could use a deep clean. It comes with seven heads for targeting different areas of your home — and at 70% off, it's a no-brainer. Not ready to drop hundreds of dollars on ? Then consider these bluetooth earbuds that are down to just $10 this weekend. More than 400 shoppers have given them a five-star rating, with many saying they're impressed with the quality. "These are very comfortable around my ears. The sound quality is great. For the price, I am very impressed," one customer commented. Another added, "I just recieved these headphones, put them on, and not even a half song into them I can tell these are going to be a solid pair. I turned the volume up halfway, and the music is clear and I can't hear outside noise. Hoping for these to last a long time because these sound phenomenal." If you've never slipped your foot inside a Dearfoams shoe, it's time. They're soft and supportive, and this pair is designed with temperature-regulating technology to prevent your tootsies from getting too hot or cold. They're available in three colors in sizes 5-12, and they're machine washable. What's not to love? Real talk: Those threadbare towels in your linen closet have served you well, and it's time to retire them. Luckily, replacements won't break the bank, seeing as this cotton set is a mere $10 for a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth. At this price, grab several sets to have on hand for guests. Good luck choosing between the 20-plus colors. Monopoly is fun, but who has hours to spend sitting around waiting for the game to end? If you want your buying and selling fix without the massive time commitment, Monopoly Deal is the way to go. It's designed for two to five people, can be played in as little as 15 minutes and it's just as fun as the original. "Short and fun!" raved one fan. "I don't play original board game anymore as it takes way too much time. This game has all the strategy and is still very entertaining! Love it. Buy It!" Give plant lovers everlasting blooms with this 758-piece set. The nine adorable plants and flowers can even be split among family members. A number of reviewers gushed that this was their first time building Legos since childhood and agreed that this was a wonderful reintroduction. With Sorry, players have no option but to turn on each other to try to win the game. You'll chase your opponents around the board while trying to get your pawns to the finish line. Cards tell you to move forward and back and can even send you back to the start, making for an exciting evening. The young ones will enjoy a taste of the open road (er, driveway) by cruising around in this sturdy two-seater. Older kids can steer it manually, but it also comes with a remote control that parents can operate if they choose. Safety features include seatbelts (of course) and non-deflatable wheels, as well as LED lights for when the sun starts to set. Need a sleek little laptop for tasks like web browsing and word processing? We've found one for an equally sleek little price. Features include an anti-glare display, 4GB RAM, 128GB flash storage, and up to 12 hours of battery life. Got a new TV for Christmas? Lucky you! Now, take it to the next level with a soundbar. This best-selling Samsung model connects easily via an HDMI cable and has surround sound capabilities. "Exceptional product, great price," one shopper noted in their review. "Significantly enhanced my home entertainment setup." Another fan commented, "This soundbar on my Samsung 65-inch TV is absolutely amazing. I replaced an LG soundbar for this one and oh what a difference. Perfect sound, easy hook up and it even comes with parts for hanging it on the wall just below my TV. Great deal for perfect sounds." If you've had an iPad on your wishlist, this is the most recent version and it's on rare sale. (It's not quite as low as it was for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, but it's one of the best prices we've seen otherwise.) As the unofficial Goldilocks of tech (less bulky than a laptop but larger than a smartphone), this tablet keeps you connected on the go or at home, and you can use it for everything from reading books to taking notes to watching videos. Our tech editor named this the owing to its "under-the-hood improvements, including a faster processor, more RAM (4GB instead of 3GB), Bluetooth 5.0 (up from 4.2) and a USB-C charging port." Experience the ultimate in home entertainment with this sleek TV. With perfect blacks and vibrant colors, every show and movie dazzles. And with Dolby Vision, it gives you a true cinematic experience in your living room. Grab it now and save $400. "Watching TV is now like going to the movies!" gushed one fan. "Football games are really cool as we feel like we are in the stadiums." Don't want to shell out big bucks for a new TV? No worries — you can upgrade your home theater for just $19 with this Roku streamer. Just plug it into your TV and connect to your Wi-Fi, and soon you'll be bingeing everything during the cold winter months. You'll save a whopping $120 with this deal, so if your old telly's on the fritz, go ahead and add this highly rated (as in, more than 21,000 five-star ratings) smart TV to your cart. It boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution for crystal-clear imagery as well as easy access to all of your favorite streaming platforms right on the home screen. Windy winter storms are a-coming, and sometimes the resulting fallen branches are a bit too large to be cut down to size by hand. This chainsaw is lightweight and simple to use, but don't let the demure size fool you. With a 6-inch blade, it has more than enough cutting power to handle most jobs. The handle comes with a rubberized grip that makes it easy to hold, even with just one hand, as well as a lock button that means you won't accidentally start things up while carrying it. 