The cult of the ‘Spoons’: Inside the spartan, cavernous pubs that divide BritainWarren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is buying up shares of internet domain provider VeriSign
World number one Luke Humphries retained his Players Championship Finals title with an 11-7 victory over teenager Luke Littler in Minehead. Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. FOR THE SECOND TIME 🏆🏆 Luke Humphries retains his 2024 Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals title, beating Luke Littler 11-7 in the final. pic.twitter.com/QUhxvSbGeu — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” HUMPHRIES GOES BACK-TO-BACK! 🏆 Luke Humphries retains his Players Championship Finals title! Cool Hand puts on an absolute clinic to defeat Luke Littler 11-7 in an epic final! 📺 https://t.co/AmuG0PMn18 #PCF2024 | Final pic.twitter.com/nZDWPUVjWE — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 24, 2024 Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”
Air India will strengthen its practices to turn profitable: CEO Campbell Wilson
FSK Completes Public Offering of $100 million 6.125% Unsecured Notes Due 2030Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler to retain Players Championship Finals title
New father of two Nikola Jokic doesn't miss a beat in return to Denver NuggetsAndy Murray has made the shock decision to coach his long-time rival Novak Djokovic during the Australian Open. Murray – who retired after the summer Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body – will join the Serbian’s team in the off-season and coach him through the opening grand slam of 2025. It will see the Scot surprisingly join forces with the man who was his biggest nemesis during his long career, especially in Australia where he lost to Djokovic in four finals. Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024 “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” In posting a teaser about the appointment on social media, Djokovic said: “He never liked retirement anyway.” He then added: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk takers, history makers. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals while also losing in the French Open final in 2016. It was his pursuit of toppling Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 which was a precursor to his 2017 hip injury which derailed Murray’s career. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game as he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.
Murray – who retired after the summer Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body – will join the Serbian’s team in the off-season and coach him through the opening grand slam of 2025. It will see the Scot surprisingly join forces with the man who was his biggest nemesis during his long career, especially in Australia where he lost to Djokovic in four finals. Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” In posting a teaser about the appointment on social media, Djokovic said: “He never liked retirement anyway.” He then added: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk takers, history makers. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals while also losing in the French Open final in 2016. It was his pursuit of toppling Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 which was a precursor to his 2017 hip injury which derailed Murray’s career. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game as he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.
State Rep. Gayle Manning honors Avon Eagles football team at StatehouseWarren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is buying up shares of internet domain services provider A Altogether, Berkshire Hathaway owns 13.2 million shares of the company, worth about $2.7 billion. That makes Berkshire Hathaway the largest shareholder of the internet company, which was founded in 1995. Shares of VeriSign rose nearly 2% on Friday to hit their highest level since late January, before giving up those gains and trading about flat amid Berkshire Hathaway is quite familiar with VeriSign, as they first purchased shares of the company over a decade ago, in the fourth quarter of 2012. One reason that could be fueling Berkshire Hathaway's decision to add more exposure to VeriSign is its high-profit margin. According to financial data as of the third quarter, the company is ranked fifth in the for the highest profit margin, at about 56%, tied with Nvidia. For operating margin, VeriSign is ranked third, and for gross margin, it's ranked 13th. Business Insider reached out to Berkshire Hathaway for comment but did not immediately hear back. Shares of VeriSign are down about 2% year-to-date, completely sitting out this year's stock market rally, with the S&P 500 up about 25%. The stock is down about 21% from its record high reached in December 2021. Read the original article on
Wrestling photos: Sam Cali Battle for the Belt, Friday, Dec. 27
South Korea impeaches 2 leaders in 2 weeks as crisis deepens
