MILAN, Italy (AP) — Atalanta went to the top of Serie A when Ademola Lookman scored with three minutes remaining to beat AC Milan 2-1 on Friday. Atalanta’s ninth win in a row was a fitting gift to coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was awarded the coach of the month award earlier in the day for guiding his team to a perfect record in November. Charles De Ketelaere put the home side ahead with a towering header after 11 minutes only for Milan to level 11 minutes later. Theo Hernández released Rafael Leão on the right wing and his inviting cross was converted by Álvaro Morata. Milan, which lost Christian Pulišić to a knock before halftime, looked set to end Atalanta’s impressive run but Lookman nipped in at the back post to nod home a corner in the dying moments. Atalanta has 34 points, two more than Napoli, which has a game in hand against Lazio on Sunday. Milan was in seventh place. Serie A champion Inter defeated Parma 3-1 and extended the Milan club’s unbeaten run to 13 games. Federico Dimarco put the home side ahead five minutes before halftime when he worked a neat one-two with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and fired a low shot past Zion Suzuki. Nicolò Barella made it two eight minutes into the second half when he finished a fast counterattack with aplomb. Marcos Thuram's 10th goal of the season made it 3-0 in the 66th. A Matteo Darmian own goal gave some late consolation for Parma. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The Green Party is set to suffer significant losses in the Irish General Election, with its leader expecting just a handful of parliamentarians to be returned. Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the party could not buck the trend in Ireland of junior coalition partners in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail governments losing support in subsequent elections. He said they expected to retain two to three seats out of the 12 they had won in the 2020 election on the back of a worldwide “Green wave”. “Undoubtedly it’s a disappointing result for our party today,” Mr O’Gorman told reporters in Ongar , Dublin. “It’s hard for a smaller party in government, that’s long been the tradition, the history in Ireland. We hoped going into the election to buck that but we haven’t been able to buck that today.” Mr O’Gorman, a candidate in Dublin West, is among the outgoing Green Party TDs in a battle to retain their seats. Culture Minister Catherine Martin, who is fighting to remain a Green Party TD for Dublin Rathdown, said it was a “very tight” race in her four-seat constituency. “We go in (to government) not afraid of that because the issue of the climate and biodiversity crisis is (greater) than our survival,” she said on RTE Radio. “I stand over and am proud of our track record of delivery.” Green candidate in Waterford Marc O Cathasaigh said he would not be “in the shake-up” to retain his seat in that constituency, while junior minister Ossian Smyth looks at risk of losing his seat in Dun Laoghaire. Junior minister Joe O’Brien is expected to lose his seat in Dublin Fingal, Neasa Hourigan is at risk in Dublin Central, while Wicklow’s Steven Matthews garnered just 4% of first preferences. Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan , who announced his retirement from frontline politics in June, said his party had not had a good day. Arriving at the count centre at the RDS in Dublin, the outgoing environment minister told reporters: “If you don’t get elected you accept that, but you come back stronger and you learn lessons, and we’ve done that in the past and we will do that again.” He added: “No matter what the results today there will be a strong Green Party in Ireland, we have deep roots in the community and it’s a very distinct political philosophy and I think there is still space for that in Irish politics, for sure.” Mr Ryan said he did not believe his decision to retire, and the timing of his announcement, had affected the party’s showing. “Unfortunately – and this is just one of those days – we didn’t get the number of votes,” he said. He added: “We’ll look back and see what are the lessons, and what can we learn and what can we do differently. “It’s just one of those days when we didn’t have a good day.www 188jili tw 。

Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine US dollar

