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By FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.In conclusion, the completed deployment of 5G EasyMacro in underground subway tunnels represents a significant milestone in the commercial deployment of advanced 5G technologies. By unlocking the potential of 5G technology in underground environments, Huawei and China Mobile have set the stage for a new era of connectivity, innovation, and growth in the transportation sector.

WEST LAYFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Trey Kaufman-Renn had 18 points and Myles Colvin and Camden Heide each scored 13 to lead No. 6 Purdue to an 80-45 rout of Marshall on Saturday. Colvin and Heide were making their first starts of the season for Purdue (5-1). Braden Smith, who was averaging 14.6 points, was scoreless on an 0-for-4 shooting day. Smith had a team-high nine assists. Nate Martin led Marshall (3-2) with nine points, playing 24 minutes before fouling out with several minutes left in the game. The Boilermakers shot 55% in the first half to take a 39-24 halftime lead. However, Purdue made only one field goal in the final nine minutes of the first half. Purdue picked up the intensity in the second half, leading by as many as 41 points. The Boilermakers shot 50% for the game and held the Thundering Herd to 30%. No. 10 NORTH CAROLINA 87, HAWAII 69 HONOLULU (AP) — R.J. Davis scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half and No. 10 North Carolina pulled away from Hawaii. Elliot Cadeau had 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting, Seth Trimble scored 11 of his 13 points after halftime and Ian Jackson added 11 for the Tar Heels (3-1). Davis, an All-American guard, moved into fourth place on North Carolina’s all-time career scoring list. He overtook Sam Perkins with his free throw at the 11:59 mark of the first half. Gytis Nemeiksa led Hawaii with 16 points and had 10 rebounds. Akira Jacobs made three 3-pointers and scored 13 points off the bench. Tanner Christensen had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Green added 10 points for the Rainbow Warriors (4-1). No. 15 MARQUETTE 880, GEORGIA 69 NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — David Joplin scored a career-high 29 points and made six 3-pointers, Chase Ross had 14 points and five steals, and No. 15 Marquette beat Georgia. Story continues below video Joplin scored five straight Marquette points to begin a 12-3 run that Stevie Mitchell capped by banking in a shot with 1:33 remaining for a 78-66 lead. Mitchell made a steal at the other end to help seal it. Ben Gold scored a career-high 14 points and Kam Jones had 10 points and seven assists for Marquette (6-0). Jones was coming off the program’s third triple-double in more than 100 seasons when he had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in 36 minutes against No. 6 Purdue on Tuesday. Gold’s previous high was 12 points at UConn on Feb. 7, 2023, while Joplin’s was 28 at DePaul on Jan. 28, 2023. Blue Cain scored 17 points and Tyrin Lawrence added 15 for Georgia (5-1). Dakota Leffew had 11 and Silas Demary Jr. 10. The Bulldogs turned it over 18 times, leading to 27 points by Marquette. No. 18 CINCINNATI 81, GEORGIA TECH 58 ATLANTA (AP) — Dillon Mitchell had 14 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season, and No. 18 Cincinnati beat Georgia Tech. Jizzle James and Cole Hickman also scored 14 points apiece for the Bearcats (5-0), who passed the first true test of the young season against their first major conference opponent in the Yellow Jackets of the ACC. Naithan George made three 3-pointers while scoring 13 points for Georgia Tech (2-3). Duncan Powell added 10 points, while leading scorer Baye Ndogo finished with just five points. No. 25 ILLINOIS 87, Md-Eastern Shire 40 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team’s previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4.

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Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant known for its smartphones and smart devices, has officially released the first images of its upcoming SUV model, marking the company's entry into the automotive industry. The images, which showcase the sleek design and advanced features of the vehicle, have generated significant buzz among fans and industry experts alike.

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Ruben Amorim impressed with Arsenal’s corners after first defeat as Man Utd bossNoneLooking ahead, the collaboration between Huawei and China Mobile sets a new standard for the deployment of advanced 5G technologies in complex environments, opening up new possibilities for innovation and growth in the transportation industry. As 5G technology continues to evolve and expand, we can expect to see even greater advancements in connectivity, positioning, and overall passenger experience in subway systems around the world.Title: Kylian Mbappe Responds to Sexual Assault Allegations, Denies Accusations and Clears Up Depression Rumors

The Manitoba government is creating a $62-million fund to provide ongoing support for local municipalities. Premier Wab Kinew announced the One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund on Monday at the Association of Municipalities fall convention, saying it will provide funding to municipalities over the next five years. The fund will be in addition to the province’s Municipal Operating Grant, which Kinew said is equivalent to a 7.6 per cent increase to overall municipal funding when the programs are combined. “Last year, our government promised to treat municipalities like the true partners that they are and to respect the pressures they are under after years of freezes,” the premier said. “This year, we’re establishing a new fund to provide extra support for programs now and into the future. “Together, we’re giving Manitobans reasons to hope with a plan that makes life better across our province.’ In a statement on Monday, Municipal Relations Minister Glen Simard said the initiative is an example of “true collaboration” between the province and its municipal partners.

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The ice sheet at TRIA Rink was slightly more crowded than in recent weeks on Thursday morning as the Minnesota Wild held their pregame skate in preparation for the Oilers first visit of the season. The two extra bodies on the ice represented some good news for a team that has made winning, despite significant injuries, its competing storylines this season. ADVERTISEMENT Specifically, veteran defenseman Jonas Brodin and top-line forward Mats Zuccarello were in full uniform, skating with their teammates for the first time in a long time. And while neither was expected back in the lineup just yet, having numbers 25 and 36 on the rink was a notably positive sight. “Really good just in the sense that they were able to skate, so we’ll do some extra work after practice and then probably skate again tomorrow and then we’ll see,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I don’t have a timeline on them yet other than they’ve progressed well to get in the team setting. So, now we’ll see what they do. They’ll need some contact and some extra work and see how they respond.” Brodin has missed nine games this season, including the previous seven in a row, while dealing with an upper body injury. Zuccarello last played in a home win over Montreal on Nov. 14, when he was hit below the belt by a teammate’s shot and suffered a lower body injury that required surgery. Having both players back on the ice was a meaningful step for their teammates, as the Wild have persevered and gotten to the top of the Western Conference standings despite those losses, and the ongoing absence of center Joel Eriksson Ek. Brodin especially is a key player on the team’s blue line. ADVERTISEMENT “It’s exciting for everyone. He’s an important part of our team and such a factor every time he’s on the ice,” defenseman Declan Chisholm said. “He’s missed for sure and we’re excited to get him back soon.” Hynes added that during a player’s recovery from an injury, after they have begun working out and skating on their own, that first time stepping back onto the practice rink with teammates in full uniform can be a notable psychological boost. “It’s important because usually you go through that stage of the off-ice treatments and then recovery, weight room, skate on your own, and they’ve been skating together for a couple days,” the coach said. “But to get in the team setting where you’re with other guys on the ice, you’re back with the team, there’s a lot more going on, and you’re reading and reacting in certain situations, it’s a good step to get back in the team setting.” Eriksson Ek has not yet begun skating on his own as he recovers from a lower body injury suffered in overtime of a win versus Vancouver last week. ADVERTISEMENT Hockey fans in the holiday spirit of helping those in need will have two opportunities to contribute to toy drives organized by the Wild in advance of Christmas. Prior to the Saturday, Dec. 14 game versus Philadelphia and the Friday, Dec. 20 game versus Utah, fans coming to Xcel Energy Center may bring new, unwrapped toys, games and cash which will be collected at the arena’s entrances. Personnel from the Salvation Army will distribute the donated items to needy families in the Twin Cities. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

Labour and the Tories are under pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK to come forward with a credible plan in the wake of record-breaking net migration numbers. Reform blasted the Conservatives as the “architects of mass immigration” but Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp says Kemi Badenoch has the “courage” to take a bold “new approach” to the challenge. He said: “These changes will be radical, but there is no alternative.” This comes days after official figures showed net migration reached 906,000 in the 12 months to June 2023. In the subsequent 12 months, 728,000 more people entered than left the UK. Mr Philp said: “Labour cannot be trusted to get this under control. Their approach to immigration is to kowtow to lefty lawyers and demonise those who speak out about the impacts of unfettered immigration.” But deputy Reform leader Richard Tice said: “More people entered the UK under one year of Tory rule than the entire population of Leeds. The Tories are the architects of mass immigration and can never be trusted ever again. “Only Reform will end the failed mass immigration experiment.” Labour claims it is restoring order to a “broken immigration system”, noting that net migration is “four times higher than it was before the pandemic”. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to “tackle the big increase in overseas recruitment”. Former Conservative security minister Sir John Hayes said there should be a target of “net zero” immigration so the number entering the country roughly matches the total of those leaving. He warned of a “permanent housing crisis” if the number coming to the UK does not fall. Both David Cameron and Theresa May pledged to get net migration down to the “ten of thousands”. Sir John said the failure to deliver on this target was “highly significant” in contributing to the Tories ’ disastrous election result this summer. He said: “Because of that failure we have to be much more radical to regain distrust which is why I’m suggesting we opt for a net zero approach.” Alp Mehmet of Migration Watch said: “The Tories will struggle to regain trust on immigration after 14 years of repeated failure and reneging on promises to reduce it. Having accepted that they screwed up, they will now not only have to come up with policies on how to reduce net migration – we believe, to zero – but also be convincing on how it’s to be done.”Prince William is all smiles as he welcomes Donald Trump to the British Embassy in Paris - as the US President-elect hails him as a 'good one'

Labour and the Tories are under pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK to come forward with a credible plan in the wake of record-breaking net migration numbers. Reform blasted the Conservatives as the “architects of mass immigration” but Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp says Kemi Badenoch has the “courage” to take a bold “new approach” to the challenge. He said: “These changes will be radical, but there is no alternative.” This comes days after official figures showed net migration reached 906,000 in the 12 months to June 2023. In the subsequent 12 months, 728,000 more people entered than left the UK. Mr Philp said: “Labour cannot be trusted to get this under control. Their approach to immigration is to kowtow to lefty lawyers and demonise those who speak out about the impacts of unfettered immigration.” But deputy Reform leader Richard Tice said: “More people entered the UK under one year of Tory rule than the entire population of Leeds. The Tories are the architects of mass immigration and can never be trusted ever again. “Only Reform will end the failed mass immigration experiment.” Labour claims it is restoring order to a “broken immigration system”, noting that net migration is “four times higher than it was before the pandemic”. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to “tackle the big increase in overseas recruitment”. Former Conservative security minister Sir John Hayes said there should be a target of “net zero” immigration so the number entering the country roughly matches the total of those leaving. He warned of a “permanent housing crisis” if the number coming to the UK does not fall. Both David Cameron and Theresa May pledged to get net migration down to the “ten of thousands”. Sir John said the failure to deliver on this target was “highly significant” in contributing to the Tories ’ disastrous election result this summer. He said: “Because of that failure we have to be much more radical to regain distrust which is why I’m suggesting we opt for a net zero approach.” Alp Mehmet of Migration Watch said: “The Tories will struggle to regain trust on immigration after 14 years of repeated failure and reneging on promises to reduce it. Having accepted that they screwed up, they will now not only have to come up with policies on how to reduce net migration – we believe, to zero – but also be convincing on how it’s to be done.”Rockridge Files Management Information Circular for Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders to Approve Business Combination with Eros Resources and MAS Gold

General election 2024: All 174 seats filled as 34th Dail complete

CSE closes post-election week with lossesAidan Bouman, Quaron Adams rally South Dakota past Tarleton State 42-31 in FCS second-round duelNoneOklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Fourteen months after Hamas’s October 7 pogrom in southern Israel, many Quebecers share with many other Canadians a weariness — if not stronger emotions — over anti-Israel protesters blocking streets, bellowing through megaphones, and harassing Jewish businesses and neighbourhoods. Some of us, for various reasons, are particularly put-off by the sight of the protesters kneeling in prayer in the streets en masse . The Quebec government and its counterparts in the Rest of Canada do not, thank goodness, share a proposed solution: Premier François Legault says he wants to ban all forms of public worship . Because people won’t get off the bloody road. “I think we have to make the difference between public places and praying in a church or a mosque,” Legault said. “You should pray in a place that’s for praying, but in public parks or public streets ... we’ll look at what we can do, but that’s not what we want.” This, he said, would “send a clear message to Islamists,” namely, that “we will fight for the fundamental values we have in Quebec, like the equality of men and women. We will never accept that people don’t respect these values.” The triggering event here wasn’t actually the anti-Israel protests, but rather further revelations — this time in La Presse — that certain Montreal schools have essentially been taken over by Arab Muslims. Sources told the newspaper that students pray during class time, including with teachers; that teachers speak Arabic to each other; that kids aren’t punished for being late after attending Friday prayers. A presentation about sexually transmitted infections and sexual consent allegedly went off the rails with students “throwing firecrackers, shouting (and) setting off alarms.” Homophobia is allegedly rampant and freely expressed. No other provincial premier would ever propose banning public prayer. It would be flamboyantly unconstitutional without use of the Charter’s notwithstanding clause, which Legault has said he’s willing to use yet again in this regard. But in a way it’s a very Canadian solution. When certain laws aren’t enforced, our politicians have this quite irritating habit of making new, more specific laws that aren’t intrinsically any more likely to be enforced than the ones on the books. Right now, the rules of engagement in most Canadian cities call for de-escalation above all else. We’re well past that point, I think The classic example might have been during the 2019 CN rail blockade near Kingston, Ont. Blocking a rail line is already illegal. A judge issued an injunction demanding the blockade be cleared. Police ignored it . The federal Conservatives proposed a new law that would ban blocking critical infrastructure, even without a court injunction. There was no reason at all to think the police would have enforced the new law, either. That law, at least, would have targeted the actual villains. Legault’s secularism-related proposals rarely do. Quebec banned all forms of prayer in public schools last year — even individually, in a dedicated space, out of sight of others. Clearly it’s not being universally respected — and nor are existing laws against blocking streets and impeding access to public buildings being enforced. So now ... people can’t pray in parks? Ridiculous. None of this has anything whatsoever to do with one or two people (of any faith) praying unobtrusively in a public place, or a chaplain’s prayer at a Remembrance Day commemoration, or a menorah-lighting ceremony. And mass prayer that blocks streets for the Palestinian cause (or any other) has nothing to do with five students praying out of sight in a classroom at lunchtime. Generally speaking, with some notable exceptions , the Rest of Canada isn’t so jittery about private prayer in public schools. But a lot of us are well sick of those same anti-Israel protests, appalled that Canadian Jews feel threatened in their own country, all because of a conflict that no one in this country has any power to affect in any meaningful way. If we want to get serious about it, let’s actually get serious about it — not with new laws but with the ones we have. We have laws against blocking streets. We have laws against excessive noise. We have laws against impeding our fellow citizens’ lawful daily business. Right now, the rules of engagement in most Canadian cities call for de-escalation above all else, and that’s defensible up to a point. We’re well past that point, I think, and the police do, after all, work for us. No one’s fundamental freedoms need be sacrificed when we finally say enough is enough — not freedom of speech, not freedom of assembly, and certainly not freedom of religion. National Post cselley@postmedia.com Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what’s really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here .

Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. Republicans lash out at Democrats' claims that Trump intelligence pick Gabbard is 'compromised' FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Republican lawmakers are pushing back against criticism from some Democrats that President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead U.S. intelligence services is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and a meeting with an ally of that country. The accusation came from Sen. Tammy Duckworth. The Illinois Democrat says she has concerns about the pro-Russian views expressed by Tulsi Gabbard, who was tapped for the post of director of national intelligence. Duckworth’s comments on Sunday drew immediate backlash from Republicans. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Heavy rains in Bolivia send mud crashing into the capital, leaving 1 missing and destroying homes LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Authorities say that a landslide caused by heavy rains has flooded dozens of homes in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. It swept away a young girl, spurred evacuations and left parts of the city without electricity. Torrential rain on Saturday caused a river to spill its banks Sunday, dislodging mud from a southwestern La Paz neighborhood where low-slung, shoddily built dwellings dot the hillside. The torrent of debris and soil surged down a narrow ravine early Sunday, wrecking some two dozen homes and flooding another 40. Hours after the rain subsided, rescuers were still searching for the missing 5-year-old girl. Emergency workers saved six residents suffering from hypothermia. 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday.Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies

CSE closes post-election week with losses

AIR FORCE 82, MERCYHURST 48BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Andrej Stojakovic converted 11 of 15 from the free throw line and scored 20 points as California held off a late rally to post an 83-77 win over Sacramento State in the Cal Classic tournament on Sunday. Cal came into its tournament without three starters, Jovan Blacksher Jr., DJ Campbell and BJ Omot and the Golden Bears earned back-to-back wins over Air Force and the Hornets. Stojakovic scored a career-high 21 points and freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson stepped up with career-best 23 points against the Falcons. Against Sacramento State, Wilkinson came off the bench to score 16 points. Sacramento State took an early 12-7 lead after Emil Skytta hit a pair of free throws five minutes into the game, but Wilkinson hit back-to-back buckets and Stojakovic drew a foul on a three-point attempt and hit all three foul shots to take a 14-12 lead and the Bears pulled away to take a 40-33 lead at intermission. Julian Vaughns knocked down a trey three minutes into the second half to pull Sacramento State even at 43 and his free throw put the Hornets in front. Ryan Petraitis and Wilkinson hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put Cal up 51-47 and the Bears never trailed the rest of the way. Petraitis finished with 13 points, five assists and three steals for Cal (5-1). Joshua Ola-Joseph and Mady Sissoko each added 10 points. Jacob Holt scored 25 points with eight rebounds, two assists and a steal to lead Sacramento State (1-4). Vaughns scored 18 points and EJ Neal added 16. The game was just the third meeting between schools separated by roughly 80 miles, and first since 1992. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college basketball: andBEIRUT — Insurgents breached Syria’s largest city Friday and clashed with government forces for the first time since 2016, according to a war monitor and fighters, in a surprise attack that sent residents fleeing and added fresh uncertainty to a region reeling from multiple wars. Sudden Advance on Aleppo Shakes Region The advance on Aleppo followed a shock offensive launched by insurgents Wednesday, as thousands of fighters swept through villages and towns in Syria’s northwestern countryside. Residents fled neighborhoods on the city’s edge because of missiles and gunfire, according to witnesses in Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the country’s unresolved civil war, said dozens of fighters from both sides were killed. The attack injected new violence into a region experiencing dual wars in Gaza and Lebanon involving Israel, and other conflicts, including the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. Aleppo has not been attacked by opposition forces since they were ousted from eastern neighborhoods in 2016 following a grueling military campaign in which Syrian government forces were backed by Russia, Iran and its allied groups. Related Story: Government Forces Show Weak Response But this time, there was no sign of a significant pushback from government forces or their allies. Instead, reports emerged of government forces melting away in the face of advances, and insurgents posted messages on social media calling on troops to surrender. Robert Ford, who was the last U.S. ambassador to Syria, said the attack showed that Syrian government forces are “extremely weak.” In some cases, he said, they appear to have “almost been routed.” This week’s advances were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, and represent the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020, when government forces seized areas previously controlled by the opposition. Related Story: Regional Distractions Enable Insurgent Advance The offensive came as Iran-linked groups, primarily Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has backed Syrian government forces since 2015, have been preoccupied with their own battles at home. A ceasefire in Hezbollah’s two-month war with Israel took effect Wednesday, the day the Syrian opposition factions announced their offensive. Israel has also escalated its attacks against Hezbollah and Iran-linked targets in Syria during the last 70 days. Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and an expert on Syrian groups, said the insurgents have signaled for a while that they were ready for an offensive. But no one expected the swift advance of the forces toward Aleppo. “It’s not only that the Russians are distracted and bogged down in Ukraine, but also the Iranians are distracted and bogged down elsewhere. Hezbollah’s distracted and bogged down elsewhere, and the regime is absolutely cornered,” she said. “But the surprise element comes in with how quickly the regime crumbled.” The attack on Aleppo followed weeks of simmering low-level violence, including government attacks on opposition-held areas. Turkey, which has backed Syrian opposition groups, failed in its diplomatic efforts to prevent the government attacks, which were seen as a violation of a 2019 agreement sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran to freeze the line of the conflict. Turkish security officials said Thursday that Syrian opposition groups initially launched a long-planned “limited” offensive toward Aleppo, where attacks targeting civilians originated. However, the offensive expanded as Syrian government forces began retreating from their positions, the officials said. Related Story: The aim of the offensive was to reestablish the boundaries of the de-escalation zone, according to Turkish officials. The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a turning point in the war between Syrian government forces and rebel fighters after 2011 protests against Bashar Assad’s rule turned into an all-out war. Russia and Iran and its allied groups helped Syrian government forces reclaim control of the city that year after a grueling military campaign and a siege that lasted for weeks. Besides backing opposition forces, Turkey has also established a military presence in Syria, sending troops into parts of the northwest. Separately and largely in the east of Syria, the United States has supported Syrian Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State militants. The Syrian government did not comment on insurgents breaching Aleppo city limits. The Kremlin said Friday that it considered the attack an encroachment on Syria’s sovereignty and that it supported the quickest possible establishment of constitutional order in the region. “Of course, this is a violation of Syria’s sovereignty in this region,” Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a press briefing. Syria’s armed forces said in a statement Friday that they clashed with insurgents in the countryside around Aleppo and Idlib, destroying drones and heavy weaponry. They vowed to repel the attack and accused the insurgents of spreading false information about their advances. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the insurgents detonated two car bombs Friday at the western edge of Aleppo. The war monitor said insurgents were also able to seize control of Saraqeb, south of Aleppo, a town at the strategic intersection of the highways linking Aleppo with Damascus and the coast. Syrian government authorities diverted traffic from that highway Thursday. An insurgent commander posted a recorded message on social media calling on Aleppo residents to cooperate with the advancing forces. Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported that the insurgents entered the city center Friday and now control about 70 locations in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Syria’s state media reported that projectiles from insurgents landed in student accommodations at Aleppo’s university in the city center, killing four people, including two students. Syrian armed forces said the insurgents are violating a 2019 agreement that de-escalated fighting in the area, the last remaining opposition stronghold for years. Hezbollah was “the main force” in the government’s control of Aleppo, said Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Observatory. In a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the insurgent attacks in Syria “as a plot orchestrated by the U.S. and the Zionist regime following the regime’s defeat in Lebanon and Palestine.” Insurgents posted videos online showing they were using drones, a new weapon for them. It was not clear to what extent the drones were used on the battleground. Insurgents attacked a military airbase southeast of Aleppo with drones early Friday, destroying a helicopter, the Anadolu Agency reported. The opposition groups also seized heavy weapons and military vehicles belonging to the government forces, the agency said.

3 slots meaning Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson saysENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — What's stoking the Denver Broncos' surprising surge is the growing connection between rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Whenever the Broncos (7-5) need a clutch catch, a key flag or a timely touchdown, Sutton is usually the one delivering it like he did Sunday when he caught eight passes on 10 targets for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns that sparked the Broncos' come-from-behind at Las Vegas. “Courtland played tremendous,” coach Sean Payton said. Again. “He’s just reliable,” Nix said. “He's just always there when you need him.” Sutton's size (6-foot-4 and 216 pounds) and experience (he's in his seventh NFL season) make him an ideal target and safety valve for the rookie QB whose confidence is growing by the week. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball’s in the air,” Nix said. “You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.” Nix's first touchdown toss to Sutton was an that allowed the QB to break Marlin Briscoe's 1968 Denver rookie record of 14 TD passes, and the two connected again with 5:30 left to make it a two-score game. The Broncos trailed 13-9 at halftime and Nix said they knew they had to get the ball into Sutton's hands more in the second half after he had caught the only pass thrown his way in the first half (for 17 yards). “Didn’t target him (much) in the first half,” Nix said. “We come out and say, ‘Look, Courtland, this is your half.’ We take over the game. He goes for two touchdowns. That just kind of speaks for what he means to our team.” Sutton has been on a tear after since he wasn't targeted a single time in Denver's 33-10 win at New Orleans on Oct. 17. (Payton mentioned as recently as last week what an anomaly that game was because there was a heavy diet of plays for Sutton that just didn't pan out for various reasons.) In his six games before that goose egg, Sutton had 21 catches on 49 targets for 277 yards and a touchdown. In the five games since, he's caught 36 of the 48 balls thrown his way for 467 yards and three TDs. Plus, he threw a touchdown pass to Nix on a “Philly Special” at Baltimore in Week 9. “I think we're just scratching the surface,” Sutton said. Thanks in part to the chemistry between Nix and Sutton, the Broncos are in position for the seventh and final playoff spot entering December. The passing game, thanks to the Nix-Sutton connection. The running game. Javonte Williams had just 2 yards on eight carries and Audric Estime ran three times for 15 yards against the Raiders' run-heavy fronts and a steady diet of blitzes. Jaleel McLaughlin saved the day with seven carries for 44 yards. OLB Nik Bonitto. His 10 sacks make him the first Denver defender with double-digit sacks since 2018, when Von Miller did it. Once again, the Broncos' special teams, with the exception of K Wil Lutz, who hasn't missed a field goal attempt or extra point since his protection unit cratered at Kansas City three weeks ago and allowed the Chiefs to block what would have been the game-winning kick as time expired. On Sunday, the Raiders had a successful fake punt and a 59-yard kickoff return. Payton isn't saying much about the injuries to DE Zach Allen (heel) and CB Riley Moss (knee) except that to him they're not serious setbacks for either player. 2 — The Broncos are two games above .500 for the first time since starting the 2021 season with three wins. The Broncos host Cleveland (3-8) on Monday night ahead of their bye week. AP NFL:

Affiliate Disclosure If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy . Google is 'three times a monopolist' says DOJ in anti-trust lawsuit Marko Zivkovic | Nov 25, 2024 The DOJ has accused Google of being a monopoly in the advertising market. 0 Facebook x.com Reddit Google has been the subject of antitrust lawsuits since 2023 , with the DOJ claiming that the company was an illegal monopoly in the search market. In August of 2024, the courts sided with the DOJ, but another lawsuit concerning the company's advertising technology followed shortly after. The Department of Justice provided its closing arguments in the latest case against Google on Monday. Its lawyer, Aaron Teitelbaum, claimed that Google had linked together its ad-related technologies in a way that stifled the growth of rival products, forcing publishers to rely on Google's systems for ad revenue. A News Corp. executive claimed that their company was effectively held hostage, as it would have lost $9 million in 2017 had it abandoned Google's advertising platform. In response, the lawyer representing Google, Vidushi Dyall, pushed back and questioned the lack of evidence, as the DOJ had failed to provide examples of rival products directly affected by Google's advertising technologies. The judge presiding in this case, Judge Leonie Brinkema, questioned the DOJ, and pointed out that advertiser feedback would be valuable in the case, as was reported by Ars Technica . Brinkema is set to issue a ruling on the case in the following months, and it's possible that she may side with the DOJ against Google, as the company's search technology was already declared an illegal monopoly. Google may be forced to sell off its Chrome browser as a result of a different trial, and the company is far from enthusiastic about it, saying that this could harm browser security. The DOJ hopes that Google will be forced to sell off its Ad Manager as well, since it represents a significant source of revenue for the company. It is unclear how the judge will rule. Regardless of the ruling and punishments levied against Google, there will be appeals through 2025. The incoming administration is a wild card that could change everything for Google's case. How the anti-trust lawsuits against Google could impact Apple's cases In March of 2024, the Department of Justice, together with multiple U.S. states , has also filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of monopolistic practices . The company filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in August of 2024, and has asked the presiding judge to dismiss the case in November of the same year. The Department of Justice has also claimed that Apple is a monopoly. The ongoing anti-trust lawsuit against Apple alleges that the company is a monopoly because it restricts iMessage conversations to iPhone users, and prevents third parties from accessing NFC technology, among other things. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced RCS support with iOS 18 , and the DOJ case may not be an accurate accusation. The outcome of Google's anti-trust lawsuit about its advertising technologies is likely to influence the outcome of the case against Apple. At the same time, the arrival of the new administration could lead to an entirely different approach for these high-profile cases.

ALTOONA, Pa. — After UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was gunned down on a New York sidewalk, police searched for the masked gunman with dogs, drones and scuba divers. Officers used the city's muscular surveillance system. Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door-to-door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later, those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian's instincts. A Pennsylvania McDonald's customer noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos that New York police had publicized. Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested Monday in the killing of Brian Thompson, who headed one of the United States’ largest medical insurance companies. People are also reading... He remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. He's expected to be extradited to New York eventually. It’s unclear whether Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday's arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after the McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Police in Altoona, about 233 miles (375 kilometers) west of New York City, were soon summoned. This booking photo released Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections shows Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections via AP) HOGP They arrived to find Mangione sitting at a table in the back of the restaurant, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he’d been to New York recently, he “became quiet and started to shake,” the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, “we knew that was our guy,” rookie Officer Tyler Frye said at a news conference in Hollidaysburg. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a Manhattan news conference that Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America." An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Yuki Iwamura A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks said in court that Mangione was found with a passport and $10,000 in cash — $2,000 of it in foreign currency. Mangione disputed the amount. Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a midtown Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on ammunition found near Thompson’s body. The words mimic a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts A poster issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a wanted unknown suspect. (FBI via AP) Federal Bureau of Investigation From surveillance video, New York investigators gathered that the shooter fled by bike into Central Park, emerged, then took a taxi to a northern Manhattan bus terminal. Once in Pennsylvania, he went from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, “trying to stay low-profile” by avoiding cameras, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Mangione was valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, where his 2016 graduation speech lauded his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Yuki Iwamura Luigi Nicholas Mangione worked for a time for the car-buying website TrueCar and left in 2023, CEO Jantoon Reigersman said by email. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of Honolulu tourist mecca Waikiki. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back," Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. NYPD officers in diving suits search a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Yuki Iwamura Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. Although the gunman obscured his face during the shooting, he left a trail of evidence in New York, including a backpack he ditched in Central Park, a cellphone found in a pedestrian plaza, a water bottle and a protein bar wrapper. In the days after the shooting, the NYPD collected hundreds of hours of surveillance video and released multiple clips and still images in hopes of enlisting the public’s eyes to help find a suspect. “This combination of old-school detective work and new-age technology is what led to this result today,” Tisch said at the New York news conference. ___ Be the first to knowInvestors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Coinbase Global, Inc. ("Coinbase" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: COIN) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between April 14, 2021 and July 25, 2024 , inclusive (the "Class Period"). Coinbase investors have until November 12, 2024 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors’ options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. On July 25, 2024, Reuters reported on a piece titled “Coinbase UK Unit Fined for Violating Financial Crime Regulations.” The article noted that Coinbase’s UK subsidiary, CB Payments Limited (CBPL), faced fines for failing to comply with a regulatory agreement aimed at strengthening its defenses against financial crime. Allegedly, CBPL provided services to 13,416 high-risk customers, contrary to a commitment made after an evaluation by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Funds deposited by these high-risk clients were reportedly used to facilitate multiple crypto transactions through other Coinbase entities, amounting to approximately $226 million. Following this news, Coinbase’s stock price dropped by $13.52, falling from $245.04 on July 24, 2024, to close at $231.52 on July 25, 2024. The lawsuit claims that Coinbase made misleading statements and/or failed to disclose critical information, including: (1) In 2020, the FCA had determined that CBPL’s efforts to prevent criminal activity on its platform were inadequate; (2) this led to an agreement with CBPL that imposed requirements to prevent high-risk customers from accessing its services; (3) CBPL subsequently violated this agreement, allowing 13,416 high-risk individuals to use its platform; and (4) as a result, the company faced undisclosed increased regulatory risks. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising

TORONTO - Broad-based gains led Canada’s main stock index higher in late-morning trading on Christmas Eve, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 57.82 points at 24,806.80. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 177.64 points at 43,084.59. The S&P 500 index was up 43.11 points at 6,017.18, while the Nasdaq composite was up 210.74 points at 19,975.62. The Canadian dollar traded for 69.50 cents US compared with 69.47 cents US on Monday. The February crude oil contract was up 91 cents at US$70.15 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was up 13 cents at US$3.48 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$1.10 at US$2,627.10 an ounce and the March copper contract was up two cents at US$4.11 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD)

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Selena Gomez ’s heart wants what it wants. And according to her boyfriend Benny Blanco , whom she’s been dating since 2023, that’s exactly why the Only Murders In the Building star made the first move. “She asked me out,” the music producer revealed to Kai Cenat during a Nov. 19 live stream . “We were just talking, and then she was like, ‘Do you wanna get dinner?’” In fact, Benny shared that the Wizards of Waverly Place alum was almost too smooth in her approach. “We just went and got a drink first, and I didn’t even realize we were on a date,” he explained. “She was like, ‘I would’ve worn something different to this date.’ And I was like, ‘Wait, what? We’re on a date?’ I had no idea!” When the pair hung out again days later, Benny, 36, realized he may have found something special. “I was like, ‘Yo, I think she likes me,’” he gushed. “Then I literally just kissed her, and then the rest is history.” Now more than a year into their relationship, Benny and Selena spend “as many days as [they] can” together, with him adding, “She’s my best friend—actual best friend.” Likewise, Selena, 32, has made it clear this isn’t that same old love, explaining why she’s shared more of their romance on social media than in her previous relationships. “I guess this is the safest I’ve ever felt in one,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Nov. 20, “and I see a future with this person. And when you put a little bit out there, people are not as hungry to hunt you down.” And while the “Hands to Myself” singer has allowed fans to see glimpses of the relationship, she insisted, “there’s so much of my relationship people don’t see, that’s just mine.” For more on why Selena and Benny’s relationship comes naturally, read on. Blossoming Romance Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco began dating in July 2023, around Selena's birthday, Benny said on the Howard Stern Show in May 2024. But they only began to spark romance rumors in late 2023. That December, Selena confirmed the speculation, commenting on a fan page's Instagram post, regarding Benny, "He is my absolute everything in my heart." She continued, "Why has he been the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's still better than anyone I've ever been with." The Rare Beauty founder also shared a photo on her Instagram Story of her leaning her head on what looked to be Benny's chest. With This Ring... Selena later shared this pic on her Instagram Stories, which shows her wearing a bejeweled "B" ring. That Kiss ...including a pic of the two kissing. Quality Time Also in December 2023, Selena shared several photos of herself hanging out in New York City with Benny and their friends.i Appreciating Art Two days after Christmas 2023, Selena shared new pics of the couple at what appeared to be an art exhibit. PDA Alert Selena posted this pic of herself and Benny one day before New Year's Eve 2023. Slam Dunk Date Night The pair attended the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Miami Heat in January 2024. Can't Keep Their Hands to Themselves The couple packed on PDA in this February 2024 snapshot. Happy Birthday Benny Selena shared a tribute to her boyfriend on his 36th birthday in March 2024. Birthday Tribute "Happy birthday baby!" Selena wrote on her Instagram . "Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco." PDA Alert Selena included this kissing pic in her birthday tribute to Benny. Naughty PDA Alert ...and these couple's pics as well. Open Book Selena celebrated the release of Benny's Open Wide in April 2024, captioning photos of the pair enjoying a cake shaped like his cookbook, "So proud." Happy Fourth of July Selena shared this pic of the two on Independence Day 2024. Who Said "I Love You" First? In July 2024, just ahead of their first dating anniversary, the two answered a viral "Who's Most Likely To" TikTok challenge, during which they were asked who was the first to say "I love you" to the other person. The answer? Selena. Getting Cozy Selena and Benny cuddled up in cute photos in July 2024 following her 32nd birthday. Night Adventures The actress captioned a gallery of summer photos, "Thank you for sharing your life with me today and everyday." Beach Babes The musicians soaked up the sun together on lounge chairs. Dinner Date Selena shared a silly pic of the two enjoying a bite. Summer of Love They're just loving each other like a love song, baby. Incognito The two were bundled up with masks on during one of their outings. Pucker Up! In another snap, Selena wore Benny's beanie as they pursed their lips for the camera. Not Single Soon The "Eastside" artist gave Selena a kiss on the cheek in a sweet summer snap in July 2024. Good for You He wrapped his arms around her in another adorable Instagram pic.

Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda on Monday announced they had entered into official talks to merge and create the world's third-largest automaker by sales . In a press conference on Monday, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the companies needed greater scale to compete in the development of new technologies in electric vehicles and intelligent driving. A business integration would give the companies an "edge that will not be possible under the current collaboration framework," Mibe said, according to a translation. The deal would aim to share intelligence and resources and deliver economies of scale and synergies while protecting both brands, he said. A holding company would be formed as the parent company of both Honda and Nissan, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The larger Honda will nominate most of the integrated entity's board members. The merged group has the potential to deliver revenue of 30 trillion yen ($191.4 billion) and operating profit of over 3 trillion yen, he said. Discussions are set to conclude in June 2025. Mibe added that if approved, the integration would be a mid to long-term project that is currently not expected to show visible progress until 2030 and beyond. Nissan's strategic partner Mitsubishi has been offered the chance to join the new group and will take a decision by the end of January 2025. The companies are grappling with intense global competition in the EV market from the likes of Tesla and China's BYD. The proposed deal was first reported by Japan's Nikkei newspaper on Dec. 17. Nissan shares spiked following the initial report of a merger. Analysts say the potential tie-up is a result of financial underperformance at the company and of the restructure of its longstanding partnership with France's Renault . In its most recent quarterly results, Nissan said it would cut 9,000 jobs and reduce global production capacity by a fifth. Honda CEO Mibe on Monday said some of the company's shareholders may feel that the deal would represent Honda supporting Nissan, but noted the merger was "based on the assumption that Nissan completes its turnaround action." "If Nissan and Honda fail to stand on their own feet the business integration talks will not come to fruition," he said. Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida told reporters that the discussion of integration did "not mean we have given up on a turnaround" and was instead about ensuring the company's competitiveness for the future. "After doing this turnaround action for future development, future growth, we need to look at ultimate size and growth. This growth will be through partnerships," he added. Nissan has "been struggling in the market, it's been struggling at home, it doesn't have the right product line-up," Peter Wells, professor of business and sustainability at Cardiff Business School's Centre for Automotive Industry Research, told CNBC's " Street Signs Europe " last week. "There are so many warning signs, so many red flags around Nissan at the moment that something had to happen. Whether this is the answer is another question," Wells added. — CNBC's Ruxandra Iordache and Sam Meredith contributed to this story.Several times following New England’s 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said he wanted to review the game film before making a final assessment of his team’s performance. He did, and on Monday he said the overarching feeling he was left with was one of pride. Going toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the NFL is commendable. Mayo also remains confident this group has even more room for growth over its final two games this season. “To be frank, I don’t believe in good losses,” Mayo said. “I think there’s a lot to learn from the game. Look, we’re headed in the right direction, but it’s all about consistency, and we have to do that on a down-after-down, a game-after-game basis to be successful in this league.” What is also clear is that despite their 3-12 record, Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye wants people to know that he and his teammates believe in their coach. No matter what conversations might be going on outside the Patriots locker room regarding shortcomings by the coaching staff, or Mayo’s job status. “We’ve got his back, and he’s coached us hard. He wants to win. We all want to win. We’re all frustrated,” Maye said. “We’re just plays away, and it’s basically me turning the ball over. I think it’s just a testament to these guys that keep fighting. We keep fighting. Shoot, we’re not going to make the playoffs; we’re out of the race, and these guys are coming in, frustrated when we don’t score. ... So, I think we’re building something good, building something that feels right here, and I’m proud to be a Patriot.” What’s working The Patriots entered the week scoring only 7.5 points per game in the first half this season, which ranked 29th in the NFL. The offense woke up with 14 points in the first half on Sunday, notching multiple offensive touchdowns in the first half for the first time in 2024. What needs help Stopping the run has been an issue for New England’s defense for most of the season and it was on display against the Bills. With Buffalo trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, running back James Cook sliced through the interior of the Patriots defense and broke free for a 46-yard TD run. It was a big chunk of Buffalo’s 172 yards on the ground for the game. Stock up CB Jonathan Jones. He was tasked with being the primary defender on Buffalo’s top receiver Khalil Shakir for most of the game. The veteran held his own, helping limit the Bills’ leader in catches and receiving yards to only two catches for 22 yards on six targets. Jones also forced a fumble by Shakir in the fourth quarter, though Shakir was able to recover it. Stock down Marte Mapu. The linebacker started at safety with Jabrill Peppers sidelined with a hamstring injury. Mapu was strong for most of the game and had a chance to set up the Patriots offense in the second quarter when he snagged his second career interception, picking off Josh Allen’s pass in the end zone. But Mapu decided to run the ball out of the end zone and was tackled on the New England 1-yard line. The poor starting field position eventually led to a punt and the Patriots couldn’t add to their 14-7 lead. Injuries The Patriots didn’t announce any injuries during the game. But along with Peppers, cornerback Marcus Jones also sat out with a hip injury. Key number 2-6 — The Patriots’ record in one-score games this season. Four of those have been by three or fewer points. Next steps The Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press

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As the year draws to a close, the Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024. What moved readers most? As part of a 12-day series, Waikato Herald reporter Danielle Zollickhofer looks at the top stories each month. Welcome to day 4: April. Nationally, April 2024 was the month the Government said local councils would have to hold referendums on Māori wards . TVNZ confirmed its decision to cancel Sunday while Warner Bros Discovery and Stuff revealed they’d agreed to replace Newshub with a 6pm news bulletin provided by Stuff . The school cellphone ban came into force and the first Popeyes restaurant in New Zealand opened in Auckland. Another big event was the return of Supercars to New Zealand as Taupō International Motorsport Park hosted the inaugural ITM Taupō Super400 .

( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) Resonance Security is a cybersecurity company providing full-spectrum solutions protecting institutions, small businesses, web3, and individuals against the increasing threat of cyberattacks. The company today announced its release of PulseCheck , a free and secure cybersecurity assessment tool designed for complete scope analysis.“We've made the decision to never leave any institution, small business, or individual behind when it comes to cybersecurity. It's become way too easy for hackers, and we need to do something about it immediately. We've made cybersecurity easy for any budget, technical level, and any circumstance,” said Resonance founder and CEO Charles Dray.“Resonance is all in when it comes to making a long-term positive impact with cybersecurity.” To view the full press release, visit About Resonance Security Resonance specializes in comprehensive cybersecurity software and testing solutions across various institutional sectors, startups and individuals. The company offers easy-to-use software that blends cybersecurity applications with a range of solutions including penetration testing, cloud security, smart contract audits, incident response, personalized endpoint detection and response, and customized engagements aimed at testing mobile and web applications and devices. Resonance Security caters to institutions across nearly every vertical, AI projects, blockchain projects, and individuals. Resonance was founded in March 2023 and is based in New York. To learn more about the company, visit . About TechMediaWire TechMediaWire (“TMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on pioneering public and private companies driving the future of technology. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers : (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries ; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets ; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact ; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers ; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions . With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, TMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public. 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If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.With our daily tarot card reading, you will not only feel the energies that will be influencing your day but will also bring you messages to give you clarity for the day ahead. Here's what the day has in store for you, based on your zodiac sign. Aries At work you will achieve your goals with self efforts. Travel plans made today will be well budgeted. Singles will come across alliances who are talented. On the health front you are likely to take control of your health. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that will expect them to undertake multiple responsibilities. Taurus Stress will increase. At work you will be lost in thoughts. Travel plans made today will be slow. Singles will come across alliances who are sluggish. Jobseekers will be asked to wait or will face delays in interviews. On the health front you are likely to not take initiatives or will experience a slow down in your body. Gemini Avoid getting involved into others matters. On the health front you are likely to be addicted or consume something that will create habit formation. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in IT, social media and or in AI sector. Travel plans made today will be affected due to someone’s negligence. Cancer At work you will achieve a lot of opportunities to achieve your goals. Travel plans will be expensive on pocket. On the health front you are likely to do multiple things at a time. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations of choice. Singles will get physically to attracted to someone. Leo Someone will try to manipulate you. Travel plans made today will be expensive on pocket. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in sales and marketing fields. On the health front you are likely to have issues due to blood pressure. Singles will come across alliances who are flirtatious or have the habit of lying. Virgo Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that will be family businesses. At work you will be able to complete your tasks. On the health front expect some changes. Travel plans will be well researched. Singles will come across alliances who are financially struggling. Libra At work you will have setbacks due to difference of opinions with others. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in departments like customer care. On the health front you are likely to have issues related to blood pressure. Singles will come across alliances who are their twin flames. Scorpio At work someone will push you harder to achieve your goal or organizational targets. Travel plans made today will be will come across opportunities in organizations that are male dominated. On the health front you are likely to be ignorant about your health matters. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in lifestyle and luxury category. Singles will come across alliances who are spendthrift. Sagittarius Avoid getting into people’s matters or signing any papers. Travel plans can suffer documentation issues. On the health front you are likely to have issues related to blood pressure or may suffer spasm issues. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that are into delivery, security services, legal firms and or in housekeeping. Singles should avoid getting into show off. Capricorn At work you will achieve your targets. On the health front you are likely to have issues related to sleep or stress. Singles will come across alliances who will either be from foreign country or will be fraud in nature. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in home appliance categories. Travel plans made today will be influenced by women or working professionals. Aquarius At work you will set long term goals. On the health front you are likely to benefit by Ayurvedic and or herbal medicines. Travel plans made today will be to long distance places. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in multinational companies. Singles will come across alliances who are from different city or state. Pisces At work you will receive a lot of tasks to complete. On the health front you are suggested to set health goals and take baby steps to achieve them. Travel plans made today will be expensive on pocket. Singles will come across alliances who are emotionally imbalanced. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that won’t offer a good hike. Also See: Horoscope Predictions for 2025Aries Horoscope 2025Taurus Horoscope 2025Gemini Horoscope 2025Cancer Horoscope 2025Leo Horoscope 2025Virgo Horoscope 2025Libra Horoscope 2025Scorpio Horoscope 2025Sagittarius Horoscope 2025Capricorn Horoscope 2025Aquarius Horoscope 2025Pisces Horoscope 2025 Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Astrology and around the world.

Gaming on Linux is rapidly evolving, reshaping the landscape and future of gaming platforms. Recent developments indicate a significant shift with the introduction of new technologies that enhance the gaming experience for Linux users. As major developers release high-profile games with Linux support, gamers are witnessing a revolution that many deemed unlikely just a few years ago. Innovations like Steam Deck have accelerated this trend. Valve’s portable gaming device is designed to run Linux, proving the platform’s potential to handle mainstream gaming demands. The Proton compatibility layer, a key component in this evolution, allows Windows-exclusive games to be played smoothly on Linux. This technology minimizes the barriers between game developers and Linux enthusiasts, fostering a more inclusive gaming ecosystem. Moreover, game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine are increasingly supporting Linux. This expansion means indie and AAA developers can more easily target Linux alongside other major platforms. As a result, Linux gaming libraries are growing, attracting more users who value open-source environments. Looking ahead, the horizon for Linux gaming appears promising. Expect further hardware innovations and partnerships between tech giants and Linux distributors, enabling smoother experiences and pushing performance boundaries. With the gaming landscape becoming more diverse, Linux stands as a pivotal player, promising exciting developments and more inclusive access for gamers worldwide. Linux is not just about operating systems anymore; it’s about reimagining the gaming world. How Linux is Quietly Transforming the Gaming World The gaming industry is witnessing a transformative shift as Linux emerges as a formidable platform for gamers and developers alike. This evolution is fueled by a series of groundbreaking innovations and collaborations that promise to redefine the future of gaming. ## Steam Deck and Proton: A Game-Changer for Linux Valve’s introduction of the Steam Deck has proven to be a pivotal moment for Linux gaming. This portable gaming device is fundamentally altering how mainstream audiences perceive the platform’s capabilities. By being rooted in Linux, the Steam Deck showcases the potential for seamless gaming experiences that rival traditional systems. A crucial component of this transformation is the Proton compatibility layer, which bridges the gap between Windows-exclusive games and Linux. Proton’s ability to allow smooth gameplay of these titles has eroded longstanding barriers, inviting more developers and players into the Linux ecosystem. ## Expanding Horizons with Game Engine Support Major game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine now offer robust support for Linux. This development opens doors for both indie and AAA game developers to include Linux in their platform lineup without excessive hurdles. As these engines continue to evolve, they ensure that Linux gaming libraries swell with diverse titles, gradually attracting a growing community of gamers who appreciate open-source systems. ## Linux Gaming: Pros and Cons Pros: – Open-Source Flexibility : Linux offers an open-source environment that encourages creativity and customization, appealing to a tech-savvy audience. – Performance and Stability : Many find Linux to be a stable and efficient platform that can effectively harness gaming hardware’s potential. – Cost-Effective : Generally free, Linux provides an economical alternative to paid operating systems. Cons: – Learning Curve : New Linux users may face a challenging learning curve, especially when setting up drivers and games. – Compatibility : While Proton and game engine support have improved, not all games and hardware are fully compatible with Linux. – Limited Native Titles : Despite growing libraries, the number of games with native Linux support still lags behind other platforms. ## Market Analysis and Future Predictions The market analysis indicates a trend toward increased adoption of Linux in gaming, heralded by milestones like the rise of Steam Deck and expanded engine support. Analysts predict that by 2025, Linux will carve out a significant share of the gaming market, driven by strategic partnerships with tech companies and continuous improvements in hardware compatibility. ## Conclusion Linux is steadily ascending as a mainstream gaming platform, challenging longstanding industry norms. With ongoing innovations such as the Steam Deck, and expansive support from top game engines, the future of Linux gaming appears promising. It is poised to offer a more inclusive and versatile environment for gamers globally, marking an exciting chapter in the gaming world. For more information on the landscape of Linux in technology, check out Linux Foundation .

With our daily tarot card reading, you will not only feel the energies that will be influencing your day but will also bring you messages to give you clarity for the day ahead. Here's what the day has in store for you, based on your zodiac sign. Aries At work you will achieve your goals with self efforts. Travel plans made today will be well budgeted. Singles will come across alliances who are talented. On the health front you are likely to take control of your health. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that will expect them to undertake multiple responsibilities. Taurus Stress will increase. At work you will be lost in thoughts. Travel plans made today will be slow. Singles will come across alliances who are sluggish. Jobseekers will be asked to wait or will face delays in interviews. On the health front you are likely to not take initiatives or will experience a slow down in your body. Gemini Avoid getting involved into others matters. On the health front you are likely to be addicted or consume something that will create habit formation. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in IT, social media and or in AI sector. Travel plans made today will be affected due to someone’s negligence. Cancer At work you will achieve a lot of opportunities to achieve your goals. Travel plans will be expensive on pocket. On the health front you are likely to do multiple things at a time. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations of choice. Singles will get physically to attracted to someone. Leo Someone will try to manipulate you. Travel plans made today will be expensive on pocket. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in sales and marketing fields. On the health front you are likely to have issues due to blood pressure. Singles will come across alliances who are flirtatious or have the habit of lying. Virgo Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that will be family businesses. At work you will be able to complete your tasks. On the health front expect some changes. Travel plans will be well researched. Singles will come across alliances who are financially struggling. Libra At work you will have setbacks due to difference of opinions with others. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in departments like customer care. On the health front you are likely to have issues related to blood pressure. Singles will come across alliances who are their twin flames. Scorpio At work someone will push you harder to achieve your goal or organizational targets. Travel plans made today will be will come across opportunities in organizations that are male dominated. On the health front you are likely to be ignorant about your health matters. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in lifestyle and luxury category. Singles will come across alliances who are spendthrift. Sagittarius Avoid getting into people’s matters or signing any papers. Travel plans can suffer documentation issues. On the health front you are likely to have issues related to blood pressure or may suffer spasm issues. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that are into delivery, security services, legal firms and or in housekeeping. Singles should avoid getting into show off. Capricorn At work you will achieve your targets. On the health front you are likely to have issues related to sleep or stress. Singles will come across alliances who will either be from foreign country or will be fraud in nature. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in home appliance categories. Travel plans made today will be influenced by women or working professionals. Aquarius At work you will set long term goals. On the health front you are likely to benefit by Ayurvedic and or herbal medicines. Travel plans made today will be to long distance places. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in multinational companies. Singles will come across alliances who are from different city or state. Pisces At work you will receive a lot of tasks to complete. On the health front you are suggested to set health goals and take baby steps to achieve them. Travel plans made today will be expensive on pocket. Singles will come across alliances who are emotionally imbalanced. Jobseekers will come across opportunities in organizations that won’t offer a good hike. Also See: Horoscope Predictions for 2025Aries Horoscope 2025Taurus Horoscope 2025Gemini Horoscope 2025Cancer Horoscope 2025Leo Horoscope 2025Virgo Horoscope 2025Libra Horoscope 2025Scorpio Horoscope 2025Sagittarius Horoscope 2025Capricorn Horoscope 2025Aquarius Horoscope 2025Pisces Horoscope 2025 Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Astrology and around the world.

