multiplication online games Connector Market: Growth to $122.58B by 2031, 4.4% CAGROpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed confidence Wednesday that Elon Musk would not use his proximity to Donald Trump to harm business rivals, calling such actions "profoundly un-American." Speaking at the New York Times DealBook conference, Altman addressed concerns about Musk's announced role heading a new Department of Government Efficiency in the incoming Donald Trump administration, and whether he might use it to favor his own companies. "I may turn out to be wrong, but I believe pretty strongly that Elon will do the right thing," Altman said. "It would be profoundly un-American to use political power to hurt your competitors and advantage your own businesses." Even if there are "lots of things not to like about him... it would go so deeply against the values I believe he holds very dear to himself that I'm not that worried about it." Musk, an OpenAI co-founder who later departed the company, is currently suing Altman's firm and Microsoft, claiming they shifted from the project's original nonprofit mission. He has since launched xAI, reportedly valued at $50 billion, making it one of the world's most valuable startups. Altman said that the court battle was "tremendously sad" and that he once saw Musk as "a mega hero." Musk became a close ally of Trump during his campaign, spending over $100 million to boost his presidential bid and joining him at rallies. Since the election victory, he has been a frequent presence in the Trump transition and was reportedly on the line when Google CEO Sundar Pichai called the president-elect to congratulate him on winning the election. The tycoon's businesses have deep connections with governments -- both in the United States and elsewhere -- and his new position has raised concerns about conflict of interest. During the interview, Altman also lowered expectations for the importance of OpenAI's models achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), a benchmark of human-level intelligence the company has long set as the goal for its technology. "My guess is we will hit AGI sooner than most people in the world think, and it will matter much less," he said. "A lot of the safety concerns that we and others expressed actually don't come at the AGI moment... AGI can get built. The world goes on mostly the same way," he said. arp/aha

By Derek B. Johnson December 23, 2024 The State Department’s center for fighting global disinformation received a lump of coal in its Christmas stocking this week as congressional lawmakers excluded new funding and authorization for the office beyond this year. The Global Engagement Center, which tracks foreign disinformation, will lose its authority on Dec. 24. Despite a concerted push by State officials to lobby Congress for an extension, a measure to extend the center’s authority into 2031 was stripped out of the final version of defense authorization legislation that passed through the Senate. “The Global Engagement Center will terminate by operation of law [by the end of the day] on December 23, 2024,” a State Department spokesperson told CyberScoop in an email. “The Department of State has consulted with Congress regarding next steps.” According to figures provided by State, the GEC has a staff of approximately 120 and an annual budget of $61 million. The spokesperson did not address questions about what will happen to the center’s personnel and technology following the closure. The shuttering will leave the State Department without a dedicated office for countering disinformation abroad for the first time since 2016. The closure comes at the end of a year when U.S. officials, foreign political leaders and private companies tracking disinformation have alleged that Russia and China have engaged in concerted propaganda campaigns targeting democratic elections in Taiwan , Moldova , Georgia , Romania and other countries. “This is extremely frustrating,” Mark Montgomery, former executive director of the Cyberspace Solarium and a supporter of extending the center’s authority, told CyberScoop. “On a bipartisan basis, both political parties know that Russia, China and, to a lesser degree, Iran and other non-state actors, conduct information operations against us spreading lies, and the GEC was a good tool for ensuring that the truth, as we see it, came out.” While the center does not focus on disinformation targeting the United States, its work with related organizations faced criticism from congressional Republicans and Elon Musk, who accused the center in 2023 of being “the worst offender in U.S. government censorship [and] media manipulation.” Musk is now an adviser to President-elect Donald Trump and was placed in charge of an advisory board for cutting programs and reducing government spending. Additionally, Republicans on the Hill raised questions about the GEC’s value, suggesting its work might duplicate existing analysis from the private sector and other parts of government. In interviews with CyberScoop and FedScoop last month, GEC leaders pushed back on those views, calling their work “critical” to combatting foreign propaganda campaigns in allied countries and emphasizing that they take active steps to exclude data on U.S. persons from their analysis. “We are really the first analytical unit in the U.S. government that takes this kind of comprehensive approach of looking at threat actors — Iranians, [China], the Russians — and try to understand ... what their influence is broadly on the information space in different geographic regions,” said Carrie Goux, GEC’s acting deputy coordinator. Lindsay Gorman, a former White House official under the Biden administration, told CyberScoop that there is “a lack of recognition in Congress that the wars democracies are fighting with autocrats overseas are no longer only in the physical domain, but in the cyberspace realm of 1s and 0s.” “Whether their goal is to marshal support for invading neighbors or undermine U.S. credibility overseas, the U.S. needs a means to fight back. One way is to expose covert campaigns for what they are — important work the GEC is doing,” said Gorman, now at the nonprofit German Marshall Fund. “GEC has been the eyes and ears on the ground when it comes to information threats overseas, tracking where autocratic strategic objectives lie and how tactics are evolving to guide responses.” Gorman stressed that Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns “aren’t going away” and are increasingly leveraging social media and emerging technologies like generative AI “to sow discord and undermine democracy around the world.” GEC officials also said their limited budget has hindered efforts to acquire advanced technology needed to support their work, including tools to detect AI-manipulated media. State Department documents obtained by FedScoop detail a range of solutions and tools the center hoped to acquire if it was reauthorized, including a system for detecting photoshopped images, a “meme detection” model to help analyze and contextualize imagery, a detector for imagery created through Stable Diffusion, and a tool to detect AI-generated assets in video. Montgomery said that with Republicans set to take control of the State Department and both houses of Congress next month, they are positioned to shape the GEC’s mission and operations to address any concerns about impinging on domestic U.S. issues. “The frustration is, why not give it an extension now that you’re basically responsible?” Montgomery asked.WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term.None

The former Tory chancellor, now chairman of the British Museum, suggested Sir Keir Starmer had contributed to a warmer spirit of the negotiations over the famous ancient artworks. Greece has long called for the return of the Marbles, also known as the Parthenon sculptures, and maintains they were illegally removed from Athens’ acropolis during a period of foreign occupation. The British Museum – where they are currently on display – is forbidden by law from giving away any of its artefacts, and the Government has no plans to change the law to permit a permanent move. But under Mr Osborne’s leadership, the museum is negotiating the possibility of a long-term loan of the sculptures, in exchange for rolling exhibitions of famous artworks. No 10 has indicated the Prime Minister is unlikely to stand in the way of such a deal. Speaking on Political Currency, the podcast he hosts alongside former Labour politician Ed Balls, Mr Osborne said the museum was “looking to see if we can come to some arrangement where at some point some of the sculptures are in Athens, where, of course, they were originally sited”. He added: “And in return, Greece lends us some of its treasures, and we made a lot of progress on that, but we’re still some distance from any kind of agreement.” The Greek government has suggested negotiations with the museum have taken a warmer tone since Labour came to power in the summer. Mr Osborne appeared to concur with this view and praised Sir Keir’s hands-off approach, adding: “It is not the same as Rishi Sunak, who refused to see the Greek prime minister, if you remember, he sort of stood him up. “So it seems to me a more sensible and diplomatic way to proceed.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek premier, discussed the Elgin Marbles with Sir Keir when they met on Tuesday morning at Downing Street, he said after returning to Athens. Mr Mitsotakis has signalled his government is awaiting developments on the negotiations. A diplomatic spat between the Greek leader and Mr Sunak emerged last year when the then-prime minister refused to meet his counterpart. Mr Mitsotakis had compared splitting the Elgin Marbles from those still in Athens to cutting the Mona Lisa in half. The marble statues came from friezes on the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple and have been displayed at the British Museum for more than 200 years. They were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Some of the remaining temple statues are on display in the purpose-built Acropolis Museum in Athens, and Greece has called for the collections to be reunited.

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Learn the difference between microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling 11-26-2024 10:14 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: ABNewswire What is microneedling? Microneedling [ https://www.sincoherenaesthetics.com/microneedle-rf/ ], also known as collagen induction therapy, involves the use of a microneedling machine equipped with fine needles that create micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. This process stimulates the body's natural healing response, resulting in increased production of collagen and elastin. The treatment is effective for a variety of skin concerns, including acne scars, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture. Typically, microneedling is performed over a series of sessions, with the results becoming more noticeable over time. What is radiofrequency microneedling? Radiofrequency microneedling [ https://www.sincoherenaesthetics.com/microneedle-rf/ ] combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy. During this process, the microneedle machine [ https://www.sincoherenaesthetics.com/microneedle-rf/ ] not only causes microinjuries but also delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the dermis. This dual-action approach enhances collagen production and tightens skin more effectively than microneedling alone. Radiofrequency microneedling is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to address skin sagging, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Main technical differences The main difference between microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling is their technology. While both procedures utilize a microneedling machine to create microinjuries, radiofrequency microneedling includes the additional step of delivering radiofrequency energy. This energy heats the deep layers of the skin, promoting further collagen remodeling and tightening. Therefore, radiofrequency microneedling often produces more dramatic results, especially in patients with more severe signs of aging. Treatment Depth and Results Another significant difference between the two treatments is the depth of penetration. Microneedling usually targets the surface layer of the skin, while radiofrequency microneedling can reach deeper layers due to the radiofrequency component. This deeper penetration enables radiofrequency microneedling to address more severe skin laxity and texture issues. Patients seeking greater skin tightening and rejuvenation may find radiofrequency microneedling a more suitable option. Recovery and downtime Downtime is minimal with both microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling, but the recovery experience can vary. Microneedling may cause minor redness and swelling for a few days, while radiofrequency microneedling may cause slightly more noticeable swelling due to the deeper penetration of the treatment. Patients should expect some recovery time with both surgeries, but the recovery period is usually short, allowing the individual to return to daily activities relatively quickly. Ideal candidate When considering microneedling or radiofrequency microneedling, it is important to determine which treatment is ideal for each. Microneedling works on a variety of skin types and concerns, making it a versatile option for many people. Radiofrequency microneedling, on the other hand, is particularly beneficial for people with more severe skin laxity or signs of aging. Consulting with a qualified physician can help determine which treatment is best for people's skin goals. In conclusion In summary, both microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling have unique skin rejuvenation benefits. While microneedling is effective at improving skin texture and boosting collagen production, radiofrequency microneedling goes a step further by combining radiofrequency energy to enhance firming and rejuvenation. Understanding the differences between these two treatments allows people to make informed decisions about their skin care journey. Always consult a licensed professional to determine the best method for their individual needs. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/555/image_product/2024-10/wechat-picture_20241031111221.png Media Contact Company Name: Beijing Sincoheren S&T Development Co., Ltd Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=learn-the-difference-between-microneedling-and-radiofrequency-microneedling ] Country: China Website: https://www.sincoherenaesthetics.com/ This release was published on openPR.Bernews’ latest takes viewers on a Bermuda adventure, from a beachside fisherman casting his line to a scooter rider exploring the island. The gallery features vibrant moments of island life, with emojis like the Bermuda flag in hand and a thumbs-up to celebrate our unique charm, making for a playful tribute to the island’s spirit. : , , ,

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The Arizona Cardinals were rested, relatively healthy and had been playing some of their best football in years. That's why Sunday's sobering 16-6 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks was so surprising. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.HP just reported Q4 results. The stock is tumbling. (HPQ) - Seeking Alpha

How we’re celebrating a half-century of George WillNew study provides explanation behind origins of Martian moons Phobos and DeimosCardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to Seahawks

