VICTORIA — A Vancouver Island First Nation whose people were the first to greet European explorers in the region almost 250 years ago is taking British Columbia to court, seeking title to their traditional territories and financial compensation. Chief Mike Maquinna, a descendent of Chief Maquinna who met British explorer Capt. James Cook in 1776, says the claim in B.C. Supreme Court seeks to return decision-making, resource and ecological stewardship to the Mowachaht/Muchalalaht First Nation. He says the province has been acting as the sole decision-making authority in the Gold River-Tahsis areas of northern Vancouver Island, especially with regards to the forest resource, without the consent of his nation. Hereditary Chief Jerry Jack says the claim filed today seeks title to about 430,000 hectares of land from Friendly Cove to Tahsis in the north and Buttle Lake in the east, and an undisclosed amount of financial compensation. Jack says the land title case does not make any claims against private land owners, home owners or recreational hunting and fishing operators. Jack says the First Nation decided against pursuing formal treaty talks with the federal and provincial government years ago and has been planning the land title court case "for many decades." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Dirk Meissner, The Canadian PressM&S SHOPPERS are gutted after the chain confirmed it axed a beloved festive flavoured liqueur. The announcement was made in a comment by the retailing giant on social media platform X. Advertisement 3 M&S confirmed it had axed a beloved festive flavoured liqueur Credit: Getty 3 It had previously sold a Trifle Flavour Cream drink Credit: Facebook/moneysaveronline M&S had previously sold its Trifle Flavour Cream in stores and it had amassed a loyal following of fans. The drink had been popular for many years before it seemingly disappeared from shelves. However, a comment on X by M&S earlier this week confirmed the liqueur would not be on sale this year. In response to a post asking the retailing giant if it would be stocking the drink, the chain said: "It doesn't look like we're doing the trifle flavour this year. Advertisement Read More on Christmas CHOCCING UP Shopper reveals how you can bag Quality Street and Celebrations tubs for £2.50 CHOC FULL Sainsbury's is selling an iconic retro Cadbury chocolate tin for just £5 "I'll let the Food Team know you'd like to see this again." In a Facebook post from 2020 about the drink, commenters laid praise on the unique drink's flavour. One user described the drink as "very nice", while another said how they "need this" in their life. The liqueur appears to have disappeared from shelves sometime in 2021, with regular posts on X calling for its return. Advertisement Most read in Money IN HOT WATER Top TV chef's restaurant chain collapses owing over £500,000 to creditors SHOPPER'S DELIGHT Fashion chain to open new Glasgow store TOMORROW and there's a treat LIGHTS OUT Shoppers fuming as iconic Glasgow Christmas staple vanishes from busy street Exclusive UN-BEAN-LIEVABLE Costa hit by shortages as customers complain food is missing from shelves In response to a query in October 2021, the retailer said it did not "appear to be stocking it this year". However, for almost every year since, fans have begged to be able to purchase the drink again, only to receive the same response from M&S that it won't be stocked . I tried the viral Christmas cookies from M&S, and they tasted like a festive party One user even described it has their "highlight of Christmas", While it was still stocked, it received heavy praise from its wide range of fans. Advertisement One user on Instagram described the "delicious" drink as "a bit like Baileys, only fruity, desserty, and boozy." Another on X said: "Loving my purchase of M&S trifle liqueur - it will get me through to Xmas". In 2022, a third said: "A couple of years ago M&S produced a trifle flavoured cream liqueur at Christmas and it was the most delicious thing. "Have been trying to find an acceptable substitute since!" Advertisement 'CHRISTMAS RUINED' This comes as the retailer axed another festive favourite from its shelves. The popular treat had only been in stores for a few short weeks but has already disappeared leaving them devastated. Customers were baffled when they went on the hunt for M&S Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls and the goodie was no where to be seen. One confused shopper penned a plea to the store which read: "Please don’t break my heart so close to Christmas.... Your chocolate and cinnamon tortilla rolls have disappeared from our local store and I can’t find them online. Advertisement "Say they’ll be back on the shelves again soon." A company spokesperson wrote back: "I'm truly sorry - we're no longer making these! "We'll let the food team know that you (and me and my mum) would love to see them make a return. "Fingers crossed." Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun WARMING UP Scots set for 21C swing as temperature rise to bring an end to sub zero freeze HOT BUY Shoppers race to Primark for fleecy £14 hoodie will keep you cosy on frosty days But fans were devastated by the confirmation. One said: "Christmas ruined M&S.....It’s gonna take a while to forgive you for this one". 3 M&S made the announcement about its Trifle Flavoured Liqueur earlier this week Credit: Getty

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks makes brutal admission as fans 'change mind'NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Paragon 28, Inc. (NYSE: FNA) between May 5, 2023 and September 20, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), and those who purchased Paragon 28 call options or sold put options during the Class Period, of the November 29, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Paragon 28 securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Paragon 28 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27557 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 29, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Paragon 28 understated its Adjusted EBITDA losses, required provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, cost of goods sold, operating loss; (2) Paragon 28 overstated its net inventories and gross profit; (3) Paragon 28 lacked adequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (4) Paragon 28 would be required to restate its financial statements to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, and; (5) as a result, defendants’ statements about Paragon 28’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Paragon 28 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=27557 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com

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US President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlmThe Bills' 40-14 throttling of the New York Jets was just another game in a long line of let downs for the Jets this season. In a year where expectations have never been higher, the Jets have underwhelmed at every turn. After a loss to the Bills, the Jets' record falls to 4-12, placing them 3rd in the AFC East with one game remaining. The playoffs have long been out of the question for New York, and the front office is likely contemplating how they can regroup for next season. Twelve losses in a season where the Jets were expected to make the playoffs is certainly weighing on the players in New York. Garrett Wilson was rather blunt in his postgame presser. Garrett Wilson on the #Jets effort level: "I always feel like we go out there, the vibe feels right, we're ready to play. Then we get our ass kicked." "We got our ass kicked," is a quote that illustrates the Jets are beaten down, worn out and clearly ready to move on to next season. NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule Aaron Rodgers and Sauce Gardner comment on Jets struggles Wilson isn't the only player who's feeling the effects of a woeful season. Several of the Jets' other star players were quite vocal after their most recent loss. Aaron Rodgers simply feels that this game, and the season, got away from the team. Aaron Rodgers on today's loss/the #Jets season as a whole: "The season just got away from us, too many games got away from us, this game got away from us." Saying, "This game got away from us" is a rather positive way to sum up 40-14 steam-rolling. You can't expect Rodgers to completely blow up in front of the media, but it's becoming quite clear that he's moved on to the next phase of his winding-down career. Much like Wilson, cornerback Sauce Gardner was quite honest with how he felt about the Jets' play as a team. Sauce: “We ‘enhanced our roster’ in all areas. So that just tells me — Idk bro. We can’t be playing as a team. We’re prob just individuals. Last yr + yr b4, we had a roster that wasn’t as talented but we found ways to win. So what’s stopping that now w/ a more talented roster?” Fellow cornerback D.J. Reed also had some strong comments after the game that could be interpreted as criticism of the offense. Reed was very frustrated after the game: "It comes down to complementary football, bro. We're playing a high powered offense. Josh Allen is the MVP runner up, whatever -- a great player. We gotta get shit going -- on offense, on special teams. You keep having our defense go out... And as ESPN's Rich Cimini also pointed out , the Jets were very undisciplined, which was a repeat scenario from earlier this season. The Jets had 16 penalties accepted by the Bills, their most in a game since 2018. It's the second straight game in which the Jets were plagued by yellow flags against the Bills. They had 27 accepted penalties against Buffalo across both games this season, the most by a team against one opponent since the '15 season. You can point to a lot of factors as to why the Jets may not be "playing as a team". The firing of Robert Saleh seems to be a key piece. General turmoil within the organization and front office are likely at play as well. As of now, Rodgers is expected to remain under center in Week 18. But at this point, the biggest questions revolve around what this roster and organization will look like in 2025 and beyond. MORE NFL WEEK 17: Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Week 17 NFL picks straight-up Week 17 NFL picks against the spread Week 17 NFL playoff picture

HARRISONBURG, Va. (AP) — Bryce Lindsay had 18 points in James Madison's 78-61 win against Utah Valley on Saturday night. Lindsay added five rebounds for the Dukes (6-4). Xavier Brown scored 12 points and added seven assists. AJ Smith went 4 of 6 from the field (2 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points, while adding seven rebounds and three steals. The Wolverines (4-5) were led in scoring by Osiris Grady, who finished with 12 points. Tanner Toolson added 10 points and two steals. Hayden Welling had nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Nano-scale dinosaur made by Australian researchers from DNA building blocksjili golden empire 。

