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NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi . Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on the social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.Adam Schiff sworn in to U.S. Senate, reflects on ‘big senatorial shoes to fill’By Dalia Faheid , Michelle Watson , Bonney Kapp , John Miller and Dakin Andone , CNN The 3D-printed gun that healthcare CEO killing suspect Luigi Mangione had when he was arrested this week in Pennsylvania matches three shell casings found at the crime scene in Midtown Manhattan, the New York Police Department commissioner said Wednesday, as authorities continue to investigate the motive for the killing. Also, Mangione's fingerprints match those investigators found on items near the scene of the December 4 assassination of the UnitedHealthcare chief, Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a public event. Three 9 mm shell casings from the crime scene had the words "delay," "deny" and "depose" written across them , one word per bullet, NYPD's Chief Detective Joseph Kenny has said. Police have been looking into whether the words, which title a 2010 book critiquing the insurance industry, may point to a motive in CEO Brian Thompson's killing . "First, we got the gun in question back from Pennsylvania. It's now at the NYPD crime lab," Tisch, the commissioner, said Wednesday. "We were able to match that gun to the three shell casings that we found in Midtown at the scene of the homicide." "We're also at the crime lab able to match the person of interest's fingerprints with fingerprints that we found on both the water bottle and the KIND bar near the scene of the homicide in midtown," she said. Authorities had been probing DNA material and a partial fingerprint from a discarded Starbucks water bottle and an energy bar wrapper surveillance images showed the suspect buying about 30 minutes before the shooting. The fingerprints were the first positive forensic match tying Mangione directly to the scene where Thompson was gunned down just over a week ago outside a hotel, two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter told CNN earlier Wednesday. CNN has reached out to Mangione's attorney for comment on what police have said about the shell casing and fingerprint matches. The killing of Thompson - a husband and father of two - has laid bare many Americans' fury toward the health care industry, with Mangione garnering sympathy online and offers to pay his legal bills. It's also struck fear in C-suites across the country, as an NYPD intelligence report obtained by CNN warns online rhetoric could "signal an elevated threat facing executives in the near-term ..." The fingerprint and firearms disclosures come as authorities dig into Mangione, who remains in custody in Pennsylvania on gun-related charges as he fights extradition to New York, where he's charged with murder. Since his arrest Monday thanks to a tipster at a McDonald's, the 26-year-old's background also is starting to come into focus. The privileged scion of a well-to-do family, high school valedictorian and Ivy League graduate vanished from view of his loved ones in recent months, only to emerge as the suspect in a high-profile killing potentially fueled by his struggle with a painful back injury. Mangione's lawyer has denied his client's involvement in the killing in New York and anticipates he will plead not guilty there to the murder charge, among other counts. Mangione also plans to plead not guilty to Pennsylvania charges related to a gun and fake ID police found when they arrested him in Altoona, attorney Thomas Dickey said. "I haven't seen any evidence that they have the right guy," Dickey told CNN's Kaitlan Collins on "The Source." Dickey has not seen the evidence, including writings police said were in Mangione's possession at the time of his arrest, the lawyer reiterated Wednesday on ABC's "Good Morning America." In some of Mangione's writings, he referenced pain from a back injury he got in July 2023, New York Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told Fox News on Tuesday. Investigators are looking into an insurance claim for the injury. "Some of the writings that he had, he was discussing the difficulty of sustaining that injury," Kenny said. "So, we're looking into whether or not the insurance industry either denied a claim from him or didn't help him out to the fullest extent." Mangione was denied bail at an extradition hearing Tuesday afternoon at the Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania. As he entered the courthouse, shackled at the hands and feet and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with DOC emblazoned on the back, he yelled, in part, "It's completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people. It's lived experience." Investigators detail gun, silencer and fake ID New York prosecutors charged Mangione with one count of murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of second-degree possession of a forged document, and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, online court documents show. Mangione is the person seen in surveillance video fatally shooting Thompson outside a Hilton hotel en route to his company's annual investor conference, officials assert, citing charging documents in which Detective Yousef Demes of the Midtown North Detective Squad outlines evidence, including that the man seen in surveillance footage from a New York hostel is wearing the same clothing. After arresting Mangione in the Altoona McDonald's, police found "a black 3D-printed pistol and a black silencer" that was also 3D printed, according to the criminal complaint. While