m fb7775.com Israeli warplanes bombed the Lebanese capital of Beirut and its southern suburbs on Tuesday — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on the militant group Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in a crowded neighborhood near downtown, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah, meanwhile, has resumed its rocket fire into Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country's north. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was meeting with his security Cabinet on Tuesday evening to discuss a proposed ceasefire, and he has scheduled a statement on national TV. Among the remaining issues is Israel's demand to reserve the right to take military action should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, in support of the Palestinian militant group. That has set off more than a year of fighting escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and an Israeli ground invasion of the country’s south. Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israeli military bases, cities and towns, including some 250 projectiles on Sunday. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the 13-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. ——— Here's the Latest: BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)Chief ‘disappointed’ to see clean water used as a political ‘tactic’ by Conservatives

One of the best laptop deals right now is perfect for anyone who is seeking a Copilot PC . If you’re looking to enjoy AI features, check out the Asus ProArt P16 laptop which is $200 off at Best Buy. The laptop normally costs $1,900 but right now, you can buy it for $1,700. A high-end productivity-focused laptop which also packs a punch for some gaming too, this is an ideal workhorse of a PC. Here’s all you need to know about it alongside some insight into the wonders of Copilot. Why you should buy the Asus ProArt P16 laptop Asus features in our look at the best laptop brands thanks to the company being great at developing all-rounder laptops. The Asus ProArt P16 laptop is one such highlight. It has an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, 32GB of memory, 1TB of SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. In an unusual move for many laptops, the Asus ProArt P16 laptop also has a 16-inch 4K OLED screen with Asus’s Lumina OLED touchscreen technology looking great and allowing you to be more tactile either with your finger or a stylus. Adding to the cool features you don’t get from the other best laptops , the Asus ProArt P16 laptop has the Asus Dialpad which is an intuitive physical controller for fingertip control over all your key apps. That all sounds great but the Asus ProArt P16 laptop gets better thanks to how it uses Copilot — the AI features everyone is talking about since its announcement . Through Copilot, you get things like Recall and Live Captions. Recall allows you to search across time to find the content you need while its Vision feature means it can now see what you see on the internet . Learning how to use Copilot is simple so you can quickly gain insight into new languages via Live Captions, or you can transform your creations in no time. It’ll make your life so much simpler, especially when using such a powerful laptop like this one. The Asus ProArt P16 laptop usually costs $1,900 but right now, you can buy it from Best Buy for $1,700. A great laptop for getting work done at speed and in style, you’ll particularly love how well it works with Copilot AI features. Check it out now while the deal is still available.

Founder of failed crypto lending platform Celsius Network pleads guilty to fraud chargesA woman faces a big fine after she was caught feeding a dingo at a popular holiday island in her second offence. or signup to continue reading A ranger caught the woman on dashcam giving food to a dingo, which is illegal, on November 24 at K'gari (former Fraser Island) in Queensland. She had been fishing on the beach at Waddy Point, according to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The 26-year-old woman threw a small fish to a nearby young dingo, which it carried up the beach to eat. She admitted to feeding the animal and was fined $2580, the maximum on-the-spot penalty. The maximum court penalty for feeding a dingo is $26,614. Rangers soon discovered the same woman had been fined $413 in 2022 for having food available in her campsite at the Wongai camping area. "It is frustrating to have a repeat offender on the island who doesn't care about the safety of people or dingoes," said Mike Devery a compliance manager at department. "Hopefully she has learned an expensive lesson this time, and we hope the dingo doesn't suffer any adverse effects after being fed." Mr Devery said feeding dingoes even once is enough to teach them to associate humans with food which can put the animal and person at risk. Once habituated, dingoes can approach unsuspecting people for food and become aggressive if they don't receive it. There have been 21 dingo attacks on the island this year. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? 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Advertisement AdvertisementUNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was one of several senior executives at the company under investigation by the Department of Justice when he was gunned down outside a Manhattan hotel on Wednesday. Thompson — who was killed in what police called a targeted shooting outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown — exercised stock options and sold shares worth $15.1 million on Feb. 16, less than two weeks before news of the federal antitrust probe went public, according to a Crain’s New York Business report from April. The stock price dropped sharply after the revelation that the DOJ was investigating whether the company had made acquisitions that consolidated its market position in violation of antitrust laws, a source familiar with the probe told the outlet. Thompson’s stock options reportedly had several years until expiration, and the sale of shares was his first since assuming the helm of parent company UnitedHealth’s insurance division in 2021. Thompson, 50, along with UnitedHealth Group chairman Stephen Helmsley, chief people officer Erin McSweeney and chief accounting officer Tom Roos, sold a combined $101.5 million in shares, with Helmsley personally netting just shy of $85 million, according to the report. Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, told Crain’s that share sales by firm principals are typically scrutinized by a company’s general counsel, who can determine whether any additional disclosures to the market may be required before the trades are executed. Earlier this year, UnitedHealth was hit by one of the largest health care data breaches in US history, the company estimating that as many as one-third of Americans’ private data — potentially including Social Security numbers — were compromised in the ransomware attack. The company wound up paying the hackers a $22 million ransom, CEO Andrew Witty told a congressional panel in May. The massive firm — with annual revenue of around $372 billion — later said it estimated its financial cost as a result of the hack to be around $705 million, Reuters reported. Originally published as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was facing DOJ probe for insider trading when he was killed in targeted NYC shooting