On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. For more On Football analysis, head here . Saquon Barkley has become the Shohei Ohtani of the NFL. There’s no better home run hitter playing football right now. Barkley had touchdown runs of 72 and 70 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles in a 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. He now has five runs of 50-plus yards this season and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Barkley’s historic performance against the Rams — his 255 yards set a team record — captivated a national audience and turned him into a fan favorite for the AP NFL MVP award. He’s not the betting favorite, however. Josh Allen has the best odds at plus-150, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook. Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is next at plus-250 followed by Barkley at plus-400. Running backs have won the award 18 times, including three-time winner Jim Brown, who was the AP’s first NFL MVP in 1957. Quarterbacks have dominated the award, winning it 45 times. Only three players who weren’t QBs or RBs have been MVP. It takes a special season for a non-QB to win it mainly because the offense goes through the signal caller. Quarterbacks handle the ball every offensive snap, run the show and get the credit when things go well and the blame when it doesn’t. Adrian Peterson was the most recent non-QB to win it when he ran for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. Playing for a winning team matters, too. Nine of the past 11 winners played for a No. 1 seed with the other two winners on a No. 2 seed. The Vikings earned the sixth seed when Pederson was MVP. Barkley is a major reason why the Eagles (9-2) are leading the NFC East and only trail Detroit (10-1) by one game for the top spot in the conference. Does he have a realistic chance to win the MVP award? Kicker Mark Moseley was the MVP in the strike-shortened 1982 season when he made 20 of 21 field goals and 16 of 19 extra points in nine games for Washington. If voters once selected a kicker, everyone has a chance, especially a game-changer such as Barkley. Defensive tackle Alan Page was the MVP in 1971 and linebacker Lawrence Taylor won it in 1986. Running back Christian McCaffrey finished third in voting last year and wide receiver Justin Jefferson placed fifth in 2022. The Offensive Player of the Year award and Defensive Player of the Year award recognize the best all-around players on both sides of the ball, allowing voters to recognize non-QBs if they choose. Wide receivers and running backs have won the AP OPOY award seven times over the past 11 seasons. McCaffrey was the 2023 winner. The AP’s new voting format introduced in 2022 also gives non-QBs a better opportunity to get MVP recognition. Voter submit their top five picks for each award, with a weighted point system. Previously, voters made one choice for each award. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league vote for MVP and seven other awards. The awards are based on regular-season performance. The Chiefs (10-1) and Bills (9-2) already are in position to lock up postseason berths right after Thanksgiving. Kansas City clinches a playoff berth with a win over Las Vegas on Black Friday and a loss by Miami on Thursday night, or a win plus a loss by Denver on Monday night. Buffalo can wrap up a fifth straight AFC East title with a victory over San Francisco on Sunday and a loss by the Dolphins. It’s not a given that the Dallas Cowboys will be looking for a new head coach after this season. Owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday on local radio that Mike McCarthy could end up getting a contract extension. “I don’t think that’s crazy at all. This is a Super Bowl-winning coach. Mike McCarthy has been there and done that. He has great ideas. We got a lot of football left,” Jones said. McCarthy led the Cowboys (4-7) to three straight 12-win seasons, but they went 1-3 in the playoffs and haven’t reached the NFC championship game since winning the Super Bowl 29 years ago. Injuries have contributed to the team’s struggles this season, but Dallas was just 3-5 before Dak Prescott was lost for the rest of the season. The Cowboys upset Washington last week and their next four games are against teams that currently have losing records. If they somehow end up 9-8 or even 8-9, Jones could make a case for keeping McCarthy. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflPHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies and right-handed pitcher Joe Ross finalized a one-year contract on Monday. The 31-year-old Ross made 10 starts and 25 total appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers last season. He went 3-6 with a 3.77 ERA. Selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2011 amateur draft, the 6-foot-4 Ross has pitched in 123 career games across seven seasons with the Washington Nationals and Brewers. In his career, he has combined for a 4.19 ERA with 469 strikeouts to 170 walks. He's 29-34 with a 4.19 career ERA. Ross is the latest in an offseason of minor moves for the NL East champs. The Phillies acquired left-hander Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins and signed free-agent outfielder Max Kepler to a $10 million, one-year deal. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Facebook owner Meta Platforms will face trial in April over the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's allegations that the social media platform bought Instagram and WhatsApp to crush emerging competition, a judge in Washington said on Monday. The FTC sued in 2020, during the Trump administration, alleging the company acted illegally to maintain a monopoly on personal social networks. Meta, then known as Facebook, overpaid for Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 to eliminate nascent threats instead of competing on its own in the mobile ecosystem, the FTC claims. Judge James Boasberg set trial in the case for April 14. Boasberg earlier this month rejected Meta's argument that the case should be dismissed as it depends on an overly narrow view of social media markets. The lawsuit does not account for competition from ByteDance's TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube, X, and Microsoft's LinkedIn, Meta had argued. Boasberg said that while the case should go forward to trial, "time and technological change pose serious challenges" to the FTC's market definition. "The Commission faces hard questions about whether its claims can hold up in the crucible of trial. Indeed, its positions at times strain this country's creaking antitrust precedents to their limits," the judge said in the Nov. 13 ruling. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot)NEW YORK (AP) — A piece of conceptual art consisting of a simple banana, duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.2 million at an auction in New York on Wednesday, with the winning bid coming from a prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneur. “Comedian,” by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was a phenomenon when it debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami Beach, as festivalgoers tried to make out whether the single yellow piece of fruit affixed to a white wall with silver duct tape was a joke or cheeky commentary on questionable standards among art collectors. At one point, another artist took the banana off the wall and ate it. The piece attracted so much attention that it had to be withdrawn from view. But three editions sold for between $120,000 and $150,000, according to the gallery handling sales at the time. Five years later, Justin Sun , founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, has now paid more than 40 times that higher price point at the Sotheby’s auction. Or, more accurately, Sun purchased a certificate of authenticity that gives him the authority to duct-tape a banana to a wall and call it “Comedian.” The piece attracted heavy attention at the busy auction at Sotheby’s, with attendees in the crowded room holding up phones to take photos as two handlers wearing white gloves stood at both sides of the banana. Bidding started at $800,000 and within minutes shot up to $2 million, then $3 million, then $4 million, and higher, as the auctioneer, Oliver Barker, joked “Don’t let it slip away.” “Don’t miss this opportunity,” Barker said. “These are words I’ve never thought I’d say: Five million dollars for a banana.” The final hammer price announced in the room was $5.2 million, which didn’t include the about $1 million in auction house fees, paid by the buyer. In a statement, Sun said the piece “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.” But he said the latest version of “Comedian” won’t last long. “Additionally, in the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture,” Sun said. Sotheby’s calls Cattelan “among Contemporary Art’s most brilliant provocateurs.” “He has persistently disrupted the art world’s status quo in meaningful, irreverent, and often controversial ways,” the auction house said in a description of “Comedian.” Related Articles Entertainment | LeBron James says he’s taking a social media break for now Entertainment | Pamela Hayden, longtime ‘Simpsons’ voice actor, including Bart’s friend Milhouse, hangs up her mic Entertainment | Simone Biles to join Snoop Dogg as a guest mentor for an episode on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ Entertainment | Alec Baldwin wasn’t invited to ‘Rust’ premiere, incites anger of slain cinematographer’s family Entertainment | 'Euphoria' star Storm Reid not returning for season 3 The sale came a day after a painting by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte sold for $121.2 million, a record for the artist, at a separate auction. “The Empire of Light,” an eerie nighttime streetscape below a pale blue daytime sky, sold Tuesday as part of Christie’s sale of the collection of interior designer Mica Ertegun, who died last year at age 97. The sale lifts Magritte into the ranks of artists whose works have gone for more than $100 million at auction. Magritte is the 16th member of the club, which also includes Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, according to the market analyst firm Artprice. “The Empire of Light,” executed in 1954, was one of 17 versions of the same scene that Magritte painted in oil. Marc Porter, chairman of Christie’s Americas, called the sale “a historic moment in our saleroom.” The $121.2 million price included the auction house’s fees. The buyer was a telephone bidder whose identity was not disclosed.

Trump says he will put staggering 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and CanadaNone

There was no sitting room, and barely any standing room, at TinyBrickOven on Thursday, a day after the South Baltimore pizza shop had originally been slated to close. The post-Christmas full house was anticipated after the small Light Street pizza shop got a publicity boost and a on Monday from Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Jeff Taylor, owner of Westminster-based catering business Staglio Pizza, was in to assist TinyBrickOven owner William Fagg as the team made pies for customers. “His pies are amazing, his attitude’s amazing,” Fagg said of his pizza-tossing friend. Fagg received the five-figure influx of cash after telling Portnoy that he would need roughly $60,000 to stay in business for the next year. Portnoy, a part-time pizza influencer reviewing the Federal Hill shop, replied that it was “done” before offering Fagg a handshake during his “one-bite” critique posted Monday. Fagg has been seeking a liquor license for years after opening up the small New York-style pizza shop in 2019. While cooking pizzas during Thursday’s lunch rush, he said getting a license to serve beer and wine would mean “that we’d be on an even playing field” with competitors in South Baltimore. Chief among the competition is Cross Street Market, which is located next door, and includes a pizza shop that can serve beer with its slices. Fagg said that he has nothing against the market or Pizza di Joey, but thinks that there should be room for his small business to compete. Fagg, a Navy veteran, said that his pizzeria obtaining such a liquor permit hinges on not just the Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners, but also the state legislature. The Maryland General Assembly would need to pass legislation adjusting certain alcohol control rules before he can be granted an application, he said. As he cooked pizzas on Thursday, Fagg noted that couldn’t completely wrap his head around the specifics of what the state legislation would entail. Federal Hill, already densely packed with noisy bars as well as residential buildings, is a notoriously difficult place to secure a license, and TinyBrickOven is located in a central area close to the main drag. The pizzeria’s urges supporters to contact Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and Baltimore Del. Luke Clippinger, who did not return requests for comment on Thursday, about passing legislation needed to grant Fagg a beer and wine license. Fagg said he’s also pitched legislation that would create a “locals-only” liquor permit for small businesses to serve locally made beer and wine. The $60,000 cash infusion from Portnoy should help the shop stay open for at least a year and get its license, Fagg said. His restaurant, previously on the brink of closing, is . Fagg’s restaurant is known for its involvement in the surrounding community, often running fundraisers for people in need. During the holiday season, the restaurant runs a “Pay-It-Forward Program” where donations help provide hot pizzas to struggling families and people experiencing homelessness. The local pizza shop’s booster, Dave Portnoy, is most widely known for the sports and pop culture media brand he founded, Barstool Sports. Starting as a weekly print publication in 2003, Barstool has grown into a national digital media empire churning out sports and pop culture content. Portnoy, who serves as Barstool’s president, has branded himself through a blunt, pizza- and sports-loving persona as “El Presidente.” He has a history of pushing back against critics who have accused him of making racist and . Portnoy recently lost a defamation lawsuit against Insider.com after the outlet published citing women who accused Portnoy of sexual misconduct. On top of being Portnoy, 47, is considered to be one of . His “one bite” pizza reviews, , have enough reach to either rescue a struggling pizza shops or kill business for good when he renders his score on a 0 to 10 scale, including decimals. His verdict after taking multiple bites of a TinyBrickOven pie outside the Baltimore shop this week was a 7.9, praising the pizza’s “nice undercarriage” and Fagg’s “upbeat” spirit. “There’s no way this place should be going out of business,” Portnoy said. “Cost me 60 dimes right there, but whatever,” Portnoy said as he left the shop, using an expletive while commenting that he’s a “nice” person.I had my own Grand Designs moment recently during a family holiday on Rottnest Island when I had a hardhat preview tour of The Lodge Wadjemup. The sprawling $40 million hospitality and accommodation project, which completely reimagines the old Karma Rottnest site, was more than a month from completion and as such was a building site. However, channelling my inner Kevin McCloud, I got a real sense that the brains behind the bold redevelopment — Social Grounds Hospitality partners Miles Hull and Graeme Dick — are determined to create an iconic addition to the people’s paradise. The boldest move is that, unlike existing venues Hotel Rottnest and Isola, The Lodge Wadjemup does not face Thomson Bay. Patrons will enter the hotel and hospo venue from Digby Drive. Most of the eventual 100-plus hotel rooms and the conference centre face west so guests can enjoy sunsets over Garden Lake with Wadjemup Lighthouse in the distance. Sunsets Bar and Dining, overseen by head chef Mat Powell (Il Lido, Little Creatures), will offer Mediterranean-leaning food. He’s keen to keep things simple to ensure that they can feed up to 500 seatings while keeping everything on the menu between deliveries from the mainland. Powell took Bar & Bites backstage to show off several large commercial walk-in refrigerators. Beers on tap will be mostly West Aussie, plus Peroni, with wines from major investors Fogarty Wine Group and other local producers. Behind Sunsets facing east is Pelicans, a casual cafe and ice-cream kiosk for folks wanting a bite (or lick) before jumping on their bike or into the pristine waters. The grab-and-go option will offer soft serve ice-creams, something currently missing from Rotto. The rooms are compact, especially in the heritage-listed former boys’ reformatory, but well-appointed with pleasingly clean design from Space Collective Architects. The old 1970s-built motel-style rooms have also been renovated, with the old “Rotto orange” walls repainted in crisp Santorini white. Reservations for the first 60-odd refurbished rooms will open within the next month, with the newly constructed rooms, pools, conference centre and Indigenous cultural space Gathering Ground due to arrive in mid-2025. On the tour, The Lodge Wadjemup general manager Jeremy Nordkamp said he’s been asked one question more than any other since plans for the ambitious project were unveiled. What are they doing with infamous Governor’s Bar? The dingy dive bar was both an anachronism on the idyllic island and a great escape from pests endemic to Rotto — quokkas, seagulls, children and inexperienced cyclists. The Guv is gone. The Lodge Wadjemup marks a new era for Rotto. Now the challenge is to find around 130 staff to make this potential game-changer live up to its immense promise. For more information, and to snare first access to booking details, visit thelodgewadjemup.com.UCF (6-1) Akot 2-8 0-0 4, Gusters 7-15 4-6 18, Brown 2-10 2-2 7, Peterson 3-16 2-3 9, Rodriguez 1-9 0-0 2, Chandler-Roberts 1-1 0-2 2, Ngodu 2-4 2-6 6, Castagne 0-0 0-0 0, Stedman 2-3 0-0 4, Yancy 0-3 0-0 0, Totals 20-69 10-19 52 UNLV (5-2) Brackens 7-9 2-2 19, Brown 2-5 0-0 5, Alexander 3-5 2-2 9, Jackson 5-14 0-2 12, Kimpson 8-13 2-3 18, James 1-2 0-0 2, Roland 2-4 0-0 4, Collins 1-1 0-0 2, Colvin 0-0 0-0 0, Guiney 0-0 0-0 0, Spencer 0-2 0-0 0, Winfrey 0-3 0-0 0, Totals 29-58 6-9 71 3-Point Goals_UCF 2-5 (Brown 1-1, Peterson 1-2, Stedman 0-1, Yancy 0-1), UNLV 7-15 (Brackens 3-3, Brown 1-2, Alexander 1-1, Jackson 2-4, Kimpson 0-1, Roland 0-1, Spencer 0-1, Winfrey 0-2). Assists_UCF 10 (Brown 3), UNLV 21 (Jackson 9). Fouled Out_UNLV Roland. Rebounds_UCF 40 (Akot 12), UNLV 45 (Brackens 14). Total Fouls_UCF 13, UNLV 17. Technical Fouls_UCF Gusters 1. A_0.