AP News Summary at 2:01 p.m. ESTShaq Barrett goes unclaimed on waivers, can now sign and play with any teamBrighton were booed off after their winless run was stretched to six Premier League games by a frustrating goalless draw against away-day strugglers Brentford. Albion dominated for large periods on a foggy evening at the Amex Stadium and hit the woodwork inside four minutes through Julio Enciso. Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken also made a string of important saves before being forced off injured in the 36th minute, albeit his replacement Hakon Valdimarsson was rarely tested on his Premier League debut. Brentford, who remain without a top-flight away win this term, had an early Yoane Wissa finish ruled out for offside following VAR intervention but barely threatened, despite an improved second-half showing. The Seagulls remain 10th ahead of Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, with Thomas Frank’s visitors a position and two points below moving towards their New Year’s Day showdown with Arsenal. Brighton have plummeted from second place to mid-table amid a poor run of form which has increased scrutiny on head coach Fabian Hurzeler. Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber called for perspective from fans in his programme notes after revealing he revealed emails “full of doom and gloom” following the recent 3-1 home defeat to rivals Crystal Palace. Enciso, one of two players recalled by Hurzeler following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at West Ham, almost gave Albion a dream start. A poor pass from Bees goalkeeper Flekken was intercepted by Carlos Baleba and, following a neat layoff from Joao Pedro, Paraguay forward Enciso curled against the right post. Brentford arrived in Sussex with the worst away record in the division, having previously taken a solitary point from 24 available this term. Flekken saved well from Baleba and then collected a tame header from the unmarked Enciso before the away side thought they had snatched a 13th-minute lead. After being slipped in by Mads Roerslev at the end of a swift counter-attack, Wissa thumped high into the net beyond Seagulls keeper Bart Verbruggen only to be ruled marginally offside. Flekken made further saves from Brajan Gruda and Matt O’Riley before hurting himself keeping out a deflected Kaoru Mitoma cross and being replaced by 23-year-old Iceland international Valdimarsson. Brentford remained on the back foot and, aside from Wissa’s disallowed effort, offered little going forward in a one-sided opening period which somehow ended level. Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke produced a crucial block to deny Wissa as the west London club began the second half brightly before Christian Norgaard’s ambitious effort deflected wide amid groans from increasingly restless home fans. Hurzeler responded with a triple change, introducing Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh in place of O’Riley, Gruda and Mitoma. Albion forward Pedro then escaped punishment in the 76th minute after swinging an arm at Bees substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk without making contact before defender Ben Mee became the second visiting player to depart injured. The introduction of Solly March in the 88th minute for his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in October last year briefly lifted the mood on the terraces. But, following a frantic five minutes of added time, some Seagulls supporters vented their displeasure at full-time as their club’s wait for victory goes on.
Andy Murray to coach long-time rival Novak Djokovic at Australian OpenKaleb Johnson rushes 35 times for 164 yards in Iowa's 29-13 victory over MarylandSAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AusperBio Therapeutics, Inc . and Ausper Biopharma Co., Ltd . (collectively AusperBio ), a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing targeted oligonucleotide therapies to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B ( CHB ), today announced the successful completion of a USD 73 million Series B financing. The round was led by HanKang Capital , with participation from Sherpa Capital , CDH Investments , and a strategic investor, as well as continued participation from existing investors Qiming Venture Partners , InnoPinnacle Fund , and YuanBio Venture Capital . This financing followed the company's Series A round completed in July this year, demonstrating continued investor confidence in its proprietary platform and strategic direction. The proceeds will fund the continued Phase 2 development of AHB-137 , AusperBio's lead investigational therapy, supporting both clinical studies in China and global trials, as well as the development of commercial-scale manufacturing processes. The funding will also facilitate the expansion of the company's therapeutic pipeline and operational capabilities to drive sustained growth. Dr. Guofeng Cheng , co-founder and CEO of AusperBio, stated, " We are honored by our investors' confidence and support. This milestone financing recognizes our scientific and clinical accomplishments to date and enables us to accelerate our clinical programs and move closer to delivering a functional cure for CHB patients in need." Dr. Chris Yang , co-founder and CSO, added, "AHB-137 continues to attract attention from the scientific and clinical communities, particularly after the late-breaking oral presentation at the recent AASLD conference. The promising clinical data further validates our