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The future of the Democratic Party: Prospective new DNC chair weighs inDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’
Rescuers reassess safety in search for woman they think fell into a Pennsylvania sinkholeMystery surrounding Baby Driver star Hudson Joseph Meek's death deepens as police give update By GERMANIA RODRIGUEZ POLEO, CHIEF U.S. REPORTER Published: 20:39, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 20:39, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments The mystery surrounding the death of Baby Driver star Hudson Meek continues as police say they are treating it as an accident. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the 16-year-old's death and have ruled out foul play, TMZ reported on Thursday. However, officials have not revealed any additional details, and it's unclear whether the accident involved a vehicular crash or anyone else. It's also unclear if Hudson had been driving. Meek died on Saturday after being critically injured two days earlier when he was ejected from a moving vehicle in his hometown in Alabama . Meek's family shared a heartbreaking tribute for the actor on their social media. 'Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight,' wrote his mother Lani Wells Meek on Facebook . Police have ruled out foul play in the death of Baby Driver star Hudson Meek at 16 Meek was known for portraying the younger version of the main character in the 2017 action flick Baby Driver The family of Baby Driver star Hudson Meek shared a heartbreaking tribute for the 16-year-old following his tragic death 'His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met.' The Meek family added that 'Specific details regarding a Celebration of Hudson’s Life to be held on December 28, as well as how to contribute to a scholarship in Hudson’s memory at Vestavia Hills High School in lieu of flowers, will follow. 'Please pray for our family and friends as we all process this sudden and tragic loss.' The actor sustained blunt force trauma after falling from the car at 10.45pm according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. He was taken to the UAB Hospital in Birmingham but died from his injuries on Saturday night — less than 48 hours after the coroner said he was thrown from a moving motor vehicle, per ABC 33/40 News. The Vestavia Hills Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Meek's death, WVTM reports. He was surrounded by his friends and family when he passed away peacefully, per his obituary. Meek was known for portraying the younger version of the main character in the 2017 action flick Baby Driver. Following his breakthrough role, he went on to star in the reboot of MacGyver. He also made guest appearances on several television series including the NBC drama Found. The actor, pictured in 2015, sustained blunt force trauma after 'falling from a moving vehicle' The Vestavia Hills Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Meek's death His professional acting credits date back to 2014 when he first starred in The Santa Con alongside Melissa Joan Hart and Jaleel White. It was revealed that he also worked on several movies and shows to be released posthumously in 2025, according to the obituary. In his memory, his loved ones are establishing the Hudson J. Meek Memorial Scholarship. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a Vestavia Hills High School student. He is survived by father Derek Firth Meek and mother Lani Wells Meek as well as his older brother Tucker Firth Meek and grandmothers Margaret Green Meek and Faye Searcy Wells. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Vestavia police department for more information on Meek's death. Alabama Facebook Share or comment on this article: Mystery surrounding Baby Driver star Hudson Joseph Meek's death deepens as police give update e-mail Add comment
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The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative programme into Sara Netanyahu. The programme uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs Netanyahu by name and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies”. It is the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus, highlighted by the PM’s ongoing corruption trial. Mr Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.
President Joe Biden appeared drowsy and closed his eyes Wednesday for about 80 seconds during a summit in Angola. Biden’s eyes were closed briefly while summit members spoke about trains in Africa. During his trip, Biden vowed to give the African nations $2.5 billion of taxpayer funds for a railway corridor through the continent. “‘Mr. President I’m coming back to ride on the train all the way from end to end,’ Biden told Angola President João Lourenço. “I like trains a lot. So I’m coming back. You’re stuck with me.” “Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future,” Biden added. Twice, however, during Wednesday’s summit, Biden closed his eyes for at least a minute. “At one point, his hand twitched and he dropped something,” the Daily Mail reported . It is not the first time Biden seemed to nod off during a meeting. In 2021, Biden appeared to sleep during the opening speeches of the Cop26 summit in Glasgow. In early July, Biden told governors he needed more sleep and planned to schedule events only before 8:00 p.m. “I’m fine — I don’t know about my brain, though,” Biden joked. Biden dropped out of the presidential race on July 21. Wendell Husebo is a political reporter with Breitbart News and a former RNC War Room Analyst. He is the author of Politics of Slave Morality. Follow Wendell on “X” @WendellHusebø or on Truth Social @WendellHusebo.
