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Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon that will take effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Moments after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire deal , which Israel's Cabinet approved late Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike slammed into the Lebanese capital. Residents of Beirut and its southern suburbs have endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began nearly 14 months ago, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold. At least 24 people have killed by Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel a day after Hamas’ attack. The fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Here's the Latest: Lebanon’s prime minister welcomes Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, describing it as a crucial step toward stability, the return of displaced people to their homes and regional calm. Mikati made these comments in a statement issued just after U.S. President Joe announced the truce deal. Mikati said he discussed the ceasefire agreement with Biden by phone earlier Tuesday. The prime minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing U.N. resolution 1701, strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence in the south, and cooperating with the U.N. peacekeeping force. He also called on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and withdraw from southern Lebanon in accordance the U.N. resolution. Netanyahu’s office says his security Cabinet has approved ceasefire deal with Hezbollah JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect. Netanyahu’s office said the plan was approved by a 10-1 margin. The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announced details of the deal in Washington. Earlier, Netanyahu defended the ceasefire, saying Israel has inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah and could now focus its efforts on Hamas militants in Gaza and his top security concern, Iran. Netanyahu vowed to strike Hezbollah hard if it violates the expected deal. Trump's pick for key adviser credits the president-elect with helping cement Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” Israel airstrikes keep pounding Lebanese capital in the war's biggest wave of attacks BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. Hezbollah official says the group hasn't seen a final ceasefire agreement BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. Netanyahu recommends his Cabinet approve a Hezbollah cease-fire proposal JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s south and east kill at least 13 people BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. Israelis protest for a Gaza hostage release deal JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” G7 leaders endorse Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and insist Israel follow international law FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. Israel strikes in central Beirut kill at least 7 people and wound 37 BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. Independent Israeli commission blames Netanyahu and others for October 2023 attack TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. Israeli ground troops in Lebanon reach the Litani River JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. Israeli airstrikes hit buildings near Beirut airport BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. EU top diplomat calls for urgent aid to Gaza FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan 13-10 on Saturday as players attempted to plant their flag and were met by who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines’ flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn’t like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines’ postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game,” he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and Mitch Stacy, The Associated PressWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. Related Story: Dollar Dominance Challenged by BRICS Alliance While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system. The dollar represents roughly 58% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the IMF and major commodities like oil are still primarily bought and sold using dollars. The dollar’s dominance is threatened, however, with BRICS’ growing share of GDP and the alliance’s intent to trade in non-dollar currencies — a process known as de-dollarization. Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy.” Related Story: Putin Accuses US of ‘Weaponizing’ the Dollar At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is “no chance” BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen “should wave goodbye to America.” Related Story: US Dollar’s Role as Global Reserve Currency Secure Research shows that the U.S. dollar’s role as the primary global reserve currency is not threatened in the near future. An Atlantic Council model that assesses the dollar’s place as the primary global reserve currency states the dollar is “secure in the near and medium term” and continues to dominate other currencies. Trump’s latest tariff threat comes after he threatened to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to do more to halt the flow of illegal immigration and drugs into the U.S. He has since held a call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said Thursday she is confident that a tariff war with the United States can be averted. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after meeting Trump, without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on Canada.Published 5:16 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By austinsubmitted Edward C. Tuchek, 89 Edward Charles Tuchek, age 89, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society – Albert Lea, Minnesota. Edward was born in Austin, Minnesota to Charles and Esther (Johnson) Tuchek on April 14, 1935. He graduated from Austin High School and served his country in the United States Army. Edward dedicated 26 years of his life to serving the Austin community as a police officer. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 1216, Minnesota City Boat Club, 60-year member of the Blooming Prairie Gun Club, and frequently enjoyed shooting trap at the Cedar Valley Conservation Club. Edward dedicated himself to the sports community as a player and coach in slow-pitch softball. He also spent time coaching Jr. High basketball and softball at Southland and for Austin Youth Basketball. Edward had a passion for the outdoors and loved nothing more than hunting ducks, pheasants, and fishing. Edward was always there for others and was grateful for the kindness shown to him in his final days. Survivors include his wife, Carol Tuchek; children, John (Maria) Tuchek, Tim (Sarah) Tuchek, Jeff Guckeen, Mark Tuchek, and Melissa Swenson; grandchildren, Olivia, Tim, Cameron, Aidan, and Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Jarrett, Jordy, and Jacoby; sister, Kay Rieger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Esther Tuchek and former wife Theresa Tuchek. A celebration of life for Edward will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a brief service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Memorials are preferred to Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association or V.F.W. Post 1216 in Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.