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New Delhi, Nov 23 (PTI) AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday termed his party's win in three out of four seats in the Punjab bypolls a "semi-final", asserting that the party is on course for another historic mandate in Delhi. Kejriwal, a former chief minister of Delhi, said the people of Punjab have chosen the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the second time which shows that it is doing good work. "Over the past decade, we have established the Delhi model of governance that focuses on making life easier for the common man," he said. The AAP national convener also took to social media platform X and said, "The people of Punjab have once again expressed their faith in the ideology of the Aam Aadmi Party and the work of our government by giving us three out of four seats in the by-elections. A heartfelt thank you to the people of Punjab and many congratulations to everyone." Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, referring to the AAP's election symbol 'broom', said the party, which "used to clean homes and shops with a broom", was now cleaning "all of India" under Kejriwal's leadership. Every promise made to the people of Punjab during the by-elections will be fulfilled on a priority basis, he added. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also extended her wishes on X and said, "Congratulations to all the workers on the grand victory of AAP in the Punjab by-elections." This victory is the victory of Kejriwal's politics of work and the victory of every Punjabi who dreams of Rangla Punjab, she said in Hindi. Echoing similar sentiments, senior party leader Manish Sisodia wrote on X, "This is the result of Arvind Kejriwal's honest politics and leadership, and Bhagwant Mann's hard work. The people of Punjab have sent a clear message only the politics of work will prevail now, not lies and corruption." The AAP secured victories in three out of four assembly by-elections in Punjab, strengthening its hold in the state. The Congress managed to win one seat, while the BJP failed to secure any. The bypolls were seen as a litmus test for the party because the AAP faced a drubbing in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in which it could win just three of the 13 parliamentary constituencies in Punjab. PTI MHS VIT AS AS (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Shane Bieber says bonds led to re-signing with Guardians after he missed '24 following elbow surgeryNEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell in morning trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4%, with more than 80% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. Still, the index is managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 402 points, or 0.9%, to 42,945 as of 10:41 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 2%. Both the Dow and the Nasdaq are also holding on to weekly gains. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 3.2%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 2.2% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 2.2% and Best Buy slipped 1.9%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy was the only sector within the S&P 500 rising. It gained 0.5% as crude oil prices rose 0.8%. Investors don't have much in the way of corporate or economic updates to review as the market moves closer to another standout annual finish. The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.59% from late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.32% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.8gaming slot 。

OTTAWA — After being blanked 4-0 by host Canada the night before, Finland bounced back with a gritty 3-1 win over Germany during Friday's second day of competition at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa. Emil Pieniniemi, Arttu Alasiurua and Jesse Kiiskinen scored for Finland, which outshot the winless German crew 43-32. Clemens Sager scored for Germany, which lost 10-4 to the defending champion United States on Boxing Day. Finland led 1-0 after the first period and 2-1 heading into the third. Germany's goaltender Linus Vieillard stopped 40 of 42 shots directed at him, while Petteri Rimpinen stopped 31 of 32 shots for Finland. Both teams play their next games Sunday when Finland plays the U.S. and Germany faces Canada. Earlier on Friday, Slovakia bounced back from a 5-2 opening-day loss to Sweden to edge Switzerland 2-1. Jan Chovan's goal with 3:18 left in the third period snapped a 1-1 deadlock and lifted Slovakia to the victory. Daniel Jencko also scored for Slovakia. Eric Schneller scored for winless Switzerland, which lost 5-1 on Thursday to Czechia. Both teams had 29 shots on goal. Both teams play again Sunday when Slovakia faces Czechia and Switzerland plays Sweden. In later games Friday, Sweden will square off with Kazakhstan, while Canada will face Latvia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

(Reuters) - Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his players as they bounced back from consecutive LaLiga disappointments with what he described as a great performance to thump French side Brest 3-0 in their Champions League clash on Tuesday. Flick said on Monday that his side's recent form was a major worry after they failed to win for a second successive LaLiga game, but the German coach was delighted with how his players responded. "Very happy. We deserved it, winning by three goals but we could have scored more," Flick told Movistar Plus. "But I'm happy either way because delivering a performance like this after (a 2-2 draw at Celta) Vigo (on Saturday) is just great." Flick praised Barca striker Robert Lewandowski who scored twice to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players to reach 100 goals in the competition, but said that he preferred his team's collective effort on Tuesday. "Lewandowski is great, I'm delighted with his goals. I think Lewandowski knows he has to score and he is in the position to do it, but the important thing is what the team generates," Flick said. "Obviously, he knows he has to score and he plays for it, but what this team does is just wonderful." Tuesday's victory lifted Barca to second in the 36-team Champions League table on 12 points from five games, one point behind Inter Milan and level with third-placed Liverpool, who host Real Madrid on Wednesday. Flick's team are on top in the LaLiga standings with 34 points, four ahead of rivals Real Madrid in second, who have a game in hand. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Toby Davis)Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday started examining four cases that turn on how far social media should be regulated, and what responsibilities platforms have in cracking down on illegal content. The judicial review comes a month after the same court forced Elon Musk's X platform to obey rulings aimed at battling online disinformation. That issue has taken on heat in recent days in Brazil, with federal police accusing far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro and allied officials of using social media disinformation as part of a 2022 "coup" plot against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, then the country's president-elect. The alleged plot involved using online posts to undermine public trust in the electoral system to justify Bolsonaro holding onto the presidency after Lula defeated him at the polls. Bolsonaro says he is innocent. The Supreme Court's deliberations in the cases are not expected to be concluded until sometime next year. One key point it is looking at is whether social media platforms can be fined for illegal content posted by users. Another is whether the platforms should themselves be required to monitor and remove any illegal content without a prior court order to do so. The court's rulings will become precedents that will have to be applied generally to all social media platforms operating in Brazil. Brazil -- many of whose 216 million inhabitants are heavy users of WhatsApp and Facebook -- does not have legislation in that area. Global social media networks, however, already have to abide by laws in the EU against illegal online content, under the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), which could guide them in terms of Brazilian compliance. One of the Brazilian Supreme Court's judges, Alexandre de Moraes, in August ordered Musk's X be blocked across the country for failing to comply with a series of court orders against online disinformation. On October 9, the platform was allowed to resume activities after paying around $5 million in fines and deactivating the accounts of several Bolsonaro supporters accused of spreading disinformation and online hate speech. The court's presiding judge, Luis Roberto Barroso, told AFP that "digital platforms... open paths to disinformation, hate, deliberate lies and conspiracy theories." He added: "In the whole democratic world there are debates about protecting free speech without permitting everyone to fall into a pit of incivility." He pointed to the European Union's DSA as a form of regulation "that seeks a point of ideal equilibrium". Brazil, in his opinion, should carve out its own regulation "with a minimum of government intervention where it comes to freedom of thought, while preventing increased criminality and inciting violence." ffb/rmb/st

CLEVLEAND (AP) — Shane Bieber's comeback with Cleveland has double meaning. And deeper meaning. The former Cy Young winner re-signed with the Guardians on Wednesday, a reunion that seemed unlikely when he became a free agent following last season. However, the 29-year-old Bieber decided to stick with the AL Central champions after making just two starts in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. There were other offers. None of them matched what he already had in Cleveland. “It's the relationships,” Bieber said on a Zoom call. "The development staff. The coaching staff. My teammates. Having continuity and familiarity in those realms I feel like can prove beneficial not only to me but my family and everybody really involved. "That was big for me to feel confident in my rehab where I’m at right now. Nobody knows me as well as Cleveland does and vice versa, so I’m happy to be continuing with them." Bieber agreed last week to a one-year, $14 million contract . The deal includes a $16 million player option for 2026. Not long ago, it seemed as if Bieber, who is 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA in 132 starts over seven seasons for Cleveland, was determined to continue his career elsewhere. He had turned down previous long-term offers in the past from the Guardians, and it was expected he would sign with another contender, likely on the West Coast. But the California native has a special connection with the Guardians, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. And while a setback, the injury and surgery helped Bieber realize that he was already in the perfect place. “I had plenty of great meetings and beneficial and progressive meetings with other ball clubs,” he said. "Everybody handled everything first class all the way, and I’ve got great things to say about plenty of other organizations. “Ultimately, Cleveland made the call and I was happy to receive it and come to terms and so I’m happy with where I’m at. My family’s ecstatic. It was very clearly the right decision for not only myself, my family, and we’re excited to continue it.” Bieber, who won the AL Cy Young in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, threw only 12 innings last season before lingering issues with his elbow forced him to have surgery. He is expected to join Cleveland's rotation at some point in 2025. He's throwing three days a week at 90 feet and encouraged by his progress. As for when he'll take the mound in a game, that's currently unknown. “I’m pushing, pushing, pushing.” he said. “I feel great. I haven’t skipped a beat. When I ask for a (return) date, they don’t even give me a date. So there’s a long way to go.” A two-time All-Star, Bieber burst onto the national stage in 2019 when he was named MVP of the midsummer event in Cleveland. He has the highest strikeout ratio per nine innings (10.2) and third-highest winning percentage (.660) in the franchise's 124-year history. Bieber is one of just three Cleveland pitchers to start five season openers, joining Stan Coveleski (1917-21) and Corey Kluber (2015-19). While Bieber had some elbow issues in the past, he didn't appear to be struggling before being shut down. He struck out 11 in six scoreless innings against Oakland on March 28, and followed that up with six more shutout innings at Seattle on April 2. Days later, and with his season officially over, Bieber became emotional during a news conference at Progressive Field. He knew that in the short-term his life would be different and baseball, as he had always known it, would be on the backburner. Bieber said it took a while before he “digested” his new reality. He coped by immersing himself in his recovery, and Bieber found joy in watching his teammates storm through an unexpected season to a division title. Although it may not have been the same because he wasn't contributing on the field the way he always had, the hardships may have given Bieber something he needed. “It’s provided a lot of perspective,” he said. “It was a hard season this year for me and my family, but it was a great one. We’re expecting a baby and it was a season full of growth and I’m very excited to continue that into 2025.” AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBBest Bets, Odds for the Titans vs. Jaguars Game – Week 17

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Taiwan Semiconductor. Our analysis of options history for Taiwan Semiconductor TSM revealed 53 unusual trades. Delving into the details, we found 43% of traders were bullish, while 49% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 13 were puts, with a value of $1,450,644, and 40 were calls, valued at $4,731,585. Expected Price Movements Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $95.0 to $250.0 for Taiwan Semiconductor over the recent three months. Analyzing Volume & Open Interest In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Taiwan Semiconductor options trades today is 7179.62 with a total volume of 29,269.00. In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Taiwan Semiconductor's big money trades within a strike price range of $95.0 to $250.0 over the last 30 days. Taiwan Semiconductor 30-Day Option Volume & Interest Snapshot Noteworthy Options Activity: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume TSM CALL SWEEP BULLISH 03/21/25 $35.7 $35.4 $35.6 $150.00 $1.1M 663 307 TSM CALL SWEEP BULLISH 01/17/25 $8.2 $8.1 $8.2 $185.00 $630.3K 12.2K 1.1K TSM PUT TRADE BULLISH 07/18/25 $6.3 $6.1 $6.1 $145.00 $549.0K 420 900 TSM CALL SWEEP BEARISH 01/17/25 $3.85 $3.75 $3.77 $200.00 $289.5K 28.5K 1.3K TSM CALL SWEEP BULLISH 02/21/25 $7.9 $7.8 $7.9 $195.00 $263.0K 78.0K 493 About Taiwan Semiconductor Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is the world's largest dedicated chip foundry, with over 60% market share. TSMC was founded in 1987 as a joint venture of Philips, the government of Taiwan, and private investors. It went public as an ADR in the us in 1997. TSMC's scale and high-quality technology allow the firm to generate solid operating margins, even in the highly competitive foundry business. Furthermore, the shift to the fabless business model has created tailwinds for TSMC. The foundry leader has an illustrious customer base, including Apple, AMD, and Nvidia, that looks to apply cutting-edge process technologies to its semiconductor designs. TSMC employs more than 73,000 people. Having examined the options trading patterns of Taiwan Semiconductor, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance Taiwan Semiconductor's Current Market Status With a volume of 6,722,385, the price of TSM is down -1.71% at $180.7. RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold. Next earnings are expected to be released in 50 days. What Analysts Are Saying About Taiwan Semiconductor A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $240.0. Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days? 20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. Click here for access .* An analyst from Barclays persists with their Overweight rating on Taiwan Semiconductor, maintaining a target price of $240. Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Taiwan Semiconductor options trades with real-time alerts from Benzinga Pro . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.After President-elect Donald Trump revealed that he told NHL great Wayne Gretzky that he should be Canada’s next leader, the Great One’s wife has co-signed the idea that he could be an exceptional prime minister. “I just left Wayne Gretzky, ’The Great One’ as he is known in ice-hockey circles,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Christmas Day. “I said, ’Wayne, why don’t you run for prime minister of Canada, soon to be known as the governor of Canada — you would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.’ He had no interest.’” Despite Gretzky saying he held no political aspirations, Trump urged Canadians to “start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement.” “It would be so much fun to watch!” he concluded. According to Fox News , Gretzky’s wife, Janet, who was born in Missouri, reposted Trump’s message to her Instagram Stories. The mother-of-five also added her own endorsement in support of her husband running for office north of the border. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” she shared, quoting one of Gretzky’s most famous statements . On Instagram, many of Janet’s followers backed the idea of the Brantford, Ont.-born Gretzky running for prime minister. “GOT FOR IT 99 ... SAVE CANADA,” one person wrote, while another asked, “Is this a ‘running for PM’ announcement?” Last month, Gretzky and some of his family appeared at Trump’s victory party after he was re-elected as America’s 47th president. His wife is a fan of Trump, with her mother, Jean, reportedly a fanatical supporter of The Donald. Dustin Johnson, the professional golfer and husband of the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and Hockey Hall of Famer’s daughter Paulina, has been golfing with Trump since 2017. Back in 2015, Gretzky, who is ineligible to vote in Canada, endorsed Conservative Leader Stephen Harper . “I think you have been an unreal prime minister,” Gretzky said during an event in Toronto, adding that he had been “wonderful to the country.” “I know you have nothing but the country’s best interests at heart,” Gretzky added. Gretzky’s comments divided social media, but the former Edmonton Oilers great said he has always lent a hand when a sitting prime minister has asked for his help. “In 1981, I did a luncheon for prime minister (Pierre) Trudeau at the time. In 1986, Mr. (Brian) Mulroney and (his wife) Mila asked me to host an event for a charity of their choice, which I did,” he said. “When Mr. Harper reached out to me and asked me to do a Q&A with him it’s simple: I can’t vote in this country. But ... when the prime minister of Canada calls you, you say: ‘OK, I’ll do the favour for you.’ So whoever is going to be the next prime minister, if they call me for the favour I’d reach out again,” he said . “I have known Patrick Brown for a number of years now,” Gretzky said in a statement . “Hard working and dedicated, Patrick is a strong Conservative. He has the passion and vision to lead Ontario.” Elsewhere, Trump continued teasing Canada’s deeply unpopular Prime Minster Justin Trudeau as he prepares to take over as America’s next president in January. On Wednesday, Trump also offered his Christmas greetings to Trudeau, calling him a “governor” and boasting that Canadians would enjoy a tax cut of more than 60% if the country became a U.S. state. “Their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the world,” he wrote. These comments followed a pre-Christmas message in which he asserted “ Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State.” “They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!” he wrote. Trump also welcomed the departure of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, calling her “totally toxic.” Trudeau has been largely quiet about Trump’s taunts. But on Boxing Day he shared a six-word message alongside a video narrated by Tom Brokaw that provided an overview of Canadian politics, landscapes and formative moments in the national memory in the leadup to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. “Some information about Canada for Americans,” Trudeau wrote on X. Meanwhile, Trudeau’s political rival Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been a vociferous opponent of Trump’s takeover rhetoric. “W e need a strong, smart prime minister who has the brains and backbone to first and foremost say to President Trump, ‘Canada will never be the 51st state. We will be an independent, proud, sovereign country, as we always have been,'” he said in an exclusive interview with the Toronto Sun . mdaniell@postmedia.com