NEW YORK — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Chuck Woolery hosts a special premiere of the "$250,000 Game Show Spectacular" at the Las Vegas Hilton on Oct. 13, 2007, in Las Vegas. Mark Young, Woolery's podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a tremendous man of faith, life will not be the same without him,” Young wrote. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. In 1983, Woolery began an 11-year run as host of TV’s “Love Connection,” for which he coined the phrase, “We’ll be back in two minutes and two seconds,” a two-fingered signature dubbed the “2 and 2.” In 1984, he hosted TV’s “Scrabble,” simultaneously hosting two game shows on TV until 1990. “Love Connection,” which aired long before the dawn of dating apps, had a premise that featured either a single man or single woman who would watch audition tapes of three potential mates and then pick one for a date. A couple of weeks after the date, the guest would sit with Woolery in front of a studio audience and tell everybody about the date. The audience would vote on the three contestants, and if the audience agreed with the guest’s choice, “Love Connection” would offer to pay for a second date. Woolery told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2003 that his favorite set of lovebirds was a man aged 91 and a woman aged 87. "She had so much eye makeup on, she looked like a stolen Corvette. He was so old he said, ‘I remember wagon trains.’ The poor guy. She took him on a balloon ride.” Other career highlights included hosting the shows “Lingo," “Greed” and “The Chuck Woolery Show,” as well as hosting the short-lived syndicated revival of “The Dating Game” from 1998 to 2000 and an ill-fated 1991 talk show. In 1992, he played himself in two episodes of TV’s “Melrose Place.” Woolery became the subject of the Game Show Network’s first attempt at a reality show, “Chuck Woolery: Naturally Stoned,” which premiered in 2003. It shared the title of the pop song in 1968 by Woolery and his rock group, the Avant-Garde. It lasted six episode and was panned by critics. Woolery began his TV career at a show that has become a mainstay. Although most associated with Pat Sajak and Vanna White, “Wheel of Fortune” debuted Jan. 6, 1975, on NBC with Woolery welcoming contestants and the audience. Woolery, then 33, was trying to make it in Nashville as a singer. “Wheel of Fortune” started life as “Shopper’s Bazaar,” incorporating Hangman-style puzzles and a roulette wheel. After Woolery appeared on “The Merv Griffin Show” singing “Delta Dawn,” Merv Griffin asked him to host the new show with Susan Stafford. “I had an interview that stretched to 15, 20 minutes,” Woolery told The New York Times in 2003. “After the show, when Merv asked if I wanted to do a game show, I thought, ‘Great, a guy with a bad jacket and an equally bad mustache who doesn’t care what you have to say — that’s the guy I want to be.’” NBC initially passed, but they retooled it as “Wheel of Fortune” and got the green light. After a few years, Woolery demanded a raise to $500,000 a year, or what host Peter Marshall was making on “Hollywood Squares.” Griffin balked and replaced Woolery with weather reporter Pat Sajak. “Both Chuck and Susie did a fine job, and ‘Wheel’ did well enough on NBC, although it never approached the kind of ratings success that ‘Jeopardy!’ achieved in its heyday,” Griffin said in “Merv: Making the Good Life Last,” an autobiography from the 2000s co-written by David Bender. Woolery earned an Emmy nod as host. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery served in the U.S. Navy before attending college. He played double bass in a folk trio, then formed the psychedelic rock duo The Avant-Garde in 1967 while working as a truck driver to support himself as a musician. The Avant-Garde, which toured in a refitted Cadillac hearse, had the Top 40 hit “Naturally Stoned,” with Woolery singing, “When I put my mind on you alone/I can get a good sensation/Feel like I’m naturally stoned.” After The Avant-Garde broke up, Woolery released his debut solo single “I’ve Been Wrong” in 1969 and several more singles with Columbia before transitioning to country music by the 1970s. He released two solo singles, “Forgive My Heart” and “Love Me, Love Me.” Woolery wrote or co-wrote songs for himself and everyone from Pat Boone to Tammy Wynette. On Wynette’s 1971 album “We Sure Can Love Each Other,” Woolery wrote “The Joys of Being a Woman” with lyrics including “See our baby on the swing/Hear her laugh, hear her scream.” After his TV career ended, Woolery went into podcasting. In an interview with The New York Times, he called himself a gun-rights activist and described himself as a conservative libertarian and constitutionalist. He said he hadn’t revealed his politics in liberal Hollywood for fear of retribution. He teamed up with Mark Young in 2014 for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and soon became a full supporter of Donald Trump while arguing minorities don’t need civil rights and causing a firestorm by tweeting an antisemitic comment linking Soviet Communists to Judaism. “President Obama’s popularity is a fantasy only held by him and his dwindling legion of juice-box-drinking, anxiety-dog-hugging, safe-space-hiding snowflakes,” he said. Woolery also was active online, retweeting articles from Conservative Brief, insisting Democrats were trying to install a system of Marxism and spreading headlines such as “Impeach him! Devastating photo of Joe Biden leaks.” During the early stages of the pandemic, Woolery initially accused medical professionals and Democrats of lying about the virus in an effort to hurt the economy and Trump’s chances for reelection to the presidency. “The most outrageous lies are the ones about COVID-19. Everyone is lying. The CDC, media, Democrats, our doctors, not all but most, that we are told to trust. I think it’s all about the election and keeping the economy from coming back, which is about the election. I’m sick of it,” Woolery wrote in July 2020. Trump retweeted that post to his 83 million followers. By the end of the month, nearly 4.5 million Americans had been infected with COVID-19 and more than 150,000 had died. Just days later, Woolery changed his stance, announcing his son had contracted COVID-19. “To further clarify and add perspective, COVID-19 is real and it is here. My son tested positive for the virus, and I feel for of those suffering and especially for those who have lost loved ones,” Woolery posted before his account was deleted. Woolery later explained on his podcast that he never called COVID-19 “a hoax” or said “it’s not real,” just that “we’ve been lied to.” Woolery also said it was “an honor to have your president retweet what your thoughts are and think it’s important enough to do that.” In addition to his wife, Woolery is survived by his sons Michael and Sean and his daughter Melissa, Young said. Germany players celebrate after Andreas Brehme, left on ground, scores the winning goal in the World Cup soccer final match against Argentina, in the Olympic Stadium, in Rome, July 8, 1990. Andreas Brehme, who scored the only goal as West Germany beat Argentina to win the 1990 World Cup final, died Feb. 20, 2024. He was 63. Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mulroney died at the age of 84 on Feb. 29, 2024. “The Godfather” producer Albert S. Ruddy died May 25 at 94. The Canadian-born producer and writer won Oscars for “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby,” developed the raucous prison-sports comedy “The Longest Yard” and helped create the hit sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes." A spokesperson says Ruddy died Saturday at the UCLA Medical Center. Ruddy produced more than 30 movies and was on hand for the very top and the very bottom. “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby” were box office hits and winners of best picture Oscars. But Ruddy also helped give us “Cannonball Run II” and “Megaforce,” nominees for Golden Raspberry awards for worst movie of the year. Larry Allen, one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL during a 12-year career spent mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, died June 2. He was 52. The Cowboys say Allen died suddenly on Sunday while on vacation with his family in Mexico. Allen was named an All-Pro six consecutive years from 1996-2001 and was inducted into the Pro Football of Hall of Fame in 2013. He said few words but let his blocking do the talking. Allen once bench-pressed 700 pounds and had the speed to chase down opposing running backs. Bob Hope and Janis Paige hug during the annual Christmas show in Saigon, Vietnam, Dec. 25, 1964. Paige, a popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 80s, died Sunday, June 2, 2024, of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, longtime friend Stuart Lampert said Monday, June 3. Parnelli Jones, the 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner, died June 4 at Torrance Memorial Medical Center after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, his son said. Jones was 90. At the time of his death, Jones was the oldest living winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Rufus Parnell Jones was born in Texarkana, Arkansas, in 1933 but moved to Torrance as a young child and never left. It was there that he became “Parnelli” because his given name of Rufus was too well known for him to compete without locals knowing that he wasn’t old enough to race. Boston Celtics' John Havlicek (17) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers' Chet Walker (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball playoff game April 14, 1968, in Boston. Walker, a seven-time All-Star forward who helped Wilt Chamberlain and the 76ers win the 1967 NBA title, died June 8. He was 84. The National Basketball Players Association confirmed Walker's death, according to NBA.com . The 76ers, Chicago Bulls and National Basketball Retired Players Association also extended their condolences on social media on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The Rev. James Lawson Jr. speaks Sept. 17, 2015, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Lawson Jr., an apostle of nonviolent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, has died, his family said Monday. He was 95. His family said Lawson died on Sunday after a short illness in Los Angeles, where he spent decades working as a pastor, labor movement organizer and university professor. Lawson was a close adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who called him “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” Lawson met King in 1957, after spending three years in India soaking up knowledge about Mohandas K. Gandhi’s independence movement. King would travel to India himself two years later, but at the time, he had only read about Gandhi in books. Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Jerry West, representing the 1960 USA Olympic Team, is seen Aug. 13, 2010, during the enshrinement news conference at the Hall of Fame Museum in Springfield, Mass. Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive, and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died June 12, the Los Angeles Clippers announced. He was 86. West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, was an NBA champion who went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called West “one of the greatest executives in sports history.” Actor and director Ron Simons, seen Jan. 23, 2011, during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, died June 12. Simons turned into a formidable screen and stage producer, winning four Tony Awards and having several films selected at the Sundance Film Festival. He won Tonys for producing “Porgy and Bess,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” and “Jitney.” He also co-produced “Hughie,” with Forest Whitaker, “The Gin Game,” starring Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” an all-Black production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the revival of "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf" and the original work “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” He was in the films “27 Dresses” and “Mystery Team,” as well as on the small screen in “The Resident,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Bob Schul of West Milton, Ohio, hits the tape Oct. 18, 1964, to win the 5,000 meter run at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Schul, the only American distance runner to win the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, died June 16. He was 86. His death was announced by Miami University in Ohio , where Schul shined on the track and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1973. Schul predicted gold leading into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and followed through with his promise. On a rainy day in Japan, he finished the final lap in a blistering 54.8 seconds to sprint to the win. His white shorts were covered in mud at the finish. He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1991. He also helped write a book called “In the Long Run.” San Francisco Giants superstar Willie Mays poses for a photo during baseball spring training in 1972. Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, died June 18. He was 93. The center fielder, who began his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, had been baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. He was voted into the Hall in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 followed only Babe Ruth on The Sporting News’ list of the game’s top stars. The Giants retired his uniform number, 24, and set their AT&T Park in San Francisco on Willie Mays Plaza. Mays died two days before a game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham , Alabama. Over 23 major league seasons, virtually all with the New York/San Francisco Giants but also including one in the Negro Leagues, Mays batted .301, hit 660 home runs, totaled 3,293 hits, scored more than 2,000 runs and won 12 Gold Gloves. He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, twice was named the Most Valuable Player and finished in the top 10 for the MVP 10 other times. His lightning sprint and over-the-shoulder grab of an apparent extra base hit in the 1954 World Series remains the most celebrated defensive play in baseball history. For millions in the 1950s and ’60s and after, the smiling ballplayer with the friendly, high-pitched voice was a signature athlete and showman during an era when baseball was still the signature pastime. Awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015, Mays left his fans with countless memories. But a single feat served to capture his magic — one so untoppable it was simply called “The Catch.” Actor Donald Sutherland appears Oct. 13, 2017, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sutherland, the Canadian actor whose wry, arrestingly off-kilter screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” died June 20. He was 88. Kiefer Sutherland said on X he believed his father was one of the most important actors in the history of film: “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.” The tall and gaunt Sutherland, who flashed a grin that could be sweet or diabolical, was known for offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman's "M.A.S.H.," the hippie tank commander in "Kelly's Heroes" and the stoned professor in "Animal House." Before transitioning into a long career as a respected character actor, Sutherland epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. He never stopped working, appearing in nearly 200 films and series. Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down — but still eccentric — roles in Robert Redford's "Ordinary People" and Oliver Stone's "JFK." More, recently, he starred in the “Hunger Games” films. A memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” is due out in November. Actor Bill Cobbs, a cast member in "Get Low," arrives July 27, 2010, at the premiere of the film in Beverly Hills, Calif. Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, died June 25. He was 90. A Cleveland native, Cobbs acted in such films as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum.” He made his first big-screen appearance in a fleeting role in 1974's “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." He became a lifelong actor with some 200 film and TV credits. The lion share of those came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, as filmmakers and TV producers turned to him again and again to imbue small but pivotal parts with a wizened and worn soulfulness. Cobbs appeared on television shows including “The Sopranos," “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street” and “Good Times.” He was Whitney Houston's manager in “The Bodyguard” (1992), the mystical clock man of the Coen brothers' “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994) and the doctor of John Sayles' “Sunshine State” (2002). He played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997), the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and the father on “The Gregory Hines Show." Cobbs rarely got the kinds of major parts that stand out and win awards. Instead, Cobbs was a familiar and memorable everyman who left an impression on audiences, regardless of screen time. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020. Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman speaks with the media Nov. 7, 2009, at his campaign headquarters in Austin, Texas. The singer, songwriter, satirist and novelist, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide offices, died June 27. He was 79 and had suffered from Parkinson's disease. Often called “The Kinkster" and sporting sideburns, a thick mustache and cowboy hat, Friedman earned a cult following and reputation as a provocateur throughout his career across musical and literary genres. In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys wrote songs with titles such as “They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” Friedman joined part of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976. By the 1980s, Friedman was writing crime novels that often included a version of himself, and he wrote a column for Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s. Friedman's run at politics brought his brand of irreverence to the serious world of public policy. In 2006, Friedman ran for governor as an independent in a five-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Friedman launched his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo. Martin Mull participates in "The Cool Kids" panel during the Fox Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on Aug. 2, 2018, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” died June 28. He was 80. Mull, who was also a guitarist and painter, came to national fame with a recurring role on the Norman Lear-created satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and the starring role in its spinoff, “Fernwood Tonight." His first foray into show business was as a songwriter, penning the 1970 semi-hit “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” for singer Jane Morgan. He would combine music and comedy in an act that he brought to hip Hollywood clubs in the 1970s. Mull often played slightly sleazy, somewhat slimy and often smarmy characters as he did as Teri Garr's boss and Michael Keaton's foe in 1983's “Mr. Mom.” He played Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie adaptation of the board game “Clue,” which, like many things Mull appeared in, has become a cult classic. The 1980s also brought what many thought was his best work, “A History of White People in America,” a mockumentary that first aired on Cinemax. Mull co-created the show and starred as a “60 Minutes” style investigative reporter investigating all things milquetoast and mundane. Willard was again a co-star. In the 1990s he was best known for his recurring role on several seasons on “Roseanne,” in which he played a warmer, less sleazy boss to the title character, an openly gay man whose partner was played by Willard, who died in 2020 . Mull would later play private eye Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development,” a cult-classic character on a cult-classic show, and would be nominated for an Emmy, his first, in 2016 for a guest run on “Veep.” Screenwriter Robert Towne poses at The Regency Hotel, March 7, 2006, in New York. Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer of "Shampoo," "The Last Detail" and other acclaimed films whose work on "Chinatown" became a model of the art form and helped define the jaded allure of his native Los Angeles, died Monday, July 1, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, said publicist Carri McClure. She declined to comment on any cause of death. Vic Seixas of the United States backhands a volley from Denmark's Jurgen Ulrich in the first round of men's singles match at Wimbledon, England, June 27, 1967. Vic Seixas, a Wimbledon winner and tennis Hall of Famer who was the oldest living Grand Slam champion, has died July 5 at the age of 100. The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced Seixas’ death on Saturday July 6, 2024, based on confirmation from his daughter Tori. In this June 30, 2020, file photo, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., speaks to reporters following a GOP policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Former Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma died July 9. He was 89. The family says in a statement that the Republican had a stroke during the July Fourth holiday and died Tuesday morning. Inhofe was a powerful fixture in state politics for decades. He doubted that climate change was caused by human activity, calling the theory “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.” As Oklahoma’s senior U.S. senator, he was a staunch supporter of the state’s military installations. He was elected to a fifth Senate term in 2020 and stepped down in early 2023. The Oak Ridge Boys, from left, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen and William Lee Golden hold their awards for Top Vocal Group and Best Album of the Year for "Ya'll Come Back Saloon", during the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., May 3, 1979. Bonsall died on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 76. A Philadelphia native and resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, which originally formed in the 1940s. He saw the band through its golden period in the '80s and beyond, which included their signature 1981 song “Elvira.” The hit marked a massive crossover moment for the group, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100. The group is also known for such hits as 1982’s “Bobbie Sue." Shelley Duvall poses for photographers at the 30th Cannes Film Festival in France, May 27, 1977. Duvall, whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick's “The Shining,” died July 11. She was 75. Dr. Ruth Westheimer holds a copy of her book "Sex for Dummies" at the International Frankfurt Book Fair 'Frankfurter Buchmesse' in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. Westheimer, the sex therapist who became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics, died on July 12, 2024. She was 96. Richard Simmons sits for a portrait in Los Angeles, June 23, 1982. Simmons, a fitness guru who urged the overweight to exercise and eat better, died July 13 at the age of 76. Simmons was a court jester of physical fitness who built a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better. Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who shared his hard-won weight loss tips as the host of the Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Show" and the “Sweatin' to the Oldies” line of exercise videos, which became a cultural phenomenon. Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones died July 14 at age 40. Jones' 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. The Houston Texans were Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career. They announced his death on Sunday. In a statement released by the NFL Players Association, his family said he died at his home in New Orleans. A cause of death was not given. Jones played from 2007-15 for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He made several huge plays for the Ravens during their most recent Super Bowl title season, including that kick return. The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star whose life and career were roiled by tabloid stories, Shannen Doherty died July 13 at 53. Doherty's publicist said the actor died Saturday following years with breast cancer. Catapulted to fame as Brenda in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” she worked in big-screen films including "Mallrats" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and in TV movies including "A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story," in which she played the "Gone with the Wind" author. Doherty co-starred with Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano in the series “Charmed” from 1998-2001; appeared in the “90210” sequel series seven years later and competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010. Actor James Sikking poses for a photograph at the Los Angeles gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Organization for Women, Dec. 1, 1986. Sikking, who starred as a hardened police lieutenant on “Hill Street Blues” and as the titular character's kindhearted dad on “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” died July 13 of complications from dementia, his publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement. He was 90. Pat Williams chats with media before the 2004 NBA draft in Orlando, Fla. Williams, a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and someone who spent more than a half-century working within the NBA, died July 17 from complications related to viral pneumonia. The team announced the death Wednesday. Williams was 84. He started his NBA career as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968, then had stints as general manager of the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks and the 76ers — helping that franchise win a title in 1983. Williams was later involved in starting the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando. The league’s board of governors granted an expansion franchise in 1987, and the team began play in 1989. Lou Dobbs speaks Feb. 24, 2017, at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and veteran cable TV host who was a founding anchor for CNN and later was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, died July 18. He was 78. His death was announced in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.” He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on Fox from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN. No cause of death was given. Bob Newhart, center, poses with members of the cast and crew of the "Bob Newhart Show," from top left, Marcia Wallace, Bill Daily, Jack Riley, and, Suzanne Pleshette, foreground left, and Dick Martin at TV Land's 35th anniversary tribute to "The Bob Newhart Show" on Sept. 5, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Newhart has died at age 94. Jerry Digney, Newhart’s publicist, says the actor died July 18 in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. The accountant-turned-comedian gained fame with a smash album and became one of the most popular TV stars of his time. Newhart was a Chicago psychologist in “The Bob Newhart Show” in the 1970s and a Vermont innkeeper on “Newhart” in the 1980s. Both shows featured a low-key Newhart surrounded by eccentric characters. The second had a twist ending in its final show — the whole series was revealed to have been a dream by the psychologist he played in the other show. Cheng Pei-pei, a Chinese-born martial arts film actor who starred in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” died July 17 at age 78. Her family says Cheng, who had been diagnosed with a rare illness with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, passed away Wednesday at home surrounded by her loved ones. The Shanghai-born film star became a household name in Hong Kong, once dubbed the Hollywood of the Far East, for her performances in martial arts movies in the 1960s. She played Jade Fox, who uses poisoned needles, in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was released in 2000, grossed $128 million in North America and won four Oscars. Abdul “Duke” Fakir holds his life time achievement award backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. The last surviving original member of the Four Tops died July 22. Abdul “Duke” Fakir was 88. He was a charter member of the Motown group along with lead singer Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. Between 1964 and 1967, the Tops had 11 top 20 hits and two No. 1′s: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and the operatic classic “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Other songs, often stories of romantic pain and longing, included “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette” and “Just Ask the Lonely.” Sculptress Elizabeth Catlett, left, then-Washington D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Dixon, center, and then-curator, division of community life, Smithsonian institution Bernice Johnson Reagon chat during the reception at the Candace awards on June 25, 1991 in New York. Reagon, a musician and scholar who used her rich, powerful contralto voice in the service of the American Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles around the world, died on July 16, 2024, according to her daughter's social media post. She was 81. John Mayall, the British blues musician whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars, died July 22. He was 90. He is credited with helping develop the English take on urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the late 1960s. A statement on Mayall's official Instagram page says he died Monday at his home in California. Though Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s, pounding out his version of Chicago blues. Erica Ash, an actor and comedian skilled in sketch comedy who starred in the parody series “Mad TV” and “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” has died. She was 46. Her publicist and a statement by her mother, Diann, says Ash died July 28 in Los Angeles of cancer. Ash impersonated Michelle Obama and Condoleeza Rice on “Mad TV,” a Fox sketch series, and was a key performer on the Rosie O’Donnell-created series “The Big Gay Sketch Show.” Her other credits included “Scary Movie V,” “Uncle Drew” and the LeBron James-produced basketball dramedy “Survivor’s Remorse.” On the BET series “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” Ash played the ex-wife of Kevin Hart’s character. Jack Russell, the lead singer of the bluesy '80s metal band Great White whose hits included “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me” and was fronting his band the night 100 people died in a 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. He was 63. Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer whose antics on the greens and inspiring life story made him among the sport’s most popular players during a long professional career, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. Susan Wojcicki, the former YouTube chief executive officer and longtime Google executive, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, after suffering with non small cell lung cancer for the past two years. She was 56. Frank Selvy, an All-America guard at Furman who scored an NCAA Division I-record 100 points in a game and later played nine NBA seasons, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. He was 91. Wallace “Wally” Amos, the creator of the cookie empire that took his name and made it famous and who went on to become a children’s literacy advocate, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, from complications with dementia. He was 88. Gena Rowlands, hailed as one of the greatest actors to ever practice the craft and a guiding light in independent cinema as a star in groundbreaking movies by her director husband, John Cassavetes, and who later charmed audiences in her son's tear-jerker “The Notebook,” died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. She was 94. Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” died. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 He was 98. Alain Delon, the internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. He was 88. Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that brought success to Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and many others, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, after a long illness. He was 88. Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. He was 87. John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots,” died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. He was 84. James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film “Gidget,” died Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. He was 88. James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Sept. 9 at home. Jones was a pioneering actor who eventually lent his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader. Working deep into his 80s, he won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. Frankie Beverly, who with his band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77. His family said in a post on the band’s website and social media accounts that Beverly died Sept. 10. In the post, which asked for privacy, the family said “he lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The post did not say his cause of death or where he died. Beverly, whose songs include “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” finished his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. Joe Schmidt, the Hall of Fame linebacker who helped the Detroit Lions win NFL championships in 1953 and 1957 and later coached the team, has died. He was 92. The Lions said family informed the team Schmidt died Sept. 11. A cause of death was not provided. One of pro football’s first great middle linebackers, Schmidt played his entire NFL career with the Lions from 1953-65. An eight-time All-Pro, he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and the college football version in 2000. Born in Pittsburgh, Schmidt played college football in his hometown at Pitt. Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the “Karate Kid” movies and the son of the late actor and racer Steve McQueen, died Sep. 11. His lawyer confirmed his death at age 63. McQueen's family shared a statement on social media saying he lived a life “filled with love and dedication.” McQueen was a professional race car driver, like his father, and competed in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, who is an actor best known for “The Vampire Diaries.” Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, died at age 70 on Sept. 15. Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet. The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. They signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown empire in the 1960s. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.” John David “JD” Souther has died. He was a prolific songwriter and musician whose collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt helped shape the country-rock sound that took root in Southern California in the 1970s. Souther joined in on some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, such as “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight." The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee also collaborated with James Taylor, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt and many more. His biggest hit as a solo artist was “You’re Only Lonely.” He was about to tour with Karla Bonoff. Souther died Sept. 17 at his home in New Mexico, at 78. In this photo, JD Souther and Alison Krauss attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in New York. Sen. Dan Evans stands with his three sons, from left, Mark, Bruce and Dan Jr., after he won the election for Washington's senate seat in Seattle, Nov. 8, 1983. Evans, a former Washington state governor and a U.S. Senator, died Sept. 20. The popular Republican was 98. He served as governor from 1965 to 1977, and he was the keynote speaker at the 1968 National Republican Convention. In 1983, Evans was appointed to served out the term of Democratic Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson after he died in office. Evans opted not to stand for election in 1988, citing the “tediousness" of the Senate. He later served as a regent at the University of Washington, where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance bears his name. Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who starred for the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins as part of a star-studded backfield and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles, died Sept. 21. He was 77. The team on Sunday confirmed the death of Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In a statement, his family said his “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.” Morris was the starting halfback and one of three go-to runners that Dolphins coach Don Shula utilized in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons of 1972 and 1973, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both of those seasons. John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. He was 76. Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, died Sept. 27 at 89. Smith's publicist announced the news Friday. She was frequently rated the preeminent British female performer of a generation that included Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. “Jean Brodie” brought her the Academy Award for best actress in 1969. Smith added a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978. Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and an A-list Hollywood actor, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 88. Drake Hogestyn, the “Days of Our Lives” star who appeared on the show for 38 years, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 70. Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan,” died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at age 86. Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58. Frank Fritz, left, part of a two-man team who drove around the U.S. looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show “American Pickers,” died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 60. He's shown here with co-host Mike Wolfe at the A+E Networks 2015 Upfront in New York on April 30, 2015. Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 83. Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in her New Jersey home. She was 91. Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, her family said. She was 96. Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said. He was 31. Mitzi Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the Hollywood musical, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. She was 93. Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. He was 63. Jack Jones, a Grammy-winning crooner known for “The Love Boat” television show theme song, died, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. He was 86. Phil Lesh, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at age 84. Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," died Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024. She was 79. Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, died Sunday, Nov 3, 2024. He was 91 Bobby Allison, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. He was 86. Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Queen Woo,” was found dead at his home in capital Seoul, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. He was 39. British actor Timothy West, who played the classic Shakespeare roles of King Lear and Macbeth and who in recent years along with his wife, Prunella Scales, enchanted millions of people with their boating exploits on Britain's waterways, died Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. He was 90. Bela Karolyi, the charismatic if polarizing gymnastics coach who turned young women into champions and the United States into an international power in the sport, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. He was 82. Arthur Frommer, whose "Europe on 5 Dollars a Day" guidebooks revolutionized leisure travel by convincing average Americans to take budget vacations abroad, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 95. Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, a three-time All-Star who spent 11 years in the NBA, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 81. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