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Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy is a small school with a big volleyball dream. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy is a small school with a big volleyball dream. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy is a small school with a big volleyball dream. They take the game so seriously there that the varsity boys program, winners of three consecutive provincial AA titles, is taking a run at the biggest prize in high school volleyball — a AAAA championship. “I wouldn’t consider us underdogs and I don’t think any of the guys on our team consider us underdogs,” said Alek Ouimet, whose sixth-seeded Les Roys will face the No. 2 St. Paul’s Crusaders in provincial AAAA semifinal action at Investors Group Athletic Centre Thursday night. “I feel like we play hard and we deserve to be playing in these kinds of tournaments. We do the work and it’s shown up right — for four years.” MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Gabrielle-Roy Les Roys boys volleyball team members, Martin de Moissac (left), Alek Ouimet (right) and with Coach Michel Lavergne have won three consecutive provincial AA titles and are now looking to capture the AAAA crown. Gabrielle-Roy, with a high school population of 275 students based in Île-des-Chênes, has tested itself consistently against big schools this season, winning two major tournaments while also beating the Crusaders once and splitting another game with St. Paul’s in head-to-head play. Les Roys setter Martin de Moissac said his teammates are well-equipped for the high intensity of the provincial final four. “Most of my team plays club volleyball, so we’re used to big stages and big challenges,” said de Moissac, a provincial champion in Grade 9, 10 and 11 at the school. “So as a team ourselves, I don’t think it’s that big of a jump but as a school itself, yes.” “They have tall players but honestly, it doesn’t matter when it comes to how determined you are to win and your skill and what you’re willing to put into practising and winning.” Head coach Michel Lavergne, in his 30th season at the school, is quietly confident in his crew. “I have the guys to do it — they tend to finish,” said Lavergne. “They have the grit to do so. And they come out when they need to, for the last few points, and are able to finish these games. So that’s why I think we’re here. “We’re smaller (in stature) but we changed our whole offence for that. We changed the entire dynamics of how we play to suit the team.” Lavergne’s players had until mid-season to decide on how they would finish their season. “That was the big question,” said Ouimet, whose club is 38-3-4 overall. “For the last three years that we’ve been in AA, (Gabrielle-Roy) has won every single time for my age and the question that he asked was, ‘Do you guys want to play AA, get the fourth one, or do you want to go take some chances at AAAA?’ And every single guy on our team, without skipping a beat, said AAAA. Including all the 12th graders who are giving up the potential four-peat.” St. Paul’s, a school with a rich tradition of winning in various sports, plans the give Gabrielle-Roy all they can handle. The Crusaders have overcome various injuries en route to a 32-13 record and the No. 2 seed. Starter Keon Elkie has returned to the lineup after missing time with a broken hand. “I think we have the talent and the size to have the advantage, obviously, so we just need to make sure that we’re working as hard as they work, because we know that they’re going to work really, really hard,” said Crusaders head coach Dustin Spiring, who guided his team to a provincial final appearance in 2022. “That’s that’s kind of how we combat it is trying to game plan, work hard and hopefully our talent and our size can help out.” In Thursday’s other varsity boys semifinal, the top-seeded River East Kodiaks take on the defending AAAA provincial champion Vincent Massey Trojans of Winnipeg. The Kodiaks are 43-0 while the fourth-seeded Trojans are 26-16. In Wednesday’s varsity girls semifinals, the third-seeded Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens take on the No. 2 Lord Selkirk Royals, who are led by 6-3 left side Brooklyn Grobb-Prins and 5-11 middles Victoria McPherson and Danika Jakabek. “Their front row is pretty big compared to our front row, but we tend to practise hitting around blocks, hitting over blocks and hitting off hands,” said Olympiens libero Taylor Labossiere. “And so it really helps when we can practise those things and then bring them out in the game.” Jeanne-Sauvé’s first-year head coach Donata Huebert believes her team is well-prepared. