234 player games offline MEXICO CITY (AP) — Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process , but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. The ruling party pushed through a constitutional reform in September to make all federal judges stand for election, replacing the system where court employees and lawyers mainly move up through the ranks. Current court employees and their supporters have staged dozens of demonstrations against the reforms, calling them part of a ruling-party campaign to weaken checks and balances and eliminate independent regulatory and oversight bodies. Now, candidates for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships need only a law degree, a grade point average of 3.2, “five years of professional experience” and five letters of recommendation from neighbors or friends. That, and some luck in the final drawing. Officials rejected criticism that has called the process rushed or amateurish for the often highly technical posts that can hear cases including intellectual property, organized crime and Constitutional law. “The results have been spectacular,” said Arturo Zaldivar, a top advisor to President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to the plan, evaluation committees will have just over a month to review thousands of resumes and whittle the field to about 10 candidates or less for each for the 881 judgeships and nine seats on the Supreme Court. Then 1,793 names chosen at random from those selected will appear on the ballot on June 1. Critics warn that many who land on the ballot will be unknowns who perhaps have never argued a case in the courts they seek to run. “You don’t elect a doctor or a surgeon for an operation based on their popularity, you elect them based on their technical expertise, their ability, their knowledge,” said Sergio Méndez Silva, the legal coordinator for the civic group Foundation for Justice. “That also applies for a judge.” With candidates now having to run election campaigns, critics warn there's a chance drug cartels or political parties could finance them to get friendly judges onto the bench. There are also concerns that the evaluation committees deciding who makes the cut for the selection to appear on ballots may not be impartial. Most committee members were appointed by the legislative or executive branches, controlled by the ruling Morena party. Some critics argue that the current justice system, which is riddled with nepotism, corruption and a lack of accountability, needs to be changed. “We need a justice system that gives results,” said Martínez Garza, an academic and former head of the human rights commission in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon who has registered to run for a Supreme Court seat. Trials in Mexico can last for years, and the ruling party has added to the growing list of crimes for which bail is not allowed, meaning that a large percentage of the prison population is people awaiting trial.

Incoming US President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to delay a potential incoming TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office - and has declared himself "one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history." In a major move that would have sent shockwaves throughout the social media industry, the United States' number one court was set to pass a law in mid-January that would have banned the China-owned app that is now dominating teenagers' online lives. The ban was scheduled to take effect just one day before Trump was set to take office for the second time on January 19, 2025. In a 25-page brief filed with the court, Trump asked the nine justices for a stay on the deadline so his administration could “pursue a negotiated resolution” that would “obviate the need” for the justices to issue a ruling on the case. The US Congress passed a bipartisan law back in April of this year, that set a nine-month deadline for the Chinese company that owns TikTok to rid itself of its interest in the app or see it banned from American app stores. Trump's lawyers maede a filing to the court today, and said the president-elect was known for "consummate deal-making expertise." They appeared to be arguing that Trump could negotiate a resolution that would save TikTok from having to be banned while also addressing the US's national security concerns. They said Trump had the "political will" to do this. Congress's bill highlighted numerous national security concerns over the harvesting of US teens' data and influence on US society. Trump has 14.7million followers on TikTok, himself. He had seemed to support the idea of a ban on TikTok and appeared to come close to making it happen in his first term in office. But he has since appeared to have changed his mind and met with TikTok's CEO earlier in December, being quoted as saying he had a "warm spot" in his heart for the app. Trump could ask his Department of Justice to ignore the law passed by Congress or could try to strategically get the law's interpretation reworked. Meanwhile, his lawyers argue he has been given a mandate by votes to protect their right to free speech - and that this includes TikTok users. The filing says: "Moreover, President Trump is one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history. Consistent with his commanding presence in this area, President Trump currently has 14.7 million followers on TikTok with whom he actively communicates, allowing him to evaluate TikTok's importance as a unique medium for freedom of expression, including core political speech."Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothes

Sydney Sweeney Shares Emotional Statement After Christy Martin Movie WrapsBulls On Tap Tasting Flight: Chicago Bulls News for Nov. 25, 2024Sarah Ashlee Barker and Karly Weathers both added 12 points for the Crimson Tide (7-0). Zaay Green had 11. Barker, Weathers and Green combined to go 12 of 16 from the field as Alabama shot 51% and made 23 of 34 free throws. Cordasia Harris had eight points for the Hornets (2-3), who shot 27.5% and had 28 turnovers while being outrebounded by 17. Alabama entered ranked 17th in scoring offense through the first two weeks of the season, averaging 87.3 points per game. Barker opened the scoring and contributed another layup before her 3-pointer made it 14-0. The Tide led 26-8 after one quarter. Alabama also had a 13-2 run in the second quarter and Weathers had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lead 46-20 at halftime. Alabama plays the winner of UAB-Clemson on Tuesday and the Hornets face the loser. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

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Stock market today: Dow drops over 300 points amid a tech stock routDebate about religious freedom has gained significant attention in recent times The debate over religious freedoms in mission schools has gained significant attention in Ghana following a high-profile legal case involving Wesley Girls Senior High School (SHS). The school is being sued for allegedly denying Muslim students the right to practice their religion, prompting former Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Charles Aheto-Tsegah, to weigh in on the need for clear regulations to govern the conduct of mission schools about students of different faiths. In an interview on GHOne TV, Aheto-Tsegah addressed the ongoing controversy, emphasizing that mission schools, which are often deeply rooted in religious doctrine, must adapt to the changing landscape of education in Ghana. He highlighted the lack of regulations regarding how mission schools treat students from diverse religious backgrounds. “ In fact, I would say, without any fear of contradiction, that we haven’t actually drawn up various set regulations for how mission schools should conduct themselves in relation to other people who are not members of their faith,” Aheto-Tsegah stated. The legal battle surrounding Wesley Girls SHS, initiated by Shafic Osman, a Ghanaian citizen, underscores the urgency of establishing such guidelines. Osman’s lawsuit accuses the school of systematically suppressing the religious rights of Muslim students, including preventing them from observing Islamic practices. The plaintiff’s legal team argues that the school’s policy, which mandates the practice of Methodist Christianity, violates the constitutional rights of Muslim students, including their freedom of belief and right to religious practice. He argued that once a religious institution becomes publicly funded or widely accessible, it must balance its religious values with inclusivity. “Once you are a public religious institute, then you become quasi-public, and for that matter, everybody has access to that institution. They should be treated on the basis that the government is very blind to distinctions in terms of how people are treated religiously,” Aheto-Tsegah explained. Watch the latest edition of BizTech below: Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channelORLANDO, Fla. — Tyler Herro hit a 19-foot jumper with 0.5 seconds left Thursday night to give the Miami Heat an 89-88 win over the Orlando Magic. Jalen Suggs, who scored 29 points for the Magic, missed a long jumper at the buzzer. Herro finished with 20 points to help the Heat come back from an early 17-point deficit and avenge a loss to the Magic last Friday in which they squandered a 22-point fourth-quarter lead. Alec Burks scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter for Miami, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 15 points. Tristan da Silva had 18 points and six rebounds for the Magic. Takeaways Heat: Playing a third straight game without Jimmy Butler, and five days after squandering a 25-point lead in Orlando, the Heat shot 15 for 30 on 3-pointers and made six in the fourth quarter. Magic: In the third of five straight home games, the Magic managed only 88 points after scoring 31 in the first quarter. They shot 5 for 29 from 3-point range, staying at the bottom of the NBA in that category. Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts to his team playing the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday Dec. 26, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Kevin Kolczynski Key moment A tip-in by Goga Bitadze regained a one-point lead for the Magic with 4.9 seconds left, but they left just enough time for Herro to dribble to an open spot and hit the game-winning shot. Key stat The Heat fell behind 14-0 by committing five turnovers and missing their first five shots. But the Magic finished the game with 23 turnovers, including nine in the fourth quarter, to Miami's 21. Up Next Heat visit Atlanta on Saturday, and Magic host New York on Friday.

