ph365 download ios South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial lawInsurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule

LA Galaxy win record 6th MLS Cup

Conor McGregor ‘CONFIRMS’ £400m Logan Paul boxing match in India with UFC star set to receive insane purseBronx native Johnuel “Boogie” Fland, who plays basketball for the University of Arkansas as one of the top freshman standouts, is headed to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday for a tournament game he called “must-see TV.” “It’s gonna be electric,” said Fland in an interview with the Bronx Times. The Jimmy V Classic — a doubleheader tournament named for legendary coach Jim Valvano, who died of cancer in 1993 at age 47 — will be played at MSG as part of Jimmy V Week, which raises money for cancer research. Miami and Tennessee play at 6:30 p.m. with Arkansas taking on Michigan afterwards at 9 p.m. The games will air on ESPN. Arkansas has a 7-2 record as of Dec. 7 and is 14th in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Michigan Wolverines are 7-1, ranked seventh in the Big Ten. Photo courtesy Steinlight Media LLC The Jimmy V Classic may be a rare chance for New Yorkers to see Fland play before he is drafted into the NBA — which is all but certain to happen next year. In his young college career, he has already turned plenty of heads. He came to Arkansas as a top-rated point guard out of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, and his debut game against basketball powerhouse Kansas was “nothing short of spectacular,” according to Sports Illustrated . Fland also garnered recent attention for his clutch performance in the Dec. 3 game against Miami, where he scored 18 points, including a go-ahead three-point shot in the comeback win. Not bad for a kid from the Bronx, who grew up on East 170th Street and Grand Concourse playing AAU ball. Fland’s friends and family are still in the Bronx, and he makes it back to the borough pretty often, he said. Coming out of high school, Fland originally committed to the University of Kentucky, but when Naismith Hall of Fame coach John Calipari resigned to coach for Arkansas instead, Fland followed. Fland said he has a great relationship with Calipari. “He cares,” he said. “[Calipari] said nothing was gonna be handed, I have to go take it. And that’s kind of how the world works.” Moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, was a pretty big adjustment for a Bronx guy, but Fland called it “an adjustment for the greater,” as the quieter life has helped him focus more on basketball. “I’m actually liking it over here, I love it. The fans are great, the people are great.” As a freshman, he is taking general classes and also thinking about restarting a clothing line he used to have, which he said expresses “the swagger that comes from being in New York and the Bronx.” Fland said he juggles all his responsibilities by “staying focused on the main thing.” “I’ve been doing hoops and school for a long time, so I know how to balance the two,” he said. As for his NBA dreams, Fland said he has no ideal place to land — and wouldn’t even specify the New York Knicks. “Whichever [team] is best for me,” he’ll be happy with, he said. “I’m just happy I got myself into this position, to have a chance to even do that.” Of playing with the Knicks someday, “If it happens, it happens,” Fland said with a laugh. He wants to have a long career, be a positive influence on young people and meet more people in the basketball world. “Not a lot of people in New York have opportunities like these.” His advice to young players growing up in the Bronx? “Just keep working, you know. These opportunities are created by the ones before you. ... You got people rooting for you, and stay true to yourself.” Between the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden and his NBA dreams likely soon to come true, Fland said he’s grateful to have come this far. “These are the greatest times of my life right now.” Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimesEnzo Maresca has lifted the lid on Leicester’s promotion celebrations and revealed Jamie Vardy and co still know how to party. Maresca led the Foxes to the Sky Bet Championship title last season before joining Chelsea over the summer. Leicester famously toasted their improbable Premier League success in 2016 with an impromptu bash at Vardy’s house. But the venue for last April’s party was not at the striker’s abode, but at Maresca’s house when the players turned up unannounced at 2am. Maresca recalled: “The best present I had from last season was when we got promoted and they arrived at my home. All the team. “This showed the connection between the players; they could go for a party at a different place but they all arrived at my home. It was a fantastic connection and I will always be thankful for them. “I was at home celebrating with my staff and my family and about two o’clock in the morning all the squad was there. We celebrated all together. Last night at Enzo’s 🏡 💙 pic.twitter.com/dqP8BFsDn3 — Leicester City (@LCFC) April 27, 2024 “When I was a player and I won things I never thought to go to the manager’s home. That shows the connection.” Similarly to when they clinched the Premier League crown, Leicester were not actually playing when they found out they were promoted after Leeds lost at QPR. “To be honest I was at home watching the game and when it finished all the staff came over – and later the players,” added the Italian. “They didn’t knock on the door, they were in the garden and knocked on the window. What time did they leave? I don’t remember.” Vardy might not be having a party at the end of this season but he is still banging in the goals at 37 and Maresca rates the striker even more highly than England’s two top goalscorers – Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney. “People don’t realise how good he is,” added Maresca. “I know England have been quite lucky because of Kane and Rooney, this type of striker, they are fantastic. “But Jamie is, if you ask me, the best one.” Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium for the first time with Chelsea on Saturday, but he will be without captain Reece James due to a hamstring problem.