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Dec. 4 he will nominate former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The position requires Senate confirmation. If confirmed, Long would succeed Danny Werfel. IRS commissioners serve a five-year term. Long represented Missouri’s 7th Congressional District between 2011 and 2023. He unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in 2022, losing the GOP primary to Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.). Trump touted Long’s career in real estate and as an auctioneer. “He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress. Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well respected on both sides of the aisle,” Trump said. In Congress, Long was a staunch supporter of Trump, who says he has known Long since 2011. During his first term, Trump selected lawyer Charles Rettig to lead the IRS. The IRS has come under fire from Republicans and conservatives for obtaining more funding under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act in order for the agency to carry out more enforcement. Next year, the GOP is expected to repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, including green energy credits, and expand the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which are set to expire in 2025.New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew said Wednesday that "very qualified" and "reliable" sources believe the mystery drones populating New Jersey's skies are originating from an Iranian "mothership" parked off the US East Coast, a claim the Pentagon subsequently denied. "Here is the real deal," the GOP lawmaker told Fox News' Harris Faulkner. "I'm on the Transportation Committee, on the Aviation Subcommittee, and I've gotten to know people. And from very high sources, very qualified sources, very responsible sources. I'm going to tell you... Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones. That mothership is off the east coast of the United States of America." Van Drew did not provide the names of sources responsible for the information, citing confidentiality. "You know that Iran made a deal with China to purchase drones, motherships and technology in order to go forward..." he added later. "...These drones should be shot down. Whether it was some crazy hobbyist that we can't imagine, or whether it is Iran – and I think it very possibly could be – they should be shot down. We are not getting the full deal and the military is on alert with this." Fox News chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin asked Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh during a briefing today about Van Drew's allegations, and she said there was no truth to them. "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called ‘mothership’ launching drones toward the United States," Singh said. Van Drew's claims come as officials and state residents demand answers on the mysterious development, yet major agencies remain puzzled by the ordeal, including the FBI. The agency is investigating the sightings and have urged the public to report any drones they see. Recordings of drones soaring over homes at night, with flashing lights and no apparent purpose, have circulated in the news. Some have been seen nightly in some areas, and have been spotted traveling in groups at times. Some are even said to be SUV-sized. Drone sightings were also previously reported on Staten Island in New York. Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy posted to X last Thursday that "there is no known threat to the public at this time." State officials have said they are taking the mystery drone sightings "seriously." Originally published as Pentagon denies lawmaker's claims that random drones flying over New Jersey are from Iran: 'Should be shot down'

Published 5:45 pm Wednesday, December 4, 2024 By Natchez Obituaries Dec. 27, 1942 – Nov. 29, 2024 NATCHEZ – Services for Mrs. Bettie Gean Littles Minor, 81, of Natchez, who died on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Dallas, TX will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at noon at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, from 5 until 6 p.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church with the Order of Easter Star Burial Ritual at 6 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, the body will lie in state from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the National Cemetery under the direction of Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the family or to Bettie L. Minor Scholarship Fund. Life and Legacy of Bettie Gean Littles Minor: Bettie Gean Littles Minor was born on Dec. 27, 1942, in Hazlehurst, MS, to the late Willie and Mary Overton Littles. She was the third of ten children and the eldest daughter. Bettie’s spiritual journey began at eight years of age when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. She became a dedicated young Christian and participated in every aspect of her church, from speaking to singing and teaching. Bettie continued working in church ministry throughout her youth and adult life. She was an avid believer, studier, and follower of Jesus Christ and never missed an opportunity to let her spiritual light shine (and did it ever shine brightly)! Bettie’s education began at Sardis Elementary School and continued at Parrish High School, where she graduated with high honors in 1960. She continued her education at Utica Junior College, excelling as President of the Student Body and becoming the runner-up for Miss Utica Junior College. Bettie graduated as the Salutatorian of her class. After graduating from Utica, Bettie attended Alcorn A&M College, earning her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies in 1964 and graduating with