Jeju Air stock hits a record low after plane crashPatriots' key defensive player is cleared to return, but off-field concerns linger

Must-Have Golf Gear Of 2025: A Motorized Cart Or Robot CaddieThe gaming world is abuzz with the upcoming release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 , promising to take virtual flying to unprecedented heights. This next installment in the iconic series isn’t just a game—it’s an expedition into the future of simulation technology. Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technology One of the key highlights of MSFS 2024 is its integration of advanced technologies, enabling players to experience flight with hyper-realistic environments and dynamic weather systems . Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the game will dynamically adjust scenarios, ensuring that no two flights are ever the same. Embracing the Future of Simulation Microsoft has hinted at incorporating Next-Gen Virtual Reality (VR) compatibility, providing serious aviation enthusiasts with an opportunity to step into the virtual cockpit and evoke sensations akin to real-world flying. The game also promises to leverage cloud computing to offer a continuously updated and evolving world map, reflecting real-time changes. A Leap Towards Educational Gaming With its immersive detail, MSFS 2024 is set to become more than just entertainment; it is anticipated to be a valuable tool for educational institutions. It will offer players a chance to learn actual flight principles , explore geography, and gain insights into weather patterns. As the release date draws closer, the gaming community eagerly anticipates how Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will redefine simulation experiences. With these exciting advancements, the game is not just a sequel but a pioneering leap into the future of virtual aviation. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Revolutionizing Virtual Aviation with Unmatched Realism As the gaming world eagerly awaits the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the anticipation is building around the game’s promise to revolutionize the norms of simulation technology. This release is not simply another iteration; it represents the cutting edge of virtual aviation, underpinned by technological innovations designed to deliver an experience that is as close to real-world flying as it gets. Advanced Features and Innovations One of the key advancements in MSFS 2024 is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create hyper-realistic environments and dynamic weather systems. This ensures a unique flying experience every time, as the scenarios adapt dynamically to various factors. Microsoft is also pushing the envelope by incorporating next-gen Virtual Reality (VR) compatibility. This allows aviation enthusiasts to sit in a virtual cockpit, making the flying experience incredibly immersive. With the integration of cloud computing, players can expect a world map that is continuously updated and evolves in real-time, accurately reflecting changes in the world’s geographical and meteorological conditions. Educational Value and Use Cases Beyond just a gaming experience, MSFS 2024 is anticipated to be a significant educational resource. It aims to teach players real flight principles, making it a useful tool for learning in aviation-related educational programs. Players can explore global geography and understand complex weather patterns, which enhances both learning and gameplay. Market Trends and Predictions The release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expected to set new trends in the gaming and simulation market. Its potential use in educational contexts broadens its appeal beyond just gamers, extending to academicians and hobbyists interested in flight and simulation technology. Security and Compatibility Considerations With its cloud-based features, security has been a point of focus for developers. The continuous updates from cloud computing propose challenges that Microsoft is addressing to ensure safe and reliable gameplay. Compatibility with current gaming hardware and next-gen VR devices ensures users have multiple avenues to experience the game at its full potential. Sustainable Gaming Innovations The game’s architecture also hints at a lean towards sustainability. By utilizing cloud computing, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 reduces the dependency on local hardware resources, potentially lowering energy consumption and extending the lifespan of consumer devices. As we edge closer to the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, its blend of technological prowess and potential educational applications is set to redefine virtual aviation. Stay tuned for its release and see how the future of flying unfolds with Microsoft’s groundbreaking simulation technology. For more information, visit the Microsoft official website.

Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’

Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Freshman Ian Jackson scored a season-high 26 points, RJ Davis added 23 points, including five 3-pointers, and North Carolina beat Campbell 97-81 Sunday night in the Tar Heels' final nonconference game of the season. Elliot Cadeau added 12 points and a career-high 12 assists, Drake Powell also scored 12 points and Jalen Washington added 10 for North Carolina (8-5). Cadeau made a jumper to spark a 15-3 run, Davis followed with a 3-pointer that gave UNC the lead for good with 16:09 left in the first half and Cadeau capped the spurt with a layup that made it 22-12 with 12:41 to go until halftime. Colby Duggan responded with back-to-back 3-pointers for the Fighting Camels to make it 22-18 less than a minute later and Nolan Dorsey's tip-in again trimmed the deficit to four points with 7:51 left in the first half. North Carolina scored 12 of the final 17 points to take a 40-29 lead into the intermission and Campbell got no closer than nine from there. Duggan hit a jumper to open the scoring in the second half, but Washington threw down a dunk with 18:53 to play and the Tar Heels led by double figures the rest of the way. Duggan led Campbell (5-8) with a career-high 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, 5 of 9 from 3-point range. The rest of the Camels combined to make 17 of 45 from the field (37.8%). Jasin Sinani scored 15 and Cam Gregory 14 for Campbell. Seth Trimble (upper-body injury), who is averaging 14.8 points per game this season, did not play for North Carolina. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballChina has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Bangladesh, a bond that has grown significantly in recent years. The recent inauguration of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project on December 24, is a testament to this evolving partnership. This project, a milestone in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, highlights the depth of cooperation between the two nations and underscores China’s active role in Bangladesh’s progress under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by China in Bangladesh. It promises to revolutionize transportation by reducing travel time between the Capital city of Dhaka and the western region - Jessore from 10 hours to just 2 hours. This significant improvement in connectivity is expected to benefit over 80 million people in the region. Beyond its immediate impact on travel, the project is forecasted to boost Bangladesh’s GDP by 1.5% and create thousands of local jobs. Moreover, it offers an invaluable opportunity to train local workers, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s future industrial and infrastructure growth. China’s involvement in Bangladesh extends beyond infrastructure. Over the past fiscal year, Bangladesh has seen a remarkable threefold increase in Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Over 20 Chinese companies have established their South Asian headquarters in Bangladesh, signifying growing confidence in the country’s economic potential. Within the last four months alone, 11 Chinese enterprises have invested $180 million in various sectors in Bangladesh. This trend is expected to continue as more Chinese-financed projects are being planned. These investments reflect China’s recognition of Bangladesh as a critical partner in South Asia and its strategic gateway to the region. China’s commitment to Bangladesh’s development is also evident in the renewable energy sector. Chinese enterprises are exploring the establishment of solar panel manufacturing plants in Bangladesh. China to cut import tariffs on some recycled copper and aluminium raw materials A delegation of Chinese photovoltaic companies, including representatives from industry leaders such as LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd., Tongwei Co., Ltd., and Yunnan Show, has already visited key institutions like the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). This initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s ambitious goal of achieving 40% renewable energy by 2040 and reflects China’s willingness to support sustainable development in its partner countries. China has been Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, a position that continues to strengthen. Bangladesh’s recent eligibility for zero-tariff treatment on 100% of taxable items exported to China marks a new era in bilateral trade relations. This preferential trade arrangement is expected to further boost exports, enhance economic ties, and diversify Bangladesh’s export portfolio. The trade benefits come at a critical juncture as Bangladesh seeks to sustain its economic momentum and integrate more deeply into the global value chain. The relationship between Bangladesh and China entered a new phase during President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Dhaka in 2016. During the visit, both nations formalized a strategic partnership that included a $24 billion investment commitment from China to finance 27 infrastructure development projects. Pakistani food exporters return from Kuala Lumpur Simultaneously, Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This participation has opened new avenues for development and positioned Bangladesh as a vital partner in China’s global economic and strategic vision. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, a significant wave of anti-India sentiment has emerged among the younger generation in Bangladesh. In the shifting geopolitical landscape, China has swiftly capitalized on the diminishing Indian influence in the country. Beijing’s non-interventionist approach to Bangladesh’s domestic affairs stands in stark contrast to India’s perceived interference, which has fueled discontent. Furthermore, as an economic powerhouse, China holds a strategic advantage, offering financial assistance to Bangladesh in ways India has struggled to match, thereby solidifying its position as a key player in the region. PFC calls for urgent measures to save Murree forests from timber mafia, wildfires Bangladesh’s ties with China have always been characterized by mutual respect and shared aspirations for economic growth and development. The strategic partnership forged in 2016 has since evolved into a multifaceted relationship encompassing