At least 65 million tune in for Netflix NFL Christmas Day games. NBA holiday ratings also skyrocketHYDRAA set to reshape Hyderabad skylineNew 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Netanyahu is getting his prostate removed as he faces crises on multiple fronts TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to have his prostate removed. The procedure Sunday comes he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption. The procedure shines a light on the 75-year-old Netanyahu's age at a time when he has tried to project strength while Israel is at war. Doctors say the procedure is routine and recovery is quick. An acting prime minister will temporarily take over during the prostate procedure. Netanyahu has previously faced health issues, including a heart condition requiring a pacemaker and a hernia operation earlier this year. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. 2024 was a year of triumphs and setbacks for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Here's how it unfolded The year 2024 saw President Vladimir Putin further cement his power as he sought to counter Russia's isolation over the war in Ukraine. He won a fifth term that will keep him in office until 2030 following an election with only token opposition. He tightened a political crackdown on Russian society, and his top opponent, Alexei Navalny, died in prison under still unknown circumstances. But gunmen massacred scores of people in a Moscow concert hall, and a bomb killed a top general in attacks that underscored security flaws. Ukrainian forces swept into the Russian region of Kursk, Putin boasted about a lethal new hypersonic missile, and a new Trump administration raised concerns about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally. Aliyev told Azerbaijani state television on Sunday that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare. He accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days. The crash on Wednesday killed 38 of 67 people on board. Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev on Saturday for what he called a “tragic incident” but stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility. Russian man arrested for allegedly running LGBTQ+ travel agency found dead in custody A Russian man arrested for allegedly running a travel agency for gay customers has been found dead in custody in Moscow. That's according to independent news outlet Mediazona on Sunday. According to OVD-Info, Andrei Kotov of the Men Travel agency was in pretrial detention facing extremism charges. An investigator told Kotov’s lawyer that her client had died by suicide and was found dead in his cell. Just over a year ago, Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlawed any LGBTQ+ activism in a ruling that designated “the international LGBT movement” as extremist. The move exposed anyone in the community or connected to it to criminal prosecution and prison. Syria's dwindling Jewish community can visit one of the world's oldest synagogues again JOBAR, Syria (AP) — Syria's civil war left one of the world's oldest synagogues partially destroyed. Now Syria's handful of remaining Jews are making pilgrimages to the synagogue in a Damascus suburb where people from throughout the region once came to pray. Syria used to have one of the world's largest Jewish communities, but in past decades their numbers dropped to nine in the capital. The head of the Jewish community there says Jewish personalities are offering to rebuild the Jobar synagogue that dates back nearly 3,000 years. It was badly damaged by bombardment when the neighborhood was controlled by opposition fighters. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi was hospitalized and undergoing medical evaluation Friday after sustaining an undisclosed injury during a European trip with a congressional delegation. It wasn’t immediately clear what type of injury the former House Speaker suffered or how serious her condition is, although she was said to be continuing to work from the hospital. A spokesperson said the 84-year-old California Democrat is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals.” “Pelosi sustained an injury during an official engagement and was admitted to the hospital for evaluation,” Ian Krager, the spokesman, said in a statement. Pelosi traveled to Luxembourg with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s Battle of the Bulge , a key turning point in the fight against the Nazis. “(Pelosi) regrets that she is unable to attend ... engagements to honor the courage of our service members during one of the greatest acts of American heroism in our nation’s history,” Krager added. Despite her advanced age, Pelosi appears to be in good health and has suffered few known major medical scares. She recently won reelection to a 20th term representing San Francisco’s deep-blue 11th congressional district. Pelosi has remained a major political force in the Democratic Party even after handing the Democratic baton in the House to Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries , who recently won a second two-year term as minority leader. She was credited with bulldozing President Biden into dropping his reelection bid after a dismal performance in a debate with President-elect Trump. The two Democratic allies admit they haven’t spoken since, a sign of continuing friction. ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The Asus ProArt Display 5K , with an MSRP that’s half the price of the Apple Studio Display , yields the same 5K resolution (5120×2880) in a similar 27-inch form factor. If you’re looking for a more affordable 5K display when compared to the Studio Display, it’s worth your consideration. Watch my hands-on video review, and subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more. Display Quality The biggest draw to the ProArt Display (PA27JCV) is that it’s a true 5K (5120×2880) panel, so you don’t have to worry about any of the UI scaling issues that make 4K displays seem “off” when used with macOS. There exist utilities to help work around these issues, but I prefer to have a native 5K panel, and Asus’ display provides that. The ProArt 5K display boasts an IPS panel with standard 178-degree viewing angles. However, it’s an LED-backlit display so that you won’t experience the contrast ratios and backlight control in OLED or miniLED displays. Asus does include a dynamic dimming feature, but I suggest disabling it as there aren’t enough dimming zones to avoid it becoming a distraction. Overall, I found the panel to be of good quality; it was uniform, and there was minimal backlight bleed in my sample unit provided by Asus. Asus ProArt Display 5K video review Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more videos With its typical brightness of 400 nits and peak brightness of 500 nits, this monitor isn’t ideal for editing and creating HDR content. However, it’s sufficient for watching movies through the Apple TV app. For reference, its brightness rating is lower than the 600 nits of Apple’s Studio Display, but keep in mind that these values are not perceived linearly, so the figures are much closer than what they might seem to be on paper. The unit features a 60Hz max