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DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania

Eleventh-hour decisions to enter the Hannover Re Half-Marathon paid off for Chris Estwanik and Christine Dailey as they triumphed in Sunday’s race. In a field of 99 competitors, the 44-year-old Estwanik cruised to victory in 1hr 18 min 19 sec at John Smith's Bay. Close behind was Thomas Mills, the 2022 winner, in 1:19:43, with last year’s champion Adam Prunty third in 1:21:14. Dailey, 37, successfully defended her women’s title, finishing in 1:27:27 and securing seventh overall. Teresa Ruiz claimed second in the women’s race in 1:32:50, narrowly ahead of Megan Berry, who clocked 1:33:11 for third. Estwanik, an eight-time Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby winner, expressed his delight at clinching his first victory in one of the island’s oldest races. “I’m just excited to be back out running and being part of the crowd,’’ Estwanik told The Royal Gazette . “This race is growing every year, and I had never done it in all the time I've lived here. It was fun to do something different — a half-marathon before the New Year. “We had great conditions and a beautiful course. It was a bit windy, and like anything in Bermuda, there were plenty of hills, but we had fun. Tom and Adam are phenomenal runners, so it was fun running with them for a bit. Towards the end, I remembered how to do this and finished strong. “I have no big plans for the season. I may turn up occasionally, but I’m just enjoying life and doing fun stuff like this when I feel like it.” Mills, who dashed off to compete in the Pickleball National Championships at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium after the half-marathon, was content with his second-place finish. “I’m pleased to come second, which is really as good as you can hope for if Chris is running,” he said. “I’m looking to run a few more local races in the next few months and try to be competitive. The Hannover Re is a good race that comes at a nice time of the year when the weather is a bit more comfortable.” Dailey reflected on the absence of Gayle Lindsay, who had beaten her a week earlier in the PartnerRe Women’s 5K. “I missed Gayle today. I would have run faster if she was here,” Dailey said. “It’s nice to have that little push when you run. I ran with Allan Fox the whole time, and we pushed each other all the way. He was an awesome guy to run with. “I didn’t go into the race looking for a personal best. My goal was just to have a good long run because I haven’t done one since my last half-marathon in Toronto. Now I’m back for some long runs, and I might do the January races. I’m particularly interested in the 10K because I haven’t done that in a while.” Ruiz, who held off a strong challenge from Berry, was thrilled to achieve her personal best. The 30-year-old improved on her 1:32:50 from last year and is gearing up for the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge in January. “It feels good to finish second again. It was a tough course on a windy day,” Ruiz said. “I didn’t expect to do this well, but I felt strong towards the end. I’m training for the three races in January, but I might also sign up for races abroad in the spring because that’s when I feel stronger.” Among the younger competitors, Warwick Academy student Nate Snelling ran the race to raise funds to combat homelessness in Bermuda. He achieved his goal of finishing under two hours with a time of 1:59:40, placing second in the 17-and-under age bracket behind schoolmate Jake Smith. “I ran a sub-two-hour race, which was what I was aiming for,” the 17-year-old said. “I did make a wrong turn, which cut off five or six minutes from my time, but it actually motivated me to go faster. I’m glad I sprinted at the end to finish under two hours.” “Over the course of a month, I e-mailed people and posted on social media to promote the run. We’ve raised $15,500 for the charity home, which provides shelter and rehabilitation services for the homeless. “It’s really great what they’re doing over there on Court Street. They’ve got excellent services that genuinely help people, so I thought it was a worthy cause. “I’m just grateful I could give back to the community by doing something I enjoy. This was my third half-marathon, and I’m actually trying to get fit to play for the Bermuda under-19 rugby team.”Trump says US should stay out of fighting in Syria as opposition forces gain ground