The slump in the number of people heading to the shops during Boxing Day sales signals a return to declining pre-pandemic levels, an analyst has said. Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.6% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 8pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.HOUSTON — The Houston Texans certainly didn’t look like a playoff team in a rout by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. With just one game left until the playoffs begin, the AFC South champions know they’ll have to get much better to be competitive in the postseason. “That’s not who we are. That’s not what we represent,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “What we put out there on the field, that’s not Texans football. For anybody to come back and bounce back from it you’ve got to check yourself and make sure you’re playing with elite execution and elite energy.” The 29-point loss to the Ravens was Houston’s most lopsided defeat this season. The defense gave up a season-high 251 yards rushing, and the offense was shut out, with the team’s only points coming on a second-quarter safety. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw an interception and missed several throws in a performance he called “one of the worst games of my whole career.” He was asked how he and the team can move on from such a tough loss. “That’s the only thing we can do,” he said. “There is nothing in life you can go ... back and redo, so it’s all about how you respond. You hit rock bottom; the only way is up. So we still have a lot of hope. At the end of the day, we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity in the playoffs.” The Texans (9-7) went 0 for 2 in the red zone Wednesday to lower their red-zone efficiency to 50.94% this season, which ranks 26th in the NFL. After their safety Wednesday, they had a chance to cut the lead or potentially tie the score when they had a first down at the 10-yard line. Joe Mixon ran for 7 yards on first down before the drive stalled. He was dropped for a 1-yard loss on second down before an incompletion by Stroud brought up fourth-and-4. Stroud threw a short pass to Mixon, and he was stopped at the 1-yard line to give the Ravens the ball back. Lamar Jackson then led a 99-yard drive capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-2. What’s working Not much was working in this debacle. About the only good thing that happened for the Texans on Wednesday was a 45-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce in the second quarter to start the drive that ended with Mixon being stopped on fourth down. Pierce is averaging 38.1 yards per return. What needs help The Texans managed just 58 yards rushing against the Ravens, with Mixon gaining 26 yards on nine carries. Houston hasn’t reached 100 yards rushing in three straight games and four of its past five. The Texans must get their running game going to take some pressure off Stroud, who is working with a thin receiving group with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs out for the season with knee injuries. Stock up WR John Metchie led the team with five receptions for 48 yards as he took on a bigger role in the offense in the first game without Dell. It’s the second-most yards Metchie has had in a three-year career where he missed his entire rookie season undergoing cancer treatments. Stock down Wednesday was the second time in three games where Mixon was held to fewer than 30 yards rushing. He started the season strong, running for at least 100 yards in six of his first eight games. But he’s struggled since then, reaching 100 yards just once in five games. Injuries G Shaq Mason missed Wednesday’s game after injuring his knee against the Chiefs and it’s unclear if he can return for the next game. ... C/G Juice Scruggs missed a fourth straight game with foot injury. Key number 59.2 — Stroud had a 59.2 passer rating in the loss, which is tied for the third-worst rating of his career. Next steps After playing three games in 11 days, the Texans now have an extended break before wrapping up the regular season next weekend at Tennessee. Stroud will try and use this setback to get better. “There’s not sunny days if there is not days with rain,” he said. “It’s a rainy day but at the end of the day the sun will rise up tomorrow. We have another crack at this thing next week to keep rolling.”No. 9 SMU aims to improve playoff odds vs. Cal

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Christmas Eve 72 years ago - simpler timesZona shot 5 for 7, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc for the Rams (8-5). Jahmere Tripp added 14 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line while they also had six rebounds and three steals. Jackie Johnson III shot 4 for 14 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Great Danes (7-7) were led by Amar'e Marshall, who recorded 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Albany (NY) also got 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals from Justin Neely. Byron Joshua finished with 16 points and five assists. Josh Rivera scored 11 points in the first half for Fordham, who led 46-35 at halftime. Fordham took the lead for good with 12:53 left in the second half on a 3-pointer from Zona to make it a 57-54 game. Fordham's next game is Tuesday against Saint Louis at home. Albany (NY) hosts Stony Brook on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Following recent changes in the Ministry of Culture’s leadership, notably the appointment of Jamal Eissa as the new head of censorship of artistic works, replacing Dr. Khaled Abdel-Jalil, I will not delve into the reactions or reasons behind this decision or other internal ministry discussions. Instead, I aim to explore what censorship should look like in an open world shaped by rapid technological advancements. In recent decades, the world has witnessed tremendous technological growth, transforming how we express ourselves artistically. We now live in an interconnected world that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, where ideas and artistic works travel at the speed of light. Artistic creation is no longer confined to cinemas or traditional theatre stages but has become accessible on the small screens we carry in our pockets. This new reality poses significant challenges to traditional censorship. Censorship of artistic works has historically aimed to protect societal values and guide creativity within the boundaries of ethics and cultural standards. However, in this age of technological explosion, traditional censorship methods have become inadequate, sometimes unable to keep pace with the rapid rate of change. The landscape has changed dramatically; artistic content is now digital, cross-border, and multidimensional, placing censorship before difficult questions about its role and methods in a technology-dominated era. In the past, censorship exerted significant control over public content by deleting specific scenes or banning entire works. Media channels were limited, and imposing rules and regulations was straightforward. Today, this paradigm has shifted. Anyone can create and publish content on platforms like YouTube or TikTok, reaching millions worldwide. The traditional intermediary between creators and audiences has been eliminated, making it difficult—if not impossible—to monitor the vast volume of content. The openness enabled by the internet is neither an unmitigated blessing nor an unqualified curse. It offers immense opportunities for creativity and innovation but also facilitates the spread of harmful or offensive content. Here lies censorship’s dilemma: how can it protect societal values without constraining freedom of expression? How can it keep pace with technological advancements without appearing to fight a losing battle? Censorship undoubtedly needs to redefine its role in this digital age. It is no longer merely a tool for prevention or suppression but must evolve into a means of guidance and education. Censorship in the technological era should act as a partner in creativity rather than an adversary. Instead of resisting the technological tide, it should leverage these advancements to develop new tools that enable it to function effectively. One critical area for development is a deeper understanding of technology. Advances in artificial intelligence and data analysis can offer innovative solutions for censorship. For instance, intelligent algorithms could analyze artistic content and assess its suitability for target audiences without requiring direct human intervention. However, this does not mean eliminating the human element entirely. Instead, it involves providing tools that help make more accurate and objective decisions. In addition to technological tools, censorship requires flexible legislation that can adapt to rapid changes. Laws must evolve to accommodate the cultural and social diversity of today’s world. No single society can impose its standards on the entire globe, but laws can respect cultural specificities while preserving shared human values. Perhaps the most significant future role of censorship will not be in prevention or suppression but in education. In an open world, access to content cannot be entirely prevented, but people can be taught how to engage with it critically. Censorship should become a partner in media literacy, helping the public understand the content they consume and fostering their ability to distinguish between constructive and harmful material. At the same time, censorship must balance freedom of expression with the protection of societal values. Achieving this balance is no small task but is essential. Freedom is neither absolute nor subject to unrestrained suppression. Creativity requires a free space to flourish, but this space must be responsible, respecting others’ rights and reflecting shared human values. Censorship in the age of technology and open worlds is a challenging task but not an impossible one. It demands a new vision, modern tools, and an approach based on partnership with creators and the public rather than confrontation. Far from being the enemy of creativity, censorship can act as its guardian if it fulfils its role wisely and judiciously. Ultimately, the question remains: are we ready to develop this role? The answer is neither simple nor optional. As the world continues to evolve and creativity soars to new heights, censorship must adapt to become part of this change—a partner in creativity’s journey toward the future.

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NFL playoff picture: Eagles lock up the No. 2 seed, Lions-Vikings scenariosBOILING SPRINGS, N.C (AP) — Leo Colimerio scored 27 points and Queens University held off Gardner-Webb 85-83 on Saturday. Colimerio shot 8 for 12 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 8 of 9 from the free-throw line for the Royals (6-5). He made two foul shots with 9 seconds left to give the Royals a four-point lead. Malcolm Wilson scored 11 points, finishing 5 of 6 from the floor. Nasir Mann shot 3 for 6, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc to finish with nine points. Darryl Simmons II finished with 23 points and two steals for the Runnin' Bulldogs (4-7). Jamaine Mann added 18 points and seven rebounds. Pharell Boyogueno had nine points and four assists. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press

Maryland bullies Bucknell to secure third straight win

Plan to add resources to border will come before Trump inauguration: LeBlancNoneDockery's 27 lead Howard past UNC Wilmington 88-83Multi-year collaboration aims to expand artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, foster innovation, and enhance industry-specific solutions for diverse business leaders NEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services and solutions firm delivering outcomes that shape the future, today announced a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) with plans to accelerate the adoption of AI and empower business leaders across functions to harness its transformative potential. By simplifying access to cutting-edge data and AI technologies, Genpact and AWS are allowing a broad range of decision-makers—from CFOs and COOs to procurement and operations leaders—to drive innovation within their organizations. "Our collaboration with AWS is focused on bringing AI innovations directly to the forefront of decision-making across every line of business," said Murat Aksu , Global Leader for Partnerships, Genpact. "This Strategic Collaboration Agreement will break down traditional barriers to AI adoption, making it accessible to business leaders beyond the CIO's office, and help our clients accelerate value through AI-driven insights and solutions." While AI innovations were previously centralized within IT functions, this expanded collaboration ensures that advanced technologies can now be seamlessly integrated into all business lines. Genpact's collaboration with AWS democratizes AI capabilities, offering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of multiple business areas, empowering them to solve complex challenges with agility and efficiency. "Thanks to the Genpact and AWS collaboration, we've been able to become a fully cloud-native fixed-annuity provider," said Bob Guilmette , Chief Information Officer, Revol One Financial. "With AWS and Genpact's advanced technology expertise, we are streamlining operations, accelerating product launches, and enhancing digital customer experiences, positioning ourselves for sustainable growth and a competitive edge over legacy insurers." As an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, Genpact brings deep expertise in AI, data and analytics. With nearly 1,000 certified AWS professionals, Genpact helps clients unlock the full potential of AWS services, including Amazon Connect and Amazon OpenSearch, to modernize operations and scale AI solutions. Genpact's numerous offerings in AWS Marketplace include: "We are expanding our collaboration with Genpact to drive AI transformation across industries," said Rima Olinger , Managing Director, North America Partners, AWS. "Genpact's industry expertise and advanced technology capabilities make them a valuable partner in helping organizations harness AI effectively, empowering business leaders to leverage data-driven insights and achieve their strategic objectives." This collaboration underscores the value of Genpact and AWS to provide flexibility and unlock greater business value for customers across industries. To learn how Genpact and AWS help enterprises across every industry and function, click here . About Genpact Genpact (NYSE: G) is a global professional services and solutions firm delivering outcomes that shape the future. Our 125,000+ people across 30+ countries are driven by our innate curiosity, entrepreneurial agility, and desire to create lasting value for clients. Powered by our purpose – the relentless pursuit of a world that works better for people – we serve and transform leading enterprises, including the Fortune Global 500, with our deep business and industry knowledge, digital operations services, and expertise in data, technology, and AI. Get to know us at genpact.com and on LinkedIn , X , YouTube , and Facebook . MEDIA CONTACT: Sue Martenson Genpact Media Relations +1 978-905-9582 susan.martenson@genpact.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genpact-signs-strategic-collaboration-agreement-with-aws-to-accelerate-ai-adoption-302321582.html SOURCE Genpact Ltd.

HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!AP News Summary at 5:58 p.m. ESTHUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the and announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It’s the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven’t played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and

Many little girls venture to New York City around the holidays and get wide-eyed when they walk up to Radio City Music Hall. Some dream of being in the kickline alongside the dozens of Rockettes in sparkling and festive costumes. It only becomes a reality for very few talented, lucky dancers. Gracie Epperson saw the show as a young girl and, having taken dance classes starting at the age of 3, felt called to perform in the show someday. "I just fell in love with it, like I want to do that, I need to do that," Epperson said. "I want the sparkly costumes; I need to kick." She worked diligently through her teen years, participating in competition dance through In Motion Dance Studio in Winston-Salem. "You just wanted to watch her dance," studio owner Michelle Nicholson said. "You knew she was going to be something special." At the age of 18, Epperson moved to New York City with her sights set on Radio City Music Hall. It took six years of auditions and workshops before she finally got the call that she was going to be a Rockette. "It took me six years to audition, and I’m really, I'm proud of that because I think you should never give up on your dreams," she said. "I’m very thankful for my community in Winston, and I credit so much to them for me getting here today. They were always there. Those are the people that inspire me to keep going." Landing the role was just the start of more hard work for Epperson. She described their training, which was six hours a day, six days a week, as "very physically demanding." It's all to create that iconic synchronized kickline. "It’s really cool to see a group of 36 women make a line," she said. "It was really magical to be on that side of things and watch us all come together as a team. It’s really a sisterhood. ... Everyone is so nice and encouraging. It’s really one of the best environments I’ve ever been lucky enough to be a part of." Epperson said one of her favorite numbers is the iconic parade of the wooden soldiers. She also highlighted new technology being used this year. Her family and some friends have already gone to see her perform. "It was a lot of tears," she said. "I think we were all kind of just speechless, just happy for me. It was just so magical to know they were getting to see all the hard work finally pay off at that level at Radio City Music Hall. They were just proud of me." Nicholson said it has been fun to tell her youngest dancers about Epperson's roots in their Winston-Salem dance studio. Some of them have gone to New York City this year just to see her perform and come back giddy and hopeful to be like her someday. The last time Nicholson saw the Christmas Spectacular show was with Epperson when she was still in high school and aspiring to become a Rockette herself. This week, Nicholson will be back in the crowd, watching Epperson on stage this time. "I've known many other Rockettes but never have trained one before," Nicholson said. "So, getting to sit in the audience and watch that little girl be that beautiful woman is just going to, is just going to be amazing. I can't wait." The Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular runs through Jan. 5. For more information, visit rockettes.com .