'Tis the season for frozen car batteries, which is why this jump starter — now discounted a whopping $120 — can literally be a lifesaver. It comes with intelligent clamps that will notify you if there are any issues and LED lights so you can see at night. It also works as a strobe light or an SOS light in an emergency and as a power bank for your electronic devices. Shoveling snow the old-school way can be exhausting, not to mention nearly back-breaking. With an electric option like this one, you'll have a whole lot of help cleaning up after Mother Nature's latest onslaught. It weighs just 8.8 pounds, meaning you can quickly clear your driveway, sidewalks, patios and more with less strain — the shovel will leave a 12-inch clearing path and blows snow up to 20 inches away. Your car emergency kit isn't complete without a tire pressure gauge. This easy-to-read digital model works in just seconds and has a handy light so you can see the screen in the dark. Shoppers give it 4.7 out of 5 stars and say it really is simple to use. "Easy to use and quick and handy! Works well both night and daytime. Won't drive without it and good for your bikes too!" one person noted. Cold weather calls for soul-warming soups and stews prepared in this Drew Barrymore slow cooker. It's extra large so that you can cook big batches, and the presets make meals like chili foolproof. There are nine aesthetically pleasing colors to choose from, all of which have elegant gold accents. Preparing homemade meals is much more enjoyable when you're not cooking with scratched, gunky pots and pans. If yours are ready to be replaced, you don't have to spend a fortune. These are made from induction-ready granite material, so they're safe for all stovetops, and nonstick so they're great for any at-home chef. Save over 60% on this hardworking set. Grill up burgers rain or shine with this indoor griddle. The family-size 14-inch grill top is large enough to feed the whole crew, but compact enough to tuck away. It heats up to 500°F to sear meats, veggies and more. Oh yeah, and the nonstick grill plate is removable, so it's easy to clean. "Amazing indoor grill, I use it every day," raved one five-star fan. "This is honestly my greatest kitchen gadget purchase I've ever made, it requires no oil when cooking and tastes just like it came off of my outdoor grill." Not every cooking job requires turning on the oven, you know? This versatile countertop gadget not only bakes and broils, but it also air fries, grills and toasts. Whether you want fries, cookies or another go at last night's leftovers, this Cuisinart model is up for the job. The word in this mixer's name isn't a throwaway — this timeless kitchen standby will do all the heavy lifting for you, whether you're cooking or baking a culinary treat. Score $100 off on the 4.5-quart tilt-head model in gorgeous colors like the pictured Pistachio. People of all pronouns ( ) scream for ice cream — yes, even when it's cold. This wildly popular appliance will satiate everyone's sweet tooth until it's warm enough for the ice cream truck to roll around. It churns out everything from ice cream and sorbet to milkshakes and more — just add your ingredients, freeze overnight, press a button and ta-da! Plus, you'll be able to customize your creation with your favorite mix-ins. This price beats Amazon's, so "scoop" it up while you can. Check out our full for more. Been dyin' to try a Dyson? Now would be a great time to snag this lightweight dust destroyer, considering it's 50% off. It can run for up to 40 minutes before needing a recharge, and because it's cordless, you won't have to look for a free outlet each time to move it to a different room. Oh, and it comes with several cleaning attachments, has a whole-machine filtration system and is effective on both hard and carpeted flooring. A soft, supportive pillow that also prevents overheating at night? Yes, please! More than 3,000 shoppers have given these never-flat pillows a perfect five-star rating. "Finally found a pillow that doesn't hurt my neck!" one satisfied shopper raved. "I'm a side sleeper. I've been through many pillows. My closet is a graveyard for brand new pillows that don't work. This pillow is just firm enough and doesn't make me hot." Another wrote, "This is truly the best cooling and most comfortable pillow I've used in decades." Save time, space and money with this two-in-one cleaner, which vacuums and mops to clean up just about any mess you're likely to come across on your floor. It's cordless, with a 30-minute runtime on a full charge, and safe for all sealed hard floors and surfaces. Are you one of those people who's always cold? There's a good chance you already have a pretty good collection of throw blankets around the house, but that shouldn't stop you from snagging this Eddie Bauer style while it's on sale. It's available in three sizes, made from a soft, cozy fleece and it's machine washable. If there's one type of Shark we're always happy to run into, it's one that's on sale. Complete with a HEPA filter, this bad boy will help purify the air while it sucks up dust bunnies. Yes, you can really score an authentic Michael Kors purse at Walmart. Whether for work or weekend errands, this spacious purse is roomy enough for everyday essentials, plus a book, planner or tablet. And the warm brown color means it will match any outfit in your closet. March your way into a loved one's heart this holiday season by gifting them a pair of comfy, all-day walking shoes — and grab