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AMMAN — The government has earmarked JD31.7 million for the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in its 2025 draft budget, signalling commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation in the public sector. Despite slight budget cuts compared with 2024, the ministry is tasked with ambitious goals, including digitalising 100 per cent of government services by the end of next year and addressing pressing challenges in the digital economy, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. The statement said that the budget will be distributed across six key programmes overseen by the ministry, primarily focusing on advancing digital transformation in the public sector. Among these, the E-Government Programme secured the largest share, accounting for 43 per cent of the budget with JD13.4 million. This allocation reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to complete its digital transformation strategy, aiming to digitalise 100 per cent of public services by the end of 2025. “To date, some 60 per cent of the estimated 2,400 government services have been digitalised,” the ministry noted. The ministry continues to face significant challenges, including the emigration of skilled professionals, lack of expertise in emerging digital technologies, limited adoption of e-services and payment systems, and inadequate technological readiness across various government institutions. Additional obstacles include inconsistent or unclear legislation governing the digital economy, regional disparities in economic and social development efforts, slow economic growth rates, and limited financial resources, the statement indicated. “The emigration of skilled professionals is a major concern. To retain these talents, the government needs to create competitive incentives and opportunities, as well as foster a culture of innovation locally,” telecommunication specialist Razan Hourani told The Jordan Times over the phone. Hourani added that a fully digitalised public sector would enhance transparency and ease of doing business, making Jordan a more attractive destination for foreign investors, noting that simplified procedures, like online business registration or tax filing, can significantly improve the investment climate. As for digitalising 100 per cent of services by the end of 2025, Bayan Khaled, a computer engineer and AI developer, told The Jordan Times that “the achievement of full digitalisation not only needs technical implementation but also cultural shifts and changes in how people and businesses interact with the government.” Khaled pointed out that there is a crucial need for adequate public awareness.

SES AI Co. ( NYSE:SES – Get Free Report )’s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $0.71, but opened at $1.02. SES AI shares last traded at $1.56, with a volume of 70,695,989 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of SES AI in a report on Thursday, September 5th. They set an “underperform” rating and a $1.00 price objective on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a “hold” rating and set a $1.50 price target on shares of SES AI in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on SES AI SES AI Trading Up 68.3 % SES AI ( NYSE:SES – Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.05) by ($0.04). During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.04) EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that SES AI Co. will post -0.23 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, CFO Jing Nealis sold 150,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1.02, for a total value of $153,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 1,935,322 shares in the company, valued at $1,974,028.44. The trade was a 7.19 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, major shareholder General Motors Holdings Llc sold 13,332,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.20, for a total transaction of $2,666,400.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 9,843,622 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,968,724.40. This represents a 57.53 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 15,182,037 shares of company stock valued at $3,859,540 in the last quarter. 15.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On SES AI Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SES. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in SES AI by 204.1% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 182,977 shares of the company’s stock worth $117,000 after purchasing an additional 122,803 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC raised its stake in shares of SES AI by 281.1% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 171,860 shares of the company’s stock worth $109,000 after buying an additional 126,763 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of SES AI by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,094,624 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,980,000 after buying an additional 83,607 shares in the last quarter. Anson Funds Management LP acquired a new stake in SES AI in the 3rd quarter valued at $108,000. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in SES AI in the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 29.78% of the company’s stock. SES AI Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) SES AI Corporation engages in the development and production of high-performance Lithium-metal rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, electric vehicle take-off and landing, and other applications. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SES AI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SES AI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Syria's New Chapter: Alawite Endorsement Marks ShiftMartinez parades goalkeeper awards and justifies them with wonder save for Villa in Champions League

Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVOV) Sees Unusually-High Trading Volume – Here’s WhyMan in custody had a gun, mask and writings tying him to killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, police say

CHICAGO, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz International (Nasdaq: MDLZ) has entered a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance digital innovation across the company. Mondelēz has designated AWS as its strategic cloud provider and has already migrated hundreds of workloads. Leveraging AWS’s industry leading cloud infrastructure and services, Mondelēz will achieve greater security, agility, and reliability for its operations including migrating its ERP landscape to SAP RISE powered by AWS. “A key focus of our growth strategy is our digital transformation,” said Kostas Georgakopoulos, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer at Mondelēz. “AWS is a strategic partner complementing our own internal Cloud Platform Engineering capabilities to lead digital transformation across the Enterprise.” Key elements of the new partnership include: Enabling growth: Improves agility and cost efficiency, while advancing sustainability through AWS’s focus on renewable energy and energy efficient data centers. Accelerating ERP and digital transformation: Migrates on-premises SAP systems to SAP RISE on AWS to deliver improved performance, reliability, resiliency, security, and AI capabilities for Mondelēz business systems and insights. Enabling cutting-edge technology: Underscores Mondelēz’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its internal platform engineering capabilities. AWS’s suite of cloud services aligns seamlessly with Mondelēz’s focus on automation, security, resiliency, and agility—key pillars in achieving the company’s strategic goals. “Mondelēz has a clear vision of how the cloud, AI, and systems like SAP RISE can fuel its growth, and it is truly impressive to see the company execute on that vision,” said Rich Geraffo, Vice President, AWS North America. “Our team is proud to have worked closely with their organization to implement the architecture, applications, and services that will serve as a foundation for continued innovation across their company.” About Mondelēz International Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, RITZ, LU, CLIF BAR and TATE'S BAKE SHOP biscuits and baked snacks, as well as CADBURY DAIRY MILK, MILKA and TOBLERONE chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor's 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on X at www.x.com/MDLZ .

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has castigated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led (PML-N) government over "slow internet speed" in the country, wondering why fish only cut Pakistan's undersea fibre optics cable. "PML-N's politics is based on motorways [...] infrastructure for our generation is digitalisation, internet and its speed," Bilawal, who also served as the top diplomat during Shehbaz Sharif's previous stint as prime minister, said while speaking to journalists in Ratodero. Users across various cities in Pakistan continue to face sporadic internet disruption and slow speed, resulting in difficulties with browsing, as well as downloading and sharing media. According to a list issued by Ookla Speedtest Global Index, Pakistan was ranked 100 out of 111 countries in mobile internet speeds with a download speed of 20.61Mbps and upload speed of 8.53Mbps. Meanwhile, the index ranked the country at 141 out of 158 countries in broadband speeds with a download speed of 15.60Mbps and upload speed of 15.53Mbps. Talking to media today, Bilawal — whose party is an ally of the PML-N in Centre — said they should have increased the internet speed instead of reducing it. "How can the government retract from its own statements," he asked, noting first they claimed the internet cable had been cut, later they retracted it. "Why bother with VPNs when the public doesn't even have reliable high-speed internet?" the PPP chairman asked. Responding to a question, he said that water is everyone's fundamental right and the PPP has always tried to resolve the problems being faced by the people. "We agreed that the development budget of all four provinces would be chalked out with mutual consultation," he said, adding that it seems the federal government "is not treating smaller provinces well". Furthermore, he said, the PML-N-led government lacks a mandate for "unilateral and controversial" decisions — referring to the federal government’s plan to build new canals to draw additional water from the Indus River for farming purposes. "Such projects are controversial if we move ahead in violation of the IRSA [Indus River System Authority] agreement," he added. Bilawal pointed out that Kalabagh Dam was also a unilateral decision, which the PPP did not allow to be implemented. "It is challenging to get work done from any government in Pakistan," he said, hoping that the issues of the provinces would be resolved through negotiations. He vowed that the PPP would leave no