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People | Leadership at seaMIKEL ARTETA has challenged Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to become Arsenal’s very own Andres Iniesta and Xavi. The Gunners skipper and playmaker Odegaard has forged a telepathic relationship with winger Saka down the right side of the pitch over the past few seasons – their side’s primary goal-scoring source. In fact, since Odegaard returned from a two month lay-off with an ankle ligament injury last month, 51.4 per cent of their chances have been created down the right flank – the highest in the Prem. In their 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on November 23, they shared 36 passes between each other – the second highest combo between two players, excluding defenders, this term. And last season, they created 40 open play chances for each other in the Prem, passing to each other 322 times. Excluding centre backs, only Manchester City’s Rodri and Mateo Kovacic produced more. read more arsenal The stats are there, but the trophies for Arsenal under Arteta – as of yet – are not, something that Barcelona legends Iniesta and Xavi collected at an alarming rate during their careers. Together at the Nou Camp, to name a few, they won seven La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. Alongside star names like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Neymar, that midfield duo were the threads that knitted everyone together – the consistent, reliable catalysts that kept Pep Guardiola’s Barca on the right track for European glory and historic Trebles year after year. This is what Arteta eyes for both Odegaard, 25, and Saka, 23 as the North Londoners aim to finally end their 20-year wait for a Prem title – especially with a mountain to climb this term currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool. Most read in Football BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER S Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United , when asked if he has seen a better relationship between two players, boss Arteta - a former Barca academy product - said: “Yes. I always think about Barcelona with Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. It was unbelievable. “They didn’t even need to look at each other. “Our two centre backs [William Saliba and Gabriel] naturally there is a chemistry there that is unbelievable. “So, we try to develop those more and more because there is something there that is very difficult to put a number to it. “But it’s close in a natural way and the more relationships you have make the team the better.” Arteta welcomes Ruben Amorim, 39, to the Emirates just weeks after the Portuguese coach took charge of Manchester United – drawing one and winning two of his first three games in charge in all competitions. Also in his late thirties when he arrived at his first job in the English football, Arteta knows what it takes to hit the ground running at a big club with results that demand patience and earn respect. Having been hired by Arsenal in December 2019 as a 37-year-old, asked what lessons he had for Amorim, Arteta – now 42 – explained: “How unpredictable the job is. “I jumped into a new job in the middle of the season in very special circumstances socially. Then we got hit by COVID. “You can plan whatever you want but football brings different things and you have to deal with it. Take it as it comes and deal with it. “But you can see his fingerprints [at United] in what he wants to do straight away. He’s been very clear with what he wants to do. What he did with Sporting Lisbon was remarkable after so many years. “Especially the way he did it and the way his teams are playing. It brings energy to a new club and the players which is always positive. But we have to focus on what we’re doing.” On whether United – currently 15 points off Liverpool – can still challenge for the title, Arteta added: “We are still very early in the season. READ MORE SUN STORIES "Any team that has got the capacity to put five or six wins in a row is going to be up there because it is so tough and you see very week how the teams are struggling to maintain winning, winning and winning. “So, I think anything I possible.”

The cryptocurrency world has seen a monumental shift in recent years. Meme coins, once just a quirky addition to the market, have turned into serious players. Their potential for quick gains has caught the eyes of savvy investors and trendsetters alike. Amidst this chaos, a few standout coins have captured attention for their unique features and growth potential. Today, we’re diving into the top meme coins to buy and hold for the long term , focusing on three of the most buzz-worthy ones: BTFD Coin, Shiba Inu, and Dogecoin. Each of these tokens offers something different, yet they share the same underlying principle: the power of community-driven hype and engagement. Here’s why these coins deserve a spot on your investment radar. 1. BTFD Coin: A New Era of Meme Coin Investment BTFD Coin is making waves, not just as a meme coin but as a pioneer of innovation in the space. The project stands out with its Play 2 Earn (P2E) game and a unique staking platform that has caught the attention of investors. In its current presale stage, the coin has already raised over $700,000 within its first week, showing that the hype surrounding BTFD Coin is real. The BTFD Coin ecosystem is built to deliver long-term value. The upcoming presale stages are expected to offer even more growth potential, especially with the P2E game that integrates blockchain technology. Players earn rewards while engaging in fun, strategic gameplay, making it a perfect mix of entertainment and investment. And for those looking to make passive income, the staking options with high APY are a game-changer. This is where community members can lock in their coins and earn rewards, boosting the coin’s utility and appeal. Why did this coin make it to this list? Because it’s more than just a meme—it’s a movement. The launch has been fast and furious, with Stage 5 seeing the price at $0.00005 per coin. Now, with Stage 6 underway and the price at $0.000058, early investors are already eyeing potential profits. For instance, if someone invested $4,000 in Stage 5, they’d own 80 million BTFD coins. If the coin hits $0.0006 at the end of the presale, that investment would grow to a staggering $48,000. And with over 18 billion BTFD coins sold and more than 1,700 holders already on board, the future looks promising. 2. Shiba Inu: The “Dogecoin Killer” If there’s one meme coin that’s made its mark and stayed relevant, it’s Shiba Inu. Dubbed the “Dogecoin Killer,” Shiba Inu has earned its place in the meme coin hall of fame. Created as an Ethereum-based token, Shiba Inu quickly garnered a massive following and became the poster child for the meme coin movement. What sets Shiba Inu apart? It’s its strong, dedicated community and the strategic development of its ecosystem. ShibaSwap, the coin’s decentralised exchange, allows users to trade tokens, provide liquidity, and stake their coins to earn rewards. The Shiba ecosystem is also expanding with the introduction of Shibarium, a layer-2 solution aimed at reducing transaction costs and enhancing network scalability. Investors looking to hold onto Shiba Inu for the long term have benefited from the coin’s volatile but upward-moving price. The community’s ongoing efforts to integrate Shiba into real-world applications, such as partnerships and NFT projects, offer hope for future growth. This coin might not have the flashy gaming mechanics that BTFD Coin boasts, but its established track record and innovative developments make it a solid option for meme coin enthusiasts. Why did this coin make it to this list? Because it’s a symbol of how meme coins can evolve from a joke to a legitimate investment. Shiba Inu has proven that staying power and community engagement can drive a coin to new heights. As more investors look for long-term gains, Shiba Inu stands out as a proven contender. 3. Dogecoin: The OG Meme Coin It wouldn’t be right to talk about meme coins without giving a nod to the original: Dogecoin. What started as a joke in 2013 has grown into one of the most recognised and traded cryptocurrencies in the world. While its price history has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, Dogecoin remains a favourite among meme coin fans and investors alike. Dogecoin’s community is the key to its enduring success. With strong support from high-profile figures like Elon Musk and a dedicated group of enthusiasts, Dogecoin has become synonymous with the meme coin culture. But beyond the hype, Dogecoin has also made strides to increase its utility. Recent updates focus on enhancing transaction speed and efficiency, making it a more practical choice for everyday use. For those thinking about long-term holding, Dogecoin has shown that it can bounce back from market dips and create substantial gains. Although Dogecoin doesn’t have the same advanced ecosystem features as BTFD Coin or Shiba Inu, its status as the first mover in the meme coin space adds a level of trust that newer projects might not yet have. Why did this coin make it to this list? Because Dogecoin is the original meme coin that changed the game. Its combination of widespread recognition, a strong community, and ongoing development makes it a go-to for meme coin enthusiasts who are in it for the long haul. Conclusion: Why Meme Coins Are Worth Considering Meme coins have come a long way from being just a trend. They’ve evolved into digital assets that combine community spirit, innovative technology, and investment potential. BTFD Coin, Shiba Inu, and Dogecoin each offer unique opportunities. If you’re looking to dive into meme coins, holding onto the right ones for the long term could be the move. Among these, BTFD Coin stands out with its active presale, Play 2 Earn game, and strong staking options, making it an exciting choice for early investors. Shiba Inu continues to grow with its ecosystem advancements, and Dogecoin maintains its iconic status as the first meme coin that started it all. So, if you’re ready to explore the world of meme coins, now’s the time. Join the BTFD Coin presale now and secure your place in one of the most thrilling presale journeys in recent times. Don’t miss out—these meme coins could be your next big investment. Website: https://www.btfd.io/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/BTFD_COIN Telegram: https://t.me/btfd_coin Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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Article content While so many Oilers forwards not named Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl have struggled for to find some offence in the first quarter of the NHL season, one of the pleasant surprises has been role-playing winger Mattias Janmark. Janmark, who is playing 12:55 a night, has 10 points in 22 games, eight coming even-strength, one short-handed — a dandy feed to Darnell Nurse against New York Rangers last Saturday. He has just one goal, but, again, he has 10 points. The only Oilers forwards in double digits (points) are 97, 29 and Janmark. “Janne has played extremely well for four weeks,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, who currently has the Swedish forward on right wing on the third line with Adam Henrique and Jeff Skinner. “He rarely has a bad shift and we obviously rely on him on the penalty kill (with partner Connor Brown) with our forward group. A really nice play to Darnell short-handed. He carried the puck up, had an opportunity to shoot, then a wraparound try but he held it and found Darnell coming in late.” “We talk about players who do all the little things right and that’s Janne.” Janmark is never measured on his offence but after signing a three-year free-agent deal in July for a $1.45 million AAV he is very much underrated. While the Oilers lost lots of speed over the summer — Warren Foegele, Dylan Holloway and Ryan McLeod up front — Janmark is sneaky fast, turning 32 in two weeks. “I don’t really think about points much. I know when I’m playing good or not (points aside),” said Janmark, whose career high in points for a single season is 34 when playing for Dallas. NHL forwards coming into the league are always looked upon to put up points but that’s never been Janmark’s deal. When did points cease to be important to him? “When you’re younger you rely on them a bit more. You get hard on yourself if they (points) aren’t coming and then you go through stretches in your career when you’re simply not scoring. To stay in this league you have to find other things” apart from points, he said. Janmark was excellent in the Oilers playoff run last spring, especially in a penalty-kill role, but he also beat Sergei Bobvrovsky on a breakaway early in the first period of Game 7 in Florida to tie it 1-1 after Carter Verhaeghe’s Panthers’ goal. “I had a tough regular season, not many points (12 in 72 games), but you go through a good playoffs, yeah, it gives you confidence that you can do it at the highest level,” he said. SHOTS TO GOALS Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ career shooting percentage is 11.9, with his out-of-nowhere 18.4 in 2022-23 when he scored 37, but it’s 4.5 this season. He has 40 shots on net (80 attempted) and only two goals. “A forward’s average shooting percentage in the NHL is between nine and 15 percent. There’s a few players above that, exceptional shooters. Like Leon,” said Knoblauch. Draisaitl’s at 26.7 right now, with 16 goals on 60 shots and a career average of 18.5. Draisaitl was 14.3, 16.9, 12.3 shots-to-goals his first three seasons, but hasn’t had one under 18.5 over the past six years. “Leon can obviously shoot the puck well. That one-timer from a bad angle is difficult for a goalie to save if you hit the net. Also if you miss, well, that doesn’t count against the shooting percentage,” said Knoblauch. “Sometimes you have an outlier season where you’re shooting really well. Last year, Zach Hyman’s was 18.6 per cent but he is typically about 13 or 14. There’s a lot of luck, circumstances dictating scoring goals,” said Knoblauch. Nugent-Hopkins’s 4.5 per cent mirrors the scoring difficulties of most of the Oilers forwards. He was 9.8 per cent last season, with18 goals on 183 shots, so it’s going down. “Maybe you could say Nuge isn’t taking the same quality of shots as he should. The last two or three games, though, Nuge ripped one shot off the crossbar and hit the butt-end of the goalie’s stick in the Ranger game. That’s two goals, and his shooting percentage is 10 per cent,” said Knoblauch. This ‘n that : Newcomer Kasperi Kapanen and Derek Ryan were absent from Tuesday’s practice along with the injured Viktor Arvidsson and Hyman. “Kapanen had an immigration appointment,” said Knoblauch, in the wake of the Finnish winger’s waiver claim from St. Louis to Edmonton. “Ryan was sick.” ... Phil Esposito, who scored 717 goals, many from the high slot, said recently he used to employ a paddle like Draisaitl’s. Good company ... Evander Kane, who had surgery two months ago to repair two sports hernias and tears to two adductor and abdominal muscles, was seen walking around the Oilers dressing room Tuesday, with no visible movement issues. The time frame for a return is unclear but doctors said five to six months. He seems ahead of schedule. Would anybody be surprised if he’s back in January sometime? ... Unless the Oilers wanted to give up winger Matt Savoie, 20, to try and get Columbus right-shot defenceman David Jiricek, who turns 20 on Thursday and is unhappy there, is there any conceivable way the Oilers and Jackets are a fit? Savoie was the ninth-overall pick in 2022, Jiricek was sixth ... Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, who got Marc-Andre Fleury’s stick autographed last week, wants to get more. “I’d like to get Vasy (Andrei Vasilevskiy) and (Sergei) Bobrovsky. I would have loved Carey Price’s. But I guess that won’t happen now. I did see him once in a hallway (during practice when Montreal was in town several years back). He said, ‘How are you doing?’ I, said, ‘Uh, good.’ I didn’t know what to say,” said the awestruck Skinner ... The Oilers will likely be adding a forward for their upcoming three-day trip to Utah, Colorado and Vegas. They’ll probably bring back fourth-line winger Drake Caggiula, who has been recalled twice for four games and who was sent back to Bakersfield for salary-cap reasons ... Seth Griffith was just named Bakersfield captain. Brad Malone was the former captain before retiring and taking a job as an assistant coach in junior in Oshawa ... Nashville got a fourth-round draft pick from Pittsburgh for forward Phil Tomasino on Monday. Must be the going rate now for former first-round draft forwards, with Oilers the giving Vancouver a fourth-rounder for Vasily Podkolzin in August ... Savoie and Noah Philp are percolating on the farm. The organization wants to leave them in the AHL to learn more. Barring a run of injuries here, you likely won’t see either player until the New Year ... James Hamblin remains out with a lower-body injury in Bakersfield ... Winger Roby Jarventie, acquired in the Ottawa Xavier Bourgault summer trade, remains out on the farm. He did play two games there after missing all of camp with a knee issue and had two points, but GM Keith Gretzky says they were maybe pushing things a little fast. The knee, different from the one operated on while playing in the Senators’ organization, isn’t strong enough for games just yet.Dow hits another record as stocks continue to rise

