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The relationship between President Joe Biden and House Democrats appears to have grown strained after the president backtracked on his previous refusal to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Multiple House members told Axios this week that tensions were already brewing between the commander in chief and Democrat lawmakers, but the pardon sent many “over the edge,” one senior House Democrat told Axios. “People are really angry,” the representative, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said. They estimated that “more than 50 percent” of their fellow House Democrats are frustrated about Biden’s sweeping December 1 pardon for Hunter, a move he repeatedly claimed he would not make. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) chose to speak on the record, saying the Biden-House Democrats relationship is “I don’t think great” when asked about it. WATCH — White House Insisted Joe Biden Wouldn’t Pardon Hunter Right After Trump Won Election: Another source of the tension seems to be the perception that Biden cost Democrats the presidential election after staying in the race until July. “I think there’s a widespread sense that he took too long to get out and that it made it very difficult for Vice President Harris to run the most impactful campaign,” Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) told the outlet. Another senior House Democrat pointed out that “some of the frustrations about Harris’ loss have to do with Biden.” “Geez, you know, he stuck around longer than he probably should have,” the member added. According to Landsman, the president got “a ton done” during his time in office, but there are “legitimate questions as to whether or not he should have served one term and been done” and added that Biden should have talked through the pardon decision “with others outside of his family.” WATCH — Jill Biden: “Of Course” I Support Pardon for Hunter Biden: A third senior House Democrat confirmed to Axios that “there’s definitely some tension” about the pardon, which came just before the younger Biden was set to face sentencing for gun charges, according to the Associated Press. “There is a lot of frustration with Biden’s about-face,” yet another House member added, referring to Biden’s lies about not pardoning his son and his 2020 pledge to act as a “bridge” to ensure the success of newer Democrats. “I am unplugging from Biden right now,” a fifth House Democrat told Axios when asked about the president. Yet another member lamented how tarnished Biden has become by this drama. “There’s certainly frustration with the Biden administration, and in some ways the most frustrating part is some of us really love Joe Biden,” the source told Axios. “And the feeling is: Why do you have to go out like this?”

I'm not trying to get your tinsel in a tangle, but we're less than two weeks out from Christmas. There's no need to panic just yet because you've still got time (and, ahem, me) on your side, but I wouldn't suggest waiting any longer to sort out what you're sticking underneath the tree. Need some that don't feel like an afterthought? I've searched high and low to find the best last-minute Christmas gifts that'll arrive before Santa — and the picks below are the cream of the crop. Herd Mentality: Udderly Hilarious Board Game Pulidiki Car Cleaning Gel Car Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Slow Cooker Set with Scrub Mommy Lamicall Gooseneck Tablet Holder Kosin Barbecue Grill Lights, Set of 2 Anker MagSafe Charging Stand Gocii AirTag Wallet Holder, 2 Pack Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace Charlotte Tilbury Mini Pillow Talk Lipstick & Liner Set Toes Home Pilates Socks Kate Spade Madison Willow Medium Convertible Crossbody Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain-Teasing Puzzles Schylling NeeDoh Nice Cube Tenmiro LED Strip Lights Monopoly 'Wicked' Edition And no, you won't find any or digital subscriptions on this list. There's more than enough time to order something and wrap it up before Dec. 25. Most of these will arrive in two or three days with Amazon Prime, but select finds from retailers like Kate Spade Outlet and Sephora may take upwards of a week to show up at your door. Either way, they'll all make it with days to spare! I know time is of the essence, so I'll get right to the good stuff. Need another for your or ? The is a squishy square of delight (and not to mention, only $5). What about something for or ? This is a no-brainer if their iPad is always attached to their hip. Check out these thoughtful last-minute Christmas gift ideas and so much more down below. How well do you know your friends and family? This game will put that very question to the test. Present a question to the group and guess what everyone else jotted down on their notepad — if your answer is in the majority, you win cow tokens. If, say, your answers don't match up, then you're stuck with the pink cow, which prevents you from winning the game. Anyone who drives (or, ya know, rides in the passenger seat) can put this magical goo to good use. Press it into hard-to-clean spots — air vents, cupholders, door handles, you name it — to peel back months (or years) of dirt, dust and debris. "This stuff is fun and super satisfying," "The interior looks like we took our car to get detailed after using this!" Get two Christmas gifts for the price of one. This set comes with two individually boxed slow cookers, plus a pair of limited-edition Scrub Mommy sponges — one for each gift. Keep in mind that the slow cookers are on the smaller side (2 quarts each), so they're better suited for someone who lives alone or cooks for two. He doesn't go anywhere without his iPad and, well, his body is starting to feel the effects. He can clamp this gooseneck tablet holder just about anywhere — his bed frame, desk, bathtub, kitchen island, you name it — so he can see the screen without craning his neck. If he's the practical type, then an everyday problem-solver is arguably the best gift you can give. Enter these magnetic gooseneck lights, which can shine a light on whatever he's grilling. They come powered up with AAA batteries, so he can put them to work as soon as the festivities wrap (or, ya know, during them). Is his nightstand overrun with gadgets, gizmos and all the cords that go with 'em? Then take a cue from Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida and get the "one charger to rule them all." This sleek stand made Broida's list of the because it "provides bedside homes for your AirPods, iPhone and Apple Watch, all charged wirelessly and magnetically via a single, unobtrusive power cord." Chances are, he just throws his AirTags into his wallet and calls it a day. Now, he can stick the tracker in one of these sleek holders and slip it into any card slot. "It was super easy to pop the AirTag in and it fits securely," adding that they also keep one in their passport holder when they travel. Although it's been a decade since this dainty dazzler's debut, this Kendra Scott staple is hotter than ever, with in the last year alone. There are tons of eye-catching color combos to choose from — this understated rose quartz beauty, for instance, or more daring statements. Let Charlotte Tilbury give her the gift of a perfect pout this Christmas. First, she can outline her lips with the pencil for maximum precision, then fill 'em in with a matte lipstick in the same iconic shade. Choose between the OG Pillow Talk or opt for a variation geared toward lighter or darker skin tones. (Psst, Beauty Insiders get free and fast shipping on every order, so sign up if you aren't one already!) Shopping for a Pink Pilates Princess (if you know, you know)? Then snag this four-pack of multicolor grippy socks, so she can show up to the reformer in style. Even swears by this style: "They're perfect for someone used to working without socks who wants a little more grip, but still wants control in their feet." Because Kate Spade is always the answer. This day-to-night beauty is just the right size to hold her everyday essentials, but the gold chain makes it dressy enough for fancier occasions. Order it by noon on Dec. 19 and you'll get it by Christmas Eve — with free shipping, I might add. One compact case, 200 puzzle possibilities. The challenges range in difficulty, so they can work their way up to more brain-bending puzzles as the years go on. "This is the perfect game for traveling," , adding that her "daughter even uses it in the car on longer drives." Your house can't handle any more slime. Trust me, I get it. Well, this sensory blob offers the same thrill — minus the mess. They can squeeze, stretch or squish this cube to their heart's content, and it'll always return back to its original shape. You can't select a color when placing your order (either pink, blue or purple), so the final pick will be a surprise for you too. What is with teenagers and colorful lights? We may never know, but one thing's for sure: You'll really up your cool factor if you give them a pack of these bad boys. They can set the vibe with 100 feet(!) of color-changing fun — switch the colors, brightness levels and cadence with the included remote or via the app. "The music sync feature is just the icing on the cake, allowing the lights to dance to the beat of your favorite tunes," Monopoly's gone pink and green in celebration of . Players will head straight to the Land of Oz with properties and game pieces inspired by the movie of the season, including The Grimmerie and Glinda's crown. See all of our in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — , , , you name it.

Judge says lawsuit over former NFL player Glenn Foster Jr.'s jail death can proceedOscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.Teenage West Ham goalkeeper dies aged 15 after cancer battle

New Delhi: The number of new subscribers to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) scheme was at its lowest at 0.75 million in October in 2024-25, according to a report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Thursday. New subscribers to Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) was the lowest at 1.29 million in the current financial year except for April. On the other hand, new subscribers to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) increased by 12% to 64,977 in October from 58,018 in the month before. However, the additions were lower than at the beginning of the financial year. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping From April and October, the number of new NPS and EPF subscribers declined by 41.3% and 23.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, ESIC recorded a 5.3% increase in new registrations. A gender-wise analysis shows that while the number of new male NPS subscribers increased by 20.1% in October compared to September, female NPS subscriptions fell by 5.8% in the same period. For EPF and ESIC, the decline in new subscriptions was higher among men than women. The number of new male EPF subscribers decreased by 26.1% in October from the month before, compared to 18.4% decline for females in the same period. Similarly, male ESIC subscriptions declined by 15.4%, while female subscriptions fell by 10.3%. -Our Bureau Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Which Jackson-area football players took home all-state honors?

Tomislav Ivisic scored a career-high 23 points to lead six players in double figures as No. 24 Illinois raced past visiting Chicago State 117-64 on Sunday in Champaign, Ill. Kylan Boswell also starred for the Fighting Illini (9-3) with an 18-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn added 16 points, while Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 14. Will Riley hit for 13 points and Morez Johnson Jr. came off the bench to net 11. Gabe Spinelli scored 20 points for the winless Cougars (0-15) and Noble Crawford added 15, but they just didn't have the scoring punch to stay with their Big Ten Conference opponent. Illinois outshot Chicago State 62.1 percent (41 of 66) to 37.3 percent (25 of 67) from the field and 45.5 percent (15 of 33) to 32.3 percent (10 of 31) from the 3-point line. The Cougars were also outrebounded 47-23. Illinois led for all but 24 seconds of the game, scoring basically at will. The Illini reaped a 28-4 advantage in free-throw attempts, drew 26 assists and earned a 48-16 advantage in points in the paint. In its last game before jumping into the bulk of its Big Ten schedule Thursday night at Oregon, Illinois wasted no time putting its stamp on the game. It carved out a double-figure edge at the 14:59 mark of the first half on Gibbs-Lawhorn's 3-pointer that made it 17-7 and simply kept expanding that lead. The margin reached 20 for the first time with 10:06 left when Ivisic drained a 3-pointer from the right wing for a 32-10 cushion. Johnson's foul shot with 3:43 remaining increased the advantage to 30 at 48-18, and Jake Davis' 3-pointer from the corner with a second on the clock gave the Illini a 60-24 cushion at halftime. Boswell's short jumper with 18:22 left in the game built Illinois' first 40-point advantage at 65-24. Riley splashed a 3-pointer with 9:57 remaining to up the lead to 50 at 93-43. Davis made another 3-pointer at the 7:59 mark to get the Illini to the 100-point threshold. They led by as many as 58 points in the final two minutes. --Field Level Media(BPT) - The new year is a good time to reset. From a fresh start on lifestyle choices, hobbies or pursuits, to the less exciting — but no less important — aspects of life, like memberships, contracts and even health insurance. Health insurance deductibles reset in the new year, so it's a good idea to keep that in mind as you plan for healthcare expenses. Any changes made to your health insurance plan during open enrollment go into effect as well. "Even if you spent hours researching your health plan before making a selection, there's always a possibility for the occasional surprise once coverage kicks in, which is why it's important to assess your healthcare coverage and address any gaps before January 1," said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. "AARP members can take advantage of benefits available to them to help find the coverage and savings information they seek." 1. Examine your vision coverage Eye health is important to quality of life, both in terms of moving around safely and appreciating your surroundings. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help make sure your vision is sharp while also monitoring for any issues. However, many health insurance plans don't include vision coverage. If you do see a gap in your coverage, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 2. Plan for prescriptions While several health plans offer coverage for prescription drugs, discounts can vary, especially when it comes to different types of medication. AARP ® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX ® can help with savings. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. Additional benefits for AARP members include home delivery, deeper discounts on medications, coverage for dependents and more. 3. Confirm your primary care With a new health insurance plan, you might find that your primary care physician is no longer in-network or that they no longer accept your insurance. Perhaps you have relocated and are in the market for a new doctor. Whatever the case, there's no time like the present to search for a new primary care physician who meets your needs. If you're on Medicare, Oak Street Health can be a great resource. The only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location. 4. Protect your smile Optimal dental care includes daily brushing and flossing and a visit to the dentist every six months. During your visit, the dentist can monitor for and treat any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, not all plans include dental insurance, which means you might end up paying out of pocket for your cleaning and other procedures. To avoid that, take a look at your coverage. If needed, explore information on dental insurance options that offer individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Dental insurance generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection will benefit from it immediately. 5. Clarify your hearing coverage Hearing loss is a common age-related ailment. According to the National Institute on Aging , one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. Hearing aids can be an enormous help, improving socialization, boosting confidence and even helping to increase balance. However, many insurance plans do not include coverage for hearing aids. AARP ® Hearing SolutionsTM provided by UnitedHealthcare ® Hearing provides savings on hearing aids and hearing care . Members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories — no insurance needed. Plus receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. 6. Consider physical therapy Often, the only times that people consider whether their health insurance covers physical therapy is if they already participate in it or after the doctor has prescribed it. As we age, though, physical therapy can be a useful tool in improving balance or recovering from an injury or procedure to help you remain active. Fortunately, the question of coverage or finding an in-network location doesn't have to derail you. AARP ® Physical Therapy At HomeTM by Luna accepts most insurances and Medicare and is available to members and non-members alike. Plus, Luna's experts come to you, so you can receive quality care from the comfort of your home. If you're creating an end-of-year to-do list, consider adding an assessment of your healthcare coverage. After all, the best time to realize you have a gap in coverage is before you need it. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits . AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.None

$HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues To Investigate Merger - AVTE, BCOV, ...(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson saysWhen the scientist and inventor Prof Archibald Montgomery Low predicted “a day in the life of a man of the future” one century ago, his prophesies were sometimes dismissed as “ruthlessly imaginative”. They included, reported the London Daily News in 1925, “such horrors” as being woken by radio alarm clock; communications “by personal radio set”; breakfasting “with loudspeaker news and television glimpses of events”; shopping by moving stairways and moving pavements. One hundred years after Low’s publication of his book The Future some of his forecasts were spot on. Others, including his prophesy that everyone would be wearing synthetic felt one-piece suits and hats, less so. Researchers from the have excavated accounts of Low’s predictions from its extensive digital archive of historical newspapers available to the public and included them in a of forecasts made for 2025 by people a century ago. Low, born in 1888, was an engineer, research physicist, inventor and author. A pioneer in many fields, he invented the first powered drone, worked on the development of television, was known as the “father of radio guidance systems” for his work on planes, torpedo boats and guided rockets and reportedly attracted at least two unsuccessful assassination attempts by the Germans. In 1925, he predicted how home loudspeakers and “a television machine” would replace “the picture paper” – or newspapers – for information and on demand entertainment; access to global broadcasting at the press of a button; and the use of . He foresaw the use of moving pavements and stairs, essentially the escalators and travelators of today, as well as “automatic telephones” with the benefit of getting the right number every time, as opposed to the 1920s rotary dial phones. Some outlandish imaginings included new ways of illuminating streets by herbs (1926), jets of electrically charged water to replace cavalry (1923) and mind-to-mind electrical communication (1925). Others, such as women in trousers becoming the norm (1924) and sex determination before birth (1926) are very much on the mark. The major investment in offshore wind and solar power of recent years appears to fulfil another prediction: that “wind and tide are also to be harnessed to the service of man”. Yet another was: “Life is to be made far easier by the use of machinery that will do all the heavy and disagreeable work.” The average man, according to one newspaper report, “will be called punctually by a radio alarm clock set to pick up the particular signal at the time he wishes to rise”. Before the rise of automated alarms, people would be woken for work by an early-morning “knocker upper”, a person going door-to-door tapping windowpanes with a long wooden stick, which did not die out in Britain until the 1940s and 50s. However, Low’s prediction that the alarm clock would be set for “probably nine-thirty” was optimistic. Another prophesy, that each morning people would enjoy “a few moments radio light treatment or massage in order to keep fit and alert for the day’s business,” does seem to tap into the modern health and wellness trends of today. Jen Baldwin, a research specialist at Findmypast, which has more than 87m digitised historical newspaper pages, said: “It’s amazing that a century ago, one visionary scientist could predict how emerging technology – in its infancy at the time – could have changed the world by 2025. It makes you stop to wonder how the advancements we see around us today will be experienced by our own descendants.” Low, who died aged 68, carried on making predictions throughout his life. Not all found favour. In 1929, the Daily Express reported, with some outrage, the professor was in some ways an “arrant conservative” who had declared it would be centuries before “women approach men in intelligence” and then only when they take on “men’s physical characteristics”. “A woman doctor in Munich has just been prophesying that women who bob their hair will in time grow beards. She and Professor Low ought to meet,” the paper said.

Israeli strikes kill two Hamas commanders

Teenage West Ham goalkeeper dies aged 15 after cancer battleHopeful Hallgrimsson trusts Wembley 'trauma' a one-off

Stock market today: Stocks waver in thin trading after US markets reopen following a holiday pauseYear in Review: North Carolina’s 24 in 2024Haryana is a land of endless possibilities, a leader of the nation and its talent is unparalleled in every field, said Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankar, who on Sunday attended the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra. Addressing a gathering at the Gita Gyan Sansthanam, he said under the leadership of chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, the talent of every Haryanvi will shine even brighter. Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatraya, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand and others were present. Lauding Saini, he said, “Nayab Singh Saini zameen se jude huye vyakti hain, jinka charitra bedaag hai, wo lagansheel hain aur unki soch bahut unchi hai. Mujhe poora vishwas hai ki Sh. Nayab Singh Saini nishchit roop se nayab kaam karenge (Saini is a grounded person with impeccable character, hard-working, and a person of high thinking. I am confident that Nayab Singh Saini will undoubtedly do exceptional work).” “Companions or charioteers play a decisive role in life, and Haryana has found its companion and charioteer in Saini,” said Dhankar, adding that visiting this sacred land, where Lord Krishna delivered his timeless teachings to Arjuna, is an experience he will always cherish. He emphasised that the message from the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra, is that the nation is supreme. The Vice President said for more than a decade, India has been making history. “After six decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had the privilege of becoming the charioteer of the nation. He said India has seen unprecedented economic progress and institutional advancement in the last ten years, and now India is on the path to becoming a developed nation. A developed India is no longer a dream but a goal. To achieve this, we must adopt the concentration and determination of Arjuna, as he focused solely on his goal, just as we must focus solely on our target to succeed,” he said. Dhankar also spoke about five important principles from the Bhagavad Gita, which he presented as “Panchamrit”. These principles are essential for social order, peace, development, brotherhood, progress, and happiness, he said. Later, he along with the dignitaries present visited the Progressive Haryana State-level Exhibition and Haryana Pavilion setup by the information, public relations, language, and culture department. Earlier in the day, the Vice President along with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar visited the Shri Devikoop Bhadrakali Shaktipeeth temple in Kurukshetra, where they offered prayers.

