Tonight's thrilling finale of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! concluded with one jubilant contestant being declared the jungle champion, amid the sound of their fellow campmates' cheers as they donned the illustrious crown. This year's iteration of the much-loved ITV series has been brimming with adventures and drama, leading some viewers to hail it as the "best series ever" for its endearing cast. Coleen Rooney, Danny Jones from McFly, and Reverend Richard Coles comprised the commendable final trio vying for the title. In the end, it was Danny Jones who was crowned King of the jungle, with Ant and Dec breaking the news live on air. Asked how he felt, Danny broke down in tears and told the hosts: "It feels amazing, I can't even talk." Fans took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express their joy at the news. One wrote: Well done Danny totally deserved #ImACeleb," as another penned: "Buzzing for Danny #imaceleb." A third exclaimed: "Called that from the moment Danny Jones was announced. #imacelebrity #ImACeleb." One more gushed: "Aw Danny deserves it he spoke about his mental health, always remained positive and was just all round amazing #ImACeleb #imacelebrity2024." During the episode, the final three were rewarded with a lavish last supper in the jungle. Following their mastery of the ultimate Bushtucker ordeal, aptly named The Towers of Terror, each campmate indulged by selecting their most cherished dishes. Danny opted for a starter of mozzarella sticks with sweet chilli dip, followed by a buttermilk chicken burger paired with chips as his main dish, and a dessert of fresh cream profiteroles drizzled with warm Nutella sauce, washing it all down with a crisp beer. Coleen chose Italian flavours starting with a bruschetta, moving on to heartwarming spaghetti bolognese garnished with flaky parmesan cheese and slices of garlic bread on the side, the same dessert as Danny, and her meal rounded off with a glass of fine French pale Provence rose. Richard's meal kicked off with a king prawn cocktail accompanied by salad, followed by a hearty cottage pie with peas, carrots and gravy for the main course, and a slice of fruit cake to finish. A glass of Chablis Grand Cru was his drink of choice. After wrapping up their final challenge, Danny expressed immense pride: "Super proud of ourselves, it's been an amazing journey and honestly, what a way to go out!" Adding a touch of humor, Richard chimed in: "I'm immensely proud, but we just don't smell great!" Meanwhile, Coleen confessed: "I'm glad it's all over." Catch up with the latest seris of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on ITVX.AP News Summary at 5:15 p.m. EST
AP News Summary at 5:15 p.m. ESTGun found on suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO matches shell casings at scene, police say ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — New York City’s police commissioner says the gun found on the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO matches shell casings found at the crime scene. Commissioner Jessica Tisch also said Wednesday that lab results matched suspect Luigi Mangione’s prints to a water bottle and a snack bar wrapper found near the scene of the killing. Police had said earlier that they believed the gunman bought the items at a nearby coffee shop while awaiting his target. Mangione is jailed in Pennsylvania on weapon and forgery charges, but he also has been charged in New York with murder in Brian Thompson's death. His lawyer has noted that Mangione is presumed innocent. Arguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer a glimpse into an unusual American moment Memes and online posts in support of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who's charged with killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO, have mushroomed online. Some cast Mangione as a hero. That's too far, says Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rising Democrat who was almost the Democratic vice presidential nominee this year. CEO Brian Thompson's death touched off off these ripples. They offer a glimpse into how so many different aspects of 21st-century life can be surreally connected, from public violence to politics, from health care to humor, or attempts at it. The Trump and Biden teams insist they're working hand in glove on foreign crises WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump doesn’t think much of Joe Biden’s foreign policy record. He frequently casts the outgoing Democratic president as a feckless leader who shredded American credibility around the world during his four-year term. But the Trump and Biden national security teams have come to an understanding that they have no choice but to work together as conflicts in Gaza, Syria and Ukraine have left a significant swath of the world on a knife’s edge. It’s fuzzy how much common ground Biden and Trump’s teams have found as they navigate crises that threaten to cause more global upheaval as Trump prepares to settle back into the White House. FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray says he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. The announcement Wednesday comes a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the position. At a town hall meeting with bureau workers, Wray said he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought.” Wray had previously been named by Trump and began the 10-year term. a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Trump fired then-FBI Director, James Comey. Syrians flock to morgues looking for loved ones who perished in Assad's prisons DAMASCUS (AP) — Many bodies have been found in Syrian detention centers and prisons since President Bashar al-Assad's government fell. Now Syrians around the world are circulating images of the corpses in hopes that they will see slain loved ones whose fate had been a mystery. At the morgue visited by The Associated Press on Wednesday in Damascus, families flocked to a wall where some of the pictures were pinned in a haunting gallery of the dead. Relatives desperately scanned the images for a recognizable face. Some of the prisoners died just weeks ago. Others perished months earlier. US warns Russia may be ready to use new lethal missile against Ukraine again in 'coming days' WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says Russia could launch its lethal new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine again soon. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh cited a U.S. intelligence assessment in telling reporters on Wednesday that an attack could come “in the coming days.” She says the U.S. does not consider the Oreshnik missile a game changer on the battlefield. But that Russia is using the weapon to intimidate Ukraine as both sides wrestle for an advantage that will give them leverage in any negotiations to end the war. The Russian Defense Ministry also is warning it may retaliate against Kyiv for an attack on a military base in the Rostov region in southern Russia on Wednesday. Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 33 including children, Palestinian medics say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medical officials say Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 33 people. One of the strikes hit a home where displaced people were sheltering in the isolated north, killing 19. A separate strike outside nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital killed a woman and her two children, and another strike in central Gaza killed at least seven people. Israel's military says it tries to avoid harming civilians and accuses militants of hiding among them, putting their lives in danger. Local health officials say Israel’s retaliatory offensive after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 has killed over 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search, is found safe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe. That’s according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Kobayashi vanished last month in Los Angeles. The missing Hawaii woman's disappearance prompted a massive search and a missing persons investigation. It was not immediately clear where she was found, but police previously said she had voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico. The LAPD said Wednesday the department will wrap up its investigation. Kobayashi's family reported her missing to law enforcement on Nov. 11 after relatives received “strange and cryptic, just alarming” text messages. Kobayashi’s mother and sister said they are “grateful” she has been found safe. Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, an AP-NORC poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter after earlier promising he'd do no such thing. That's according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey found that only a small share of Americans “strongly” or “somewhat” approve of the president's decision. About half “strongly” or “somewhat” disapprove of it, and about one-quarter said they neither approve nor disapprove. Nevertheless, about 4 in 10 Americans said they approve of the way Biden is handling his job as president. That's roughly where his approval rating has stood in AP-NORC polling since 2022. Malibu wildfire grows, thousands remain evacuated but firefighters get break from improving weather MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Weather conditions are forecast to improve this week in Southern California and aid firefighters in their battle against a wildfire that’s forced up to 20,000 people from their homes. The blaze grew to more than 6 square miles by Wednesday morning. It was not immediately known how the fire started. It tore through part of Malibu, a community of about 10,000 people on the western edge of Los Angeles renowned for its stunning scenery of seaside bluffs and Zuma Beach featured in Hollywood films. Celebrities, including performers Cher and Dick Van Dyke, were among the evacuees.
Josh Hubbard scored 25 points and Claudell Harris Jr. scored 21 on 6-of-9 shooting as Mississippi State escaped with a 91-84 win against Prairie View A&M on Sunday in Starkville, Miss. Prairie View A&M took a 65-64 lead with 10:38 remaining, but Hubbard and Harris Jr. each scored seven points to power the ensuing 14-1 run that put Mississippi State up for good. Hubbard punctuated the rally with a 3-pointer that made it 78-66 with 5:51 to play. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Scenes from Georgia's victory over Texas in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 7, 2024. (Photos: Jim Blackburn) Click for more. PHOTOS: Georgia Defeats Texas for SEC Championship
Four people were arrested Tuesday after a traffic stop in Lancaster County led to a chase that ended in Sarpy County, according to a Sheriff's Office news release. At about 11:50 a.m., the Sheriff's Office Criminal Interdiction Unit stopped a silver Chrysler van for multiple traffic violations on Interstate 80 near mile marker 412, the Sheriff's Office said. The Criminal Interdiction Unit established probable cause to search the van and had the driver, 38-year-old Mattie Boyd, and front passenger, 40-year-old Joseph Pate, exit the car. The Sheriff's Office said Pate began struggling with a deputy and a Lincoln Police officer, leading to a Taser being used, but Pate was able to enter the driver's seat and flee east on I-80. Deputies started to pursue the car. Boyd was not in the vehicle when it took off. During the chase, deputies noticed bags of blue pills suspected to be fentanyl being thrown from the moving Chrysler, the Sheriff's Office said. People are also reading... Deputies stopped chasing the car near mile marker 426 because they began to lose radio transmission. A trooper saw the vehicle near mile marker 432 and attempted another traffic stop, but the car did not stop and continued to flee. The State Patrol said in a separate news release that the car reached speeds of over 100 mph as troopers pursued it. Eventually, the car exited I-80 onto Nebraska 370, still heading east, until it came to a stop near the Omaha National Cemetery, where all three people inside the vehicle got out of the car and ran, the news release said. The State Patrol arrested the three people in the vehicle in Sarpy County without further incident and they are being taken back to Lancaster County. Pate was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, evading drug tax, fleeing to avoid arrest, resisting arrest, tampering with physical evidence and driving under suspicion. Hayley Kabel, 21, and Trey Franko, 19, were in the backseat of the van and were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and evading drug tax. Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies arrested Boyd on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and evading drug tax. All four people arrested were from Illinois, the Sheriff's Office said. Officers and deputies from the Papillion Police Department, Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and Omaha Police Department assisted with the chase. Download the new Lincoln Journal Star app. Top Journal Star photos for December 2024 Eddie Walters, dressed as the Grinch, leads the pack of runners along the Billy Wolff trail during the Santa Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Cicely Wardyn of Lincoln adjusts an outdoor heater next to a Nativity scene during the Hometown Christmas event Sunday at the Governor's Mansion. Nebraska plays against Florida A&M in an NCAA tournament game on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Fourth grade student Lulu Kulwick carries her review worksheet to meet with her teacher during computer science class. Each student was asked to analyze how fun, challenging and easy to understand each game was, and discuss what they thought was a good aspect to the game, and what could use some work. Ben Heppner is illuminated by morning light as he waits for the start of the Santa Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, inside the Fleet Feet store. Nebraska head coach Amy Williams (left) and Callin Hake (14) cheer for their team after a defensive stop during the third quarter of the game against Minnesota on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Members of the Lincoln Journal Star's 2024 Super State volleyball team compete in Dance Dance Revolution and air hockey while at a photo shoot on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at Round 1 Arcade. Lincoln North Star's J'Shawn Afun (10) and Mekhi Wayne-Browne (11) battle Lincoln Southeast's Jaydee Dongrin (21) for a rebound in the first half on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Lincoln Southeast High School. Miami's Flormarie Heredia Colon (left) and Ashley Carr celebrate a point against South Dakota State during an NCAA first-round match, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Devaney Sports Center. Workers pull up the Capitol Christmas tree on Monday at the Capitol. The 22-foot Colorado spruce from Walton was selected by the Office of the Capitol Commission to be this year’s annual Christmas tree. Jenni Watson helps to arrange chairs for New Covenant Community Church's first service in their repaired main auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at New Covenant Community Church. New Covenant Community Church is nearing completion of six months of reconstruction project after a fire in May damages the church. While the building was not fully consumed by fire, there was significant water damage to the main auditorium and the first floor south wing. Jack, the dog, lifts his leg on the Christmas tree that his owners David and Karen Petersen of Hickman chose as Max Novak helps them on Saturday at Prairie Woods tree farm in Hallam. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) kicks a game-winning field goal through the arms of Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) and Nash Hutmacher (0) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Lincoln Northwest senior Kynzee McFadden (top right) works with her teammates as they compete in an identifying game on the Anatomage Table on Tuesday at Lincoln Northwest High School. An Anatomage Table is a digital platform that allows students to perform virtual experiments on a life-size touchscreen. The table is a tool that provides an interactive view of the human body, allowing students to virtually work with different body parts. Dahlia Brandon of Lincoln tickles her 15-month-old daughter, Gema, with a stuffed animal while shopping at HobbyTown on Saturday. The toy and game store nearly doubled its sales on Black Friday from last year. Nebraska's Berke Büyüktuncel (left) and South Dakota's Max Burchill (3) reach for the ball during the first half of the game on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or avargas@journalstar.com . On Twitter @Alex_Vargas1994 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Public Safety Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.On September 25, coaches with the Gabriola Soccer Association made a presentation to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District Board, requesting an increase in access to the sports field at Gabriola Elementary school Field. On Oct. 9, the Nanaimo Ladysmith School Board received a report from NLPS staff that was discussed at the meeting. The report does not recommend an increase in usage, and states the field will be closed again this year to community groups for the winter. The report - prepared by Mark Walsh, Secretary-Treasurer - states that the district’s main focus with the sports field is to provide an outdoor learning space for its students, as well as working collaboratively with the public and community for extra curricular activities. Walsh says the District has implemented a strategy with limitations to meet both focuses that will - in their eyes - allow the field to have optimal use and not have to be closed as it was last year. The district has agreed to the field being rented and used by the soccer association three days a week, this allows for two practice days and a game day on Sundays for the Gabriola rep team. The other three Gabriola teams, who play games on Saturdays, are still playing their ‘home’ games on fields in Nanaimo. The report cites the limits in the strategy were put in place to allow for the field to have an opportunity to ‘recover’ from use and to provide time for staff to maintain and mow. According to Walsh, in the past, over-use has made the field condition nonoptimal, to the point of closure, and has led to an increase in maintenance and operating costs. The sports field is expected to be closed to recreational activities outside of school hours during winter months, as the weather is not conducive to grass growing/repair, causing significant damage to the field and major maintenance budget and labor requirements in spring. The report states that with previous closure the field was brought up to excellent condition - but is already showing sighs of wear and tear into September. This was referenced during the Oct. 9 meeting by Kelsey Bakewell, Maintenance Manager, and Walsh. Both were questioned by board members about the option of allowing more usage by Gabriola residents. The response from Bakewell and Walsh was that it comes down to the fact that the field has a use capacity threshold that will not meet the demand being asked for, and that the field will need the time to regenerate. When posed the question of extra funding being made available to facilitate usage Mark Walsh responded with, “if the board did have additional funding, I would suggest that our first priority would not necessarily be increasing the usability for user groups on Gabriola.” He said there are a number of serious maintenance deficits in a variety of the District sites has. “We have dangerous trees we need to find funding for to be able to take down. I want to put that into context.”