Chinese Self-Driving Firm Pony AI Grabs Retail Attention With Strong Nasdaq DebutSyrian rebels advance on Damascus

Beirut, Dec 7 (AP) Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated on Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumours that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. Also Read | 'Matter of Immense Pride for India': PMO on Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad's Elevation As Cardinal by Pope Francis. The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture is a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began November 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. Also Read | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Survives Impeachment Over Martial Law Declaration As His Party Leaders Boycott Vote. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria's state media denied social media rumours that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a UN resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkiye and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians”. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began November 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city. Opposition activists said on Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkiye, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkiye is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. “Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's “territorial integrity”. He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)The United States on Saturday announced a new $988 million security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump's November election victory has cast doubt on the future of American aid for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be disbursed before he is sworn in next month. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Trump met in Paris earlier Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said any resolution of the war with Russia should be a "just" settlement that includes "strong security guarantees for Ukraine." The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. The latest aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield. It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armor weapons. The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump -- who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- takes over. Trump's comments have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further American support. "Our job has been to try and put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Saturday. In the closing weeks of Biden's term, the goal is "a massive surge of assistance and to up the economic pressure on Russia," he said. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday warned that failure to continue opposing Russia's actions would have dire consequences. "We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin. Or we can let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin have his way -- and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict," said Austin, who like Sullivan was speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. "This administration has made its choice. And so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice." The defense chief also emphasized the importance of US allies and partners in his remarks -- a contrast to Trump's go-it-alone "America first" world view. "Here is the stark military fact: our allies and partners are huge force multipliers," Austin said. "Ultimately, America is weaker when it stands alone. And America is smaller when it stands apart," he said. "There is no such thing as a safe retreat from today's interwoven world." The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging a coalition to back Kyiv after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and coordinating aid from dozens of countries. Ukraine's international supporters have since then provided tens of billions of dollars in weapons, ammunition, training and other security aid that has been key to helping Kyiv resist Russian forces. wd/mlm/acb

Interrogating the Controversy Over Tax Reform BillsChuck Woolery, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Game Host, Dead at 83

Fox attorneys seek to dismiss shareholder lawsuit over reporting of vote rigging allegations in 2020Jaguar’s new branding | Sport and Israel | Jonathan Liew’s words | ‘Remote’ Scotland | CapitalismWoolworths has responded to shoppers who are currently “on the hunt” for a limited-edition after it was described as “unbelievable” by several popular foodies. The Australian retailer recently released its festive food collection into stores across the country, offering over 100 new products designed to help “take the pressure” off Christmas. While the new additions to supermarket shelves contained a number of festive favourites and classic dishes enjoyed over the holiday season, there was one new product that really caught the attention of food-loving Aussies. The Woolworths Biscoff Trifle is priced at $35 for a 1.4kg tub, and offers a modern twist on the cult-dessert item, often consumed at Christmas. Instead of the traditional sherry-flavoured sponge cake that is layered with custard, jelly and fruit, Woolworths has woven the popular biscuit spread throughout the classic recipe. Think a creamy Biscoff custard, layered with light vanilla sponge then paired with the iconic spread. It’s then topped with a classic Biscoff cookie crumble. If you think that sounds like heaven, you’re not alone, with TikTok foodies taking to social media in droves to rave about the item. Melbourne vlogger Nectorious Papi told news.com.au the Christmas release was “worth every cent” – despite its larger than expected price tag. “No shortage of Biscoff was spared and it is layers upon layers of deliciousness,” he said. “In my opinion it’s one of the best Biscoff releases that we’ve had in recent times.” 'None on shelves' Hunt for new Woolies item. Picture: TikTok/Woolworths Logan Reserve The Three Food Guys declared the item 'unbelievable'. Picture: TikTok/NectoriousPapi Foodies lose their minds over $35 item The foodie, who co-hosts the popular Three Food Guys Podcast with fellow foodies Ange Eats and Dub Eats Everything, added that part of the allure of Biscoff is that no one really knows exactly what it is. “I believe people love Biscoff in Australia as we’ve been used to chocolate and peanut butter spreads and then came Biscoff which is one of those spreads you can’t even describe,” he shared. “Is it cinnamon, is it caramel? It’s amazing, that’s all I know. Also it’s vegan so it caters to a much wider audience too.” In a video the trio shared, Ange Eats described the dessert as “f**king unbelievable” and told Aussies they “need to try” the sweet product. “Look at the layers on this,” Dub Eats Everything added. “We’re going to demolish this.” Nick Vavitis – the mastermind behind cult-dessert brand Choclt – said it was ‘beautiful’. Picture: TikTok/NickVavitis The boys aren’t the only fans, with Melbourne food entrepreneur Nick Vavitis – the mastermind behind cult-dessert brand Choclt – telling news.com.au the Woolies Biscoff Trifle was “beautiful”. The sweet-treat fan, who is famed for doing food reviews inside his vehicle, said it “captures the taste of Christmas”. “Times like this is why it’s so important to carry a spoon in your car because there is a Biscoff trifle out in the wild which is BEAUTIFUL,” Mr Vavitis said. “I love how there is so many different textures and layers through it. You’re really getting a full Biscoff experience.” Shoppers ‘on the hunt’ for Woolies Biscoff Trifle Meanwhile other social media users, such as Samantha Khater and the team at Sweet Sundayz, also described the festive product as “unreal” and “crazy”. Many raved about the $35 Christmas item. Picture: TikTok/SweetSundayz But it’s popularity meant that some struggled to find it in stores. Picture: TikTok/createwithcarlie Woolworths said shoppers who find 'bone on shelves' should check the store availability function. Picture: TikTok/createwithcarlie But despite the rave reviews, some shoppers pointed out in the comments section that the trifle was “impossible to find anywhere”. “I looked everywhere for this, it’s sold out near me! Just their regular trifle was in stock,” one lamented. “Yeh you can’t get them anywhere,” another agreed. One “hopeful” shopper even documented her “hunt” to find the popular product, reporting there were “none on the shelves” at any stores she visited. Woolies responds to Biscoff Trifle frenzy Woolworths told news.com.au that “due to the popular demand, customers are encouraged to check the in store availability function on our website to see where it is available at their local store”. “Australia’s love affair with Lotus Biscoff continues to grow, with millions of products flying off our shelves every year,” Donald Keith, Woolworths Merchandise Manager for Bakery, added. “Which is why we’ve partnered with Lotus Biscoff to bring Aussies this decadent new trifle just in time for Christmas. “The Lotus Biscoff Trifle captures the iconic flavour in a convenient and festive way, perfect for sharing with loved ones this holiday season.” More Coverage Common act explains Aus divorce rates spike Rebekah Scanlan Shock find in pimple mum ‘squeezed too hard’ Claudia Poposki Originally published as Woolies responds as shoppers ‘hunt’ for new $35 Biscoff Trifle Eat Don't miss out on the headlines from Eat. Followed categories will be added to My News. More related stories Eat Surprise reaction to bare shelves at Woolies Australians have been left facing empty shelves thanks to a supermarket warehouse strike — and some are saying it’s worse than the pandemic. Read more Eat Major change for popular fast-food chain The popular fast-food chain has announced the major change which will impact multiple stores across the country. Read more

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SHOPPERS are running to get their hands on these Christmas trees, which cost as little as £13.99. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Aldi and Lidl, where savvy buyers can nab a small, medium or large tree at a heavily discounted price. If you're heading to Aldi you can bag a large Nordman fir for just £19.99, which measures a whopping 200cm. For just £13.99 you can get a medium sized tree that measures between 160 and 180cm. There are even more discounts to be found at Lidl which is offering a whole array of festive items. For just £16.99 you can buy a medium sized Christmas tree that has been "hand pruned" giving it its unique "full" and "bushy" shape. Read more on Money It boasts "soft but strong" needles, according to the discount supermarket's site, and is "ideal" for decorating. The website recommends sawing off 5cm off the base of the trunk and placing the tree in a water holding stand. To get the best out of your festive fir, Lidl suggests keeping the water topped up daily as, just like flowers the tree will need hydration. For those with a bigger space, the superstore is offering a large Christmas tree for a staggering £26.99. Most read in Money This is a massive discount compared to other retailers where Christmas trees can often cost hundreds of pounds. Just like its smaller friend, the large fir has been pruned to give it a "bushy shape". Its strong needles and branches are also "ideal" for decorating, according to the website. You can even get your hands on a festive wreath for as little as £7.99 or a deluxe version for just £11.99. All of these items are available to buy in the Lidl store. For more information on how to get the best bargains, go to Trolley.co.uk where you'll find price comparisons for thousands of products. JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal. There are plenty of comparison websites out there that'll check prices for you - so don't be left paying more than you have to. Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers. Here are some that we recommend: Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results. Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock. Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one. CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of This comes as a man has revealed that his food shop costs him around just £30 a week thanks to Aldi and Lidl buys. Cameron, a content creator who regularly shares tips on how to save cash online, recently swore by eight hacks that’ll help you pocket pounds on your food shop. The savvy saver explained that his food shop costs a total of £120 a month and to keep the costs so low, he shops at Aldi and Lidl . He claimed that such supermarkets are “ by far the cheapest ” and save him hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. Not only this, but he explained: “I map out a weekly food plan so I know exactly what I need to buy and how much I need to spend. “I then keep track of what I spend as I go to make sure I don't go over budget, or you could bring cash .” When it comes to going grocery shopping, he advised people to avoid the shops on an empty stomach, to reduce temptations to overspend on unnecessary snacks and treats. READ MORE SUN STORIES In addition to this, he shared why he never buys chicken breasts or pasta sauce, as he claimed: “I cook everything from scratch, which means I only buy raw ingredients, like tinned tomatoes, rice, pasta, raw meats and vegetables, as pre-prepared sauces and meals are way overpriced. “I don't buy chicken breasts - instead I go for cheaper meats like chicken thighs or drumsticks as well as mince with higher percentage fat.”As Edmonton contends with a massive population boom over the last two years, Edmonton councillors discussed on Monday how they can help newcomers to the city. “Immigration is a federal and provincial responsibility, but at the same time as a municipality, we provide front-facing services to all Edmontonians. From public transit to recreational facilities, libraries, public safety and well-being, fire services,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. While it’s not directly city jurisdiction, Edmonton city council approved a plan to increase access to front-line services and community engagement for newcomers to Canada and to the city. The city is preparing to hit a population of two million, which means an increase in Edmontonians using city services. “Migrants, it could be people like me, who came in as immigrants — and our children — now make up to close to 40 per cent of Edmonton’s population,” said Sam Juru, the executive director of Africa Centre. Juru spoke at city hall Monday, saying the city plan is needed as Edmonton’s demographics are changing. “So there’s more need to provide economic supports, people who want to start businesses, employment, social supports, things like housing, access to affordable transit,” said Juru. Edmonton’s mayor told CityNews Monday that newcomers to Canada are crucial to the city’s economy, as the city contends with a tough budget. “I want to highlight, we need to be very mindful, without immigration, without people moving to our city, our economy would not be able to grow, our society would not be able to advance. We need workforce,” said Sohi. Sohi says he intends to focus on strong services, while minimizing property taxes, when budget talks resume next week.The reigning Super Bowl champions saw their run of 15 straight wins ended by the Buffalo Bills last week, but got back to winning ways thanks to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After a late Chuba Hubbard touchdown and two-point conversion had made it 27-27, the Chiefs got the ball back with less than two minutes on the clock and a 33-yard run from Mahomes helped set up Spencer Shrader for a game-winning field goal. THE CHIEFS SURVIVE AGAIN. 🔥 Patrick Mahomes comes up CLUTCH with a 33-yard run late, before Spencer Shrader wins it as time expires! Get your action on ESPN! — ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) Mahomes finished the game with 269 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Noah Gray in the first half. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored two touchdowns as the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-6 to improve their record to 10-1, matching that of the Chiefs. David Montgomery also ran for a score before having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended a four-game losing streak with a 30-7 win over the New York Giants, who “mutually agreed” to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones earlier this week. Jones’ replacement Tommy DeVito was sacked four times while opposite number Baker Mayfield ran for a touchdown and completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 294 yards. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker also ran for touchdowns in a one-sided contest. The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game losing streak with a remarkable 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders, with 30 points scored in the final three minutes. KaVontae Turpin’s 99-yard kick-off return for a touchdown looked to have sealed victory for the Cowboys, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal before getting the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin sprinted 86 yards through the Dallas defence for a touchdown, only for Austin Seibert to miss the extra point. 99 YARDS TO THE 🏡 was gone!! 📺: on FOX📲: Stream on NFL+ — Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) The Commanders tried an onside kick and Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdown passes as the Miami Dolphins cruised to a 34-15 win over the New England Patriots, while the Tennessee Titans pulled off a surprise 32-27 victory at the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings improved to 9-2 thanks to a 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears, Parker Romo kicking the decisive field goal from 29 yards.WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for Fox Corp. asked a Delaware judge Friday to dismiss a shareholder lawsuit seeking to hold current and former company officials personally liable for the financial fallout stemming from Fox News reports regarding alleged vote rigging in the 2020 election. Five New York City public employee pension funds, along with Oregon’s public employee retirement fund, allege that former chairman Rupert Murdoch and other Fox Corp. leaders deliberately turned a blind eye to liability risks posed by reporting false claims of vote rigging by election technology companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic USA. Smartmatic is suing Fox News for defamation in New York, alleging damages of $2.7 billion. It recently settled a lawsuit in the District of Columbia against One America News Network, another conservative outlet, over reports of vote fraud. Dominion also filed several defamation lawsuits against those who spread conspiracy theories blaming its election equipment for Donald Trump’s loss in 2020. Last year, Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion in Delaware for $787 million. The shareholder plaintiffs also allege that Fox corporate leaders ignored “red flags” about liability arising from a 2017 report suggesting that Seth Rich, a Democratic National Committee staffer, may have been killed because he had leaked Democratic party emails to Wikileaks during the 2016 presidential campaign. Rich, 27, was shot in 2016 in Washington, D.C., in what authorities have said was an attempted robbery. Fox News retracted the Seth Rich story a week after its initial broadcast, but Rich’s parents sued the network for falsely portraying their son as a criminal and traitor. Fox News settled the lawsuit in 2020 for “millions of dollars,” shortly before program hosts Lou Dobbs and Sean Hannity were to be deposed, according to the shareholder lawsuit. Joel Friedlander, an attorney for the institutional shareholders, argued that Fox officials waited until the company’s reporting about Rich became a national scandal before addressing the issue. Similarly, according to the shareholders, corporate officials, including Rupert Murdoch and his son, CEO Lachlan Murdoch, allowed Fox News to continue broadcasting false narratives about the 2020 election, despite internal communications suggesting that they knew there was no evidence to support the conspiracy theories. “The Murdochs could have minimized future monetary exposure, but they chose not to,” Friedlander said. Instead, he argued, they engaged in “bad-faith decision making” with other defendants in a profit-driven effort to retain viewers and remain in Trump’s good graces. “Decisions were made at the highest level to promote pro-Trump conspiracy theories without editorial control,” Friedlander said. Defense attorneys argue that the case should be dismissed because the plaintiffs filed their lawsuit without first demanding that the Fox Corp. board take action, as required under Delaware law. They say the plaintiffs also failed to demonstrate that a pre-suit demand on the Fox board would have been futile because at least half of the directors face a substantial likelihood of liability or are not independent of someone who does. Beyond the “demand futility” issue, defense attorneys also argue that allegations that Fox officials breached their fiduciary duties fail to meet the pleading standards under Delaware and therefore should be dismissed. Defense attorney William Savitt argued, for example, that neither the Rich settlement, which he described as “immaterial,” nor the allegedly defamatory statements about Dominion and Smartmatic constitute red flags putting directors on notice about the risk of defamation liability. Nor do they demonstrate that directors acted in bad faith or that Fox “utterly failed” to implement and monitor a system to report and mitigate legal risks, including defamation liability risk, according to the defendants. Savitt noted that the Rich article was promptly retracted, and that the settlement included no admission of liability. The Dominion and Smartmatic statements, meanwhile, gave rise themselves to the currently liability issues and therefore can not serve as red flags about future liability risks, according to the defendants. “A ‘red flag’ must be what the term commonly implies — warning of a risk of a liability-causing event that allows the directors to take action to avert the event, not notice that a liability-causing event has already occurred,” defense attorneys wrote in their motion to dismiss. Defense attorneys also say there are no factual allegations to support claims that Fox officials condoned illegal conduct in pursuit of corporate profits, or that they deliberately ignored their oversight responsibilities. They note that a “bad outcome” is not sufficient to demonstrate “bad faith.” Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster is expected to rule within 90 days.