stone unturned to provide relief despite limited resources. In response to a question, the PPP chairman said that the economy was performing better "on paper", which his party welcomes. "If the economy is improving, its benefits should reach the people," he added. When asked about the pro-Imran Khan statements by United States (US) politicians, Bilawal termed them "political statements" and said those who are doing politics under the pretext of US conspiracy were "dangerous for Pakistan and its people". "Such people who play politics on conspiracies instead of focusing on public issues are dangerous for the country," he added. A day earlier, the PPP chairman said the international powers were "casting an evil eye on nuclear technology gifted by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto." Expressing annoyance over “foreign interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs, he said: “Statements are being issued from the US about our internal politics; these statements are just excuses.” He said that the US lawmakers had nothing to do with democracy in Pakistan, adding: “PTI founder is just an excuse, their real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme.”Pioneering Progress: Crypto.com, Bitget, and Others Redefining the Tech Landscape

Security researchers have uncovered a concerning trend on Spotify: Playlists and podcasts promoting malware and pirated software. According to a report in 404 Media, people are using Spotify playlist and podcast descriptions to distribute spam, malware, pirated software and cheat codes for video games . One example, highlighted by security researcher Karol Paciorek, involved a playlist titled "Sony Vegas Pro13 Crack Free Download 2024 mysoftwarefree.com." This playlist blatantly advertised a website (mysoftwarefree.com) known to host malicious software. See the posts here Security issues are spread deep inside While Spotify reportedly removed the specific playlist in question, Paciorek warns that the problem is widespread. He claimed that users can easily find links to "Vbucks generators" (used to cheat in Fortnite) and "license key cracks" (used to activate pirated software) hidden within playlists and podcast descriptions. "The playlist title in question has been removed," a spokesperson for Spotify told 404 Media in a statement. "Spotify's Platform Rules prohibit posting, sharing, or providing instructions on implementing malware or related malicious practices that seek to harm or gain unauthorized access to computers, networks, systems, or other technologies." The report claims that these listings often exploit Spotify's search engine optimization. Even if Spotify blocks certain keywords within the platform, searching for those keywords on Google still surfaces the malicious links hosted on Spotify. Spammers further manipulate the system by using irrelevant audio content and misleading titles related to popular topics, like TikTok or adult entertainment, to increase search visibility. One example is a podcast named "forlinks" with numerous short episodes that only contain descriptions linking to Turkish gambling sites. Podcast episode titles for such spam accounts often contain popular keywords about TikTok personalities or porn, boosting their search engine reach.

Defying ordinary decency, international law, and world opinion, Netanyahu destroyed much of civilian Gaza, decapitated the leadership of Hamas, and followed up with a parallel military campaign against Hezbollah, with civilian casualties in central Beirut. Critics warned that this was not only barbaric, but that it would spread Israel’s military far too thin. But for now, Netanyahu’s strategy has worked. A much-weakened Hezbollah has agreed to a 60-day cease-fire, largely dictated by Israel. The always fragile government of Lebanon, which views Hezbollah as an interloper that draws Israeli fire, has gratefully gone along. None of this is any thanks to Joe Biden, who supplied weapons, bleated about the need for Israeli restraint, and was totally rolled by Netanyahu. At home, Netanyahu is more popular than ever. The Israeli pro-peace left is all but wiped out. Israeli democracy is a shambles. Illegal annexations and brutalities in the occupied West Bank continue. And one way or other, given his popularity and willingness to defy the rules, Netanyahu is very likely beat the criminal charges against him. Remind you of anybody? This is an era when autocrats can isolate opponents, undermine democracy, be as brutal as the need to, and get away with it. Putin, Trump, and Netanyahu are variations on the theme. But what comes next for Israel? Unlike Russia and the United States, Israel is a tiny country surrounded by a sea of hostile nations. Netanyahu’s bet is that the deep hostility of the Sunni Muslim states, notably Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, toward Shiite Iran and its proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah will allow for some kind of regional settlement. The devil, of course, is in the details. The irony is that it now falls to Trump to bring the deal home and restrain some of Israel’s more outlandish fantasies, such as making full-scale war on Iran or taking over Gaza. , “They [the Palestinians] never took advantage of it. You know, as a developer, it could be the most beautiful place — the weather, the water, the whole thing, the climate. It could be so beautiful... it could be one of the best places in the world.” Some restraint. Under Trump’s first term, one of the few concrete achievements were the