Takeaways From the Supreme Court Arguments on Transgender Health Care Ban: Conservatives Skeptical

Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the DEA, withdraws name from considerationNone

NonePep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. FULL-TIME | A point apiece. 🩵 3-3 ⚫️ #ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/6oj1nEOIwm — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 26, 2024 Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Putting on a show at Sporting 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Yi9MgRZEkl — Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2024 Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. 🔔 FULL TIME – Victory at home! +3 in the #UCL 👏❤️ #FCBayern #MiaSanMia | #FCBPSG #UCL pic.twitter.com/BYE23dXXih — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) November 26, 2024 Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.

Washington, D.C., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York, NY—December 3rd, 2024—On Monday, December 9, 2024, Vital Voices Global Partnership will host its annual Voices of Solidarity event in New York City, co-hosted by Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller. This inspiring event celebrates men who are using their platforms, influence, and leadership to elevate women, combat gender-based violence, and promote gender equality worldwide. The evening will feature award presentations by Padma Lakshmi, acclaimed author and activist, and Hasan Minhaj, celebrated comedian and advocate for social justice. Voices of Solidarity highlights the vital role of male allies in creating a world where women’s leadership thrives, gender-based violence ends, and equal opportunity becomes a reality for all. 2024 Honorees Event Overview Hosted by Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller, the evening will convene changemakers, activists, and supporters from around the world to honor these allies and amplify the call for collective action. “In an increasingly polarized world, tonight is a celebration of unity...” said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices. “The honorees remind us of the transformative power of standing together—of lifting others as we rise—to create a more just and equal world. Their actions underscore that the fight for gender justice is not just a women’s issue—it’s a human issue.” Event Details Sponsors Institutions Individuals & Families About Vital Voices For 27 years, Vital Voices has been investing in women leaders solving the world’s greatest challenges and accelerating collective action towards an equitable and sustainable world. We are “venture catalysts,” identifying those with a bold vision for change and partnering with them to make that vision a reality. We scale and accelerate their impact through long-term investments to expand the skills, connections, capacity, and visibility of women leaders. Media Inquiries For press credentials or interview requests, please contact Leila Roberts at leilar@vitalvoices.org ### Follow Vital Voices: Website: [Website URL] Twitter: @VitalVoices Instagram: @VitalVoices Facebook: Vital Voices Global Partnership Leila Roberts Vital Voices 4157132009 leilar@vitalvoices.orgIn today’s newsletter, Antonia Hitchens reports from Trumpworld. But, first, the current state of the President-elect’s hush-money case. Plus: Matt Gaetz and the early lessons of Trump 2.0 Revisionist fantasies in “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” The comic divas of “Death Becomes Her” Eric Lach Staff writer Everyone believes that Judge Juan Merchan should do the right thing in regard to Donald Trump’s hush-money case. But no one can agree on what exactly the right thing is. In late May, a jury found Trump guilty of thirty-four felony counts in Merchan’s courtroom in Manhattan. In the intervening months, there was a national election, which Trump won. Merchan now has the unenviable task of deciding what to do with a President-elect’s criminal conviction. Trump’s lawyers say that Merchan should toss out the case. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, disagrees. But what is the appropriate legal remedy for a President who once paid illegal hush money to an adult-film actress? Earlier today, Merchan postponed Trump’s sentencing indefinitely, and ordered both sides in the case to bring him more arguments for and against dropping the thing entirely. I’m not a lawyer, just a reporter who was in the courtroom during the course of the trial. After Merchan’s ruling today, someone texted me asking whether I thought the case was “dead.” I don’t know. I do know that, back when the case was first being considered in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, under Bragg’s predecessor, Cyrus Vance, Jr., it was known as the “ zombie case ,” for its tendency to come back to life after periods of dormancy. When it was first filed, many legal scholars found problems with it, and had doubts about its chances of success. In getting to a trial, and then to a conviction, it went further than many thought possible. This case is a weird one, and we’re in uncharted legal and constitutional waters. For now, it’s undead. Editor’s Pick Administration Hopefuls Descend on Mar-a-Lago Antonia Hitchens reports from Palm Beach, Florida, where Elon Musk, Sebastian Gorka, Steve Bannon, Sylvester Stallone, and scores of others have arrived to jockey for proximity to the President-elect. “It’s ‘Game of Thrones’ meets ‘Hunger Games,’ ” a person involved in the Administration’s transition tells Hitchens. “It’s, like, a moral obligation to make their lives a living hell until they give Trump what he wants,” he says, referring to members of the Senate who will vote on potential Cabinet picks. He adds, “I respect the Constitution, and advise and consent, but at the end of the day we live in extraordinary times.” Read the story » “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” Offer Nostalgic, Half-Satisfying Showdowns The Pain Creating a New Coalition for Trump Turning a Blind Eye to War Crimes “The Franchise” Gives Hollywood the “Veep” Treatment The Explosion of Matt Gaetz and Other Early Lessons in Trump 2.0 Daily Cartoon Link copied Play today’s bite-size puzzle. A clue: Covering used as a metaphor in “The Souls of Black Folk.” Four letters. P.S. “The Producers,” directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder, premièred on this day in 1967—and went on to win an Oscar for its screenplay. Michael Schulman interviewed Brooks in 2021, when his autobiography was published. Brooks’s best advice? “You say yes, and you never do it.” 🎬 Hannah Jocelyn contributed to this edition.Sean 'Diddy' Combs' third bid to be released on bail won't be decided until next week