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “I made a point of doing a lot of substitutions early in the season and almost until playoffs we had almost everyone play every game to a degree,” said Huebert. “So I think that helped our team be healthy and fresh now and have more role players.” In Wednesday’s other semifinal, the top-seeded Vincent Massey Vikings of Brandon match up with the No. 4 Steinbach Sabres, the defending AAAA champs. “Our goal was always to make it to the final four,” said Sabres head coach Amy Toews, who has three starters back from the 2023 squad. “I think our team’s worked pretty hard this season and we were just grateful to have that opportunity to be back playing at U of M against some of the best teams in the province. “I think when we go in with that mindset of just being grateful for the opportunity, it allows us to play a little bit more free and hopefully play some of our best volleyball.” mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. River East (1) vs. Vincent Massey-Winnipeg (4), 6 p.m. Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy (6) vs. St. Paul’s (2), 8 p.m. Semifinal winners, 8 p.m. Vincent Massey-Brandon (1) vs. Steinbach Regional (4), 6 p.m. Collège Jeanne-Sauvé (3) vs. Lord Selkirk (2), 8 p.m. Semifinal winners, 6 p.m. Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement

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On a balmy autumn evening at Inja restaurant at the Manor Hotel in Delhi, food connoisseurs, authors, chefs and experts came together for a Chef’s Table organized by the Food Future Foundation and We The Chefs. The evening saw a remarkable gathering of culinary experts from Japan and India, celebrating the rich interplay of culture, flavor, and innovation. The event featured Michelin-starred Chef Takuji Takahashi of Kyoto’s renowned Kinobu Restaurant and Food Scientist Dr. Hiroya Kawasaki. Together, they offered an enlightening exploration of Japanese cuisine, delving into the principles of umami, health, and sustainability. Joining the conversation were eminent chefs and popular names from the culinary world including Pawan Agarwal, the CEO of Food Future Foundation. The Discussion The discussion began with the role of umami, the sixth taste in Japanese cuisine and how it is a complete game changer when it comes to flavours. The discussion also brought into light, on one of the most controversial topics in the world of gastronomy- Monosodium Glutamate. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), is a flavor enhancer which is extensively used in Pan Asian cooking, but has long faced stigma as a "villain" in the food industry. This perception stems from a combination of anecdotal reports, cultural biases, and misinformation rather than conclusive scientific evidence. MSG was created as a compound from glutamic acid that naturally occurs in foods like tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese. Certain researchers pointed towards MSG causing some side effects like headaches, nausea, and "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," a term coined in the 1960s after reports of discomfort following the consumption of Chinese food. However, numerous scientific studies, including evaluations by the FDA and WHO, have consistently classified MSG as safe for consumption when used in typical culinary quantities.MSG's role in culinary traditions, its scientific foundation, and its potential to elevate global cuisines. The flavour-Umami that Monosodium Glutamate imparts, plays a significant role in Japanese Cuisine. Chef Takahashi delved into MSG’s indispensable role in Japanese cuisine, particularly in dashi, a base stock that forms the backbone of countless dishes. He explained how MSG enriches flavors without dominating them, creating harmony by amplifying the natural umami present in ingredients. “MSG is an enhancer,” Chef Takahashi noted during the discussion. “It doesn’t overpower; it helps each ingredient reach its full potential.” Shared Umami in Indian Cuisine The discussion also highlighted parallels between Indian and Japanese culinary practices. Professor Jamuna Prakash, a food consultant and former professor at the University of Mysore, emphasized how MSG could elevate the flavors of Indian curries, dals, and vegetable preparations. The event explored natural umami sources like tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese, which MSG amplifies to deepen flavors. Debunking MSG myths One of the event's key moments was the scientific classification of MSG's safety. Professor Prakash explained that MSG is derived from plant-based sources such as sugarcane, sugar beets, and cassava through a fermentation process similar to yogurt production. She addressed