Chaikin scores 21 off the bench, Lafayette knocks off NCAA Div. III-Rosemont 91-45EASTON, Pa. (AP) — Alex Chaikin led Lafayette over NCAA DivisionIII-member Rosemont on Sunday with 21 points off of the bench in a 91-45 victory. Chaikin went 7 of 11 from the field (5 for 9 from 3-point range) for the Leopards (2-4). T.J. Berger went 4 of 10 from the field (2 for 6 from 3-point range) to add 10 points. Andrew Phillips finished 4 of 6 from the field to finish with 10 points. Bruce Black led the Ravens in scoring, finishing with 11 points. Denelle Holly added eight points for Rosemont. Kelton Warren also recorded seven points. Lafayette took the lead with 20:00 left in the first half and did not give it up. Mike Bednostin led their team in scoring with eight points in the first half to help put them up 38-22 at the break. Lafayette outscored Rosemont by 30 points in the second half, and Chaikin scored a team-high 15 points in the second half to help their team secure the victory. NEXT UP Lafayette hosts LIU in its next matchup on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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India has taken a significant step towards clean energy transformation by partnering with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to develop new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. This collaboration was formalized with the signing of a Project Implementation Agreement, an official statement reported. The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Wilmington Declaration, which emerged from the Quad Leaders' Summit. The accord underlines a collective commitment by Quad countries to mobilize public and private investment in sustainable energy supply chains. With USD 2 million committed, the project focuses on crucial areas such as cold storage, healthcare facilities solarisation, and solar water pumping systems. The projects are expected to improve energy access and employment, aligning with India's ongoing mission to support economic and social development worldwide. (With inputs from agencies.)

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WASHINGTON (AFP) – United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump named Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos as his senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, the latest family member to be appointed to a key position. “I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs,” Trump posted on Truth Social of the appointment, which puts his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law in a major White House position. Boulos was a key emissary for the Trump campaign, helping to mobilise Arab American and Muslim voters, many of whom were angry over President Joe Biden’s steadfast support for Israel in the Gaza war even as the civilian death toll rose into the tens of thousands. The businessman will take over a difficult portfolio, with Israel’s war still raging in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon seeing early violations and rebel forces in Syria making advances against the government of Bashar al-Assad. Boulos’ son, Michael, is married to Trump’s daughter Tiffany.Drug, now in testing, has promise for epileptic seizures

golden empire jili png BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Kino Lilly Jr.'s 21 points helped Brown defeat Canisius 83-76 on Saturday. Lilly shot 5 of 13 from the field, including 5 for 9 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 7 from the line for the Bears (3-3). Landon Lewis scored 17 points and added eight rebounds. Lyndel Erold shot 5 for 9 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. Paul McMillan IV finished with 25 points for the Golden Griffins (0-7). Cam Palesse added 22 points for Canisius. Anthony Benard had seven points, eight assists and two steals. The Golden Griffins prolonged their losing streak to seven in a row. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Native American patients are sent to collections for debts the government owes

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golden empire jili slot game Transforming America's Healthcare System: A Historic Movement for Medicaid Reform and Universal Justice 12-02-2024 11:36 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire Unveiling Truth, Driving Accountability, and Creating a Vision for Transparency and Human Dignity Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/d826fe3236bb16054d3f02362a587342.png The Dawn of a Movement America is at a defining moment in history-a crossroads where the ideals of fairness, transparency, and justice meet the realities of a fractured healthcare system. This movement is not just about fixing Medicaid or addressing healthcare inequities; it's about redefining the core values that unite us as Americans. At the heart of this transformation lies a grassroots initiative led by brain injury survivors, their families, and advocates. These extraordinary individuals have dared to pose the bold question that disrupts the status quo: What if Medicaid could thrive, delivering dignity, transparency, and life-changing care to everyone who needs it? Fueled by courage and relentless determination, this coalition is rewriting the rules of healthcare reform. They're uncovering systemic flaws, holding institutions accountable, and crafting a blueprint for a transparent, accessible, and just Medicaid system that ensures no American is left behind. David Medeiros: A Leader Among Equals At the helm of this revolutionary movement is David Medeiros, a traumatic brain injury survivor, founder of ABI Resources, and a steadfast advocate for truth and integrity. David's life journey-one of resilience, hope, and action-has transformed him into a leader who embodies the collective spirit of this movement. David often says, "I'm not the hero. The real heroes are the people who inspire me every day-the survivors, families, and advocates who never give up." His leadership philosophy, "I am, you are, we are one force for the greatest good," reflects the core ethos of this movement: the undeniable strength of unity and the power of truth to drive justice. Exposing the Hidden Truth Medicaid serves as a vital safety net for over 90 million Americans, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. But the system is under immense strain, plagued by inefficiencies, secrecy, and inequities that leave too many underserved. Through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) investigations and relentless advocacy, David Medeiros and ABI Resources have uncovered systemic issues that demand immediate attention: Misallocation of Funds: Billions of taxpayer dollars are directed to administrative overhead, siphoning resources from vulnerable populations. ADA Noncompliance: Healthcare facilities and public programs routinely fail to meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), perpetuating barriers for people with disabilities. Whistleblower Retaliation: Individuals who expose systemic flaws face threats, career setbacks, and silencing-obstructing vital reforms. David Medeiros explains, "These challenges are not isolated-they're symptoms of a deeper systemic problem. But with transparency, accountability, and a united effort, we can turn the tide for future generations." The Heroes Behind the Movement This movement is built on the courage of unsung heroes-people who have lived through the struggles, felt the pain, and refused to give up. Who Are These Heroes? Brain Injury Survivors: Champions of resilience who are using their experiences to drive systemic change. Families: Loved ones who fight tirelessly to ensure dignity and care for those in need. Home Teams and Advocates: Professionals and supporters who provide the logistical, emotional, and moral foundation of this movement. Together, they are redefining what it means to advocate for justice, standing as a collective force to protect those most vulnerable. Transformative Solutions This is not just about identifying problems; it's about implementing actionable solutions that ensure Medicaid becomes a system built on fairness, efficiency, and compassion. 1. Medicaid Transparency Independent Oversight Committees: Establishing bipartisan boards to monitor spending. Public Reporting Requirements: Demanding clear, accessible, real-time updates on Medicaid fund allocation. Technology-Driven Accountability: Using platforms that allow taxpayers to track Medicaid expenditures. 2. ADA Compliance Stronger Enforcement Mechanisms: Implementing fines for noncompliance. Universal Design Principles: Creating healthcare spaces that serve everyone equally. Training Programs: Educating providers on accessibility and inclusive care. 3. Whistleblower Protections Secure Reporting Channels: Providing anonymous, protected avenues for truth-tellers. Expanded Legal Protections: Shielding whistleblowers from retaliation. Public Recognition: Honoring those who expose inefficiencies and corruption. A Movement Empowered by the Legal Community The legal profession plays a critical role in this transformative effort. From civil rights attorneys to healthcare specialists, lawyers across the nation are uniting to enforce ADA compliance, litigate Medicaid transparency, and champion whistleblower protections. Why Lawyers Are Joining This Cause: A Moral Imperative: Upholding the principles of justice and accountability. A National Impact: Transforming Medicaid reform into a model for systemic change across all public programs. A Legacy of Justice: Creating lasting reforms that protect the most vulnerable while restoring trust in America's institutions. The Ripple Effect of Change This movement's impact goes far beyond Medicaid reform. It touches the core of what it means to be an American: Families Will Benefit: Caregivers will have access to resources that support their loved ones with dignity. Taxpayers Will See Accountability: Public funds will be used ethically and efficiently. Future Generations Will Inherit Justice: A healthcare system built on transparency and fairness. A Call to Action David Medeiros and ABI Resources are inviting you to join this historic movement. Whether you're a policymaker, legal professional, healthcare advocate, or concerned citizen, your voice matters in this collective mission. Here's How You Can Help: Amplify the Message: Share this story on social media and in your communities. Advocate for Reform: Write to your representatives, demanding Medicaid transparency and ADA compliance. Support Survivors: Donate, volunteer, and uplift the voices of those driving this movement. David Medeiros: The Heart of the Movement "Every day, I am inspired by the strength of the survivors and families around me. They teach me what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience," says David Medeiros. David's leadership is rooted in action, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of unity. "This is not just a moment in history-it's a movement for humanity. Together, we will create a legacy of justice and dignity for all." For More Information or to Get Involved Media Contact ABI RESOURCES Email: ABI@ctbraininjury.com Website: CTbrainInjury.com Address: 39 Kings HWY STE Connect with Us: Follow us on social media for updates: * X [ https://x.com/abiresources ] | Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/ABIresourcesCT ] | YouTube [ https://www.youtube.com/@ABI.RESOURCES-CT-ABI-MFP-CARE/videos ] | LinkedIn [ https://www.linkedin.com/company/abi-resources-llc ] | TikTok [ https://www.tiktok.com/@abi.resources.ct ] Medicaid reform, Brain injury survivors, ADA compliance, Whistleblower protections, Medicaid transparency, Healthcare accountability, Medicaid fraud solutions, Accessible healthcare, Disability advocacy, Medicaid spending oversight, Medicaid reform movement, Brain injury advocacy, Healthcare system reform, Disability rights, Medicaid whistleblower, Transparency in healthcare, Medicaid fraud prevention, Universal healthcare access, Healthcare advocacy, Inclusive healthcare, Disability inclusion, Medicaid accountability, Whistleblower retaliation, Healthcare accessibility, Medicaid transformation, Civil rights advocacy, Brain injury community, Medicaid reform advocates, Transparency in Medicaid, Healthcare justice, Medicaid misuse, Disability support, ADA enforcement, Medicaid systemic reform, Medicaid legal reform, Healthcare corruption, Medicaid advocacy, Disability healthcare access, ADA accessibility, Medicaid ethics, Medicaid oversight, Medicaid legal action, Brain injury leadership, Justice in healthcare, Medicaid improvement, Whistleblower legal protection, Medicaid innovation, Accountability in healthcare, Medicaid spending reform, Inclusive healthcare reform. Media Contact Company Name: ABI Resources Contact Person: David Medeiros Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=transforming-americas-healthcare-system-a-historic-movement-for-medicaid-reform-and-universal-justice ] City: Gales Ferry Country: United States Website: https://www.ctbraininjury.com/ This release was published on openPR.