another for yourself while you're at it. These Skechers slip-ons have a soft, breathable mesh upper and memory foam insole for cushioning and support. Wide-width options ensure a cozy fit for everyone. Trends come and go, but a classic puffer jacket will always stick around. This simple pick features the most flattering quilted pattern and is topped off with a cozy faux fur-lined collar. It also has zip-closure pockets so you can securely stash all your essentials. Snag it in any of four colors in sizes S to 3X. If your go-to bags have seen better travel days, it's time to level up. Lightweight and durable, each piece of this three-piece luggage set suitcase has 360-degree silent spinner wheels, so you can easily maneuver around the airport and book it during those tight layovers. Inside, you'll find zippered dividers to keep your belongings secure. Oh, and did we mention you can choose from five colors? Can we take a second to swoon over these precious puppy slip-ons? They're just too cute — not to mention incredibly soft, cushy and warm to keep your dogs (pun intended) cozy all winter. The nonslip soles offer stability on slick surfaces. Snag a few styles while they're nearly 50% off. (Don't miss the bear, bull, butterfly, cat and sea turtle options.) Want to feel more confident with every smile? It's time to brighten things up. These strips promise to remove over 15 years of stains after just seven days of consistent use. The advanced-seal no-slip grip on these strips will keep them firmly in place to let them work their magic, leaving your teeth up to eight levels whiter. If your current toothbrush isn't cutting it, this electric one will leave them feeling cleaner than they've been in ages. To accomplish this noble task, it uses 8,800 plaque-slaying strokes per minute. You'll also get eight brush heads, which can cost a pretty penny on their own. As much as we love the , it's admittedly a splurge — and this five-in-one set promises the same quick hairstyling, but for a fraction of the price. With blow-drying, straightening, curling, styling and electrostatic brush head attachments, it's like having a salon right at your fingertips. Want to save even more? Make sure you’re signed up for . It’s easy to . You’ll get free shipping and grocery delivery, savings on gas and prescriptions, exclusive access to major deals, and more.Opposition forces seeking to overthrow Syria's President Bashar al-Assad launched their biggest offensive in years last week, retaking the northern city of Aleppo and driving government forces out of the region. It was the first significant development in years in Syria's grinding civil war, which after almost 14 years had largely fallen from the world's headlines. It also raises fresh questions about the opposing sides, who supports them, and what might happen next. Here's what we know: What happened in Aleppo? Syrian rebels launched a two-pronged offensive on Aleppo last week, gaining control of the country's second largest city amid little resistance from government troops, according to residents and fighters. The insurgents are a coalition of Turkey-backed mainstream secular groups spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and United Nations. The rebels have since pressed their advance to the south and southwest of Aleppo, capturing territory in Hama province and moving into the countryside around Idlib. WATCH | Syrian rebels advance: Rebel forces advance as Syrian military retaliates with airstrikes 10 hours ago Duration 5:33 Russian and Syrian jets struck the rebel-held city of Idlib in northern Syria on Sunday, military sources said, as President Bashar al-Assad vowed to crush insurgents who had swept into the city of Aleppo. Which rebel groups are involved? HTS, formerly known as the Nusra Front, was al-Qaeda's official wing in the Syrian war but the groups broke ties in 2016. Another rebel group — the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, the internationally recognized Syrian opposition — launched a separate offensive from north of Idlib. It represents anti-Assad groups including the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army or Free Syrian Army. Why now? The assault followed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, ending more than a year of fighting that started shortly after Israel went to war with Hamas in Gaza. Hadi al-Bahra, president of the National Coalition, says rebels began preparing to seize Aleppo a year ago but were delayed by the Israel-Hamas war. "The moment there was a ceasefire in Lebanon, they found that opportunity... to start," he said. Earlier this year, Israeli airstrikes in Aleppo hit both Hezbollah weapons depots and Syrian government forces, among other targets, according to an independent monitoring group. Israel rarely acknowledges strikes against Aleppo or other government-held areas of Syria. Iran which, like Hezbollah, supports the regime, has also been weakened by recent Israeli airstrikes. Russia — Assad's main international backer — is meanwhile preoccupied with its war in Ukraine. WATCH | Russian airstrike kills at least 12: Inside an Aleppo hospital after a deadly Russian military airstrike 1 day ago Duration 2:05 A Russian airstrike at the Aleppo University Hospital in Syria killed at least 12 people and injured more than 20 others. The bombardment, in support of Syrian government forces, followed insurgents seizing control of Aleppo, the country's largest city. Why Aleppo is significant Aleppo, an ancient centre of commerce and culture in the Middle East, was home to 2.3 million people before the war. Rebels seized the east side of the embattled city in 2012, and it became the proudest symbol of the advance of armed opposition factions, but changed hands again when a brutal air campaign by Russia helped al-Assad retake the city. Intervention by Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and other groups did much to keep Assad in power, who now has 70 per cent of Syria under his control. The rest is held by a range of opposition forces and foreign troops. This latest change "has the potential to be really quite, quite consequential and potentially game-changing," if Syrian government forces can't hold their ground, said Charles Lister, a longtime Syria analyst with the U.S.