A melee broke out at midfield of Ohio Stadium after Michigan upset No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday. After the Wolverines' fourth straight win in the series, players converged at the block "O" to plant its flag. The Ohio State players were in the south end zone singing their alma mater in front of the student section. When the Buckeyes saw the Wolverines' flag, they rushed toward the 50-yard line. Social media posts showed Michigan offensive lineman Raheem Anderson carrying the flag on a long pole to midfield, where the Wolverines were met by dozens of Ohio State players and fights broke out. Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer was seen ripping the flag off the pole and taking the flag as he scuffled with several people trying to recover the flag. A statement from the Ohio State Police Department read: "Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation. During the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. OSUPD is the lead agency for games and will continue to investigate." Michigan running back Kalel Mullings on FOX said: "For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game. It's bad for the sport, bad for college football. At the end of the day, some people got to learn how to lose, man. "You can't be fighting and stuff just because you lost the game. We had 60 minutes and four quarters to do all that fighting. Now people want to talk and fight. That's wrong. It's bad for the game. Classless, in my opinion. People got to be better." Once order was restored, officers cordoned the 50-yard line, using bicycles as barriers. Ohio State coach Ryan Day in his postgame press conference said he wasn't sure what happened. "I don't know all the details of it. But I know that these guys are looking to put a flag on our field and our guys weren't going to let that happen," he said. "I'll find out exactly what happened, but this is our field and certainly we're embarrassed at the fact we lost the game, but there's some prideful guys on our team that weren't just going to let that happen." The Big Ten has not yet released a statement on the incident. --Field Level Media

MMA fighter Conor McGregor outside the High Court in Dublin during the civil rape case taken by Nikita Hand, which he lost. Photo: PA It’s surprising Fine Gael didn’t run Conor McGregor as a candidate in the general election. Given his social media spread, the party clearly missed an opportunity by not getting his endorsement. Mouthy millionaires with international business interests who slag people off are de rigueur in the party. Surely ‘The Notorious’ should have been invited to launch a campaign and to hell with the consequences. It matches the party’s current trends.Wrong-way driver arrested after striking multiple vehicles, shootout with police officer: ‘He’s got a gun!’

Gurugram, Dec 22 (PTI) Gurugram Cyber Police has arrested a man from Tamil Nadu for running an illegal SIM card racket, officials said on Sunday. The accused, Mohammad Jamil bin Mohammed Iqbal, a resident of Kuala Lumpur, used to buy SIM cards from India and sell them in Malaysia, which cyber fraudsters used to cheat people in this country while sitting abroad, police said. Also Read | Suicide Attempt at Sovabazar Metro Station: Kolkata Metro Services Partially Disrupted After Man Jumps in Front of Moving Train. Police have recovered a Malaysian passport, an international driving licence, one health card, one debit card, one mobile phone, and Indian and foreign currency notes from the possession of Iqbal, who was arrested from Trichy in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Iqbal, who arrived in India on Thursday, took more than 150 SIM cards to Malaysia on two occasions, police said. Also Read | BPSC Students Protest: Tejashwi Yadav Meets Protesters, Writes to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for Exams Cancellation (Watch Video). Two persons who arranged SIM cards for the accused were caught in August along with two others for their alleged involvement in duping a Gurugram resident of Rs 2.81 crore in the name of investment in stock markets. During interrogation, the accused disclosed the name of Iqbal, which prompted the cyber police to issue a look out circular in his name. As soon as he landed in Trichy on Thursday, the airport police caught Iqbal and informed Gurugram Police who took him into custody on Saturday. "Iqbal's mother was from Tamil Nadu. He also got married to a woman from the state and was well-versed in Tamil. Iqbal, who came to India with another Malaysian accomplice, came in contact with a gang of cyber thugs in February. We are presently questioning the accused," Priyanshu Dewan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (cyber wing), said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)online games.io 。

“We are sending a very clear message in Pennsylvania, the use of AI to harm others, especially our children, will not be tolerated,” said state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. Cl A stock falls Tuesday, still outperforms market

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Colby Rogers made 6 of 9 3-pointers and scored 28 points as host Memphis defeated No. 16 Ole Miss 87-70 on Saturday afternoon. Rogers fouled out and finished one 3-pointer and one point short of his career-highs in both categories and Memphis never trailed. PJ Haggerty added 17 points, Dain Dainja had 16 and Moussa Cisse, an Ole Miss transfer who's in his second stint with the Tigers (10-3), had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sean Pedulla scored 13, Jaylen Murray had 12 and Malik Dia added 11 to lead the Rebels (11-2), who had won their last five games. Memphis scored the first five points of the second half to increase its lead to 43-36. Pedulla made a layup for Ole Miss' first points, but Nicholas Jourdain made consecutive field goals to push the lead to nine. Mikeal Brown-Jones made two free throws for the Rebels before Haggerty made a 3-pointer and Cisse added a tip-in for a 52-40 lead. Pedulla made a jumper before Brown-Jones was ejected for committing a Flagrant 2 foul. Haggerty made both of the technical free throws and Rogers added two 3-pointers to push the lead to 16. Ole Miss got within 11 points four times, but couldn't get any closer until Matthew Murrell's dunk trimmed the lead to 76-67 with five minutes remaining. Rogers answered with a 3-pointer and Dainja added two field goals to increase the lead to 16. Murray made a free throw, but the Rebels didn't make a field goal during the final 5:32. The Tigers scored the first four points of the game and Haggerty had four as they opened a 9-2 lead. The Rebels made consecutive field goals before Memphis scored eight straight points for a 17-6 lead. Eduardo Klafke made a 3-pointer to end the run, but Rogers' 3-pointer helped the Tigers increase the lead to 27-14. Ole Miss scored the next seven points before Cisse's basket ended the run. The Rebels closed within four points four times Brown-Jones made two free throws to trim the lead to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level Media