Chicago corn futures ticked lower on Friday as strength in the dollar and disappointing weekly U.S. export sales encouraged the market to move away from a 5-1/2-month top struck this week. Wheat eased further from a two-week peak earlier in the week while soybeans also edged down, further pressured by weakness in related vegetable oil markets. The most-active corn contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Cv1 was down 0.3% at $4.42-1/4 a bushel by 1117 GMT. The contract had reached its highest since late June at $4.51-1/4 on Wednesday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut its estimate for U.S. end-of-season corn stockpiles to 1.738 billion bushels from 1.938 billion. But USDA weekly export data on Thursday showed net U.S. corn sales at 946,900 metric tons, below analyst forecasts for at least 1.1 million tons. The dollar index .DXY, meanwhile, rose to a two-week high on Friday, making U.S. commodities more expensive overseas. “Corn prices fell from technically overbought levels, dragging wheat prices down with them,” commodity data platform CM Navigator said in a note. “Weak U.S. weekly sales contributed to the negative sentiment.” CBOT soybeans Sv1 fell 0.5% to $9.91 a bushel and CBOT wheat Wv1 inched down 0.1% to $5.58 a bushel. U.S. weekly soybean sales of 1,173,800 metric tons were also below trade estimates, although the USDA later announced another 334,000 tons of daily sales to undisclosed buyers. The prospect of huge South American production hangs over the soybean market. Brazilian national crop agency Conab and oilseed crushing group Abiove on Thursday increased their estimates for the country’s 2025 soybean crop, which could reach record levels following improved weather conditions. In wheat, support this week from the USDA’s reduced estimate of U.S. ending stocks, as well as market chatter that a planned Russian export quota may be reduced, has been countered by rain forecast for U.S. crops and signs of good yields in southern hemisphere harvests. The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) on Friday raised its estimates for wheat, barley and canola production in the state, saying yields from the ongoing harvest had continued to exceed expectations. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris and Peter Hobson in Canberra; Editing by Janane Venkatraman, Mrigank Dhaniwala and Jane Merriman)Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, especially in rural areas. He specifically acknowledged the critical role of medical professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, assuring the government’s commitment to supporting and retaining healthcare talent in the country. Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the West African College of Physicians (WACP), Shettima commended healthcare professionals for their dedication to serving the nation, despite challenges. “Yours is a very noble profession and many of the young ones are opting to leave the country but you did not. It’s not because you have not had options, but you felt a moral obligation to stay at home and serve,” he said. The Vice President assured the delegation that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, was committed to addressing healthcare challenges. He highlighted the appointment of Professor Muhammadu Ali Pate as the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, noting the Minister’s deep understanding of the health sector. “We will treat members of our professional bodies with dignity and respect. We will provide the enabling ground for you to work in Nigeria,” Shettima promised. Recalling his efforts to support healthcare education in Borno State, the Vice President said, “In 2014, as governor of Borno State, I took it upon myself to sponsor female citizens of the state to study Medicine and Surgery in Sudan. “The students have all graduated and licensed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to practice medicine in Nigeria and are under the employment of the state government.” He emphasized the government’s moral obligation to assist the people, saying, “We have a moral obligation to assist our people. In the fullness of time, we will have a course to rejoice. We will support you.” Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr Jeremiah Aboi Madaki, thanked the Vice President for his support of the 48th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians. Madaki expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to improving healthcare systems, even as he shared the communique of the conference with the Vice President. “We are here to thank you for your encouragement and for advancing discussions on health system revitalization under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said. Madaki also assured of the College’s commitment to policy advocacy and its plans to work closely with the government to implement evidence-based policies that improve healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. Other members of the delegation included Dr Habibu Galadanci, Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogbu and Dr Tahir Umar

UroGen Pharma ( NASDAQ:URGN – Get Free Report ) ‘s stock had its “buy” rating reaffirmed by equities researchers at D. Boral Capital in a research report issued on Friday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $25.00 price objective on the stock. D. Boral Capital’s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 103.42% from the stock’s previous close. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on URGN. HC Wainwright restated a “buy” rating and set a $60.00 price objective on shares of UroGen Pharma in a research note on Tuesday, October 15th. Guggenheim initiated coverage on UroGen Pharma in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. They set a “buy” rating and a $40.00 price target on the stock. Oppenheimer restated an “outperform” rating and set a $40.00 price objective on shares of UroGen Pharma in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, EF Hutton Acquisition Co. I upgraded shares of UroGen Pharma to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, UroGen Pharma currently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $43.70. Read Our Latest Report on URGN UroGen Pharma Trading Up 0.7 % UroGen Pharma ( NASDAQ:URGN – Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.55) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.84) by $0.29. The company had revenue of $25.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.22 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.68) EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that UroGen Pharma will post -3.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Coastal Bridge Advisors LLC increased its position in UroGen Pharma by 4.1% in the second quarter. Coastal Bridge Advisors LLC now owns 38,500 shares of the company’s stock worth $646,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares during the period. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC increased its holdings in shares of UroGen Pharma by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC now owns 72,787 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,221,000 after acquiring an additional 2,381 shares during the period. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in UroGen Pharma by 90.9% in the 3rd quarter. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 8,100 shares of the company’s stock valued at $103,000 after purchasing an additional 3,856 shares during the last quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in UroGen Pharma by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 151,781 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,547,000 after purchasing an additional 5,452 shares during the period. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in UroGen Pharma by 221.8% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 8,546 shares of the company’s stock valued at $109,000 after purchasing an additional 5,890 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.29% of the company’s stock. UroGen Pharma Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) UroGen Pharma Ltd., a biotechnology company, engages in the development and commercialization of solutions for urothelial and specialty cancers. It offers RTGel, a novel proprietary polymeric biocompatible, reverse thermal gelation hydrogel technology to improve therapeutic profiles of existing drugs; and Jelmyto for pyelocalyceal solution. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for UroGen Pharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UroGen Pharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

1 jolly spaghetti calories Reports: Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologizes to Commanders TE Zach Ertz

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:40 p.m. ESTThe Rev. Jodi Hayashida stands Tuesday in front of Maine People’s Alliance on Lisbon Street in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal AUBURN — The Rev. Jodi Hayashida served for over two decades as the First Universalist Church congregation’s spiritual guide before moving on to a mission well beyond church walls into communities across the state. Now spearheading Multifaith Justice Maine (MJM), Hayashida is channeling a passion for faith and social justice into a movement of inclusivity, one that unites those of many faiths to create systemic change. Raised in the Boston suburb of Bedford, Massachusetts, Hayashida said her mother’s family is from Maine, dating back centuries. “Even though I’m technically from away,” she laughed, “I feel like I should get some credit for deep Maine roots.” After years of living and working in Auburn, she’s planted her own roots firmly in the state, where her ministry continues to grow in new ways. As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who went to seminary straight out of college, Hayashida’s beliefs have been shaped by the teachings of a tradition that encourages and promotes development of personal faith. But her faith, she explained, is dynamic, evolving over time and shaped by the complexities of real life. “Our beliefs don’t exist in a vacuum,” she said. “They are constantly tested and refined by the simple act of living. Sometimes, that means my beliefs demand I change the way I live. At other times, reality has changed my beliefs.” Adaptation led Hayashida to what she calls “community ministry,” which she said means to “care for the world outside the walls of the local congregation.” It’s a place where the hunger for spiritual nourishment and desire for justice aren’t limited to parish walls or a single community of faith. As the director of MJM, a coalition organized under the Maine People’s Alliance, Hayashida has been working toward unification of people across the state who are in pursuit of a more just society. “Multifaith Justice Maine builds power across the lines of our diverse spiritual and religious beliefs as we work collectively to create a just and radically loving society,” Hayashida said. The organization’s work, she said, ranges from advocacy and bearing public witness, to legislative action and community-building. These efforts are all toward what Hayashida describes as “a beloved community that embraces and supports all.” Since beginning her work at MJM last year, Hayashida has addressed some of Maine’s most pressing issues, like training poll chaplains to ensure voters feel safe at the polls, advocating for housing as a human right and reframing substance use disorder as a public health issue. These issues, and many more, are not just political issues but moral imperatives rooted in a respect for the sacredness of all life, she said. For Hayashida, the essence of faith is found in a radical and reverent care for one another and in recognizing that “the holiness of this world is ultimately a mystery beyond our comprehension.” She said it’s a holiness woven into every part of life. Hayashida’s theology is far from traditional, so rather than engaging in what she calls old-school, patriarchal, academic theology, she prefers contemporary theologians, poets and thinkers broadening the “collective understanding of where and how holiness is made manifest in this world.” She said the fresh approach to faith has helped her connect with people across religious divides and not just in moments of shared worship, but also through collective action and organizing. “Connecting with people outside of my own faith tradition is as easy as connecting with people, period,” Hayashida said, adding that whether through her involvement in the Lewiston/Auburn Multifaith Association or simply by engaging with neighbors, she sees every interaction as an opportunity to foster understanding and compassion. Yet, she admitted, reconciling different belief systems can be challenging. It requires a solid dose of humility and is often an “invitation to meet the Holy in ever-expanding form.” That, she said, is a process of embracing one’s own faith without imposing it on others. After decades of ministry, Hayashida believes that her faith has one constant: the recognition of holiness in every life. “If we look deeply enough, we can witness the seed of holiness in every single life ... and once we see it, it becomes impossible to unsee it,” she said. For her, the ability to recognize the sacred in all things is a source of profound joy and heartbreak — a necessary foundation for the work of justice. Hayashida’s work may have shifted away from the parish, but her ministry continues through the building of cross-faith bridges and championing justice through the kind of faith that isn’t confined to walls, and through a shared struggle for a beloved community honoring the dignity of all. Comments are not available on this story. 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WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told the Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told the Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north Gaza under what it called Israel’s “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told the Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel. The rare public dispute drew accusations from prominent aid and human-rights figures that the work of the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning System Network, meant to reflect the opinion of unbiased international experts, has been tainted by politics. A declaration of famine would be a great embarrassment for Israel, which has insisted that its 15-month war in Gaza is aimed against the Hamas militant group and not against its civilian population. U.S. ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew earlier this week called the warning by the internationally recognized group inaccurate and “irresponsible.” Lew and the U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the monitoring group, both said the findings failed to properly account for rapidly changing circumstances in north Gaza. Humanitarian and human rights officials expressed fear of U.S. political interference in the world’s monitoring system for famines. The U.S. Embassy in Israel and the State Department declined comment. FEWS officials did not respond to questions. “We work day and night with the U.N. and our Israeli partners to meet humanitarian needs — which are great — and relying on inaccurate data is irresponsible,” Lew said Tuesday. USAID confirmed to the AP that it had asked the famine-monitoring organization to withdraw its stepped-up warning issued in a report dated Monday. The report did not appear among the top updates on the group’s website Thursday, but the link to it remained active. The dispute points in part to the difficulty of assessing the extent of starvation in largely isolated northern Gaza. Thousands in recent weeks have fled an intensified Israeli military crackdown that aid groups say has allowed delivery of only a dozen trucks of food and water since roughly October. FEWS Net said in its withdrawn report that unless Israel changes its policy, it expects the number of people dying of starvation and related ailments in north Gaza to reach between two and 15 per day sometime between January and March. The internationally recognized mortality threshold for famine is two or more deaths a day per 10,000 people. FEWS was created by the U.S. development agency in the 1980s and is still funded by it. But it is intended to provide independent, neutral and data-driven assessments of hunger crises, including in war zones. Its findings help guide decisions on aid by the U.S. and other governments and agencies around the world. A spokesman for Israel’s foreign ministry, Oren Marmorstein, welcomed the U.S. ambassador’s public challenge of the famine warning. “FEWS NET – Stop spreading these lies!” Marmorstein said on X. In challenging the findings publicly, the U.S. ambassador “leveraged his political power to undermine the work of this expert agency,” said Scott Paul, a senior manager at the Oxfam America humanitarian nonprofit. Paul stressed that he was not weighing in on the accuracy of the data or methodology of the report. “The whole point of creating FEWS is to have a group of experts make assessments about imminent famine that are untainted by political considerations,” said Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch and now a visiting professor in international affairs at Princeton University. “It sure looks like USAID is allowing political considerations — the Biden administration’s worry about funding Israel’s starvation strategy — to interfere.” Israel says it has been operating in recent months against Hamas militants still active in northern Gaza. It says the vast majority of the area’s residents have fled and relocated to Gaza City, where most aid destined for the north is delivered. But some critics, including a former defense minister, have accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Gaza’s far north, near the Israeli border. North Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its war with Hamas militants. Global famine monitors and U.N. and U.S. officials have warned repeatedly of the imminent risk of malnutrition and deaths from starvation hitting famine levels. International officials say Israel last summer increased the amount of aid it was admitting there, under U.S. pressure. The U.S. and U.N. have said Gaza’s people as a whole need between 350 and 500 trucks a day of food and other vital needs. But the U.N. and aid groups say Israel recently has again blocked almost all aid to that part of Gaza. Cindy McCain, the American head of the U.N. World Food Program, previously called for political pressure to get food flowing to Palestinians there. Israel says it places no restrictions on aid entering Gaza and that hundreds of truckloads of goods are piled up at Gaza’s crossings and accused international aid agencies of failing to deliver the supplies. The U.N. and other aid groups say ongoing combat, looting and insufficient security by Israeli troops make it impossible to deliver aid effectively. Lew, the U.S. ambassador, said the famine warning was based on “outdated and inaccurate” data. He pointed to uncertainty over how many of the 65,000-75,000 people remaining in northern Gaza had fled in recent weeks, saying that skewed the findings. FEWS said in its report that its famine assessment holds even if as few as 10,000 people remain. USAID in its statement to AP said it had reviewed the report before it became public, and noted “discrepancies” in population estimates and some other data. The U.S. agency had asked the famine warning group to address those uncertainties and be clear in its final report to reflect how those uncertainties affected its predictions of famine, it said. “This was relayed before Ambassador Lew’s statement,” USAID said in a statement. “FEWS NET did not resolve any of these concerns and published in spite of these technical comments and a request for substantive engagement before publication. As such, USAID asked to retract the report.” Roth criticized the U.S. challenge of the report in light of the gravity of the crisis there. “This quibbling over the number of people desperate for food seems a politicized diversion from the fact that the Israeli government is blocking virtually all food from getting in,” he said, adding that “the Biden administration seems to be closing its eyes to that reality, but putting its head in the sand won’t feed anyone.” The U.S., Israel’s main backer, provided a record amount of military support in the first year of the war. At the same time, the Biden administration repeatedly urged Israel to allow more access to aid deliveries in Gaza overall, and warned that failing to do so could trigger U.S. restrictions on military support. The administration recently said Israel was making improvements and declined to carry out its threat of restrictions. Military support for Israel’s war in Gaza is politically charged in the U.S., with Republicans and some Democrats staunchly opposed any effort to limit U.S. support over the suffering of Palestinian civilians trapped in the conflict. The Biden administration’s reluctance to do more to press Israel for improved treatment of civilians undercut support for Democrats in last month’s elections. ___ Sam Mednick and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement

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CD Projekt Red may not be remaking The Witcher 3, but it does want you to play the "NextGen Edition" mod that makes the RPG "more detailed and realistic"THREE KEY FACTS: For over a century, NZ had privileged access to the markets, resources and technologies of the British Empire. The Four Firsts with China gave NZ initially unique access to the world’s greatest rising economic power. While GDP per capita has often fallen during this century a wave of new immigrants has arrived. “Matthew,” sighed Speaker Gerry Brownlee in a pre-Christmas podcast, “you really do have to give up this dreadfully negative approach to everything in life.” For anyone connected with politics, it pays to listen to the Speaker. After all, the Speaker can theoretically still have you locked up for contempt.SPRINGFIELD — The minimum wage in Illinois will increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, completing a six-year transition period since the increase was approved in 2019. Beginning New Year’s Day, Illinois workers making minimum wage will see wages rise by $1 and tipped workers will see their paychecks bump to $9 an hour. Youth workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours a year will have a $13 minimum wage. The final increase, ending a six-year ramp which began with the minimum wage rising from $8.25 to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020, puts a bow on Gov. JB Pritzker’s first major legislative victory. He signed the wage increase in February 2019 about a month after being sworn in for his first term, checking off a top campaign promise. “Since day one of my administration, I’ve made it my mission to build an economy that works for everyone and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour fulfills that promise to our working families,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This increase honors the workers who power our state and ensures they can better support their families, bringing us closer to a stronger, more equitable economy for all.” Illinois will be one of 10 states with a minimum wage of $15 or greater, according to the National Employment Law Project. Twenty-two other states are also increasing their wages on Jan. 1. The minimum wage increase is one of many economic changes that have happened since 2019, including effects of the pandemic, Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Lou Sandoval told Capitol News Illinois. He said those have caused businesses to adjust their operations in a variety of ways, such as increasing automation. “I think you’re starting to see businesses pivot in terms of how they’re adjusting,” Sandoval said. “You’re seeing this at the national chains.” Some restaurants, for example, are “moving away from larger sit-down areas into grab-and-go.” Illinois job growth has been slow since October 2019, according to a November report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The state has seen a net increase of 28,700 jobs from October 2019 through October 2024. That’s a growth rate of 0.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.9%. The rate of new job postings by businesses at the beginning of the year will shed some light on how the jump to $15 on Jan. 1 is impacting business operations, Sandoval said. To help small businesses with the change, the state provides a tax credit through 2027 to businesses with 50 or fewer employees for wages paid to minimum-wage workers. The 2019 minimum wage law marked the first increase since the wage hit $8.25 in 2010. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, introduced a bill to raise it to $15 an hour in 2017 that was passed by the General Assembly and vetoed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Lightford sponsored the initiative again in 2019. “As a state, we have helped countless workers make ends meet, reduce financial stress, and provide a more solid foundation for their futures,” Lightford said in a statement. “The $15 minimum wage is a testament to our commitment to economic justice and our belief that everyone who works full time deserves a living wage.” The value of a $15 minimum wage, however, has changed since lawmakers acted in 2019. A person making $8.25 in February 2019 would need to earn $10.30 today to have the same buying power after inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index. A $15 hourly wage today has the buying power that $12.02 had in February 2019. A person would need to make an $18.72 wage today to have the same buying power that $15 had in February 2019. Top Democrats didn’t say if they will push for new increases. “As a Senator of 25 years, history has shown my commitment of fighting to ensure workers are paid a living wage. That commitment still holds strong today,” Lightford said in an email statement. Pritzker said he supports ideas that will help workers make more money, but didn’t commit to supporting any plan to raise the minimum wage further when pressed about it at a news conference Dec. 11. “We always are thinking about how do you balance the need for higher wages with the needs that businesses have to hire people and do it affordably. But I think we did it the right way when we did it back in 2019,” Pritzker said. The new $15 wage equates to a 40-hour-per-week annual salary of $31,200 before taxes. That equals the federal government’s poverty level for a four-person household. The poverty level is $15,060 in a single-person household. But according to calculations in a national project by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, $15 hourly still doesn’t equate to a “living” wage in Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau cost of living and other cost estimates provided by federal agencies adjusted for inflation. A single adult with no children needs a $22.86 hourly salary to make a living wage in Illinois, while a two-parent household with two working adults and three children would each need to earn $31.69. In a two-parent household with one working adult and one child, the worker needs $36.49 to make a living wage, according to the MIT project. Inflation is making it hard for workers to benefit from wage increases, Sandoval said, adding rising wages also cause businesses to raise prices. “They might get the wage increase on one side, but their cost of living goes up accordingly,” Sandoval said. Gov. JB Pritzker announces support for stricter rules around hemp products like delta-8 THC during a news conference on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Illinois’ minimum wage to increase to $15 on Jan. 1, completing 6-year transitionDanica McKellar is no stranger to Christmas films and has watched as the genre’s popularity continues to rise in recent years. “More than an escape, it provides a reminder of what human nature can be,” she said. “We need that. We need that reminder. We need, yes, the feeling of comfort, but also ideas for how to move forward in a wholesome, earnest kind of way.” McKellar stars in the upcoming film “A Cinderella Christmas Ball,” which follows her character’s search for her birth father. Similarly, she explained that while the characters in the Christmas movies may not appear especially dramatic, they are always dealing with genuine struggles. “It’s painful, it’s scary, but what you see is a character in earnest really doing her best, pushing through and trying to make good choices along the way,” she said of her character. “So that’s what we can model for people in the midst of just giving them, yes, comfort food around the holiday season, which it’s important to feel those warm and fuzzy feelings around the holidays.” The actress has starred in Christmas movies since 2012, from “Love at the Christmas Table” to 2023’s “A Royal Date for Christmas.” However, McKellar says “A Cinderella Christmas Ball” holds much more meaning for her than the others. “It’s much harder than they show in the packages because it would bum people out to see how stressful it is,” McKellar told host Cheryl Burke of the “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast. “It just wouldn’t be as fun anymore for people.” “Failure was not an option,” she added. “So I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself to try and fulfill it, and it broke me. I was in tears because I didn’t know how to handle that kind of pressure.” While the actress loves dancing, being in the competition show complicated her relationship with the sport. “I remember telling somebody it was like if you love chocolate and somebody puts you in a vat of chocolate and then holds your head under it,” she explained. “That’s what ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is like. And every now and then, you get a breath. It’s unrelenting.” Born on Jan. 3, 1975, in La Jolla, California, McKellar launched her acting career when she got the role of Gwendolyn “Winnie” Cooper on ABC’s hit coming-of-age series “The Wonder Years.” The show premiered in 1988 and ran for six seasons until ending in 1993. McKellar has also starred in a number of Hallmark films, including 2015’s “Crown for Christmas,” 2017’s “Campfire Kiss,” 2018’s “Love in Design,” and 2020’s “Christmas She Wrote.” The actress married Scott Sveslosky in 2014 and celebrated their 10-year anniversary this month. “Ten years has flown by, and I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet! Happy 10 year anniversary, my love!” she added. McKellar’s latest project, “A Cinderella Christmas Ball,” premieres Nov. 29.None