refresh rate with a response time of 5ms. Given the pedestrian refresh rate, it’s probably not the best option for high-end gaming, but it paired well with my Nintendo Switch. Model name: ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV Size: 27-inch Backlight: LED Panel: IPS Finish: Matte Viewing angle: 178°/ 178° Aspect ratio: 16:9 Resolution: 5K (5120×2880) Refresh rate: 60Hz Color space: 99% DCI-P3 Brightness: Typical: 400cd/m2 HDR, Peak: 500 cd/m2 VESA DisplayHDR 500 Contrast: Typical: 1500:1 Max: 3000:1 Response time: 5ms(GTG) Colors: 1073.7M (8bit+FRC) Ambient brightness/color temp Dynamic dimming Like most third-party monitors, Asus’ display features a matte coating to reject ambient light. While matte display technology, particularly the high-end nano-texture used by Apple, has its merits, I’ve long preferred glossy displays. Due to the diffusion layer, matte displays reduce text sharpness, clarity, and contrast. This may not be a significant issue for those accustomed to matte displays. Still, it becomes noticeable when comparing them to glossy displays like those found on Apple Studio Displays, MacBook Pros, or iPads. I think Asus did a fine job with its matte display, and I started to second-guess myself about its merits versus glossy. In other words, it’s very good, and it made me realize how much I tend to dismiss the reflections caused by a glossy display, even in an area where I can largely control ambient light. After a while, I started getting used to the matte diffusion layer, even when working with large amounts of text, such as this review. Design & Build Quality The Asus ProArt 5K’s build quality is typical of a third-party display. It’s usually a combination of plastic and metal, with plastic comprising most of the materials. However, let’s start by highlighting the positive aspects. The included stand boasts many ergonomic adjustment features, which feel like a luxury compared to the base Apple Studio Display, which only offers tilt functionality. In contrast, Asus goes all out, providing an extensive range of adjustments and then some. The ASUS ProArt Display 5K features the following adjustment capability: Tilt: +23° ~ -5° Height Adjustment: 0~130mm Swivel: +30° ~ -30° Pivot, aka Tate mode: +90° ~ -90) Now, consider that Apple charges a $400 premium to add height adjustment capability to the Studio Display. This highlights the value of Asus’ approach. While Apple’s stand design is fully integrated, made of high-quality aluminum, and features butter-smooth adjustment, the end result is essentially the same. The ProArt Display 5K also features a 100x100mm VESA mounting option, which you must configure during the build-to-order process if you want the same thing on Apple’s display. Converting the Studio Display to VESA after the fact is possible, but that requires taking the device into the Apple Store and paying a fee. Speaking of VESA mounting the Asus 5K Display, it might be worth exploring mounting options because, like virtually all third-party displays I’ve used, there is a bit of wobble when typing. Asus’ 5K Display performs better than some displays I’ve tried, but there is still a noticeable “bobblehead” effect when typing on my Magic Keyboard. You can reduce the amount of wobble by keeping the height adjustment on the lower end of the scale, but it won’t outright eliminate the wobble. This is one of the main problems that I have with third-party displays. The stand and build materials aren’t designed to absorb the shock of your fingers pounding away on a keyboard. Apple’s Studio Display performs admirably in this area. Although it, too, isn’t 100% immune to wobble, the Studio Display is by far the best in this area when using a standard monitor stand. Connectivity Another feather in the Asus ProArt Display 5K’s cap is its wealth of connectivity options. First, thank you, Asus, for keeping the power supply internal. This means no unsightly power bricks to litter my workspace. I also appreciate the cable management channel built into the stand’s stem, making it easy to route all cables in an organized way. Apple users connecting to any modern Mac will appreciate the simplicity of DisplayPort Alt Mode via a single USB-C connection. In addition to display input, this single cable connection provides up to 96W of power to an eligible MacBook or iPad and connectivity to the USB hub built into the display. USB-C x 1 (DP Alt Mode) DisplayPort 1.4 x 1 HDMI(v2.1) x 1 USB Hub : 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (4.5W) USB Hub : 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (15W) 3.5mm headphone jack 96W USB-C Power Delivery Unlike Apple’s display options, which feature a single upstream USB-C connection, the Asus ProArt 5K Display comes with HDMI 2.1 and a standard DisplayPort 1.4 connection. This monitor can be connected to more than just Macs, including game consoles, set-top boxes, etc. But the Apple Studio Display gets a win in this area as well. For starters, Asus’ display outright lacks a built-in webcam and microphone. It has integrated 2W speakers on the rear, but they’re so puny that they might as well not exist. Even the Mac mini’s speaker sounds better, which should tell you everything you need to know about the display’s speakers. Thankfully, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack to connect headphones or a set of powered speakers, like the Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitors . Asus Pro Art Display 5K vs Apple Studio Display Is the Apple Studio Display much better than the ASUS ProArt Display 5K? When it comes to build quality, yes, without a doubt. But it gets more interesting if you’re only singling out the panels. If matte displays are not to your liking, and you prefer a glossy screen with text that pops, then the Studio Display might be the better choice. But if you’re okay with a matte display, the two are much closer than their respective prices may indicate. The Apple Studio Display’s most significant advantage is its build quality—comprised entirely of glass and aluminum. It features no prominent chin, logo, or buttons on the front of the panel. Aesthetically speaking, it’s a much more pleasing product to the senses. The second advantage is its integration and simplicity—it features a built-in ultrawide 12MP Center Stage Camera, a surprisingly decent six-speaker array with support for spatial audio, and a three-microphone array with directional beamforming for high-quality FaceTime calls and such. All of that works via a simple USB-C upstream cable. The Studio Display also features a trio of USB-C downstream inputs on the rear. Is the Apple Studio Display worth twice the Asus 5K Display? It depends on how much you prioritize capturing the Apple aesthetic in your workspace. For many, a display is merely a tool; the answer will be a resounding no. However, the Studio Display’s price premium might seem justified for those who have meticulously crafted their workspace around a minimalist aesthetic. My thoughts? This might surprise you, but if I had $1600 to splurge, I’d go with Asus’ 5K and save the other $800. It’s just a better value. If I were rating it, I’d give it a 4.5/5. What do you think? Sound off in the comments.