December 29, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan accused the United Arab Emirates on Saturday of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, which it labelled “terrorists”, and welcomed Turkey’s offer to mediate in the conflict. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry statement came in response to a UAE Foreign Ministry announcement welcoming Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the ongoing crisis. The UAE said it was ready to cooperate with Turkey and all diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and find a comprehensive solution to the crisis. It stressed the importance of negotiation to end the conflict and ensure a political process and national consensus toward a civilian-led government. Sudan has filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against the UAE, alleging it provided weapons and military equipment to the RSF through Chad. A similar complaint was lodged with the African Union. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry said the UAE’s claims of working towards peace in Sudan were “hollow and false” and accused it of escalating the conflict by supplying the RSF with weapons and mercenaries. “What is required is for the UAE to stop supplying the militia with weapons and mercenaries and to direct it to lay down its arms, and then peace will be achieved,” the statement said. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan offered to mediate in the conflict during a Dec. 13 phone call with the head of Sudan’s ruling council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The Sudanese army has refused to engage in any new negotiations with the RSF until the terms of the Jeddah Declaration signed by the two sides on May 11, 2023, are implemented, particularly the withdrawal from civilian areas.

Formerly strife-torn, this is now one of Europe’s coolest citiesFaisal Mohamed Saleh* The idea of a government-in-exile has resurfaced in discussions among Sudanese civil society groups and opponents of the Port Sudan government. This concept, championed by those who oppose the current military rule, proposes the formation of an exiled government that would delegitimize the authority of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and represent all groups rejecting the ongoing war and advocating for a return to a democratic path. Proponents of this idea argue that al-Burhan’s government lacks control over significant portions of Sudan, and this reality presents an opportunity for the opposition to provide services and care to citizens outside the government’s reach. While not entirely new, this concept is relatively unprecedented in Sudan’s history of political conflict. Historically, Sudanese opposition movements against military and dictatorial regimes have successfully formed alliances to lead resistance efforts. This was evident in the Graduates’ Congress, the Front of Entities that toppled Ibrahim Abboud’s regime in 1964, the National Alliance for National Salvation that ousted Nimeiri in 1985, and the National Democratic Alliance formed in the early 1990s to oppose al-Bashir’s rule. Despite the presence of armed factions and territories under opposition control during al-Bashir’s era, the notion of a government-in-exile was never raised. Why, then, is it being proposed now? Proponents of this idea have failed to provide compelling justifications. Furthermore, an examination of the potential outcomes reveals a risky venture that could lead to disastrous consequences. The most dangerous of these is the formal declaration of the country’s division, a calamity that wise minds are striving to avoid. Experiences in neighbouring countries like Libya, Syria, and Yemen demonstrate that governments in exile have not led to positive developments but rather legitimized divisions, hindering dialogue and negotiation from resolving conflicts. While it’s true that Sudan is currently divided between the government in Port Sudan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), this is a reality imposed by force of arms, and it should not be accepted or legitimized. The RSF has established local civilian administrations in areas under its control, but these lack genuine authority and serve merely as a facade for the RSF’s military power. A government-in-exile would likely suffer the same fate, becoming a mere shadow of the RSF. Should such a government be formed and attempt to exercise influence, it would only find it in RSF-occupied territories. It is unrealistic to expect those who have taken up arms, regardless of their affiliation, to submit to a civilian administration composed of politicians who have not participated in the fighting. More likely, they would exploit these political groups to advance their agendas. Even worse, a civilian political group would be burdened with the responsibility for all the atrocities committed by the RSF in areas under its control. The most crucial question is whether any country or international organization would recognize such a government-in-exile. Currently, there is no indication of international willingness to do so, and there is no reason to repeat failed experiments in the region. It is naive to assume that those who acknowledge the opposition as a significant voice in Sudanese affairs would be prepared to recognize them as a government-in-exile. This is a different matter and would be subject to complex calculations that ultimately would not favour a government-in-exile. * Former information and culture minister during first Hamdock’s transitional cabinet.