lingering misconceptions, stating, “MSG is synthesized from natural materials and metabolized in the body like any other nutrient. It’s completely safe, even for pregnant women.” She also noted a fascinating fact: mother’s milk is one of the richest natural sources of glutamate, underscoring its safety and nutritional value. Sodium reduction with MSG It has been found that the dishes that use MSG, use less amount of salt sodium in dishes. Containing only 12% sodium, compared to 39% in table salt, MSG allows chefs to reduce sodium by up to 40% without compromising taste. This property has even been recognized in national health strategies, such as Singapore’s campaign to promote low-sodium alternatives. MSG’s place in contemporary kitchens MSG is not ancient. Its journey began in 1908, when Japanese chemist Dr. Kikunae Ikeda discovered the taste of umami in kombu seaweed and identified glutamic acid as its source. His findings led to the creation of MSG, a seasoning that revolutionized culinary practices by enhancing natural flavors. Bridging cultures through umami The event celebrated the shared heritage of umami in Indian and Japanese cuisines. Ingredients like peas, garlic, corn, and potatoes, rich in natural glutamates, were highlighted as a common thread. “Japanese food remains one of the healthiest cuisines despite its liberal use of MSG,” remarked Chef Ajay Chopra, underscoring the seasoning’s role in global gastronomy. The event brought together prominent figures from the culinary world, including Masterchef Ajay Chopra; Dhruv Oberoi, Executive Chef at Olive Bar and Kitchen; Vaibhav Bhargava, Partner Chef at CHO; Ravitej Nath, Co-founder of Highlife and Corporate Chef & Director at Spice Lab, Tokyo; Veena Arora, Consultant Chef at The Imperial; Dr. Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Director of the School for European Pastry and Culinary Arts; Manish Sharma, Executive Chef at The Oberoi, New Delhi; and Sourish Bhattacharyya, Senior Consultant at We The Chefs.The South Carolina women's basketball team has been defeated for the first time since March 31, 2023. The No. 1 Gamecocks fell Sunday in Los Angeles as Lauren Betts posted a double-double effort to lead No. 5 UCLA to a 77-62 triumph. The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first defeat after 43 consecutive victories, dating back to the loss to Iowa 77-73 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. South Carolina defeated Iowa last season for the national championship. Betts finished with 11 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to power the Bruins (5-0) to a historic victory. UCLA also got 15 points from Londynn Jones on 5-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, 13 points from Elina Aarnisalo and 11 each from Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jacquez. It's the first time UCLA has beaten South Carolina since 1981. The Bruins lost twice to the Gamecocks in the 2022-23 season, including in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Te-Hina Paopao had 18 points for South Carolina on 4-of-4 3-point shooting, while Tessa Johnson had 14 points. UCLA won the rebounding battle 41-34, marking the second time this season the Gamecocks have been outrebounded. South Carolina also got outscored in the paint 26-18. It's rare that a Dawn Staley-coached team -- units that typically revolve around dominant centers from A'ja Wilson to Aaliyah Boston to Kamilla Cardoso -- gets beat in the paint and on the glass, but with 6-foot-7 Betts, UCLA had the recipe to outmuscle the Gamecocks in those areas of the game. South Carolina never led after UCLA began the game with an 18-5 run, capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jones. The Gamecocks cut the deficit to nine points in the second quarter, but the Bruins responded with a 17-5 run and entered halftime ahead by 21 points. Aarnisalo scored seven points during that run. From there, the Gamecocks never got within single digits of the lead in the second half. It's the first time in 21 tries that UCLA has beaten an AP-ranked No. 1 team. And it's the first time South Carolina lost a true road game since 2021, a streak of 33 games. The schedule doesn't get any easier for South Carolina. While UCLA faces UT Martin next on Friday, the Gamecocks play No. 8 Iowa State on Thursday. --Field Level MediaIT’S 5pm on Saturday night in Leeds City Centre where bars are already packed full of gangs of raucous women letting their hair down whilst cocktail shakers clatter noisily in the background. An hour later, tables are strewn with empty porn star martini glasses and half-downed bottles of Prosecco, as the lively crowd takes to the dance floor. Following a boozy afternoon it