so-called Abraham Accords of 2020, the first step toward normalization of relations between Israel and some of the smaller Muslim nations in the region, such as the Emirates and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia, the key to a larger regional deal, was not included. Now, Saudi terms for a settlement with Israel will be even more far-reaching. The Saudi leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is said to want nuclear technology and other advanced weapons as part of the deal. The idea of the Saudis as a counterweight to Iran is complicated by the fact that last year Saudi Arabia normalized relations with Iran. as saying, that they “have to live with Trump for only four years but with Iran for one thousand years.” There is also the question of who will rebuild Gaza, who will pay the cost, and The Saudis could write the check, but it’s a non-starter for Israel to do the rebuilding, and the idea of a “reconstituted Palestinian Authority” strikes many knowledgeable people as a fantasy. In principle, some interim multinational governing authority under the aegis of the UN might work, but Trump is totally hostile to the UN and friendly to the idea of Israeli developing Gaza as beachfront property. In Trump’s first term, as , his foreign policy advisers restrained his more grandiose fantasies. This time, Beinart writes, “He has begun assembling even more extreme supporters of a ‘greater Israel’ that would extend from the river to the sea: Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, UN Ambassador Elise Stefanik, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.” In short, Bibi may win this round militarily and save his own skin, but Israel is further away from real security than ever. And Trump, far from promoting a durable peace, is likely to further inflame the region.MILWAUKEE — The Aurora Health Care Mobile Medical Clinic team waited patiently at a table in the main hallway of the Milwaukee Public Library’s sprawling downtown branch, a blood pressure cuff and mental health questionnaire at the ready as they called out to patrons who paused: “Do you have any questions about your health?” On this Tuesday afternoon, one man did. His joints were bothering him, he told Carolyn McCarthy, the team’s nurse practitioner. He knew his bones need calcium to stay strong, so he stopped taking his blood pressure medication, a calcium channel blocker. McCarthy talked with him at length in simple and specific terms about how the medication worked on his cells, why it was important to take and how it doesn’t affect calcium storage in his bones. “Hopefully, he walked away a little bit more informed,” McCarthy said. The mobile clinic is among several health programs offered by libraries across the U.S. — from tiny rural town libraries to large urban systems. They offer fitness classes, food pantries, cooking classes, conversations about loneliness and mental health, and even blood pressure monitors that can be checked out just like books. The public health programs leverage libraries’ reputation as sources of reliable information and their ability to reach people beyond formal health care settings. No money, insurance, language skills or ID required, no limits on age. All are welcome. Libraries are “the last true public institution,” said Jaime Placht, a health and well-being specialist at the Kansas City Public Library system in Kansas City, Missouri. The system has a full-time social work team. “The library is a public health space.” The Kansas City Public Library, along with Milwaukee and several others, is part of the American Heart Association’s Libraries with Heart program. Several Kansas City branches have blood pressure stations — which Placht said have been used 13,000 times — as well as a take-home blood pressure kits that have been checked out nearly 100 times. The program started there about a year ago. “We have patrons that say, ‘Because I used the blood pressure monitor at the library, I went and saw my physician for the first time in a long time,’” Placht said. There is no local public health office in Jarrell, Texas, a small town between Austin and Waco. But there is a nonprofit library that can connect patrons to mental health help. It’s one of nine rural libraries in central Texas that receives money from the St. David’s Foundation, the philanthropic arm of one of the state’s largest health systems. Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center is a place for brave conversations. When a senior card game group turned to a discussion of the best crematorium in town, the library brought in local experts to teach about end-of-life planning, library Director Susan Gregurek said. Last year, seven women came to the library for information on how to file restraining orders against their husbands. “This is mental health, but it’s obviously larger than mental health,” Gregurek said. The public library in Smithville, Texas, which also gets money from the Libraries for Health program, stocks boxes of surplus food from area farmers and built out programs that help teens, older adults and parents address isolation. The library’s peer support specialist went from working with four to five people a month to nearly 60 in the community southeast of Austin. St. David’s Foundation invested more than $3 million in the program over three years, which Smithville library Director Judy Bergeron said is key when she hears comments like, “Why are we funding the library so much? Nobody reads anymore.” A year and a half into being in Milwaukee’s