Trent Williams' wife, Sondra, says their son was stillbornSam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead

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Molecular Templates Announces Receipt of Expected Notification of Deficiency from Nasdaq Related to Delayed filing of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Failure to Meet Bid Price Requirements

Was Friday's double dose of good news a turning point for the stock market?Hezbollah fires more than 180 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding at least 7 BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired at least 185 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in the militant group's heaviest barrage in several days. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Uruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoff MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans are heading to the polls to choose their next president. In Sunday's election, the candidates of the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition are locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. It's a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou — overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Today, the BlackRock closed-end funds listed below (each a “Fund,” and collectively the “Funds”) have announced changes to their monthly distribution amounts per share under their managed distribution plans (each, a “Plan”), as applicable, and declared their December distributions early. Each Fund has adopted a Plan to support a level monthly distribution of income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The Funds’ monthly distribution rates for December can be found below: Key Dates: Declaration- 11/22/2024 Ex- 12/16/2024 Record- 12/16/2024 Payable- 12/23/2024 Fund * Ticker Distribution Change From Prior Distribution ($) Change From Prior Distribution (%) BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. CII $0.141000 $0.041500 42% BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust BDJ $0.061900 $0.005700 10% BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust BOE $0.082700 $0.019700 31% BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust BGY $0.042600 $0.008800 26% BlackRock Health Sciences Trust BME $0.262100 $0.049100 23% BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust BGR $0.097300 $0.021900 29% BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust BCX $0.069700 $0.017900 35% BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust BUI $0.136000 $0.015000 12% BlackRock Science and Technology Trust BST $0.250000 - - * In order to comply with the requirements of Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), each of the Funds above posted to the DTC bulletin board and sent to its shareholders of record as of the applicable record date a Section 19 notice with the previous distribution payment. The Section 19 notice was provided for informational purposes only and not for tax reporting purposes. This information can be found in the “Closed-End Funds” section of www.blackrock.com . As applicable, the final determination of the source and tax characteristics of all distributions in 2024 will be made after the end of the year. The fixed amounts distributed per share are subject to change at the discretion of each Fund’s Board of Directors/Trustees. Under its Plan, each Fund will distribute all available investment income to its shareholders, consistent with its investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If sufficient income (inclusive of net investment income and short-term capital gains) is not available on a monthly basis, a Fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return capital to its shareholders in order to maintain a level distribution. The Funds’ estimated sources of the distributions paid as of October 31, 2024 and for their current fiscal year are as follows: Estimated Allocations as of October 31, 2024 Fund Distribution Net Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital CII $0.099500 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.099500 (100%) $0 (0%) BDJ $0.056200 $0.017422 (31%) $0 (0%) $0.038778 (69%) $0 (0%) BOE 1 $0.063000 $0.014884 (24%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.048116 (76%) BGY 1 $0.033800 $0.003015 (9%) $0 (0%) $0.030785 (91%) $0 (0%) BME 1 $0.213000 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.213000 (100%) $0 (0%) BGR 1 $0.075400 $0.015903 (21%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.059497 (79%) BCX 1 $0.051800 $0.011095 (21%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.040705 (79%) BUI 1 $0.121000 $0.001188 (1%) $0 (0%) $0.060793 (50%) $0.059019 (49%) BST $0.250000 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.250000 (100%) $0 (0%) Estimated Allocations for the Fiscal Year through October 31, 2024 Fund Distribution Net Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital CII $0.995000 $0.059966 (6%) $0 (0%) $0.935034 (94%) $0 (0%) BDJ $0.562000 $0.329298 (59%) $0 (0%) $0.232702 (41%) $0 (0%) BOE 1 $0.630000 $0.170921 (27%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.459079 (73%) BGY 1 $0.338000 $0.085258 (25%) $0.023488 (7%) $0.207532 (62%) $0.021722 (6%) BME 1 $2.130000 $0.077558 (4%) $0 (0%) $0.890031 (42%) $1.162411 (54%) BGR 1 $0.666700 $0.263985 (40%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.402715 (60%) BCX 1 $0.518000 $0.199609 (39%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.318391 (61%) BUI 1 $1.210000 $0.253187 (21%) $0 (0%) $0.627127 (52%) $0.329686 (27%) BST $2.500000 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $2.500000 (100%) $0 (0%) 1 The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net-realized capital gains in the current fiscal year; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment is paid back to the shareholder. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share. The amounts and sources of distributions reported are only estimates and are being provided to you pursuant to regulatory requirements and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon each Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information: Fund Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5-year period ending on 9/30/2024 Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of 9/30/2024 Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 9/30/2024 Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 9/30/2024 CII 12.91% 5.54% 13.90% 4.16% BDJ 9.41% 7.14% 13.76% 5.36% BOE 9.36% 5.93% 13.91% 4.45% BGY 9.07% 6.21% 11.08% 4.66% BME 10.37% 5.65% 12.22% 4.24% BGR 10.01% 6.34% 5.69% 4.14% BCX 11.53% 5.81% 6.53% 4.36% BUI 9.80% 5.94% 13.80% 4.46% BST 13.30% 7.94% 15.86% 5.96% Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the Fund’s current distributions or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan. The amount distributed per share under a Plan is subject to change at the discretion each Fund’s Board. Each Plan will be subject to ongoing review by the Board to determine whether the Plan should be continued, modified or terminated. The Board may amend the terms of a Plan or suspend or terminate a Plan at any time without prior notice to the Fund’s shareholders if it deems such actions to be in the best interest of the Fund or its shareholders. The amendment or termination of a Plan could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund's shares. About BlackRock BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate Availability of Fund Updates BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of www.blackrock.com as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release, and other statements that BlackRock or a Fund may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to a Fund’s or BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. With respect to the Funds, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Funds or in a Fund’s net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of a Fund and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to a Fund or BlackRock, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities, health epidemics and/or pandemics and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (9) BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time; and (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions. Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Funds with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on BlackRock’s website at www.blackrock.com , and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Funds. The information contained on BlackRock’s website is not a part of this press release. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122587141/en/ 1-800-882-0052 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: BlackRock Closed-End Funds Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 05:23 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 05:23 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122587141/en

Tesla shares just reached a new all-time high following Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, propelling the company to a massive $1.5 trillion valuation as of December 18, 2024. This graphic, via Visual Capitalist's Marcus Lu , highlights the most valuable automakers by market cap worldwide as of Dec. 13, 2024, based on figures from CompaniesMarketCap.com . Tesla accounts for nearly half of the market capitalization among global carmakers. Its valuation surpasses the combined value of the next 29 automakers. Trailing far behind Tesla, the four other top automakers on the list are Toyota ($231 billion), BYD ($107 billion), Xiaomi ($98 billion), and Ferrari ($81 billion). Investors believe Elon Musk’s close relationship with Trump, along with Musk’s growing role in government, will serve as a powerful catalyst for Tesla. Additionally, some of the stock’s recent gains hinge on expectations that Trump’s planned corporate tax cuts will benefit U.S. manufacturers, including Tesla. Tesla’s stock has also regained popularity due to investor expectations that its Robotaxi and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology will drive a new phase of growth. Year-to-date, Tesla’s stock is up 57%. However, Tesla’s massive market cap is not reflected in its production numbers. In 2023, Tesla sold 1.8 million vehicles, while Toyota sold 11.2 million vehicles during the same period. Tesla’s success has further extended Elon Musk’s lead as the richest person on Earth. In December 2024, Musk’s net worth reached $462 billion, far ahead of Jeff Bezos in second place at $243 billion. If you enjoyed this topic, check out this graphic showing where Tesla and BYD make their cars.Arthur Gourounlian and Brian Dowling enjoy ‘incredible’ night at Strictly Come Dancing during London getawayNone