-based Middle East Institute. Which countries are involved? Syria is split into three regions: each controlled by either the Assad regime, opposition forces or the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led coalition of U.S.-backed ethnic militias and rebel groups opposed by Turkey. Russia and Iran have sway over government-held areas, the single biggest chunk of Syria. The U.S. has forces in the northeast and east, backing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey has troops in the rebel-held northwest. WATCH | Syrian army redeploys: Syrian rebels capture most of Aleppo in 1st major offensive since 2020 2 days ago Duration 3:01 The Syrian army said on Saturday dozens of its soldiers had been killed in a major attack by rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo, forcing the army to redeploy in the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad in years. Hezbollah, the regime's third main supporter, does not currently intend to send fighters to northern Syria to support Assad, according to sources who spoke to Reuters. Turkish forces have previously attacked northeast Syria, wanting to eliminate one of its main concerns on its borders: Kurdish-led groups. Iran has pledged to aid the Syrian government and on Monday hundreds of fighters from Tehran-backed Iraqi militias crossed into Syria to help fight the rebels, Syrian and Iraqi sources said. What happens now? Syria's government has scrambled its forces to push back the offensive, with help from Russia. Both the government and Russia have been rushing reinforcements and striking rebel-held areas as they attempt to stall the opposition's momentum. Airstrikes pummelled Idlib in northwestern Syria on Monday, killed at least a dozen civilians including children, according to the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group also known as Syrian Civil Defence. At least 44 civilians, including 12 children and seven women, were killed in northwest Syria from Tuesday to Saturday, according to the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Iran-backed militia fighters enter Syria to help government forces fight off rebels Syrian rebels storm into Aleppo in largest assault on the city in years Syrian authorities close Aleppo airport after rebels breach city in shock attack OCHA added that over 48,500 people had been displaced, with key infrastructure — including hospitals, schools and water stations — damaged in the escalating hostilities. The United Nations has described the situation in Aleppo as "volatile and unpredictable." "The latest developments pose severe risks to civilians and have serious implications for regional and international peace and security," said UN Syria envoy Geir O. Pedersen in a statement. A rebel fighter carries a weapon as he stands at the entrance of Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in Syria on Sunday. (Mahmoud Hassano/Reuters)
More than a day past the scheduled conclusion of two days of COP29 talks, host Azerbaijan urged bleary-eyed delegates to seek consensus to avoid failure. "I know that none of us want to leave Baku without a good outcome," COP president Mukhtar Babayev told a late-night session, urging all nations to "bridge the remaining divide". Developing power Brazil pleaded for at least some progress and said it would seek to build on it when it leads COP30 next year in the Amazon gateway of Belem. "After the difficult experience that we're having here in Baku, we need to reach some outcome that is minimally acceptable in line with the emergency we're facing," Brazil's environment minister Marina Silva told delegates. A number of nations have accused Azerbaijan, an authoritarian oil and gas exporter, of lacking the experience and will to meet the moment, as the planet again sets record temperatures and faces rising deadly disasters. Small island nations threatened by rising seas and impoverished African states on Saturday angrily stormed out of a meeting with Azerbaijan, saying their concerns had been ignored. The European Union, United States and other wealthy countries met directly with poorer nations to work out final details, with both blocs also concerned at efforts led by Saudi Arabia to water down calls from last year's summit to phase out fossil fuels. "If we don't do it, people at home -- in every home across the world -- would say, why did you not get an agreement? Because I believe we can," Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan told AFP. A draft of the final text seen by AFP proposes that rich nations raise to $300 billion a year by 2035 their commitment to poorer countries to fight climate change. It is up from $100 billion now provided by wealthy nations under a commitment set to expire -- and from $250 billion proposed in a draft Friday. That offer was slammed as offensively low by developing countries, which have demanded at least $500 billion to build resilience against climate change and cut emissions. Sierra Leone's climate minister Jiwoh Abdulai, whose country is among the world's poorest, called the draft "effectively a suicide pact for the rest of the world". As staff at the cavernous and windowless stadium began closing down, diplomats rushed to meetings with one another, some ready with food and water in preparation for another late night. Panama's outspoken negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, voiced anger at offers by rich countries but warned not to repeat the failure of COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. "I'm sad, I'm tired, I'm disheartened, I'm hungry, I'm sleep-deprived, but there is a tiny ray of optimism within me because this cannot become a new Copenhagen," he told reporters. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the revised offer of $300 billion was "a significant scaling up" of the existing pledge by developed nations, which also count the United States, EU and Japan among their ranks. Climate activists shouted "shame" as US climate envoy John Podesta walked the halls. "Hopefully this is the storm before the calm," he said. Wealthy nations say it is politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding. Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, returns to the White House in January and a number of other Western countries have seen right-wing backlashes against the green agenda. The draft deal posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources. Ali Mohamed, the Kenyan chair of the African Group of Negotiators, told AFP: "No deal is better than a bad deal." South African environment minister Dion George, however, said: "I think being ambitious at this point is not going to be very useful." "What we are not up for is going backwards or standing still," he said. "We might as well just have stayed at home then." The US and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China -- the world's largest emitter -- to chip in. China, which remains classified as a developing nation under the UN framework, provides climate assistance but wants to keep doing so on its own voluntary terms. The EU and other countries have also tussled with Saudi Arabia over including strong language on moving away from fossil fuels, which negotiators say the oil-producing country has resisted. "We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the new, few rich fossil fuel emitters," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. bur-np-sct/lth/givNone
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Country singer Caleb Kennedy, who competed in American Idol Season 19, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following his involvement in a 2022 car crash that killed a man in Pacolet, South Carolina. Kennedy pled guilty last week to the felony charge of driving under the influence resulting in death, according to the Greenville News . He was initially sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $25,100 fine, but he had that sentence and fine reduced to eight years and $15,100, with three of those years served in home detention. He also received credit for the nearly three years he has already served. Additionally, the singer will serve five years of probation, and he is required to attend mental health and substance abuse counseling. The legal update comes nearly three years after Kennedy, then 17, struck and killed 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris while driving his Ford F-150 on February 8, 2022. Warrants alleged that Kennedy was under the influence of marijuana at the time, and he was arrested on the DUI charge on the day of the crash. Ryan Beasley, Kennedy’s attorney, told the News that the sentencing was fair. “He’s got no record, and he was a minor when this happened,” Beasley said. “This wasn’t such an egregious act that you see most of the time, where people were drinking and driving then they hit somebody at night or going the wrong way down the road. This was a weird reaction from his prescription medicine and possibly THC.” Beasley also said that Kennedy is “very remorseful” and that the sentencing “starts the healing process for everybody involved in this situation.” (The News notes that Parris’ family wanted the maximum 25-year sentence.) Kennedy made it to the Top 7 of American Idol Season 19 but withdrew from the competition after a video of him standing next to a person wearing a Ku Klux Klan-style hood resurfaced. “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse,” Kennedy said, in part, on social media at the time. “I wanna say I’m sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down.” More Headlines:
President Carter, America’s 39th President, passed away at the age of 100. Ms Hanna said President Carter was the first US President to seriously engage with issues in Northern Ireland. The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said: “Throughout his life Jimmy Carter was an advocate for human rights, peace, humanitarianism and doing what’s right, no matter how difficult. Alongside his late wife Rosalynn, his legacy stretches far beyond his term as President and his achievements through the Carter Centre and with Habitat for Humanity are arguably just as meaningful as anything he achieved while in office. “At a time when violence was raging across Northern Ireland, Jimmy Carter ignored advice not to intervene and stuck his head above the parapet calling for the US to become directly involved in trying to secure peace here and promising investment after it was established. He was persuaded to get involved by Tip O’Neill, Ted Kennedy and others who updated him with the latest happenings here, though their own engagement with John Hume. “Carter’s intervention was a significant one, he was serious about his commitment to advancing the cause of peace around the world and shared Hume’s vision that the only solution to the conflict here could be a peaceful one. His statement sent a clear message to the then-British government that they could no longer act with impunity when it came to Northern Ireland. “Jimmy Carter leaves a lasting imprint not only on Northern Ireland, but around the world. He has left the world a better place as a result of his contribution throughout a lifetime of service and I can think of no greater legacy than that.” Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died on Sunday, December 29, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given. He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington, DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals. In 2018, it was revealed by official files that he had been previously suggested for a Northern Ireland peace process role. Speculation was mounting in January 1993 that president-elect Bill Clinton would appoint a special envoy. British Foreign Office official Jonathan Powell mentioned Mr Carter in a note disclosed in an archived British government file released by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast. Mr Powell described how former congressman Bruce Morrison, then head of the Irish Americans for Clinton lobby group, envisaged the envoy. Mr Powell wrote: “He (Morrison) did not envisage an Irish American filling the role. “An Irish American like (Bill) Flynn would have too much baggage. “He envisaged instead someone completely independent, like Jimmy Carter, or someone in the same mould but of lower profile.” Mr Carter only served one term in office but became a diplomat and mediator around the world. He worked on the Middle East peace process and tried to encourage talks between North and South Korea. In 1993 a statement from the Friends of Ireland in the US said: “On this St Patrick’s Day, the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress join with Irish Americans... in calling for renewed efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and justice in Northern Ireland.” In the event, former Democratic senator George Mitchell was appointed as envoy in 1995, securing a commitment to non-violence from the gunmen and ultimately becoming the architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.Pandas An An and Ke Ke celebrate their 1st Christmas in Hong Kong HONG KONG (AP) — A pair of five-year-old pandas, named An An and Ke Ke, celebrated their first Christmas early in a Hong Kong park, munching on special treats and looking cute for the cameras. An An, the male panda, was presented with an ice slab that had “Merry Christmas” written on it with sweet potato and carrots while Ke Ke, his female companion, got a snowman garnished with slices of carrot and apple in a special press event Monday before visitors streamed to the park. China sent the pair to Hong Kong in late September in a bid to boost tourism in the city. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby: Spurs-Knicks Christmas game is also an animated one at Disney World NEW YORK (AP) — There’s a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. While Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are facing the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, an alternate animated telecast will have the teams playing in the Magic Kingdom, with some Disney characters participating. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. 'Squid Game' returns looking for win with season 2 The first season of “Squid Game” was Netflix's most-watched series and went on to win a variety of accolades including the Emmy Award for lead actor in a drama series for Lee Jung-jae and a directing award for Hwang Dong-hyuk. The show returns for its second season on Dec. 26 and is already nominated for a Golden Globe for best drama. It's rare for TV shows made in Korea to have more than one season but Lee describes Hwang as “a genius.” A third and final season has already filmed. Netflix is also invested in expanding its “Squid Game” universe with a reality competition series and an English-language version in development. In the ruins of a bombed-out church in Lebanon, there's now a tiny Christmas tree DARDGHAYA, Lebanon (AP) — A Christmas tree stands among the fallen stones in the ruins of a Catholic church in southern Lebanon that was hit by an Israeli airstrike during the war with Hezbollah. It's a small and modest tree. There are no lights because the war destroyed power lines. The ground is too uneven to set up the Nativity scene. The priest says his blood pressure went up and he lost his balance when he saw the church's destruction. Now he leads Mass in an underground room that serves as a temporary worship space. He tells the community it “is more like the cave where Jesus was born.” Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 The Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, says the huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in the movie “Crocodile Dundee” has died. The aquarium says Burt died over the weekend and was at least 90 years old. A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 5 meters long. The 1986 movie stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile, before being saved by Dundee. Elaborate holiday light displays are making spirits bright in a big way CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow might be enough to brighten some homes this holiday season. But others are adorned with thousands of blinking lights synched to blasting music. In Mesa, Arizona, 14 homeowners have been going all-out on holiday lights for 30 years, and those buying homes in the neighborhood often find the