New Year's Eve 2024 Party Songs' Playlist: From 'Uptown Funk' to 'Kala Chashma,' Raise a Toast to New Year 2025 With These Party Songs (Watch Videos)Austin Slater tried to go into free agency with no expectations, which the outfielder admitted “is a little hard.” Would the veteran of parts of eight big-league seasons with the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles find a home relatively quickly? Or would he come to an agreement closer to spring training? “I’m glad this is the way that it went and excited about the spot that I landed in,” said Slater, who formally agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Slater, 31, said the Sox were the first team to reach out. “They told me I was their top target, and that was super encouraging,” he said Thursday. “That meant a lot, considering how difficult I felt last year went. I talked to (manager) Will Venable a couple times before signing and got really good vibes from him. “I just liked the message he was putting forth: an opportunity to play. Playing time and being a leader in the clubhouse were both pretty important things for me throughout this process. I’m thrilled about the opportunity.” The right-handed-hitting Slater has a career .271/.364/.429 slash line against lefties and provides flexibility for a Sox outfield that includes left-handed hitters in left field (Andrew Benintendi) and right (Dominic Fletcher). “On paper it’s a great fit, in terms of the lefty outfielders and my career stats against lefties, to kind of shield some guys from some platoon splits,” Slater said. “The versatility, too, to play all three outfield spots I think was a draw for them as well.” Slater, along with prospects Colson Montgomery and Grant Taylor, met with reporters via video conferences this week. Here are three takeaways from those sessions. The Orioles’ Austin Slater singles in Ryan O’Hearn from third base for the go-ahead run against the White Sox on Sept. 2, 2024, in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/The Baltimore Sun) Slater slashed .209/.321/.266 in 84 combined games with the Giants, Reds and Orioles during what he called a “pretty disappointing” 2024 season. His best stint came in Baltimore, where he slashed .246/.342/.333 in 33 games. Ryan Fuller, recently named the Sox director of hitting , was the Orioles co-hitting coach. “Ryan’s the best,” Slater said. “He understands the swing, which is obviously very important, but what I took away the most was what he talked about on the mental side of the game, especially for hitters, it being so up and down, frustrating at times. He had a lot of great wisdom and teaching points on that aspect of the game.” Slater said Fuller’s hiring was part of his decision to sign with the Sox. “It was definitely a huge factor for me to work with someone that I enjoyed working with,” he said, “and I felt like there was more to be kind of unlocked.” A lat injury limited Taylor to four starts this year for Class A Kannapolis. The right-hander worked his way back, making four starts during the Arizona Fall League. “That was really big for the mind,” Taylor said Wednesday. “Once you get back in a game, it’s like, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m back.’” Related Articles Chicago White Sox | Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal win MLB Cy Young Awards after both were pitching triple crown winners Chicago White Sox | How Chicago White Sox prospect Colson Montgomery put ‘ego and pride away’ to make most of his AFL stint Chicago White Sox | Chicago White Sox sign veteran Austin Slater for outfield depth Chicago White Sox | Garrett Crochet named AL Comeback Player of the Year — he’s the 2nd straight Chicago White Sox player to win it Chicago White Sox | Ryan Fuller looks to be a ‘catalyst to connect everyone’ in new role as Chicago White Sox director of hitting Taylor went 2-0 with a 9.39 ERA in the AFL with the Glendale Desert Dogs. He struck out 13 in 7 2/3 innings. “Obviously there’s some pitches I felt like I could have thrown better,” he said. “Some at-bats I could have done better against. But overall I think it was really good for my progression into next year and understanding what I need to get better at for next season. “I was really happy that I was selected for the Fall Stars Game, and I was really excited about going out there and getting a zero (in one inning) against the Arizona Fall League All-Stars. That’s a pretty good lineup considering it’s the all-star game.” The Sox selected Taylor in the second round of the 2023 draft out of LSU. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes , voted the National League Rookie of the Year on Monday, was Taylor’s teammate at LSU and the No. 1 pick in that year’s draft. “I’ll talk to him and he’ll tell me different stuff that he notices throughout the league, and he’s like, ‘You can be here very soon, dude,’” Taylor said. “It’s pretty cool for one of my really, really good buddies to believe I can be right up there with him, and he’s at the top of the league.” Taylor, 22, missed the 2023 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He had a 1.13 ERA this year with Kannapolis, striking out 25 in 16 innings. MLB.com ranks him as the No. 6 prospect in the Sox system. “The main goal (this offseason) is just to make sure my body stays in a really good position come February (and) March so I can break camp healthy,” he said. White Sox prospect Colson Montgomery throws to first base during the All-Star Futures Game at Globe Life Field on July 13, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) Montgomery spent time at third base during the Arizona Fall League , but the shortstop made it clear Wednesday that was a specific case. “I was (doing) anything to help the (Desert Dogs) win and to get in the lineup,” Montgomery said. “I’m a shortstop, and that’s it.” Montgomery liked the progress he made defensively in 2024 at Triple-A Charlotte. He had a .963 fielding percentage, the best of his four years in the minors. “Biggest thing was I improved my internal clock a lot and I felt I was locked in the whole time when I was playing shortstop,” he said. “I was always thinking, ‘If the ball is hit to me, where am I going?’ Not waiting. I was already ahead of it. “And I was thinking the ball was going to be hit to me every single time, and I was going to do whatever I could to keep the ball in the infield and help our pitchers out.”

