fb777 download apk latest version uptodown Japanese boy band ONE OR EIGHT chatted about their new music, which includes their single “KAWASAKI” with Big Sean. An eight-member boy group, ONE OR EIGHT features such Japanese band members as MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA and YUGA. The group’s name ONE OR EIGHT is a reference to a Japanese phrase that means “All or Nothing.” On their new song “KAWASAKI,” TSUBASA remarked, “Before our debut, we had the opportunity to perform in Los Angeles. Big Sean was there at the performance, and we got the chance to talk with him. When we heard that we’d be collaborating with him on ‘KAWASAKI,’ we were honestly super surprised and honored!” On working with Big Sean, TAKERU stated, “We’re so excited to have had the chance to create this music video with Big Sean, a true legend in the hip-hop scene. We were definitely a bit nervous at first, but his down-to-earth, friendly vibe instantly put us at ease, and the whole shoot ended up going so smoothly.” TAKERU continued, “When the cameras started rolling, he completely transformed—his cool presence, his movements, and his expressions during the performance were just on another level.” “Watching him from behind the scenes, we couldn’t help but think, ‘This is what it means to be a global star.’ It was such a surreal experience, like being in a dream the entire time,” TAKERU added. On their music and songwriting inspirations, NEO said, “Reading novels and watching movies are definitely a huge part of my artistic inspiration. I tend to write down phrases and concepts that I find interesting and try to incorporate them in my craft.” “Besides this, I also try to perceive the events and emotions I go through everyday from different perspectives and sizes. This keeps my creative antennas sharp and keeps me inspired regardless of a tight schedule,” NEO added. On being a part of the digital age, where streaming, technology and social media are so prevalent, REIA said, “In this day and age, we can share information about ONE OR EIGHT with our fans much faster.” “I think the speed of information is a major advantage of living in the digital age,” REIA acknowledged. For young and aspiring artists, MIZUKI said, “I would advise having a strong determination to achieve your goals!” “Personally, before our debut, even when my friends were out having fun, I knew that what I needed most was to practice. Instead of giving in to the temptations to go out or take a break, I kept working hard step by step, and in the end, I was able to be chosen as a debut member,” MIZUKI elaborated. “That’s why I truly believe that having a strong determination is essential for reaching your goals,” MIZUKI added. SOUMA listed the late but great Michael Jackson as his dream collaboration choice in music. “My role model is Michael Jackson. I dream of one day being able to collaborate with his music!” SOUMA exclaimed. Regarding his definition of the word success, RYOTA shared, “The word ‘success’ doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. Success often feels like it implies reaching a goal or an endpoint, but to me, there’s no such thing as a final goal. If you reach the goal, there’s nothing beyond it.” “I believe in always striving one step ahead of any goal. Success isn’t something I’d define for myself – I think it’s something others recognize and express,” RYOTA explained. For their fans and supporters, YUGA remarked about “KAWASAKI,” “I hope you all get a chance to listen to ‘KAWASAKI’ with Big Sean and enjoy the music video!” “We want our fans to know that we will continue working hard and won’t slow down, like a KAWASAKI bike,” YUGA concluded. “KAWASAKI” is available on digital service providers by clicking here . To learn more about ONE OR EIGHT, check out their official homepage and follow them on Instagram . Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News.Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 22,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

The King and the Prime Minister have paid tribute to Jimmy Carter following the former US president’s death on Sunday aged 100. In a message to the American people, the King expressed “great sadness” at the news of Mr Carter’s death, describing him as “a committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights”. He added: “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. “My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.” Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981 and spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.” Tributes to Mr Carter followed the announcement of his death by his family on Sunday, more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” US President Joe Biden, one of the first elected politicians to endorse Mr Carter’s bid for the presidency in 1976, said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” Vice President Kamala Harris said Mr Carter “reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion”. “His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come,” she said. “Our world is a better place because of President Carter.” Other UK politicians also paid tribute to Mr Carter. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said he was “an inspiration” who “led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney described the former president as “a good, decent, honest man who strove for peace in all that he did”, while Welsh First Minister said he was “a remarkable man” and “a humanitarian and scholar”. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said Mr Carter’s “life was a testament to public service”. He added: “I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington DC before being buried in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked more than four decades leading The Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center virtually eliminated Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service