attics full of décor left behind by previous owners. In Santa Clarita, California, residents began coordinating their holiday lights to bring some joy to their community after an earthquake. And in Edmond, Oklahoma, those looking to the western sky will easily spot the Miranda family’s elaborate display featuring images and music from the movie “Wicked.” Santa braves the sticky heat of the Amazon jungle to bring gifts to children in Brazilian village CATALAO, Brazil (AP) — Santa Claus has braved the sticky heat of the Amazon rainforest this weekend, taking two boats to bring gifts to the children of a small village near the Brazilian city of Manaus. The visit was arranged by Amigos do Papai Noel, a Brazilian charity that has been taking gifts to children in the Amazon rainforest for the past 26 years. More than 600 children from different villages gathered in Catalao to receive presents from Santa, who dressed in his traditional nightcap, white gloves and red suit, while enduring the stifling jungle heat. NASA's Parker Solar Probe aims to fly closer to the sun like never before NEW YORK (AP) — A NASA spacecraft is about to make the closest approach to the sun. The Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun. On Tuesday, Parker will pass within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of the sun’s surface. That's nearly seven times closer to the sun than previous spacecraft. Scientists won’t hear from Parker until a few days after the flyby. It’ll continue circling the sun at this distance until at least September. Scientists hope to better understand what drives the solar wind and why the corona is so much hotter than the sun's surface. 174 Colorado skiers and snowboarders rescued after a lift cracks WINTER PARK, Colo. (AP) — Officials are investigating what caused a crack in a Colorado ski lift that forced the evacuation of over 170 stranded skiers and snowboarders. The evacuation happened Saturday on a gondola lift at Winter Park Resort. A spokesperson says the lift stopped automatically when a crack was detected in a structural piece of the lift. Passengers were lowered down by ropes over the course of about five hours. No injuries were reported during the rescues, which came at the start of the busy holiday season. 'Sonic 3' bests 'Mufasa: The Lion King' at the box office NEW YORK (AP) — In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” sped past the Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” to take the top spot at the box office. The results came just ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters. According to studio estimates, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend. “Mufasa,” however, was humbled in its opening weekend, coming in notably shy of expectations. It returned just $35 million in domestic ticket sales.New abortion law in Arizona signed, but unlikely settledPush to salvage climate talks after poor nations bristle at cash
Woman sues over VPD surveillance trailer parked near her apartment
AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:04 p.m. EST
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"The homes of professional athletes across multiple sports leagues have become increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," read the memo, which was obtained by The Athletic. "Law enforcement officials have noted these groups appear to exploit team schedules to target athletes' homes on game days." NBC News reported Wednesday that law enforcement is working to figure out whether an international crime syndicate is involved. The Athletic reported that the memo includes tips for home security and also gives recommendations about the use of social media, such as not posting photos of items that would attract thieves. Players also learned via the memo how homes are targeted and how burglars enter. Mahomes hasn't said much about the burglary, other than to call it "disappointing" and "frustrating." "I can't get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing," he said. "But obviously something that you don't want to happen to really anybody, but obviously yourself." It's not clear what was stolen from Mahomes' home in Belton, Mo., during the Oct. 6 incident. But Kelce apparently lost $20,000 in cash in the burglary at his home in Leawood, Kan., the following day when the Chiefs played the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football," according to a police report. The burglary at the home of Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis in River Hills, Wis., occurred Nov. 2 during the Bucks' home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He said the perpetrators "took most of my prized possessions" and is offering a reward for the return of his property. "Any info that leads to the return of any of my belongings will be rewarded handsomely," Portis said. "Let me know, thank you." --Field Level MediaLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Billy Smith scored 18 points as Bellarmine beat Bowling Green 80-68 on Saturday. Smith also contributed three steals for the Knights (1-5). Jack Karasinski added 15 points while going 6 of 9 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) while they also had five rebounds. Ben Johnson shot 4 for 12 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 14 points. Derrick Butler and Javontae Campbell each scored 21 points for the Falcons (2-4). Youssef Khayat also had 11 points. Karasinski led his team in scoring with nine points in the first half to help put them up 34-29 at the break. Bellarmine extended its lead to 58-46 during the second half, fueled by an 8-0 scoring run. Smith scored a team-high 12 