( MENAFN - IANS) Seoul, Dec 30 (IANS) World leaders have expressed condolences and solidarity with South Korea after the tragic airplane crash in Muan claimed more than 170 lives. In a statement released by the White House, US President Joe Biden on Sunday expressed his grief over the accident and pledged support to South Korea. "Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju airlines accident in Muan, South Korea. As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. The US stands ready to provide any necessary assistance," the White House statement said. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru extended his sympathies to the bereaved families on behalf of the government and the people of Japan. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives due to the airplane accident that occurred in South Korea. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I wish to express my sincere condolences for the loss of life and send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. My thoughts go out to all those who were injured, and I sincerely hope they will make a swift recovery," the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan said. India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also expressed deep sorrow over the airplane crash. David Lammy, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, and Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, offered their condolences on the tragic accident. Chinese President Xi Jinping said he was "shocked" to learn of the crash, in a message to South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok. "I express our deep condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy for the victims' families, and wish those injured a speedy recovery," he said, quoted by China's state broadcaster CCTV. In a statement late on December 29, a spokesperson for Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry said: "The Singapore Government is saddened by the news of the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on December 29, 2024. We convey our deepest condolences to the government of South Korea and the families and loved ones of those who have perished. We wish the survivors a full recovery." "We are in contact with the South Korean authorities and there were no reports of Singaporeans on board the flight." EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was "heartbroken to see images of the plane crash in Muan". "As your partner, Europe stands with you in this time of grief," the European Commission President said. Pope Francis, who visited South Korea a decade ago, told worshippers at the Vatican he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the dead". "My thoughts are with the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash," Pope Francis said. France's Foreign Ministry said that Paris learnt "with great emotion the terrible toll" and sends condolences to the affected families. Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the crash is "yet another blow to the nation's heart" after "a difficult period" -- alluding to weeks of political turmoil in Seoul. "This is an incredible loss and pain" for the friends and families of those killed, Steinmeier said. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic incident," Greece's Foreign Affairs Ministry said on X, sending condolences "during this difficult time". Earlier, the South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 people were killed and two people were rescued out of 181 aboard following a plane crash in South Korea's Muan region, Yonhap news agency reported. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport, the Yonhap news agency reported. The aircraft veered off the runway while landing, with its landing gear not deployed, skidding across the ground, hitting a concrete wall, and bursting into flames. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok, also declared Muan County a special disaster zone and visited the crash site to direct search operations. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae further issued an apology and expressed condolences to the victims' families, taking full responsibility for the incident. The airline has promised full support for the surviving families, including financial assistance, citing its $1 billion insurance plan. "Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said. MENAFN29122024000231011071ID1109040084 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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A North Queensland MP claims departments and entities are getting in each others’ way despite the state government’s good intentions to export billions of dollars in critical minerals to the world, as his region confronts more than 1600 job cuts. Although the North West Minerals Province holds hope in vanadium development in Julia Creek and Richmond, as well as the Eva-Harmony prospect in Cloncurry, Traeger MP Robbie Katter warns expenses and bureaucracy jeopardises these opportunities. “Whether it’s through ideology or just overzealous bureaucratic approaches, well, the fact remains that I get multiple players in the region saying they have no problem with Department of Mines but the Department of Environment is definitely holding up progress of existing operations or new mining operations,” Mr Katter said. “It’s a good time for the government to realise that this stuff doesn’t just fall in your lap, you’ve got to create conditions that can allow either existing mines to keep expanding or new ones to pop up.” Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell estimated 400 jobs have been lost in recent months from the financial woes of three junior mining companies in the area. Traeger MP Robbie Katter photographed at the lookout overlooking Mount Isa Mines and the city. Photo: Joanna Giemza-Meehan He believe the seriousness of this issue has been overlooked by policy makers focused on the implications of 1200 Glencore Mount Isa Mines workers expected to be made redundant by July. Mr Katter agreed with the estimate of 400 job losses in Cloncurry, but said it should not be compared to MIM redundancies. “You’re not comparing apples with apples,” Mr Katter said. Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell said about 400 jobs had been affected by three different mines’ financial woes in his shire in recent months. Picture: Liam Kidston “You talk about copper mines that have been there 100 years that a whole city has based its economy on largely, where Cloncurry has been blessed with a bit more diversity, and you know, a bit more heavy influence in the cattle industry. “Now, not withstanding, it’s still a blow and hurts and it’s definitely part of the story.” South African mining giant Harmony is considering developing its Eva mine 75km north of Cloncurry, which would support 800 jobs in its construction phase. Harmony Gold Mining Company chief operating officer of business development and growth Johannes Van Heerden provides an update on the company’s plans for its mine in the Cloncurry region. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm It is yet to financially commit to the project despite a $20.7m sweetener by the former Labor State Government to fast-track its decision , as Glencore’s job cuts loom. But Mr Katter was concerned that high costs in infrastructure, transport and energy, as well as water supply, could discourage the company, as it had weighed on others. He said there was contention over securing water from nearby Lake Julius which was maintained by SunWater and meant to be used for additional water supply, but Mr Katter accused the government entity of being motivated by profit rather than development. Map overview of the Eva Harmony project in the North West Minerals Province. It is 75km north of Cloncurry and next to the existing MMG mine Dugald River. Mr Campbell said Eva had been “marketed as the salvation of Mount Isa” even though it was not in the same local government area, and warned there needed to be a strong pipeline of ore being produced to feed Mount Isa Mines’ copper smelter as long as possible, which was a significant piece of infrastructure that kept other company assets viable, such as Incitec Pivot. “But the Eva project, (we’re) hopeful that we’ll see an investment decision sometime in the first half of 2025,” Mr Campbell said. Recently appointed Resources Minister Dale Last was on leave, but a message the government’s resources spokespeople have repeated is that Queensland was “open for business”. The Mount Isa Mines copper smelter is a significant piece of infrastructure which Glencore has considered closing in the past. With the closure of its local copper mines, the mining giant will use third party ore to feed the smelter. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm Among Mr Last’s and Premier David Crisafulli’s first meetings was with Glencore’s international chief executive over Mount Isa redundancies, and Mr Last had emphasised on social media the need to fast-track the approvals process. More Coverage ‘No thought given’: Do policymakers understand burdens facing the north? Chris Burns 100 years: What makes Mount Isa mine unique to the world Chris Burns Originally published as Why are North Queensland’s junior miners struggling to keep going? News Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Townsville Horror start to July headlines with triple-fatality bus crash Non sport-related news headlines in the Townsville Bulletin in the month of July began tragically with the horrific Greyhound bus accident on the Bruce Highway. Read more Townsville ‘Dire’: Grandma evicted from home of 30 years A Townsville grandmother says the pain of being told to vacate her rental home of three decades just a week before Christmas was worse than battling cancer. Read more

Global manufacturing to shift in India's favour: N ChandrasekaranISTANBUL The European Union announced on Saturday that it had recalled its envoy from Niger. The move came after the ruling junta questioned the way the bloc delivered aid to the West African country. "The European Union expresses its profound disagreement with the allegations and justifications put forward by the transitional authorities," the European External Action Service (EEAS) said on Saturday. "Consequently, the EU has decided to recall its Ambassador from Niamey for consultations in Brussels," it added. On Friday, Niger's junta issued a statement accusing the EU ambassador in the country of mismanaging a $1.35 million (€1.3 million) fund intended for flood victims. The junta claimed that the fund was allocated to several international NGOs in a lack of transparency, without sufficient collaboration with local authorities.