ATLANTA — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats grappled Monday with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She, along with Biden and other White House officials, insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who argues that indictments and a conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote on social media. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., posted: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper wrote on social media. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump’s apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP’s pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House: “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Kimberley Curling Club (KCC) hosted the 2025 Safetek Profire BC U18 Curling Championships from Dec. 19 to 23. "We were thrilled with how everything went," said KCC general manager Blair Jarvis. "We knew that most teams were travelling a long way to get here and unfortunately they had to deal with some adventures with the snow we had last Wednesday. "We wanted to make sure that we gave them an experience that they would remember, so we spent a lot of time on the ice, we wanted to give them a great social experience off the ice as well and we heard from a number of curlers that it was the most U18 event that they’ve attended and so we’re really proud of that fact." The event had 12 teams competing on the Boys' side and seven Girls teams. On the Boys side of the competition, Team Jaeger out of Kelowna beat out Team Hrynew in the finals and for the Girls, Team Arndt from Vernon beat out Team Rempel to win the gold. With these wins, Team Jaeger has earned a spot at the Canadian Under-18 Curling Championships, which will be held at the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon, Sask. from Feb. 16-22, 2025. Teams Arndt and Rempel will both be headed to the Nationals. Team Jaeger was made up of coaches Tyler Jaeger and Travis Wielgosz, Lead Brendan Hruschak, Second Noel Wielgosz, Third Spencer Rempel and Skip Owen Jaeger. "We really worked hard this year, this year we really wanted to win," said Skip Owen Jaeger. "We put in a lot of work and it just feels really, really good to win and for all that hard work to pay off. We’re really, really excited, it’s our first National event, first U18 provincial win so we’re really excited." Team Arndt is Coach David Arndt, Lead Alicia Evans, Second Ivy Jensen, Third Bethany Evans and Skip Ava Arndt. "We’re just super excited," said Skip Ava Arndt. "It took us a couple years to get here, but the hard work payed off and we can’t believe it, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. It’s been a lot of hard work from us and the coaches and the parents. It’s been amazing." Jarvis coached Kimberley's Team Reynolds, who went on to win bronze. "We had set a target of making the playoffs and really happy with how the boys came together," Jarvis said. "They had a couple of games with a tough start and battled back and so the resilience they showed and how they stayed positive, there were a lot of great things we can take away from that. And the bronze medal, we were just thrilled to do that. "We saw Team Jaeger on the boys side and Team Arndt on the girls side as well — if we want to get to that level next year, we have some things to work on and it’s great to see the high level of curling in this province and so I think we’ve come away very motivated as well about what we need to do to get better if we want to be a little higher on the podium next year." Jarvis extended his gratitude to the over 50 volunteers who helped out before, during and after the event, including members of the Cranbrook Curling Club. "We’ll take some of the learnings from this event and apply them to the High School Provincials at the end of February, but we’re really happy with how everything went," he said. "And this is an event for the kids, we want to make sure that they’re going to have an experience that they’ll remember, the teams that had success will obviously remember the things that happened on the ice, but for most kids it will be the experiences they had off the ice. "We had karaoke here on the one night and a bunch of teams were intermingling together and having a great time and those are the experiences that I’m going to take away from this event." Patti Caldwell was head official for the event and Jarvis said she and Ian Milligan worked tirelessly throughout the week. "Patti’s attitude is this is all for the kids and making sure that they have fun and sure it’s a competition, but it’s meant to be fun and we’re going to enjoy this," Jarvis said. "This is a sport that we can enjoy for life and so you want to make sure you’re building positive memories in every aspect." Lindsay Shannon, administrative and event manager at Curl BC, was also on hand for the event, and presented all the awards. "We would just like to thank the Kimberley Curling Club and the City of Kimberley who put on an amazing event here and welcomed all of our athletes who have performed so well," Shannon said. "We're really looking forward to cheering our winners on at the Nationals." The Kimberley Curling Club's next big event is the High School Provincials from Feb. 26 to March 1.

Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week

EAM Jaishankar to visit Doha today, meet Qatari PM

The Chicago Cubs have had a busy offseason. They traded Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees and acquired Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. However, they could add another impact bat. FanSided's Mark Ruelle listed the Cubs as a potential trade partner for the Boston Red Sox to move Masataka Yoshida. The Red Sox could ask for one of the Cubs' middle infielders and pitchers in return. "The Cubs could also use more production out of their offense and could immediately slot Yoshida as their everyday DH," wrote Ruelle. "The Red Sox could consider a few options in a deal like this: The Cubs have a surplus of middle infielders and they could aim for a defensive minded one like Nico Hoerner. The Sox could also try and pry a veteran pitcher like lefty Drew Smyly." The Cubs' outfield currently is shaping out to feature Ian Happ in left field, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field and Kyle Tucker in right field. That leaves Seiya Suzuki to handle DH duties. Suzuki's agent has noted that he does not wish to be a full-time DH, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers . Unfortunately, if Suzuki wants to keep playing defense, the Cubs are paying him far too much money to not be an everyday player. He signed a five-year, $85 million deal in 2022. The Cubs are essentially left with two options in that case. They can either move Crow-Armstrong to a bench role, allow Suzuki to stay in right field and add a DH like Yoshida. They could also deal Suzuki and trade for a DH like Yoshida who is willing to serve as an every day DH. Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Red Sox in 2023. He hit 10 home runs in 108 games last year and slashed .280/.349/.415. More MLB: Cardinals, Red Sox blockbuster trade proposal dumps 8-time All-Star to Boston

Socceroos lose Harry Souttar for 2025 World Cup quals

Welcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Markets decline in early trade amid unabated foreign fund outflows, weak global trends Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday amid unabated foreign fund outflows and weak trends in the global markets. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 142.26 points to 78,556.81 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 48.35 points to 23,765.05. Dust storm in West Asia is making Mumbai air quality worse While Mumbai is already grappling with the effects of localised pollution and winter moisture, both of which are deteriorating air quality, dust travelling from West Asia appears to be adding to Mumbaikars’ woes. A dust storm originating in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan is exacerbating the city’s already poor air quality, resulting in haze and low visibility. Experts note that a similar phenomenon occurred thrice in 2022, each time worsening the city’s air quality. Check that medicine again: Probe reveals how fake companies are flooding market with ineffective tablets with no active pharmaceutical ingredient Investigations into the multi-crore spurious drug racket—where fake medicines worth R185 crore were seized in Thane over last few months—have revealed a shocking fact: medicines supplied to government hospitals in Nagpur lacked Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), the key component that makes medicines effective. Without API, these drugs cannot cure patients. However, Food and Drug Authority (FDA) labs only screen for API and do not analyse other ingredients, FDA officials citied workload constraints as the reason behind it. India let it slip! Having fought their way back into the fourth Test in spectacular style, India made a clutch of schoolboy errors to allow Australia to grab the initiative at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. Mohanlal: I never stop feeding the excited kid in me What inspires one of the country’s biggest superstars to direct a children’s movie? That is where we begin our conversation with Mohanlal, as his new drama, Barroz, hits theatres across the country. “Children are increasingly drawn to screens, be it to participate in games, watch videos, or scroll through social media content. [This consumption] comes at the cost of the outdoor activities that were once a staple part of people’s childhood. Children would climb trees, play in the fields, tell stories, and explore their creativity in ways that shaped their understanding of the world. Today, those moments of wonder and connection are becoming rare. So, I thought we should do something for children,” he says of his directorial debut that is being widely dubbed as a visual spectacle.