EMMITSBURG, Md. (AP) — Jedy Cordilia's 21 points helped Mount St. Mary's defeat Fairfield 101-94 on Sunday. Cordilia also had seven rebounds for the Mountaineers (6-3, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Dola Adebayo scored 15 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 4 for 4 from the free-throw line and added nine rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Dallas Hobbs shot 4 of 9 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the foul line to finish with 14 points. Prophet Johnson led the Stags (5-5, 1-1) in scoring, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Braden Sparks added 16 points and four assists for Fairfield. Jamie Bergens had 15 points and four assists. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .2024 sure had somewhere to go, didn’t it? And with so little time left in the year, it’s time to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished, and all we’re looking to accomplish in the next year. For many, that includes, getting your finances in order (i.e. building generational wealth), scaling your business, or finally launching that dream project that you’ve been sitting on all year (or many years now). And while all of these can seem daunting, time consuming, or just straight up confusing because you don’t know where to start — just know you’re not alone. 2025 isn’t just going to be year — it’s all of our year, sis. One thing that has proven tried and true for me when I need a reset, and I’m trying to level up my game, is looking into resources of those who have paved the way. So if you’re like me, and looking to level up next year, these seven books by Black women entrepreneurs and leaders offer more than motivation — they provide practical blueprints for success, authored by women who’ve walked the walk. The former Netflix CMO and marketing powerhouse delivers a masterful guide on transforming challenges into opportunities. Saint John’s approach to executive presence and brand building is particularly relevant for today’s digital-first business environment. Kathryn Finney, the founder of Genius Guild, combines her sharp wit with proven strategies for entrepreneurs starting from scratch. From securing funding to building sustainable networks, Finney’s advice cuts through the noise and equips readers with the tools to create thriving businesses. Known for her political acumen, Stacey Abrams is also a seasoned entrepreneur. In this book, she offers a roadmap for business success, with practical advice on planning, overcoming self-doubt, and managing growth. Abrams’ candid approach makes this book an invaluable resource for women aiming to take their ventures to the next level. The founder of The Budgetnista draws from her experience of rebuilding after the 2009 recession to deliver a comprehensive financial roadmap. Her practical approach to wealth building and business finance makes this essential reading for entrepreneurs looking to master both personal and business finances. As one of Silicon Valley’s first Black female CEOs, Shellye Archambeau shares her playbook for success. Her advice on risk-taking, strategic networking, and achieving balance makes this an essential read for those navigating high-pressure industries. Selina Flavius delivers a practical guide to mastering personal and business finances with clarity and purpose. With actionable strategies for wealth building and sustainable business growth, this book is a must-read for entrepreneurs seeking financial independence and long-term success. Karen Arrington provides an empowering roadmap for achieving personal and professional success. With insights on cultivating confidence, mastering your personal brand, and building global networks, this book is a practical guide for ambitious women ready to reach the next level. Reading any of these transformative books is a powerful first step, but the true impact lies in applying the lessons they offer. These women have laid out the paths they’ve forged, but it’s up to us to take the journey. Let 2025 be the year you actually go after those goals you’ve been sitting on, and what better way to start than being equipped with the wisdom of those who have already paved the way?Inside Senate Democrats' last-ditch deal to confirm judges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Donte DiVincenzo scored 26 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 112-110 on Sunday night. Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, won won their third straight. Julius Randle had 16 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 12 points and 10 boards for Minnesota. Anthony Edwards, who earlier in the day was fined $100,000 for continued use of profanity in postgame media comments, was held to 14 points, 11 below his season average. After DiVincenzo made one of two free throws with 12.1 seconds left, the Spurs had one more possession down 112-110. San Antonio found a wide-open Jeremy Sochan for 3, but he came up short. Wembanyama led San Antonio with 34 points and eight rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 24 points, Devin Vassell had 22 and Chris Paul dished out 14 assists. Spurs: Trailing by 13 early in the third quarter, Wembanyama keyed a 16-4 run by showcasing his diverse offensive skills. He scored in the low post, hit a 3, made a pair of free throws and drained two midrange jumpers. Timberwolves: Minnesota survived a brutal shooting night from 3-point range, making just 11 of 44 attempts from beyond the arc. DiVincenzo was 5 for 10, but Edwards and Randle combined to go 1 for 16. With 4:44 to play and the game tied at 101, Randle made a driving layup against Wembanyama that was initially whistled for an offensive foul. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch challenged the call, and the basket was allowed to stand. Minnesota didn't trail the rest of the way. In the first quarter, the Timberwolves made just 1 of 11 3-point attempts but went 9 for 9 inside the arc. The Spurs host the Clippers, and the Timberwolves visit Oklahoma City on Tuesday. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nbaCOMMERCE, Texas (AP) — Zach Calzada passed for 333 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for a score as Incarnate Word beat East Texas A&M 38-24 on Saturday to claim the Southland Conference title. Incarnate Word (10-2, 7-0) became the first team in program history to finish undefeated in conference play. The No. 6 Cardinals await the FCS selection show on Sunday to learn the playoff matchups. Calzada came in leading the FCS in passing touchdowns with 30 on the season and No. 6 for passing yards (3,018). He finished 26 of 40 with an interception against East Texas A&M. Incarnate Word linebacker Darius Sanders made his third interception in two games then Calzada launched a 43-yard pass to Jalen Walthall to tie it at 14 midway through the second quarter. The Cardinals' Marcus Brown blocked a 45-yard field-goal attempt that would have broken a tie at 24 early in the fourth. Calzada found wide-open Logan Compton in the end zone for a 31-24 lead. Mason Pierce was also left wide open for an 18-yard score with 2:43 left. Ron Peace was 21 of 38 for 165 yards with one touchdown and one interception for East Texas (3-9, 2-4). He also rushed for a score. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballfortune 3 jolibet 。

Georgia Sets AI Strategy as Senator Albers Reveals State Blueprint for Adoption and Innovation

The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final week when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser becomes the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Vikings (14-2) held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions (13-2) visit the San Francisco 49ers (6-9) on Monday night in a rematch of the NFC title game. Win, lose or tie, they have to beat the Vikings again. Detroit beat Minnesota 31-29 in Week 7. The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East and locked up the No. 2 seed with a 41-7 rout of the Dallas Cowboys. However, coach Nick Sirianni has a tough decision to make this week. Saquon Barkley is 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record for yards rushing in a season. Sirianni has to decide whether to rest Barkley and most of his starters to prepare for the playoffs or let his star try for the 40-year-old record. The Los Angeles Rams (10-6) were on the verge of clinching the NFC West. They would lock it up Sunday night if the Commanders beat the Falcons. The outcome of the Atlanta-Washington game has a major impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7). If the Falcons win, they’d remain first in the NFC South and would win the division with a victory against Carolina next week. If the Falcons lose, the Buccaneers would take over first place and would secure the division with a victory over New Orleans next week. The Commanders would secure a wild-card spot with a win against Atlanta. If they lose, Seattle stays mathematically alive for a wild card and the Buccaneers could also find a path to the playoffs as a wild-card team. Three teams in the AFC have already secured their seeds. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) won the AFC West weeks ago and clinched the No. 1 seed. The AFC East champion Buffalo Bills (13-3) are the No. 2 seed. The AFC South champion Houston Texans (9-7) are the No. 4 seed. The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) would win the AFC North and get the No. 3 seed with a win or tie against Cleveland next weekend or a loss or tie by Pittsburgh, which hosts Cincinnati. If they don’t win the division, the Steelers have already clinched a wild-card berth. The Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) also secured a wild-card spot. They’ll be no lower than the sixth seed. The final AFC playoff spot comes down to the Broncos (9-7), Dolphins (8-8) or Bengals (8-8). Denver clinches with a win or tie against the Chiefs. The Dolphins need the Broncos to lose and they must beat the Jets on the road to get in. The Bengals must win and the Broncos and Dolphins have to lose for them to get in. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!Malayalam film and television actor Dileep Shankar has been found dead in the room of a hotel here, the police said on Sunday. A source in the Kerala Police told IANS that Dileep Shankar had checked into the hotel two days ago. Shobhitha Shivanna Dies at 30: From ‘Mangala Gowri’ to ‘First Day First Show’, Here Are a Few Television and Film Roles of the Kannada Actress. However, the hotel staff became suspicious after noticing no activity in his room and detecting a foul smell emanating from it. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1560419204258-2'); }); Actor Dileep Shankar, known for his roles in Malayalam films and television was found dead in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. #DileepShankar #Malayalam #Actor #thiruvananthapuram https://t.co/Bgnjpqf8hl pic.twitter.com/c3FUZhYG4f — News18 (@CNNnews18) December 29, 2024 When the staff broke open the door, they found the actor dead. The police were immediately informed and a team of police personnel arrived at the spot to initiate further inquiries. Police sources stated that investigations are ongoing and that forensic tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death. It has been reported that Dileep Shankar had been dealing with certain health issues which may have contributed to this tragic incident. Dileep Shankar was well-known for his performances in several Malayalam serials, including Amma Ariyathe, Sundari, and Panchagni . Cantonment police SHO Peajeesh Sasi told mediapersons that the death is estimated to have happened at least two days ago. He said that the AC in the hotel room was functioning and that the body had not decomposed as much as it would have in normal conditions. The police officer said that the actor was known to have had some health issues, but the exact cause of death can be ascertained only after the post-mortem. Some reports suggested that Dileep Shankar was in the capital city of Kerala for the shooting of television series Panchagni . The director of the show reportedly told the police that the actor had been suffering from a serious illness. The nature of the illness, however, could not be immediately known. Dileep Shankar was undergoing treatment for the ailment. Meanwhile, sources said that the police have launched an investigation into the incident, adding that a forensic team will examine the hotel room in which Dileep Shankar stayed. Initial examination of the hotel room did not hint at any foul play, a police source said. Dileep Shankar, a native of Ernakulam in Kerala, has been part of several popular Malayalam shows. TP Madhavan Dies at 88; Veteran Malayalam Actor Was Known For Films Like ‘Ragam’, ‘Nivedyam’ Among Others. He is known for playing roles in serials like Amma Iriathe, Panchagni and Sundari . (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 09:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).

A look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaul The people that president-elect Donald Trump has selected to lead federal health agencies in his second administration include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All of them could play pivotal roles in fulfilling a new political agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans’ health — from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. If Congress approves, prominent environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will helm the team. Here’s a look at the nominees’ potential role in carrying out what Kennedy says is the task to “reorganize” agencies. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Israeli strikes without warning in central Beirut kill at least 15 as diplomats push for cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 15 people and injured dozens in central Beirut, as the once-rare attacks on the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but say obstacles still remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. Winter storms and rain sweep across the US while a new system is expected to arrive for Thanksgiving HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — A major storm continues to drop heavy snow and record rain in California, causing small landslides and flooding some streets. Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, blizzard or winter storm warnings were in effect Saturday from parts of the Northeast to central Appalachia. The storm on the West Coast arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, before moving through Northern California. Another storm system is expected to arrive for Thanksgiving week and linger into Tuesday in the Pacific Northwest, dumping rain as well as snow in the higher elevations. That is according to the National Weather Service. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. Doctor at the heart of Turkey's newborn baby deaths case says he was a 'trusted' physician ISTANBUL (AP) — The Turkish doctor at the center of an alleged fraud scheme that led to the deaths of 10 babies says he was a “trusted” physician. Dr. Firat Sari is one of 47 people on trial accused of transferring newborn babies to neonatal units of private hospitals, where they were allegedly kept for prolonged and sometimes unnecessary treatments in order to receive social security payments. Sari said patients were referred to him because people trusted him and he did not bribe anyone involved with Turkey’s emergency medical phone line. Sari, said to be the plot’s ringleader, faces up to 583 years in prison. Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic through the Australian Open Recently retired Andy Murray will team up with Novak Djokovic, working with him as a coach through the Australian Open in January. Murray’s representatives put out statements from both players on Saturday. Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals who finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August.

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World reaches $300 bn climate finance deal at COP29

Wale Edun: High-level Trip to S’Arabia Yielding Foreign Investment, FX InflowsPARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices raised in song flooded the space, filling it with harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, is resounding for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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Vikings waive former starting cornerback Akayleb Evans in another blow to 2022 draft class"Thank you for sharin your talent and art with the world" Post Malone has shared a heartwarming message for Beyoncé following the latter’s Christmas-day Halftime Show last week – see his message below. READ MORE: Post Malone: the story of the tatted troubadour in 10 songs On Christmas day (December 25), Beyoncé headlined the NFL’s Christmas-day Halftime Show in Houston, Texas, where she performed songs from ‘Cowboy Carter’ live for the first time. During the performance, she surprised the audience by bringing out Post Malone to perform their collaboration ‘Levii’s Jeans’. Yesterday (December 29), Post Malone took to X (formerly Twitter) to give thanks to Beyoncé for inviting him to perform at the Halftime Show. He wrote: “thank you @Beyonce so much for havin me out in Houston, and on your beautiful record. also, thank you for sharin your talent and art with the world. I love you” See the post below. thank you @Beyonce so much for havin me out in Houston, and on your beautiful record. also, thank you for sharin your talent and art with the world. I love you 🍻🩵 — Post Malone (@PostMalone) December 28, 2024 Following the conclusion of the Christmas-day game – which was live-streamed on Netflix – Beyoncé’s complete performance was shared on Netflix as a standalone special dubbed Beyoncé Bowl . During the set, which ran for under 13 minutes, Queen Bey was joined by the likes of Shaboozey , Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer and Tiera Kennedy. Her eldest daughter Blue Ivy Carter also joined along to dance to ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’. To kick off the Halftime performance – which fans are calling “the best Super Bowl performance of all time and it wasn’t even the Super Bowl” – Beyoncé performed ’16 Carriages’. Other songs she performed included ‘Blackbird’, ‘YA YA’, ‘My House’, ‘Jolene’ and more. She was joined by Shaboozey for ‘Sweet Honey Buckiin”. Elsewhere, Post Malone is due to headline Coachella 2025 alongside Lady Gaga and Green Day . Post Malone performs onstage. CREDIT: Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage The festival is set to take place from April 11-13 and April 18-20 with performances from Missy Elliott , Megan Thee Stallion , solo performances from BLACKPINK ‘s Lisa and Jennie , the original Misfits , The Prodigy , FKA Twigs , Beabadoobee , as well as XCX, whose culture-dominating June release ‘ Brat ’ has been named as the Album of the Year by NME . Related Topics Beyoncé Country Pop Post Malone

While the specifics of the Lakers' offer to Lue remain private, the underlying issue of respect and recognition for a coach's contributions should not be overlooked. As the NBA landscape continues to shift and new coaching opportunities arise, it is crucial for teams to prioritize fostering positive relationships with their coaching staff and ensuring that they feel valued and respected for their work.The return of Chris Evans as Captain America and the reunion with Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man will undoubtedly bring a sense of nostalgia and excitement to Avengers 5. As two of the most beloved characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their presence in the upcoming film is sure to elevate the stakes and deliver a thrilling cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.how to withdraw in jilibet using gcash 。