UFC flyweight debutee Kai Asakura has addressed fight fans publically for the first time since falling to Alexandre Pantoja in the UFC 310 main event. Kai Asakura’s bid to become the UFC’s second-ever Japanese-born champion fell short in the UFC 310 main event on Saturday in Las Vegas. After a quick ascent to a title shot in his debut, Alexandre Pantoja proved to Asakura that there are levels in the flyweight division, tapping Asakura by rear-naked choke. It was Asakura’s first flyweight appearance since 2017 and his first stoppage loss since a knockout defeat to former UFC title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi at Rizin 26. The elite striker wasn’t able to withstand Pantoja’s wrestling pace and pressure despite a torrid start. Hours after suffering his first UFC defeat, Asakura was brutally honest with his following on social media. READ MORE: Merab Dvalishvili shares the ‘real story’ behind crowd fight with Umar Nurmagomedov’s ally at UFC 310 Kai Asakura speaks on UFC 310 title loss to Alexandre Pantoja In a statement to his social media pages, Asakura addressed his following for the first time since UFC 310. “Thank you so much for all your support, I’m sorry I couldn’t repay you with results,” Asakura said. “He was a great champion and I was still weak. I didn’t reach it this time, but I’ll definitely climb up and become the champion. I’ve always done that, and I’ll keep doing it until I achieve it. I’ll come back stronger.” Asakura is just 31 years old and has plenty of time to right the ship in his UFC career. The loss snapped a two-fight winning streak over former Bellator champ Juan Archuleta and Yuku Motoya in Rizin. READ MORE: New footage reveals exactly what Dana White said in crude apology to Alexander Volkov after controversial UFC 310 loss Kai Asakura adds to resurgent UFC flyweight division Before signing with the UFC, Asakura made himself into a global star in a long-decorated tenure in Rizin. During his promotional stint, he earned wild soccer kick knockouts and cemented himself as one of the most dangerous flyweights in the world. Asakura won the then-vacant Rizin bantamweight championship by defeating Hiromasa Ougikubo at Rizin 23. After regaining the title against Archuleta last year, the UFC pushed hard to sign Asakura in free agency, after Asakura made his intentions known in a post-fight speech. As for Pantoja, he continues to prove himself as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world following another signature performance at UFC 310. Before the win over Asakura, Pantoja fought in his first career UFC pay-per-view headliner at UFC 301, defeating Steve Erceg by unanimous decision. Pantoja has cleaned house amongst most of the top flyweight contenders in the UFC. Asakura could potentially get right back in the title conversation with a win or two in 2025. For now, Asakura is still dealing with the agony of defeat as he plots his UFC comeback next year. While he’s disappointed in his performance, the loss to Pantoja could be the catalyst he needs to eventually earn the elusive UFC gold. READ MORE: ‘Stay in your lane’... Sean Strickland rages at Khamzat Chimaev despite beating out rival for UFC title shot

Ex-Nigerian gov insists of security agents be put to death, shares whyMitt Romney Leaves Senate With a Warning

Dylan Hernández: MLS deal with Apple TV could be hurting league's efforts to grow its fan baseWhy aren’t mobile homes considered among affordable housing fixes?