Article content Mindy Howell had just finished breakfast at her long-term care centre this month when she spotted something she’d never seen before: A pig walking the hall on a leash. Recommended Videos Brett Martin, who oversees maintenance at the Good Samaritan Society senior living facility in Olathe, Kansas, was sauntering along with his house pig. He told her the little spotted pig was named Odin, after the Norse god of wisdom and magic. Howell, 62, said she soon learned Odin likes to be hand-fed cereal. She was more than happy to oblige. “I gave him some Cap’n Crunch cereal and he really seemed to enjoy it,” Howell said. “I’d never fed a pig before, and I’d never petted one either. But he loved it, and he gave me a good oink.” Martin, 43, had an idea over the summer that his sociable 1-year-old pig might brighten the days of the 122 residents at the home, so he asked his supervisor if he could start to bring Odin into work with him. He got a resounding yes. Fred Pitzl, the nursing home’s administrator, said he was all in once he learned that Odin was fully vaccinated and trained to use a litter box, and would be led around on a leash. The pig would also hang out in Martin’s office for much of the day. “I admit I was a little nervous at first, envisioning a greased pig running loose in the halls, but Brett won me over,” Pitzl said. “A lot of our residents grew up on farms, and I could see having a pig in their midst would be a lot of fun.” Pitzl was also impressed that this was not Martin’s first go-round with raising a pig. About 10 years ago, Martin’s children had surprised him with a small pet house pig named Sarge, and Martin said he and the pig formed an immediate bond. “At the time, I was working with kids with special needs, and I saw the positive impact that pig had with them,” Martin said. “Everyone absolutely loved him.” After Sarge died of age-related causes, Martin said he decided to get another pig from a registered breeder in Ohio about a year ago. “He was 6 weeks old, and I named him Odin because I thought that name was a good fit with my dogs, Zeus and Thor,” he said. Odin is a Juliana pig – one of the smallest breeds of pigs – typically growing between 40 and 80 pounds, Martin said, noting that Odin weighs about 50 pounds. Most small pigs, such as Vietnamese potbellied pigs, have been crossbred over generations. “Some people call small breeds micro pigs or teacup pigs, but in the pig world, there is really no such thing,” Martin said. “They’re just small pigs. When I got Odin, he was about the size of a monster energy drink.” Keeping a pig in the home can be a challenge because they grow much larger than most people expect, and they need an outdoor area for rooting around in the dirt. People who aren’t ready for a commitment shouldn’t get one as a pet, said Helen Morrison, a director for the North American Pet Pig Association, noting that small pigs can live for up to about 18 years. Too many pet pigs end up at animal shelters when people learn how much care they need, she said. “They really aren’t for most people, especially people who live in apartments and condos,” Morrison said. “They need to get outside to root around, and they need a secure fenced yard.” She said the idea of taking a pet pig to a nursing home, though, is a good thing. “When my grandmother was in a nursing home, I used to take my pig Damien in and everybody loved him and fed him carrots,” she said. “Treated properly, they’re very social animals.” Martin said for him, the extra effort and food bill for Odin has been worth it. “Odin loves to play in the mud at home and he uses the dog door to go in and out,” he said. “He’s very affectionate and personable, and he loves to snuggle on the couch and be scratched.” At the senior care centre, the pig gets along with two cats that live there and plays with the dogs that other staffers frequently bring in, he said. “He’s an instant stress reliever for everyone who interacts with him,” Martin said. “A few of the nurses will come and get him from the office and take him to our memory care centre, where he really brightens the day.” One resident is a retired farmer who now has Alzheimer’s disease, he said. “He gets really excited every time Odin is brought in,” Martin said. “It makes me feel good to know that Odin is having a happy impact on his life.” Residents and staffers frequently drop by Martin’s office to give Odin hugs and grab an apple from a bucket to feed him. “Probably his favorite treat, though, is Cheerios,” he said. “And lately, he’s been eating a lot of pumpkin.” Care centre resident Jean Hilden, 75, said she had never seen a pig up close until she met Odin. “I’m a city girl from Kansas City,” she said. “When I first saw Odin, I thought, ‘Oh, there’s a dog with a waggly tail.’ When I saw he was a pig, I thought, ‘Oh, that can’t be.’ He greeted me with an oink and came over to be petted, just as cute as can be.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO Martin said everything about taking his pig to work has been a breeze, other than getting him in the car at the end of each day. At 50 pounds, Odin is not a light lift. “He will jump out but he won’t jump in. He has to be picked up and set in the car,” Martin said. Odin does not like to leave the senior centre. “He is smart enough to know when it’s time to go so he runs from me,” Martin said. “I have to find different ways to trick him to get him to leave with out a fight.” “He seems to really enjoy hanging out here with the residents, and I love seeing their faces light up with they see Odin,” he said. “It isn’t easy when someone has to leave their home and move into a long-term care centre, so anything Odin can do to give them a little boost is a good thing,” Martin added. “I always joke that he should be mayor of the building. He’s a very good little pig.”

