Forrest's 30 lead N.C. A&T past North Carolina Central 85-72
'Not ideal': Ricky Ponting kicked out of commentary box by 'rude' India move - Yahoo Sport AustraliaSports on TV for Wednesday, Dec. 25
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CSR News: Pharma Company Marks 20th Anniversary with ₹25 Crore CSR CommitmentDrought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — 2024 was a brutal year for the Amazon rainforest, with rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaging large parts of a biome that’s a critical counterweight to climate change. Steven Grattan, The Associated Press Dec 28, 2024 6:35 AM Dec 28, 2024 6:50 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - Fishermen push a boat in the Aleixo Lake amid a drought in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File) BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — 2024 was a brutal year for the Amazon rainforest, with rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaging large parts of a biome that’s a critical counterweight to climate change. A warming climate fed drought that in turn fed the worst year for fires since 2005. And those fires contributed to deforestation, with authorities suspecting some fires were set to more easily clear land to run cattle. The Amazon is twice the size of India and sprawls across eight countries and one territory, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise warm the planet. It has about 20% of the world’s fresh water and astounding biodiversity, including 16,000 known tree species. But governments have historically viewed it as an area to be exploited, with little regard for sustainability or the rights of its Indigenous peoples, and experts say exploitation by individuals and organized crime is rising at alarming rates. “The fires and drought experienced in 2024 across the Amazon rainforest could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point,” said Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, an organization that works to protect the rainforest. “Humanity’s window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open.” There were some bright spots. The level of Amazonian forest loss fell in both Brazil and Colombia. And nations gathered for the annual United Nations conference on biodiversity agreed to give Indigenous peoples more say in nature conservation decisions. “If the Amazon rainforest is to avoid the tipping point, Indigenous people will have been a determinant factor," Miller said. Wildfires and extreme drought Forest loss in Brazil’s Amazon — home to the largest swath of this rainforest — dropped 30.6% compared to the previous year, the lowest level of destruction in nine years. The improvement under leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva contrasted with deforestation that hit a 15-year high under Lula's predecessor, far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who prioritized agribusiness expansion over forest protection and weakened environmental agencies. In July, Colombia reported historic lows in deforestation in 2023, driven by a drop in environmental destruction. The country's environment minister Susana Muhamad warned that 2024's figures may not be as promising as a significant rise in deforestation had already been recorded by July due to dry weather caused by El Nino, a weather phenomenon that warms the central Pacific. Illegal economies continue to drive deforestation in the Andean nation. “It’s impossible to overlook the threat posed by organized crime and the economies they control to Amazon conservation,” said Bram Ebus, a consultant for Crisis Group in Latin America. “Illegal gold mining is expanding rapidly, driven by soaring global prices, and the revenues of illicit economies often surpass state budgets allocated to combat them.” In Brazil, large swaths of the rainforest were draped in smoke in August from fires raging across the Amazon, Cerrado savannah, Pantanal wetland and the state of Sao Paulo. Fires are traditionally used for deforestation and for managing pastures, and those man-made blazes were largely responsible for igniting the wildfires. For a second year, the Amazon River fell to desperate lows , leading some countries to declare a state of emergency and distribute food and water to struggling residents. The situation was most critical in Brazil, where one of the Amazon River's main tributaries dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer who lives in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, said he believes people are becoming increasingly aware of the Amazon's fundamental role “for the survival of society as a whole." But, like Miller, he worries about a “point of no return of Amazon destruction.” It was the worst year for Amazon fires since 2005, according to nonprofit Rainforest Foundation US. Between January and October, an area larger than the state of Iowa — 37.42 million acres, or about 15.1 million hectares of Brazil’s Amazon — burned. Bolivia had a record number of fires in the first ten months of the year. “Forest fires have become a constant, especially in the summer months and require particular attention from the authorities who don't how to deal with or respond to them,” Ipenza said. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana also saw a surge in fires this year. Indigenous voices and rights made headway in 2024 The United Nations conference on biodiversity — this year known as COP16 — was hosted by Colombia. The meetings put the Amazon in the spotlight and a historic agreement was made to give Indigenous groups more of a voice on nature conservation decisions , a development that builds on a growing movement to recognize Indigenous people's role in protecting land and combating climate change. Both Ebus and Miller saw promise in the appointment of Martin von Hildebrand as the new secretary general for the Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization, announced during COP16. “As an expert on Amazon communities, he will need to align governments for joint conservation efforts. If the political will is there, international backers will step forward to finance new strategies to protect the world’s largest tropical rainforest,” Ebus said. Ebus said Amazon countries need to cooperate more, whether in law enforcement, deploying joint emergency teams to combat forest fires, or providing health care in remote Amazon borderlands. But they need help from the wider world, he said. “The well-being of the Amazon is a shared global responsibility, as consumer demand worldwide fuels the trade in commodities that finance violence and environmental destruction,” he said. Next year marks a critical moment for the Amazon, as Belém do Pará in northern Brazil hosts the first United Nations COP in the region that will focus on climate. “Leaders from Amazon countries have a chance to showcase strategies and demand tangible support," Ebus said. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org . Steven Grattan, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Weather News Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 Dec 28, 2024 6:30 AM After cold, snowy Christmas, temperatures to rise across southern Quebec for new year Dec 27, 2024 12:27 PM Warnings lifted for B.C. on Boxing Day while North Shore avalanche danger is high Dec 26, 2024 2:46 PM
I’m a Celeb fans are all saying the same thing after the latest eviction. Tulisa had been an early favourite to win - but she was voted out. Viewers were shocked that Oti was in the bottom two as well. A shock departure has left I’m a Celebrity fans ‘disappointed’ tonight. N-Dubz singer Tulisa became the third star to leave the jungle after another public vote. The former X-Factor judge was joined by ex-Strictly professional Oti Mabuse in the bottom two. It comes as a surprise after Barry McGuigan was made the favourite to leave in the bookies odds after narrowly avoiding departure on Sunday night. It has really put the cat amongst the pigeons and is sure to keep fans guessing all the way to the final. Keep up with the schedule for I’m a Celebrity in our watch guide for the coming week. Stay up-to-date with the latest UK news and culture with our free UK Today newsletter. Fans are all saying the same thing after Tulisa’s departure The third eviction from I’m a Celeb has rattled fans, who took to social media to share their surprise and other reactions. It comes after Jane and Dean were the first two celebs to be eliminated from the show over the weekend. One fan wrote on Twitter: “Tulisa will be the queen in my eyes. I am so disappointed at this.” While another echoed: “Naaahhh who didn’t vote for Tulisa and Oti? People thought they were safe.” Another wrote: “Oti in the bottom and tulisa gone. I hate the British public.” And one person added: “Tulisa? I was sure she’d be in it to the final...” One declared it the ‘best camp’. They wrote: “Every person voted out from tonight onwards is going to come as a shock, genuinely can’t call it. They’re the best wee camp.” What did you make of the eviction on I’m a Celebrity tonight? Share your thoughts by emailing me: [email protected] .
Honeywell cuts guidance as Bombardier partnership to lift investment costsCardinals are average through 12 games and the frustration is it feels as if they could be better
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Celta Vigo gave 10-man Barcelona a shock by scoring two late goals and snatching a 2-2 draw at home in the Spanish league on Saturday. Barcelona was minutes away from a win to pad its league lead after Raphinha and Lewandowski had put Barcelona in control. But the game dramatically swung after Barcelona defensive midfielder Marc Casadó was sent off with a second booking in the 81st. Moments later Jules Koundé’s poor control of a ball in his area allowed Alfon González to pick his pocket and give the hosts hope in the 84th minute. Celta poured forward at Balaidos Stadium and Hugo Álvarez rifled in the 86th-minute equalizer with Barcelona unable to mark the extra man. ___ AP soccer: Joseph Wilson, The Associated PressInformation Services Co. ( TSE:ISV – Get Free Report )’s share price crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$27.75 and traded as low as C$26.20. Information Services shares last traded at C$26.53, with a volume of 5,250 shares. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, CIBC raised their price target on shares of Information Services from C$34.00 to C$35.00 in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Read Our Latest Research Report on ISV Information Services Stock Performance Information Services ( TSE:ISV – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 5th. The company reported C$0.60 EPS for the quarter. Information Services had a return on equity of 12.37% and a net margin of 8.75%. The company had revenue of C$60.93 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of C$63.40 million. Research analysts forecast that Information Services Co. will post 2.2194553 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Information Services Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.23 per share. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.47%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Information Services’s dividend payout ratio is presently 80.70%. Information Services Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Information Services Corporation provides registry and information management services for public data and records in Canada. It operates through three segments: Registry Operations, Services, and Technology Solutions. The company provides land titles registry services that issues titles to land and registers transactions affecting titles; land survey services, which registers land survey plans and creates a representation of Saskatchewan land parcels in the cadastral parcel mapping system; and geomatics services that manages geographic data in relation to the cadastral parcel mapping system. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Information Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Information Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
RESUMO DA LIVE DO UNAY CAMBUMA 1- O que Venâncio Mondlane está fazer, vai ficar na história do mundo. Como o primeiro homem civil do planeta a derrotar uma ditadura militarizada, sem estar presente no país, apenas utilizando telefone e internet. 2- Países do ocidente não ajudam Venâncio Mondlane porque não precisam dele, precisam de Nyusi e Chapo, para defender seus interesses, por isso não ajudam Venâncio Mondlane 3- Não se enganem com as nações unidas, estão todos corrompidos 4- Venâncio Mondlane não está apenas lutando com a FRELIMO, está também destruindo o colono preto em Moçambique. 5- Se Venâncio Mondlane destruí a FRELIMO, vai mostrar para a África que é possível destruí ditaduras em África 6-A união europeia, SADC, e outras instituições não ajudam Venâncio Mondlane porque ele é um lider libertador, eles querem líderes política para defenderam seus interesses. 7-As Manifestações só vão doer para a FRELIMO quando visitarem suas residências e edifícios. 8- Não existe verdade eleitoral, devemos arrancar o poder das mãos da FRELIMO. 9- Militarmente o VM7 não tem como vencer a FRELIMO, mas ele tem um poder que é mais forte do que qualquer arma do mundo, que é a união do povo. 10- Não precisamos de internacionais para banir a FRELIMO, nos mesmo podemos banir a FRELIMO, só precisamos colocar VM7 no poder. 11-A luta estava quase no fim, mas nós distraímos com politiquises. 12- Não existem homens catanas é tudo distração, o nosso foco deve ser a ponta vermelha. 11- A FRELIMO está varrer as ruas para fazer o mundo pensar que está tudo bem em Moçambique. 12- A FRELIMO é manipulador e rei da propaganda enganosa em Moçambique. 13- Para ir a ponta vermelha, não devemos ser 100, 1000 ou mesmo 5000. Devemos ser milhões e simultaneamente, outras visitam as televisões corrompidas pela FRELIMO, a CC, CNE, Tribunais e aeroportos, para que ninguém fuja do país. 14- Não vamos perder tempo com pessoas vestidas roupas da FRELIMO, devemos nos foca UNAY CAMBUMA LIVE SUMMARY 1- What Venâncio Mondlane is doing will go down in world history. As the first civilian man on the planet to defeat a militarized dictatorship, without being present in the country, just using the telephone and internet. 2- Western countries don’t help Venâncio Mondlane because they don’t need him, they need Nyusi and Chapo, to defend their interests, that’s why they don’t help Venâncio Mondlane. 3- Don’t be fooled by the united nations, they are all corrupt 4- Venâncio Mondlane is not only fighting with FRELIMO, he is also destroying the black settlers in Mozambique. 5- If Venâncio Mondlane destroyed FRELIMO, he will show Africa that it is possible to destroy dictatorships in Africa 6-The European Union, SADC, and other institutions do not help Venâncio Mondlane because he is a liberating leader, they want political leaders to defend their interests. 7-The Demonstrations will only hurt FRELIMO when they visit their homes and buildings. 8- There is no electoral truth, we must wrest power from the hands of FRELIMO. 9- Militarily, VM7 cannot defeat FRELIMO, but it has a power that is stronger than any weapon in the world, which is the unity of the people. 10- We don’t need internationals to ban FRELIMO, we can ban FRELIMO ourselves, we just need to put VM7 in power. 11-The fight was almost over, but we distracted it with politics. 12- There are no machete men, it’s all a distraction, our focus should be on the red tip. 11- FRELIMO is sweeping the streets to make the world think that everything is fine in Mozambique. 12- FRELIMO is a manipulator and king of false propaganda in Mozambique. 13- To go to the red tip, we must not be 100, 1000 or even 5000. We must be millions and simultaneously, others visit the televisions corrupted by FRELIMO, the CC, CNE, Courts and airports, so that no one flees the country. 14- Let’s not waste time with people dressed in FRELIMO clothes, we should focus