trade, investment, technology transfer, and infrastructure development. The Padma Bridge Rail Link Project is emblematic of the transformative potential of this partnership. Beyond its immediate economic benefits, it symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations. The successful implementation of similar projects in the future will only serve to strengthen this bond further. In Bangladesh, China is seen as a reliable partner that has consistently supported the nation’s development goals. Unlike many international relationships that falter during challenging times, Bangladeshis view China as a steadfast ally that remains committed to mutual progress. This perception is supported by tangible benefits such as improved infrastructure, increased foreign investments, and expanded trade opportunities. The Chinese government’s willingness to transfer technology and provide training also underscores its commitment to empowering Bangladesh for the long term. 7190 students complete SIUT programme Despite the promising trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations, challenges remain. Bangladesh must ensure that Chinese investments align with its long-term development goals and avoid falling into unsustainable debt. Effective governance and transparent project management will be crucial in maximizing the benefits of Chinese-funded initiatives. Bangladesh, in turn, must leverage these opportunities to accelerate its journey toward becoming a middle-income country and beyond. With careful planning, transparent governance, and continued collaboration, the partnership between Bangladesh and China will remain a cornerstone of regional prosperity for years to come. China’s commitment to Bangladesh is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic partnership that holds immense potential. As both nations navigate the complexities of global economic and geopolitical landscapes, their enduring friendship stands as a testament to what can be achieved through mutual respect, shared goals, and visionary leadership. National Bank achieves significant regulatory milestone M A Hossain The writer is a political and defense analyst based in Bangladesh. He can be reached at writetomahossain@gmail.com Tags: bangladesh china partnershipBy MATTHEW BROWN and JACK DURA BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Donald Trump assigned Doug Burgum a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” That dictate from the president-elect’s announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the court battles over public lands and waters that helped define Trump’s first term, with environmentalists worried about climate change already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family’s farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior’s solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country’s land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to assert state power over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah’s lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Trump’s narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a collapsing industry that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were weakened under Trump . The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that requires offshore oil and gas sales to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don’t get that if you don’t have leasing,” said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump’s moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres (37,115 hectares) sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden’s administration also elevated the importance of conservation in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse. North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration’s public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state’s oil tax trigger — a price-based tax hike industry leaders supported removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Related Articles National Politics | Judge delays Trump hush money sentencing in order to decide where case should go now National Politics | Republicans scramble to fill JD Vance’s Ohio Senate seat National Politics | Gaetz’s withdrawal highlights how incoming presidents often lose Cabinet nominees National Politics | What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump’s new pick for attorney general National Politics | Democrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own energy projects . Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over abuses at federal Indian boarding schools that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn’t translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by,” he said. “We haven’t seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. Brown reported from Billings, Montana.

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — UTR Sports, a global leader in tennis and pickleball player ratings and event management, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Stack Sports to incorporate TeamInn travel services. TeamInn, Stack Sports’ dedicated travel service platform, will now provide travel accommodations for UTR Sports tournaments and events, simplifying travel planning for players, coaches, officials, and fans. TeamInn by Stack Sports will offer streamlined, competitive travel booking solutions, enhancing the overall event experience and making it easier for the UTR Sports community to access high-quality accommodations at preferred rates. This expansion aligns with UTR Sports’ commitment to improving convenience for its global network, offering valuable support to those traveling to UTR Sports tennis and pickleball events. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Stack Sports to integrate TeamInn travel services, we are making travel easier and more affordable for our participants, officials, and families,” said Mark Leschly, Chairman and CEO of UTR Sports. “Our mission is to connect the tennis and pickleball communities around the world, and TeamInn is an important addition to that vision. Together with Stack Sports, we’re excited to enhance the event experience by offering seamless travel options tailored to our needs.” The addition of TeamInn to the UTR Sports ecosystem brings further operational efficiency and convenience, reinforcing UTR Sports’ role as a comprehensive service provider in the tennis and pickleball spaces. TeamInn offers a full suite of travel services, from hotel booking to exclusive group rates, ensuring that travel logistics are one less hurdle for participants and organizers. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Stack Sports to integrate Teaminn travel services and make travel easier and more affordable for our participants, officials, and families,” said Mark Leschly, Chairman and CEO of UTR Sports. “Our mission is to connect the tennis and pickleball communities around the world, and TeamInn is an important addition to that vision. Together with Stack Sports, we’re excited to enhance the event experience by offering seamless travel options tailored to our needs.” The TeamInn travel platform will be integrated across UTR Sports’ numerous events, including the UTR Pro Tennis Tour and various youth and amateur competitions, offering a unified solution for booking accommodations worldwide. This partnership underscores UTR Sports’ and Stack Sports’ dedication to enhancing player experiences and advancing sports engagement through comprehensive, innovative solutions. About UTR Sports: The mission of UTR Sports is to connect and grow the sports of tennis and pickleball with accurate global ratings, innovative events, and a global community centered around level-based play. The UTR Sports Platform is anchored by our patented ratings technology. UTR Sports provides the technology tools and solutions relevant and valuable to players, coaches, and organizers. UTR Sports is creating opportunities and pathways, including the UTR Pro Tennis Tour, for players from all over the world, in all stages of life, to find better matches and unlock a more fun, affordable, and flexible experience. About Stack Sports: With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars — Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/ . NEWS SOURCE: Stack Sports Keywords: Sports and Activities, TeamInn Travel Services, UTR Sports, tennis and pickleball player ratings and event management, DALLAS, Texas This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Stack Sports) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122494 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/utr-sports-partners-with-stack-sports-to-launch-teaminn-travel-services-for-tennis-and-pickleball/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Vladislov Goldin and Nimari Burnett scored 17 points apiece and Tre Donaldson and Danny Wolf posted double-doubles to lead Michigan to a 112-64 romp over Western Kentucky on Sunday night, snapping a six-game win streak for the Hilltoppers. Goldin made 7 of 8 shots with two 3-pointers and 1 of 2 free throws for the Wolverines (10-3), whose three losses this season have been by a combined five points. Burnett did most of his damage on 5-for-7 shooting from 3-point range. Donaldson totaled 12 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, while Wolf finished with 12 points and 10 boards for his sixth of the season. Sam Walters scored 13 off the bench for Michigan and Roddy Gayle Jr. pitched in with 11 points and four assists. Don McHenry sank three 3-pointers and scored 18 to lead Western Kentucky (9-4). Julius Thedford scored 11 on 3-for-16 shooting. Enoch Kalambay added 10 points. Gayle and Goldin both had 11 points to guide Michigan to a 59-31 advantage at halftime. The Wolverines shot 57.6% from the floor and made 11 of 21 from 3-point range in posting their highest scoring half of the season. The Wolverines topped the century mark on 3-pointer by Danny Wolf with 6:05 remaining for a 102-52 lead. It was the first time the two teams squared off in 17 years. Michigan has won 4 of 6 all time against the Hilltoppers. Michigan travels to play Southern California on Saturday in a Big Ten Conference matchup. Western Kentucky travels to play Liberty on Thursday in a Conference USA opener. ____ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-toWp-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

The slump in the number of people heading to the shops during Boxing Day sales signals a return to declining pre-pandemic levels, an analyst has said. Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.

Trump names envoy to Panama after urging US reassert control over canalNone

Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’

6 Most memorable friendships in My Hero AcademiaThe clock was ticking for the fate of the Kimbell Milling Company building, but a new buyer has hit the pause button — potentially saving the historic building from demolition. Bruce Conti’s Kimbell Place LLC purchased the endangered building from the Cenikor Foundation for $10 on Sept. 16, according to a special warranty deed reviewed by the Fort Worth Report. The sale took place just over two months after the city granted a six-month delay on the demolition process, allowing interested parties to seek alternatives for the site. As of this year, the 3.6199-acre property had an appraised value of $7.3 million, according to the appraisal district. The 25,000-square-foot building was constructed in 1929 and once served as the headquarters for a company owned by Kay Kimbell, namesake of the famed art museum in the Cultural District. Plans for the site have not yet been made public, and representatives from Kimbell Place LLC were unable to speak before publication. However, Cenikor’s early marketing for the property was targeted toward multifamily, industrial and mixed-use developers, as well as rehabilitation, hospital and art studio groups, according to city documents. The building is not far from the burgeoning South Main Street and Near Southside neighborhoods, which have attracted new apartment and retail developments in recent years. Regardless of the use, the building’s sale is a positive step forward that provides another opportunity for owners to seek higher levels of historic designations, said Jerre Tracy, the executive director of Historic Fort Worth, a nonprofit that advocates for preservation. Those designations would open up access to grant funding and further protection for the building, she said. “Kay Kimbell is still important to us every single day. We’re so lucky in Fort Worth to have that museum, and so, as a result, you don’t want to see (that presence) lessened in any way,” she said. “It’s wonderful that that building is now going to have a future. We