zbet casino Fiona Byrne Don't miss out on the headlines from Fiona Byrne. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former tennis ace Andy Murray has thrilled golfers at the prestigious Metropolitan Golf Club in Oakleigh South by taking to the Club’s fairways. Murray was at the renowned sandbelt course on Thursday enjoying a casual round of golf with a friend while he was in Melbourne to film a commercial. It did not take long for fellow golfers to twig that they had a tennis great in their midst and it turns out Murray is no slouch with a golf iron. Since retiring from professional tennis in August following the Paris Olympics Murray has thrown himself into the game. Andy Murray at the Metropolitan Golf Club with a young golfer who spotted him on the fairways. Picture: Supplied/Instagram He reportedly plays off a handicap of seven and wants to get down to scratch in a few years. And with his competitive spirit, who would doubt his ability to do that? Murray happily posed for selfies with fellow golfers who politely approached him. Murray was announced in November as the new coach of tennis superstar Novak Djokovic. The pair will work together until at least the end of the Australian Open, which means Murray will be back in Melbourne next month. If Djokovic likes golf, Murray will know exactly where to take him when they are in town for the Open. He was reportedly very impressed with the Metropolitan. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Fiona Byrne Former high-flyer accused of stealing almost $500k A well-known face on Melbourne’s social circuit and ex-husband of a Miss Universe Australia beauty has been accused of stealing almost half a million dollars from his employer. Read more Fiona Byrne Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin announces engagement It is shaping up as a summer of love for Australian tennis star Alexei Popyrin who has popped the question to his long-time girlfriend Amy Pederick. Read moreDynavax to Present at the 7th Annual Evercore HealthCONx Conference

AIDS/HIV (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency Virus) caught everyone by surprise nearly four decades ago. Since then, 42 million people worldwide have succumbed to complications arising from AIDS, out of around 88 million infected persons. There are around 40 million people living with HIV worldwide. According to the latest reports, Sri Lanka has experienced a drastic surge in HIV/AIDS cases during the second half of 2024, marking the highest number of cases logged in a single quarter since 2009. Statistics released by the National STD/AIDS Control Program show 214 new HIV cases this year, reflecting an 18 percent increase compared to the previous quarter in 2023 (181 cases). Of the cases reported in the second quarter, 28 persons fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining persons are above 25. In Sri Lanka, 4,643 males and 1,472 females have contracted HIV since 2009. Today (December 1), on World AIDS Day, the world will focus on the progress made so far in the fight against AIDS and the steps that should be taken to eliminate the disease. There used to be a time when HIV/AIDS meant an automatic death sentence, but these days are gone now. Remarkable progress is being made on HIV treatment. This year’s World AIDS Day is being marked under the theme, “the world can end AIDS – if everyone’s rights are protected”. Ending AIDS needs engaging everyone who is living with, at risk for or affected by HIV – especially including people who have been excluded and marginalised. “With human rights at the centre, with communities in the lead, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” says UNAIDS, the United Nations (UN) agency specialising in AIDS/HIV control. As per UNAIDS, the substantial progress that has been made in the HIV response is directly linked to progress in protecting human rights of HIV patients and indeed, all others. In turn, the progress made on the HIV response has galvanised broader progress in realising the right to health and strengthening health systems in general. But gaps in the realisation of human rights and Universal Health Care (UHC) for all are keeping the world from getting on the path that ends AIDS and are hurting public health, and now a surge in attacks on rights is threatening to undermine the progress that has been made. The good news is that access to treatment, which in itself is a fundamental right, has risen significantly. As of the end of 2023, 77 percent of all people with HIV (around 30.7 million) were accessing Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) globally. Low-cost or no-cost access to HIV treatment is the key to the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat. No single prevention method or approach can stop the HIV epidemic. Several methods and interventions have proved effective in reducing the risk of, and protecting against HIV infection including male and female condoms, the use of antiretroviral medicines as pre-exposure medication, voluntary male medical circumcision, behavioural change interventions to reduce the number of sexual partners, the use of clean needles and syringes, and the treatment of people already living with HIV to reduce the viral load and prevent onward transmission. Thus access to HIV ART drugs and awareness campaigns on prevention are more important than ever. Everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, has a right to health, which is also dependent on adequate sanitation and housing, nutritious food, healthy working conditions and access to justice. The right to health is supported by, and linked to, a wider set of rights. Ending AIDS as a public health threat can only happen if these rights are placed at the centre of global health, so that quality health care is available and accessible for everyone. Almost all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are linked to health and achieving the SDGs, which include ending the AIDS epidemic, will depend heavily on ensuring the right to health. The right to health is firmly enshrined in our law, but even more importantly, it is deeply ingrained in the national psyche. Sri Lanka is one of the few developing countries that provide a completely free health care service. While there are no problems with regard to medical care for HIV patients, the bigger challenge is changing societal attitudes towards those living with HIV. There are still a lot of misconceptions about the disease, which have not been effaced even after sustained media campaigns. Every attempt should be made to educate the masses on the true nature of this disease and methods of transmission to end the social stigma faced by the victims. While today’s anti-HIV drugs can prolong the lives of patients to the point where most of them can reach the full natural lifespan, scientists have not lost sight of the ultimate goal – a cure and a possible vaccine. A greater understanding of our bodies’ complex immune systems is essential in this quest since AIDS is a disease that essentially cripples one’s immunity to disease. HIV is very adept at evading the body’s immune responses. The main way it does this is by developing mutations that enable the virus not to be recognised by a person’s immune system. At the same time it continues to replicate and reproduce itself. Controlling the behaviour of this virus will be the key to any eventual cure or vaccine. Judging by the progress made so far in the world of medicine, where certain diseases such as polio and smallpox have been eradicated from Earth, there is no doubt that scientists will achieve the same goal vis-à-vis AIDS/HIV within the next two or three decades. How to reach us If you would like to comment on the articles that appear in our editorial/opinion and features pages, please write to us at: editor.suo@lakehouse. If you have a news item to share with us, please send to: [email protected] If you wish to write a Letter to the Editor, a tribute, an opinion piece, feature article, a correction or a Right of Reply (RoR) under the guidelines of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL), you can forward them to: [email protected]Trump jokingly calls Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'Governor of the Great State of Canada'