feels like the punters here have already had their fill, and it’s a scene which will play out between now and Christmas in this buzzing northern city where I was born and bred. It’s a place where women certainly know how to let their hair down and I used to be one of them. I've encountered all sorts on nights out - from my mate flashing her t**s and running through a car wash, witnessing an amorous couple having sex in a car park, me backflipping off a table, to another pal being sprayed with a fire extinguisher by a bouncer. That was until I ended up so paralytic after a daytime drinking session with friends in the city I ended up in a car at midnight with strangers who saw me stranded and offered me a lift home. READ MORE FABULOUS REAL LIFE I vaguely remember getting into a taxi just before, but minutes into the six-mile journey home the driver told me to get out. I’m not sure whether I offended him, or if he was worried I was so drunk that I might be sick in the car, but my next memory is shuffling my way along the side of the road in high heels, completely alone. I was incredibly lucky and made it home unscathed to my husband and two young children, but it’s terrifying to think how differently that night could’ve turned out. Binge drinking danger And it was all because I didn’t know my alcohol limits and when I got started I simply couldn’t stop. Most read in Fabulous While I've now been predominantly sober since 2020, before I was your 'classic binge drinker' - I didn't see the point in drinking if it wasn't to get p****d. Now, women like me are under the spotlight and the latest statistics are concerning. According to the most up-to-date Department of Health and Social Care figures for Leeds from 2022/23, there were 1,330 female alcohol-related admissions to the city’s two hospitals Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s. The city was also rated the second most dangerous binge drinking city after London in a study by private alcohol rehab clinic, Delamere. Its research looked at the numbers of bars and nightclubs, alcohol-related hospital admissions, off-licences and alcoholism rates combined. Endless boozy bottomless brunches Experts say fuelling the statistics are bottomless brunches which are a staple of Leeds, a city which has also been ranked 8th on the list of the booziest cities in the UK according to research by reduced-alcohol retailer DrinkWell - and a huge hit with women rather than men. In a one-mile radius, Leeds City Centre offers 25 bottomless brunch locations which start as low as £26 per person for 90 minutes of unlimited beer, wine and cocktails. Even now in the run up to Christmas when alcohol consumption increases as office parties and boozy nights kick off, one bar has a sign on the window claiming to be the number one bottomless brunch spot in the city. Who is going to pay for a bottomless brunch if you’re only going to have a glass or two? It’s just not worth it. The whole idea of it is to get absolutely smashed. I was no stranger to a bottomless brunch where me and my friends made the most of the unlimited drinks. The ethos is simple and that’s to binge drink as much alcohol during the time slot. I did around five bottomless brunches before realising they were the devil - they took my binge drinking attitude and multiplied it by five. Women love them, they’re touted as being drinking sophistication, aimed at girls who want to get dressed up and spend the day in a classy bar. We worked our absolute hardest to make sure we got as many refills for the money as possible. Who is going to pay for a bottomless brunch if you’re only going to have a glass or two? It’s just not worth it. The whole idea of it is to get absolutely smashed. Sobering statistics In the most recent health survey for England published in September, 78 per cent of women said they had drunk alcohol in the previous 12 months, with 15 per cent drinking at increasing or higher levels of harm per week. Four per cent of women admitted drinking over 35 units per week. According to the most recent ONS statistics, from 2018, liver disease is consistently among the top three causes of death each year among women aged 39-45. And when the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) compared alcohol consumption across 33 countries, British women topped the global chart for binge drinking - defined as at least six drinks in one session. Relying on kindness of strangers Amin Bini, 49, who owns popular takeaway, Dixy Chicken in Leeds city centre which is open until 4am on weekends, says some female customers - like me - often need help getting home safely. He said: "Sometimes we have to get customers a taxi or you have to charge their phones. “I've woken