honors. Bettie’s passion for teaching brought her to Natchez, in 1964, where she began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Sadie V. Thompson High School. She later taught at North Natchez, South Natchez, and Natchez High School, dedicating 38 years to shaping the minds and futures of her students. After retiring in 2003, Bettie continued her commitment to education by working part-time as a tutor for the Natchez Children’s Home. Her quest for knowledge was lifelong. Bettie earned a Master’s in Political Science with honors from Ball State University in 1970 through a fellowship program. She furthered her studies at institutions such as Tuskegee Institute, Southern University, the University of Southern Mississippi (Natchez Branch), and Mississippi State University. Bettie was an active member of her community, contributing to various organizations and causes. She worked with the NAACP and the Democratic Women of Adams County, served as Secretary for the Adams County Democratic Committee, and was a past president of the Adams County Teachers’ Association. Bettie joined Emma Morris Chapter #12, Order of the Eastern Star, in 1970 and served in many roles, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Truth and Wonder. She rose to the Grand Matron of Adah Grand Chapter O.E.S. of A.R. in 1990, serving for five years, and later became a Grand Lecturer. Bettie’s dedication to fraternal service was extraordinary, exemplified by her 54 years of service, devotion to God, her work, and all the members with whom she worked and served. Bettie participated in the organization of two subordinate Amaranth courts, Adam-Odel Amaranth No. 2 and Evelyn Lille K Amaranth Court No. 3. She also played a pivotal role in founding Dixon, Jackson, and Pernell Most Exalted Royal Grand Court of Amaranth. She served as its first Royal Grand Matron. She was the Past Supreme Grand Royal Matron of the Supreme Grand Royal Amaranth Court, which spans the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Kingdom, and beyond. In addition, Bettie helped organize the Ida Court of Heroine of Jericho and the Alkoron Court No. 1 Daughters of Sphinx in 1991 and served as its first Most Worthy Grand Matron. She was elected to the Supreme Court of Daughters of Sphinx’s Board of Directors and later served as the second Vice Supreme Grand Matron. Bettie, the Supreme Grand Matron, was also elected President of the Federation of Eastern Stars of the World and chaired the registration committee for many years. Bettie was instrumental in founding Julia Blanton Gleaners, a juvenile group within the fraternal organization. Bettie gave up her membership with her home church and united with Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1970, where she served as Secretary, Chaplain of the Senior Choir, and President of the Beulah Clubs. She also served as Recording Secretary for the Women’s Auxiliary of Adams County and on the Memorial and Praise Committee. Bettie sang with the Gospel Choir, the Voices of Hope, where she was the Financial Secretary for the Voices of Hope, and participated annually in the Fall Pilgrimage. On June 27, 1970, Bettie married Robert Lee Minor Sr., her lifelong partner. They had two children, Vermelle Artisia Minor and Marco B. Minor. Bettie also embraced the role of mother to Maurice Minor, Minnie Minor (deceased), Robert Lee Minor Jr., and Carl Elijah Minor. She was a godmother to Araina Price Carter, Frank Woods Ill (B.J.), Clemetha (Fran) Woods-Gines, and Reverend LC. Williams. Bettie Gean Littles Minor’s life reflected her faith, love, and unwavering dedication to family, Christ, education, and community. She was a devoted spiritual leader, educator, civic leader, and faithful servant of the Lord. Bettie leaves a legacy of excellence, compassion, and service, following in the footsteps of her Savior, Jesus Christ, who said in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...” Bettie Minor was a servant and loved every minute of serving. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her children, Vermelle, Marco, Bobby, Maurice, and Carl Minor; her godchildren, Araina Price, Frank (BJ) Woods, Clemetha (Fran) Woods-Gines, and Rev. L.C. Williams. Bettie’s memories will also shine in her siblings; sisters Hannah L. McCoy of Birmingham, AL; Marilyn G. Williams of Memphis, TN; sisters through Blessings; Mary F. Jackson, Geraldine Littles, and Pamela Littles of Picayune, MS; brothers, Albert 0. Littles of Hazlehurst, MS, and Rev. Harold Littles (Pamela) of Picayune, MS; brother-in-law, Chris Minor of Crosby, MS; grandmother, Nina Mae Littles of Hazlehurst, MS, and aunt, Marilyn Littles of Sontag, MS; along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and special sister friends, Mary J. Taylor, Beverly Woods, Faye Logan, Rose Sweazer, Dorthy Bassett, Janie King, Eva Hall, and Charlene Bradford, and Robert Lee’s Buddy and her friend forever and overseer, Jack Patterson, along with a host of Eastern Star Sisters and Mason Brothers, Friends, and loved ones. ”Well done, good and faithful servant.” Well Done!