libraries, mobile health clinic reaches eight patrons on average per visit. It has had some people come back to say they went to the hospital and got a life-saving treatment, McCarthy said. It also has patients who did not seek help and later died. “What we do is a Band-Aid on a broken (health care) system,” McCarthy said of the clinic. Another library effort in Milwaukee teaches kids about healthy nutrition habits at the Mitchell Street branch — a weekly after-school program run by chef Sharrie Agee since 2022. “Certain areas of Milwaukee don’t have the same opportunities to (access) healthy ingredients, healthy sources of food, the knowledge behind how to use those ingredients,” said Agee, whose class members learn how to make snacks from different continents. Four junior chefs helped her cut cheese and tomatoes for a pizza this month while she quizzed the rest of the attendees: What country is pizza from? What ingredients are listed on the recipe? Ruby Herrera, 40, brought her children to help them learn to cook something healthy and try different foods. Her older kids cook everything in an air fryer. Yareni Orduna-Herrera, 7, ran over to her mom, smiling, her task of slicing tomatoes complete. She said she’ll try the recipe at home again and also wants to learn to make rice and beans. But first, she needed to taste the pizza. “The one that I made,” she said, with pride. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

The Onion's bid to buy Infowars goes before judge as Alex Jones tries stopping sale The Onion's bid to buy conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars has returned to a Texas courtroom. A federal judge in Houston is hearing arguments Monday on whether a bankruptcy auction was run properly as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. The hearing is expected to continue into Tuesday. The Onion satirical news outlet was named the winning bidder last month over a company affiliated with Jones. The auction was held to help pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments that Jones was ordered to pay families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The families won lawsuits against Jones for calling the shooting a hoax. Juan Soto agrees to record $765 million, 15-year contract with Mets, AP source says DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets have agreed to a record $765 million, 15-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. Soto’s deal is the largest and longest in Major League Baseball history, topping Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year contract with San Diego. Soto's deal does not include deferred money, the person said. TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban until Supreme Court review TikTok on Monday asked a federal appeals court to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews the case. The legal filing was made after a panel of judges on the same court sided with the government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban as soon as next month, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have said the popular app will shut down by mid-January. Pinheiro Braathen performs snow samba to celebrate Brazil's first podium in a World Cup ski race It’s not just soccer anymore. Brazil is finding World Cup success in skiing now too. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen became the first Brazilian skier to finish on a World Cup podium when he placed second in a giant slalom in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on Sunday. Pinheiro Braathen celebrated the achievement in truly Brazilian style: with a samba dance on the podium, the Brazilian flag wrapped around his waist and cowboy boots on his feet. Pinheiro Braathen’s mother is Brazilian and his father is Norwegian. He raced for Norway until switching his nationality for this season. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. 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. Dave Parker and Dick Allen elected to baseball's Hall of Fame DALLAS (AP) — Dave Parker and Dick Allen have been elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame by the classic era committee. Parker received 14 of 16 votes and Allen got 13. A vote of 75% or more was needed for election. They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27 along with players voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose balloting will be announced on Jan. 21. ‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally “Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million. That surpasses the take for the original “Moana” and brings the sequel's global tally to a staggering $600 million. It also puts the film in this year's top five at the box office. “Wicked” came in second place for the weekend with $34.9 million and “Gladiator II” was third with $12.5 million. The 10th anniversary re-release of Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar” also earned an impressive $4.4 million even though it played in only 165 theaters. Hemingway look-alikes visit Cuba and some of the late writer's favorite places HAVANA (AP) — Eighteen white-bearded men who resemble the late U.S. author Ernest Hemingway have arrived in Havana for the weekend to visit some of the his favorite places when he lived on the island decades ago. Members of the Hemingway Look-alike Society visited the author’s favorite bar in Havana, La Floridita, where the music immediately picked up, and tourists and locals gathered around to take photos. The visit comes as Cuba and the United States are in the midst of tense relations. Hemingway lived in Cuba from 1939 to 1960. 