NEW YORK — The rumbling buses echoed for blocks on the quiet campus at Fordham University. Nebraska’s sprawling football operation had arrived. This isn’t the typical home team, the FCS-level Rams that just completed a 2-10 season. The Huskers took the practice field on a cold and sunny Thursday afternoon flanked by social-media cameras and a host of staffers. A post-practice grab-and-go buffet line greeted players afterward as they headed the few miles back toward downtown Manhattan and an evening at a high-profile ping-pong club. “Just looking around, spending time with each other,” freshman linebacker Vincent Shavers said of more time in New York City. “I ain’t never did this before with no other team so I’m very happy. I’m grateful for them.” Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” played on the sound system as Nebraska went through workouts two days before the Pinstripe Bowl. The Huskers practiced at Joe Moglia Field — Moglia, a Fordham alumnus, was once the executive advisor to former NU coach Bo Pelini in 2009 and 2010 — on an artificial surface shared also by the Fordham soccer and baseball teams. Baseball’s press box named after another famous graduate, Vin Scully, was only yards away as the visiting Big Ten team went through drills. The gated campus — just a couple blocks away from bustling neighborhood streets in the Bronx — was covered with small piles of snow scattered throughout. Temperatures in the sun felt perhaps in the mid-40s while shady conditions felt closer to 20. New Nebraska assistant coaches Daikiel Shorts (receivers) and Phil Simpson (outside linebackers) spoke with a smattering of reporters afterward along with a few players. Coach Matt Rhule will talk midday Friday as part of a Pinstripe availability before kickoff Saturday at noon eastern time. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Read More Malavika Mohanan redefines elegance in a timeless red chiffon saree 9 morning habits to get rid of stomach discomfort 9 popular Korean desserts to try before 2024 ends Inside Alia Bhatt's love-filled Christmas celebration with Ranbir Kapoor, Raha and family 10 perfect baby names for kids born on a Thursday 10 countries with most cancer rates, see where India stands 10 things true friends don't do New Year dishes traditionally prepared in various Indian states In pics: Anil Ambani's grand and luxurious home 'Abode'

By HALELUYA HADERO, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”

Google: 2024 capital investment in NE is $930M, for a five-year tally of $4.4BUN expert: Myanmar's desperate military ramps up attacks including beheadings, rapes and torture

Former Prime Minister passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92, leaving the nation in mourning. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, confirmed the news, marking the end of an era in Indian politics. Dr. Manmohan Singh was not just a policymaker but a symbol of wisdom, integrity and progressive leadership. As India bids farewell to this quiet crusader and transformative leader, his contribution to shaping contemporary India cannot be overstated. As news of his demise reverberates across the nation, many leaders took to social media to pay their tributes to Singh. President Droupadi Murmu paid heartfelt condolences and said, "Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy." Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter), and wrote, "India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives." Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said, "Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride." Chairman of Mahindra group, Anand Mahindra wrote, "Farewell Dr. Manmohan Singh. You loved this nation. And your service to it will long be remembered. Om Shanti." The former PM was one of the architects of modern India who believed in India's potential as a thriving democracy and a robust economy. The void left behind feels immense and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