A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion Monday said one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Thi Cam Nhung Le said 41-year-old Sebastien Gauthier was celebrating the holidays with his family when the explosion occurred in Fort Lauderdale. Le said Gauthier's older sister was also on the boat when it erupted into flames, and she was taken to a hospital. "It's unimaginable, incomprehensible," Le said Saturday, adding that Gauthier's family and mutual friends informed her about his death. Le, 40, said she first met Gauthier in her early adolescence and they grew up together in Quebec City. She remembers him as a globetrotter who always had a smile on his face. "He's still my best friend. It's always him I call if I need something, but he's no longer with us," she said. Quebec man dead after boat explodes in Florida marina, also injuring 6 The last time the two friends saw each other face-to-face was about two years ago, Le said, but she last messaged Gauthier on social media in the days before Monday's explosion. And on Jan. 1, her birthday, she would have expected a call from him, just like every year. "I'm shocked, surprised, and feeling a little bit of regret," she said. "You regret not having seen him more. I spent yesterday crying. You can't believe your friend disappears from one day to the next." Earlier this week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that Gauthier died of his injuries in Broward County. The FWC said its preliminary investigation in Fort Lauderdale showed a 37-foot vessel exploded after its engines were started, injuring all seven passengers on board. WATCH | Boat explodes in Florida marina: Quebec man reportedly killed in boat explosion in Florida 4 days ago Duration 1:34 Multiple U.S. news outlets are reporting a Quebec man has died after a powerful boat explosion at a Florida marina that injured several others. Video posted on social media Monday showed the vessel engulfed in flames, with a thick column of black smoke billowing into the sky. However, Florida authorities have not provided The Canadian Press with more information about the investigation. Searching for an explanation has also left Le angry. As she mourns the loss of her longtime friend, she said she's still waiting for answers about what led to his unexpected death.Ford might not be the powerhouse of a company it is today if it wasn't so invested in trucks. Its consumer-friendly pickups and commercial behemoths have dominated the road for decades, drawing the attention of millions. The F-150 alone can stand comfortably amongst Ford's best-selling vehicles of all time , helping the company to be the first choice of those interested in a truck of their own. However, with the base price of a brand-new model being around $40,000 or more, some of those people might opt for used alternatives instead. Because of how long Ford has been making these trucks, you can find a wide number of models available on the secondhand market. Depending on how old the truck is, some of them can be exceptionally cheap to maintain — while others can end up with a staggering cost. Repairs are something you'll likely have to take care of eventually if you get your hands on a used vehicle no matter what. Figuring out how much that might set you back will help you figure out which used Ford trucks really are dirt-cheap to maintain. This article uses estimates of each truck's repair costs from RepairPal and Edmunds. As with any used vehicle, the actual cost of repairs might vary if you look at trucks that weren't given proper care over the years. The Ford F-150, as mentioned previously, is Ford's most popular truck of them all. It's also pretty distant from the cheapest one to maintain in the company's lineup, but it's not exactly going to break the bank either. RepairPal estimates the yearly cost of repairs to be around $788, with the most costly repair being a camshaft replacement for as much as $1,755. This data is averaged from models from as far back as the 1990s into account, so you might be paying $100 more if you get an F-150 from 2012 — or $100 less if you get one from 2017. If you want to rely on older models for the price and convenience, you should keep every generation of Ford's F-Series in mind. Some models from 2004 have suffered from multiple recalls while others from 2008 were simply lacking in overall performance. You'll have to do some pretty heavy research on both the seller and the exact model of truck you're buying from them. F-150s from that time are commonly found under $10,000, so if you're unlucky, you might end up spending that same amount after a few years just trying to keep it from falling apart. While the 2004 model year issues are among the more important things you should know before buying a Ford F-150 , there's one particular version of that truck only available from that year. The F-150 Heritage was a special variant remade from 2003 models, giving it a different look and interior compared to its standard alternatives. Overall discussions around this model have been positive, and partially thanks to its age, its annual repair costs are exceedingly low at around $473. If you absolutely need to get a 2004 F-150 for whatever reason, the Heritage would be the one to get. Recently, a new model of the F-150 Heritage was revealed for 2023. There aren't really many things similar between this version and the classic 2004 model, only really sharing similar paint jobs on the exterior. The estimated repair costs only apply to the older model, and while you probably won't have to worry about those prices for the 2023 Heritage, that might end up changing after a few more years of use. The F-150 Raptor is a relatively new iteration of Ford's iconic truck, focused on off-road performance and overall higher specs than its standard counterpart. Today, it's the most expensive F-150 you can get at a price of nearly $80,000 for a brand-new model. Used prices are closer to $30,000-$40,000, putting this model year at around the same price as a standard brand-new F-150. Even going back as far as its first generation, you'll still need tens of thousands of dollars just to see what makes the Raptor so special for yourself. When it comes to actually keeping the Raptor in shape, prices get a little more manageable. According to Edmunds, repairs on a 2018 Raptor could add up to around $3,330 after five years, averaging under $600 a year if you're careful with it. Other maintenance costs could get a little high, though, climbing up to a five-year total of around $7,000 — but this is a worst-case scenario. The Raptor is an expensive truck either way, but it fits well for those who want as much power as possible using just a mid-range budget. Those who aren't aware of the big differences between the F-150 vs the F-250 should consider what they're looking to do in their day-to-day lives. Ford's F-250 is meant more for heavy-duty driving, gaining the moniker of "Super Duty" from the company itself. However, this moniker didn't actually exist until the early 2000s, putting these older models on a separate playing field from the modern-day F-250. As a result, the repair costs are wildly different, with these variants only setting you back around $480 annually. The older F-250 models are also much less expensive than what you'd find today. While the price can go as high as $10,000, the standard variants only climb up to a little over $4,000. It might lack the modern technology of a brand-new version today, and the older a used vehicle gets, the more likely it is to need some heavy maintenance. But considering the low long-term costs, it can actually be very worthwhile to just get these classic trucks up to speed yourself. If you're going by annual costs, the newer F-250 Super Duty trucks can seem like a terrible choice for long-term spending. RepairPal estimates this number to be around $1,241, higher than almost any other truck on this list. But this covers an average of multiple years, including some years for the F-250 Super Duty Diesel that you should avoid . These costs have lightened up a bit over time, dipping below an annual cost of $1,000 and making them much less taxing on your budget. In these more recent years, a used F-250 from 2019 would cost anywhere from $2,790 to $3,711 over five years to repair, depending on the size of your model. Other maintenance costs can rise as high as $8,503, so you might want to make sure your used purchase is already up-to-date on everything it needs. These more recent models will be more expensive than their pre-2000s counterparts no matter what, so you should figure out whether a more modern set of features and parts has greater value to you than simply having this powerhouse in the first place. If the F-250 somehow isn't enough for you, Ford's F-350 is an even more capable option. It shares a similar history, having skipped its 1998 model year to eventually get a more modern feature set, capping off these older versions in 1997. Its annual repair cost is just a bit higher than the F-250, but it still manages to be remarkably inexpensive at around $529. As long as you're not forced to spend over $1,000 on a heater core replacement, you should have no problem sticking to a low budget for the long-term costs of this truck. These older F-350 models aren't able to stand alongside the most powerful pickup trucks ever built , but they're still able to hold their own. Their ability to tow a maximum of 10,000 pounds makes them a decent force even today, and even models as old as 1992 still have an impressive horsepower rating of 230. Thanks to time and used prices, the pre-2000s F-350 manages to comfortably outpace the F-250 while still acting as a decent budget pick. Like the modern-day F-250, the Ford F-350 Super Duty has a pretty staggering annual cost of around $1,295 for repairs, according to RepairPal. Unlike the F-250, this cost doesn't get lower as you approach more recent models, climbing even higher to $1,304 for the truck's 2019 model year. Edmunds paints a different story, however, with the five-year total costs of these trucks being comparable to the modern F-250's. Strangely, the highest maintenance costs are a few dollars lower in comparison, with a lot of variance depending on the trim — meaning you'll have to take more into consideration than just the truck's name and year when buying used. The F-350 Super Duty is perhaps the most difficult truck on this list to justify buying secondhand. Its capabilities are impressive compared to its pre-2000s models and the F-250, but its middle-road status in Ford's F-series lineup — and its lack of massive price reduction for used versions — makes it a tough purchase. It still earns a spot on this list mainly due to how it measures up with other Ford trucks, managing relatively reasonable prices in its consumer line-up. There's still one other F-Series truck that surpasses its cost, after all. The F-450 is the last Ford F-Series truck designed for consumers and the last one you'll see on this list. It's also the only one among its counterparts to not have an older pre-2000s model, with its oldest version coming from 2008. Its relative recency might be what allowed it to reach above its fellow consumer-grade pickups, becoming one of the biggest trucks you can buy from Ford today . That fact also led to it being the most expensive model of the bunch, which is a fact that stays true even when looking at its used prices. Interestingly, repair costs for the F-450 could end up being lower than you might expect. Edmunds gives the 2018 F-450 an estimated total cost of $3,227 to $3,443 after five years, which would put its annual cost below the other Super Duty trucks at their peak. Other maintenance costs are another story, reaching as high as $8,010 but also going as low as $4,753. The trim you get will be exceptionally important in determining how much more you'll pay for the F-450 over time, which is something you'll want to consider when looking at its already staggering price. As one of the few F-Series pickups in Ford's lineup, the Ranger manages to undercut its rivals with a smaller size and more competitive pricing. These aspects have also made it one of many used pickups that would make a great first truck if the full-sized F-150 isn't your style. This competitive pricing extends to its repair costs as well, only reaching an annual average of around $615. This only applies to its models from 2011 and below, though, with more recent models being an entirely different story. Only recently did the Ford Ranger return to the U.S. market after having been absent from 2012 to 2018. This could lead to some differences in repair costs down the line, as the five-year total for a 2019 model could be anywhere from $3,103 to $3,330. Still, it's cheaper on average than most of the other trucks on this list, and it's probably your best choice if your definition of "middle ground" is closer to sedans or SUVs instead of other pickups. The Maverick is Ford's latest and cheapest pickup at the time of writing, having been introduced in the 2022 model year. Its cost-effectiveness is partially thanks to its smaller size compared to every other Ford truck, leaving it less capable for towing or hauling — but still more capable than most cars. Its repair costs have also managed to stay at the lowest on this list, with estimations for the oldest model only reaching $1,700 after five years. That's lower than the 2004 F-150 Heritage, with an average annual cost of just under $400. Because of its recency, you're unlikely to find many used Mavericks that go very far below the MSRP. On the other hand, that also means that many of these secondhand vehicles haven't even reached 100,000 miles yet, lowering the risk of long-term damage or worn-out parts. With any luck, you'll be able to knock a few extra bucks off of the car's original cost without having to worry about extra maintenance beyond what you'd already do. Your success with this tactic will vary depending on the owner, but when it comes to the most up-to-date pickup models, the Ranger is far from the riskiest.

PORT HARCOURT – The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission is investing in digital learning because it holds the key to unlocking untapped potential and shaping the future of the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku, who spoke during an interactive session with newsmen at the NDDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, stated that the Commission was determined to harness the power of technology to build a brighter future for the Niger Delta, where every child would have the tools and opportunities to succeed. He remarked that the NDDC, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, of Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, launched a large-scale digital education initiative aimed at distributing 45,000 U-Lesson tablets to primary and secondary schools across the nine states in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. According to the NDDC boss, the initiative was aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the Niger Delta region through the distribution of U-Lesson tablets and software designed to improve student literacy and learning outcomes. He stated: “The initiative fosters a conducive learning environment by integrating digital learning resources. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which emphasises the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education. This approach aims to empower students, ensuring they have the tools to excel academically and compete globally. “It is all about being pragmatic and positioning our region for the future. Digital education came to the forefront during the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. The pandemic taught us that interpersonal learning will be a thing of the past very soon. During the COVID-19 period, churches were functioning through online platforms. “We want the children growing up to be able to use computers and other digital devices for learning. We realise that some of our students sent outside the country for postgraduate studies struggle with the highly computerised modern society. That is why we are investing more in educating our students on digital learning.” “Education is improving, and even our phones are always on software upgrades. Education is also being improved to meet the present reality of our society so that students can compete with others when they leave our country.” Ogbuku in a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director Corporate Affairs, NDDC on Sunday, explained that the U-Lesson software was tailored to the Nigerian educational framework, noting that it featured an offline video library, allowing students to access educational content without internet connectivity. The Managing Director stated: “This digital tool complements traditional face-to-face instruction, empowering students to master their materials and excel in tests and examinations. We believe that every student in our region deserves a quality education, and we are committed to providing the resources necessary to make this a reality.” Speaking on the NDDC Foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme, Ogbuku observed that 2,700 students from the Niger Delta had benefitted from the scheme since its inception in 2010. He noted: “We reactivated and strengthened our foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme, making it more merit-based and funding it adequately to prevent the challenges of the past.” He said: “We have made educational development and human capacity building our key policy thrust. The previous negative narrative of the NDDC is changing due to the conscious and sustained efforts to chart a new course of development for the region.