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Traffic citations issued to Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill after a September altercation with police have been dismissed after the charging officers didn’t attend a court hearing. Hill’s tickets for careless driving and failing to wear a seat belt were dismissed after the Miami-Dade Police officers failed to show up for a Monday hearing. The tickets were issued after Hill was stopped outside Hard Rock Stadium for allegedly speeding before the Dolphins’ season opener on Sept. 8. The stop escalated and an officer pulled Hill from the car, forced him to the ground and handcuffed him. Hill said in a Tuesday post on the social platform X, “Where all the internet cops now.” The Miami-Dade Police Department said it would have a statement later Tuesday. Police body camera video from the September stop showed Hill appeared to speed past two motorcycle officers who were monitoring traffic on a road outside the stadium. They pulled over his McLaren sports car and one tapped on his window. Hill, 30, handed the officer his driver’s license, but told the officer repeatedly, “Don’t knock on my window like that.” He then put his window back up. Their verbal exchange escalated and the officers soon pulled him from the car, forcing Hill face-first to the ground. The officers cursed at Hill but he did not resist their physical force or strike at them in the video. He did tell one officer, “Don’t tell me what to do.” Hill was eventually stood up, but then an officer dragged him into a sitting position on the curb after he said a knee injury made that difficult. After about 30 minutes, Hill was issued citations and allowed to enter the stadium. One officer was placed on administrative duty and an internal affairs investigation was launched. No results have been released.

‘Living in a home that damages health the norm for far too many older people’