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. Get local news delivered to your inbox!ATLANTA — For the past 20 years, Georgia native Zac Brown and his band have performed more than 1,000 concerts, true workhorses on the road, moving from small bars to massive arenas and stadiums. And after a few years taking New Year’s off, Brown decided to get the band together for a one-off hometown gathering at State Farm Arena on Dec. 31 with Georgian and “American Idol” runner-up Will Moseley as one of the openers. The set list, said Brown in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, will be far heavier on high energy party songs than normal given the occasion. “It’s always a big night for a party and we decided it was a good time to finish a year that’s had a lot of challenges,” Brown said. “It’s a great reset for everybody. Music is powerful medicine and we want to give everyone a good dose of it going into the new year.” The band performed several stadium dates opening for Kenny Chesney in the spring and summer, including a stop at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in May. The last time they performed a headlining show in metro Atlanta was at Truist Park in 2022. State Farm Arena will be both relatively intimate and a bit like a family reunion. “Everybody’s families can come and hang out backstage,” he said. “It’s going to be a sea of kids. Our band now has 26 kids total. I never imagined I’d have five myself. But I can’t imagine not having them.” Brown is a natural fan of State Farm Arena in part because he has run a restaurant there called Zac Brown’s Social Club for the past six years. In 2010 and 2011, the band played New Year’s shows at Phillips Arena, which is what the place was called before it was renovated in 2018. “This is a special one for us because of our ties to the place. It’s like a big full circle homecoming.” He said he also is happy to still have John Driskell Hopkins, who is suffering from ALS, in the band. “The ALS is slow moving and we’re grateful for that,” Brown said. “He can provide harmonies and be on the road with us. He was the first person in the Zac Brown Band. He’s the best background singer I’ve ever heard anywhere.” Brown, who is in the midst of a contentious divorce after a very brief marriage with model and actress Kelly Yazdi and has his Cumming home up for sale, said he has managed the stress with help from a nutritionist, a trainer and a vocal coach. “When you go through storms, you focus on things that matter and do the right thing by people,” he said. “You can’t let anyone steal your joy. It distracts you from being creative and being present with your family.” His entrepreneurial bug has led him to create branded products over the years including wine and speakers. His latest: biltong beef jerky ( $19.99 for 8 ounces on zacbrownband.com ). “It’s really healthy as opposed to jerky smoked with tons of salt,” he said. Brown wants to exemplify the life and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, a friend of his who died last year. “He created his own world, an entire culture of his own,” he said. “I want to follow in his footsteps. He was a mentor. And the great thing about him is he was so down to earth. I was watching football with him in Key West once and we saw someone fishing out on the rocks outside. He went out there and didn’t kick him out. He showed him where to throw the bait and the best bait to use. Then he came back inside and kept watching football.” He recalled Buffett telling him that success doesn’t make him any better than anybody else. “You have to lead by example and earn people’s respect,” said Brown. “I’m blessed to have such an incredible crew and band of people who trust me. And I trust them.” Indeed, several band members have been with him since “Toes” and “Chicken Fried” became radio hits in 2009, including Hopkins, Clay Cook, Jimmy De Martini and Coy Bowles. Brown said he feels “better than I have ever felt. Creativity is flowing. The songs are coming. We’re making a new album. We have huge announcements next year. Our goal is to keep elevating what we’re doing.” Although he won’t say what that big announcement is, he did tease that it has something to do with Las Vegas, home to the Sphere in Las Vegas, which has hosted extended residencies for U2, Phish and now the Eagles. Brown has seen all three shows. “It’s 4 acres of 16K video on the walls. It’s 160,000 speakers,” Brown said. “The place is mind blowing.” ——— IF YOU GO Zac Brown Band New Year’s show 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. $59.50 and up. State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta , ticketmaster.com . ——— ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Viewers think the I'm A Celebrity 2024 winner is already set, as they discussed their votes hours before the final. Fans of the ITV series predicted who would win the jungle show hosted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly. Coleen Rooney , Danny Jones and Reverend Richard Coles are the three finalists , after Oti Mabuse left the jungle on Saturday night. On Sunday night one of them will be crowned the new King or Queen of the Jungle, taking 2023 winner Sam Thompson's victory. The trio will be rejoined by the former campmates who didn't make the final, while Tulisa Contostavlos will not appear. Now, with just hours to go, some viewers believe the winner is "obvious" and that one star "must win". Despite voting not yet closed and the announcement not being made until this evening, fans think that one campmate will definitely be crowned the champion. Coleen is tipped to win the series, amid her husband Wayne Rooney and their kids sharing their support. With Wayne hoping his wife brings home the crown , viewers do too with many fans of the show