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NEW YORK — The Yankees beefed up their bullpen on Friday afternoon, agreeing to a trade that will bring Devin Williams to the Bronx. The Yankees are sending Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin to the Brewers in the trade for the closer. Milwaukee is also receiving cash considerations. While stress fractures in his back limited Williams to 22 games last season, the 30-year-old has been one of baseball’s best relievers since debuting with Milwaukee in 2019. Over that span, Williams ranks first in H/9 (4.9), second in ERA (1.83), fourth in K.9 (14.3) and sixth in HR/9 (0.6) among relievers with at least 200 innings pitched. A two-time All-Star and two-time National League Reliever of the Year, the right-handed Williams also saved 65 games over the last three seasons, including a career-high 36 in 2023. Armed with a unique change-up nicknamed “The Airbender,” he recorded sub-2.00 ERAs in each of those seasons. Williams, the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year, figures to be the Yankees’ new closer. While he worked as a set-up man earlier in his career, manager Aaron Boone was non-committal when asked if he considered Luke Weaver the Yankees’ closer in 2025 at the winter meetings. Weaver did admirable work in the role late in the 2024 season and playoffs after Clay Holmes lost the gig. “Depends where we go this offseason,” Boone said of Weaver, who worked as a versatile reliever for most of 2024 after being converted from a starter. “I think he was as dominant a reliever as there was in the game, especially in the second half with his emergence. I have a ton of confidence in Luke. Whatever role that ends up being, whether it is the traditional closer, we’ll just hopefully put him in the best position to be successful. And definitely have a lot of expectation and confidence that he’s going to be hopefully a part of another really strong bullpen.” The Yankees’ bullpen, while incomplete, is certainly mightier with the addition of Williams, who also joins the recently re-signed Jonathan Loáisiga, Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, Mark Leiter Jr., Scott Effross and Clayton Beeter. The team has also expressed interest in re-signing Tim Hill — the 40-man roster is missing a left-handed reliever — and Tommy Kahnle. The two have mutual interest in a reunion but have received intrigue from other suitors. As dominant as Williams has been in the regular season, he’s struggled over his limited experience in the playoffs. He has allowed six earned runs over 2 1/3 innings in the postseason. Like Cortes, Williams is scheduled to be a free agent after this season. Both pitchers are also scheduled to make $7.7 million in arbitration. Cortes became expendable after the Yankees agreed to an eight-year, $218 million deal with Max Fried during the winter meetings. Even with Cortes shipping out, the Bombers still have six starters (Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman) for five rotation spots. With the Yankees also interested in cost-effective Japanese ace Rōki Sasaki don’t be surprised if they trade another member of that group. On Wednesday, Brian Cashman noted that teams were actively asking the Yankees about their starting surplus. “If we find that there are matches that make sense, then you start to seriously consider it,” the general manager said. “So you just have to have those conversations, which we’re having. I don’t know where it’s gonna take us.” Friday’s trade marks the end of Cortes’ third stint with the Yankees. A 36th-round draft pick in 2013, Rule 5 Draft returnee in 2018, and mop-up reliever early in his career, the crafty southpaw matured into a valuable starter and tremendous success story in New York. Known for his trickery on the mound, the 30-year-old Cortes was an All-Star and finished eighth in Cy Young voting in 2022. He had a 2.61 ERA over 251 1/3 innings from 2021-2022, but injuries hindered his performance in 2023, as he finished with a 4.97 ERA after 12 starts. In 2024, Cortes recorded a 3.77 ERA over 31 games (30 starts), but he ended the regular season on the injured list with a flexor strain. However, he avoided surgery, went through an expedited rehab process and returned for the World Series. Pitching out of the bullpen, Cortes allowed a walk-off grand slam to the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman in his first game back. With Hill, a fellow lefty also warming, Boone was widely panned for the choice. Back in July, Cortes’ name surfaced in trade rumors, but he managed to survive the deadline. “I’m almost confident that the Yankees want me enough to stay here. Sometimes it’s just because they need to improve in other areas,” Cortes said, foreshadowing the circumstances surrounding his eventual departure. Durbin, meanwhile, had been mentioned as an option to replace Gleyber Torres, a free agent, at second base. The 24-year-old was well-liked throughout the Yankees’ organization thanks to his high contact rates and low strikeout numbers. Durbin set career highs with 25 doubles, 10 home runs and a .451 slugging percentage last season, adding some pop to a .275 average, .388 on-base percentage, 60 RBIs, 31 steals and a 9.9 K%. The short, versatile infielder then hit .312/.427/.548 with five home runs and 21 RBIs in 24 Arizona Fall League games. His 29 stolen bases set the league’s record, and he won the AFL’s Breakout Prospect of the Year Award. In 2,392 plate appearances since the start of his college career, Durbin has struck out just 153 times. “He’s been gifted with a superpower of not ever swinging and missing, and with that power comes great responsibility, as they say,” former Yankees Triple-A hitting coach Trevor Amicone, who is now with the Twins, said while detailing Durbin’s focus on hitting for more power last year. “When he swings, he’s going to make contact, so he has got to be very selectively aggressive at the pitches that he swings at.” The Yankees originally acquired Durbin and Indigo Diaz from the Braves for Lucas Luetge in December 2022. With Durbin out of the picture, the Yankees could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, his most experienced position, if they add a third baseman via trade or free agency. Other internal candidates at second include Oswaldo Cabrera, Jorbit Vivas and Oswald Peraza. “We were very surprised how he took to a very difficult position, and it certainly wasn’t perfect because it was new to him, but golly, he at least made you realize that it’s possible that you might already have your third baseman,” Cashman said of Chisholm, who learned the hot corner on the fly last season. “I think middle infield is probably easier, because it’s something that he’s done. Third still is something he’ll finish off, if that’s where he stays, but I don’t know, it just depends on the directions, the opportunities.” ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The world approved a bitterly negotiated climate deal Sunday but poorer nations most at the mercy of worsening disasters dismissed a $300 billion a year pledge from wealthy historic polluters as insultingly low. After two exhausting weeks of chaotic bargaining and sleepless nights, nearly 200 nations banged through the contentious finance pact in the early hours in a sports stadium in Azerbaijan. But the applause had barely subsided in Baku when India delivered a full-throated rejection of the dollar-figure just agreed. "The amount that is proposed to be mobilised is abysmally poor. It's a paltry sum," said Indian delegate Chandni Raina. "This document is little more than an optical illusion. This, in our opinion, will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face." Nations had struggled to reconcile long-standing divisions over how much rich nations most accountable for historic climate change should provide to poorer countries least responsible but most impacted by Earth's rapid warming. EU climate envoy Wopke Hoekstra said COP29 would be remembered as "the start of a new era for climate finance". Sleep-deprived diplomats, huddled in anxious groups, were still revising the final phrasing on the plenary floor hours before the deal passed. At points, the talks appeared on the brink of collapse, with developing nations storming out of meetings and threatening to walk away should rich nations not cough up more cash. In the end -- despite repeating that no deal is better than a bad deal -- they did not stand in the way of an agreement, despite it falling well short of what they wanted. The final deal commits developed nations to pay at least $300 billion a year by 2035 to help developed countries green their economies and prepare for worse disasters. That is up from $100 billion under an existing pledge but was slammed as offensively low by developing nations who had demanded much more. "This COP has been a disaster for the developing world," said Mohamed Adow, the Kenyan director of Power Shift Africa, a think tank. "It's a betrayal of both people and planet, by wealthy countries who claim to take climate change seriously." A group of 134 developing countries had pushed for at least $500 billion from rich governments to build resilience against climate change and cut emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases. UN climate chief Simon Stiell acknowledged the deal was imperfect. "No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work still to do. So this is no time for victory laps," he said in a statement. The United States and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China -- the world's largest emitter -- to chip in. The final deal "encourages" developing countries to make contributions on a voluntary basis, reflecting no change for China which already provides climate finance on its own terms. Wealthy nations said it was 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 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. Wealthy countries and small island nations were also concerned by efforts led by Saudi Arabia to water down calls from last year's summit in Dubai to phase out fossil fuels. The main texts proposed in Baku lacked any explicit mention of the Dubai commitment to "transitioning away from fossil fuels". A number of countries had accused Azerbaijan, an authoritarian oil and gas exporter, of lacking the experience and will to meet the moment, as the planet again sets temperature records and faces rising deadly disasters. bur-np-sct/lth/tymLebawit Lily Girma | (TNS) Bloomberg News When winter rolls around, travelers predictably turn their attention to beaches. And this year, it’s the destination that comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called “a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean” that’s experiencing outsize demand from Americans planning a warm island vacation. Talk about trashing stereotypes. Related Articles Travel | Would you pay $700 a night to sleep under the stars at this Colorado resort? Travel | Thailand’s starring role in ‘The White Lotus’ is about to pay off Travel | 5 under-the-radar travel destinations the UN says you should visit Travel | Gift ideas for people planning their next trip Travel | Lights and decor, réveillon meals make Christmastime special in New Orleans Puerto Rico has recovered overseas visitors (excluding those from Canada and Mexico) faster than any U.S. state or territory — a staggering 85% increase over its 2019 overseas inbound visitor levels as of 2023, according to an October study from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office. There are now more daily flights from the U.S. West Coast, and hotel bookings are 6% higher so far in this last quarter of 2024 year-over-year. It’s a trifecta of tourism growth: more visitors, but also longer stays and a higher spend that reached a record $9.8 billion in 2023, boosting small businesses as well as major brands. “We don’t have a slow season in Puerto Rico anymore,” says Brad Dean, chief executive officer at Discover Puerto Rico. Even if they’re not booking, people are dreaming about “La Isla.” By tracking flight searches for trips between November 2024 and February 2025, a measure of “inspirational” demand, tourism intelligence company Mabrian Technologies reports Puerto Rico is up 9% compared with the same period last year and leads Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas in the Caribbean proper. Only Costa Rica ranked higher in the wider region. Dean attributes Puerto Rico’s ongoing tourism growth to a strategic effort to reposition the island’s brand as more than a sun-and-sea destination, starting back in 2018. That led to the Live Boricua campaign, which began in 2022 and leaned heavily on culture, history and cuisine and was, Dean says, “a pretty bold departure” in the way Puerto Rico was showcased to travelers. He adds that at least $2 billion in tourism spend is linked to this campaign. “We (also) haven’t shied away from actively embracing the LGBTQ+ community, and that has opened up Puerto Rico to audiences that may not have considered the Caribbean before,” Dean says. Hotels are preparing to meet this growing demand: A number of established boutique properties are undergoing upgrades valued between $4 million and more than $50 million, including Hotel El Convento; La Concha, which will join the Marriott Autograph Collection; Condado Vanderbilt Hotel; and the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar. That’s in addition to ultra-chic options that are coming online in 2025, including the adults-only Alma San Juan, with rooms overlooking Plaza Colón in the heart of Old San Juan, and the five-star Veranó boutique hotel in San Juan’s trendy Santurce neighborhood. The beachfront Ritz-Carlton San Juan in Isla Verde will also be reopening seven years after Hurricane Maria decimated the island. The travel industry’s success is helping boost employment on the island, to the tune of 101,000 leisure and hospitality jobs as of September 2024, a 26% increase over pre-pandemic levels, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Efforts to promote Puerto Rico’s provinces beyond the San Juan metro area — such as surfing hub Rincón on the west coast, historical Ponce on the south coast and Orocovis for nature and coffee haciendas in the central mountains —have spread the demand to small businesses previously ignored by the travel industry. Take Sheila Osorio, who leads workshops on Afro-Puerto Rican bomba music and dance at Taller Nzambi, in the town of Loíza, 15 miles east of San Juan; or Wanda Otero, founder of cheese-producing company Vaca Negra in Hatillo, an hour’s drive west of Old San Juan, where you can join a cheese-making workshop and indulge in artisanal cheese tastings. “The list of businesses involved in tourism has gone from 650 in 2018 to 6,100, many of which are artists and artisans,” Dean says. While New Yorkers and Miami residents have always been the largest visitor demographic, Dean says more mainland Americans now realize that going to Puerto Rico means passport-free travel to enjoy beaches, as well as opportunities to dine in Michelin-rated restaurants, hike the only rainforest in the U.S. and kayak in a bioluminescent bay. Visitors from Chicago and Dallas, for example, have increased by approximately 40% from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, compared with the same period in 2022-2023, and more travelers are expected from Denver now that United Airlines Holdings Inc. has kicked off its first nonstop service to San Juan, beginning on Oct. 29. Previously, beach destinations that were easy to reach on direct flights from Denver included Mexico, Belize and California, but now Puerto Rico joins that list with a 5.5-hour nonstop route that cuts more than two hours from the next-best option. Given United Airlines’ hub in San Francisco, it could mean more travelers from the Golden State in the near future, too. In December, U.S. airlines will have 3,000 more seats per day to the territory compared with the same period last year, for a total of 84,731 — surpassing even Mexico and the Dominican Republic in air capacity, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the island’s primary gateway, is projecting a record volume of 13 million passengers by year’s end — far surpassing the 9.4 million it saw in 2019. As for Hinchcliffe’s “floating island of garbage” line, Dean says it was “a terribly insensitive attempt at humor” that transformed outrage into a marketing silver lining, with an outpouring of positive public sentiment and content on Puerto Rico all over social media. Success, as that old chestnut goes, may be the best revenge. “It was probably the most efficient influencer campaign we’ve ever had,” Dean says, “a groundswell of visitors who posted their photos and videos and said, ‘This is the Puerto Rico that I know.’” ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trump appears to side with Musk, tech allies in debate over foreign workers roiling his supportersA psychoeducational intervention to empower teenage girlsThe SET index ended lower in November after hitting the year's high of 1,506 points the month before. In the second week of November, the index broke below the 1,470 support level and drifted sideways down below 1,440 and 1,430 points. The moving average convergence/divergence technical indicator also crossed below the zero line, confirming the bearish outlook. Among the factors affecting sentiment: US monetary policy: The upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Dec 17 and 18 is expected to result in another 25-basis-point interest rate cut. However, the US economic recovery trend, including GDP growth of 2.8% and declining unemployment, coupled with potential inflationary pressures from Trump administration policies, could influence the Fed's decision. Domestic economic recovery: Thailand's third-quarter GDP growth exceeded expectations at 3.0%, driven by government stimulus measures such as debt relief and cash handouts. Reduced political tension has also provided the government with greater flexibility to carry out economic policies. Chinese economy: Chinese equities have shown some signs of recovery, fuelled by speculation about the outcome of significant economic discussions in December. Additional stimulus measures are anticipated to lift economic growth, particularly after the disappointment that followed previous announcements. However, a threat by US President-elect Donald Trump to impose 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports could negatively impact exports. Geopolitical risks: Despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East, coupled with the unresolved Russia-Ukraine war, continue to pose significant geopolitical risks that could lead to increased market volatility and pressure on oil prices. DECEMBER OUTLOOK The SET index is likely to continue its downward trend. Support levels are seen at 1,400 and 1,380 points, also coinciding with the 200-day simple moving average. Resistance levels are at 1,450 and 1,470 points. In terms of investment strategy, the SET index is likely to remain volatile. Given this uncertainty, a short-term trading strategy can be effective. This approach focuses on stocks with strong growth potential and high dividend yields, particularly when the index is near support levels or shows signs of an uptrend. Our stock picks for December are: AAV (Buy, target 3.60 baht): Our valuation for the parent of the budget carrier Thai AirAsia is based on a 2025 estimated core price/earnings (PE) ratio of 15.5 times, positioned at 1 standard deviation (SD) below the pre-Covid average during profitable years. AAV is expected to outperform the SET index in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, driven by robust growth projections. CENTEL (Buy, target 44 baht): CENTEL is projected to lead the hotel sector in terms of earnings growth in 2025, with a forecast net profit of 1.7 billion baht, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. This growth will be driven by the absence of significant expenses incurred in 2024 and the full-year contribution of two renovated hotels in Phuket and Pattaya, which are expected to resume normal operations between late November and early December 2024. Our valuation is derived from a discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, using a 7.6% weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and a 2.5% terminal growth rate. CRC (Buy, target 45 baht): Our valuation for Central Retail Corp is based on a 2025 PE of 27.5 times, positioned at 0.5 SD below the three-year historical average. While the current PE of 20 times estimated 2025 earnings offers a significant discount, we project strong growth prospects in 2024-25. MAGURO (Buy, target 22.50 baht): Our positive outlook on the restaurant operator is driven by the strong growth potential in the Thai full-service restaurant sector and its relatively low penetration rate compared with competitors. The stock's valuation remains attractive, particularly given its robust earnings growth outlook for 2024–25, with profits expected to reach record highs. SISB (Buy, target 40 baht): The international school operator is expected to deliver impressive growth in 2024, with a projected net profit of 914 million baht, reflecting a 35% year-on-year increase. Key growth drivers include increased enrolments, approaching the 4,600-student target (up 10% year-on-year), and a 5% tuition fee increase. Our target price is based on a DCF analysis with a 7.2% WACC and a 3% terminal growth rate. SPRC (Buy, target 8.50 baht): The oil refiner is projected to report a net profit of 2.5 billion baht in 2024, a significant recovery from the loss of 1.2 billion in 2023. This turnaround is driven by improved gross refining margins, supported by favourable crack spread dynamics and operational efficiencies, as well as higher crude throughput, reflecting increased volumes of crude oil processed compared with the prior year. Our target price is based on a 2025 price to book value of 0.88 times, which is 1.8 SD below the five-year historical average. The current stock price offers a dividend yield of 3.7% for the next two years. TOG (Buy, target 12 baht): Our valuation for the optical lens maker is based on a 2025 PE of 12 times, which is 1 SD below the five-year historical average. Key catalysts include the depreciation of the baht, the expansion of Rx lens production capacity, and the progress of the new factory investment plan scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.Delta Board of Directors appoints Christophe Beck as newest member

Would-be Mexican plane hijacker subdued by passengers and crew after he tried to force plane to fly to US: videoTHE Universal Lounge Bar of Albir first opened its doors in 2008 and has since become a highly recommended staple of the local food and drink scene. They have an extensive menu, crafted daily with fresh ingredients by their two chefs who make homemade food, with the only best of ingredients. Food options feature good lunch options and evening meals like a 3-course menu for under €10 and their famous large rack of ribs smothered in Barbecue sauce with sides for under €15. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Tour Calpe’s Historic Centre Benidorm Palace's New Year's Gala Gala Dinner & Show at the Benidorm Palace And for those who enjoy dessert, they have amongst other things Crepes and Waffles with different toppings options. As well as serving delicious food Universal Lounge bar is also a beer lovers paradise and that is not surprising given their extensive beer options. They have over 150 beers available to choose from in their 28-page Beer Menu and their staff are enthusiastic about beer too, so you can ask questions and will be given good advice on the right beer for you. They are open every day barring Thursday. Their hours are Monday- Saturday from 9am to 9pm and Sundays 9am to 4pm. The Universal Lounge Bar are reliable, competitively priced and have a fantastic menu to enjoy right in the centre of Albir. They have a large outdoor terrace to enjoy and an airconditioned bar, that is well stocked with international beers and other drinks. If you want to make a reservation, please phone: 966865910 To more restaurant reviews click here.Dayan Nessah scores 19 as George Washington defeats UVA-Wise 102-62