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An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look onBALA CYNWYD, Pa., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brodsky & Smith reminds investors of the following investigations. If you own shares and wish to discuss the investigation, contact Jason Brodsky ( jbrodsky@brodskysmith.com ) or Marc Ackerman ( mackerman@brodskysmith.com ) at 855-576-4847. There is no cost or financial obligation to you. Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq – LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP) Under the terms of the agreement, Liberty Broadband will be acquired by Charter Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq - CHTR). Each holder of Liberty Broadband common stock will receive 0.236 of a share of Charter common stock per share of Liberty Broadband common stock held. Each holder of Liberty Broadband preferred stock will receive one share of newly issued Charter cumulative redeemable preferred stock per share of Liberty Broadband preferred stock held. The investigation concerns whether the Liberty Broadband Board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to conduct a fair process, including whether Charter is paying fair value for the Company. Additional information can be found at https://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/liberty-broadband-corporation-nasdaq-lbrda-lbrdk-lbrdp/ ,. Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (NYSE American - AE) Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Adams will be acquired by an affiliate of Tres Energy LLC (“Tres Energy”). Adams stockholders will receive $38.00 per share in cash in a deal with an enterprise value of $138.9 million. The investigation concerns whether the Adams Board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to conduct a fair process, including whether Tres Energy is paying fair value to shareholders of the Company. Additional information can be found at https://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/adams-resources-energy-inc-nyse-american-ae/ . Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (Nasdaq ROIC) Under the terms of the agreement, ROIC will be acquired by Blackstone (NYSE - BX) for $17.50 a share in cash in a deal valued at approximately $4 billion. The investigation concerns whether the ROIC Board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to conduct a fair process, including whether Blackstone is paying fair value for the Company. Additional information can be found at https://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/retail-opportunity-investments-corp-nasdaq-roic/ Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. (NYSE – VINE) Under the terms of the agreement, Fresh Vine Wine will be acquired by Amaze Software, Inc. (“Amaze”) (through Adifex Holdings LLC). Fresh Vine Wine stockholders will receive $10.00 per share in cash in a deal valued at approximately $1.7 billion. The investigation concerns whether the Fresh Vine Wine Board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to conduct a fair process, including whether Silver Lake is paying fair value to shareholders of the Company. For example, the deal consideration is below the 52-week high of $10.85 for the Company’s shares. Additional information can be found at https://www.brodskysmith.com/cases/fresh-vine-wine-inc-nyse-vine/ . Brodsky & Smith is a litigation law firm with extensive expertise representing shareholders throughout the nation in securities and class action lawsuits. The attorneys at Brodsky & Smith have been appointed by numerous courts throughout the country to serve as lead counsel in class actions and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients and shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Just when it looked like being a fairly regulation Champions League night, Manchester City delivered yet again. City’s late capitulation at home to Feyenoord was the shock result as the group stage entered its fifth round of matches. There were 40 goals in nine games, a few thrashings and contrasting fortunes for two of Europe’s most prolific strikers. Here at the big talking points from Tuesday night. Pep Guardiola marked by Manchester City collapse Isn’t it amazing how a few defeats can lead to utterly scrambled minds. Manchester City may have ended their five-game losing run with a 3-3 draw against Feyenoord but the rueful, sad smile on Pep Guardiola’s face at full-time reflected another humiliating night that may have actually been the worst result of their horrific recent run. Advertisement This was arguably the most un-City-like thing to have happened in the last month. Being 3-0 up and absolutely cruising with 16 minutes to go...they just don’t throw away leads like this. In fact, no one does. No team in Champions League history has ever had a three-goal lead that late in a game and not gone on to win. The reasons and excuses are running out. This was nothing to do with injuries and judging on the red marks on his forehead Guardiola was literally left scratching his head. Josko Gvardiol started the panic with another error (he contributed to two of Tottenham Hotspur ’s goals on Sunday), sending a terrible, bouncing back-pass too short for Ederson , gobbled up by Anis Hadj-Moussa. Guardiola put his head in his hands and looked bereft. Perhaps he knew what was coming. Thereafter, City’s game management was found wanting. At 3-2 up with a couple of minutes to go they were still taking quick free-kicks and defending on the halfway line, allowing a ball over the top which led to David Hancko ’s dramatic equaliser. Video for UK readers INCREDIBLE SCENES AT THE ETIHAD! 😳 From 3-0 down, Feyenoord are now DRAWING 3-3 with Man City! #UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/pMUCrA0jLD — Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 26, 2024 Video for U.S. readers FEYENOORD COME BACK FROM 3-0 DOWN TO STUN MANCHESTER CITY 😱 pic.twitter.com/HWB2NGMOjN — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 26, 2024 It was the 14th goal they have conceded in just four matches. Feyenoord brutally exposed the fragility, nervousness and lack of confidence of a team which has won every trophy imaginable in the last three years but has forgotten how to win football matches. Next up? Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday. Toothless PSG are not helping themselves We are used to Paris Saint-Germain not converting their domestic dominance into Champions League success, but at least they always get out of the group stage. PSG have been in the competition exclusively since 2012 (winning 10 of 12 Ligue 1 titles in that time) and have progressed to at least the last 16 in every season. Advertisement However after yet another defeat in the revamped group stage, losing 1-0 away at Bayern Munich , PSG are now in real danger of not even reaching the play-offs for the last 16. They currently sit 26th in the table on four points from five matches (scoring just three goals) and still have to face Manchester City (home) and Stuttgart (away) in their final three fixtures. Although to be fair that City game looks pretty easy right now. Luis Enrique is building a long-term project in Paris, moving away from the galacticos era and trying to create a young, cohesive team with and without the ball. They were also hampered by having to play most of the second half with 10 men after Ousmane Dembele’s red card. But he’s not helping himself with some odd decisions, like keeping Gianluigi Donnarumma out the team in favour of Matvey Safonov who was at fault for the winning goal in Munich (Donnarumma has had his issues with set pieces too, it must be said). Video for UK readers Kim Min-jae puts Bayern ahead against PSG! PSG get it all wrong from the corner 😬 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/cF38X8Ld0A — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2024 Video for U.S. readers Right place, right time as Kim Min-jae heads it home 💥 pic.twitter.com/o5p2blYEk2 — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 26, 2024 Enrique deserves leeway because of PSG’s new long-term approach but with the talent they still have it would be a disaster if they finished outside the top 24 in the group stage. Perhaps PSG just don’t have enough match-winners. Bradley Barcola epitomises their contrasting form at home and abroad, with 10 goals in 12 Ligue 1 appearances and not a goal or assist to speak of in the Champions League. Sporting feel the No-Amorim Effect On the night that one of the new kings of European football was all set to ascend to his throne, it was left to an old stager to show him how it was done. Viktor Gyokeres hasn’t had many off-nights lately. In 25 matches this season Gyokeres had only failed to score in six of them, netting 33 goals and leading to suggestions he could break Lionel Messi ’s record for the most goals in a campaign. Advertisement Well, against one of the best centre-back pairings in Europe in Gabriel and William Saliba , Gyokeres endured a frustrating night, only managing a couple of attempts in what was a dreadful night for a Sporting team very much missing their old manager Ruben Amorim. Video for UK readers What a start for Arsenal 👏 Bukayo Saka puts it on a plate for Kai Havertz to extend the Gunners' lead ⭐ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Xpm3Vp8vRp — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2024 Video for U.S. readers The nutmeg assist from Bukayo Saka was COLD 🥶 pic.twitter.com/0exJSacKOt — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 26, 2024 It ended 5-1 to serene Arsenal , who picked up where they left off against Nottingham Forest at the weekend with some sublime goals, carving through Sporting at will. Gabriel even mugged Gyokeres off by copying his celebration after scoring the third. Gyokeres is good, but he has an awful long way to go to reach the standard set by someone like Robert Lewandowski, whose two goals in Barcelona ’s breezy 3-0 victory at home to Brest saw the Pole reach a new landmark. He is just the third player to reach 100 Champions League goals, after Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo , and he helped put Barcelona in a dominant position in second place with 12 points. They are also the top scorers in the competition with 18 goals from five matches. USMNT’s Pulisic joins Champions League’s form players Who are the most in-form players in the group stage so far? Raphinha is up there, so too Gyokeres, Lewandowski, Harry Kane , Jonathan David and Vinicius Junior . Christian Pulisic is definitely in the conversation too for a return of three goals and one assist from his five appearances, adding to five goals and four assists in Serie A so far this season. Advertisement On the day a trailer dropped for a new documentary series about America’s captain/Captain America, featuring contributions from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jurgen Klopp, imaginatively titled ‘Pulisic’, the 26-year-old continued his fine recent form by giving AC Milan the lead in Bratislava. To the relief of Tim Howard and AC Milan’s media team, no, he didn’t do the Trump dance. Video for UK readers Pulisic opens the scoring for Milan! A lovely run and finish after Abraham plays him through 🤝 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/x4u6TkeROx — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2024 Video for U.S. readers Christian Pulisic with pace to burn 🔥 Another Champions League goal for Milan's in-form man ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/DP1l96qWLR — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 26, 2024 Milan weren’t all that convincing against the second-worst team in the competition (Bratislava have lost all five games, conceding 18 goals) but edged through 3-2 thanks to further goals from substitute Rafael Leao and Tammy Abraham. That victory at Real Madrid earlier this month has transformed Milan’s Champions League campaign and, despite losing their first two matches, they could well nick an automatic qualifying spot for the last 16 if they win their next two games, both at home to Red Star Belgrade and Girona . If they keep Pulisic and Leao fit and firing in the second half of the season, Milan could be ones to watch. Tuesday’s results What’s next? The remaining nine fixtures for match-week five of the eight-round league phase take place on Wednesday. (Top image: Amazon)

Coach Prime, CU Buffs focused on ending regular season on high noteBrittany Cartwright is bra-free as she almost spills out of low-cut dress at Kathy Hilton's Christmas party By HEIDI PARKER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:33 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 18:07 EST, 11 December 2024 e-mail 50 shares 16 View comments Brittany Cartwright put on a sexy display while at Kathy Hilton 's Christmas party in Bel Air, California . The 35-year old was bra free as she wore a plunging bright red strapless gown. The ex of Jax Taylor showed off her tiny waistline while posing by a Christmas tree. She also posed with RHOBH star Hilton as well as several of her female friends at the holiday bash. Months ago she lost weight with diet and body contouring from AirSculpt. Cartwright has been battling her weight ever since she welcomed her son Cruz . She has tried Jenny Craig, which caused her to lose 40lbs; soon after she modeling swimsuits for Cupshe. Brittany Cartwright put on a sexy display while at Kathy Hilton 's Christmas party in Bel Air, California The 35-year old was bra free as she wore a plunging bright red strapless gown. The ex of Jax Taylor showed off her tiny waistline while posing by a Christmas tree But she felt like she wanted some extra weight removed from around her waist. In September Cartwright told DailyMail.com exclusively she had a two hour AirSculpt session - which removes fat and tightens skin - in May so she could feel good about her body for the summer. The work was done three months before filing for divorce from Taylor . And the reality TV sensation is 'thrilled' with the move that has boosted her confidence after a very tough year. 'I am feeling great these days after getting AirSculpt,' she told DailyMail.com as she could be seen showing off her slender frame in new images. 'Yeah, you can say I wanted a revenge body. I wanted to look good after everything I’ve been through this year. I want to look my very best. I wanted to get my sparkle back.' This comes after she said she doesn't regret having a fling with one of Taylor 's friends. In October, PageSix claimed the man who caught her eye was Julian Sensley, 42. The star insists she didn't plan to 'hook up with his friend' - but Brittany doesn't have any regrets about it, either. Brittany - who split from Jax earlier this year - said on the Hot Mic podcast : 'Jax and I did not have a no dating in the friend group policy. 'We never spoke about that because why would we? First off, I didn't think I was going to hook up with his friend. It wasn't planned. I wasn't trying to go after one of his friends. That's not how it happened.' Months ago she lost weight with diet and body contouring from AirSculpt Cartwright has been battling her weight ever since she welcomed her son Cruz . She has tried Jenny Craig, which caused her to lose 40lbs; soon after she modeling swimsuits for Cupshe She also posed with RHOBH star Hilton as well as several of her female friends at the holiday bash Read More Brittany Cartwright is bra-free as she almost spills out of low-cut dress after talking 'fling' with Jax Taylor's friend Brittany also admitted to having a flirty exchange with the man on social media. She said: 'I could tell this guy was flirting with me. I was always flirting with him. He's very much my type.' Jax previously admitted that he doesn't blame Brittany for seeking a divorce . He said on the When Reality Hits podcast: 'Unfortunately, she's had enough. And I don't blame her at all. 'I mean, I can't believe she's been with me this long as it is. That we stayed, to be honest.' Despite this, Jax was still caught off-guard when Brittany decided to leave him. The reality star - who has Cruz, three, with Brittany - said: 'When she decided to leave, I was kind of in shock. I shouldn't have been in shock, but I was in shock.' Jax also conceded that he's been through a 'really, really rough' time since his high-profile split from Brittany. Jax - who spent some time in rehab earlier this year - added: 'Anyone that has gone through a divorce will understand how difficult this is.' Cartwright doesn't regret having a fling with one of Jax Taylor 's friends; see this summer She also said she doesn't think Taylor changed 'at all' during his spell in rehab. The star spent time at a mental health facility earlier this year, but Brittany doesn't feel it's had any impact on him and she doubts whether he even has the capacity to change. Brittany said on the 'Hot Mic' podcast: 'I don't feel like he changed at all in those 30 days. 'And the reason, I mean, I'm sure it'll be on the show as well, but, you know, a lot of rage texting and stuff was still going on the entire time that he was in rehab. 'So, for me, I was just noticing like, this is just going to be constant. Like, if you're in therapy seven hours a day, and you're still finding time to call me names and cuss me out? And send me rage texts? PageSix claimed the man who caught her eye was named Julian Sensley. The 35-year-old star insists she didn't plan to 'hook up with his friend' - but Brittany doesn't have any regrets about it, either Brittany - who split from Jax earlier this year - said on the Hot Mic podcast: 'Jax and I did not have a no dating in the friend group policy. Pictured April 27 in Washington, D.C. Seen with their son Cruz 'Then you're obviously not ever gonna change.' Although Brittany subsequently admitted that a reconciliation remained possible, she confessed to being tired of ' cleaning up Jax's messes '. The former Vanderpump Rules star - who filed for a divorce from Jax in August - told Us Weekly: 'There's definitely a chance. But I won't waste my time and get back into a toxic situation. 'Now the veil has been lifted and I see how much I was always cleaning up Jax's messes. I'm thrown in the middle of all these fights and constantly forced to apologize for him in the media and to friends. It's hard.' Brittany Cartwright Jax Taylor California Share or comment on this article: Brittany Cartwright is bra-free as she almost spills out of low-cut dress at Kathy Hilton's Christmas party e-mail 50 shares Add commentBest stress management and tracking devices

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The suspect who was arrested for a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg, Germany had reportedly offered a reward in return for information regarding the whereabouts of the Saudi ambassador to Germany. A Saudi source told Independent Arabia daily on Sunday, December 22, that Taleb Jawad Al-Abdul Mohsen had offered 10,000 Saudi Riyals to anyone who provided information about the residence and time of the Saudi ambassador. “The German authorities were informed of this by the Saudi embassy, but they did not take the situation seriously,” the source added. On Friday evening , December 20, Taleb drove a speeding car through a Christmas market in Germany, killing at least five and injuring more than 200, including 41 in serious condition. According to sources, the incident has also injured seven Indian nationals . “Three of them have been discharged from the hospital. Our mission is in touch with all those injured in the attack,” they said. Surveillance footage captured a black BMW racing through a crowd, scattering bodies amid festive stalls selling handicrafts, snacks, and mulled wine. The suspect was apprehended by the police at the scene of the attack. It is reported that the suspect is charged with murder and attempted murder, according to police, who remanded him in custody. According to a German police statement, the magistrate ordered the man into pretrial custody after prosecutors charged him with five counts of murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm, Reuters reported. Taleb, a 50-year-old doctor, fled Saudi Arabia , where he was wanted for criminal charges. He had been living in Germany since 2006. He strongly opposed Islam and supported the far-right Alternative for Germany party on X. Taleb’s X account is full of tweets and retweets focussing on anti-Islam themes and criticism of the religion, as well as congratulatory messages to Muslims who have left the faith. He also identified as a former Muslim, according to AFP . A German source confirmed that in 2023 and 2024, Germany received warnings from Saudi authorities regarding Taleb. Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser said that she can now confirm that the suspect was an “Islamophobe”, reported Reuters . In a statement on Saturday, Saudi Arabia condemned the ramming attack and expressed solidarity with the people of Germany.

Listen to Story Demonstration of seed germination in outer space, a robotic arm to catch a tethered debris there, and testing of green propulsion systems are some of the experiments planned on the POEM-4 - the fourth stage of Isro's PSLV rocket that remains in orbit after launching a satellite. The PSLV-C60 mission, slated for a year-end launch, is scheduled to place the twin satellites 'Chaser and Target' to demonstrate the space docking technologies that are crucial for building India's space station. The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) will carry 24 experiments - 14 from various Isro labs and 10 from private universities and start-ups - to demonstrate various technologies in space. Isro plans to grow eight cowpea seeds from seed germination and plant sustenance until the two-leaf stage in a closed-box environment with active thermal control as part of the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS), developed by Amity University, Mumbai, plans to study the growth of spinach in a microgravity environment. Two parallel experiments will be carried out simultaneously -- one on POEM-4 in space and one on the ground at the university. The experiment's outcome will provide insights into how higher plants sense the direction of gravity and light. The Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator, developed by VSSC, will demonstrate the capturing of tethered debris by a robotic manipulator using visual surveying and object motion prediction in the space environment. The robotic manipulator will be capable of capturing free-floating debris and refuelling tethered and free-floating spacecraft in future POEM missions. Mumbai-based start-up Manastu Space will test Vyom-2U, the green propulsion thruster, that uses a blend of hydrogen peroxide and in-house additives as fuel, with the goal of providing a safer and higher-performing alternative to hydrazine for space applications. The Varuna payload, developed by Piersight Space-Ahmedabad, is an in-orbit demonstration of a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in a CubeSat form factor. This mission marks the initial step towards establishing a constellation of SAR and Automatic Identification System (AIS) satellites, aiming to provide persistent, near real-time monitoring of all human and industrial activity at sea.