Share Tweet Share Share Email Managing finances across borders is increasingly common. Whether you’re a globetrotting traveler, an international business owner, or someone sending money abroad to loved ones, currency exchange plays a crucial role. Currency exchange tools with real-time updates have revolutionized how people handle cross-border transactions. These tools not only provide accurate exchange rates but also streamline financial management, ensuring cost-efficiency and convenience . The Importance of Real-Time Currency Exchange Tools Currency values fluctuate constantly due to a variety of factors, including economic indicators, geopolitical events, and market sentiment. Real-time currency exchange tools ensure you’re getting the most accurate rates possible, which is vital for minimizing losses and optimizing financial planning. Why Real-Time Updates Matter Real-time updates are essential because exchange rates can change multiple times a day. A small variation in rates may seem negligible, but for large transactions, it can make a significant difference. For instance, a 0.5% change in the exchange rate for a $10,000 transaction amounts to $50. Such fluctuations highlight the importance of using tools that keep you updated minute by minute. By leveraging these tools, users can make informed decisions. For example, businesses paying overseas suppliers can time their payments strategically, saving on costs. Travelers can convert currency at the most favorable rates, ensuring their trip budgets are well-optimized. Features of Effective Currency Exchange Tools To manage money efficiently worldwide, it’s essential to choose tools that offer specific features designed for user convenience and financial optimization. Real-Time Rate Monitoring The primary feature of any reliable currency exchange tool is real-time rate monitoring. Such tools provide up-to-the-second updates, ensuring that users always have access to the most current data. Example Tools: XE Currency Converter: Known for its user-friendly interface and precise rate updates. OANDA: Offers detailed historical data along with live rates. Multi-Currency Support Effective tools support a wide range of currencies, enabling users to manage diverse financial transactions. Whether you’re dealing with popular currencies like the USD or niche ones like the Icelandic Krona, comprehensive support ensures seamless transactions. Rate Alerts Rate alert systems notify users when a currency hits a predefined value. This feature is particularly useful for individuals and businesses looking to capitalize on favorable rates. Notifications can be set to trigger via email or mobile alerts, keeping users updated on-the-go . Fee Transparency Many currency exchange platforms charge hidden fees that can erode the value of a transaction. Tools with transparent fee structures provide a clear breakdown of costs, including conversion rates and service charges, ensuring there are no surprises. Integration with Financial Platforms Modern currency exchange tools integrate seamlessly with banking apps, e-commerce platforms, and accounting software. This integration reduces manual entry errors and enhances overall efficiency. Benefits of Using Currency Exchange Tools The advantages of utilizing these tools extend beyond accurate rate monitoring. They simplify financial management, enhance cost-effectiveness, and provide users with peace of mind. Time-Saving Manual currency rate comparison is time-consuming and prone to errors. Exchange tools automate this process, delivering accurate information instantly. Cost Efficiency Real-time updates and rate alerts allow users to capitalize on the best rates. Additionally, fee transparency ensures users avoid hidden costs. Enhanced Decision-Making With access to detailed rate trends and analysis, users can make informed financial decisions. Businesses can plan payments strategically, and individuals can budget more effectively. Security and Convenience Most tools employ robust encryption methods to secure transactions. Moreover, mobile apps offer the convenience of managing currency exchanges anytime, anywhere. Use Cases: Managing Money Worldwide Real-time currency exchange tools cater to a wide range of needs, making them indispensable for various user groups. International Travelers For travelers, currency exchange tools are essential for budgeting trips and avoiding overpriced conversion rates at airports. Tools like Revolut and Wise provide travel-friendly features such as multi-currency wallets and competitive rates. Businesses Companies dealing with international suppliers or clients benefit significantly from these tools. They enable businesses to lock in favorable rates, manage invoices in multiple currencies, and reduce transaction costs. Freelancers and Remote Workers Freelancers working with global clients often receive payments in foreign currencies. Tools like PayPal and Payoneer simplify conversions and minimize fees, ensuring workers retain more of their hard-earned money. Expatriates Expats frequently send money back home or manage foreign bank accounts. Currency exchange tools streamline these processes, offering competitive rates and easy transfers. How to Choose the Right Tool With numerous options available, selecting the right currency exchange tool can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider: Reliability and Accuracy Ensure the tool provides real-time updates and has a reputation for accuracy. User reviews and ratings can be valuable indicators. User Interface A user-friendly interface simplifies navigation and enhances the overall experience. Look for tools with intuitive designs and clear instructions. Mobile Compatibility Mobile apps allow users to manage currency exchanges on-the-go. Opt for tools with robust mobile versions that offer full functionality. Fee Structures Compare the fees charged by different tools. Choose platforms with transparent pricing and minimal hidden costs. Additional Features Consider any extra features that may be beneficial, such as rate alerts, historical data, or multi-currency wallets. The Future of Currency Exchange Tools As technology evolves, currency exchange tools are becoming more sophisticated. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing rate prediction capabilities, enabling users to forecast trends with greater accuracy. Blockchain technology is also playing a role, offering decentralized and transparent exchange platforms. Additionally, tools are increasingly incorporating features like virtual cards and cryptocurrency support. These innovations are poised to further simplify global financial management. Conclusion Currency exchange tools with real-time updates are indispensable for managing money worldwide. By offering accurate rates, user-friendly interfaces, and essential features, these tools empower individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions. Whether you’re traveling, running a business, or sending money abroad, leveraging the right tool can save time, reduce costs, and enhance convenience . As technology continues to advance, these tools will only become more efficient, making global financial management more accessible than ever. Related Items: Currency Exchange Tools , Managing Money Worldwide , Real-Time Updates Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsAs we enter the shortest days of the year here’s the history of light bulbsThe issue of account sharing and multiple logins is not unique to Tencent Video and AiYouteng, as many streaming services worldwide struggle with balancing user convenience and protecting their content. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have implemented measures to limit the number of devices that can stream simultaneously and prevent unauthorized access. However, the challenge lies in finding a balance between safeguarding user rights and maintaining a sustainable business model.

Q: Zuo Yi, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the "Monkey Zuo" hairstyle?In conclusion, the decline in Tencent Video's membership rights over the past five years has sparked a wave of complaints and dissatisfaction among its users. By acknowledging these concerns and taking proactive steps to address them, Tencent Video can rebuild its relationship with its members and reaffirm its commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences.AP News Summary at 12:10 a.m. EST

WASHINGTON: A Republican senator has blocked the promotion of US Army Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who commanded the military’s 82nd Airborne Division during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and was the last American soldier to leave the country in 2021. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the hold had been placed by Senator Markwayne Mullin, who did not respond to a request for comment on why he blocked the promotion. The Pentagon on Monday said it was aware of the hold on Donahue, who had been nominated for a fourth star by President Joe Biden to lead the US Army in Europe and Africa. “We are aware that there is a hold on Lt. Gen. Donahue,” Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters. President-elect Donald Trump and his allies have decried the United States’ military withdrawal from Afghanistan and vowed to go after those responsible for it. In August, Trump said he would ask for the resignation of every senior official “who touched the Afghanistan calamity.” “You have to fire people when they do a bad job. We never fire anybody,” Trump has said. Reuters has reported that Trump’s transition team is drawing up a list of military officers to be fired, in what would be an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon. While the image of Donahue, carrying his rifle down by his side as he boarded the final C-17 transport flight out of Afghanistan on in August 2021, has become synonymous with the chaotic withdrawal, he is seen in the military as one of the most talented Army leaders. “The finest officer I ever served with, Chris Donahue is a generational leader who is now being held up for political purposes. At the tip of the spear defending this country for over three decades, he is now a political pawn,” Tony Thomas, the former head of US Special Operations Command, posted on X. Under Senate rules, one lawmaker can hold up nominations even if the other 99 all want them to move quickly.The clash between Inter Milan and Lazio is not just a battle for three points but a showdown between two of Europe's top teams. The rivalry between these two clubs adds an extra layer of intensity and drama to the encounter, making it a must-watch for football fans around the world.

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"Struggling To Find Spare Date...": Zeenat Aman Wraps Up 2024 In Style"Path of Exile 2" release date is nearing. The beta version of the video game ended in August this year. Grinding Gear Games will be releasing "Path of Exile 2" in December 6, 2024, as per a report on The Direct. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Election Results Jharkhand Election Results Bypoll Election Results "Path of Exile 2" video game will be released on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5. "Path of Exile 2" early access will be available on December 6. Also Read: Is the Wolfs sequel starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt cancelled? Meanwhile, there are plenty of job simulators out there, but Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop is the first one I know of that also invites you to “ponder the futility of your existence.” You are a spaceship mechanic, so instead of flying around exploring strange new worlds, you’re stuck on a lonely asteroid tightening screws and replacing burnt-out wires. You also have to contend with a particularly demanding boss — one who might actually kill you if you don’t make your quota. The result, from British developer Beard Envy, is a mix of tricky, time-sensitive mechanical puzzles and surreal black comedy. 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FAQs Q1. What are system requirements for Path of Exile 2? A1. Path of Exile 2 system requirements are Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5. Q2. When will "Path of Exile 2" early access be available? A2. "Path of Exile 2" early access will be available on December 6. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Poll Results Highlights 2024 Jharkhand Poll Results Highlights 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )In conclusion, the capture of the murderer of the insurance giant CEO represents a significant breakthrough in the case, bringing closure to a tragic chapter in the community's history. The successful apprehension of the perpetrator is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement officials, and serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding justice and accountability in society.

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By Mr Rajeev kr Gupta Smart Fans: Effortless Airflow Control Fans have long been a staple of home comfort, especially in warmer climates. However, traditional fans often require manual operation or simple thermostats. Now, with the advent of smart fans, homeowners can enjoy greater convenience and efficiency. These modern fans come equipped with features like app control, voice activation, and automated schedules. For instance, users can adjust the speed, oscillation, and direction of airflow through smartphone apps or smart assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some smart fans also integrate with home automation systems, allowing them to sync with other devices such as smart thermostats. If the temperature rises in one room, a smart fan can automatically turn on to cool the space, ensuring optimal comfort without the need for constant manual intervention. Beyond comfort, energy efficiency is a major advantage of smart fans. Many models feature sensors that detect room occupancy and adjust settings accordingly, reducing wasted energy when rooms are empty. This not only enhances comfort but also helps homeowners save on electricity bills. The Rise of Digital Heaters: Precision and Efficiency While fans provide relief in warmer months, heating is essential during colder seasons. Traditional space heaters can be inefficient, often heating rooms unevenly or consuming excessive energy. Digital heaters, however, take home heating to the next level with their advanced features designed to optimize warmth while minimizing energy waste. One of the innovations most applied to digital heating includes a thermostat that allows homeowners to choose the precise temperature and automatically creates heating schedules for when rooms need to heat up. Many digital heaters have adaptive technology that tracks user behavior and adjusts to real-time data, always maximizing comfort and efficiency levels. This allows Wi-Fi-capable heaters and thermostats to be controlled remotely so that users set the temperature in their houses as they come to the door, by which time they find that their warmth has kicked into action when they arrive. They also consume less energy than conventional heaters. Many of these have thermal sensors that check room temperature and adjust the output. Even some of them have an eco-mode for optimization of power consumption, so the carbon footprint from home heating can be reduced. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: The Future of Home Comfort The current trend towards sustainability is leading to the advancement of home comfort technology innovations. Devices such as smart fans, smart electric heaters, and smart thermostats not only increase home comfort but also decrease overall energy consumption. These technologies utilize optimization of airflow, heating, and cooling to avoid wasting energy, lower electricity bills, and have an environmental impact. Additionally, increasing renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, adds to the sustainability conversion process for such devices. Most of today's smart fans and heaters are compatible with solar-powered home systems so that users can use the sun's energy to heat or cool their homes more efficiently through these devices. Through smartly designed fans that maintain ideal airflow or digital heaters that provide absolute temperature control, technology is transforming the way we feel about home comfort. These advances not only facilitate greater convenience and comfort but also contribute to energy savings, in line with a recent urge for sustainable living. While technology keeps advancing, the home comfort of the future has brighter prospects, being a much more individualized, eco-friendly, and economical way to experience a comfortable and climate-controlled house. (The author is Mr Rajeev kr Gupta, MD, Thermocool Home Appliances LTD, and the views expressed in this article are his own) TAGS: Smart HomesAs the Inter Milan squad gears up for the match, there is an air of anticipation and excitement among fans and players alike. Conte, known for his tactical astuteness and strategic approach, has identified Lazio as a formidable opponent and is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for victory.

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Additionally, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some regions and the emergence of new variants pose risks to the global economic recovery. Lockdowns and travel restrictions could disrupt supply chains and dampen consumer demand, negatively impacting trade volumes.

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Daily Post Nigeria LaLiga: He’s in an extraordinary form – Ancelotti glad to have striker back to Real Madrid squad Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport LaLiga: He’s in an extraordinary form – Ancelotti glad to have striker back to Real Madrid squad Published on November 23, 2024 By Don Silas Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti has welcomed 25-year-old winger Brahim Diaz back to his squad after the international break. Ancelotti said Diaz is currently in an extraordinary form. Diaz was impressive for his national team Morocco during the recent international break. He led his county to beat Gabon and Lesotho in the Africa Cup Nations, AFCON, qualifiers few days ago. Diaz scored a total of five goals against Gabon and Lesotho. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Leganes on Sunday, Ancelotti expressed happiness to have Diaz back to his squad. “Brahim has returned very well, he’s in an extraordinary form,” the Italian said (via Fabrizio Romano). “He can play as forward and help the midfielders. He’s very, very important for us.” Related Topics: Ancelotti LaLiga Real Madrid Don't Miss CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba off to Egypt for Al Masry clash You may like LaLiga: Messi gives verdict on Barcelona under Hansi Flick La Liga: Leganes coach snubs Mbappe, Vinicius, names favourite Real Madrid player Arsenal to sign Real Madrid star for Arteta Transfer: Romano clears air on Real Madrid star joining EPL club in January LaLiga: Real Madrid president, Perez identifies manager to replace Ancelotti LaLiga: Iheanacho admits tough start to life at Sevilla Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdHexClad Black Friday deals: Save up to 40% on cookware Gordon Ramsay calls 'utter perfection'

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Timothy Shenk on ‘Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics’Police say they’ve arrested several people following an anti-NATO protest that included two car fires and left some businesses with smashed windows. Montreal police say they made at least three arrests following a demonstration that began late afternoon Friday. Police say that during the march, smoke bombs were deployed, metal barriers were thrown into the street and windows of businesses and at the convention centre were smashed. Delegates from NATO member states and partner countries are in Montreal this weekend to discuss issues including support for Ukraine, climate change and the future of the alliance. The protest was planned by the groups Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the protests in a Saturday morning post on social media platform X, saying that “rioting is not peaceful protest and has no place in Montreal or anywhere in Canada.” “Those who spread hate and antisemitism, use violence, loot and destroy property must be condemned and held accountable,” she added. Police spokesperson Manuel Couture says the demonstrators were completely dispersed at around 7 p.m. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2024.

Jaipur: The wedding preparations of India’s renowned badminton player P.V. Sindhu have started in Udaipur on Saturday as guests began arriving at the Raphael’s Hotel, located on the Udai Sagar Lake. Sindhu has extended invitations to several prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, to join the celebrations. A sangeet ceremony is scheduled for Saturday night at the five-star hotel, Raphaels. The wedding will take place on Sunday with many distinguished personalities expected to attend. Sindhu is set to marry Venkat Dutta, the executive director of Posidex Technologies. Sindhu and her fiancee Venkat Dutta arrived in Udaipur two days ago (Thursday), where their families reviewed the wedding preparations. The couple also had a pre-wedding photo shoot. The wedding rituals have officially commenced on Saturday at Hotel Raphaels, starting with the sangeet ceremony tonight. The wedding will take place on December 22, and the couple will depart from Udaipur on December 23. A reception is scheduled in Hyderabad on December 24. Venkat Dutta currently serves as the director of Posidex Technologies. PV Sindhu made history as the first Indian woman to win silver and bronze medals in the Olympics. In addition to PM Modi and Sachin Tendulkar, Sindhu has invited several other notable guests, including Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM and actor Pawan Kalyan. Sindhu personally delivered the wedding invitations. Earlier this year, between January 5 and 11, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s daughter Ayra Khan married her boyfriend Nupur Shikhare in Udaipur. Later, between January 29 and 31, Bollywood actor Sunny Deol’s niece Nikita Chaudhary also tied the knot in Udaipur, with several prominent NRI guests attending, along with the Deol family.Unlock Next-Level Gaming: Best Seasonal Discounts on Graphic CardsNoneAn online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition

The Aloha State’s culinary scene is more enticing than ever, seasoned with a new sense of pride at the great bounty of produce and talent available. Chefs are experimenting in dynamic kitchens in Honolulu’s Chinatown and Ward Village neighbourhoods, while some of the best food and cocktails is enjoyed at hotels along Waikiki Beach’s golden miles. In 1991, a group of 12 chefs collaborated to start a food revolution in the islands. The Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement was born from deliciously diverse multicultural influences (the best of Polynesia, the US, Asia and beyond) and a passion for fresh, local ingredients, flavours and traditions. Many of those chefs, including Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman, continue to change the game and impress palates to this day. Say cheers with a sunset cocktail at these world-class restaurants where a warm aloha welcome awaits. Eating House 1849 Waikiki Delicious food at International Market Place by a celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s lifelong passion for Hawaiian fusion cuisine began when the Tokyo-born chef was a kid, visiting his grandparents’ tavern in Maui. It must have made a big impression on little Roy, because today his popular restaurants - many named Roy’s - are found in prime Hawaiian locations and further afield. Eating House 1849 Waikiki, located on the third floor of International Market Place, offers a relaxed ambience, warm service and mouthwatering local flavours. The ‘Aloha Hour’ menu, served from 4pm, is one of the best deals in town. Order a couple of the US$10 specials, including BBQ baby back ribs, poutine fries and chicken skewers, and you probably won’t need dinner. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 924 1849. See royyamaguchi.com Fête Seasonal new American neighbourhood restaurant Fête’s founding chef and co-owner Robynne Maii brought honour to the Aloha State in 2022 when she was named the best chef in the US Northwest and Pacific region by the highly respected James Beard Foundation. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that a James Beard award had gone to Hawaii, and the first time ever that a woman of Hawaiian ancestry had won. Open since 2016 in Honolulu’s Chinatown, Fête is beloved by locals and food-obsessed tourists. The seasonal new American menu changes often, driven by local produce whenever possible. Order one of the specials, or go with a classic, such as the Korean fried chicken sandwich with kochujang sauce and Asian pear slaw. 2 North Hotel Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 369 1390. See fetehawaii.com Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Credit: iStock Tasty takeaway on Oahu’s North Shore What started as a humble food truck more than 30 years ago has become one of the most popular spots on Oahu’s North Shore. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck serves simple, satisfying plates of prawns at reasonable prices, a foolproof business plan if ever there was one. The signature dish, a dozen garlicky shrimp scampi served on two scoops of rice, will set you back $US15 ($23). There’s a hot and spicy version, and a mild lemon butter option, but the purists insist on the scampi, drizzled with caramelised chunks of garlic. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Giovanni’s now has three permanent locations and many more imitators. 66-472 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. Phone: +1 808 293 1839. See giovannisshrimptruck.com Marugame Udon Credit: iStock Ever-popular spot for udon noodles and tempura First-time visitors to Hawaii might be surprised by the volume and variety of outstanding Asian food available in Waikiki. Thanks to a large population of people originally from Japan, Korea, the Philippines and other parts of Asia, it’s easy to find delicious sushi, Korean barbecue and adobo. For the best udon noodles and tempura, join the line at Marugame Udon. Made to order to ensure freshness, the noodles are served in umami-rich broth and can be topped with pork, beef, tofu or curry. The menu also includes crowd favourites like tempura prawns, teriyaki bowls and chicken katsu. One hundred per cent worth the wait for a table. 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 124, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 931 6000. See marugameudon.com House Without A Key Credit: Sunset Mai Tais, hula dancers and ukulele melodies Enjoy sunset from a ringside seat at House Without A Key, a beloved beachfront venue at the ritzy Halekulani hotel. Reserve an outdoor table from 6pm, when former Miss Hawaii winners elegantly perform traditional dances to the sweet sounds of Hawaiian music as the sun goes down. Feast your eyes on knockout views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, as satisfying as the delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven flatbreads and cocktails on the menu. Continue the fun at Lewers Lounge, Halekulani’s intimate speakeasy bar. There’s live jazz music Tuesday through Saturday, and signature cocktails named for jazz standards by the greats, including Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 800 367 2343. See halekulani.com Steak Shack Credit: Inexpensive takeaway steak and chicken plates on the beach Dining in Hawaii can be a wallet-buster, as cheap eats – other than McDonald’s and convenience store sandwiches – are hard to come by. No surprise then to see a constant long line of hungry locals and tourists at the beachfront Steak Shack kiosk, located on Waikiki Beach, just to the west of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Grilled steak and chicken plates come with two scoops of rice and organic greens, from US$11.85 ($18). You won’t find a better deal in Waikiki. 104/ 2161 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 861 9966. See steakshackhawaii.com The Pig and the Lady Credit: Excellent pho and other Vietnamese dishes in Chinatown It’s worth taking an Uber from Waikiki to Chinatown for what many say is the most exciting restaurant in Honolulu. Owned and operated by a Vietnamese-American family, The Pig and the Lady’s menu zings with fresh Asian flavours. At lunchtime, it’s all about the specialty pho and hearty banh mi baguettes stuffed with slow-roasted beef brisket, roast pork belly, braised sardines or marinated tofu. In the evening, things are taken up a notch with seasonal specialties including scallop ceviche, snails in buttery puff pastry and lemongrass pork chop. The phenomenal twice-fried chicken wings, served with makrut leaves, pickled red onion, peanuts and ‘money sauce’, are a mainstay. A Brussels sprouts version keeps vegetarians coming back. 83 North King Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 585 8255. See thepigandthelady.com Paia Fish Market Credit: Just-caught seafood in a fun and informal setting You won’t get the side-eye if you arrive in thongs and a wet cozzie at Paia Fish Market. They’re used to surfers and swimmers coming in straight from the beach, hungry and dripping. Simply line up to take your pick of the day’s local catch, listed on a chalkboard (once it’s gone, it’s gone, crossed out in white chalk). Depending on what the fishermen have hauled in, the list might include mahi mahi, ono, snapper, salmon and ahi. Enjoy the fresh fish charbroiled on a burger, sautéed in garlic butter, on a soft taco or in creamy seafood pasta. First opened in Maui in 1989, there are now four locations, including one under the Laylow Hotel in Waikiki. 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 200 0200. See paiafishmarket.com Morimoto Asia Waikiki Credit: Iron Chef Morimoto's flagship Hawaii restaurant Yes, chef! The place to go for delicious pan-Asian favourites including garlic prawns, pork gyoza, pad Thai and spicy tuna crispy rice. As you might expect from an Iron Chef, there are also surprises – an excellent duck Caesar salad, tuna pizza, kung pao cauliflower – to keep things interesting. The cocktail list also offers some unexpected twists, like duck fat-washed whisky, plus an impressive list of shochu, sake and Japanese beer. Located inside the luxe Alohilani Resort, chef Morimoto’s footprint includes Momosan, a more casual spot on the ground floor serving tasty ramen, bao buns and sushi rolls. 2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 0022. See morimotoasiawaikiki.com Duke's Waikiki Credit: Classic beachside bar/ restaurant for all-day dining and sunset drinks So you've just landed in Honolulu, you don't have a dinner reservation and you want to dive straight into the lei-wearing, aloha-greeting good times. Where to go? Duke's at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is always a solid choice, but especially so on Sunday afternoons when musicians jam at the Barefoot Bar and locals gather for a sunset sesh. Comfort food classics like pulled pork sandwiches, panko-crusted calamari and fish tacos pair well with ice-cold tap beers and tropical cocktails. The fairly priced breakfast and lunch buffet is a good option to satisfy big appetites, or to soothe morning-after woes. 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 2268. See dukeswaikiki.com Roy's Hawaii Kai Credit: Neighbourhood family restaurant by Hawaii's most famous chef Roy Yamaguchi’s lifelong passion for Hawaiian fusion cuisine began when the Tokyo-born chef was a kid, visiting his grandparents’ tavern in Maui. It must have made a big impression on little Roy, because today his popular restaurants – many named Roy’s – are found in prime Hawaiian locations and further afield. At the always-busy original in Hawaii Kai (about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki Beach), guests have enjoyed views of Maunalua Bay for more than 25 years. Happy hour is a good time to visit for generous drink specials and pupus (small plates) like baby back pork ribs, fried brussels sprouts with balsamic, and pork belly with sambal. 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 396 7697. See royyamaguchi.com Merriman's Credit: Modern Hawaiian gastropub by acclaimed local chef Award-winning chef Peter Merriman knows how to satisfy the hungry masses. At Merriman’s, his Hawaiian gastropub at Ward Village (one block from Ala Moana Centre), family-friendly dishes include Kalua Pig quesadilla, fresh fish tacos and chicken pot pie. Nightly specials range from fresh lobster and oysters du jour to roasted rack of lamb and prime rib. Equally good for groups, solo diners or couples, there are also Merriman’s locations in Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Happy hour is the time to taste your way around the menu; plates typically range from $US6-10 ($9-15), while enjoying cocktails and wine specials for $US9 ($14). The famous mai tais with passionfruit foam are not to be missed. 1108 Auahi Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 215 0022. See merrimanshawaii.com Mariposa Hidden gem at Ala Moana Centre for high tea and New American eats This ain’t your grandma’s department store restaurant. Located inside Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Centre, Mariposa is much more than a pitstop for refuelling between sales; it’s a popular dining destination for New American nosh, where advance reservations are recommended. On the back wall, an enormous mural of hula dancers on the beach sets the decor tone, while slow-twirling ceiling fans create a soft breeze and relaxed ambience. A new Sunset Lounge menu – lobster rolls, arancini, specialty cocktails – is the perfect way to wind down after retail therapy. Inside Neiman Marcus Honolulu, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 951 3420. See www.neimanmarcushawaii.com Alaia Credit: North Shore standout worth a daytrip for farm-fresh dishes Recently unveiled after major renovations, Turtle Bay Resort has a new glow and a new direction at flagship restaurant Alaia. Executive chef Lyle Kaku is championing the local food movement, sourcing much of the produce from on-property Kuilima Farm. That includes fresh-harvested corn, the hero of a creamy corn pudding served with roasted chicken, and a light and bright trio of beets in zingy citrus dressing. If you’re staying at the resort on Oahu’s North Shore, we recommend eating your way through the entire menu over several days. If you’ve headed up from Waikiki on a daytrip, you have some tough choices to make. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku. Phone: +1 808 293 6020. See turtlebayresort.com Mama's Fish House Credit: Wildly popular seafood-focused Maui restaurant with Polynesian vibes Hot tip: book this restaurant before you book flights to Maui. Reservations are snapped up three-to-six months in advance, so popular is Mama’s fresh seafood. The menu changes daily, featuring the best of what has been caught that morning, each piece of fish arriving with a little note to tell you which fisherman caught it and where. Recurring star attractions include mahi-mahi curry with mango chutney and macadamia nuts, and Hawaiian Kanpachi stuffed with crab and lobster. This is elevated dining, Hawaii-style, with the price tag to match. If you decide to try your luck as a walk-in, be in line before they open at 11am. 799 Poho Place, Paia, Maui. Phone: +1 808 579 8488. See mamasfishhouse.com Beach House Restaurant Credit: Epic ocean views and fine dining in Kauai Planning a spectacular Hawaii destination wedding or milestone birthday celebration? We know just the venue. On the green island of Kauai (cheekily known as the holiday spot of choice for newlyweds and nearly-deads), Beach House has won dozens of awards. The scene is set with palm trees, ocean breezes, island paradise vibes and outstanding service. Produce for the Pacific Rim menu is sourced from local farms and fishermen where possible, landing on diners’ plates in fresh lobster fettuccine, seared ahi tuna steak and more. The cocktails are excellent, with an emphasis on tropical flavours like guava, mango and lilikoi. Try the Monkeypod Mai Tai, made with organic rum, fresh lime juice, mac-nut orgeat, orange curacao and honey-lilikoi foam. 5022 Lawai Road, Koloa, Kauai. Phone: +1 808 742 1424. See the-beach-house.com For great holiday deals for Hawaii, visit MyHawaii.com.au

A celebration of resilience and optimism

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Percentages: FG .576, FT .714. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 209 yards and four touchdowns to lead No. 10 Tennessee to a 56-0 victory over UTEP on Saturday. The Volunteers (9-2) overcame a sluggish start to roll up the impressive win. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, but Tennessee found its rhythm. Grad student receiver Bru McCoy, who hadn't caught a touchdown pass this season, had two. Peyton Lewis also ran for two scores. Tennessee's defensive line, which had no sacks in last week's loss to Georgia, had three against the Miners. UTEP (2-9) struggled with two missed field goals and three turnovers. Tennessee's offense came alive with 28 points in the second quarter. In the final four drives of the quarter, Iamaleava completed 11 of 12 passes for 146 yards and touchdowns to Squirrel White, Ethan Davis and McCoy. UTEP was the dominant team in the first quarter. Tennessee managed just 37 offensive yards and, thanks to an interception near the end zone and a missed field goal by the Miners, both teams were scoreless after 15 minutes. POLL IMPLICATIONS Tennessee’s convincing victory, coupled with losses by Mississippi and Indiana, should put the Volunteers in a good position when the next College Football Playoff poll is released. The Vols were ranked No. 11 going into this week’s games. THE TAKEAWAY UTEP: The Miners will head into a very winnable game against New Mexico State having won two of their last five games. First-year coach Scotty Walden will try to build on that success in the offseason to help enhance his roster. Tennessee: Even a lopsided win won’t carry much weight where it means the most — in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Vols will have to rely on a convincing win against Vanderbilt next week, a team that has shown a lot of improvement this season, to help their standing for those coveted spots. UP NEXT UTEP: The Miners will finish their season at New Mexico State Saturday. Tennessee: The Vols will finish their regular season at Vanderbilt next Saturday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and Al Lesar, The Associated Press

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Greg Cote's Thanksgiving Day NFL picksUndefeated Oregon and No. 23 Texas A&M will collide Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas in the second game of the new Players Era Festival. Both teams are in the "Power" group of the eight-team event. All eight teams are receiving $1 million for their name, image and likeness (NIL) collectives, but placing fourth or higher in the tourney in order will net them anywhere from $1.1 million to $1.5 million. The Aggies (4-1) opened the season with a three-point loss at UCF, but since then have won four straight, all in convincing fashion. Texas A&M upset then-No. 21 Ohio State 78-64 on Nov. 15 at home in College Station, Texas. Then the Aggies crushed Southern 71-54 last Wednesday, when Wade Taylor IV led the way with 17 points and six assists. All of Texas A&M's wins have been by double digits. The Aggies and Ducks (5-0) have split the two previous meetings against each other. Until March 2022 in an NIT second-round game, they had not met since the 1970-71 season. Texas A&M tied the overall series with a 75-60 win at home in 2022. The only player on the Ducks' current roster who played in that game was 7-foot senior Nate Bittle, who has been one of Oregon's best players so far this season. Bittle's 16.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game lead the Ducks so far this season, and the big man also averages two blocked shots per game. Texas A&M guard Zhuric Phelps, a transfer from SMU, leads the Aggies in scoring at 16 points per game. Taylor adds 14 points per game. The Aggies could be the best defensive team the Ducks will have seen this season. A&M is allowing teams to shoot only 36.6 percent in games. Head coach Buzz Williams and his staff are hoping the team gets better at taking charges on defense, as the Aggies have just one so far this season. "I guess the thing that you work on most is verticality around the rim," Texas A&M assistant coach Steve Roccaforte told KBTX television. "‘Hey, once you get there, if you try and take a charge, it's going to be a block. Just jump as high as you can, stay vertical, try to go chest-to-chest. Make it a hard shot.'" Oregon is coming off a 78-75 win at Oregon State, the Ducks' first road game of the season. The Ducks trailed by 10 points at halftime but, as they have in several games this season, they found a rhythm on offense in the second half and came up with a comeback win. Bittle's 23 points and 14 rebounds led the way. Jackson Shelstad had 15 points and Jadrian Tracey and Keeshawn Barthelemy both added 10. "We started rebounding the ball a little better. Nate really got it going inside and our guys got him the ball," Oregon head coach Dana Altman told the school's athletics website. "He had a heck of a game." --Field Level Media

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A nonprofit leader who supports at-risk New Orleans youth. A social worker who fosters animals. A postdoctoral researcher. They are among the roughly 1,540 people whose sentences were commuted or who were pardoned by President Joe Biden on Thursday in what was the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. But not everyone was pleased by Biden’s decisions. A Republican state senator said a commutation for a woman who stole $54 million from a small town in Illinois was “a slap in the face” to residents. The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania said Biden "got it absolutely wrong” when he commuted the sentence of a judge who orchestrated a scheme to send children to for-profit jails in exchange for kickbacks. Here are some of their stories: TRYNITHA FULTON, 46, OF NEW ORLEANS Fulton was pardoned after pleading guilty to participating in a payroll fraud scheme while serving as a New Orleans middle school teacher in the early 2000s. She was convicted of a felony and sentenced to three years of probation in 2008. Fulton, who has two children and works as an elementary school teacher, said that for years she had lived with “a sense of embarrassment and shame” about the felony conviction. Even though she completed a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2017, Fulton felt that her criminal record disqualified her from applying for principal positions she felt she could handle. “The conviction has served as a mental barrier for me, limiting my ability to live a full life,” Fulton said. Nearly a decade after she first applied for a presidential pardon, Fulton this week received a phone call informing her that it had been granted. “It was astonishing for me, I wasn’t expecting a call,” Fulton said, adding that the pardon will enable her to explore more career opportunities. A White House news release commended Fulton as “someone who goes above and beyond for her community.” For years, Fulton has helped lead a nonprofit supporting at-risk New Orleans youth with hot meals, clothing and shelter and mental health referrals. STEVONI DOYLE, 47, OF SANTAQUIN, UTAH Doyle applied for a pardon six years ago. It had been so long that she had all but forgotten about it — until Wednesday. “I was in shock,” Doyle said of the call she received from a Justice Department pardon attorney. “And honored.” Doyle, who was once addicted to meth, had pleaded guilty to drug possession and check forging charges when she was 24. She served more than two years in state and federal prison. Released in 2006, Doyle resolved to stay clean. She started a family, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and now works as a social worker with a behavioral health center. Doyle applied for a pardon in 2018 and heard nothing until 2020, when the FBI reached out — and the vetting began. “They talked to my boss, my boss’ boss, they talked to my mother’s boss, they called my doctors," Doyle said. “Just pretty much anybody that had any type of relationship with me in the past 20 years they contacted.” After the vetting was over, she would have to wait some more: four years, it turned out. “I just want people to know that are in the throes of addiction, or families to know that when they have somebody in their family that is addicted, that there is hope,” Doyle said Thursday. “This has just brought so much joy to me and my family and is just the continuation of my recovery.” She has five children and three grandchildren, volunteers in her community, fosters animals and competes in roller derby. RITA CRUNDWELL, 71, OF DIXON, ILLINOIS Crundwell was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison in 2013 for stealing about $54 million over two decades when she was in charge of finances for Dixon, Illinois. She was released to a halfway house program in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic before moving to home confinement. Biden’s commutation releases Crundwell from any restrictions. Paul Gaziano, a lawyer who represented Crundwell in federal court, declined to comment Thursday. Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes said he believes most of the town is probably stunned, and maybe even angry, that Biden would provide clemency to Crundwell. Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney called Biden’s act “nothing short of a slap in the face to the people of Dixon.” Dixon, best known as the childhood home of President Ronald Reagan, sued auditors and a bank after Crundwell’s theft was revealed and recovered $40 million in settlements. Crundwell, who was a horse breeder, told a judge in 2020 that more than $15 million was repaid from the sale of her horses and other assets. “I am going to do everything possible to make up for my mistakes," she told the judge in a handwritten letter that described various health problems. “I have taken responsibility for my actions since the first day.” MICHAEL CONAHAN, 72, OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Conahan was sentenced to 17 years in prison for helping orchestrate one of the worst judicial scandals in U.S. history: a scheme to send children to for-profit jails in exchange for kickbacks . Biden’s decision to commute his sentence angered many in northeastern Pennsylvania, from the governor to the families whose children were victimized by the disgraced former judge. Conahan had already served the vast majority of his sentence, which was handed down in 2011. “I do feel strongly that President Biden got it absolutely wrong and created a lot of pain here in northeastern Pennsylvania,” Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said Friday. A message seeking comment was sent to an attorney who recently represented Conahan, the former judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. In what came to be known as the kids-for-cash scandal, Conahan and Judge Mark Ciavarella shut down a county-run juvenile detention center and accepted $2.8 million in illegal payments from a friend of Conahan’s who built and co-owned two for-profit lockups. Sandy Fonzo, whose son killed himself at age 23 after Ciavarella locked him up as a teen, called Conahan’s commutation an “injustice.” “I am shocked and I am hurt,” Fonzo said in a statement provided to The Citizens’ Voice of Wilkes-Barre. “Conahan‘s actions destroyed families, including mine, and my son‘s death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of his abuse of power." The Juvenile Law Center, which represented plaintiffs in a $200 million civil judgment against Conahan and Ciavarella, said it “supported President Biden’s actions” but wants to see the “same kind of compassion and mercy” extended to juvenile defendants around the country. When he pleaded guilty in 2010, Conahan apologized to the youths he had hurt. “The system is not corrupt,” Conahan said at the time. “I was corrupt.” KELSIE LYNN BECKLIN, 38, of NEW BRIGHTON, MINNESOTA Becklin was 21 when she got into trouble, which she said was due to trying to get money to support her drug addiction. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent felony charge for failing to provide information to police about a 2007 bank robbery. She served four months in a halfway house, four months of home confinement and three years of probation. She found out she was pregnant after she’d been out of custody for about a year. She said she had her “aha moment” when her son was 1 year old. “And I was living at home with my parents. I had, like, no job, no education, no future,” Becklin said. “Had a felony on my record. I had substance use history, you know, all these things. And he was 1. And I just remember, like looking at him and realizing that his whole life was, like, really dependent on what I did with mine.” Within days, she said, she enrolled at a community college. She recently earned her doctoral degree in comparative molecular biosciences at the University of Minnesota. For her doctorate, she used stem cell biology and genetic engineering to better understand how pediatric cancers grow and develop. She’s still working in the cell and gene therapy space, now as a postdoctoral researcher at the university. The White House noted in its announcement that Becklin also mentors currently and previously incarcerated people who are seeking to pursue higher education. She said she does it as part of a program called Prison to Professionals. They help guide people on the unique issues they’ll face in higher education and provide them with a support network. She said she still doesn’t know exactly how being pardoned and having her record cleared will affect her future. “I think there was a point in my life where it really mattered if I, like, had a certain career path or if I did that. But I have found that, kind of wherever I am, I find my purpose and my need there. And, you know, it’s kind of a beautiful way to live,” she said. Associated Press writers Jack Brook in New Orleans, Ed White in Detroit, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyo., Michael Rubinkam in Pennsylvania; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Wash., contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!None