don’t know fully what that future will be, but having a future is kind of key to having another opportunity.” The site gained its demolition delay designation from the City Council in 1995, which offers the lowest level of protection for historic properties by triggering a hold period when a demolition request is made. The Cenikor Foundation sought a permit for demolition after concluding it was “the only feasible and safe path forward.” “Ownership has attempted a years-long period marketing 2109 S. Main St. at below-market prices as well as investing in the abatement of all contaminated materials within the property hoping to entice a buyer or tenant,” the foundation wrote in its application to the city. “Unfortunately, there have been no reasonable offers and the property has become a liability due to squatters constantly occupying and damaging the property.” Historic Fort Worth sounded the alarms and sent an email to its list-serv of nearly 6,000 people following the city’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission meeting in July, Tracy said. “It’s just the power of sending to the public who follows us, and we’ve seen that before,” she said, noting the historic reuse of Shannon’s Funeral Home at 2717 Avenue B in the Polytechnic neighborhood. “It’s nice to see that it’s a vehicle to get to a new owner, which we wouldn’t have dreamed of when we started doing that.” Fellow preservation advocate and Northern Crain partner and broker, Will Northern, was also happy to learn of the property’s sale. “Historic preservation takes unique investors that can be patient,” he said. “Fort Worth is fortunate to have a community that supports historic preservation and sees the value in preserving the fabric of our city’s history through real estate.” The building’s sale is a step toward protection, but it doesn’t mean preservation is assured, cautioned Lorelei Willett, historic preservation officer for the city of Fort Worth. “If the new owner would like to do something, if they would like to demolish or if they want to upgrade the designation to historic and cultural, then you know that they’re just going to be conversations that we have to have,” she said. However, Willett said, she hopes the new owners will take advantage of the resources and connections within the city and Historic Fort Worth to consider potential options for the site. “It’s definitely a unique building,” she said, adding that the site is a “really fascinating and a really interesting reuse or rehabilitation project considering its location over here by Fairmount and the Magnolia corridor ... the hospital, all of that, so we will see. ” Marcheta Fornoff covers arts and culture for the Fort Worth Report. Reach her at marcheta.fornoff@fortworthreport.org . At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Your support makes TWICE the impact today. As November draws to a close , time is running out to double your impact. Thanks to the generosity of the Nicholas Martin Jr. Family Foundation, every dollar you give will be matched—up to $15,000. Will you give today to help trusted, local reporting thrive in Fort Worth and Tarrant County? Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site. You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate html code. You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org . You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Marcheta Fornoff, Fort Worth Report November 25, 2024A mother who slapped another woman to the face did so in retaliation for an incident involving her daughter, a court has heard. or signup to continue reading The assault took place at a residential unit block in Corowa back in February. Defence lawyer Hannah Straughan said Linda Elizabeth Willis, 54, and her 10-year-old daughter had since moved to Albury. Ms Straughan told Albury Local Court magistrate Sally McLaughlin the neighbour who Willis assaulted had, just the night before, thrown a bottle at her client's daughter over the fence while yelling abuse. There had been "ongoing issues within the unit complex". "She's not returned to the Corowa area," Ms Straughan submitted, after guilty pleas were entered to charges of common assault and destroy or damage property. Ms Straughan said it had been a salutary experience for Willis to come before the court, especially given she had also spent a night in custody after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She asked there be no conviction recorded for her client, but Ms McLaughlin said the offending meant there was no choice but to - a conviction, plus a fine of $1600. The court was told Willis was living in a unit at the Federation Avenue address when the incidents happened on February 2. A pedestrian access gate into the victim's backyard closed against the back wall of Willis's unit. The victim and Willis's mother, who also lived at the units, were carrying out some maintenance on the gate when Willis walked outside about 4.30pm. The other women were in the yard, while Willis was nearby in a common area. Police said Willis yelled at her mother: "You can f--- off, I don't want to see your f---ing face again, you f---ing c---." She then yelled at the victim that she was "nothing but a f---ing alcoholic". Willis continued abusing the women, making comments including "I've got a gun inside" and "I'm going to smash your windows". The final threat she yelled, at the other woman, was: "You're going to come home one day and find your f---ing car keyed". Her mother told her to settle down, but Willis instead stepped forward and used her open left hand to slap the other woman to the right cheek. The victim immediately felt a stinging pain, but wasn't injured. Willis walked back to her unit and the other women remained, the pair having a brief conversation before the victim headed back to her unit too. Shortly afterwards, Willis came out of her unit carrying what the victim saw was a small, sharp object "she believed to be a key". "[The victim] watched as the accused walked back past the rear of her black Holden four-wheel-drive wagon to the driver's side," police said. "[She] heard a single, loud scratch sound before the accused walked ... past and back into her own unit." The victim later found a 30-centimetre scratch to her vehicle so contacted police. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementPenn State kicks off Sunshine Slam by cruising past Fordham