believing she will be the person declared victorious on Sunday evening. Taking to social media, one viewer said: "Coleen has to win," as another wrote: "Coleen has won." A third fan posted on X: "I voted for Coleen to win the whole competition. We ladies have to stick together." A fourth fan posted online: "Coleen must win. She has to," as another said: "Coleen to take the win." A further comment read: "Coleen should win," while one viewer theorised: "Absolutely rigged for Coleen to win." Hosts Ant and Dec had already addressed fix claims just days ago, after former star GK Barry made a comment in her exit chat. When the presenters asked her who she thought would win, she shared her hopes that Richard would be the champion - while she also said she'd be happy if Coleen won. But when she spoke about Richard being the potential winner, she suggested that if this did not happen then the show and the vote was "fixed". Ant and Dec were quick to react with Ant calling this idea out. Ant screamed out: "No... how would it be a fix? People vote," as he pointed to the cameras. GK claimed that for her pal not to win would suggest the voting was fixed, while the conversation soon moved on. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! airs every night at 9PM on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .As we are about to enter the year 2025 in a few days, it is time to look back at some of the most prominent milestones, losses and controversies that shaped the business world in 2024. In the year 2024, there was a series of controversies that shook India Inc., raising concerns about governance, employee wellness, ethics, and accountability. Additionally, Allegations of financial mismanagement, lapses in corporate governance, and issues related to data privacy were also brought to light. We also lost some of the most loved business leaders this year. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-9167143-2"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Here Are Some Of The Major Headlines From The Year 2024 Paytm Payments Bank Controversy Early this year, the Reserve Bank of India directed Paytm payment bank to stop accepting new deposits in its accounts and popular digital wallets. Concerns over money laundering and questionable transactions involving hundreds of crores of rupees between Paytm's popular wallet and its lesser-known banking arm led the RBI to take this action. Hindenburg’s Allegations On SEBI Charperson Madhabi Puri Buch Hindenburg Research accused Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch of financial misconduct, claiming she held a stake in offshore funds linked to the Adani group, which is under investigation by the market watchdog. Amid these allegations, internal turmoil erupted within SEBI as employees criticized the leadership for promoting a toxic work environment. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-1253031-3"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Ola Electric Gets Central Agency's Notice In October this year, The Union government stepped in to address growing consumer complaints against e-scooter maker Ola Electric. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) acknowledged thousands of grievances regarding service issues and issued a showcause notice to the company. Hyundai Motor India IPO Hyundai Motor India made headlines in 2024 with its historic initial public offering (IPO), which became the largest ever in the country. The company successfully raised Rs 27,870 crore from investors. However, despite the high expectations surrounding the IPO, its stock debut was less than stellar, opening at a 1.32 per cent discount on the market. Death Of One Of The Most Loved Business Leaders Ratan Tata One of the biggest losses we had in 2024 was the passing of Indian industry’s titan, Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons on October 9 in Mumbai due to age-related health issues at the age of 86. Tributes poured in globally for the visionary leader whose stewardship transformed the Tata Group from one of India's largest conglomerates into a renowned global brand. Following his passing, his half-brother, Noel Tata, was appointed chairman of Tata Trusts. Adani Group Controversy In November this year, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges against billionaire Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of the Adani Group, accusing him of defrauding American investors and bribing officials to secure large solar energy contracts from the Indian government. However, later reports confirmed that neither Gautam Adani nor senior executives, such as Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain, were implicated in any bribery accusations. Legal experts, including former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, clarified that the allegations were directed at third parties, not the Adani Group. Merger Of Air India And Vistara Vistara made its final flight on November 11, 2024, just before merging with Air India the following day. This marked the second major merger for the Tata Group, after the integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect on October 1. Meanwhile, Jet Airways' prolonged struggle ended with the Supreme Court's decision to order its liquidation. The year also saw a surge in hoax bomb threats, with over 700 such incidents disrupting flight operations across the country. RBI’s Change In Leadership This year one of the most notable moves was the appointment of Sanjay Malhotra, the Revenue Secretary, as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Malhotra succeeded Shaktikanta Das, whose tenure ended on December 10, 2024, after six years of shaping monetary policy.
Trump’s pick for top Hill liaison brings strong conservative ties to a difficult role