While the holidays can be a time of joy for many, they can be a trigger for those struggling with their mental health. Some people experience the “holiday blues,” which is generally described as heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety over the holiday season. Emergency and family medicine physician Dr. Alan Drummond, practising in rural eastern Ontario, said psychological stress, depression and anxiety can hit during the holiday season. “We place too many expectations on ourselves for the perfect ‘White Christmas’ holiday, which more often than not ends up as a Griswold ‘Christmas Vacation,’” he said. Drummond’s advice: keep it simple, enjoy the presence of family and friends, go with the flow. “It’s not about money or gifts; it’s about community,” he said. , a neuropsychologist in private practice, explains in a that people can experience the “holiday blues” during this time of year. The holiday blues are usually described generally as an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression around the holidays. “Some people may also be missing loved ones and/or having negative feelings from past memories of holidays or holidays from their youth,” the article reads. “This time of the year may be especially difficult for seniors. The good news here is that the symptoms of holiday blues are not usually as severe as depression.” Importantly, Koltuska-Haskin notes the holiday blues are different from mental illness. “There is no clinical diagnosis of “holiday blues,” but if the feelings of depression and/or anxiety persist long after the holidays and/or become more prominent, then you may want to see a mental health professional because holiday blues can lead to clinical depression and anxiety,” the article reads. Dr. Donna Ferguson, a psychologist with the WSIB psychological trauma program, outlines key tips to deal with holiday stress in her . Many of the suggestions, including creating work/life balance, making time for yourself, eating a healthy diet and exercising, can be employed year-round. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit also released a list of tips that can help you copy this holiday season. Here are some of the tips. Try to be honest about what’s realistic. This can include finances, the type of gifts you give, and what your time spent with family ought to look like. The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Find a balance and be willing to say “no.” Just because you have a free evening doesn’t mean it has to be filled with family, friends or events. Sometimes a little “you” time helps you better enjoy time spent with family or other holiday events. Consider taking a break from social media to focus on and enjoy your own holiday moments rather than comparing with what others are posting. Sometimes the holidays can be challenging. When you’re stressed, it’s normal to lose that sense of joy. Try making a “joy list” — time spent with friends? Maybe you’re an introvert and it’s the exact opposite — time spent on your own, meditating! Give back to your community — this is a great time of year to volunteer someplace. Exercise and getting out into nature such as a family walk can give you an extra boost in the joy department. Many of our celebrations include foods that may not be available year-round. While some of these foods are more nutritionally dense, others bring us joy, so consider an “all food fits” approach this holiday season. Noticing the little things can make a huge difference. Maybe it’s an evening bonfire with friends or family, or hearing a favourite song. Write down what you notice at some point in the day as a reminder to yourself. It’s something you can always look back on at a later date. We all need help sometimes. Mental health is no different. If you’re finding the holidays difficult, try talking with someone you trust or a trained counsellor. To find mental health supports in Ontario, visit the . Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our .ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In losing Sunday’s battle with the Buffalo Bills, perhaps the best team in football, Jerod Mayo won the war. Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____ Sent weekly directly to your inbox!

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay woman $250K in sexual assault case, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has found that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The Dublin jury awarded the woman more than $250,000 for her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on Dec. 9, 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified he never forced her to do anything and that the woman had fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. The jury found for the woman on Friday. At least 15 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 160,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.Bonus shares 2024: Shares of Kothari Products surged over 7 per cent in intra-day trade on Monday, December 30 following the board's approval to bonus share issue in the ratio of 1:1. This was the second straight day of gains for Kothari Products stock, with the scrip rallying 12 per cent during this period. In an exchange filing on Friday, December 27, Kothari Products informed that its Board of Directors, at its board meeting held today, recommended the issue of bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1, subject to the approval of the members through postal ballot. This means that every shareholder who owns one stock of the company as of the record date will receive another stock at no additional cost. However, the company has not yet announced the record date for the bonus share issue . The company's board also approved increasing the authorized share capital from Rs. 31,50,00,000 to ₹ 61,50,00,000, subject to the approval of the members through postal ballot. Stock Price Trend Following this development, Kothari Products share price surged as much as 7.37 per cent to the day's high of ₹ 209.70. The stock opened at ₹ 199.15 as against its previous close of ₹ 195.30. The stock hit its 52-week high of ₹ 227.35 last week, on December 26, while its 52-week low stands at ₹ 111.15, which it touched on March 13, 2024. So far this month, the stock has rallied 30 per cent, while it has rallied 50 per cent in the last six months. On a one-year basis, Kothari Products share price is up 61 per cent. Kothari Products, engaged in sectors such as real estate, investments and international trading of exports and imports, is a small-cap company with a market capitalisation of ₹ 600 crore. Kothari Products Bonus Shares History This is the third bonus share action by Kothari Products. The small-cap firm had first approved bonus shares in the ratio of 2:1 in March 2014. Meanwhile, it announced a second bonus share issue in 2016 in a 1:2 ratio, suggests data from Trendlyne. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