The Arizona Cardinals are 6-6 through 12 games, which makes them an average football team. That's much better than the previous two years, which both ended with just four wins. But after two straight frustrating losses, it's not providing much consolation for a franchise that feels as though it should be much better. The latest setback came on Sunday, when the Minnesota Vikings rallied to beat the Cardinals 23-22 . Arizona never trailed until Sam Darnold threw a 5-yard touchdown pass with 1:18 remaining that proved to be the winning score. It was a mistake-filled performance for the Cardinals, who racked up 10 penalties for 96 yards. That's a big reason they had to settle for five field goals and scored just one touchdown. The Cardinals were leading 19-16 in the fourth quarter and had first-and-goal at the Vikings 5, but Tip Reiman was called for a false start and then quarterback Kyler Murray was called for intentional grounding . The Cardinals kicked a field goal for a 22-16 lead, giving the Vikings the chance they needed to drive for the winning score. Murray threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter. “I thought we moved the ball well,” Murray said. “Again, it just comes down to not scoring touchdowns. Get down there and kick field goals and penalties bite us. It’s bad — it’s bad football.” The loss knocked the Cardinals out of first place in the NFC West, though they're still in decent playoff position. A pivotal game against the division-rival Seahawks looms on Sunday. Second-year coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged the frustration of Sunday's loss, but said they've got to rebound quickly. “They’re disappointed and down, but it’s the NFL,” Gannon said. “They’ve got to put all their energy and focus into tomorrow.” Arizona's defense blamed itself for not coming up with a stop on the Vikings' winning drive, but the unit played exceptionally well for most of the afternoon. Mack Wilson and L.J. Collier both had two sacks and the Cardinals held Minnesota to just 273 total yards. For a group that looked as if it might be the team's weakness this season, it was another rock solid performance. The Cardinals aren't a good enough football team to overcome 10 penalties and get a win — particularly on the road. Reiman had a rough day, getting called for three false starts. His false start on the next-to-last offensive drive — coupled with Murray's intentional grounding penalty — proved to be extremely costly. “That was brutal,” Gannon said. “Just got to figure out ways to punch the ball in for touchdowns there, not field goals.” Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. had five catches for 60 yards, including an impressive touchdown catch that put the Cardinals up 19-6. It was Harrison's seventh TD reception of the season. The No. 4 overall pick has been a little inconsistent in his first year, but there's little doubt he's a difference-maker for the offense. He's still got a chance to reach 1,000 yards receiving this season if he averages about 80 yards receiving over the final five games. Considering his talent, that's certainly possible. Gannon was second-guessed for his decision to kick a field goal late in the fourth quarter instead of trying for a touchdown at the Vikings 4 with 3:29 left. Chad Ryland made the 23-yard chip shot for a 22-16 lead, but the Vikings drove the field on the ensuing possession for the winning score. “I trust JG,” Murray said. “I see both sides. Go up six and make them score; trust the defense to go get a stop. Go for it, you don’t get it, they’ve still got to go down and score. If you do get it, you probably put the game away.” Said Gannon: "Yeah, I mean there’s thought about it. Just wanted to go up more than a field goal there. Definitely a decision point that we talked about. So be it.” The Cardinals came out of the game fairly healthy. Rookie DL Darius Robinson — the No. 27 overall pick — made his NFL debut against the Vikings after missing the first 11 games due to a calf injury. 1,074 — Running back James Conner's total yards from the line of scrimmage this season, including 773 on the ground and 301 in the passing game. The Cardinals return home for a game against the Seahawks on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl( MENAFN - Jordan Times) Located in the hills of northern Amman, Theodor Schneller School (TSS) stands as a minaret of hope and opportunity. Founded in 1959 with the laying of its cornerstone by his majesty Late King Hussein, TSS has become a pioneering institution in Jordan's educational Field. It combines academic and vocational training, offering a variety of programs in many fields such as automotive mechanics, carpentry and blacksmithing. Moreover, TSS embraces inclusivity, creating a nurturing environment for orphans and underprivileged students and setting a model for its commitment to social responsibility. Bridging the Gap, vocational education in Jordan in the face of rising unemployment rates among university graduates in Jordan, TSS appears as a critical solution. Many graduates struggle to secure jobs aligned with their academic qualifications, while technical and vocational sectors face a shortage of skilled workers. This reality underscores the necessity of vocational education as a strategic approach for bridging the gap between education outputs and labor market demands. Vocational education: A global perspective Globally, vocational education has gained significant traction. The fourth industrial revolution and increasing reliance