Med-OligoTM platform, strengthening our development of groundbreaking targeted oligonucleotide therapies for CHB and other serious chronic diseases." AusperBio is committed to delivering patient-centered innovations, aiming to alleviate the global health burden of CHB and transform treatment paradigms for this serious chronic disease. About AHB-137 AHB-137, a novel unconjugated antisense oligonucleotide ( ASO ) developed within AusperBio's proprietary Med-OligoTM ASO technology platform, was designed to treat chronic hepatitis B for a functional cure. Its compelling preclinical and Phase 1 clinical data were highlighted at the 2023 EASL conference and the 2024 EASL conference, respectively. Interim Phase 2a data was presented in a late-breaking oral session at the 2024 AASLD. This novel dual-mechanism ASO has completed its global Phase 1b trial and is now undergoing multiple Phase 2 trials in China . With its global development strategy, AHB-137 is advancing rapidly toward the goal of an HBV cure. About AusperBio. AusperBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with operations in the USA and China , dedicated to advancing oligonucleotide and targeted delivery technologies for transformative therapies, with an initial focus on curing chronic hepatitis B infection. The company has developed a proprietary Med-OligoTM ASO platform which has been shown to substantially enhance the current ASO therapeutics, through novel insights into ASO design. Combining with efficient targeted delivery conjugation technologies, the modular Med-OligoTM Platform empowers ASO therapeutics to treat a broad range of diseases, including viral infections, metabolic conditions, genetic disorders, and immune diseases. For further information, please contact: Media Contact Email: info@ausperbio.com Investor Relations Contact: Tel: 650-888-1756 (US) Email: growth@ausperbio.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ausperbio-secures-73-million-in-series-b-financing-to-advance-functional-cure-for-chronic-hepatitis-b-302339451.html SOURCE AusperBio Therapeutics Inc.Taylor Swift is an "authentic fan" of the Kansas City Chiefs
MALAGA (AP) – Not surprisingly, Rafael Nadal couldn’t take a step around the grounds of the Davis Cup Final 8 in recent days without hearing requests for a handshake or a selfie. And that was just from the other professional tennis players, to speak nothing of the fans. The significance of Nadal’s retirement is lost on no one inside or outside the sport he is walking away from at age 38 after a litany of injuries, and for all of the well-documented success he enjoyed, his greatest legacy might be the way he inspired other players. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and all-time great of the game lost the last match of his career as Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals as Tuesday turned to Wednesday. The last man to face – and beat – Nadal, 80th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp, who is 29, spoke after his 6-4, 6-4 victory about idolising the Spaniard. Many current players grew up watching Nadal, admiring him for his skill – from the big, topspin left-handed forehands to the pinpoint volleys and everything in between – and his relentless nature, his commitment to seeking improvement and, maybe most of all, his off-court humility. A man walks in front a banner reading in Spanish: ‘Thank you Rafa’ at the Martin Carpena Sport Arena in Malaga, southern Spain. PHOTO: AP Rafael Nadal bites the trophy, after defeating Tomas Berdych in the men’s singles final on the Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon in 2010. PHOTO: AP ABOVE & BELOW: Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Nadal react during their Laver Cup doubles match against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the O2 arena in London in 2022; and Nadal waves during a tribute to his career at the end of the quarter-final doubles match between Netherlands and Spain. PHOTO: AP PHOTO: AP Spain’s tennis players Carlos Alcaraz and Nadal during a training session. PHOTO: AP He set an example for others, from contemporaries Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic or Serena Williams, to members of the following generations, including heir apparent Carlos Alcaraz. “I was a big Rafa fan. Used to wear all his kits, his shoes, everything. A lot of neon colours,” said Ben Shelton, a 22-year-old member of the United States (US) team that faced Australia yesterday, when the other quarter-final is defending champion Italy and No 1-ranked Jannik Sinner against Argentina. “And being a lefty, he’s a guy that I have always kind of watched and tried to learn things from. One of those perfect examples of how to do things on and off the court, how to handle the press, how to win with class, how to lose with class.” That sentiment was echoed by player after player, many of whom were thrilled to be on-site for his farewell. “For him to have this as his finishing point, it’s an honour for the event,” said Yannick Hanfmann, part of the German squad that defeated Canada 2-0 on Wednesday and will meet the Netherlands in the semi-finals today. “He’s present everywhere. In the training area, when he’s walking around, you see the people looking and trying to get some