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By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Related Articles National Politics | Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledged his rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.” The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Related Articles National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television National Politics | What will happen to Social Security under Trump’s tax plan? National Politics | Republican-led states are rolling out plans that could aid Trump’s mass deportation effort As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledged his rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.” The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) Quantum Computing (NASDAQ: QUBT) (“QCi”) , an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company, recently announced its entry into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 1,540,000 shares of common stock, each at a price of $5.00, pursuant to a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the company entered into securities purchase agreements for the purchase and sale of an additional 8,460,000 shares of its common stock at the same price. Quantum Computing expects aggregate gross proceeds of $50 million, of which it intends to use the net for working capital and general corporate purposes. With the anticipated net proceeds, combined with existing cash reserves, the company expects to have sufficient resources to continue advancing the development of its quantum technologies, including not only the initial buildout but also the potential expansion of its U.S.-based thin film lithium niobate (“TFLN”) Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, which remains on track for completion in Q1 2025. Titan Partners Group, a division of American Capital Partners, is acting as the sole placement agent for the offerings. To view the full press release, visit About Quantum Computing Inc. Quantum Computing is an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The company's portfolio of core technology and products offers distinctive capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, as well as remote sensing applications. 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. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, TMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. TMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. To receive SMS alerts from TechMediaWire, text“TECH” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TechMediaWire website applicable to all content provided by TMW, wherever published or re-published: /Disclaimer TechMediaWire Los Angeles, CA 310.299.1717 Office [email protected] TechMediaWire is powered by IBN MENAFN13122024000224011066ID1108992072 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. 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OSAMU Suzuki, who ran Suzuki Motor Corp., known for its minicars and motorcycles, for five decades and drove the company’s global expansion, has died. He was 94. Suzuki died of lymphoma on December 25, the company said in a statement. Born Osamu Matsuda, Suzuki married into the family that gave the Hamamatsu, Japan-based automaker its name. During his long tenure, he formed partnerships with General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG to sell vehicles in North America and Europe and leveraged Suzuki Motor’s expertise in small cars to build a dominant market share in India. “If I were to listen to everybody, it would make things too slow,” Suzuki said of his leadership philosophy in “I’m a Small-Business Boss,” a Japanese-language memoir published in 2009. “Never stop, or else you lose.” Suzuki’s more than 28 years as president across two terms made him the longest-serving head of a global automaker. He passed the presidency to his son in June 2015 and assumed a role as chairman and chief executive officer, a dual title he held onto for a year before stepping down as CEO in the wake of a fuel-economy misstatement. The company admitted to using unapproved methods to test the fuel-mileage of its vehicles in Japan, spurring a sharp selloff in the company’s stock and a wave of management departures. Global reach THE automaker sold about 3.2 million vehicles worldwide in the fiscal year that ended in March 2024, trailing Japan’s dominant carmaker and world No. 1 Toyota Motor Corp., according to data compiled by Bloomberg. More than half of those vehicles were sold in India, where the company’s Indian unit, Maruti Suzuki, holds the lion’s share. A former bank employee, Osamu Suzuki got his start in the automotive business thanks to his arranged marriage to Shoko Suzuki, a granddaughter of Michio Suzuki, who founded Suzuki Motor’s predecessor, a loom manufacturer, in 1909. Osamu Suzuki took his wife’s surname, as is the Japanese custom when there are no male heirs to a family business. He joined the company in 1958, three years after the debut of its first motorcycle, the ColledaCOX 125cc 4-cycle, and the Suzulight 360cc 2-cycle car, which helped usher in Japan’s minivehicle age. He served in several management roles before becoming president in 1978. The next year he made his first mark by introducing the Alto minicar in Japan. A big hit, the model was credited with resurrecting the domestic market for minicars. Betting that the company could establish a foothold in small markets neglected by larger rivals, he led Suzuki Motor’s overseas expansion by building production bases from Pakistan to Hungary. Alliances formed IN 1981, Detroit-based GM, then the world’s biggest carmaker, agreed to buy a stake in Suzuki Motor, which was seeking to expand in North America and Europe. GM would later hold as much as 20% of Suzuki Motor after doubling its interest in 2001. Reeling from five straight quarterly losses, the US automaker began selling its Suzuki Motor shares for cash in 2006 and completed the divestment in 2008. GM filed for bankruptcy the following year amid the global financial crisis. After the GM alliance was dissolved, Suzuki Motor agreed to a tie-up with Germany’s VW, which bought a 19.9% stake in 2010. That alliance descended into acrimony after VW described Suzuki Motor as an “associate” in an annual report, and Suzuki accused VW of disparaging its honor by alleging it had violated their partnership agreement by buying engines from Italy’s Fiat SpA. The partnership ended in September 2015 when Suzuki Motor bought back VW’s $3.8 billion of shares. Osamu Suzuki said the company would value its independence in future dealings with other automakers. Suzuki formed a capital alliance with Toyota in 2019. His greatest achievement was often considered to be his expansion into India. He came across a newspaper article about the Indian government’s search for an automaking partner and in 1982 met with a team from the South Asian nation in a Tokyo hotel. Suzuki Motor agreed to set up a venture with the Indian government outside New Delhi and acquired a 26% stake in the state-owned carmaker Maruti Udyog. The next year, the venture rolled out the Maruti 800 small car, which was so popular that waiting times to purchase it stretched as long as three years. Maruti, now a unit of Suzuki Motor, quickly became the biggest carmaker in India, though its market share has been eroded by Hyundai Motor Co. and Tata Motors Ltd. Suzuki today is also one of the top global manufacturers of motorcycles, selling around 1.9 million units in the 12 months ended March 31. The brand has become well-known for winning world titles. President twice OSAMU Suzuki was born January 30, 1930, in Gero, a city in central Japan’s Gifu prefecture. He was the fourth son in a farming family. Aspiring to be a politician, he worked part-time as a junior high-school teacher and night guard while completing his degree in law at Chuo University in Tokyo, according to a March 2009 article in Nikkei BP magazine. After graduating from Chuo in 1953, he went to work at a bank until his marriage brought him into the family business. After stepping down as president in 2000, he became Suzuki Motor’s chairman and chief executive officer. He returned as president at age 78 in December 2008, when Suzuki Motor was expecting its first profit decline in eight years as the global recession and tighter lending weighed on car demand. “In the face of an extremely difficult business environment, I have to stand at the forefront,” he wrote in his memoir. “In the past 30 years, a sense of complacency has spread throughout the company. As the one who brought the company to where it is, I have to correct this and lead the company until the economy improves.” Suzuki felt a similar sense of responsibility for the company’s faulty fuel-testing practices in Japan, apologizing to a room of reporters in 2016 as his son and president, Toshihiro Suzuki, stood beside him. Suzuki Motor’s “top-down culture” made it difficult for junior employees to approach management with testing concerns, Toshihiro Suzuki said. Osamu Suzuki ceded his title as CEO and accepted a 40% pay cut but remained as chairman, a title he held until 2021, just as the advent of electric cars started to roil the world’s legacy automakers in earnest. At the briefing at which he announced his retirement, Suzuki expressed satisfaction with the company’s management while adding that he would “continue to be easily accessible for advice.” He also assured the audience that he was “full of life,” having played golf 47 times over the previous year. He and his wife had three children.

Arshad Nadeem unveils Quaid Inter-Provincial Games trophy

Source: Running back-returner Javon Leake staying put with Edmonton ElksOpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship'Mercy the only health care organization represented in policy discussion ST. LOUIS , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leader in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve experiences for patients and caregivers, Mercy was the only health care organization invited to participate in "CHAI on the Hill," a pivotal event at the U.S. Senate Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. , focused on ensuring AI in health care prioritizes patient benefit and public trust. "CHAI on the Hill," a gathering of policymakers, industry leaders and subject-matter experts, discussed the uses of AI in health care, as well as the evolving regulatory environment around it. "We're already seeing the tremendous potential AI holds to revolutionize patient care, but it has to be used responsibly, with patients and caregivers at the forefront," said Steve Mackin , Mercy's president and CEO. "At Mercy, we are committed to utilizing AI to enhance care and save caregivers time as well as build trust and confidence in how this technology makes a positive difference in patient care." Mercy is an early member of Coalition for Health AI (CHAI), a diverse group of stakeholders from health care organizations, technology innovators, academia, government and patients. The group was formed to guide the responsible development and adoption of AI in health care. Its mission is to ensure transparent and trustworthy AI use, address public skepticism and safeguard patient care. CHAI includes representatives from more than 1,300 member organizations including nationally renowned hospital systems, tech, education, government agencies and advocacy groups. Participation in this event highlights Mercy's reputation for innovation, such as its work with Microsoft to empower clinicians with generative AI tools, its agreement with Mayo Clinic to analyze de-identified patient data and countless more examples. These projects are designed to improve patient experiences, streamline workflows and create a more proactive approach to medicine. "CHAI on the Hill" underscores the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders in shaping AI's future. By participating, Mercy hopes its expertise and experience will ensure AI technologies serve patients' best interests while addressing critical issues like privacy, access and ethical use. Mercy , one of the 20 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized care and one of the nation's largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations in quality and cost. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including 50 acute care and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas , Kansas , Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas , Louisiana , Mississippi and Texas. In fiscal year 2023 alone, Mercy provided more than half a billion dollars of free care and other community benefits, including traditional charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercy-drives-conversation-on-ai-use-in-health-care-at-chai-on-the-hill-302315770.html SOURCE Mercy

jilibet tricks Jennison Associates LLC Invests $703,000 in Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ:DRS)Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level Media

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Angela Merkel has said she was “tormented” over the result of the Brexit referendum and viewed it as a “humiliation, a disgrace” for the EU that Britain was leaving. In her autobiography, Freedom, due to be published on Tuesday, the former German chancellor says she was dismayed by the notion that she might have done more to help the then British prime minister, David Cameron, who was keen for the UK to stay in the EU, but that ultimately, she concluded, he only had himself to blame. In extracts from the book, Merkel, who left office three years ago, said looking back she recognised that Brexit was on the cards once Cameron proposed in 2005 that Conservative party MEPs should leave the European People’s party, which they subsequently did, over the parliamentary alliance’s backing of the in 2009. The treaty introduced significant changes to the EU that anti-European critics considered undemocratic. In her 700-page memoir, about five pages are dedicated to Brexit and to her role in the pre-referendum negotiations with Cameron in an attempt to help him keep Britain inside the bloc. She also writes about the subsequent exit deal drawn out over several years once Britain had decided to leave, and refers to how deflated she felt over the result. “To me, the result felt like a humiliation, a disgrace for us, the other members of the European Union – the United Kingdom was leaving us in the lurch. This changed the European Union in the view of the world; we were weakened.” Merkel writes about how she had reached out to Cameron as he struggled to try to secure changes over freedom of movement and trade that might have won over Eurosceptics and allowed him to keep the UK in a reformed EU. She says she “tried wherever possible to help David Cameron”, despite risking the ire of other EU leaders who had distanced themselves from him. Referring to various stages in her attempts to help him and ensure he was not isolated, most crucially at a summit of EU leaders in February 2016 during which an agreement was expected to be reached over Britain’s renegotiation demands to stay in the EU, she says: “My support of him rendered me an outsider with my other colleagues ... The impact of the euro crisis was still lingering, and I was also being repeatedly accused of stinginess. “And yet, during the summit, I steadfastly remained by David Cameron’s side for an entire evening. In this way I was able to prevent his complete isolation in the council and eventually move the others to back down. I did this because I knew from various discussions with Cameron that where domestic policy was concerned, he had no room for manoeuvre whatsoever.” But she writes that there came a point when she could no longer help him. The UK she says, had not helped itself by making the mistake of not introducing restrictions on eastern European workers once 10 new countries joined the bloc in May 2004, the then Labour government having grossly underestimated the number of people who would arrive. This gave Eurosceptics the chance to put freedom of movement in a negative light. By contrast, France and Germany introduced a gradual phase-in of eastern Europeans’ rights to work, not giving them full access to their labour markets until 2011. Merkel says she thought Cameron’s pledge in 2005 for the Conservatives to leave the EPP was the initial nail in the coffin of any attempts to keep Britain in the EU. “He therefore, from the very beginning, put himself in the hands of those who were sceptical about the European Union, and was never able to escape this dependency,” she writes. Brexit, she concludes, “demonstrated in textbook fashion the consequences that can arise when there’s a miscalculation from the very start”. Subsequently she was pained by the idea that she might have been able to have done more to keep the UK in the fold, she says. “After the referendum, I was tormented by whether I should have made even more concessions toward the UK to make it possible for them to remain in the community. I came to the conclusion that, in the face of the political developments taking place at the time within the country, there wouldn’t have been any reasonable way of my preventing the UK’s path out of the European Union as an outsider. Even with the best political will, mistakes of the past could not be undone.”

AP News Summary at 9:47 a.m. EST

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Kobe Knox's 13 points helped South Florida defeat Portland 74-68 on Thursday. Knox also had six rebounds for the Bulls (3-2). Brandon Stroud added 11 points while shooting 4 for 12 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line while he also had six rebounds. Jamille Reynolds shot 3 of 6 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points. The Pilots (2-3) were led in scoring by Max Mackinnon, who finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Vincent Delano added 14 points for Portland. A.Rapp also had 11 points and eight rebounds. South Florida went into the half ahead of Portland 38-33. Knox scored eight second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Rockfire Resources (LON:ROCK) Stock Price Down 8.9% – What’s Next?