PITTSBURGH — The decorations outside Acrisure Stadium suggested Christmas. The play on the field by the home team hinted at another holiday entirely. Groundhog Day. Like Bill Murray in the iconic movie — set about 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh in Punxsutawney — it's not that the Steelers are reliving the same day (or in their case, season) over and over exactly. It's that no matter what plan they come up with in a frantic effort to get to the other side, they seem to end up right back where they started. Competitive sure. But a contender? Ehhhh. Despite a series of aggressive moves — particularly on offense — that was considerably "unSteeler-like" in the offseason, Pittsburgh finds itself in familiar territory following a 29-10 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday: likely heading on the road in the first round of the playoffs, perhaps as a considerable underdog. While there is still time for Pittsburgh (10-6) to turn it around before a first-round playoff game on the second weekend in January, it's running out quickly. So too is the patience of those weary of being stuck on the treadmill of "good but hardly great" for far too long. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith — who is 0-3 in the postseason since being drafted in 2020 — wondered aloud afterward if there's enough "want to" on the roster. Safety DeShon Elliott bemoaned communication issues that have cropped up, the kind of thing that is tolerable in Week 2, not so much in Week 17. Coach Mike Tomlin described a performance against the Chiefs in which his team was outclassed at seemingly every turn "junior varsity." That may be being charitable. And while the offense certainly has its issues (see below), the reality is the NFL's highest-paid defense has lost its way during a three-game slide that has dimmed the considerable optimism that surrounded the club after Thanksgiving. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 402 yards during the skid and while the Chiefs seemed to have plenty of juice at the end of the same three games in 11 days stretch the Steelers endured, their opponents appeared to be gassed. Patrick Mahomes did whatever he wanted as usual and Pittsburgh failed to get a single sack or produce a turnover. There were opportunities. Linebacker Mark Robinson forced a fumble on a punt return only to see someone in red-and-white fall on the loose ball. Linebacker Patrick Queen let a tipped pass in Kansas City territory fall through his arms for an incompletion. Earlier in the season, Pittsburgh was making those plays. Though it should be noted, the competition then wasn't on the scale of what it has faced against Philadelphia, Baltimore and the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The road has gotten considerably harder, just as the Steelers knew it would when the schedule was released in May. Like Phil Connors in "Groundhog Day," however, knowing what's coming and being able to navigate it are two different things. It took Connors a while to figure things out — anywhere from a few months to 25 or more years depending on who you ask — Pittsburgh doesn't have eternity to get it right if it wants to avoid a quick first-round playoff exit for the fourth time in five years. It has just over two weeks. And the clock is ticking. Maybe all the way back to 6 a.m. Because it sure looks like it's Groundhog Day. Again. WHAT'S WORKING: Not much. One of the few bright spots on a difficult day was the 36-year-old Russell Wilson's ability to make plays with his feet. He ran for a season-high 55 yards, his best single-game total since September 2023. WHAT NEEDS HELP: One of the reasons Wilson had to run is because on some plays, he had no choice while playing behind a youth-laden offensive line that looks as if it is wearing down late in the season. The Chiefs sacked Wilson five times — some of which, to be clear, were because of Wilson's indecisiveness — even with perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Chris Jones out while nursing a calf injury. Pittsburgh wants to be a team that imposes itself physically on the opponent. That has simply not happened during the current slide. The opponents have dictated the terms, particularly along the line of scrimmage. Turning that around this deep into a season may be a difficult ask. STOCK UP: Jaylen Warren is becoming the more dynamic option at running back. Warren has 37 touches for 212 yards during the three-game slide, while Najee Harris has 31 touches for 144 yards. Harris could become a free agent in March after the Steelers declined to pick up his fifth-year option. While Harris — who has topped 1,000 yards rushing in each of his first four seasons — certainly has a future in the NFL, it seems increasingly likely that it will be elsewhere. STOCK DOWN: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. His egalitarian approach to play-calling allows everyone to get involved. That's not a bad thing during the dog days in the middle of the season. It keeps players at all levels of the depth chart engaged and adds wrinkles opponents need to account for. Yet in the final weeks, the ball should be finding its way to the established difference-makers more frequently. Calling a run for Cordarrelle Patterson — the league's oldest running back — on third-and-3 near midfield as Smith did late in the first half makes little sense. INJURIES: Perhaps the most jarring thing about Pittsburgh's swoon is that the Steelers are generally healthy. Sure, they missed cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) against Kansas City, but the rest of the 21 starters on offense and defense were in the lineup. KEY NUMBER: 0. The number of opening-drive touchdowns scored by the Steelers this season. For a group that has trouble "warming up to the game" as Tomlin likes to say, consistently being put in a position to play from behind against quality teams such as the ones Pittsburgh will see in the playoffs is inadvisable. NEXT STEPS: Rest up, heal up and try to find a way to restore some of its swagger ahead of a meeting with AFC North rival Cincinnati on the first weekend in January.Strikes retaliation for Ukraine hits on Russia: Kremlin49ers’ Kyle Shanahan isn’t ready to talk about 2025 season yet

The 49ers will do everything they can to finish the 2024 season with a 9-8 record but coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t thinking beyond that. A 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams all but ended their playoff aspirations with games at Miami, at home against Detroit and the regular-season finale in Arizona still to play. For a team that had played in the NFC Championship Game four out of the last five years and played in two Super Bowls, it’s a huge letdown. “I’ll talk about 2025 when we get to 2025,” Shanahan said in a conference call with local media Friday. “But you have hope every year. You put together the best team possible, you go and practice and you go out there and you battle. So that’s what we do every single offseason. “You figure out how to get the best players possible through free agency and the Draft, you try to keep your best players as possible, you go to work and you show up for Week One.” The 49ers are coming to grips with being an also-ran. The reasons for the 49ers’ slide go much further than making a bad choice last offseason to bring in linebacker De’Vondre Campbell as a temporary replacement for Dre Greenlaw, who was rehabbing a torn Achilles. of removing Campbell from the roster either through suspension or release after he declined to play against the Rams. One thing Shanahan has no intention of doing is questioning his team’s want-to and preparation, even of those qualities have resulted in something foreign for the 49ers in terms of playing clean football. “I thought our guys showed up ready to play,” Shanahan said. “I thought we battled and a few