pictures, here and there. He’s got this aura that already was big, but now that this is the end, it’s maybe more important.” Hanfmann and others were struck by Nadal’s dedication to chasing every shot down. By a refusal to accept defeat, no matter the deficit. By his longevity and consistency – nearly 18 full years in a row ranked in the top 10; 10 consecutive years with at least one major title – and his dizzying peaks, including the 14 French Open championships that earned him the ‘King of Clay’ nickname. His unfailing politeness, seen in such gestures as when he would say goodbye to every volunteer on his way out of a tournament or, just recently, when he arrived at Spain’s team news conference and made a beeline for the stenographer to shake the hand of the person who would be typing up the transcript of the Q-and-A session for reporters. “The titles, the numbers, are there, so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” Nadal said during a tear-filled post-match ceremony at the sold-out Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena, where thousands serenaded him with a chorus of “Raaaa-faaa! Raaaa-faaa!” “Just a kid that followed their dreams,” he said, ” (and) worked as hard as possible.” No opponent, or any observer for that matter, could ever question his effort, even as injury after injury made things tougher, especially over the past two seasons. No one ever doubted his drive to get better. “I really will miss watching him on court,” said Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and long an unabashed fan of Nadal’s. “Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now. He’s a huge inspiration.” That last word, or a variation of it, was used over and over again as tributes to Nadal were offered. So were “intensity” and “passion”, “grit” and “role model”. “For me,” said Alcaraz, a 21-year-old Spaniard with four major trophies, “it’s difficult to accept that Rafael Nadal is going to retire, honestly.” – Howard FendrichFulham came from behind to beat neighbours Chelsea 2-1 after a 95th minute goal from substitute Rodrigo Muniz gave the visitors all three points in the Premier League on Thursday. It was Fulham’s first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979 and it put a dent in second-placed Chelsea’s title hopes as the hosts stay on 35 points, four points off the pace having played two games more than leaders Liverpool who host Leicester City later. Chelsea took the lead after 16 minutes when Cole Palmer danced past two defenders and slid the ball through Issa Diop’s legs into the bottom corner to score a classy goal. But Fulham’s second-half energy and determination paid off in the 82nd minute when Harry Wilson headed home from close range for the club’s first goal at Stamford Bridge since 2011. Muniz clinched all three points when he swept home a pass from Sasa Lukic in the dying moments of the match to take Fulham up to eighth with 28 points from 18 games. It was Chelsea’s first league loss since a 2-1 defeat on October 20 at Liverpool. BBCBen Fordham left stunned as top professor exposes what Australia got wrong during Covid Professor casts doubt of Covid measures Said they were 'madness' and 'disgraceful' READ MORE: Mother blames Covid vaccine for her daughter's death By DAVID SOUTHWELL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 20:46 GMT, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 20:48 GMT, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments A visiting UK professor of medicine stunned radio host Ben Fordham by taking a blistering aim at Covid lockdowns, quarantine, masks, and vaccines. Angus Dalgleish, a professor of oncology at the prestigious St George's University in London who also sits on the European Commission Cancer Board, told Fordham Australia's Covid response was 'absolutely appalling', 'madness' and 'disgraceful'. His unconventional views go against the recent Covid Response Inquiry verdict that 'Australia fared well relative to other nations that experienced larger losses in human life, health system collapse and more severe economic downturns'. But Prof Dalgleish insisted Australia bungled its Covid response. He was also scathing about Britain's handling and said 'Australia, New Zealand and Canada all over-reacted exactly the same'. 'The only people who got it right long-term were Sweden ,' Prof Dalgleish said. 'They didn't have any lockdown mandates, they had no other mandates, the vaccines were for people over 70 and they have the lowest excess death rates in the Western world.' Sweden relied on voluntary social distancing, mask-wearing, working from home and avoiding public transport, with 80 per cent of the country saying they complied. Angus Dalgleish, a professor of oncology at the prestigious St George's University in London has taken blistering aim at almost all the Covid measures employed by Australia and other countries Prof Dalgleish attacked mandated masks being worn outdoors. 'That's absolute madness, the only reason you get people to wear masks is to instil a state of fear in them,' he said. 'I said right at the very beginning with the very best mask the smallest hole is three times bigger than the largest virus. There is no science behind it whatsoever. 