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Andrew Hammond Christmas holidays tend to be a time of joy for many families around the world. However, this year’s festivities will also be tinged with great sadness for many as the world on Thursday (Dec. 26) marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami. Two decades on from the deadly waves, caused by a massive earthquake, that caused devastation in countries with Indian Ocean coastlines, scientific advances have improved our ability to forecast and provide warnings of dangerous tsunamis. However, the economic and wider human costs of such natural catastrophes can never be completely eliminated. This was illustrated, for example, by the concern caused by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake this month about 55 miles off the coast of Eureka in California. The effects were felt from San Francisco to southern Oregon, sparking a tsunami warning affecting millions of residents. The alert was later canceled. Tsunami warnings are relatively rare on the US West Coast but still more common than elsewhere in the country. However, some scientists predict the area might be overdue for a massive quake, and resulting tsunami, in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, an 1,100 km offshore fault that runs from northern California to southern British Columbia, and/or the San Andreas fault, which runs for 1,200 km through California. Some scientists refer to this potentially huge natural disaster as “The Big One,” defined as an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher on the Richter scale. Such an event could cause hundreds of billions of dollars of damage, and tens of thousands of deaths and injuries at the very least. But even a disaster of that magnitude might still be dwarfed by the devastation caused by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in the Indian Ocean. According to the EM-DAT global disaster database, it killed a total of 226,408 people in more than a dozen countries, and more than 1.5 million people were displaced. The magnitude 9.1 earthquake that caused the tsunami was one of the biggest the world had seen since 1900. The epicenter was off the western coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It was the longest fault line rupture ever observed, as the ocean floor opened up along a distance of at least 1,200 km between the India plate and Burma microplate. The earthquake triggered the largest tsunami in the Indian Ocean for more than 700 years. The amount of energy it released was estimated to be equivalent to about 23,000 Hiroshima bombs. The huge waves it created, some more than 30 meters high, swept into several coastal nations, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Twenty years on, the silver lining amid the sadness of the upcoming anniversary is that our understanding of tsunami risks is now better. This means better forecasting, more effective warnings, and improved disaster-resistant construction techniques for more-resilient infrastructure. In terms of warning systems, there were none in place in the Indian Ocean region in 2004. The picture has changed since then, with a regional system in place as part of an approximately 1,400-strong network around the world that generally reduces the delay in issuing a warning after a tsunami forms to just minutes. Even with such improved warning systems, some communities still might not receive the alert in time. Indeed, had the present-day Indian Ocean warning system been in place in 2004, it is not certain it would have helped many of those among the first hit by the tsunami, especially in poorer communities lacking the benefit of modern digital technologies. In part, this is why a significant proportion of tsunami casualties tend to happen before any official or technically based warnings can be delivered. This differs from some other natural hazards, such as hurricanes, which can be predicted further in advance and tend to cause fewer casualties. However, for people more distant from the origin point of a tsunami, warnings can be very effective, including those transmitted through community communications. These can save many lives, with a key factor in success being the distribution of data rapidly, transparently, and hyper-locally, so that it is available in the best form, in the right place and as quickly as possible. As warning systems improve, there are continuing debates about the enhanced exchange of data. This places an increasing amount of weight on improved forecasts. Such methods of predicting earthquakes in advance were once thought to be impossible, owing to the difficulty of calculating the motion of rocky mantle flows beneath the earth’s crust. Thanks to increasingly sophisticated algorithms, however, it might now be possible to model this underground activity in more effective ways by creating a model of fault lines, consisting of millions of underground grid points, to ascertain where the underground stresses are strongest. This is a potential indicator of key earthquake trigger points. However, even if forecasting technology and early warnings can fulfill their full longer-term potential, there is still a need for increasingly resilient infrastructure, given the devastation tsunamis can cause to physical geography. Take the example of the province of Aceh in Indonesia, one of the areas worst-hit by the 2004 tsunami. Hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed and about 3,000 hectares of land were washed away, destroying infrastructure such as roads, ports, and bridges. More than 100,000 houses have been rebuilt there, according to the Indonesian government. In this context, a key goal for engineers and community planners is to build increasingly tsunami-proof structures and plan more-resilient communities. As global warming intensifies, these calculations must also factor in the growing risk from rising sea levels, a threat that is increasing three times faster in tropical seas — including central portions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and much of the Indian Ocean — where tsunami risks tend to be greatest. All of this underlines the further potential for improved forecasting and earlier warnings of future tsunamis to help make the world a safer place for many people. However, the economic and wider human cost of such terrifying natural hazards can never be eliminated, even with increasingly resilient infrastructure. Courtesy: arabnewsNone

O n November 5th as the US elections results were being announced the Caribbean watched, knowing that the results would have significant implications for our future. Of course, ‘if America coughs, the Caribbean catches the cold.’ But, as it was clear that Donald Trump had won the US Presidency, Caribbean people now started to question what it would mean for us and the stability or instability of the global international order. As such, what will Trump 2.0 mean for the Caribbean? Climate Change You Might Be Interested In Shoring up good ideas I resolve to... Wellness for life: The importance of self-care While we don’t know for certain what policies the Trump administration will pursue internally on climate change in light of increased climate-related disasters across the US, and the fact that the Inflation Reduction Act has continued to pour over $390 billion into EVs, and other climate resilient technologies, which have created millions of jobs and other benefits to Republican affiliated states. These may all disappear if he repeals sections of the Act. However, If this has impacts during the midterm elections, he may not be as keen to repeal. But his global actions will have disastrous impacts for the Caribbean, particularly since he has promised to withdraw the US again from the Paris Agreement, and possibly to withdraw from the UNFCCC , which is the multilateral framework for the reduction of CO2 in the world, and which also provides financial and technical assistance for developing countries like the Caribbean to mitigate climate change through a shift to renewable energy, and to adapt to its impacts and respond to the loss and damage it creates. When these are coupled with his denial of the existence of climate change as a ‘hoax’ , and his intention to ‘ drill baby bill’ and ‘frack, frack, frack’, like never before, increasing the fossil fuel stock of the US, which some have suggested would not only roll back the gains by President Biden, but contribute an estimated 4 billion tons of additional CO2 emissions by 2030 and 25 billion tons by 2050, then these increases would significantly increase the vulnerability of the Caribbean to extreme weather events, more ferocious hurricanes, devastating droughts and floods, and deadly heatwaves, which can continue to plummet our GDPs, increase poverty, destroy infrastructure and roll back any gains made in our climate recovery processes. As we know, our Caribbean countries are low-lying and heavily exposed to rising sea levels, which erodes coastlines, and displaces populations and industries. Any withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which is meant to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), will increase the emissions of these gases, thereby exacerbating the climate crisis and affecting our ability to protect lives and livelihoods. Of course, it is a no brainer that with warmer ocean temperatures that increase the intensity and ferocity of our hurricanes, the US exit will increase the levels of financial and technical support needed to bolster the climate recovery effort. Such an exit is even more egregious when you add the fact that the US, together with the other developed countries, are the ones that have created this existential climate crisis. The Caribbean may unfortunately be in for some hotter months, longer droughts and more devastating floods. What is needed now is not an increase in GHGs, which fuels the extreme weather patterns, which Trump promises, but a radical decarbonisation of the US and other global economies. Caribbean leaders should therefore be prepared to dialogue with the president on these critical issues, but also to engage other European counterparts to step up and not bend over backwards to try and mould the climate regime around the vagaries of the US political currents. These countries, together with China, must now play leading roles in reducing the climate crisis. This is not to suggest however that when the US exits, the climate movement is ‘trumped’, but it is only morally appropriate that due to their overwhelming historical and current contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions, that the US contribute towards reducing the effects on developing countries. Additionally, they must meet their financial obligation, not just to the USD$100 billion per annum that was promised from 2020 by developed countries, but to a higher New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance. It is one thing to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, like Trump did during his first presidency, but it is another thing entirely to commit to increasing greenhouse gas emissions by expanding oil and gas exploration, given the severe impacts that Caribbean and other SIDS are already experiencing from the climate crisis. Immigration Trump’s immigration policy, according to him, would see the largest domestic deportation operation in human history of millions of illegal immigrants. For the Caribbean, and Haiti in particular, this is troubling, because Trump’s inward-looking policies will devastatingly affect all who flee from war, climate crises, strife, political upheavals and the collapse of their states in search for a better life or the American dream, which has sustained the economic prosperity of America. This use of excessive force against already vulnerable and marginalised populations is testament of Trump’s disregard for human dignity and rights. Of course, it is easy for us to sit in comfort and say that ‘they should enter legally now or that they should return to their countries.’ That is a privileged position as our countries are not facing the life-threatening issues that Haiti and others do, requiring individuals to flee, as a condition of survival. Who feels it knows it! But have we for one moment considered that it is also a global responsibility to ensure integration of displaced peoples, in tandem with our humanitarian and civil rights requirements, particularly in circumstances where the US has also contributed towards this destabilisation and has an opportunity to cure these wrongs? At least in Haiti’s case for certain. But, Trump may only compound the problem, making the work of the Expert Group more difficult, if he refuses to assist, but also if he increases his Haitian animus. Remember his eating the animals’ comments, and how they were poisoning the blood of America, ignoring the diversity of America. What is even more certain is that Trump may not provide support for the improvement of the Haitian state, such that migration is an option, and not a necessity. It will also now become almost impossible to gain a legal path to citizenship, as even those who have become citizens by marrying an American citizen or their child is a birther are at risk of deportation, thereby further decreasing their quality of lives causing migration issues for the Caribbean. The implications for the Caribbean are a general sentiment of fear of migration and lack of belonging as they search for a better life, and a concomitant fear by those who voted for ‘closed borders’ of all who are not of the blood of America i.e., also Caribbean peoples. But, more directly, if there are Caribbean peoples who are ‘illegal immigrants’, working and providing remittances to their families back home, one can potentially see a massive reduction in the country’s remittances income, which contribute towards healthcare, education among other areas. The reduction will exacerbate poverty, which has wider economic impacts for the Caribbean economy. Further, there may be deeper fiscal and political strains on other Caribbean countries who would not be able to handle this sudden migration flows. The Caribbean region as a whole through their political leaders need to engage the President on the abovementioned. Foreign Aid In Trump 2.0, particularly with his isolationist ‘America First’ philosophy, there may be less pushback to aid cuts as there were in Trump 1.0, and it could mean that key developmental programmes and agencies within the Caribbean could receive less funding, particularly in areas that are not favourable to the Trump administration. It means that the Caribbean should now utilise the opportunity to forge new relationships with new nations, as opposed to confining itself to looking North. Trade Trump will seek to reduce the US Trade deficit, ensuring manufacturing jobs stay within the US, and there’s a baseline global tariff for imports. That has the potential to affect Caribbean exports to the US, making it more difficult through stricter trade regulations. Should there also be a modification of the CBI, which provides certain duty-free access to the US market, in favour of US production, it could also reduce the competitive advantage of Caribbean goods in US markets. But, recognising the large trade deficit with the US, the Caribbean poses no real threat to US jobs, and its beneficial nature to US industry might prove helpful to its continuation. In the end, Caribbean leaders and people should never see the election of Donald Trump as far removed from impacting the Caribbean region but heed the words of Rudder when he said that they’re trying to pass all laws to spoil our beauty, but in the end we shall prevail. We must take a side or be lost in the rubble, in a divided world that don’t need islands no more. Are we doomed forever to be at somebody’s mercy, little keys can open up mighty doors. Rally! Rahym Augustin-Joseph is the 2025 Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholar. He is a recent political science graduate from the UWI Cave Hill Campus and an aspiring attorney-at-law. He can be reached via rahymrjoseph9@ gmail.comknows there are tons of questions about his future with the . He might get traded, he might leave as a free agent next summer, he might exercise a $52.4 million option to return to the Heat, or he might get a new contract. "Who knows?" Butler asked. The Heat forward, who has led the team to a pair of NBA Finals trips in his Miami tenure, said Wednesday that he doesn't mind his name being in the rumor mill. The Heat are open to listening to offers for Butler and making a deal if the proposal is right, earlier this week. That wouldn't be surprising, given Butler's contract status and the possibility that he might leave with the Heat getting nothing in return next summer. "I actually like it," said Butler, who is averaging 19 points per game this season. "It's good to be talked about. I don't think there's such a thing as bad publicity -- to a point." The Heat could have offered an extension last summer and chose not to, presumably for a variety of reasons including Butler's age -- he's 35 -- and the fact that he missed 26% of Miami's games over his first five seasons with the team. He still clearly impacts winning: Miami is 8-2 this season when he scores at least 18 points. And the Heat aren't new to trade speculation; has been the centerpiece of rumors in each of the past three summers. Butler said Wednesday that money doesn't really matter to him at this point, adding that he's not fixated on extensions or trades. "My kids matter, my happiness matters, my well-being matters and my family matters," Butler said. "Right now, it's all about competing, staying healthy, playing some great basketball. I think I've done that so far, so we'll see what we got." He stopped short of saying that he wants to absolutely remain in Miami. "I'm pretty sure y'all are going to get a report that's going to say otherwise anyways, so there's no sense in me answering that question," Butler said. It has been social media fodder for a few days, with some even suggesting that Butler's hair dye in recent weeks -- sometimes yellow, sometimes blue, sometimes red -- has matched the teams some of the trade speculation links him to like , and . That said, he has insisted since arriving in Miami that he wants to bring the team another championship. That stance has not changed. "We're going to continue to win and I'm proud of the guys," Butler said. "You see everybody out here working and we know what we're capable of."

Recession-Proofing Your Portfolio With GoldKuwait’s PM sees-off PM Modi at airport after conclusion of historic visit

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Kuwait’s PM sees-off PM Modi at airport after conclusion of historic visit

By Nikita Mahato GloRilla’s sizzling fur-trimmed bra top and micro mini shorts at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024 were so sexy Santa-coded. The rapper, whose real name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods, made a bombshell appearance at the latest show in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Thursday. She delivered an energetic performance in a sultry holiday-themed outfit, and it was nothing like ever before. Apart from her, other rappers, including Sexyy Red, Gunna, T-Pain, and T.I. also took the stage to perform rocking sets. A post shared by 96.1 The Beat #Atlanta (@thebeatatl) Achieving an impossible feat, GloRilla pulled off an edgy Santa outfit at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2024. Her set combined leather boots and fishnet with a furry outfit, which comprised one of the sexiest bralettes with the teeniest shorts. The red bodice with white fur trim was so cropped it completely exposed the rapper’s midriff while the half-open zipper flaunted a deep plunge. Her barely-there shorts with a furry trim then showed more than they could hide. It also comprised a black belt feature, adding more edge to her appearance. Later, iHeartRadio released photos and videos of the singer, nailing her performance and the sexy outfit. GloRilla’s fur-trimmed bra top and micro mini shorts did just the thing to create a stimulating environment while she delivered some of her more casual dance numbers. The 25-year-old’s fishnet stockings reached her thighs and peeked from underneath the stylish knee-length boots. She also added a lot of bling, including massive diamond-studded necklaces, and donned a sparkly makeup look while her long, black locks fell perfectly on her back. GloRilla’s alluring Jingle Ball 2024 outfit also exhibited her exquisite tattoos mainly on her arms, thighs, and belly. While delivering back-to-back zestful performances, she also made time to cheekily pose for the camera. Videos show Sexyy Red donning a similar outfit, which she paired with really short shorts with a revealing red top. Meanwhile, Saweetie looked like a stunning pink angel, wearing a furry minidress. Nikita Mahato is a true-crime and news writer at ComingSoon and shows an aptitude for captivating storytelling, and extensive research, among other things. Her previous works can be seen on Sportskeeda. A proficient basketball player, Nikita has been involved with several non-profit organizations to be able to give back to the community. She also has a penchant for everything entertainment. Share article

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Rolling out of Coimbatore: Helping cars drive better on their ownSince the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency has worked collaboratively with the automotive industry to reduce air pollution from light duty vehicles. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the EPA’s Automotive Trends Report, an annual publication that explains the agency’s complex regulatory framework and documents the compliance of individual automakers. The authoritative report features a comprehensive dataset on every light duty vehicle sold in the United States since 1975and provides sophisticated analysis of the major trends shaping the industry’s environmental outcomes. The 2024 report includes finalized data from the 2023 model year and is prefaced by a letter from EPA Administrator Michael Regan acknowledging the 50-year milestone. The congratulatory statement honors the agency’s career professionals, highlighting achievements that “ultimately led to an impressive 99 percent reduction of common vehicle tailpipe pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.” The letter goes on to emphasize the scientific value of the dataset as the auto industry struggles to mitigate tailpipe carbon dioxide, an inevitable byproduct of gasoline combustion and a substantial contributor to climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions are now the primary focus of the report, and the latest statistics provide a bit of encouraging news. The average light duty vehicle from model year 2023 produced 319 grams of carbon dioxide per mile (g/mi), an 18-g/mi improvement over model year 2022. The respectable reduction in tailpipe emissions corresponded to a year over year fuel economy gain of 1.1 MPG, with the average 2023 vehicle getting 27.1 miles to the gallon. The fifty-year history of real-world fuel economy trends can be divided into three distinct periods. Between 1975 and 1987, fuel economy improved rapidly as the United States responded to the Arab oil embargo, rising from 13.1 MPG to 22.0 MPG. When concerns about energy independence faded during the late eighties, gas mileage began a slow descent, dropping steadily to a low of 19.3 MPG in 2004. A strong upward trend emerged in 2005 as growing apprehension about climate change catalyzed a relentless effort to mitigate tailpipe carbon dioxide. The 2023 figures for MPG and CO2 emissions are the latest in a string of all-time records that began in 2009. The EPA attributes most of the recent progress to increased production of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. When BEVs and PHEVs are statistically removed from the 2023 model year fleet, average CO2 emissions rise to 357 g/mi and average fuel economy drops to 24.9 MPG. These hypothetical averages are identical to the finalized outcomes from the 2017 model year. Automotive technologies that increase the fuel economy of conventional internal combustion vehicles are being undermined by consumer trends favoring larger, more powerful models, and it will be challenging to improve their efficiency much further. The 50th Anniversary of the Automotive Trends Report coincides with a dawning era of environmental innovation. Maintaining progress against carbon dioxide will now depend on increasing the proliferation of our cleanest powertrains, and there are good reasons to be hopeful as we reflect on the promising outcomes from 2023.