The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule

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Nine student organisations urge authorities to reject Daniel Meli's extraditionSuriname rules out state funeral for ex-dictator BouterseDaily Post Nigeria NPFL: Abdullahi happy with positive spirit in Akwa United’s camp ahead Remo Stars clash Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport NPFL: Abdullahi happy with positive spirit in Akwa United’s camp ahead Remo Stars clash Published on December 28, 2024 By Taiwo Adesanya Akwa United head coach Umar Abdullahi has expressed satisfaction with the confidence level of his players ahead of their clash against Remo Stars. Abdullahi said that his players are determined to achieve a positive result in Ikenne. Akwa United will square off with Remo Stars in a Matchday 19 fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium on Sunday. “I have observed that the spirit in camp is positive, and the level of competition among the players is very encouraging,” Abdullahi told Akwa United’s media. “I’m impressed with what we have been able to achieve in training, and the evidence was clear in the way we played our last match in Uyo. “This is our last match before the end of the first stanza, and we are fully prepared to give it our best shot because we know getting a result on the road is not impossible. “My boys are determined to prove their worth, and I trust in their ability to deliver on Sunday.” Related Topics: abdullahi Akwa United NPFL Remo Stars Don't Miss NPFL: Shooting Stars must beat Kwara United – Ogunbote You may like NPFL: Shooting Stars must beat Kwara United – Ogunbote NPFL: Eguma appointed new Enyimba head coach NPFL summons Nasarawa, Rivers United over crowd trouble NPFL: Niger Tornadoes will overcome Rangers in Minna – Okoro NPFL: Odigie linked with Akwa United coaching job NPFL: Pillars coach reveals plan for El-kanemi Warriors clash Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive struggled with sheriff’s deputies and shouted in an angry outburst as he arrived at court to fight extradition to New York . Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, could be heard shouting words that included “insulting the intelligence of the American people” as he was bundled into a Pennsylvania court by a horde of deputies for the hearing. Mangione is contesting his extradition back to New York where he has been charged with murder over the shooting of Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. He was denied bail at the brief hearing. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor's warrant out of New York. Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead during the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was told to be quiet by his lawyer. Thomas Dickey, his defence lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. Prosecutors on Tuesday were beginning to take steps to take Mangione back to New York to face the murder charge while new details emerged about his life and how he was captured. The Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland family was charged with murder hours after he was arrested in the killing of Mr Thompson, 50, who led the United States' largest medical insurance company. Mr Dickey had declined to comment before the hearing at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors have charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione was likely motivated by his anger with what he called "parasitic" health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said. He wrote that the US has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while "our life expectancy" does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of his hand-written notes and social media posts. Mangione called "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski a "political revolutionary" and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, according to the police bulletin. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania - about 230 miles (370km) west of New York City - after a McDonald's customer recognised him and notified an employee, authorities said. Officers found him sitting at a back table, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he had been to New York recently, he "became quiet and started to shake", the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, "we knew that was our guy," Officer Tyler Frye said. Images of Mangione released on Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Mr Thompson and the same fake ID the gunman had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows "some ill will toward corporate America". A law enforcement official who was not authorised to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. "To the Feds, I'll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn't working with anyone," the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said: "I do apologise for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming." Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks said in court that Mangione was found with a passport and 10,000 dollars (£7,839) in cash, 2,000 dollars of it in foreign currency. Mangione disputed the amount. Mr Thompson was killed on Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Mr Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9mm pistol. Investigators have said "delay," "deny" and "depose" were written on ammunition found near Mr Thompson's body. The words mimic "delay, deny, defend," a phrase used to criticise the insurance industry. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the gunman quickly fled fled the city, likely by bus. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. After his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. "Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest," Mangione's family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Nino Mangione. "We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved." From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a "co-living" space at the edge of Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder RJ Martin. "Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints," Mr Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they're saying he committed." At Surfbreak, Mr Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. "He went surfing with RJ once but it didn't work out because of his back," Mr Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Mr Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Mr Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Mr Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.

2 player online games By embracing a linear narrative, the new "Four Seas Brothers" film allows viewers to follow the characters' journey more seamlessly, from their humble beginnings to their rise to power and eventual downfall. This approach not only makes the story more accessible to a wider audience but also enhances the emotional impact of key moments in the film. Audiences can now witness the characters' growth and transformation in a more organic and engaging way, deepening their connection to the story and its themes.As an industry leader, Alibaba's response to the data center fire will be closely watched by competitors, customers, and regulators alike. The company's ability to effectively handle this crisis and minimize the impact on their services and customers will be a testament to their resilience and preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges.

The decision to invest heavily in the upcoming transfer window signals a strong intent from Real Madrid to reclaim their former glory and challenge for top honors once again. With fierce competition from their rivals both domestically and in European competitions, it has become imperative for the Madrid side to bolster their squad with fresh talent and experience.Yesterday, two thrilling matches unfolded in the UEFA Champions League, with both ending in favor of the home teams. The stage is now set for a highly anticipated clash between European giants, as Real Madrid prepares to face tough competition. Can they emerge unscathed from this formidable challenge?

It is worth noting that emergencies and unexpected events can occur in any industry, including the highly technical and intricate world of cloud computing. The ability of companies like Alibaba to swiftly address and resolve such incidents demonstrates their resilience and capacity to manage challenges effectively. By transparently communicating with stakeholders and providing timely updates, Alibaba showcases its commitment to accountability and customer trust.Song Zhongping: Macron Facing Challenges both Internally and Externally, French Government is Becoming a "Lame Duck"US lawmakers voted Wednesday after fraught negotiations to move forward with a contentious 2025 defense budget that raises troops' pay but blocks funding of gender-affirming care for some transgender children of service members. The centerpiece of the $884 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -- which was green-lit by the Republican-led House of Representatives but still needs Senate approval -- is a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent for other personnel. But talks over the 1,800-page-plus text were complicated by a last-minute Republican intervention to prevent the military's health program from covering gender-affirming care for children of service members if it results in "sterilization." "Citizens don't want their tax dollars to go to this, and underaged people often regret these surgeries later in life," Nebraska Republican Don Bacon told CNN. "It's a bad hill to die on for Democrats." Gender-affirming health care for children is just one of multiple fronts in the so-called "culture wars" that polarize US politics and divide the country, with Republicans using the issue as a cudgel against Democrats in November's elections. The funding block angered progressives, and prompted the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee to come out against the legislation. "As I said a few days ago, blanketly denying health care to people who need it -- just because of a biased notion against transgender people -- is wrong," Adam Smith, who represents a district in Washington state, said in a statement. "The inclusion of this harmful provision puts the lives of children at risk and may force thousands of service members to make the choice of continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need." Smith slammed House Speaker Mike Johnson for pandering to "the most extreme elements of his party" by including the transgender provision. The must-pass NDAA -- a bill that Congress has sent to the president's desk without fail every year since 1961 -- cleared the chamber in a 281-140 vote and now moves to the Senate, with final passage expected next week. The topline figure is one percent above last year's total and, with funding from other sources, brings the total defense budget to just under $900 billion. Some foreign policy hawks on the Republican side of the Senate wanted $25 billion more for the Pentagon but they are still expected to support the bill. "The safety and security of the American people is our top priority, and this year's NDAA ensures our military has the resources and the capabilities needed to remain the most powerful fighting force on the planet," Johnson told reporters. ft/mlm

As investigators delve deeper into the motive behind the heinous act, a picture is beginning to emerge of Reed's escalating grievances against his former employer. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Reed had recently been terminated from his position at the insurance company and harbored deep-seated animosity towards Thompson, whom he believed had unfairly treated him during his tenure.

Alibaba Group, the parent company of Alibaba Cloud, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that all employees had been safely evacuated from the building. The company expressed gratitude to the first responders and emergency personnel for their swift action in containing the fire and ensuring the well-being of those affected.

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China has unveiled draft guidelines for country’s data infrastructure construction, including upgrading its 5G network to 5G-A-standard and promoting 6G-related research, development and innovation. China will balance the deployment of international communication gateways across its eastern, central and western regions, and expand international submarine and land cable information channels. A satellite internet that integrates space and ground facilities will also be established, according to the document released by the National Data Bureau. The guidelines, which were released to solicit opinions, say that China will facilitate large-scale, low-cost, secure free flow of data, and encourage industries and regions to actively explore new technological infrastructure in such areas as blockchain and privacy-preserving computing, with the aim of providing a low-cost, efficient, reliable data delivery environment for both centralized and decentralized transactions, CGTN reported. Read more: Consultant hired for 5G spectrum, PTA tells NA body China will also pursue a proper computing resources layout, and accelerate the green development and coordination of general-purpose computing power, intelligent computing power and supercomputing power, according to the guidelines. The country plans to strengthen the innovative application of emerging network technologies, optimize network billing methods, and reduce the cost of data transmission between its eastern and western regions. The 5G-A network surpasses the current 5G network in terms of speed, latency, connection scale and energy consumption, achieving a peak data rate level of 10 gigabits per second for downloads and 1 gigabit per second for uploads, as well as millisecond-level latency and low-cost connectivity for the Internet of Things. Cities such as Beijing and Shanghai have already started offering 5G-A network services in some districts.

747 online games Jet crash disaster in South Korea marks another setback for BoeingThree former Bhumjaithai Party MPs who were sentenced to nine months in prison in June this year for ethical violations were released on parole on Sunday. Natee Ratchakitprakarn, a former list MP and wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, was released from the Central Women’s Correctional Institution, while Chalong Thoetwiraphong and Phumsit Khongmi, both Phatthalung politicians, were released from the Bangkok Remand Prison. They were given nine-month prison terms by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on June 11 for allowing other MPs to use their electronic voting cards during a vote on the budget bill in January 2020. They were also stripped of their political rights. Their action resulted in the second and third readings of the bill being ruled illegitimate.

Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sightsIndia News | Defence Ministry Inks Rs 7628 Crore Deal with L&T for K9 Vajra-T Guns

NoneUs Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more! ‘Tis the season for holiday gift shopping . . . but it’s also the best time to treat yourself to some wardrobe upgrades. With temperatures dropping fast , it’s time to stock up on warm materials like flannel tops to stay toasty and stylish this winter. Today, you can score a chic flannel shirt that pairs beautifully with any outfit. Did we mention it just so happens to be 40% off at Amazon? It’s time to buy one in every color! This button-down flannel top boasts a soft and comfortable design thanks to its skin-friendly material. The top offers a somewhat loose fit that’s oh so versatile to style. Wear it on its own with jeans and your favorite cardigans, or layer it over a one-piece set when you head to your workout class. Shoppers appreciate that you can tie the shirt around the waist, too. Get the Febriajuce Flannel Collared Button Down for $24 (originally $40) at Amazon! The flannel shirt has earned nearly 1,000 five-star ratings from shoppers who say it’s “perfect” and “comfortable.” “This is a great shirt,” one five-star reviewer says .”Not too thick, which I like because I layer my tops in the cooler months. I was kind of bummed after I purchased the blue wishing I would have picked something more autumnal in my color choice — but no! This is a beautiful blue with a tiny rusty orange stripe running through it. After getting this one, I bought a gray and black one.” “I’ve been looking for a 100% cotton flannel shirt,” another shopper writes . “It washes and dries without shrinking and is soft and warm. One heads-up: so well made that the button holes are very snug and buttoning requires a bit of effort. Not a problem since it won’t unbutton while you’re lounging around, but it is unusual. Love the fit: it’s loose but not baggy. Love it!” Another shopper raves : “This is one of the nicest flannel shirts I’ve ever had. The fabric is strong and perfect weight, stripes line up in front. Nice buttons, size not skimpy.” The hardest part is choosing your favorite color (there’s over 20 color combos!) Don’t wait to add this to cart — snag it for 40% off before it goes back to full price. At this price, we’re buying one in every hue. Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News Get the Febriajuce Flannel Collared Button Down for $24 (originally $40) at Amazon!WASHINGTON (AP) — A machinists strike. Another safety problem involving its troubled top-selling airliner. A plunging stock price. 2024 was already a dispiriting year for Boeing, the American aviation giant. But when one of the company's jets crash-landed in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board, it brought to a close an especially unfortunate year for Boeing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts were quick to distinguish Sunday's incident from the company’s earlier safety problems. Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines who is now a consultant, said it would be inappropriate to link the incident Sunday to two fatal crashes involving Boeing’s troubled 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. In January this year, a door plug blew off a 737 Max while it was in flight, raising more questions about the plane. The Boeing 737-800 that crash-landed in Korea, Price noted, is “a very proven airplane. "It’s different from the Max ...It’s a very safe airplane.’’ For decades, Boeing has maintained a role as one of the giants of American manufacturing. But the the past year's repeated troubles have been damaging. The company's stock price is down more than 30% in 2024. The company's reputation for safety was especially tarnished by the 737 Max crashes, which occurred off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019 and left a combined 346 people dead. In the five years since then, Boeing has lost more than $23 billion. And it has fallen behind its European rival, Airbus, in selling and delivering new planes. Last fall, 33,000 Boeing machinists went on strike, crippling the production of the 737 Max, the company's bestseller, the 777 airliner and 767 cargo plane. The walkout lasted seven weeks, until members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers agreed to an offer that included 38% pay raises over four years. In January, a door plug blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight. Federal regulators responded by imposing limits on Boeing aircraft production that they said would remain in place until they felt confident about manufacturing safety at the company. In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud for deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration regulators who approved the 737 Max. Acting on Boeing’s incomplete disclosures, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training instead of more intensive training in flight simulators. Simulator training would have increased the cost for airlines to operate the Max and might have pushed some to buy planes from Airbus instead. (Prosecutors said they lacked evidence to argue that Boeing’s deception had played a role in the crashes.) But the plea deal was rejected this month by a federal judge in Texas, Reed O’Connor , who decided that diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in choosing an official to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement. Boeing has sought to change its culture. Under intense pressure over safety issues, David Calhoun departed as CEO in August. Since January, 70,000 Boeing employees have participated in meetings to discuss ways to improve safety.