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Avista Posts Updated Corporate Responsibility ReportOTTAWA — Canada’s public safety minister says he has discussed the idea of allowing Canada Border Services Agency to patrol between points of entry, but it is not a priority for Ottawa as it looks for more urgent ways to bolster border security. Dominic LeBlanc joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on a trip last Friday to Palm Beach, Fla., to see president-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where they dined with other incoming White House cabinet nominees. The unannounced trip had been arranged earlier in the week when the leaders spoke by phone after Trump threatened to slap a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada over concerns about illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., when he takes office in January. Since Trump’s threat, LeBlanc has sought to reassure Canadians and his American counterparts that it takes border security seriously, pledging in the wake of the threat to send additional police drones and helicopters to the RCMP, as well as having personnel redeployed. Mark Weber, the national president of the c ustoms and immigration union representing border services officers, said Ottawa should give the agency the power to patrol the entire border, not just official entry points. He called on the Liberals to repeal an order dating back to 1932, which made the Mounties responsible for border security between entry points, which Weber said is clearly “outdated.” “The situation is so silly now that if our officers are sitting at one of their workplaces and they see someone crossing just off to where the port is, we have to call the RCMP.” “It’s frustrating for members.” With a nearly 9,000-kilometre border, Weber said he does not want to replace the RCMP, but for its members to be able to assist. “It seems like an obvious part of this solution to the problem.” Speaking to reporters on Monday, LeBlanc said the federal Liberals have “taken note” of the idea. “I’ve discussed that with the commissioner of the RCMP,” the minister said, adding no decision has been made. LeBlanc defended the job done by the RCMP when it comes to border security, saying as a national police force it has the necessary access to criminal intelligence and has long-established relationships with other policing organizations, such as the FBI. “If we were to undertake a big machinery (of) government change, that may require legislation in the room behind me,” LeBlanc said, referring to the House of Commons. “I’m not sure it would speak to the urgency of the matter.” The government “is always looking at good ideas and we’re not dismissing this one,” LeBlanc said, “but it’s not a priority for us in terms of arriving at the conclusion we want.” The minister declined to provide specifics around the plans to deploy additional technologies, saying that he spoke to both RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Canada Border Services Agency President Erin O’Gorman earlier in the day about the matter. Exactly where the equipment and personnel will be deployed are matters of police operations, LeBlanc said. Weber added the border services agency still faces a staffing shortage, saying it has not recovered from the 1,200 jobs that were cut under the former Conservative government. In a statement on Monday, a spokesman for the agency reiterated that border security is a responsibility it shares with the RCMP. The national force did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist and former border services officer who now teaches at Mount Royal University, said the fact that successive governments have kept such an “antiquated” order in place reflects the “neglect” Ottawa has shown to border issues. “We just haven’t taken it seriously.” “The RCMP is understaffed already,” Sundberg added. “Buying a bunch of helicopters to patrol a 9,000-kilometre border is nothing short of ridiculous. It’s just performative security theatre.” Sundberg believes the country needs to transform the border services agency into a “true policing agency.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on the federal Liberals to present a plan to Parliament for how it plans to address border security. Besides increasing patrols and ensuring collaboration with local police, he said Trudeau should expand the mandate of the border service’s agency. Both federal officials and the RCMP have said they are ready for a potential influx of people who may try entering Canada illegally, in light of president-elect Trump’s vow to deport millions of people from the U.S. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is preparing to roll out an updated version of an advertising campaign it has been running since 2018, laying out the facts about claiming asylum in Canada. Those searching online for information about claiming asylum will see an advertisement appear warning there are “strict guidelines” to follow, according to a statement from Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office. The ads will appear in different languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Arabic and Persian. “We strongly discourage irregular crossings, which can be risky and dangerous, especially as the winter approaches,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. “We are monitoring the situation closely with the U.S. and reviewing our policies and processes to help address the issue.” National Post staylor@postmedia.com Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what’s really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here . 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