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WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government is looking to bring in tougher penalties for people who are convicted of impaired driving offences that cause injury or death. A bill introduced in the legislature Thursday would impose a lifetime licence suspension on a driver convicted of two such offences within a 10-year period. That’s an increase from the current 10-year suspension. The bill would also prohibit people convicted of these offences from driving with any alcohol in their blood for seven years for a first offence. “The consequences of driving impaired are tragic — for the victims for the families and the survivors,” Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said Thursday. “Ten per cent of collisions in Manitoba have impaired driving as a contributing factor, and enough is enough.” The bill was introduced on the last day of the fall legislature sitting and is expected to be debated after politicians reconvene March 5. The bill was welcomed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, known as MADD. “We recognize that there is no one single piece of legislation that will solve impaired driving, and we welcome the government taking steps to deal with those offenders who cause the most serious harm,” said Tanya Hansen Pratt, president of MADD Canada. Pratt’s mother was killed by an impaired driver. The bill was introduced on the last day of a three-week session that frequently saw tensions rise between the governing New Democrats and Opposition Progressive Conservatives. Tom Lindsey, the legislature Speaker, scolded both sides of the house Thursday for over-the-top heckling and other behaviour. On Thursday, just after proceedings recessed for lunch, New Democrat cabinet minister Tracy Schmidt crossed the floor and confronted the Tories. The Tories accused her of aggressively accosting one member, standing over him and pointing her finger down at him while telling him he should not be in the chamber. “The language that was used, from a minister of the Crown, I’ve never seen anything like it. It was awful,” said Grant Jackson, the Tory education critic. He did not provide details or identify which of his colleagues was confronted by Schmidt. Schmidt, the environment minister who is also temporarily filling in as acting education minister, told reporters she went over to the Tory side because she had heard what she considered a racist comment toward the end of the morning debate. “I walked over to the member ... and said to the member that I felt that his comments were racist and I encouraged him sincerely to apologize,” Schmidt told reporters. Schmidt did not say what the comments were or identify the Tory she confronted. “I was immediately surrounded by several male members of their caucus who started shouting at me and telling me to get out of there, and so I got out of there.” Mark Wasyliw, an independent legislature member who was kicked out of the NDP caucus earlier this year, posted on social media that an NDP cabinet minister “lost control” and had a “face-to-face rage-filled direct confrontation” with a Tory. There have been other signs in recent weeks that the Tories and NDP are not getting along. The Tories did not support an attempt by the NDP to quickly set up an all-party committee to examine public support for journalism, saying that the NDP idea has many unanswered questions. The New Democrats have not supported a Tory call for an all-party committee on the issue of trade with the United States and tariff threats by president-elect Donald Trump. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024.Miami Fair Asks Gallery to Remove Portrait of TrumpWestern intelligence specialists have been sounding the alarm for months about Russian sabotage in Europe. In past days, however, Moscow’s suspected campaigns to do everything from infiltrating U.S. military bases to jamming GPS and downing planes have reached “staggeringly reckless” levels, the head of the British intelligence service MI6 recently warned. That was shortly before a Chinese cargo ship departing Russia dragged its anchor last week, cutting communication cables on the accommodatingly flat, shallow Baltic Sea and raising concerns that Moscow could be teaming up with Beijing to create further chaos. Western allies will “step up” to address the sabotage, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said during a meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers on Tuesday. “We cannot be naive,” he said. Though it is clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former spy, makes a strategy of churning up uncertainty and fear, including through nuclear saber-rattling , it is possible that some of these latest suspected attacks were accidents, security analysts say. Still, even if there isn’t overt collusion, experts add, anything that creates damage and disruption in the West – and riles up its leaders in the process – is in the shared interest of China and Russia. Western intelligence specialists have been sounding the alarm for months about Russian sabotage in Europe. In past days, however, Moscow’s suspected campaigns to do everything from infiltrating U.S. military bases to jamming GPS and downing planes have reached “staggeringly reckless” levels, the head of the British intelligence service MI6 recently warned. That was shortly before a Chinese cargo ship departing Russia dragged its anchor last week, cutting communication cables on the accommodatingly flat, shallow Baltic Sea and raising concerns that Moscow could be teaming up with Beijing to create further chaos. Western allies will “step up” to address the sabotage, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said during a meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers on Tuesday. “We cannot be naive,” he said. Though it is clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin, a former spy, makes a strategy of churning up uncertainty and fear, including through nuclear saber-rattling , it is possible that some of these latest suspected attacks were accidents, security analysts say. “It’s going to be rare that you’ll find the smoking gun,” says Keir Giles, a Russian military expert and senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, a London think tank. Still, even if there isn’t “actual, overt collusion,” anything that creates damage and disruption in the West – and riles up its leaders in the process – is in the shared interest of China and Russia, he adds. “So we shouldn’t be particularly surprised if they’re looking at each other and thinking, ‘Yeah, this is OK.’” Spies don’t generally seek out the spotlight. Still, as in the United Kingdom, Germany’s chief intelligence officer, Bruno Kahl, came forward in a public hearing to alert lawmakers to Kremlin efforts to drive U.S. military forces from Europe. Mr. Putin is also determined to “test the West’s red lines” through espionage and sabotage, Mr. Kahl said. To this end, Russia has taken to using amateur operatives for “snooping around Europe and causing mischief in all of our backyards,” raising the risk of accidental run-ins, Gen. Darryl Williams, head of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa, said in October. MI6 Chief Richard Moore, put it another way: Russian intelligence services, he said, have gone “a bit feral.” Particularly in more pacifist-learning Germany, some grumbled that these warnings are alarmist. But the point is getting the word out to the general public – with a dash of psychological operations, or psyops. After all, the recruitment of delinquents shows the desperate lengths Moscow must now go to with the Ukraine war draining its resources, Western intelligence officials point out. They add that potential recruits may be being duped into activities more dangerous and consequential than they realize. “Russia is actively looking for low-level criminals to use to do some sabotage actions and stuff,” says Julian Pawlak, research associate at the University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg in Germany. “They don’t need to be against the West or anything,” he adds. “But of course, behind this is a bigger picture, a bigger plan.” Such public awareness campaigns, like those launched post-9/11, have proved to be successful in the past, says Mr. Giles, who adds that people are more invested in vigilance when the safety of their water supply, plane travel, and connectivity is at stake. Adm. Pierre Vandier, a top strategic thinker for NATO in Norfolk, Virginia, told Defense News this week that, among other military moves, NATO is planning a network of underwater drones to act as “streetlights,” or CCTV cameras of sorts, to record criminal mischief in oceanic trouble spots. Better defending critical infrastructure has been a need “known to militaries and researchers, but it was not on the political agenda,” Mr. Pawlak says. Now, he adds, that’s starting to change. In the meantime, investigations into suspected sabotage continue. U.S. military bases across Europe were put on heightened alert for the first time in a decade this summer, reportedly after intelligence surfaced that Russia was plotting attacks on them. Mr. Putin has denied engaging in sabotage, but sources close to the Kremlin have suggested that Moscow would be justified in attacking U.S. concerns in Germany, Poland, and Romania given that the White House allowed Ukraine to use U.S. long-range missiles to strike across the border into Russia . Berlin was already looking into fires caused by incendiary devices hidden in packages at a DHL warehouse in Leipzig, Germany, when a DHL cargo plane crashed in Vilnius, Lithuania, last week, killing one crew member. The crash was immediately suspected of being an act of Russian sabotage. But Lithuania’s defense minister – no fan of Mr. Putin – said last week that the initial investigation instead indicates a technical malfunction. As for the anchor-dragging Chinese vessel that cut internet links between Sweden and Lithuania last month, “Nobody believes that these cables were accidentally cut,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said. The case echoed a similar episode last year, when a Chinese container ship, also dragging its anchor over the Baltic Sea bed, severed a Russian fiber-optic cable. The vessel’s location points to a potential accident or a “red-on-red fratricide” of sorts, says Mr. Giles. In fact, he notes, most of the estimated 150 to 200 cable breaks of similar scale around the world each year are accidents. Focusing on the Baltic Sea as a past and potential future target for Russia means that “Anything that happens there gets a lot of attention,” Mr. Giles says. “But let’s not rule out that this could simply be wild incompetence rather than actual, deliberate conspiracy.”

37 Products For Your Slightly Embarrassing Grooming ProblemsUber has 30 days to require certain drivers to get fingerprinted if the ride-hail giant intends to continue transporting unaccompanied teens in California. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a ruling Thursday that requires taxi and ride-hail drivers who are carrying unaccompanied minors in the state to pass a fingerprint background check. The ruling also requires transport companies to pay for the cost of those background checks. Uber has a history of fighting back against fingerprint-based background check requirements for drivers. Seven years ago, Uber and Lyft blocked a similar effort in California to fingerprint drivers. The company has argued that its current name-based background checks and other guardrails are sufficient, and that such an inconvenient step would discourage drivers from signing up to the platform and would disproportionately affect minorities. All that goes out the window when it comes to transporting kids safely and ensuring they’re not getting into the car with a potential sex offender. “When an adult is being tasked to provide a service to a minor, the adult is placed in a position of trust, responsibility, and control over California’s most vulnerable citizenry — children,” reads the decision. “Not conducting a fingerprint-based background check to identify adults with disqualifying arrests or criminal records would place the unaccompanied minor in a potentially dangerous, if not life-threatening situation.” Uber launched Uber for Teens, its service that allows teens aged 13 to 17 to hail an Uber without a parent or guardian, in February 2024. The CPUC sent a warning letter to Uber strongly recommending that Uber stop the service until a 2016 rulemaking around background checks could be resolved. In March, Uber asked for clarity on the rule, specifically the part that stated any business involved “primarily” in transporting minors would need to enforce strict background checks. The company said this summer that fewer than 10% of the company’s total rides involve unaccompanied minors. At the core of the debate has been whether Uber should be required to participate in the Department of Justice’s Trustline program. Trustline is a registry maintained by the California Department of Social Services that uses fingerprinting to screen caregivers for criminal arrests and convictions. It also screens applicants against the Child Abuse Central Index, which contains reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Uber has said its own name-based screening system via Checkr, as well as safety features like live trip tracking included in Uber for Teens, is adequate to keep riders of any age safe. Uber also says it only pairs the most experienced and highly rated drivers with teens. Uber has also been accused of not taking enough steps to protect riders from dangerous situations, including child trafficking . In July, two families in South Carolina sued Uber alleging the company allowed their teen daughters to be taken across state lines to a predator’s home where one of the girls was sexually assaulted. The CPUC’s ruling is bad news for Uber, which launched Uber for Teens in California in February 2024, but good news for HopSkipDrive, a startup that provides a ride-sharing service for kids and advocated in favor of this ruling. HopSkipDrive refers to its drivers as “CareDrivers” and says they all have caregiving experience and go through a 15-point certification before being onboarded — including a fingerprint-based background check. The startup also uses telematics to detect unsafe driving behavior and enable real-time ride tracking, and has a dedicated team monitoring each ride. The CPUC’s ruling also requires transport companies that intend to transport minors share information with the agency on how they implement live trip tracking for parents, what safety procedures they implement at pickup and drop-off locations, and what sort of driver training the companies implement specifically around transporting unaccompanied minors. The ruling also says that each company is responsible for paying for the checks. Uber has also argued against this stipulation, saying that forcing the company — which has a market cap of around $150 billion as of December — to pay for fingerprinting would result in a price hike for the Uber for Teens service. Uber, like many large companies, has a history of offloading costs associated with rulings and legislation onto the customer. For example, California riders can expect to see the following message at the bottom of their Uber receipts: “In California, on average, roughly 33% of the customer price went towards covering government-mandated commercial insurance for rideshare in July 2024, one of the highest rates in the country.” HopSkipDrive pays for the cost of fingerprint checks for its drivers. The Commission wrote in its ruling that “if small [transportation network companies] like HopSkipDrive can cover the cost of a TrustLine background check, Uber should do so as well.” Uber did not respond in time to TechCrunch’s request for comment.

BEIRUT — Hezbollah fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel on Sunday, wounding seven people in one of the militant group's heaviest barrages in months, in response to deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut while negotiators pressed on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. An Israeli bomb squad policeman carries the remains of a rocket that was fired from Lebanon on Sunday in Kibbutz Kfar Blum, northern Israel. Some of the rockets reached the Tel Aviv area in the heart of Israel. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike on an army center killed a Lebanese soldier and wounded 18 others in the southwest between Tyre and Naqoura, Lebanon's military said. The Israeli military expressed regret, saying that the strike occurred in an area of combat against Hezbollah and that the military's operations are directed solely against the militants. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines. People are also reading... Recap: Here's how Joey Graziadei will win 'Dancing with the Stars' Zitel bound over to district court in death of child They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead on I-29 in Missouri At the courthouse, Nov. 16, 2024 Chamberlain among seven inducted into Nebraska Baseball HOF No change in bond amounts in child abuse death case At the courthouse, Nov. 23, 2024 Harmonizers to perform Clabaugh family presents Outstanding Educator award Courthouse lighting ceremony planned for Sunday Inside Nebraska volleyball’s finishing kick for a Big Ten title: First up, Wisconsin Just Askin': Dana Holgorsen noncommittal on future, ranking a big week for Nebraska Athletics Historical society appoints board members, elects officers Beatrice High School first-quarter honor roll Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the latest strike as an assault on U.S.-led cease-fire efforts, calling it a “direct, bloody message rejecting all efforts and ongoing contacts” to end the war. Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones into Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack out of the Gaza Strip ignited the war there. Hezbollah has portrayed the attacks as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians and Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups. The Israeli police bomb squad inspects the site after a missile fired from Lebanon hit the area Sunday in Petah Tikva, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes at Hezbollah, and in September the low-level conflict erupted into all-out war as Israel launched airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon and killed Hezbollah's top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated seven people, including a 60-year old man in severe condition from rocket fire on northern Israel, a 23-year-old man who was lightly wounded by a blast in the central city of Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, and a 70-year-old woman who suffered smoke inhalation from a car that caught fire there. In Haifa, a rocket hit a residential building that police said was in danger of collapsing. The Palestine Red Crescent reported 13 injuries it said were caused by an interceptor missile that struck several homes in Tulkarem in the West Bank. It was unclear whether injuries and damage were caused by rockets or interceptors. Sirens wailed again in central and northern Israel hours later. Israeli airstrikes without warning on Saturday pounded central Beirut, killing at least 29 people and wounding 67, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. A flock of birds flies above the smoke from Israeli airstrikes Sunday in Dahiyeh, Beirut. Smoke billowed above Beirut again Sunday with new strikes. Israel's military said it targeted command centers for Hezbollah and its intelligence unit in the southern suburbs of Dahiyeh, where the militants have a strong presence. Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,700 people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry. The fighting has displaced about 1.2 million people, or a quarter of Lebanon’s population. On the Israeli side, about 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have been killed by bombardment in northern Israel and in battle following Israel's ground invasion in early October. Around 60,000 Israelis have been displaced from the country's north. EU urges immediate halt to Israel-Hezbollah war The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Israel-Hezbollah war while on a visit to the Lebanese c... The European Union’s top diplomat called Sunday for more pressure on Israel and Hezbollah to reach a deal, saying one was "pending with a final agreement from the Israeli government.” U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein was in the region last week. Josep Borrell spoke after meeting with Mikati and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally who has been mediating with the group. Borrell said the EU is ready to allocate $208 million to assist the Lebanese military. But Borrell later said that he did not “see the Israeli government interested clearly in reaching an agreement for a cease-fire" and that it seemed Israel was seeking new conditions. He pointed to Israel’s refusal to accept France as a member of the international committee that would oversee the cease-fire's implementation. The emerging agreement would pave the way for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon below the Litani River in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the monthlong 2006 war. Lebanese troops would patrol with the presence of U.N. peacekeepers. With talks for a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza stalled, freed hostages and families of those held marked a year since the war's only hostage-release deal. “It’s hard to hold on to hope, certainly after so long and as another winter is about to begin," said Yifat Zailer, cousin of Shiri Bibas, who is held along with her husband and two young sons. Around 100 hostages are still in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Most of the rest of the 250 who were abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack were released in last year's cease-fire. Talks for another deal recently had several setbacks, including the firing of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who pushed for a deal, and Qatar’s decision to suspend its mediation. Hamas wants Israel to end the war and withdraw all troops from Gaza. Israel has offered only to pause its offensive. The Palestinian death toll from the war surpassed 44,000 this week, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. On Sunday, six people were killed in strikes in central Gaza, according to AP journalists at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Buyer beware: How to spot fake online shopping sites Buyer beware: How to spot fake online shopping sites How often do you buy something online ? A couple of times a month? A couple of times a week? A couple of times a day? Everybody's answer will be different, but collectively, it's done a lot: Online retail accounted for over $1 trillion of purchases in the U.S. in 2022 and a record $277.6 billion in the second quarter of 2023 alone. Retailers ranging from titans like Amazon and Walmart, down to local small-town shops work very hard to land their share of that business. Sadly and inevitably—so do criminals and scammers. At any given moment, they operate millions of bogus sites. So how can you spot those fake online shopping sites? Spokeo provides a guide. It's Easy to Create an Online Presence In the early days of the internet , it took some genuine skills to set up a website, but those days are gone. A quick search will show that there are lots of apps and services offering websites on a prefabricated "fill in the blanks" basis, and most web hosts provide those tools as part of the service when someone signs up with them. It's even easier on social media . If you were opening a "side hustle" business tomorrow from your home, you could set up your own Facebook page tonight in under an hour, with exactly zero knowledge of websites. Once that page is set up, you just need to throw a few dollars in the direction of Facebook's advertising department, and they'll start advertising your page to users. It's no harder to promote a website, except in that case, you'd give your advertising dollars to Google. This is a simplified overview, but the main point holds: Establishing a presence online has become a very democratized process, open to anyone with minimal skills and even the smallest budget for advertising. That's been a boon for legitimate entrepreneurs, but it also makes life very easy indeed for scammers. How Bogus Websites Steal Money and Information There are multiple types of bogus websites . Some are imposters, created to look very much like a legitimate commercial or government site that you're familiar with, such as Amazon or Netflix. Others don't imitate a specific site, but instead attempt to capture the look and feel of those sites in general (whether that be a retail site, a government or bank page, or even something relatively shady like a gambling or porn site). Next, scammers find ways to drive traffic to their site. Often that's through phishing texts or emails, but deceptive ads on social media or search engines like Google and Bing work just as well. Once a browser arrives at the criminals' site (or, in some cases, downloads their app), any number of bad things can happen. One is that they'll download malware onto your devices, which can capture passwords or steal personal information. A more straightforward risk is that the browser will cheerfully enter their personal and banking/credit card information, thinking they're making a legitimate purchase. That's largely why fake online shopping sites are so dangerous, and so useful to scammers and identity thieves. How Fake Online Shopping Sites Work Most bogus sites share some or all of those characteristics, but shopping sites are a very specific type of bogus site with some quirks of their own. One characteristic to count on—whether the website directly impersonates a major retailer like Amazon, a niche retailer like MEC, or just positions itself as an anonymously general retail site—is that it will offer unusually low pricing on high-demand products. That might be a mass-market item like the latest gaming console, a suddenly in-demand item that's unavailable through normal channels (remember trying to get masks and sanitizing wipes during COVID-19?), or something as mundane as disposable diapers or high-capacity computer drives. Whatever the product, the advertised price will be low enough to get attention. The bogus site will have any number of ways to transfer a browser's money to its coffers, depending on the scammers' intentions and skillset. A few of the most common include: Products that are damaged, refurbished, low-quality fakes, or otherwise not as described (and therefore, not worth nearly what was paid for them). Products that never arrive at all after they've been paid for (this is the most common variation.) Hidden fees, surcharges, or shipping charges that dramatically inflate the price of the (usually substandard) product. Charging a "restocking fee" before processing a refund or return (which, of course, they subsequently don't do). These are all aside from the potential to infect devices or steal payment information . Sites focused on identity theft might consider a faux purchase to be just the added gravy. Fake Online Shopping Sites are a Big (and Year-Round) Problem How common is online shopping fraud? Well, the news is pretty bad. The FTC's 2022 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book recorded over 327,000 online shopping complaints, the fourth-highest category for overall complaints and second among fraud categories. You would expect these sites to be more prevalent during the final quarter of the year, corresponding to the holiday gift-giving season—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas itself—and they are, but that doesn't mean you can relax during the other nine months of the year. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, or APWG, identified nearly a million fake or phishing websites during the first quarter of 2022 alone (not a busy time of year for shopping), for example. To be clear, only 14.6% of those were eCommerce sites, but that still translates to well over 140,000 bogus shopping sites. The true number is almost certainly higher because the APWG only tracks the ones that use a phishing approach. Many opt to simply buy advertising instead (or as well), and those won't be captured in the APWG's statistics. However you slice it, there's a definite risk of encountering these sites when you shop. Recognizing Fake Online Shopping Sites The good news is that bogus shopping sites aren't hard to spot, once you're aware of the risk. They aren't built for permanence; scammers pull them together quickly and cheaply and then abandon them once they stop producing.That "just good enough" approach leaves plenty of visible signs you can detect. Below, here's what to look for when recognizing fake online shopping sites. Bad images Bogus sites don't have direct access to the real products' manufacturing images, so they resort to copying and pasting from legitimate sites. \That means bogus sites' product images (and often their fake logos, if they impersonate a legitimate site) are fuzzy and low-res. A URL that's slightly "off" Imposter sites obviously can't have the same URL as the legitimate site, so they'll usually have a URL that looks right, but isn't quite. They might have a typo in the name, or incorporate the real company's name into their URL in a non-standard way ("myfakesite.amazon.com.123xyz.com"), or—sneakiest of all—use a letter from a different language's character set , which looks the same to the eye, but not to the computer. Broken links The scammers may have simply copied and pasted user interface elements from a legitimate site, in which case many links on the site may be broken (or simply not clickable). Lots of missing elements A legitimate retail website will have several pages of legalese, often starting with a pop-up about its cookie policy or privacy policy. You should certainly expect to see a detailed document spelling out shipping policies, return and refund policies, and similar details. If those are missing or brief and vapid, it's probably a fake site. Limited options for payment Sites that plan to take your money and run will often show oddly specific payment options, from wire transfers to gift cards to cryptocurrency. The thing those payment methods have in common is that it's very difficult to get money back once it's spent. Sites geared around capturing your personal or payment information, on the other hand, may insist on getting your credit card. Typos, grammar, and linguistic errors Simple, silly language errors are often a red flag. Scammers may not be native English speakers, and it shows up in awkward or sometimes inappropriate phrasing. Errors in actual product listings aren't necessarily a smoking gun—you'll see them frequently on real Amazon pages—because they come from the manufacturers, who are often not English speakers. Language errors on the rest of the site are more of a concern. HTTP vs. HTTPS In the address bar of your browser, a legitimate retail site's URL will start with HTTPS, rather than HTTP, and will show a closed lock symbol. The majority of fake sites now also have an HTTPS URL and will show the lock (so this isn't as helpful as it used to be), but less-sophisticated scammers may miss that detail. You can automatically rule those ones out. And, of course, the biggest red flag of all is an unrealistically low price on the product you're looking for. We all want to get a really good deal, but that impulse will often lead you astray. What to Do if You Think a Shopping Site Is Fake If a shopping site fails those basic "eyeball" tests, the smart thing to do is just close that browser tab and walk away. If you want to dig deeper, or if you aren't sure, there are a few quick and easy ways to verify a site's legitimacy. Use a URL/website checker Remember those really sneaky fake URLs that use a letter from another alphabet? The best way to check those (and other problematic elements in a URL) is through a URL verifier/website reputation service, like the ones from URLVoid and Google . Just copy (don't click!) the link, and paste it into the checker. If the site is sketchy, they'll tell you. Look up the site on a registry Domain names all need to be registered and there are several lookup tools to check this, like ICANN's registration lookup (think of it as Spokeo for websites). If a site claims to be Amazon but was registered just a few weeks ago, that's a really big red flag. Similarly, if the site isn't located where it should be, or if the ownership data is obscured, that's grounds for concern. Turn to Google If you have a bad feeling about a particular site, do a quick Google or Bing (or whatever) search that pairs the site's name with keywords like "scam," "fraud," "bogus" or "ripoff" and see what comes up. If you get a lot of hits, that's definitely grounds for concern. Go Forth and Shop (Safely) If a given site fails any or all of those tests, then keeping your wallet in your pocket is definitely the smart choice. Instead of making the purchase, report the site instead to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC's Report Fraud website. That will get the investigative wheels turning and may help protect someone less wary from falling victim to the scammers. As always, wariness and skepticism are your friends when it comes to avoiding scams. Don't click on links in emails, texts , or social media messages; instead, go to the company's site by typing the URL directly. If you search a company's page on Google, scroll down through the actual search results until you find it instead of clicking on the sponsored results or advertisements at the top. Most of all, remember the golden rule of scam avoidance: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Keeping those principles in mind, and using the tips given here to screen out dubious sites means you'll be able to shop 'til you drop (safely), despite the vast number of scammers out there. And that—as the credit card ads like to say—is priceless. This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Snoop Dogg ’s daughter, Cori Broadus , has found her partner in Wayne Duece . In 2018, Broadus approached Duece at a party Following the bash, the pair connected on social media and became friends. “We really started to connect and build and create a friendship,” Broadus said in a February 2023 interview with Teen Vogue . “I feel like we work out so well because we became friends first ... we really grew together.” After five years of dating, Duece proposed. Broadus shared with the outlet that while she and Duece had talked about marriage before she was still surprised by the romantic gesture. “When he proposed, I was just... I’m still in shock,” Broadus said. “I’m still processing it.” The duo’s wedding plans hit a roadblock after Broadus, who was diagnosed with lupus at age 6, suffered from a stroke in January 2024. Since then, Broadus has been on the road to recovery with Duece by her side. Keep scrolling to see Broadus and Duece’s relationship timeline: Broadus introduced herself to Duece at a party and they exchanged Snapchats. “I was just being friendly,” Broadus reflected to Teen Vogue in February 2023. “I wasn’t even trying to holler at him or anything. I was being nice.” When Duece got down on one knee, he and Broadus celebrated the special moment with their family. Snoop shared a sweet pic of the group. “Proud parents 💖🙏🏾💍🌹. @wayneduece @princessbroadus 🌹🙈,” the rapper captioned the snap including the couple and their future in-laws. Broadus and Duece began planning their trip to walk down the aisle by visiting various wedding venues, even considering tying the knot in Coachella Valley, California. The couple’s plans to wed were put on the back burner after Broadus suffered from a severe stroke. “I started breaking down crying when they told me,” she wrote via her Instagram Story at the time. “I’m only 24. What did I do in my past to deserve all of this?” Three months after her health scare, Broadus got back to work with Duece as they worked on a new real estate project. “I’m just so proud of us fr🥹🥹 24 & 26 and getting to it in real life fr!” she captioned an Instagram Reel of the pair setting up for an open house. “They don’t teach us this shit, we want longevity in everything that we do!” You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News A new E! reality show titled Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story was announced, starring Snoop, Broadus and Duece . The show’s trailer showed the pair as they navigated the highs and lows of planning their wedding and Broadus’ stroke. Snoop revealed that he gave Broadus a generous gift for her and Duece’s nuptials. “It’s the truth, but the only thing about this gift is she never got to open it, or she hasn’t opened it yet,” the musician said during a joint appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show . “It was a million dollars for her wedding. But, Jen, I told her if it was me, my wedding would have been $100 and $900 would have gone in my pocket.”