key plays were the difference in the game. But I thought our guys sold out and I expect them to sell out the next three games.” While the 49ers’ commitment wasn’t an issue other than Campbell, their execution and playmaking was a huge problem on offense. The 49ers gained 191 yards of total offense, the second-lowest number since Shanahan arrived in 2017 and took control of the offense. It’s only the second time the 49ers failed to gain 200 yards of offense in 141 games with Shanahan as head coach. The only time they gained fewer yards was a 31-7 loss to Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game played for more than three quarters without a viable quarterback since Brock Purdy (elbow) and Josh Johnson (concussion) were injured and Purdy had to re-enter the game unable to pass. The 49ers were so anemic against the Rams they failed to reach the red zone just one week after going 5-for-6 in a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears. Asked if he could ever remember that happening as a play-caller, Shanahan said, “I’m not sure. I’ve been doing this a long time.” On the 49ers’ second series, Purdy found tight end George Kittle for a 33-yard gain — the play set up a 53-yard field goal by Jake Moody for a 3-0 lead — and the 49ers didn’t have a snap that gained more than 18 yards the rest of the night. They averaged 3.6 yards per snap and were 3-for-12 on third-down conversions. “I know that we were averaging like three yards a play at halftime. I don’t know what it was after that,” Kittle said. “They came out with some funky looks once in a while, but I just thought as skill positions, whether it was tight end, quarterback, running back, fullback, wide receiver, I just thought we could have stepped up our game and played better and we didn’t. “ Purdy insisted there were plays there for the taking — rain or no rain. “The weather was the weather in the first half, but even with that, I think there were still some ops for us to convert on third down and move the chains,” Purdy said. “In the second half there were drives where we could’ve stayed on the field. I had to be better for this team and didn’t play my best.” Linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s return was an inspiration to Shanahan and his teammates, with the 49ers’ linebacker registering eight first half tackles and ranging sideline to sideline as if he’d never had a ruptured Achilles. He departed when his leg tightened up, with Monday bringing the news that it had more to do with fatigue than another injury. With the 49ers getting a mini-bye this weekend before visiting Miami in Week 16, Greenlaw could be good to go for another start. “He’s got some soreness. He’s day to day,” Shanahan said. It reminded Shanahan of Greenlaw in Year 3, when he had a groin injury in the opener that needed surgery, and other than 13 snaps in Week 11 against Minnesota, didn’t play again until the regular-season finale against the Rams when he had 12 tackles. “We needed to win that to go to the playoffs,” Shanahan said. “And that game, I thought he had one of the best games I’ve ever seen from linebacker play and it was looking a lot like that last night too. Exactly the same, it was just only a half a football, but it was amazing.” — Left tackle Trent Williams continues to heal slowly from an ankle injury but Shanahan hopes to get him in the lineup before the season is over. “He’s trying to get back, but it’s just been a frustrating injury for him,” Shanahan said. ” t hasn’t healed like he or we would like. Having these 10 more days before our next game, hopefully that gives a better chance” — Defensive end Nick Bosa emerged from the Rams game without any setbacks to his oblique/hip injuries. “It was awesome to get Nick back and he really helped us,” Shanahan said. “It was a good sign that they didn’t tell me about anything today.” — Linebacker Dee Winters is day to day with a neck injury. Linebacker Fred Warner, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and cornerback Renardo Green each played all but one snap on defense. One game after playing a career low 15 snaps, safety Ji’Ayir Brown played 60 snaps with Malik Mustapha missing the game with a chest injury. Brown came out of the game with a groin injury and is day to day. Guards Aaron Banks and Dominick Puni, tackles Jaylon Moore and Colton McKivitz, center Jake Brendel and Purdy played every offensive snap. Starting split end Jauan Jennings was targeted nine times from Purdy while missing just three snaps but had just two receptions for 31 yards. The 75.9 percent figure of snap counts was the most for Isaac Guerendo in his rookie season after coming in questionable with a foot sprain. Backup Patrick Taylor Jr. played just three snaps. Greenlaw made a remarkable return in his first game back from rupturing an Achilles tendon last Feb. 11. Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, playing with a sore knee, played 26 snaps mostly after Greenlaw’s departure with Campbell refusing to enter the game. Tashaun Gipson got his first work on defense since rejoining the 49ers on Nov. 7. Edge rusher Ronald Beal Jr., who has had trouble getting traction as a pass rusher all season, played sparingly with Nick Bosa (47), Leonard Floyd (39) and Yetur Gross-Matos (31) getting the bulk of the work.Today, Cancer natives will enjoy a day ripe with personal growth opportunities and domestic harmony. Ideal for family time and property decisions, the day also promotes successful academic and career endeavors. Financially moderate with potential long-term benefits, it's vital to maintain health through balanced activities and mindful indulgences. Today is a favorable day for Cancer natives, filled with opportunities for personal growth and happiness. Domestic harmony will dominate, making it an ideal day to spend time with family and focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere at home. Favorable planetary alignments suggest it’s a great time to make decisions regarding property or long-term assets. Additionally, indulgence in home-related upgrades or purchases, like electronics or furniture, will yield satisfaction. Love and Relationships Your relationships will thrive today, especially your bond with your spouse or significant other. Expect heartfelt conversations that strengthen your emotional connection. Singles might experience a sense of longing but should use this time for self-reflection. Social gatherings or a family function could provide opportunities for deepening bonds with extended family and friends, further enriching your emotional landscape. Education and Career Students are likely to receive encouraging results or recognition in their academic endeavors. The day is particularly favorable for those preparing for exams or pursuing studies in technology, real estate, or finance. In your career, your focus and determination will help you overcome challenges. Collaborations with colleagues will be fruitful, but be cautious of taking on too much at once. Prioritize tasks effectively to maintain productivity. Money and Finance Financially, this is a day of moderate gains. Investments in property or home improvements are highly favored and could bring long-term benefits. While expenditures might rise, especially on luxury items or entertainment, these are likely to bring joy and enhance your living environment. Keep a balanced approach to spending, and avoid dipping into savings unnecessarily. Health and Well-being Your health is in good shape, but avoid overindulgence in rich or processed foods, as this could lead to minor digestive issues. A short outing or time spent outdoors will uplift your mood and keep stress at bay. Prioritize hydration and include physical activities like yoga or a brisk walk to maintain vitality. Your mental health will benefit from time spent with loved ones. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .

It is official. What has been speculated for some months now is now a fact. Honda, the second largest Japanese automaker and Nissan, the third largest, have announced that they would be merging the two companies. The whole process would be complete by 2026. Nissan as the larger shareholder will have a majority in the combined board post-merger. Nissan is the largest shareholder in the smaller Mitsubishi carmakers. Mitsubishi said that it would be considering being a part of the megamerger. The Honda-Nissan merger would create the third largest automaker in the world after Toyota and Volkswagen. In a press conference held on Friday, the chief executives of all the three companies, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi, announced the merger plan and explained the reasons for the decision. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said, “The rise of Chinese automakers and new players has changed the car industry quite a lot. We have to build up capabilities to fight with them by 2030, otherwise we’ll be beaten.” That is a candid confession from the Japanese automakers who have dominated the global car scene for more than half-a-century, and literally broke the monopoly of American and European carmakers. The merger move can be seen as the Japanese showing enough alacrity in the face of the changing situation, and responding to it. The merger is expected to yield combined sales of $191 billion and a profit of $19 billion. The merger has ramifications for Honda’s and Nissan’s international tie-ups. French automakers Renault said that it would discuss with Nissan the changes brought about by the merger. Honda’s Mibe said that Nissan’s arrangements with Renault would continue and so would Honda’s with the American carmaker General Motors. There are two challenges that the two Japanese auto majors have to face after the merger. It is the production of electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids because that is the future because of the pressure to curb carbon emissions. America’s Tesla and China’s BYD are seen as the lead players, and in Japan there are smaller car manufacturers who have displayed agility with the new technologies needed to make the EVs. Honda and Nissan want to move into the EV market in a big way and with a strong base. Meanwhile, Honda has made it clear that the merger with Nissan was not because of the losses that Honda was making. As a matter of fact Honda has recovered from its losses and its two-wheelers are still dominating the market. The carmakers, especially the fossil-fuel dependent vehicle manufacturers, are moving out of their comfort zones of producing the petrol- and diesel-run cars. It is not the case that Tesla and BYD will make the other car manufacturers redundant. The demand for cars will continue, and in place of ICE vehicles, it will now be EVs, and neither Tesla nor the Chinese EV-makers can meet the global demand on their own. So there is time for the car manufacturers to switch to the new technology of EVs and keep their share of the global car market. Tesla and Chinese EV-makers have shown what the future looks like. The others have no other option but to change and adapt. It should not come as a surprise that major changes are taking place in the way industries are being run. They have run in a certain way for the last 150 years, based on fossil fuels like coal and oil. The crisis of climate change has made it necessary to change the mode of production, especially the energy sources that were in use till now. Clean and renewable energy is the demand of the day. There are many countries, governments and industries which are still resistant to the idea of decarbonising the economy, but it cannot be resisted for too long. Switching to green energy is inevitable. And the carmakers are moving in the right direction.This week we’re handing over the newsletter to Paul Durica , director of exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum. In his own words, he reflects on his past year of research: “Over the last year, I have started my day by reading the Chicago Tribune, that is, the corresponding edition from 100 years ago. “The decision to read each day’s newspaper from 1924 came from a realization that two events that have meant a lot to my work occurred in the same calendar year. Those events are the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Robert Franks by Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb, considered the crime of the century at the time, and the passage by the United States Congress of the nation’s most restrictive piece of immigration legislation. “I wondered what else happened in 1924 and what would I learn by letting the year unfold day by day, in real time. Much from that year is still remembered, while many events, meaningful in their moment, have faded from memory. “I discovered a year that continues to shape Chicago. In many ways, we are all living in the city that came into existence in 1924. We engage with that year on the streets we walk, the buildings we enter, and the festivals and events we attend. “Despite many successes and advances, the year serves as a warning. In Chicago, crime is out of control. In Washington, corruption is rampant. And in Europe, authoritarianism is on the rise. We know what became of the people who lived through that year. What will become of those who lived through 2024 is the task of a future historian.” — Paul Durica Reader Daniel Knopfloch asked: What songs describe the city “in the best way?” Great question, Daniel. What’s your favorite song about Chicago and why? Email us. We might use your answer in an upcoming edition of the newsletter. Dec. 26, 1908: Jack Johnson became the first Black heavyweight boxing champ, in Sydney, Australia. He defeated Tommy Burns of Canada after the fight was stopped in the 14th round. Dec. 26, 2018: Retiring Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis signed a secret agreement with federal prosecutors in which he admitted to taking bribes from real estate developers in exchange for his help on zoning issues. The terms of the unprecedented deferred-prosecution agreement that Solis signed with the U.S. attorney’s office that day weren’t made public until April 2022. He became a government mole by wearing an undercover wire to help federal investigators build cases against former 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke and ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan . On Jan. 24, 1924, The Chicago Daily Tribune