'Reindeer' volunteers bring holiday magic to Ukrainian children living on the frontlines IZIUM, Ukraine (AP) — A volunteer group is trying to fulfill the holiday dreams of thousands of children living near the frontlines in Ukraine. The St. Nicholas’ Reindeers initiative publishes letters online detailing the children's wishes. Some ask for gifts, such as a bicycle or a pet mouse, alongside more complicated requests for their family members to be released from captivity or to be able to return to their homes. Donors fulfill the gift requests and volunteer “reindeers,” named for the magical beasts that pull Santa's sleigh, deliver them in the weeks following Dec. 6, when Ukraine celebrates St. Nicholas Day. Project co-founder Inna Achkasova says the reindeer volunteers aim to ensure that every child feels seen, heard and loved.Nathan Demian, a Langley native and Surrey United soccer product who’s a redshirt junior defender with Ohio State, was the victim of an off-campus shooting at about 2 a.m. on Sunday, according to the school’s athletic department. Ohio State had defeated visiting Wake Forest 3-0 on Saturday to advance to the NCAA Tournament semifinals. “He was an innocent bystander, is not a suspect in any way, and was not involved in any altercation,” the university said in a statement posted on X. “The soccer program is thankful for the incredible university support and medical care available to Nathan and his family during this difficult time. “Nathan’s family is with him, and the team is extremely close. The family has asked that everyone keep Nathan in their prayers. The department will do all it can to support Nathan, his family and the men’s soccer program in every way possible.” According to the Columbus Dispatch , Demian was taken to OSU Wexner Medical Center in serious condition but is expected to survive. He’s one of seven children to David and Ruth Demian. Columbus police said two vehicles were chasing each other, and occupants were firing at each other when a stray bullet struck Demian, the newpaper reported. Longtime Surrey United sporting director Jeff Clarke called Nathan “one of the most enjoyable kids to work with because of his spirit and his positive energy ... just a joy to work with.” “He’s one of the most well-rounded teammates you could have,” said Clarke, who’s a former Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder/defender. “Very popular, very supportive in the locker-room. He keeps things light but is also an incredible competitor on the field.” Clarke believes that knowing “Nathan for 10 years, knowing the family, I’d put my house on it being wrong place, wrong time.” Demian attending Burnaby Central and University Hill for high school. After Surrey United, he moved onto the Whitecaps Academy youth program from 2015-21. He played internationally for Canada in 2017 (U-15) and 2019 (U-17). More to come ... sewen@postmedia.com

BOCA RATON, Fla. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boca Woods Country Club is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newly redesigned Woods golf course. This momentous occasion took place on Sunday, December 8th at 12:00 PM , with a celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony marking the culmination of a remarkable $9M transformation that has captivated the attention of golf enthusiasts far and wide. More than 450 Members and distinguished guests from industry and government joined the Club for the ribbon cutting ceremony, cocktails and hors d' oeuvres. Attendees included PGA Junior Club Members standing aside past Club Presidents, sharing a commitment to excellence demonstrated by the investment to fully renovate the Woods Course. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a lifetime Boca Woods Country Club Membership accepted by Rees Jones . The outcome of this extensive renovation: a formidable championship golf course, meticulously designed by the renowned Rees Jones and delivered through the craftsmanship of LaBar Golf. Stretching to a maximum yardage of 7,043 yards, the course boasts key risk/reward decisions for the experienced golfer while offering better playable options for those less experienced. Some key highlights of the renovation include: " The Woods course is now a true championship layout, playing to a maximum yardage of 7,043 yards." Said Jeff Gullett , Director of Golf. He continued, " Rees Jones has incorporated a combination of green complexes and bunkering that will test every golfer's ability. We are confident that our Members will be delighted with the results." The Woods golf course offers an inspired blend of challenging greens and strategically placed bunkers, promising to test the mettle of even the most seasoned golfers. The harmonious fusion of design elements guarantees a truly exceptional and unforgettable round of golf. What truly distinguishes the Woods course is its serene and secluded setting. Nestled away from the luxury homes that dot the community, the course immerses players in the tranquility of South Florida's nature, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. " Bryce Swanson and I are pleased that the Woods Course at Boca Woods is reopening on time and on budget. The redesign of the golf course enhances the course's playability, strategy, and variety. The remodeled golf course will provide an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience for the Members and their guests on a