John Parker Romo made a 29-yard field goal to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-27 overtime win against the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Romo buried the game-winning kick in his third career game for Minnesota (9-2), which won its fourth game in a row. The score capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive for the Vikings after the Bears went three-and-out on the first overtime possession. Sam Darnold completed 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings. Wideout Jordan Addison finished with eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. The overtime defeat spoiled an impressive performance from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago (4-7). D.J. Moore had seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Keenan Allen finished with nine catches for 86 yards and a score. Chicago erased an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. Romo had put Minnesota on top 27-16 when he made a 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams trimmed the Bears' deficit to 27-24 with 22 seconds to go. He rolled right and found Allen wide open in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, and moments later he fired a strike to Moore for a two-point conversion. The Bears recovered an onside kick on the next play to regain possession at their 43-yard line with 21 seconds left. Cairo Santos' onside kick bounced off the foot of Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt, and Tarvarius Moore recovered it. D.J. Moore put the Bears in field-goal position with a 27-yard reception across the middle of the field, and Santos made a 48-yarder as time expired to even the score at 27-all. Minnesota led 24-10 after three quarters. Romo made a 40-yard field goal early in the third quarter, and Aaron Jones punched in a 2-yard run with 1:22 left in the period to put the Vikings on top by two touchdowns. Addison and Jalen Nailor each had receiving touchdowns in the first half for Minnesota. Roschon Johnson scored on a 1-yard run for the Bears' only touchdown of the first half. Chicago trailed 14-10 at the break. --Field Level MediaWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is weighing whether to issue sweeping pardons for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, a preemptive move that would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power. The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But Biden himself has discussed the topic with some senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday to discuss the sensitive subject. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes – and usually those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for those who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. They fear that Trump and his allies, who have boasted of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for their targets even if they don’t result in prosecutions. While the president’s pardon power is absolute, Biden’s use in this fashion would mark a significant expansion of how they are deployed, and some Biden aides fear it could lay the groundwork for an even more drastic usage by Trump. They also worry that issuing pardons would feed into claims by Trump and his allies that the individuals committed acts that necessitated immunity. Recipients could include infectious-disease specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was instrumental in combating the coronavirus pandemic and who has become a pariah to conservatives angry about mask mandates and vaccines. Others include witnesses in Trump’s criminal or civil trials and Biden administration officials who have drawn the ire of the incoming president and his allies. Get the latest political news stories, from local elections and legislation to reaction to national events. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Some fearful former officials have reached out to the Biden White House preemptively seeking some sort of protection from the future Trump administration, one of the people said. It follows Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter — not just for his convictions on federal gun and tax violations, but for any potential federal offense committed over an 11-year period, as the president feared that Trump allies would seek to prosecute his son for other offenses. That could serve as a model for other pardons Biden might issue to those who could find themselves in legal jeopardy under Trump. Biden is not the first to consider such pardons — Trump aides considered them for him and his supporters involved in his failed efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election that culminated in a violent riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But he could be the first to issue them since Trump’s pardons never materialized before he left office nearly four years ago. Gerald Ford granted a “full, free, and absolute pardon” in 1974 to his predecessor, Richard Nixon, over the Watergate scandal. He believed a potential trial would “cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States," as written in the pardon proclamation. Politico was first to report that Biden was studying the use of preemptive pardons. On the campaign trail, Trump made no secret of his desire to seek revenge on those who prosecuted him or crossed him. Trump has talked about “enemies from within" and circulated social media posts that call for the jailing of Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sens. Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. He also zeroed in on former Rep. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican who campaigned for Harris and helped investigate Jan. 6, and he promoted a social media post that suggested he wanted military tribunals for supposed treason. Kash Patel, whom Trump has announced as his nominee to be director of the FBI, has listed dozens of former government officials he wanted to “come after.” Richard Painter, a Trump critic who served as the top White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, said he was reluctantly in support of having Biden issue sweeping pardons to people who could be targeted by Trump's administration. He said he hoped that would “clean the slate” for the incoming president and encourage him to focus on governing, not on punishing his political allies. “It’s not an ideal situation at all,” Painter said. “We have a whole lot of bad options confronting us at this point.” While the Supreme Court this year ruled that the president enjoys broad immunity from prosecution for what could be considered official acts, his aides and allies enjoy no such shield. Some fear that Trump could use the promise of a blanket pardon to encourage his allies to take actions they might otherwise resist for fear of running afoul of the law. “There could be blatant illegal conduct over the next four years, and he can go out and pardon his people before he leaves office,” Painter said. "But if he’s going to do that, he’s going to do that anyway regardless of what Biden does." More conventional pardons from Biden, such as those for sentencing disparities for people convicted of federal crimes, are expected before the end of the year, the White House said.

Penn State seeks to stay perfect, takes on FordhamSouth Korean President Yoon Sook-yeol on Thursday accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, even as critics demanded Yoon step down over his aborted attempt to impose martial law Tuesday. Kim reportedly proposed the ill-fated declaration of martial law to Yoon, who stunned the world and plunged Seoul into chaos by issuing the order on Tuesday night, local time. The National Assembly, South Korea’s parliament, defied Yoon’s orders by barricading itself inside the assembly chamber and voting to lift martial law within a matter of hours. Yoon declared martial law because he claimed the legislature had been infiltrated by “subversive anti-state elements” that were paralyzing his administration and blocking his agenda, all for the benefit of “North Korean communist forces.” He had deployed police and military forces around the National Assembly building in an unsuccessful attempt to keep legislators from voting. Yoon also accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP) of cutting funding for police and the courts to thwart investigations into party leader Lee Jae-myung. The DP, in turn, accused Yoon of declaring martial law to block investigations into high officials of his People Power Party (PPP), including himself and his wife. Kim is the first high-ranking Yoon ally to tender his resignation. Rumors swirled in Seoul that other top officials in the administration would resign, but so far they have not done so. At a press briefing on Thursday morning, Yoon’s chief of staff Chung Jin-suk introduced retired four-star general Choi Byung-hyuk as the new defense minister. Choi served as deputy commander of the combined U.S.-South Korean command from 2019-2020. South Korean civic groups on Thursday called for Yoon to step down as well, including members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), one of South Korea’s largest labor organizations. Protesters marched through Seoul on Thursday carrying banners that declared the nullification of martial law a “victory for democracy” and demanded the “immediate arrest” of “treasonous criminal Yoon Suk-yeol and his accomplices.” “We must take down President Yoon, who turned the clock of the Republic of Korea back 44 years, and make him pay for the terrifying 155 minutes,” the protesters chanted. The last declaration of martial law in South Korea was 44 years ago, at a time when the government was authoritarian in character. DP leaders came up short of formally demanding Yoon’s arrest, but they did call on him to step down from the presidency, arguing that his martial law order “destroyed the spirit of the Constitution entirely.” Five members of Yoon’s PPP party on Thursday proposed a constitutional amendment to shorten the presidential term, which they presented as an “orderly resolution” to the political crisis. “This is an essential step to prevent political paralysis and national division caused by impeachment,” the five PPP lawmakers said. The five called on Yoon to “issue a sincere apology to the public” and demanded “a swift investigation and punishment for all individuals responsible for this incident.” “The president inflicted an indelible wound on our citizens, who have endured a history of democratic suppression and the trauma of human rights abuses. No justification from the president or the ruling party can rationalize this martial law declaration,” they said. The five said they have “not yet decided” on whether they might support an impeachment resolution advanced by the opposition DP or not. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon on Thursday said he has asked President Yoon to leave the party, but he also said he would block DP’s impeachment motion, which is tentatively scheduled for a vote on Saturday. DP has a hefty majority in the National Assembly, but Han can block impeachment if he can hold all but a few PPP lawmakers together. If the impeachment bill passes, it must still be approved by the South Korean Constitutional Court before taking effect. “All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the president’s impeachment,” PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho declared on Thursday. DP has also filed a criminal complaint of “insurrection” against Yoon, several of his ministers, and police officials who complied with the martial law order. If convicted, the penalty for insurrection could be life in prison, or even execution. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday that Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law “raised deep concern” for the U.S. government, and “raised alarm bells everywhere” around the world. Sullivan praised South Korean legislators for acting “according to constitutional processes and procedures” to nullify Yoon’s order. “South Korea’s democracy is robust and resilient, and we’re going to continue to speak out publicly and engage privately with South Korean counterparts to reinforce the importance of that continuing,” he said.

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On Monday, the Los Angeles Rams claimed former Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off the waiver wire. This came just a day after the former first-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was waived after playing just two defensive snaps in five weeks. Los Angeles may be just the place to rejuvenate the young defensive back’s career after a less-than-stellar start at the professional level. Former First Rounder Emmanuel Forbes Joins Rams Forbes’ addition to the Rams secondary adds more youth and talent to the mix. However, the former Mississippi State Bulldogs’ biggest red flag is still his status as an undersized player at the cornerback position. Forbes stands at six feet, average for the modern NFL corner. However, his 180-pound frame is around 10-15 pounds lighter than the ideal weight for the position. His physical advantage comes from his speed and long arms, which allow him to deflect passes in coverage. The Rams’ newest edition bolsters a secondary that ranks around the league average. The team ranks 17th in passing yards allowed, 11th worst in passing touchdowns allowed, and 10th in interceptions. With the team in a playoff push, Forbes’ raw talent can aid the Rams in press coverage and off-man schemes. By coming to LA, Forbes also rejoins former teammate safety Kamren Curl . Curl and Forbes both played together in Washington from 2023-2024. Head Coach Sean McVay’s team was able to revive the seemingly dead career of another first-round pick. When quarterback Baker Mayfield was without a team after being dropped by the Carolina Panthers, the Rams claimed the former Sooner off waivers. Mayfield’s five-game stint in Tinsel Town included a game-winning drive against the Las Vegas Raiders two days after signing, as well as a 51-14 win over the Denver Broncos. Mayfield’s run with the Rams revitalized his career, leading to him signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. If the Rams can work their magic on Forbes, they can turn another doomed career around. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State and Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, (NCPC) Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful concerning the nation’s economy. Adegbite in his Christmas goodwill message made available by his Special Adviser on Media, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working for the good of Nigerians. Adegbite stated: “The biggest concern for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assumption of office is to see Nigerians smile again. “Clearly, our hopes had been dashed for too long by successive governments to change the narratives, hard decisions, and policies that would stop the downward spiral of the nation’s economy which everyone including the opposition agreed must be taken, but no one had the political will and courage to take were taken. “And despite the unpopular nature of these decisions, his readiness for sacrificial leadership and doggedness to fight for the common man seems to be paying off, which calls for cautious optimism and renewed hope. “Today, there are positive indicators that these policies are yielding the desired results, which may look tangible now, but the impact in 2025 will be massively felt across the board.” He said the positive outlook of the economy was joyous news at a time when Christians in Nigeria are joining the rest of the world to celebrate the birth of the messiah; Jesus Christ. “It is not a mere coincidence that the gradual but impactful turnaround of the nation’s economy is coming at an auspicious time as this one considering the resilience of Nigerians whose larger percentage have kept faith with the present government and have never stopped praying and working hard to see change happen,” Adegbite stated. He called on Christians to show love at this season like never before because it is the essence of the coming of Jesus Christ to the world. His words, “Christians all over the country must be ready to give sacrificially and be intentional about it because this is what God expects of us. Sharing what we have no matter how little with others just to bring joy into other people’s lives and homes must be central to our celebrations at this time.” Also, he said Nigerians need to be united and remain hopeful that better days are truly ahead and nothing can stop it. The cleric reassured that the focus of those who are currently on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and those who are getting ready to embark on the journey was to pray fervently for the “full manifestation and sustainability of the positive outlook the nation’s economy is currently showing and every other facet of our lives as Nigerians.”

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NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Royce Global Trust, Inc. (NYSE-RGT) (the "Fund") has declared a year-end distribution of $0.47 per share on its Common Stock. The distribution, optionally payable in additional shares of Common Stock, or in cash by specific stockholder election, is to be paid on December 23, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 12, 2024 (ex-dividend on December 12 , 2024). The price of shares issued for reinvestment will be determined on December 19 , 2024. The Fund's estimated sources of the distribution to be paid on December 23, 2024 are as follows: Estimated Allocations as of November 30, 2024 FUND DISTRIBUTION PER SHARE NET INVESTMENT INCOME NET REALIZED SHORT-TERM GAINS NET REALIZED LONG-TERM GAINS RETURN OF CAPITAL RGT $0.47 $0.4289 (91 %) $0.0411 (9 %) $0.00 (0 %) $0.00 (0 %) You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. The amounts and sources of distributions reported herein are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. About Royce Global Trust, Inc. Royce Global Trust, Inc. is a closed-end diversified management investment company whose shares are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund invests in both U.S. and non-U.S. common stocks (generally market caps up to $10 billion ). For further information on The Royce FundsSM, please visit our web site at: www.royceinvest.com . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royce-global-trust-inc-nyse-rgt-declares-year-end-common-stock-distribution-of-0-47-per-share-302320057.html SOURCE Royce Global Value Trust, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

BEIRUT — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels’ moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad’s erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists.” The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process.

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HOUSTON (AP) — Addison Patterson's 25 points helped Northwestern State defeat Houston Christian 64-57 on Saturday night. Patterson also added five rebounds and three steals for the Demons (5-5, 2-0 Southland Conference). Jon Sanders shot 5 of 9 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 5 from the line to add 17 points. Willie Williams shot 5 of 6 from the field to finish with 10 points, while adding 11 rebounds. Bryson Dawkins finished with 13 points for the Huskies (3-7, 1-1). D'Aundre Samuels added nine points for Houston Christian. Julian Mackey also had nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .

Dear Abby: Mother unsure how to handle aftermath of son's accidentOusted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.