The House Ethics Committee has just released its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz that includes an array of shocking findings, including that the Florida representative paid multiple women , including a 17-year-old girl, for sex, as well as purchased and used illegal drugs. The committee concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, including the state’s statutory rape law. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” panel investigators wrote. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. Gaetz has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing, and on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking to block the report’s release, saying it contains “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration for attorney general citing 'distraction' to Trump transition House Ethics Committee made 'no agreement' on releasing Matt Gaetz report after meeting The release of the report comes after at least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the panel earlier this month in a secret vote to release the report about their former colleague despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress, the Associated Press reported. Here are the five most shocking findings in the House report on Gaetz: The report states that between 2017-2020, Gaetz paid "tens of thousands of dollars" across at least 20 occasions to women that the committee determined "were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use." The committee found that the sexual encounters were often organized by his friend Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector who is serving an 11-year prison sentence for underage sex trafficking, and wire fraud. Greenberg, who cooperated with federal investigators, said he set up the rendezvous through the website SeekingArrangement.com “Mr. Greenberg told the Committee that Representative Gaetz was aware that the women they had sex with and paid had met Mr. Greenberg through the ‘sugar dating’ website,” the panel wrote. The report said Gaetz made payment to women using multiple platforms, including PayPal, Venmo and CashApp. The report states many of the women interviewed "were clear that there was a general expectation of sex" and text messages show Gaetz would ask the women "to bring drugs to their rendezvous". “Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz,” the panel wrote. One woman "said that she brought cocaine to at least one event with Representative Gaetz and that she witnessed him taking cocaine or ecstasy on at least five occasions," the report reads. After Gaetz’s attempt to block the release of the report failed, he began posting excerpts of testimony from the women he was found to have paid for sex on social media. He highlighted that one woman said she never "charged" money, but was simply given money. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he wrote in one post. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” One of the sexual encounters during that time period involved a 17-year-old girl, the committee said. The woman told the committee she had sex with Gaetz twice at a July 2017 party when she was 17. “The Committee received testimony that Victim A and Representative Gaetz had sex twice during the party, including at least once in the presence of other party attendees,” the committee wrote. “Victim A recalled receiving $400 in cash from Representative Gaetz that evening, which she understood to be payment for sex. At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school.” The then-17-year-old did not tell Gaetz she was a minor at the time, and he did not ask her age, the committee found. The committee did not receive any evidence Gaetz was aware of her age. The woman told congressional investigators she was under the influence of ecstasy at the party and that she recalled seeing Gaetz use cocaine at the party. Gaetz has denied having sex with a minor. “I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18,” the Florida Republican wrote on X last week. “Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court - which is why no such claim was ever made in court. The committee investigation also focused on September 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in which they say Gaetz violated the House Gift Rule, a set of rules for members of the House of Representatives regarding gifts, benefits, and hospitality The report said that for that trip Gaetz accepted gifts of transportation and lodging in excess of permissible amounts. Gaetz traveled to the Bahamas with two other men and six women. He flew to the Bahamas on a commercial airline but returned on a private plane, the committee found. “The attendees stated that this was a social trip — they sunbathed, chartered a boat, and went to dinners and to a casino as a group. Representative Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with at least four of the women on the trip,” the committee wrote. Committee investigators concluded that between 2017 to 2020, Gaetz “used or possessed illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions.” “There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz used cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. At least two women saw Representative Gaetz using cocaine and ecstasy at different events,” the committee wrote. “Additionally, nearly every witness interviewed observed Representative Gaetz using marijuana.” The committee wrote that Gaetz appeared to set up a “pseudonymous e-mail account from his House office in the Capitol complex for the purpose of purchasing marijuana.” Gaetz denied using illicit drugs in written correspondence to the committee, the report said. He also categorically stated to the committee that the allegations he “may have engaged in sexual misconduct including violations of federal laws relating to sex trafficking and state laws relating to prostitution and statutory rape,” were “false” Gaetz also repeatedly denied having ever paid for sex, but when given the opportunity to put that assertion in writing Gaetz refused to respond, asserting that “asking about [his] sexual history as a single man with adult women is a bridge too far," according to the report. Gaetz did broadly address the allegation that he engaged in sexual activity with a minor in a Sept. 2024 letter to the Committee, writing: “Your correspondence of September 4 asks whether I have engaged in sexual activity with any individual under 18. The answer to this question is unequivocally NO. You can apply this response to every version of this question, in every forum.” The Committee said they found substantial evidence that Gaetz attempted to obstruct the Committee’s investigation into his wrongdoings by withholding relevant information, providing irrelevant documents in an overall effort to delay the investigation. "Representative Gaetz pointed to evidence that would “exonerate” him yet failed to produce any such materials," the report said. "Gaetz continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed." This was most notable in regards to the Committee’s specific requests regarding the Bahamas trip. The committee said Gaetz intentionally withheld information relating to his return trip via private plane. "Representative Gaetz clearly understood that he had acted contrary to House Rules by accepting private plane travel but chose to try to cover up his actions rather than comply with the Committee’s request," the report said. "Despite asserting he wanted an opportunity to address the allegations against him Gaetz declined to provide testimony voluntarily and did not appear when subpoenaed." The committee said that Gaetz was given ample time to review and produce documents requested at various points in the Committee’s investigation, but he chose to hand over documents that were largely irrelevant from time periods after most of the relevant conduct occurred. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.ALGIERS, Algeria Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune launched a strong critique Sunday against France over the lingering effects of its colonial rule on his country. This came during a speech delivered before both chambers of parliament addressing the nation in which he presented the achievements of his first presidential term from 2019-2024 and outlined his agenda for his second term, which began in September, according to an Anadolu correspondent. Tebboune said Algeria demands that France acknowledge its crimes committed during the colonial period from 1830-1962, emphasizing that the country seeks no material compensation. "We are pursuing the dignity of our ancestors," he said. "The number of Algerian martyrs throughout the 132 years of colonization is 5.6 million, and no amount of money can compensate for the loss of even one martyr during the resistance or armed struggle,” he stressed. The remarks came amid a severe political crisis between Algeria and France which led to the withdrawal of Algeria's ambassador and the summoning of the French ambassador. Algerian authorities attributed this escalation to "hostile acts committed by French foreign intelligence on Algerian soil." Tebboune also recalled the atrocities committed by the French colonial army, particularly under General Thomas Robert Bugeaud, governor-general of Algeria from 1841-1847, whom he described as "genocidal." He reiterated his commitment to addressing the colonial-era files with France and pointed out that France continues to hold 500 skulls of Algerians who were decapitated in the 19th century and taken to Paris. "We have only managed to recover 24 skulls so far," he noted. On the domestic front, Tebboune announced plans to launch a dialogue with political parties early next year "to strengthen state independence and bolster internal unity." He said the dialogue, for which an exact start date was not specified, would be "inclusive and deep," culminating in the introduction of new laws governing political parties and associations. *Writing by Rania Abu ShamalaManchester United’s new winger Ruben Amorim made his mark with his squad registering a cinematic 4-0 victory against Everton on Saturday. The stellar win came as a big boost in uplifting the down morale of the players and fans as well as gave a ray of hope to the English club’s dismal going campaign this season. While Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee stole the show with two goals each, the new manager was quite impressed with one of their notable right-wingers, who was brilliant as well. Though he failed to score, the youngster made two stellar assists and made himself ticked in the good books of his new Portuguese boss. With four points from two league games and a Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt, the new manager stands undefeated. Amorim heaps praise on Amad Diallo Amorim heaped praises on his young right winger Amad Diallo following their cinematic win at the Old Trafford. The Portuguese also underscored the crucial role of United’s former assistant coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy in polishing the Ivory Coast international. “He is really big in talent, but small in size. He did a great job but he also has to improve. He is a great moment. Ruud van Nistelrooy helped him a lot in his games in charge and now he’s helping me.” Amorim on Diallo via The Mirror It is worth noting that Nistelrooy bid goodbye to Old Trafford following Amorim’s takeover as the new manager was not interested in keeping the Dutch legend in his assistant team. Diallo’s mixture of youthful finesse and aligning himself with the Portuguese manager’s offensive attitude make his future bright. Amorim, a great source of rising stars and a constant supporter of creative, fast-paced soccer, can be a perfect environment for the 24-year-old to thrive in. Amorim’s tactical scheme involves players utilizing the wide areas and engaging in the high pressing transitions which might open up the doors for Diallo’s playing time, United is going for depth in the offensive play. His impressive loan stint at Sunderland last season, where he perfected his goal-scoring instincts, is another point in his favour to be more often played. Diallo can be, perhaps, one of the leaders of United’s long-term plans, thus having the opportunity to style creatively in the team which can be what his manager would appreciate most. The Red Devils now gear up for a tough assignment ahead as they will face Mikel Artreta’s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on December 5. This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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