It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rexas Finance (RXS) solidifies its position as a leader in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, wrapping up Stage 6 of its presale ahead of schedule due to overwhelming investor interest. With $12.2 million raised so far, the presale demonstrates the project's broad appeal. The seventh stage is now live, priced at $0.09 per token, marking a threefold increase from Stage 1. Investors at this stage can expect a 2.22x return on launch, highlighting the token's potential. As the crypto market shifts towards innovative applications, Rexas Finance is bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional investments. Transforming Investments Through RWA Tokenization Rexas Finance is redefining investment by tokenizing real-world assets such as real estate, commodities, and art. This platform simplifies global ownership, allowing users to buy fractional or full shares in high-value assets with a single click. Investors can now own a portion of a luxury property in Europe or a piece of gold bullion from the comfort of their homes, earning returns proportionate to their stake. By tokenizing assets on the blockchain, Rexas Finance eliminates traditional barriers like high entry costs and illiquidity. The global real estate market, valued at over $300 trillion, and the $121 trillion commodities market are now within reach for all investors. This approach not only democratizes access but also enhances market liquidity, paving the way for seamless trading and ownership transfers. The Rexas Token Builder empowers users to tokenize their assets independently, creating digital tokens that represent ownership shares. For those seeking funding for their projects, the Rexas Launchpad facilitates fundraising by connecting innovative ideas with investors. The QuickMint Bot and AI-powered tools further streamline tokenization, offering simple, accessible solutions even for blockchain newcomers. The Unstoppable Growth of RXS Rexas Finance's presale is a testament to its growing market traction. The project has prioritized public participation over traditional venture capital, ensuring widespread access to this revolutionary platform. All six presale stages sold out swiftly, raising $12.2 million and reflecting strong community support. The seventh stage, priced at $0.09, continues to attract attention, as early investors anticipate significant returns. The RXS token is ERC-20-based, with a total supply of one billion tokens distributed strategically to ensure liquidity and growth: 42.5% for presale, 22.5% for staking, 15% for liquidity, and smaller allocations for marketing, treasury, and partnerships. Rexas Finance is also driving engagement through its $1 million giveaway, where 20 participants will win $50,000 each. Users can increase their chances by completing tasks, referring friends, and submitting their ERC20 wallet addresses. A Growing Ecosystem with Real-World Impact Beyond tokenization, Rexas Finance builds a comprehensive ecosystem for RWA management. Its Rexas Estate initiative targets the lucrative real estate market, making properties globally accessible. Meanwhile, its AI tools and QuickMint Bot offer unmatched convenience, removing barriers to blockchain adoption. The platform's listing on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko adds visibility and credibility, attracting a broader investor base. Being CertiK-audited further assures users of the security and reliability of RXS, bolstering confidence in its smart contracts. Rexas Finance also plans to launch on three Tier 1 exchanges, ensuring accessibility for global investors and driving liquidity. As blockchain adoption grows, Rexas Finance is positioned to capitalize on the trend, putting nearly every imaginable real-world asset on blockchain networks. Final Thoughts Rexas Finance (RXS) stands out as a game-changer in the crypto market, seamlessly merging blockchain technology with traditional asset management. With $12.2 million raised and a presale price that has tripled since launch, it's clear that investors are recognizing its potential. As RXS continues its presale journey and prepares for market launch, it promises lucrative returns for early participants and a revolutionary platform for tokenizing real-world assets. With projections pointing toward double-digit prices by year-end, now is the time to join the RXS revolution. For more information about Rexas Finance (RXS) visit the links below: Website: https://rexas.com Win $1 Million Giveaway: https://bit.ly/Rexas1M Whitepaper: https://rexas.com/rexas-whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/rexasfinance Telegram: https://t.me/rexasfinance Contact: Leo Gabriel pr@rexas.