Blame it on the food and drink?

LA Galaxy wins record 6th MLS CupTrade Minister Cheong In-kyo speaks during an event in Seoul, Dec. 16. Yonhap Korea is expected to extend its on-year export gains to 15 consecutive months in December despite external challenges, Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said Friday. Cheong made the remark during a meeting with government officials, noting the country is also set to post a trade surplus for 19 straight months, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. "Ahead of the launch of the new United States administration, uncertainties at home and abroad concerning exports are escalating, especially in the wake of domestic political turmoil," Cheong said. "The government will maintain close communication with the private sector to minimize negative fallout while pursuing new opportunities, extending its efforts to provide full-fledged support to the economy and businesses," Cheong added. The ministry, meanwhile, said Korea's exports to seven out of nine major trade partners expanded on-year over the January-November period. Outbound shipments to China, the top trade partner, rose 6.4 percent over the period, driven by demand for chips, information technology products and petrochemical goods. Exports to the U.S. also jumped 11 percent, supported by strong performances in automobiles, machinery and chips, the ministry added. Over the first 20 days of December, Korea's exports increased 6.8 percent from the previous year due to growing demand for semiconductors, separate government data showed earlier this month. Korea is set to announce its full monthly trade report Wednesday. (Yonhap) To remove this article -Survey to assess impact of cash handout

The Pantone Color Institute has unveiled its highly anticipated Color of the Year for 2025: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a “warming, brown hue imbued with richness.” According to Pantone, the selection process for the Color of the Year involves an in-depth analysis of global trends and cultural movements. From art, technology and design to societal shifts and emotional undercurrents, the chosen color reflects the spirit of the times and resonates with what people need and desire most in their lives.Maresca led the Foxes to the Sky Bet Championship title last season before joining Chelsea over the summer. Leicester famously toasted their improbable Premier League success in 2016 with an impromptu bash at Vardy’s house. But the venue for last April’s party was not at the striker’s abode, but at Maresca’s house when the players turned up unannounced at 2am. Maresca recalled: “The best present I had from last season was when we got promoted and they arrived at my home. All the team. “This showed the connection between the players; they could go for a party at a different place but they all arrived at my home. It was a fantastic connection and I will always be thankful for them. “I was at home celebrating with my staff and my family and about two o’clock in the morning all the squad was there. We celebrated all together. Last night at Enzo’s 🏡 💙 pic.twitter.com/dqP8BFsDn3 — Leicester City (@LCFC) April 27, 2024 “When I was a player and I won things I never thought to go to the manager’s home. That shows the connection.” Similarly to when they clinched the Premier League crown, Leicester were not actually playing when they found out they were promoted after Leeds lost at QPR. “To be honest I was at home watching the game and when it finished all the staff came over – and later the players,” added the Italian. “They didn’t knock on the door, they were in the garden and knocked on the window. What time did they leave? I don’t remember.” Vardy might not be having a party at the end of this season but he is still banging in the goals at 37 and Maresca rates the striker even more highly than England’s two top goalscorers – Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney. “People don’t realise how good he is,” added Maresca. “I know England have been quite lucky because of Kane and Rooney, this type of striker, they are fantastic. “But Jamie is, if you ask me, the best one.” Maresca returns to the King Power Stadium for the first time with Chelsea on Saturday, but he will be without captain Reece James due to a hamstring problem.