being taken into custody, Mangione also presented a forged New Jersey ID with the name Mark Rosario, which matched the ID the man at the hostel used, Demes wrote. Suspect appeared to view targeted killing as a 'symbolic takedown' The suspect appeared to be driven by anger against the health insurance industry and against "corporate greed" as a whole, according to an NYPD intelligence report obtained Tuesday by CNN. "He appeared to view the targeted killing of the company's highest-ranking representative as a symbolic takedown and a direct challenge to its alleged corruption and 'power games,' asserting in his note he is the 'first to face it with such brutal honesty,'" says the NYPD assessment, which was based on Mangione's "manifesto" and social media. Along with a three-page handwritten "claim of responsibility" found on Mangione when he was taken into custody, investigators are looking at the suspect's writing in a spiral notebook, a law enforcement source briefed on the matter told CNN. It included to-do lists to facilitate a killing, as well as notes justifying those plans, the source said. In one notebook passage, Mangione wrote about the late Ted Kaczynski, the so-called Unabomber who justified a deadly bombing campaign as an effort to protect against the onslaught of technology and exploitation. Mangione had written about the Unabomber in online posts as well. Mangione knew UnitedHealthcare was holding an investors' conference around the time Thompson was shot and killed - and the suspect mentioned in writings he would be going to the conference site, the NYPD's Kenny told Fox News on Tuesday. In the notebook passage, Mangione concludes using a bomb against his intended victim "could kill innocents" and shooting would be more targeted, musing what could be better than "to kill the CEO at his own bean counting conference," a law enforcement official briefed on the matter told CNN. The three-page document did not include specific threats but indicated "ill will towards corporate America," Kenny said. Why Mangione may be fighting extradition With Mangione fighting extradition, a Pennsylvania court has given him 14 days to file for writ of habeas corpus - putting the burden of proof on those detaining the person to justify the detention - and a hearing will be scheduled if he does. Pennsylvania prosecutors have 30 days to get a governor's warrant, which New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she will work with prosecutors to sign and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro "is prepared to sign and process ... promptly as soon as it is received." Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said his office is prepared "to do what's necessary" to get Mangione back to New York. There could be several reasons Mangione is fighting his extradition, said Karen Agnifilo, a CNN legal analyst and defense attorney. It would give him more time to think about his defense, demand prosecutors present more evidence at his next hearing or try to get bail in Pennsylvania, which is unlikely. Indeed, it could take up to two months before authorities could bring Mangione back to New York after the governor's warrant is obtained, said Agnifilo, who previously worked at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Most criminal defendants facing prosecution on more serious charges in another state waive their right to extradition, but in murder cases like Mangione's, "there's no chance he's going to be let out, so he's fighting extradition," she said. "Eight or 9 out of 10 times, defendants waive extradition because they realize this is so perfunctory, it's so easy, and most of them don't want to languish in detention in the other state because you don't even get to fight your case yet," Agnifilo said. Pennsylvania state Judge Dave Consiglio denied Mangione bail related to both state dockets, saying he would remain at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution. CNN's Steve Almasy, Sara Smart, Gloria Pazmino, Amanda Musa, Celina Tebor, Elizabeth Hartfield, Elise Hammond, Emma Tucker, Jordan Valinsky, Danny Freeman and Kara Scannell contributed to this report. - CNN

Kids use math skills like measuring when Chris Knapp of the Maine Local Living School visits Kingfield Elementary School Nov. 8 in Kingfield. Submitted photo KINGFIELD — Erica Luce, a second-grade teacher at Kingfield Elementary School, is transforming math instruction by blending engaging games, innovative strategies, and hands-on activities. Her approach ensures math is both accessible and meaningful for all students. Luce incorporates a variety of games to teach math concepts and build fact fluency. A class favorite is Mobi, a math-focused variation of Bananagrams that challenges students to create equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. “It’s a low-floor, high-ceiling game, meaning it works for students at many levels,” Luce explained. Other games include dice-based activities inspired by Building Fact Fluency, a program from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Students use tic-tac-toe boards and dice to practice strategies such as doubling numbers or adding and subtracting small values. “Our games are about strategies, not just answers,” Luce said. “We ask students what strategy they used to solve a problem. This helps them deepen their understanding.” Students also enjoy money-focused games like coin bingo and Shut the Box, which combine practical math skills with fun. “This is our way of doing fact fluency without relying on flashcards,” Luce added. This year, Luce’s class is using the free San Francisco Math curriculum, which emphasizes conceptual understanding and diverse problem-solving strategies. “One of their posters says, ‘The answers are important, but they are not the math.’ It’s all about how students got to their answer and showing their work,” Luce said. Another poster she appreciates states, “Errors are gifts that promote discussion,” fostering a growth mindset in her classroom. Hands-on learning is another hallmark of Luce’s teaching. During a recent visit from the Maine Local Living School, students applied math skills to estimate and measure tree sections for a community footbridge. Younger students explored patterns and sorting by comparing oak leaves and acorns, reinforcing math concepts through nature-based activities. While technology has a place in the classroom, Luce strives to minimize screen time. Her class occasionally uses E-Spark, a free online program that helps identify and fill learning gaps, but most math instruction is offline. “Kids are on screens way too much, so we focus on games, discussions, and hands-on work,” Luce said. Luce also values strong communication with families, using the REMIND app to share updates, photos, and strategies. “Parents love to see what their children are working on. It helps them feel connected and better equipped to support learning at home,” she noted. A parent volunteer joins the class every Tuesday and Thursday morning, further enriching the learning experience. “We’re using a new math curriculum, lots of games, and hands-on activities,” Luce said. “It’s really cool to see the kids so engaged and excited about math.” Comments are not available on this story. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous Next »

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Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, one of the biggest questions is: when will the tournament take place? While the exact timing remains unannounced, projections suggest that careful consideration of climatic, cultural, and logistical factors will play a key role in determining the schedule. Balancing these elements with FIFA’s global calendar is critical to ensuring a successful tournament. Here’s an analysis of the potential hosting windows and the periods to avoid. Historical Context and Climatic Considerations Traditionally, the FIFA World Cup has been held during June and July, aligning with the European football offseason. However, this timing presents significant challenges for Saudi Arabia, where summer temperatures often exceed 44°C (111°F). Such conditions pose safety risks for players, fans, and event staff, even with advanced cooling technologies. A notable exception to the traditional schedule occurred in 2022 when Qatar hosted the World Cup in November and December. This adjustment was made to take advantage of cooler temperatures in the Gulf region, which are comparable to Saudi Arabia’s climate. The success of the Qatar tournament demonstrates the viability of deviating from tradition to prioritize player performance and fan comfort. Cultural and Religious Considerations Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and religious calendar adds another layer of complexity to scheduling. Key periods to avoid include: 1. Ramadan (November 12 – December 12, 2034) Hosting the World Cup during Ramadan would pose challenges, as players and staff observing the fast would experience reduced energy levels. Evening prayer schedules, including Taraweeh, could conflict with match timings, while fan engagement may be impacted by cultural priorities. 2. **Hajj Season (February 20 – March 22, 2034) The annual pilgrimage to Makkah attracts millions of Muslims from around the world. Hosting the World Cup during this time would place immense pressure on Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure, including transportation, accommodation, and public services, potentially disrupting both events. 3. Christmas and New Year (Late December to Early January) Many participating nations celebrate major holidays during this period, limiting international fan engagement and creating broadcasting challenges. Months to Avoid Given these considerations, the following months are unsuitable for hosting the tournament: - February 20 to March 22: Hajj season. - Mid-November to Mid-December: Ramadan. - June to August: Extreme heat. - Late December to Early January: Christmas and New Year. The most logical and favorable period to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia is early October to early November. This window offers several advantages: 1. Pleasant Weather: Temperatures during these months range between 15°C and 30°C, ideal for both daytime and evening matches. 2. Cultural Alignment: This period avoids major religious or cultural observances, ensuring smooth operations. 3. Global Calendar Compatibility: Early October to early November provides a natural break in international football schedules, minimizing disruptions to domestic leagues and other tournaments. While the exact timing of the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia remains unconfirmed, the Kingdom’s strategic approach to addressing climatic, cultural, and logistical factors sets a strong foundation. By learning from Qatar’s precedent in 2022 and leveraging its own event-hosting expertise, Saudi Arabia is poised to create an unforgettable tournament. The proposed period of early October to early November aligns with ideal weather conditions and avoids conflicts with significant holidays, making it the most practical and successful window for the world’s greatest football event. In the absence of an official announcement, this remains an option for when Saudi Arabia will welcome the world to celebrate the beautiful game. < Previous Page Next Page >