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Rexas Finance . The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk . Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dd098e0-4db0-4207-88e8-b84c35103bb3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f36ecb6-a412-415d-814a-d02529bbbd1f © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Political chaos in South Korea: what is martial law and what comes next after Yoon Suk Yeol’s U-turn?ERES Provides Update On Previously Disclosed Strategic TransactionsIn the preceding three months, 8 analysts have released ratings for BILL Holdings BILL , presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish. The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 0 3 5 0 0 Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0 1M Ago 0 2 2 0 0 2M Ago 0 0 2 0 0 3M Ago 0 1 0 0 0 Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $78.25, along with a high estimate of $95.00 and a low estimate of $60.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 29.19% increase from the previous average price target of $60.57. Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of BILL Holdings by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Keith Weiss Morgan Stanley Raises Equal-Weight $95.00 $58.00 Will Nance Goldman Sachs Raises Neutral $77.00 $60.00 Ken Wong Oppenheimer Raises Outperform $83.00 $70.00 Clarke Jeffries Piper Sandler Raises Overweight $85.00 $60.00 David Koning Baird Raises Neutral $74.00 $62.00 David Koning Baird Raises Neutral $62.00 $60.00 Will Nance Goldman Sachs Raises Neutral $60.00 $54.00 Thomas Poutrieux Exane BNP Paribas Announces Outperform $90.00 - Key Insights: Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to BILL Holdings. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of BILL Holdings compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of BILL Holdings's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time. Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of BILL Holdings's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on BILL Holdings analyst ratings. Get to Know BILL Holdings Better BILL Holdings Inc is a provider of software-as-a-service, cloud-based payments and spend and expense management products, which allow users to automate accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, enable businesses to easily connect with their suppliers or customers to do business, eliminate expense reports, manage cash flows and improve back office efficiency. Initial Public Offering and Follow-on Offering. A Deep Dive into BILL Holdings's Financials Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. Revenue Growth: BILL Holdings's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 17.53% . This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector. Net Margin: BILL Holdings's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 2.49% . This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health. Return on Equity (ROE): BILL Holdings's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 0.22%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns. Return on Assets (ROA): BILL Holdings's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.1%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets. Debt Management: BILL Holdings's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.24 , reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach. Analyst Ratings: What Are They? Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks. Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability. Breaking: Wall Street's Next Big Mover Benzinga's #1 analyst just identified a stock poised for explosive growth. This under-the-radar company could surge 200%+ as major market shifts unfold. Click here for urgent details . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.