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNone

Srinagar, Nov 30: Regional News Unit, Akashvani Srinagar today organised a felicitation function at Akashvani Srinagar headquarters for its staff members included Casual News Editors, Casual News Reader cum Translators of Urdu, Kashmiri, Gojri, Pahari and Balti languages, District Correspondents, data entry operators and the contractual staff. Chief Guest Dr (Prof) Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqui, former VC, Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) in his address said news has the power to shape, reshape the socio-economic and political atmosphere of the world. Praising Akashvani Srinagar’s news delivery standards, he shared his personal connection with the station, highlighting his fondness for the flagship programs Sheherbeen and the evening news bulletins. Qazi Mohammad Salman, Joint Director of PIB Srinagar and Head of News, RNU, DDK Srinagar, highlighted the unwavering commitment to media neutrality as the cornerstone of news production and delivery at the RNUs of Radio and Doordarshan. “Media neutrality is the fundamental principle of newsmaking, and RNUs of Radio and Doordarshan have maintained this standard without compromise,” he stated. Acknowledging the professionalism of the RNU staff, Qazi Salman commended their meticulous efforts in ensuring news is authentic, balanced, and credible. “Before every news item is aired, a significant level of professionalism goes into its preparation to uphold authenticity and balance,” he added. Mohammad Rafi, former Director & Mission Advisor School Education, J&K Govt said, that Plurality and inclusivity have become the pillars of news delivery of Akashvani and Doordarshan. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisti, Deputy Director DIPR J&K said Akashvani Srinagar is historical in many respects being disciplined in its news delivery and has never compromised with the authenticity of the news. Radio is still relevant in this digital world and has maintained its place with the changing technology, he added. While appreciating this step by RNU Akashvani Srinagar, Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah, Author & Columnist said that this function is a significant recognition of the capabilities of its staff which is very important for community building within the institutions. Gh. Rasool Akhoon, Program Head, Akashvani Srinagar in his address appreciated the efforts of RNU Akashvani Srinagar for organising this felicitation function which will truly encourage the staff which is the jugular vein of the Regional News Unit. Dr Muslim Jan, former Assistant Professor, Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Kashmir University said that it is very encouraging that the students of MERC are excelling up in different media and at other prominent places which is very praiseworthy. The event commenced with a welcome address by Tariq Rather, Deputy Director and Head of News, RNU Akashvani Srinagar. He attributed the success of RNU Akashvani Srinagar to its professional and committed staff. “Akashvani RNU Srinagar has been a trusted source of timely and accurate news since 1948. This achievement is only possible because of the tireless efforts of our team, who work every day to meet our goal of reliable news delivery,” he remarked. The function was attended by Sunil Koul, Assistant Director, PIB Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad Dar, Assistant Director, RNU DDK Srinagar, Sheikh Mudasir Amin, Editor News DDK Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Rather, FPO, CBC, Srinagar and Ifham Ul Islam, IA, PIB Srinagar and all those who received certificates of appreciation. Ishfaq Ahmad Shah, News Editor, Akashvani Srinagar presented vote of thanks.ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!‘Living in a home that damages health the norm for far too many older people’PINE RIVER — Happy Dancing Turtle and Pine River-Backus Community Education will host the 19th Annual Back to Basics sustainable living event Feb. 15 at Pine River-Backus School. Workshops, vendors, exhibitors, lunch, door prizes and a keynote speaker are planned for the event which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attend the morning keynote address and the all-day vendor/exhibitor fair for free. Register to participate in a full day of workshops, choosing from over 50 offerings on topics such as food, DIY, gardening, health & wellness, and environmental sustainability. ADVERTISEMENT Benjamin Winchester, a rural sociologist with the University of Minnesota Extension’s Department of Community Development, will present the keynote, “Rewriting the Rural Narrative.” “Benjamin Winchester brings a fresh framing of opportunities and challenges of rural living, with a big emphasis on the opportunities. His enthusiasm is just contagious,” said Happy Dancing Turtle Executive Director Quinn Swanson in a news release. Running concurrently throughout the day will be the free Back to Basics vendor/exhibitor fair which requires no registration and is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit more than 50 booths of sustainably themed vendors and chat with knowledgeable people while stocking up on handmade and locally sourced foods, house goods, handmade herbal products and jewelry, clothing and more. “With new workshop presenters and topics like cheese making, small batch fiber processing, cooking Ayurvedically, biometeorology, carbon credit cash plus the variety of new and returning vendors/exhibitors, this will be an outstanding event,” Michelle Hoefs, one of the primary event coordinators, said. “The synergy of so many people sharing ideas, products, and information on sustainable living make for an inspiring day.” Happy Dancing Turtle is looking for helpers to contribute their time and energy for the event. In exchange for four hours of help, volunteers receive lunch, an event T-shirt, and will have the opportunity to attend workshops. Email b2b@happydancingturtle. org if you would like to volunteer or call 218-587-2303. Full-day registration for workshops is $40, with discounts for senior citizens and students. Á la carte options are also available. Participant registration opens Jan. 3; register online at www.happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics-workshops . Walk-in registration is available the day of the event, although some workshops may have filled. It is recommended to register early to reserve the workshops you wish to attend. ADVERTISEMENT