James Hunt used to spend his days commuting to London, where he ran a successful marketing firm. But his children Jude and Tommy were diagnosed as autistic when they were toddlers, and he later decided to care for them and his parents full-time. James, from Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, started blogging about their lives nine years ago and now has more than a million followers on social media. Here, in his own words, James speaks about his hopes for the future for his teenage sons. When my eldest son Jude was a baby, he was slow to crawl and didn't respond to his name. He used to stare out of the window, he was quite distant and almost in a different world. His mum Charlotte, my ex-wife, first raised concerns when he was eight months old but I just thought he was a bit behind because he was premature. We went back to the doctor quite a few times before we got an autism diagnosis in 2009 when he was 18 months old. At the time, the information out there was very clinical, most things we were reading were from the NHS website and medical journals. I felt like I couldn't take it in and I had so many unanswered questions. Three years later we went through the same diagnosis with Tommy at a similar age. I knew a lot more about autism than when we had Jude, but the boys have always been so different. I didn't enjoy the first year of Tommy's life as much as I could have done because I spent so much time watching him and looking for signs. He hit certain milestones much quicker than Jude but he wouldn't make eye contact and would get easily frustrated and enjoyed playing alone. Around the same time, when Jude was four, he started having huge meltdowns and was physically hurting himself. Jude is non-speaking, so it's very difficult for him to explain what's wrong. That was the hardest period of my life. He used to wake up in the night screaming and hitting himself. Thankfully as Jude has gotten older, and we've learnt more about how to meet his needs, this has got much better. Unfortunately at the time Tommy was a huge trigger for him because he was loud and unpredictable. His self-harming would scare Tommy so we used to have to keep them apart a lot. In 2016, my wife Charlotte and I sadly decided to separate. We took the incredibly difficult decision to split Jude and Tommy up and we felt guilty, like we were failing. But Jude was immediately like a different child, you could sense his anxiety going, so we knew it was the right decision. I live in an annexe at my parents' house and help care for my dad who has Parkinson's and my mum, who has dementia, though she is now in a home. It's opposite my ex-wife's home and I have one of the boys for several nights a week and then we swap over, and I have the other one. They both need one-to-one care and it's impossible for them to live together. You never imagine life like that. I don't know if they will ever be able to live together but they will always be part of each other's lives. I wish I could be with both of them at the same time, and I don't get much free time, but this is the best thing for them right now. It has probably made being a single parent easier for me because I'm never alone. Their school is helping them to do more fun things together like trampolining and eating lunch together. Jude is now 16 and loves music so we go on long car drives listening to the radio. It's one of the few places where he feels safe and can relax. There have been times he's been too anxious to do that and we were housebound but at the moment he's doing OK. Tommy is 13, and he is cheeky, mischievous, funny, and curious about everything around him. He loves looking at books and puzzles. He isn't fully verbal but he uses a communication device. I recently had one of the best days I've ever had with Jude and Tommy. In the past, when we have tried to do anything to celebrate Christmas, it has never gone well, it was too overwhelming for them. But we went to see Father Christmas and made such special memories. Nine years ago I began sharing stories from our lives online, on a weekly blog. Then I started Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok accounts. It was initially a way to show friends and family what our life was really like. Jude and Tommy struggled with social occasions, so we stopped going. I could never find the words to explain, and I wanted to show how proud I was of them, so I started writing instead. I didn't realise how much our stories would resonate with others, or how much it would help me. I learned so much more about autism, connected with people all over the world and discovered a passion for helping other families. I've been lucky that I've been able to make a living through social media. I had to give up my previous job to be there for the boys. I started a clothing line last year, with positive messaging around autism, disabilities and neurodivergence. I love getting messages from people saying they have bumped into someone wearing one of the hoodies, and it started a conversation. I opened a shop in Burnham-on-Crouch where we stock the clothes and wrap and pack and send out the orders. It's somewhere for people in the community to visit, we have a sensory room in the shop and we get lots of parents coming in who want to have a chat. Everyone working in the shop is a parent, carer or is autistic, so they can share their experiences with customers. I always try to focus on the positives and not think too far ahead but there are days when my mind runs away with me. It will be a huge challenge when the boys leave school when they are 19. That's massively scary because suddenly you have to trust a whole new bunch of people. There is a part-time college I hope they can go to but it's a huge unknown and there will be big decisions to make. You feel like you have to live forever to look after them, and that is the biggest fear for many parents. Jude and Tommy will need life-long support, and I've started to realise I might not always be able to provide that for them. I don't know what the future will look like, but I know I need to think about how to help them live as independently as they can, and prepare for the days when I'm not here. Autism has meant we've had some of the highest highs, and experienced some lows far lower than I ever knew were imaginable. It has taught me to cherish and enjoy the simple things and I just want the boys to be happy. Looking back at how I felt when they were diagnosed, I would like to tell myself it's all going to be OK. Those first few years can be a really scary and emotional time. You feel like you have no idea what you're doing. Don't bottle everything up, find people to open up to. Your friends and family want to help, they just don't know how to yet. You will go through the most challenging and difficult days of your life but you will learn so much from your boys and your love for them will get you through. As told to Charlie Jones Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , Instagram and X .

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi stressed the urgent need for fundamental reforms to ensure stability in Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Pakistan MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Dec, 2024) Former stressed the urgent need for fundamental reforms to ensure stability in Quaid-e-Azam ’s . He made these remarks during a to while cutting a cake to commemorate Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary at the office of Property Marketing CEO, Qari Abdul Rauf Qureshi. The , hosted by political and social leader Husnain Khan, was attended by dignitaries including Rana Faraz Noon, Iqbal Jilani, Arsalan Jilani, Qalb Haider, and Mian Zain-ul-Abideen. Abbasi highlighted the importance of addressing the problems of common citizens through practical reforms. “Youth should be educated and trained to adopt Quaid-e-Azam’s ideology,” he said, stressing that the generation is key to ’s . Expressing his pleasure at visiting , Abbasi appreciated the contributions of individuals like Qari Abdul Rauf Qureshi and Husnain Khan. “I am confident that such personalities will support the cause of national stability, development, and prosperity. I assure you of my full commitment to implementing Quaid-e-Azam’s vision,” he added. Qari Abdul Rauf Qureshi and Husnain Khan praised Abbasi’s leadership and assured him of their unwavering support. They lauded his services to the country during his tenure as . Abbasi was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival. Later, Abbasi addressed the and reiterated the need for the creation of new provinces to address governance challenges. “South and provinces were agreed upon by , yet no action was taken,” he stated. He advocated for provinces to be formed without linguistic biases, emphasizing his party’s commitment to the cause. “New provinces will reduce problems and improve governance,” he added. On political dynamics, He remarked that political parties are currently part of the in some form or another. He also reflected on his legal battles, saying, “I pay the highest taxes. Cases against me still exist, but such challenges are part of a politician’s journey.”

China has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Bangladesh, a bond that has grown significantly in recent years. The recent inauguration of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project on December 24, is a testament to this evolving partnership. This project, a milestone in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, highlights the depth of cooperation between the two nations and underscores China’s active role in Bangladesh’s progress under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by China in Bangladesh. It promises to revolutionize transportation by reducing travel time between the Capital city of Dhaka and the western region - Jessore from 10 hours to just 2 hours. This significant improvement in connectivity is expected to benefit over 80 million people in the region. Beyond its immediate impact on travel, the project is forecasted to boost Bangladesh’s GDP by 1.5% and create thousands of local jobs. Moreover, it offers an invaluable opportunity to train local workers, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s future industrial and infrastructure growth. China’s involvement in Bangladesh extends beyond infrastructure. Over the past fiscal year, Bangladesh has seen a remarkable threefold increase in Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Over 20 Chinese companies have established their South Asian headquarters in Bangladesh, signifying growing confidence in the country’s economic potential. Within the last four months alone, 11 Chinese enterprises have invested $180 million in various sectors in Bangladesh. This trend is expected to continue as more Chinese-financed projects are being planned. These investments reflect China’s recognition of Bangladesh as a critical partner in South Asia and its strategic gateway to the region. China’s commitment to Bangladesh’s development is also evident in the renewable energy sector. Chinese enterprises are exploring the establishment of solar panel manufacturing plants in Bangladesh. China to cut import tariffs on some recycled copper and aluminium raw materials A delegation of Chinese photovoltaic companies, including representatives from industry leaders such as LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Tongwei Co., Ltd., and Yunnan Show, has already visited key institutions like the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). This initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s ambitious goal of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2040 and reflects China’s willingness to support sustainable development in its partner countries. China has been Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, a position that continues to strengthen. Bangladesh’s recent eligibility for zero-tariff treatment on 100% of taxable items exported to China marks a new era in bilateral trade relations. This preferential trade arrangement is expected to further boost exports, enhance economic ties, and diversify Bangladesh’s export portfolio. The trade benefits come at a critical juncture as Bangladesh seeks to sustain its economic momentum and integrate more deeply into the global value chain. The relationship between Bangladesh and China entered a new phase during President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Dhaka in 2016. During the visit, both nations formalized a strategic partnership that included a $24 billion investment commitment from China to finance 27 infrastructure development projects. Pakistani food exporters return from Kuala Lumpur Simultaneously, Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This participation has opened new avenues for development and positioned Bangladesh as a vital partner in China’s global economic and strategic vision. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, a significant wave of anti-India sentiment has emerged among the younger generation in Bangladesh. In the shifting geopolitical landscape, China has swiftly capitalized on the diminishing Indian influence in the country. Beijing’s non-interventionist approach to Bangladesh’s domestic affairs stands in stark contrast to India’s perceived interference, which has fueled discontent. Furthermore, as an economic powerhouse, China holds a strategic advantage, offering financial assistance to Bangladesh in ways India has struggled to match, thereby solidifying its position as a key player in the region. PFC calls for urgent measures to save Murree forests from timber mafia, wildfires Bangladesh’s ties with China have always been characterized by mutual respect and shared aspirations for economic growth and development. The strategic partnership forged in 2016 has since evolved into a multifaceted relationship encompassing trade, investment, technology transfer, and infrastructure development. The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is emblematic of the transformative potential of this partnership. Beyond its immediate economic benefits, it symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations. The successful implementation of similar projects in the future will only serve to strengthen this bond further. In Bangladesh, China is seen as a reliable partner that has consistently supported the nation’s development goals. Unlike many international relationships that falter during challenging times, Bangladeshis view China as a steadfast ally that remains committed to mutual progress. This perception is supported by tangible benefits such as improved infrastructure, increased foreign investments, and expanded trade opportunities. The Chinese government’s willingness to transfer technology and provide training also underscores its commitment to empowering Bangladesh for the long term. 7190 students complete SIUT programme Despite the promising trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations, challenges remain. Bangladesh must ensure that Chinese investments align with its long-term development goals and avoid falling into unsustainable debt. Effective governance and transparent project management will be crucial in maximizing the benefits of Chinese-funded initiatives. Bangladesh, in turn, must leverage these opportunities to accelerate its journey toward becoming a middle-income country and beyond. With careful planning, transparent governance, and continued collaboration, the partnership between Bangladesh and China will remain a cornerstone of regional prosperity for years to come. China’s commitment to Bangladesh is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic partnership that holds immense potential. As both nations navigate the complexities of global economic and geopolitical landscapes, their enduring friendship stands as a testament to what can be achieved through mutual respect, shared goals, and visionary leadership. National Bank achieves significant regulatory milestone M A Hossain The writer is a political and defense analyst based in Bangladesh. He can be reached at writetomahossain@gmail.com Tags: bangladesh china partnership

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GoldenEar Speakers joins Paradigm, MartinLogan, and AnthemIndiana coach Mike Woodson is happy that his team has won three straight games but concerned that it's committing too many turnovers. Limiting miscues is at the top of his wish list for Monday night's Big Ten Conference opener against visiting Minnesota in Bloomington, Ind. While the Hoosiers (7-2) shot 53.8 percent and dominated Miami (Ohio) 46-29 on the glass during a 76-57 win at home Friday night, they also had more turnovers (16) than assists (15). Having played for Bob Knight at Indiana, Woodson is fanatical about his team executing its offense without making mistakes. "We were taking chances on passes that weren't there," Woodson said. "We have to fix it. If we start Big Ten play like that, it puts you in a hole." In between careless mistakes, the Hoosiers got a huge game out of Oumar Ballo, the Arizona transfer who had 14 points, 18 rebounds and six assists. It was his 35th career double-double but his first at Indiana. Ballo (12.7 points per game, 9.3 rebounds) is one of four players averaging double figures for the Hoosiers. They're led by Malik Reneau, who's hitting for 15.4 ppg on 58.9 percent shooting. While Indiana tries to fine-tune its game, the Golden Gophers (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) aim to get to the .500 mark in conference play after absorbing a 90-72 beating Wednesday night against visiting Michigan State. There was good news for Minnesota in that game. Mike Mitchell Jr. returned to the lineup after missing seven games with a high ankle sprain and drilled 5 of 9 3-pointers in a 17-point performance. Mitchell's shooting should aid an attack that ranks 311th in Division I in 3-point percentage at 29.7 percent as of Sunday. "He's a difference-maker in terms of being able to space the floor," Gophers coach Ben Johnson said of Mitchell. "He provides offensive firepower and a guy who can make shots and take pressure off our offense." Dawson Garcia leads the team at 19 ppg, while Lu'Cye Patterson and Mitchell are scoring 10 ppg. The Hoosiers own a 109-69 lead in the all-time series. --Field Level Media