JASPER, ALTA. — This year, Kim Stark's kids took responsibility for decorating the family Christmas tree. Ornaments include toy cars, puzzle pieces, string and a pair of binoculars — things her three young daughters had handy after the family lost their home in summer’s devastating Jasper wildfire. "I have the most wonderful tree on the planet," said Stark. "It's part of our story and part of who we are. “If (the kids) are happy, I'm happy." Stark is part of the fabric of the Jasper townsite, a 10-year member of the fire department and owner of a coffee shop and bakery. Her family, plus three furry pets and a fish, are living in a condo as they navigate rebuilding their home. “(The kids) miss our house, and we talk about our house,” said Stark. “We make sure we go to our neighbourhood, so that it doesn't become somebody else's neighbourhood.” Stark and other residents are anxious and nervous for the future following the fire that hit the town July 24. About 5,000 residents and 20,000 visitors were safely evacuated before the fire breached the western edge of town and destroyed 350 homes and businesses, including 820 housings units. The Insurance Bureau of Canada pegged the damage at $880 million. Six months after the fire, debris is still being cleared — lot by lot. Locals including Stark are quick to say things could have been worse. But anxiety over temporary living situations and what may be a long and slow rebuild process has many residents and municipal leaders feeling unsettled heading into 2025. For Sabrina Charlebois and David Leoni, the top concern is the Alberta government's $112-million modular housing project. It's to put up 250 pre-built rental units in the town and rent them to those displaced by the fire. Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said the first homes should be ready by late January or early February, with the rest in April. The majority are to be multi-bedroom suites to accommodate families. “If we can get all of our approvals on time, we definitely are on time to be able to build in the context of what we promised,” Nixon said. It’s complicated, he added, given there are layers of government with an Alberta town in a national park. Charlebois was born and raised in Jasper. The fire destroyed her childhood home, which her late father built, as well as the salon where she worked. "It's better than nothing," she said of the housing project, noting at least 2,000 residents were displaced so demand could outnumber the new units. Charlebois, who has been staying in a hotel, said it's understandable projects like this take time. But "we're six months into this, and there's no homes for anyone." "My fear is not finding a place to live, because I have to be out of my hotel by the spring," she said. Leoni, a dentist and former Olympic biathlete, and his family also lost their home, as did seven staff at his clinic. He said the April cutoff date Charlebois is facing also applies to his staff staying in hotels. "Hopefully that's concurrent with the provincial government's opening of these modular units that they're putting in, because we're going to lose staff," said Leoni. "Without them I can't do anything." The clinic needed to replace $160,000 worth of equipment and required a top-to-bottom scrub before appointments resumed in October. Leoni estimates his patient list is down one-third because of the fire. Whether those patients return remains to be seen. Charlebois and Leoni both said their anxiety is heightened when they consider the unpredictable nature of the town's tourism economy and how it could complicate the pace of rebuilding. It’s a catch-22: residents need houses in order to rebuild and restart the economy, but they can’t restart the economy without tourists. And tourists require services, which require workers, who require housing. Bill Given, the town's chief administrator, said he's optimistic the municipality can "thread the needle.” But he has his own anxieties when it comes to rebuilding, namely the complexity of Jasper operating under both federal and provincial oversight. "An associated risk of that is that individual agendas from different orders of government overtake the public interest in delivering on what Jasper needs," Given said. "I think there's also a risk, maybe somewhat smaller, that private interests overtake the broader public interest." Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland, who lost his home in the fire, said they have to find a way. "Failure is not an option for anybody," said Ireland. "We have one chance to get this right, and that's what we have to do." In the meantime, Stark and her daughters watch from behind a fence as what's left of their home is cleared away. "I'm super excited just to have a hole instead of a burnt spiral staircase that was coming up in my backyard. “Now,” she said, “it's just this beautiful dirt. "There's future there." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. Jack Farrell, The Canadian PressGill St. Bernard's rolls to sixth-straight Non-Public B title