some people up, given them a free bottle of water and helped them outside so they can get some fresh air. "One woman came in once and we had to call the police and when they arrived they had to call an ambulance." Amin sees his job as being much more than just serving food and he sees it as his responsibility to keep women safe. He said: "You have to be very, very patient with them.. You have to take care of them - when they come into my takeaway, I want them to feel safe. "Especially with females because if they don't know what they're doing, they can put themselves in danger and people outside can take advantage of them. "It's not just serving takeaways, it's managing the situation that you see in front of you.” 'Girls' night' association Alcohol-specific deaths are at their highest levels in the UK, since records began in 2001. Although the problem is undoubtedly bigger in men, more women under the age of 45 are dying due to alcohol-related liver disease, or ARLD, than ever before, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures from 2001-22. Meanwhile, Dr Richard Piper, CEO at Alcohol Change UK said alcohol and binge drinking are often dangerously associated with ‘self-care’ for women. He says: “We need only look to sponsorships in prime-time television shows aimed at women, highly visible advertising as they travel to and from work, and the often inescapable (but false) associations between alcohol and self-care - ‘me time’ and ‘girls’ night’ - to see how much effort and investment from alcohol companies goes into placing it in the spotlight of our day-to-day lives and society.” The NHS defines binge drinking as ‘drinking heavily over a short space of time’. More than 8 units of alcohol in a single session for males, or more than 6 units in a single session for females is the technical definition, according to Drinkaware. That’s equivalent to about four pints of normal strength beer for a man or three pints for a woman. When you binge drink, other than getting drunk, your heart rate and blood pressure will rise. It can cause irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. Alcohol increases stomach acid production - queue the nausea and potentially vomiting. You're also likely to experience impaired judgement, coordination, memory blackouts and poor decision making. This could lead to accidents, falls, drownings and other mistakes. Long term, binge drinking can cause acute liver damage and increase the risk of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Cardiovascular problems include cardiomyopathy - which is when the heart loses the ability to pump blood efficiently - and an increased risk of stroke. Over time, binge drinking can contribute to permanent brain damage. This may present as a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. Binge drinking can also lead to alcohol dependence, or "addiction". A high health cost Dr Katherine Severi, Chief Executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies agrees that the ‘targeted tactics’ to encourage binge drinking come at a high cost to women’s health and well-being. She said: “Alarmingly, over the past 20 years, deaths from alcohol among women have increased by 91 per cent. "One major factor behind this trend is the alcohol industry’s targeted marketing towards women. “The recent emergence of ‘bottomless brunches’ is an example of how women are nudged towards social occasions that revolve around heavy drinking. “These targeted tactics are not only effective; they come at a high cost to women’s health and well-being." 'I won't slip back into old ways' Now I'm about to turn 50 later this month, and while I might have the odd glass here and there I steer clear of wine completely and I’m adamant that I won’t slip back into my old ways. Alcohol is the second biggest risk factor for death in the UK - I’m actually thankful that I was pushed into making a decision to quit drinking to excess. The day I reach my sixth decade is a milestone I want to remember. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “Teams across the council work closely together and with our partners to ensure that people can enjoy Leeds’ thriving hospitality sector safely. “Our licensing team liaises closely with licensed venues supporting them to operate responsibly and meet their legal obligations, such as not supplying alcohol to those who are intoxicated. READ MORE SUN STORIES "Our guidance includes providing a substantial food offering and drinking water, pacing the provision of drinks, ensuring all staff are vigilant and door supervisors monitor customers leaving the premises. Anyone who is struggling with the impact of drug or alcohol use is encouraged to seek help from Forward Leeds .