'You wear masks in (operating) theatres to stop you coughing into someone's abdomen, it's not for viruses.' He also believed lockdowns achieved next to nothing. 'We know it is respiratory, so lockdowns make no sense whatsoever, particularly when there is no quarantine [which there wasn't in Britain at the start of their lockdown]'. He believed hotel quarantine was a 'complete waste of money' and didn't think it 'saved any lives whatsoever' because it only delayed the natural herd immunity, which was always the best defence against Covid. 'You get the virus naturally you can build up an innate immunity to it, and they denied this,' Prof Dalgleish said. Professor Dalgleish said he did not believe lockdowns, quarantines, masks or even vaccines saved lives Fordham asked whether lockdowns were necessary to protect the elderly, but Prof Dalgleish hailed the Swedish approach as far more pragmatic. 'They say "your grandmothers and people are at risk just be careful, don’t go too close to them",' Prof Dalgleish said. 'They didn’t lock everybody down, so society wasn’t strangled at the neck. 'And it worked very well. Why did you have to lock up young, fit people who couldn’t work?' He also slammed the controversial vaccine mandates. 'I think it was absolutely disgraceful. It was totalitarian, it was descent into an Orwellian dystopia,' he said. 'Especially as we knew when the vaccines were rolled out, the virus had changed completely. 'I don’t believe [the vaccines] had any beneficial effect whatsoever because the virus changes, mutates so quickly. Sydney radio talkback king Ben Fordham was clearly taken aback by some of the professor's claims 'We know that when our vaccine program was rolled out, the wave of infection was falling off naturally. It didn’t need any help to damp the wave,' he said. 'It was the same with the lockdown - we introduced the lockdown as the first wave was flattening out and if you had done no lockdown, there would have been no difference.' A clearly taken aback Fordham asked Prof Dalgleish if he thought the vaccine saved no lives. 'They came in too late they gave the appearance of saving lives because they were coming in on a wave of people doing in and dying,' he replied. 'There might have been a very few, it might have been under one or two percent but not significant compared to what they wanted to do with them. '(That was) roll them out to everybody and have mandated vaccines when there was no evidence it prevented transmission at a time when the disease was killing 0.085per cent of the population with an average age of 82. 'It was complete utter blindness and madness.' London Ben Fordham Sweden Canada Share or comment on this article: Ben Fordham left stunned as top professor exposes what Australia got wrong during Covid e-mail Add comment
GRAND FORKS — Capt. Jason Freedman of the Madison, Wisconsin, Police Department has accepted the head position at the Grand Forks Police Department. Freedman will begin as police chief on Jan. 27, the city announced Friday afternoon. ADVERTISEMENT “After a long and thorough process reviewing a great crop of internal and external candidates for this position, I am very confident in selecting Captain Freedman,” Mayor Brandon Bochenski said in a statement. “His policing experience and personal values will ensure that Grand Forks continues to be a safe community devoted to law and order.” Freedman's law enforcement career spans 27 years. In addition to his role as captain, he is the Madison Police Department SWAT commander. He is also a former narcotics task force member and a peer support commander, working with officers on things like morale and physical and mental fitness, Bochenski told the Herald. Freedman has a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in history, political science and international relations, the release said. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be named the next police chief for the city of Grand Forks.” Freedman said in a statement. “My family and I look forward to being a part of the Grand Forks community and Police Department.” There are a number of impressive qualities Freedman brings to the table, Bochenski said — his decades of experience and presence as a leader among them. "He values law and order," Bochenski said. "He understands you can't police your way out of everything, but you've got to build relationships." The mayor also noted that Freedman's narcotics task force experience also made him a standout. ADVERTISEMENT "I think when you're talking about morale issues that are facing the police department and communities with drug-related things — specifically opioids — I think he's a guy that's going to be well suited for that," Bochenski said. Freedman was the only non-local chief contender in a pool of five candidates. The candidates were interviewed all day Monday and into Tuesday, after which scores were taken by an interview panel consisting of Tangee Bouvette, city HR director; Todd Feland, city administrator; Tony Hodny, chair of the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce; Todd Forkel, CEO of Altru Health System; and Grand Forks Fire Chief Gary Lorenz. Bochenski made the ultimate hiring decision. Freedman will take over for former Chief Mark Nelson, who retired from the Grand Forks Police Department in September.