continuing basis. It has been a pleasure to work with all involved in this project," said Rees Jones . This renovation is particularly significant due to Boca Woods' unique position in the golfing world. With 36 holes of championship golf and a limited Membership of only 590 golfers, Boca Woods provides an unparalleled level of exclusivity and access. The newly renovated Woods course further solidifies the club's reputation as a golfer's paradise, offering a rare combination of world-class amenities and a close-knit community of passionate enthusiasts. " It is amazing to witness the evolution taking place at this Club." Says David Sweet, General Manager/ COO. He continues, "In the last four years, Members have supported the development of modern amenities: a new Clubhouse with state-of-the-art virtual meeting spaces, a sports and wellness complex that offers 10,000 sq ft of fitness, modern racquet sports facilities including lights for night play, and now this championship course developed in partnership with the best names in the business. Rees has left his mark on Boca Woods, and the Club's future is bright!" Central to the course's allure is the masterful touch of Rees Jones , whose design philosophy seamlessly integrates the natural beauty of the surroundings with the strategic demands of the game. The result is a golfing experience that is both visually captivating and intellectually stimulating. "The Rees Jones' update to our Woods Course is inspirational. Coupled with renovations designed by Kipp Schulties on the Lakes Course, we offer a small community of players a wide range of golfing opportunities. As President of Boca Woods, I am proud of what we accomplished and the time frame we worked within. We listened to our players: men and women, scratch players and weekenders... the result is 36 holes of magnificent golf course architecture that challenges the best and offers playable options for every level. Our demographics say it all (reference the generations photo), and there are tee boxes for every player at every age to enjoy. Boca Woods is setting the standard" said Howard Mittleman , Board President for Boca Woods Country Club. The renovation of the Woods golf course represents a substantial investment in elevating the club's amenities, ensuring Members have exceptional golf experiences. The comprehensive project followed a $14.5M building and facilities renovation. For more information on the new Woods golf course or to inquire about membership opportunities, please visit bocawoodscc.com . The Club foresees many future investments, including the installation of TopTracer (technology owned and used by Top Golf Entertainment Group) on the driving range, sharing information about every shot for Members through fully integrated technology inclusive of ballistics scopes delivering multiple data points for every shot. About Boca Woods Country Club Boca Woods Country Club is an established residential country club community located in Boca Raton, Florida . Membership at Boca Woods offers extraordinary value in a golf community that features two championship golf courses and all the amenities that private country club living has to offer. Boca Woods Country Club is dedicated to providing a residential country club lifestyle featuring a community and club culture characterized by friendliness, civility and respect for its members and staff in an overall setting of refinement and casual elegance. Media Contact: membership@bocawoodscc.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grand-opening-of-the-rees-jones-woods-golf-course-announced-at-boca-woods-country-club-302334242.html SOURCE Boca Woods Country Club

The Constitution Review Consultative Committee has submitted its report to President Akufo-Addo. The report outlined significant proposals to amend Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Among the key recommendations is the removal of Article 68 (5), which exempts presidents from paying taxes on their salaries and emoluments. The committee believes that scrapping this exemption would set a positive example for the citizenry and uphold the principle of equality before the law. Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Chairperson for the committee, Clara Beeri Kasser-Tee elaborated on the report’s content, stressing its alignment with the rule of law. President Akufo-Addo has reportedly assured that the report will be forwarded to incoming President John Mahama, along with additional notes for consideration. In addition to tax reforms for the presidency, the committee recommended capping the size of parliament at 277 members. This would require amendments to Article 93 and Article 47 to ensure that the country’s constituencies do not exceed this limit, a measure aimed at curbing the ballooning size of Ghana’s legislature. The report also advocated for a reduction in the size of government by abolishing Deputy Ministerial positions and the role of Regional Ministers. It proposed that the President appoint no more than 25 Ministers of State, sufficient for the efficient running of the government. The committee’s sweeping recommendations are aimed at fostering accountability, equality, and efficiency in governance. By advocating for changes such as requiring presidents to pay taxes and streamlining government and parliamentary structures, the proposals seek to address longstanding concerns about the country’s governance framework.

Trump taps retired general for key Ukraine conflict role

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