NoneThe South Carolina women's basketball team has been defeated for the first time since March 31, 2023. The No. 1 Gamecocks fell Sunday in Los Angeles as Lauren Betts posted a double-double effort to lead No. 5 UCLA to a 77-62 triumph. The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first defeat after 43 consecutive victories, dating back to the loss to Iowa 77-73 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. South Carolina defeated Iowa last season for the national championship. Betts finished with 11 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to power the Bruins (5-0) to a historic victory. UCLA also got 15 points from Londynn Jones on 5-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, 13 points from Elina Aarnisalo and 11 each from Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jacquez. It's the first time UCLA has beaten South Carolina since 1981. The Bruins lost twice to the Gamecocks in the 2022-23 season, including in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Te-Hina Paopao had 18 points for South Carolina on 4-of-4 3-point shooting, while Tessa Johnson had 14 points. UCLA won the rebounding battle 41-34, marking the second time this season the Gamecocks have been outrebounded. South Carolina also got outscored in the paint 26-18. It's rare that a Dawn Staley-coached team -- units that typically revolve around dominant centers from A'ja Wilson to Aaliyah Boston to Kamilla Cardoso -- gets beat in the paint and on the glass, but with 6-foot-7 Betts, UCLA had the recipe to outmuscle the Gamecocks in those areas of the game. South Carolina never led after UCLA began the game with an 18-5 run, capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jones. The Gamecocks cut the deficit to nine points in the second quarter, but the Bruins responded with a 17-5 run and entered halftime ahead by 21 points. Aarnisalo scored seven points during that run. From there, the Gamecocks never got within single digits of the lead in the second half. It's the first time in 21 tries that UCLA has beaten an AP-ranked No. 1 team. And it's the first time South Carolina lost a true road game since 2021, a streak of 33 games. The schedule doesn't get any easier for South Carolina. While UCLA faces UT Martin next on Friday, the Gamecocks play No. 8 Iowa State on Thursday. --Field Level Media

Older siblings everywhere could appreciate John Harbaugh’s refusal to concede an inch against his younger brother Jim. Even when his Baltimore Ravens faced fourth down in the second quarter, John wasn’t giving up the ball without a fight. The Ravens converted that fourth down and two others on their way to over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, giving their coach a third victory in three matchups against his brother. It was the first time they’d faced off since Baltimore beat San Francisco — then coached by Jim Harbaugh — in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season. “We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side, but that’s not what the game is about,” John Harbaugh said. “The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever.” On this night, it was Baltimore’s players who shined. Specifically Derrick Henry, who rushed for 140 yards. Lamar Jackson threw a couple of touchdown passes, and the defense was solid, allowing touchdowns on the first and last Los Angeles drives but not much in between. “I’m proud of our guys,” John Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of the way they came out and responded after the first 10 points — we were down 10-0, and our guys stepped up.” After converting fourth-and-1 at their 16 late in the second quarter, the Ravens scored on a 40-yard pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman, taking the lead for good at 14-10. Baltimore’s other two fourth-and-1 conversions came on a 14-play touchdown drive that spanned the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. “We’re just confident that we’ll end up converting on those fourth downs, and we did a great job blocking,” said Henry, who converted the last two of the fourth downs. “All we had to do was make a play, and we did.” What’s working The Ravens got back to their identity a bit, rushing for 212 yards. And it wasn’t just Henry and Jackson contributing. Justice Hill broke free for a 51-yard touchdown that made it 30-16 in the fourth. “Nobody wants to stand in front of (Derrick Henry) every single play, every single run,” Hill said. “You can do it one time, two times, three times, but when you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear down. I’m glad we stuck with the run game this game, and it played out for us.” What needs help There were still too many penalties, with the Ravens flagged nine times for 102 yards. Baltimore played a pretty clean game until the fourth quarter, so several of those flags came after the Ravens had the game reasonably under control, but this is still an area of concern. Stock up With star linebacker Roquan Smith out because of a hamstring injury, Malik Harrison led the Ravens with a dozen tackles. “It’s a lot of people that doubted me coming into this game, so I’m happy I was able to ball out and show them that I can be in this league, and I can play at a high level,” Harrison said. Stock down There was a time when Isaiah Likely seemed as if he might be supplanting Mark Andrews as Baltimore’s top tight end threat, but Likely went without a catch Monday. He did, however, recover the onside kick that effectively ended the game. Injuries Although Smith was out, DT Travis Jones (ankle) and C Tyler Linderbaum (back) were able to start. Key number Jackson has now thrown 22 touchdown passes with no interceptions on Monday nights, with a passer rating of 124.3. Next steps The Ravens have one more game before their open date, and it’s a showdown this weekend against a Philadelphia team that has won seven in a row. Saquon Barkley (1,392) of the Eagles and Henry (1,325) have both surpassed 1,300 yards rushing already. Nobody else in the NFL has more than 1,000. ___ AP NFL:

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