ORLANDO, Fla. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 AIUM Annual Convention , hosted by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), will explore the cutting edge of medical technology through keynote presentations on space exploration, medical innovation, and neurotherapeutics. Taking place from March 29 to April 1 in Orlando, Florida , the 2025 Ultrasound Event will showcase groundbreaking developments in ultrasound technology and its expanding role in space medicine and advancements in brain health, like treating addiction, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.best slot online games 。

The chief content officer of troubled Indian tech firm Byju’s and an ally of the company’s founder face financial sanctions in the US for their roles in stripping software, cash and other assets from businesses under court supervision. A federal judge is considering imposing millions of dollars in sanctions on Byju’s manager Vinay Ravindra and company ally Rajendran Vellapalath, who founded Dubai-based tech startup Voizzit Technology. At a court hearing Tuesday, US Bankruptcy Judge John T. Dorsey said he will issue an “order to show cause” that would force the two tech executives to justify their actions, or be declared in contempt of court and be required to pay financial penalties. Lenders owed more than $1.2 billion are fighting to liquidate US education software companies that Byju’s purchased a few years ago for $820 million. Byju’s, founded by controversial entrepreneur Byju Raveendran and his family, is in bankruptcy in India after defaulting on the debt it owes US lenders. Last month, a Nebraska businessman testified that he spent months helping Raveendran try to regain control of Byju’s US software companies, which are being run by a court-supervised trustee. The effort failed and the businessman, William Hailer, ultimately broke with Raveendran and accused the entrepreneur of unethical business tactics. 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Creations and Tangible Play — and draining them of more than $1 million in cash plus valuable internet platforms used by students and other assets. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Ravindra and a representative for Byju’s did not return an email seeking comment. Vellapalath appeared in court Tuesday by video from Dubai and argued that Voizzit’s actions were legitimate because Voizzit actually owns Epic! and Tangible Play, not Byju’s. Voizzit loaned Byju’s more than $100 million in 2023 and therefore had the right to take ownership of the units, according to Vellapalath. Dorsey rejected that argument during the hearing, saying he did not “find Mr. Vellapalath to be credible.” Raveendran has been trying to regain control of his capsizing education technology empire, which is under court supervision in both India, where the parent is based, and the US, where some of its valuable units are located, according to a court declaration filed by Hailer. In past responses to lender allegations, Raveendran has denied any wrongdoing, saying his actions were a justified response to overly aggressive tactics used by creditors who specialize in squeezing money out of distressed companies. Lenders have been fighting Byju’s in both US state and federal courts for more than a year. Lenders claim Raveendran hid $533 million in loan proceeds that should have been repaid to creditors. Byju’s is also facing an insolvency proceeding in India, where a court-appointed professional has been tasked with raising money to repay lenders.Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Alyssa Naher made two critical saves in her final match for the United States, Lynn Williams scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute and the Americans beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Tuesday. The U.S., which won its fifth Olympic gold medal in France this summer , wrapped up the year on a 20-game unbeaten streak. The Americans were coming off a scoreless draw with England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.Ange Postecoglou fights on as Tottenham return to scene of Antonio Conte rant

Aanuulema oyendji oya thigwa taya ipolithile yoyene pomahala gokuhogololela mesiku lyomahogololo, aataleli yomahogololo yoSouthern Africa Human Rights Lawyers (SAHRL) ya hokolola ... If you are an active subscriber and the article is not showing, please log out and back in. Free access to articles from 12:00.Plant-based milk is looking for fresher soil. While oat milk lattes and almond milk creamers have become a mainstay at most coffeeshops, retail sales for plant-based dairy have declined in the last year. Non-dairy sales have declined faster than dairy milk in the past year. Plant-based milk sales were $2.5 billion in the 52-week period ending October 6, a 5.2% year-over-year decline, according to Circana MULO+C data tracking. Unit sales in the period also dropped 5%. The percentage of households buying plant-based dairy was down 2.1%, to 49%, while repeat buying households were also down 2.2%, to around 38% Almond milk, the long time leader in plant-based dairy, happens to also be leading the decline. In comparison to the other three major plant milk bases (oat, soy and coconut), almonds showed the most contraction. Dollar sales for almond milk were down 8.9% and unit sales also declined 8.6%. Is there a single overriding reason that plant milks are in decline? It’s hard to say. Inflation hit grocery shoppers in the past two years, but the price difference isn’t huge when it comes to the different milk types: according to Circana 52-week sales data, the average price-per-unit of plant-based milk was about $4 while dairy milk was around $3.50. And even if price is a concern, it doesn’t seem to be one with regard to at least one area originally thought to be an advantage for plant-based milks. Lactose-free consumers aren’t moving away from dairy, according to NielsenIQ, even though Lactose-free dairy is more expensive than its plant-based competition, which is naturally free of that dairy protein, according to the report. Danone’s decision to discontinue its Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Wondermilk just over a year after launching reflects a miscalculation of alt-dairy consumer demands. The two products were formulated to replicate dairy milk and were marketed as the “future of plant-based beverages.” So what went wrong? At least one analyst seems to think that plant-based products are an imperfect substitute in a big consumer category. Products claiming to be direct stand-ins for dairy need to deliver on that promise, said Mintel Food & Drink analyst Julia Mills, because “if it’s not quite milk, when it comes to the taste and texture, it doesn’t really appeal to consumers.” Another issue is environmental impact. Shortly after almond milk took off, there was a backlash against its taxing production process, even if it offered a less damaging water usage and methane emission footprint than dairy milk. Finally, there was a tactical miscalculation: while alt-milks are being introduced through coffee shops, those high-froth “barista blends” aren’t necessarily what consumers want for other use cases. So knowing that things are moving, at best, sideways, due to taste and cost factors, what are brands to do? MALK is one of the fastest growing brands in the plant-based category. Though still significantly trailing category leaders in total dollar sales, MALK’s percentage growth outpaced bigger brands by wide margins, up 92.8% in refrigerated almond milk and 65% in oat, according to Circana tracking. The plant milk brand is one of the more expensive options in the cold case but the company sees that as more of a strength than a weakness. “Premium is who MALK is,” Bronstad said. “We don’t have the ability to drastically reduce our cost of goods by adding oil into oats or gums and fillers into almonds and we don’t want to. It’s not what we would serve our families.” Premiumization hasn’t stymied the brand’s growth in conventional stores either. The company is available at over 10,000 stores with partnerships outside of the natural channel in chains like Albertson’s, Stop N Shop, Publix, various Kroger banners and select Target locations. Malk’s emphasis on simplicity is echoed by analysts and competitors alike. “Over 25% of consumers who choose to buy plant-based milks, say they prefer simple ingredients or ingredients they can understand,” Mills said. Launched first in Austin, Texas, MALK has always stressed its simple, clean label – even as the overall category has slowed. “At one point, there were pundits that said it was going to be hockey stick growth and plant-based milk would be $10 billion by 2030,” MALK CEO Jason Bronstad told BevNET Magazine. “The reality is it hasn’t and that’s okay too.” Bronstad said that the target plant-based milk consumers are the same people who look at ingredient labels closely and make purchasing decisions on what they put in their bodies. “As consumers become more educated and ask more questions, they look at our label and see unsweetened almonds, water and organic, pink Himalayan salt,” he said. “They think: ‘Got it. I understand what I’m consuming.’” Other brands are seeing the advantages of taking a minimalist approach to formulation as well. In January, category giant Oatly released Super Basic, free from emulsifiers and stabilizers and containing just water, oats, sea salt and citrus fiber. Macadamia nut alt dairy maker Milkadamia also cut out additives in its Organic Artisan line released this year. The plant milk uses five ingredients: water, macadamia nuts, agave nectar, citrus fiber and sea salt. Mooala launched in 2016 with a nut- and soy-free, banana-based milk. Come 2023, however, it launched its Simple line in almond and oat that proclaimed it contained just water, salt, and oats or almonds. Simple speaks to a consumer “that values a homemade ingredient profile over added nutritional benefits,” said founder and CEO Jeff Richards. “If a product has just three or four ingredients that you would find in your kitchen, it doesn’t have to be explained. It just is what it is, and it’s real.” So how did plant-based milks get into a paradigm where something that can be made with three to five ingredients is all of a sudden a confusing “Frankenfood”? One issue comes from the very channel where oat, almond and soy have found their biggest opportunity: foodservice partnerships in coffee chains. In order to create alternative milk that can steam and froth like dairy, a fat, stabilizer, and/or emulsifier is needed to provide body to the liquid. “The market demands customization and performance,” noted Mooala’s Richards, who said that the need to capitalize on the opportunity in coffeeshops led to the release of a Barista Blend Oatmilk this summer in both conventional and organic varieties. Yet coffeeshop-positioned products don’t necessarily translate to retail easily, Mills said. “Consumers really appreciate versatility,” she said. “Consumers may not buy barista-style alt-milks because they think there is just one use. While it can meet specific needs and a niche, it doesn’t necessarily have mass appeal.” “Plant-based beverages appeal to millennials, who are today’s generation of parents,” said Danone SVP of plant-based beverages Kallie Goodwin. “Nearly three in four parents who purchase plant-based beverages are interested in purchasing plant-based options specifically for their kids, but finding a plant-based milk with a taste kids love, and nutrition parents want continues to be a challenge.” Boosting nutritionals has become a successful strategy for plant milks to establish lasting value for shoppers, especially those with children, Mills said. “It appears that these products are doing very well, based off sales data,” she said. “I think leaning into specific occasions, whether it be for children or snacking with smaller packaging sizes, offers a lot of room for opportunity.” Fortification, usually with vitamins A and D, has been an approach implemented for years by the dairy industry that has been adopted within the plant-based set. In February, Califia Farms launched its Complete product that claimed it had the same amount or more of the essential nine nutrients (Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Riboflavin) found in dairy milk. The brand doubled down on that with the addition of Complete Kids Plantmilk in June. Seizing on an opportunity among a demographic who still drinks milk by the glass, Danone launched Silk Kids fortified with 8 grams of protein, DHA omega-3s, choline, prebiotics, and vitamins and minerals tailored to children’s health needs. It’s not just kid-positioned alt-milk either. Goodwin said Silk’s launch of Almond Protein (with 8g protein) is showing traction among consumers. Bucking the trend of simplification, there are brands taking fortification even further by using food technology to bring functionality to the mix. Strive Freemilk uses precision fermentation in its alt-milk production and is preparing to release a lactoferrin-fortified product positioned towards older adults needing a supplement boost. Marketing on functionality and nutritionals might be a value-add for plant-based but it does return the conversation to a core tenant of the plant-based category’s marketing strategy: environmental sustainability. Food tech companies often claim to reduce land and water use providing a more environmentally friendly option but consumers remain skeptical. As consumers still determine how they feel about food tech solutions, the unsustainability of almond trees for alt-dairy production is a common refrain. Insurgent plant milk brands offer a different option, a new nut. Pistachio-based Táche has grown its base out of the New York City area on the back of its flavor, its environmentally sustainable attributes and its cachet among coffee drinkers. The brand’s success in the foodservice channel led it to launch a RTD latte earlier in the year. PKN pecan milk is another plant-based alternative “benefitting” from consumer concerns over the longterm sustainability of almond production. PKN founder and CEO Laura Shenkar launched the brand after working in freshwater ecosystems and groundwater preservation. She saw an untapped potential for pecan-based alt milk because the nuts come from one of the few drought tolerant trees indigenous to the U.S. The opportunity in pecan milk lies in marrying the environmental concern that fuels some consumers’ choices with the nostalgic flavor of a culturally significant crop. “Texans are convinced that their pecans are the best, but the people of Mississippi, Alabama or Georgia also consider their pecans the best,” she said. “Pecans are an American mainstay. They’re very specific to America, and they’re very specific to family.” Tapping that nostalgic nerve and familiarity of flavor resonates with consumers who are looking for an emotional attachment when making purchasing decisions. The brand has invested in new products that play into plant-based trends: JOY Barista and ZERO which contains only pecans, water, vanilla extract and salt. “What I keep thinking about personally is my diet keeps getting smaller and smaller and smaller. You can’t eat this and you can’t eat that, and now you can’t do this and you can’t do that. What do we have left?” she said. “Let’s make the most out of what we have left.” Receive your free magazine! Join thousands of other food and beverage professionals who utilize BevNET Magazine to stay up-to-date on current trends and news within the food and beverage world. 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Scorpio, Daily Horoscope Today, December 11, 2024: Creativity and productivity flourishRICHMOND — Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday announced that he is asking the legislature for an additional $290 million to support school construction and modernization efforts across Virginia. This latest investment would bring the total funding for the current biennium to $700 million and raise the state’s overall contribution under Youngkin’s administration to nearly $2 billion. Youngkin’s funding request is included in his proposed budget amendments, which he plans to present next week at a joint meeting of the General Assembly’s money committees. According to the governor’s office, the state’s financial commitments have spurred an estimated $3.4 billion in total funding for school construction. The additional support would be made possible through a combination of local government contributions and federal matching funds. “Over the last three years, we have invested historic amounts in our education system, including our public school facilities,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Our record economic growth and the resulting surplus allows us to make this critical investment to ensure every Virginia student has access to high-quality school facilities that support academic success.” Youngkin plans to use the newly announced $290 million in non-general funds to expand competitive grant opportunities for school divisions, particularly in high-need areas. The money would also address critical infrastructure issues, supporting the construction and renovation of schools in urgent need of repair. State officials say the increased funding will provide K-12 students with safer, more conducive learning spaces, a move that has been welcomed by educators and community leaders alike. Local school divisions will be able to apply for grant support to fast-track modernization projects that may have been delayed due to funding shortfalls. The Youngkin administration has framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to support Virginia’s educational system and improve outcomes for students. As schools across the state face aging infrastructure and capacity challenges, this investment aims to reduce disparities in facility quality, especially in underserved areas. “One of our guiding principles since day one of the Youngkin Administration has been to provide safe, vibrant, and healthy learning environments for all of our students,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “This investment in supporting new and refurbished school buildings makes it possible for every community in the commonwealth to have the means to provide a best-in-class education that prepares every student for success in our increasingly demanding knowledge- and skills-based economy.” Del. Candi Mundon King, D-Prince William, a member of the Commission on School Construction and Modernization, said that while she welcomed Youngkin’s proposal, she needed more information. “We have been screaming from the rooftops about more money for school construction and ensuring that localities have what they need, so I’m glad to see that he’s trying to get on board,” Mundon King said. “It is clear that we need to put more money into school construction, but I can’t say more without seeing a fully fleshed out plan. So I’m looking forward to his presentation next week with the joint money committees so we can fully evaluate what this proposal actually is, and not just some slick press release that doesn’t go into detail.” In 2022, Youngkin’s first year in office, the General Assembly in a bipartisan effort approved a historic $1.2 billion investment in school construction, aiming to modernize aging facilities and reduce funding disparities among school divisions. The sweeping plan combined grants and loans to support renovations, new construction, and capacity expansion for K-12 schools across the commonwealth. Of the $1.2 billion, about $850 million was allocated for grants. This included $400 million in formula-based grants, which provided each of Virginia’s 134 school divisions with a $1 million base allocation. The remaining $266 million was distributed based on the Local Composite Index (LCI) — a state funding formula that considers factors like property values, taxable sales and population data to assess a locality’s financial ability to support its schools. Another $450 million was funneled into the newly created School Construction Fund and Program, a competitive grant program designed to assist divisions with the most critical infrastructure needs. School systems with poor building conditions and limited financial capacity could apply for these funds to support construction, renovation, or expansion projects. This program is primarily funded by 98% of gaming revenue from Virginia’s four new casinos in Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. The fund is administered by the Virginia Board of Education. Virginia faces a mounting crisis with school infrastructure. Data released by the Virginia Department of Education in 2022 revealed that nearly 1,000 school buildings across the state are at least 50 years old. Replacing these facilities would cost more than $25 billion — a figure far beyond the capacity of most localities. Traditionally, local governments have shouldered the financial burden of school construction, relying on local tax revenue. But for economically distressed areas, particularly in Southwest Virginia and Southside, this has become an increasingly difficult challenge due to population decline and economic hardship. But in April, Youngkin vetoed a bill lawmakers sent to his desk that would have allowed localities to implement a 1% sales tax to help cover the costs of school construction and modernization. The proposal required voter approval through a referendum before the tax could be enacted by local governments. Youngkin acknowledged that school construction is a “worthy cause” but argued that Virginia has already taken substantial steps to address those costs. He contended that citizens should not face additional taxes, particularly the $1.5 billion annually that would have been raised by the 1% sales tax. “The commonwealth should pursue a tax policy that unleashes economic development and prioritizes job and wage growth through innovative reforms,” Youngkin said in his veto. “These reforms must allow hardworking Virginians to keep more of their money, not less; any proposal that increases the cost of living and the cost of business is not a policy we should pursue.” Prior to 2022, state assistance for school construction was limited, with much of it coming from the Literary Fund, a state-managed pool of money established in Virginia’s Constitution. Funded by sources such as unclaimed lottery winnings, criminal fines, and unclaimed property, the Literary Fund historically provided low-interest loans to support school construction and debt service for technology. However, in recent years, much of the fund’s revenue was redirected to cover teacher retirement costs, leaving fewer resources for school building projects. The 2022 legislative session retooled the Literary Fund’s loan program, significantly increasing its impact. Lawmakers raised the maximum loan amount from $7.5 million to $25 million and capped the interest rate at 2%. These changes made it more feasible for school divisions to finance major construction projects at a lower cost. With the state’s total contribution now approaching $2 billion, education advocates are hopeful the increased funding will lead to long-term improvements in school facilities and better learning conditions for students throughout the commonwealth. Virginia Board of Education President Grace Creasey said Tuesday that the panel will prioritize “those school divisions in greatest need that have missed out on prior grant opportunities,” especially rural divisions. “We also know that school divisions are eager to adopt seat time flexibility and competency-based models which requires us to design learning environments and spaces differently. This new investment will make this possible,” Creasey said.Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rulesSoftBank pledges to invest $100 bn into US, creating 100,000 jobs