announced plans for the John G. Shedd Aquarium to be built at Grant Park by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. (Chicago Tribune) Local: Kate Buckingham and John G. Shedd made gifts to the South Park Commission that will change the city. National: Teapot Dome scandal began to emerge in Washington. International: V.I. Lenin died in Russia. Elsie Stoneman, played by Lillian Gish, and her brother attend Ford’s Theater on the night of Lincoln’s assassination in the 1915 motion picture “Birth of a Nation.” (D. W. Griffith) Local: Police shut down screening of “The Birth of a Nation” at the Auditorium Theatre. National: Former President Woodrow Wilson died. International: Adolf Hitler went on trial in Munich for having helped lead a failed coup there in 1923. Archbishop George Mundelein leaves Chicago on March 6, 1924, from the Baltimore and Ohio station headed to New York where he will sail for Rome to become a cardinal in 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Archbishop George Mundelein was elevated to cardinal — the city’s first — in Rome. National: Harry K. Thaw received the right to a new trial for the 1906 murder of architect Stanford White. International: The Tribune interviewed Mahatma Gandhi not long after his release from prison. Beulah Annan gave her confession at the Hyde Park police station after shooting her lover, Harry Kalstedt, earlier that day, on April 3, 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Beulah Annan , the inspiration for Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” killed her lover Harry Kalstedt. National: The U.S. Senate passed a restrictive immigration bill . International: Fascists won big in Italian parliamentary elections. Eight of Robert “Bobby” Franks’ friends from the Harvard private school he attended act as pallbearers at the 14-year-old’s funeral on May 25, 1924. Franks, the youngest son of millionaire Jacob Franks, was killed by Richard Loeb, 18, and Nathan Leopold, Jr., 19, on May 21, 1924. The funeral service was held at the Franks home at 5052 Ellis Ave. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Robert Franks. National: Black Gold , owned by Osage woman Rosa M. Hoots , won the 50th running of the Kentucky Derby. International: Several nations vied for the “death ray” technology purportedly developed by British inventor Harry Grindell Matthews. Belva Gaertner and her attorneys Thomas Nash, to her left, and Michael Ahern, to her right, were all smiles after the jury’s verdict that found her guiltless on June 6, 1924, in the murder of auto salesman Walter Law on March 12, 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Belva Gaertner went on trial for killing her lover. National: Republicans nominated Calvin Coolidge for president and Evanston resident Charles Gates Dawes for vice president. International: George Mallory and A.C. Irvine were reported dead after attempting to summit Mount Everest. Sybil Bauer, the swimming champ who won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1924 Summer Olympics, circa 1920s. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Oak Park native Ernest Hemingway was reported to have been gored by a bull in Pamplona, Spain; largest fleet to date set off from Belmont Harbor on the race to Mackinac Island. National: Deadlocked Democrats compromised on John W. Davis and Charles W. Bryan for their presidential ticket. International: Olympic games kicked off in Paris, where Chicago swimmers Sybil Bauer and Johnny Weissmuller excelled. George C. Blakeslee, chief photographer at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, circa 1926. The observatory boasted a collection of over 170,000 photographic plates. (Chicago Herald and Examiner) Local: Cigarette foe Lucy Page Gaston died of throat cancer. National: Conman Charles Ponzi was released from prison but faced state charges. International: Astronomers from around the world — including from Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin — observed Mars , which was passing the closest it would be to Earth until 2007. “Jumpy conditions,” however, prevented local experts from a clear view. The plane Chicago lands at a small airstrip just outside of west suburban Maywood on Sept. 15, 1924, during the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe by the U.S. Army World Fliers. The Chicago was flown by Lts. Lowell Smith and Leslie Arnold. (Chicago Herald and Examiner) Local: The trial of Leopold and Loeb ended with a verdict of life in prison with no possibility of parole. National: Miss Philadelphia Ruth Malcomson won what became the Miss America contest in Atlantic City. Miss Chicago Margaret Leigh placed second. International: A trio of American flyers — who stopped in Chicago — successfully circumnavigated the globe by plane. Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, third from left, visits Chicago in October 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: The Prince of Wales visited Chicago. National: The Washington Senators beat the New York Giants in a seven-game World Series. International: Conservatives toppled the Labor government in a snap election in England. A crowd gathers outside gangster Dean O’Banion’s flower shop, Schofield Co. at 738 N. State St., after he was shot and killed on Nov. 10, 1924. Three assassins entered the flower shop, talked with O’Banion and then opened fire at only a few feet’s distance. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: North side gang leader Dean O’Banion was assassinated in his flower shop. National: Calvin Coolidge and the GOP won big in federal elections. International: Composer Giacomo Puccini died. President Calvin Coolidge and first lady Grace Coolidge posed for a Tribune photographer after they arrived in Chicago to attend a stock show in 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: President Coolidge visited Chicago; John J. Glessner donated his house to the American Institute of Architects; and the Field Museum purchased the lions of Tsavo . National: Labor leader Samuel Gompers died; tobacco magnate James B. Duke established a trust that led to Trinity College becoming Duke University. International: Sun Yat-Sen arrived in modern-day Bejing and set out to become China’s president early in 1925. Become a Tribune subscriber: It’s just $1 for a 1-year digital subscription Follow us on Instagram: @vintagetribune Thanks for reading! Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com

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