on technology have fueled the demand for technical and industrial specialists. Vocational careers often offer sustainable employment and competitive wages, making them an attractive choice for young people seeking promising career paths. Fields such as electrical engineering, technical mechanics and renewable energy solutions are seeing growing demand, both locally and internationally. TSS: A Role Model for Vocational Excellence TSS stands for the potential of vocational education to drive economic growth and social equity. By equipping students with practical skills and hands-on training, the school does not only enhance productivity but also empowers young individuals to build a stable and prosperous future. Its unique model bridges the gap between education and employment, making it a cornerstone of Jordan's Vocational Education efforts. The way forward: The success of TSS highlights the need for greater investment in vocational education across Jordan. Updating curricula, improving infrastructure and providing advanced training for teachers are essential steps to replicate the school's success nationwide. Moreover, fostering partnerships between educational institutions and industries is critical to ensure that the skills are aligned with real-world market needs. Theodore Schneller School's story is not just about the success of an institution but also about a nation's commitment to empowering its youth through practical education. In a world where traditional academic paths often do not guarantee employment, TSS proves that vocational education is not just an alternative - it is a necessity. Jordan's vocational education journey begins here, but the path forward promises even greater achievements. TSS is a shining example of what is possible when education meets opportunity paving the way for a brighter future for Jordan's youth. 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Lou Holtz's pilot died in a plane crash near Beaufort 25 years ago. Here's what happened.NEW YORK (AP) — Dylan Raiola passed for 228 yards and a touchdown as Nebraska built an 18-point lead through three quarters and hung on to beat Boston College 20-15 Saturday for its first bowl victory since 2015. After Nebraska built a 13-2 lead in the first half on scoring runs by Rahmir Johnson and Kwinten Ives, Raiola hit Emmett Johnson with a 13-yard TD pass on fourth down with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter for a 20-2 edge and the Cornhuskers (7-6) held on for the win. Raiola completed 23 of 31 passes in front of a sizable Nebraska crowd that celebrated the team’s first bowl win since topping UCLA in the 2015 Foster Farms Bowl and first winning season since 2016. Raiola completed passes to 10 receivers, including Jahmal Banks, who finished with four receptions for 79 yards. Rahmir Johnson and Ives scored on short TD runs in the second period, and Nebraska’s defense set up the critical score in the third. Emmett Johnson scored on fourth-and-3 play for a 20-2 lead. That score came after John Bullock sacked Boston College quarterback Grayson James, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Elijah Jeudy at midfield. James finished 25 of 40 for 296 yards as Boston College (7-6) fell to 0-3 in Pinstripe Bowl games. The Eagles got past midfield on five of their first seven drives, but committed two turnovers and failed to convert four fourth downs, including two inside the 10-yard line. Boston College finally cashed with 6:11 left in the fourth when Turbo Richard scored on a 1-yard run, but the two-point conversion failed. BC made it a one-score game on Jordan McDonald’s 2-yard run, a play after getting possession on a blocked punt. After a scoreless opening quarter, Rahmir Johnson easily scored on a 4-yard run on the first play of the second period. After BC turned it over on downs twice in Nebraska territory, the Cornhusker’s took a 13-0 lead on Ives’ 2-yard run that was set up by Rahmir Johnson’s 22-yard run. The Eagles picked up their only points of the first half when Ashton McShane blocked John Hohl’s extra point and returned it for two points.NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES . But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE . And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to BRAT SUMMER ! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION , perched on the EIFFEL TOWER , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND , rugby player ILONA MAHER , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK , who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG , born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON 's “ DEMURE, MINDFUL ” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN , arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI ’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN , withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN , the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN , dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER ? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT , the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON , SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP . As for MOO DENG , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. “WICKED” ! Director JON M. CHU ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. 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