Debbie Nelson, a single mother from Missouri whose tumultuous relationship with her eldest son, rapper Eminem, provided fodder for some of his early hits, died Monday. She was 69. The death was confirmed by Dennis Dennehy, a longtime representative for Eminem, who did not cite a cause or say where she died. Nelson was known for her fraught relationship with Eminem, who through his talent for hip-hop went from being a bullied little boy named Marshall Mathers to a hugely successful rapper. He wrote about their struggles in several songs, including one of his biggest hits. In his rage-fueled, freewheeling 2002 single “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” Eminem has a reckoning with his mother over his upbringing, accusing her of neglect, abuse and prescription-pill abuse. In the chorus, he sarcastically apologizes for making her cry, only to add, “How dare you try to take what you didn’t help me to get?” Nelson, who sued her son for defamation in 1999 over another unflattering representation of her in his song “My Name Is,” shared her account of their relationship in a no-holds-barred memoir, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” which was published in 2008. Deborah Rae Nelson was born on Jan. 6, 1955, to Betty Hixson and Bob Nelson. She and the rapper’s father, Marshall Mathers Jr., performed in a band called Daddy Warbucks and married when she was a teenager. At 17, she gave birth to her son Marshall after more than 72 hours of labor on Oct. 17, 1972. Nelson, who for a time went by Debbie Mathers but resumed using her maiden name after her son’s rise to fame, divorced her husband when Marshall was an infant. What ensued was an itinerant decade, one in which the two bounced from home to home, and for Marshall, from school to school, before they settled in Detroit. By the late 1980s, Marshall was discovering hip-hop and had assumed the name M&M. Around that time, Nelson allowed a teenager who had run away from home to stay with them, Nelson told Salon in 2000. Eminem later developed a relationship with the girl, Kim Scott, and the two eventually married and had a daughter. Nelson sought $10 million in damages in her 1999 defamation suit, but later said it was her lawyer’s idea and settled out of court for $25,000, most of it legal fees. In a 2000 music video meant to address the lawsuit, Nelson apologizes, over music and a photo montage, but says her “unconditional love created a spoiled young man, an angry one, too.” “Anything Marshall wanted, he got,” Nelson told Salon the same year. “I sheltered him too much and I think there’s a little resentment from that.” In “Lose Yourself,” a single from the movie “8 Mile” that sold more than 10 million copies and won two Grammy Awards in 2004, Eminem nodded more affectionately to Nelson with a reference to “Mom’s spaghetti.” (Eminem would go on to repurpose the name for a pasta sauce line and a Detroit restaurant). But in the 2009 track “My Mom,” he drew a direct line between his issues with drug-addiction and hers, claiming she had sprinkled Valium on his food. In a 2008 memoir, “The Way I Am,” Eminem did not go into as much detail about his mother as he did in his songs, though in a section about his family, he wrote, “If you go back and look at the abuse that I took, it’s no surprise I became who I am.” And in 2010, he told The New York Times magazine, “It’d be very hard to repair that relationship.” In addition to Eminem, Nelson’s survivors include another son, Nathan Mathers, and several grandchildren. She was married and divorced at least twice. For years, she ran a taxi service in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she lived with her last husband, John Briggs. As often as they clashed, it seemed, Eminem and his mother tried to reconcile. In his 2013 track “Headlights,” he showed remorse for his harsh lyrics and a greater understanding for her struggles. “I’m sorry, Mama, for ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet,’” he raps. “At the time I was angry. Rightfully? Maybe so. Never meant that far to take it, though.” According to the song, the two remained estranged. But when Eminem was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Nelson publicly congratulated him online. “Marshall, I want to say, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you,” she said in a video that was later deleted. “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you.” This article originally appeared in The New York Times . Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular German restaurant Deutsche Ecke opens in Newport News German restaurant Deutsche Ecke opens in Newport News Second man dies in Newport News triple shooting; police still looking for suspects Second man dies in Newport News triple shooting; police still looking for suspects The latest business openings and closings in Hampton Roads The latest business openings and closings in Hampton Roads Former Hampton High football coach Mike Smith highlights latest Virginia Hall of Fame inductees Former Hampton High football coach Mike Smith highlights latest Virginia Hall of Fame inductees Williamsburg Christmas parade to feature Commanders marching band Williamsburg Christmas parade to feature Commanders marching band Al Roker speaks out after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade chair mishap Al Roker speaks out after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade chair mishap 1 dead, 2 seriously injured in Newport News triple shooting, police say 1 dead, 2 seriously injured in Newport News triple shooting, police say New Kent wants public input on future of Makemie Woods New Kent wants public input on future of Makemie Woods The Grinch can’t steal West Point’s Christmas The Grinch can't steal West Point's Christmas Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to Trending Nationally Judge accused of ‘willful misconduct’ for letting illegal immigrant escape court Trump’s talk of reducing or relocating federal workers hits home in Maryland A young Coloradan learning to live with long COVID turns to TikTok to educate about chronic illness Fruit trees and ‘generational learning’ turn this California city into a parrot paradise as temperatures drop NBC’s enhanced yard lines, field numbers for Bills-49ers snow game draw strong reactions from viewersTrump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’

Health minister Lesa Semmler said the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council will be dissolved on December 16. Public administrator Dan Florizone, a former healthcare leader in Saskatchewan and Nunavut, will take over. In a statement, the N.W.T. government said the territory’s health authority needed “enhanced strategic direction.” The leadership council – formed in 2016 – acted in a similar fashion to a board of governors, overseeing the work of the staff who actually manage the health authority on a day-to-day basis. The council’s current chair is Gerry Cheezie, a former Smith’s Landing First Nation chief who was appointed in 2022. Cheezie said he would provide comment later on Tuesday. Another of the council’s eight present members, reached by phone on Tuesday afternoon, said they were not authorized to speak about the GNWT’s decision but told Cabin Radio they supported the decision. “The role and structure of the leadership council as the board of management of the NTHSSA has not proven to fit the rapidly evolving and challenging needs of the current health and social services system, nor within the broader context of the GNWT,” the territorial government said in a statement “The goal in appointing a public administrator is to enable a more nimble approach and support efforts to find and implement solutions.” The GNWT said Florizone “has experience leading large-scale change across the Saskatchewan health sector, the Saskatchewan education sector, and throughout the Government of Saskatchewan.” He will be “responsible for exercising all powers and performing all duties and functions of the leadership council,” the GNWT added. Regional wellness councils, whose chairs formed the overall leadership council, will continue. The GNWT said appointing a public administrator was “not unprecedented.” Hay River’s health authority has one, the territory said – Brian Willows, who also sat on the leadership council in that role. The Tłıchǫ Community Services Agency, which is the N.W.T. health authority’s equivalent for Tłıchǫ communities, will continue to be governed by a board. “This decision was not made without significant consideration and deliberation and does not reflect any failings on the part of the leadership council or the NTHSSA,” Semmler was quoted as saying. “Appointing a public administrator provides the dedicated, full-time leadership needed to tackle the significant challenges in our health and social services system and deliver real, lasting improvements for all northerners “This is an important step toward fostering healthy people and communities across the territory. By establishing strong, focused leadership, we aim to address longstanding challenges within the system and lay a more resilient foundation for the future.” The health authority’s chief executive and its current management team, who sit below board level and will answer to the new public administrator, remain unchanged. In a Q&A published alongside its news release, the territorial government said the change “reflects a current need for specific expertise in managing the needs of the NTHSSA under increasing pressures and operational and financial challenges the system is currently facing.” The territory said it had considered candidates in the NWT to become the public administrator, but “could not identify a candidate who met the requirements and was willing to take on the role.” “Mr Florizone brings the expertise required, the time and capacity to take this on,” the GNWT said, “and the experience working in a northern context.” More follows. Aastha Sethi contributed reporting.

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The blocky sandstone cliffs of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Range along the Hunter River are creased with fault lines and cracks, like the wrinkles in a well-aged face. And fair enough too; these are some of the oldest rocks in the Kimberley at 1.8 billion years. They’ve seen some changes on this planet, including the evolution of multi-cellular life, and now they’re radiating a vibrant orange in the late afternoon. The blocky cliffs along the Hunter River are some of the oldest rocks in the Kimberley. Credit: Getty Images This river harbours living dinosaurs and from the edge of my rubber Zodiac I watch as one fearsome saltwater crocodile juggles a fish down its scaly throat. There’s a violent eruption of splashes and fins as sharks catch a snack, while a brahminy kite, its white head contrasting its chestnut body, swoops on a crab. Spotting a larger Zodiac bobbing in the harbour, we notice those onboard are beckoning to us. On approach, we see it’s none other than our own Captain Erwan Le Rouzic, along with three others of our ship’s top brass. Two inflatable crocodiles are strapped to their bow, and as we pull up alongside, the captain thrusts a plastic flute of chilled champagne into my sweaty hand. Living dinosaurs ... the river is a haven for saltwater crocs. Credit: Getty Images It’s as unexpected as it is welcome, and we passengers all laugh that we feel like rock stars. And we’d better get used to it. This crazy juxtaposition of luxury in a prehistoric wilderness is a hallmark of my cruise on Scenic Eclipse II, an 11-day Kimberley journey between Broome and Darwin. The newest ship for Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, Scenic Eclipse II launched in 2023 and is almost identical to Scenic Eclipse, launched in 2019. Previously the company has focused on river cruising, but this year founder Glen Moroney has sent ships to his home country, Australia. The Scenic Eclipse ships are touted as Discovery Yachts, and there certainly is a superyacht vibe. A fellow passenger says that if James Bond had a yacht, it would look like this, with a fleet of speedy Zodiacs and two jet-black helicopters. Each spacious suite has a verandah and all come with a private butler, so everyone here is a VIP. Scenic Eclipse II ... rugged wilderness meets polished luxury. Scenic Eclipse II has plenty of cutting-edge maritime technology. According to Le Rouzic, this ship uses 30 per cent less fuel than other ships of comparable size. To reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastic, there are refillable amenity bottles and guests are provided with re-usable drink bottles. For the captain, one of the best things about this ship is its size. With a maximum of 228 passengers, this vessel makes for easy personal connections. “Something I don’t really like much is that cruise ships are getting bigger and bigger,” Le Rouzic says, adding that he once captained a ship of 2000 passengers. “The ships have tripled and quadrupled since then. It’s to the point that the guests may forget they are even on a ship!” On this cruise, the only time I forget I’m on a ship is when I’m dining like a celebrity. We may be in the wilderness, but sublime meals, from casual to degustation, are created by 38 chefs in nine kitchens. Overseeing them is Tom Goetter, vice president of oceans hotel operations for Scenic, himself a celebrity chef, having appeared on US television’s reality series, Top Chef: World All-Stars . Off-ship Kimberley experiences via Zodiacs are astonishing. Goetter’s own onboard restaurant is the invitation-only Chef’s Table, seating just 10 guests for 10 experimental courses paired with a flight of 10 international wines. Goetter hands each of us a mini tool kit, explaining each course requires our participation. Highlights include a burrito “cigar” dipped in dehydrated vegetable “ash”, and spraying vinegar onto the fairy floss surrounding a foie gras toffee apple. Not only is the food exceptional, but the staff cannot do enough for us, soon learning our names and dining preferences. In the Azure Cafe, a guest is handed a pastry and cappuccino. “I didn’t order that,” he says, “but I was going to!” Evenings bring plenty of entertainment. A guitarist provides atmosphere in the bar, and two vocalists deliver toe-tapping concerts in the theatre and even on the moonlit heli-deck. For mine, the Discovery Team of 14 science and history guides (known by the more show-biz sounding “Disco Team”) steals the show. We appreciate the power and wonder of the Horizontal Falls. Each night we’re entertained with relevant mini-lectures, such as the marine biology of the Kimberley or Indigenous rock art. Leader Mike Cusack entertains with briefings about the next day’s adventures. Turns out, Cusack himself is a bona fide rock star. In 1987, Cusack and wife Susan spent a year living virtually unassisted in the remote Kimberley as the “Wilderness Couple” for Australian Geographic . Cusack delivers a lecture on their trials and tribulations, and I’m left awestruck. Not all of us fancy a year in the wilderness, though we relish a couple of hours, and our off-ship experiences are gobsmacking. At the Horizontal Falls, we board the Zodiacs to feel the power of the 11-metre tides forcing seawater through a narrow gap in an upthrust ridgeline. Unlike larger tour boats that zoom through the falls, we’re simply appreciating the wonder of this place, and slowly touring Cyclone Creek, where eddies and buckled strata speak of the forces at play. At Montgomery Reef we’re up early to accommodate the whims of the tide. We chug through natural drainage channels as water cascades off this living coral structure, which stands almost five metres proud of the surface at low tide. Before us, turtles take a breath, tawny nurse sharks skitter and egrets gobble stranded fish. Less than two hours later as our ship glides onwards, the reef has disappeared, swallowed by the tide. Montgomery Reef ... water cascades off this living coral structure. As we cruise, we see no towns and few boats. But people are here, and have always been, and it’s a privilege to witness Indigenous culture first-hand. At Wijingarra Butt Butt (Freshwater Cove) we land on Worrorra country to meet the Dambimangari traditional owners. Gideon Mowaljarlai tells us the legend of the spotted quoll and welcomes us with a dab of ochre each on the face. We hike up to Cyclone Cave, a rocky overhang adorned with Wandjina style art, where Neil Maru points out images of stingrays, giant dragonflies, night jars and the spiderweb-like cyclone itself. Traditional owners cannot always be on-site, and at Swift Bay, our own Disco Team reads out information from the Wunambal Gaambera people. In this special cave, surrounded by a vast shell midden, the ethereal Wandjina, the wide-eyed, mouthless creation beings, have peered from the walls and ceilings for millennia. The Disco Team have laid tarps under the overhang. On my back, I stare up in silence, lingering to untangle layers of rock wallabies, mythological monsters and human hand stencils. It’s a spiritual place, and there are human remains, tucked into a crevice. At Jar Island, we find the Gwion Gwion art, sometimes called Bradshaw art. We leave hats and backpacks outside the chasm, lest they damage the walls. Slender figures are depicted with tasselled headdresses and dilly bags, a window to ancient history. When our guides explain these images are at least 17,300 years old, it’s a goosebumps moment. The Disco Team interprets these sites with such deep respect, doing the traditional owners proud. A scenic heli flight is a Kimberley highlight. The following morning I join a beach excursion of a different kind, stepping into a Zodiac full of exercise mats and would-be yogis. As an osprey looks on, we go through our downward dogs to the chattering of terns, and I wonder whether any non-Indigenous humans have stood here before. Before finishing in Darwin, the Kimberley has a final highlight. Rising from the deck in a H130 helicopter in the early morning sunshine, I behold the twin King George Falls plummeting 80 metres to the tidal gorge below. As the chopper circles back along this roadless coastline, I spot crocodiles and turtles in the turquoise waters. The adventure doesn’t end there. Next, I’m zipping upstream in a Zodiac between towering cliffs. Approaching the falls themselves, we pack cameras and outer clothing into a waterproof bag, before chugging in slow motion into the hammering waterfall. I hear myself scream, and it’s not just the cold. Thoroughly drenched yet laughing with other guests, I realise I’m not a rock star after all. I’m a tiny speck on this planet whose biggest thrill is to be in this boat, under a waterfall, touching the wild. For me, this is the best luxury of all. Mind you, a champagne in the spa pool later might be nice. The details Cruise An 11 day all-inclusive itinerary on-board Scenic Eclipse II in The Kimberely costs $19,715 a person inclusive of excursions, meals in all restaurants, alcohol and room service. Helicopters and spa treatments additional charge. Trips in 2025 depart Darwin to Broome July 21 and August 10. Reverse direction, Broome to Darwin July 21 and September 17. See scenic.com.au Fly During the cruising season, Qantas flies direct to Broome from Sydney or Melbourne several times a week. Virgin Australia and Qantas offer connections to Broome via Perth several times a day. From Darwin, flights are available to all capital cities with Qantas, Virgin or Jetstar. See qantas.com , virginaustralia.com ; jetstar.com The writer travelled as a guest of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.