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Wade Taylor IV scored 19 points, Zhuric Phelps hit a go-ahead 3-pointer during an 11-0 run and finished with 12 points, and 22nd-ranked Texas A&M beat Texas Tech 72-67 on Sunday in the first meeting of the former conference rivals since 2012. Phelps’ 3 with 7 1/2 minutes left made it 54-52 and put the Aggies (8-2) ahead to stay. His step-back jumper after hard contact with Tech’s Kevin Overton capped the game-turning spurt. Jace Carter scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half as Texas A&M won its fourth straight game. Chance McMillian had 23 points with five 3s for Tech (7-2). Overton scored 14 of his 17 points before halftime, when he hit four 3s. Takeaways Texas Tech played its second game in a row without leading scorer and rebounder JT Toppin (18.6 ppg/11 rpg) because of what the school said is a lower-body injury for the 6-foot-9 forward. Texas A&M made all eight of its free throws in the final 27 seconds, four by Taylor, while Tech made three 3s in the final minute. Key moment Texas A&M led 23-12 in the first half on a 3-pointer by Carter, that opened a 45-second exchange of two 3s each by he and Overton. The second 3 by Overton started a 9-0 run that got the Red Raiders within 26-24. RELATED COVERAGE No. 14 Cincinnati pulls away in the second half and beats Howard 84-67 Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 Braden Smith stars as No. 8 Purdue beats Maryland 83-78 Key stat The Aggies and Red Raiders played at least twice annually between 1958-2012 while members of the old Southwest Conference and then the original Big 12 before Texas A&M went to the SEC. Their first non-conference meeting since 1953 was at Dickies Arena, a neutral site. Up next Texas A&M plays No. 8 Purdue in Indianapolis on Sunday. Texas Tech hosts Oral Roberts on Dec. 16. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballIsraeli airstrikes killed a hospital director at his home in northeastern Lebanon and six others, while at least five paramedics were killed by Israeli strikes in the country's south on Friday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said. The United Nations reported heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Four Italian peacekeepers were lightly wounded when a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah, hit their base, the U.N. said. A full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in September after nearly a year of lower-intensity conflict. More than 3,640 people have been killed in Lebanon and 15,350 wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation and ground invasion, the Health Ministry said Friday. In Gaza, Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of the territory, wounding nine medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, the hospital director said Friday. More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry said. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here’s the Latest: DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza, wounding nine medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, its director said Friday. Hossam Abu Safiya said strikes before dawn Friday hit the entrance of the emergency unit as well as in the hospital courtyard. He said six staff were wounded, including two critically. Friday night, he said an armed drone hit the entrance again, wounding three staffers. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Abu Safiya said the strikes caused damage to the functioning of the generator and disrupted oxygen supplies. The hospital is currently treating 85 wounded, 14 children in the pediatric ward and four newborns in the neonatal unit, he said. During the past month, Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit several times, was put under siege and was raided by Israeli troops, who are waging a heavy offensive in the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp and towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says it detained Hamas fighters hiding in the hospital, a claim its staff denies. BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike killed the director of a university hospital and six others at his home in northeastern Lebanon, state media said. The strike targeted Dr. Ali Allam’s house near Dar Al-Amal Hospital, the largest health center in Baalbek-Hermel province, which has provided vital health services amid Israel's campaign of airstrikes, the Health Ministry said. State-run media reported that the strike came without warning. The ministry described his death as a “great loss,” and provincial governor Bachir Khodr said in a post on X that, “Mr. Allam was one of the best citizens of Baalbek.” In two separate episodes on Friday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five paramedics with Hezbollah's medical arm, the Health Ministry said, describing it as “war crime.” The militant group provides extensive social services, including running schools and health clinics. In a report published Friday, the World Health Organization said nearly half of all attacks on health care in Lebanon since Oct. 7, 2023, have resulted in fatalities. “This is a higher percentage than in any active conflict today across the globe,” WHO said. In Lebanon, 226 health workers and patients were killed and 199 were injured between Oct. 7, 2023, and Nov. 18, 2024, the report said. The Health Ministry said Friday that 3,645 people have been killed in nearly 14 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, while 15,356 were wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The death count includes 692 women and 231 children. UNITED NATIONS – Two rockets hit a headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian peacekeepers, the United Nations says. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rockets were likely launched by Hezbollah militants or by affiliated groups Friday, impacting a bunker and a logistics area in the southwest headquarters at Chamaa. One of the structures that was hit caught fire, and the blaze was swiftly put out by U.N. staff, he said. According to Italy’s Defense Ministry, some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. Dujarric said the four injured peacekeepers were receiving treatment at the medical facility of the mission, known as UNIFIL. “Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” he said. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the attack on the UNIFIL base “intolerable.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace, and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Dujarric said Friday’s attack was the third on Chamaa in a week and came amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Chamaa and Naqoura areas in recent days. UNIFIL’s main headquarters is in Naqoura. Friday’s attack follows a rocket attack on a UNIFIL base east of the village of Ramyah on Tuesday that injured four peacekeepers from Ghana. Dujarric said UNIFIL strongly urges Hezbollah and its affiliates and Israel to avoid fighting near its positions, which are supposed to be protected. “We remind all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law” and the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, he said. BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the southern port city of Tyre on Friday, after the Israeli army issued several evacuation warnings saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites. The strikes in Beirut came dangerously close to central Beirut and Christian neighborhoods. One strike hit a building housing a gym and medical and beauty clinics, located just meters (yards) from a Lebanese army base. “What is there in the building to target? This attack they carried out on us in this building is a criminal and vile act,” resident Hassan Najdi told The Associated Press. “Because if their intention is targeting Hezbollah, this building has nothing to do with Hezbollah.” Najdi said he purchased an apartment in the building last year but had not yet moved in. He allowed a displaced family to move in and urgently asked them to evacuate after receiving the Israeli warning. The blasts sent plumes of smoke into the air and shattered glass in the vicinity. No casualties have been reported, but the strikes caused damage to nearby infrastructure and a key road connecting central Beirut to its southern suburbs. “We remain steadfast,” said Ali Daher, an employee at a mall facing the targeted building. “Everything that is lost can be replaced, and whatever is destroyed can be rebuilt in (no time).” In Tyre city, the Israeli military conducted multiple airstrikes after a series of warnings, claiming the targets belonged to Hezbollah’s Aziz unit, accusing it of firing projectiles into Israel. The Israeli military carried out other airstrikes across Lebanon, many without warnings, as heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in villages along the Lebanon-Israel border intensified. ROME — Italy said Friday it plans to discuss the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court over the Israel-Hamas war when it hosts Group of Seven foreign ministers next week. Premier Giorgia Meloni insisted that one point remained clear for Italy: “There can be no equivalence between the responsibilities of the state of Israel and the terrorist organization of Hamas.” Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Meloni’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement Friday, Meloni said Italy would study the reasonings behind the decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy respects the ICC and supports it. “But at the same time we are also convinced that the court must have a judicial role, and should not take up a political role.” Tajani will host G7 foreign ministers Monday and Tuesday outside Rome for the final meeting of the Italian G7 presidency. “As far as decisions are concerned, we will take them together with our allies,” Tajani said. During the G7 meetings, “we will talk about this with my allies there, and we will see what to do next.” Another member of the governing coalition, the outspoken Transport Minister Matteo Salvini was more defiant in supporting Israel. “If Netanyahu comes to Italy he will be welcomed,” Salvini was quoted by Italian media as saying. This item has been updated to correct that Salvini spoke of a potential Netanyahu visit to Italy, not Israel. ROME — Four Italian soldiers were slightly injured after two exploding rockets hit the United Nations' peacekeeping mission base on Friday in Chamaa in southern Lebanon, Italy's defense ministry said. Initial information suggested that two rockets hit a bunker and a room of the mission base, damaging the surrounding infrastructure, the ministry said. Shattered glass hit the four soldiers. The incident was the latest in which UN peacekeeping posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called Friday's attack “intolerable.” He said he will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister to ask him “to avoid using the UNIFIL bases as a shield.” Crosetto said the conditions of the four Italian soldiers “did not cause concern.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday said she learned about the new attack with “deep indignation and concern.” Meloni reiterated that “such attacks are unacceptable,” renewing her appeal for the parties on the ground “to guarantee, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible.” GENEVA — The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world. The U.N. health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more. WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat. Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah militants in the country two months ago. The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday. JERUSALEM — Israel’s new defense minister said Friday that he would stop issuing warrants to arrest West Bank settlers or hold them without charge or trial — a largely symbolic move that rights groups said risks emboldening settler violence in the Israeli-occupied territory. Israel Katz called the arrest warrants “severe” and said issuing them was “inappropriate” as Palestinian militant attacks on settlers in the territory grow more frequent. He said settlers could be “brought to justice” in other ways. The move protects Israeli settlers from being held in “administrative detention,” a shadowy form of incarceration where people are held without charge or trial. Settlers are rarely arrested in the West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians has spiraled since the outbreak of the war Oct. 7. Katz’s decision was celebrated by far-right coalition allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National Security Minister and settler firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir applauded Katz and called the move a “correction of many years of mistreatment” and “justice for those who love the land.” Since Oct. 7, 2023, violence toward Palestinians by Israeli settlers has soared to new heights, displacing at least 19 entire Palestinian communities, according to Israeli rights group Peace Now. In that time, attacks by Palestinian militants on settlers and within Israel have also grown more common. An increasing number of Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention. Israel holds 3,443 administrative detainees in prison, according to data from the Israeli Prison Service, reported by rights group Hamoked. That figure stood around 1,200 just before the start of the war. The vast majority of them are Palestinian, with only a handful at any given time Israeli Jews, said Jessica Montell, the director of Hamoked. “All of these detentions without charge or trial are illegitimate, but to declare that this measure will only be used against Palestinians...is to explicitly entrench another form of ethnic discrimination,” said Montell. BERLIN — A German official has suggested that his country would be reluctant to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant put Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, in an awkward position. The government said in a statement Friday that it is one of the ICC’s biggest supporters, but “at the same time, it is a consequence of German history that unique relations and a great responsibility connect us with Israel.” The government said it takes note of the arrest warrants and that “we will examine conscientiously the domestic steps.” It said that any further steps would only be an issue if a visit by Netanyahu or Gallant were “foreseeable.” Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit was pressed repeatedly at a regular news conference on whether it would be conceivable to arrest an Israeli prime minister. He replied: "It’s hard for me to imagine that we would carry out arrests in Germany on this basis.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday refused to comment on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, saying that the court's rulings are “insignificant” for Russia, which doesn’t recognizes the court’s jurisdiction. The ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other top Russian officials, accusing them of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has brushed off the warrants, saying that in Moscow’s eyes they’re “null and void.” Asked if the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and others can help resolve the tensions in the Middle East, Peskov said: “Well, in general, the actions of the ICC are unlikely to help anything. That’s the first thing. And secondly, we don’t see any point in commenting on this in any way, because for us these rulings are insignificant.” DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Large crowds of displaced people crammed themselves in front of a bakery in the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row, desperate to get their share of bread after bakeries closed for five days due to a flour shortage and the lack of aid. “I am a 61-year-old man. This is the third day that I have come to Zadna Bakery and I still cannot get bread ... I have children to feed,” said Majdi Yaghi, a displaced man from Gaza City. The price of a small bag of pita bread increased to $16 by Friday, a stark increase from about 80 cents last month. A bag of pasta now costs $4 and a small bag of sugar costs nearly $14. That has left many Palestinian families surviving on one meal a day and reliant on charitable kitchens to survive. In Khan Younis, women and children lined up at the al-Dalu charitable kitchen for bulgur, the only food available at the makeshift charity. One of the workers there, Anas al-Dalu, told the AP that they cook ten pots every day of either rice, beans, or bulgur. But that hardly fills the need for the thousands of people displaced in the area. “The charity here is in a difficult situation. It is a drop in the ocean, and there is no aid or charities. There is nothing," said Nour Kanani, a displaced man from Khan Younis. “It is a crisis in every sense of the word. There is no flour, no charities, and no food.” BEIRUT — Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters on Friday in different areas in south Lebanon, including a coastal town that is home to the headquarters of U.N. peacekeepers. A spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL told The Associated Press that they are monitoring “heavy clashes” in the coastal town of Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast. UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in Naqoura in Lebanon’s southern edge close to the border with Israel. “We are aware of heavy shelling in the vicinity of our bases,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said. Asked if the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are safe, Tenenti said: “Yes for the moment.” Several UNIFIL posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded.golden empire jili slot 。

NoneWest Ham stun Newcastle to ease pressure on LopeteguiNEW YORK— Kim Caldwell brought her fast-paced pressing style to Tennessee this season. It had been successful when she coached at the Division II level at Glenville State and then last season at Marshall. Now it’s working early in the season as Caldwell has guided No. 19 Tennessee back to the Top 25. The Lady Vols entered the AP women’s basketball poll Monday for the first time in a year, ending the longest drought outside the Top 25 in school history. The team’s next game is Saturday against N.C. Central. “I’ve tweaked it over the years, watched a lot of film,” she said. “I know when we started playing it, we liked it.” Besides pressing for the entire game, the Lady Vols constantly sub in fresh players every few minutes. Caldwell said that one of the assistants on the bench is in charge of the hockey-style substitutions that has players quickly shuttling in and out of the game. The players have bought in to the system. “We talked about it and we explained it to them,” Caldwell said. “It is fun. People get so caught up that you’re getting subbed out quickly, when you’re actually getting more possessions in 2-to-3 minutes then you would walking the ball up the floor.” Tennessee is 7-0 and coming off an impressive win over then-No. 17 Iowa on Saturday at the Women’s Champions Classic. Iowa coach Jan Jensen said that it was difficult to prepare for Tennessee’s style and the Lady Vols eventually wore down the Hawkeyes mentally. Iowa’s last basket in the 78-68 loss came with 4:38 left in the game. The Hawkeyes led 66-62 at that point. The Women’s Champions Classic will return to New York next season and in the second-year of a five-year plan. The doubleheader, which also featured No. 2 UConn routing then-No. 22 Louisville, drew over 9,000 fans. Break time Many teams are in final exams so the schedule is a bit lighter over the next two weeks. There are fewer marquee matchups this week. Strong starts No. 7 Maryland (10-0) is off to its best start since the Terrapins opened the 2018-19 season 12-0. Michigan State, which moved up seven spots to No. 17, is 9-0 and off to the best start in school history. The team won its first eight games twice, the last coming in 2020-21. Georgia Tech is also 9-0 and is off to its fastest start since 1977-78, Still recovering UCLA transfer Charlisse Leger-Walker will sit out this season while still recovering from an ACL tear she suffered in January. Leger-Walker received a medical redshirt and will return next season coach Cori Close said on Friday. NET ratings The NCAA’s weekly NET rankings — one of the tools that the selection committee uses for the NCAA Tournament bracket — has South Carolina still as the top choice with UConn, Kansas State and Texas as the next three. UCLA, which is No. 1 in the AP poll, is fifth. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today‘Creature Commandos’ Is a ‘Soft Intro’ to the New DC Universe, Says James Gunn: ‘We Can Make Something That’s Violent and Sexual’

West Ham beat Newcastle to ease pressure on LopeteguiA unified voice calling for bolder actions to decarbonize the maritime transport and ensure a just transition has been heard at the World Maritime Merchants Forum 2024, which officially concluded on Wednesday. The three-day forum, a flagship event of the ongoing Hong Kong Maritime Week, has pooled wisdom from as many as roughly 1,500 stakeholders and practitioners from across the value chain covering shipping, ports, trade, logistics, law firms, financial institutions and industry authorities, on shoring up the resilience of the maritime industry and mapping out a sustainable future. The shipping industry is known to be carbon intensive, responsible for roughly 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions alone, and 90 percent of traded goods worldwide are currently shipped by sea, showed data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Business insiders said that the shift to alternative fuels like LNG, hydrogen, Ammonia and biofuels is fraught with challenges, from engine compatibility to significant investments. The urgency heightens as the deadline for ESG ratings draws near. As one of the busiest seaports and a trading hub with a long history, Hong Kong is also wrestling with green transitioning, thirsty for technical and financial solutions. The participants hoped that the forum here in Hong Kong may shed light on the impact on the maritime industry from the evolving global dynamics and help give a boost to the IMO’s 2050 decarbonization goal. “To hit that target, the maritime and shipping industry first needs to accelerate the exploration of the ideal green fuel which will then speed up fleet renewal,” Nicolas Bornozis, president of Capital Link, a U.S.-based advisory group specializing in shipping finance and investor relations services, told Xinhua. Hong Kong has an open financial and trade environment, with apparent advantages in professional services such as law, which can accelerate the financing and promotion of green fuels and smart technologies, Kapil Celly, executive director of Dubai-based Sharaf Group, told Xinhua. Meanwhile, through the mature transport and logistics network in the Chinese mainland, multimodal transportation can be developed, further cutting down carbon emissions, said Celly, a first-time World Maritime Merchants Forum participant. However, single regulations or financial incentive policies are insufficient to address fundamental issues, said Emanuele Grimaldi, chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, when addressing the forum. “What is crucial is to establish and improve the economic mechanisms for long-term investment in low-carbon and zero-carbon fuel technologies, promote the research and utilization of alternative fuels, and further intensify the application of digitalization in the maritime industry to support the development of a new global shipping ecosystem that is both environmentally sustainable and intelligent,” Grimaldi suggested. In Hong Kong, concrete steps were being taken toward that net-zero goal. In June, the HKSAR government launched the Green Incentive Scheme, the first of its kind in the world that is Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)-related. Last week, the HKSAR government promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering, setting out clear strategies and actions to build Hong Kong into a high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering center. The action plan, in particular, sets out a number of targets, including following the IMO’s emission reduction target, reducing carbon emissions from Hong Kong-registered ships by at least 11 percent (compared to 2019) and ensuring that 55 percent of diesel-fuelled vessels in the government fleet switch to using green maritime fuels by 2026. Hong Kong itself has a significant development demand for green fuel bunkering including LNG and Methanol, and should fully leverage its edges as an international financial, trade and shipping hub to translate its green vision into reality, Edward Liu, member of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board and chief representative of the China Office of International Chamber of Shipping, told Xinhua. Liu believed that the recent steps on decarbonization by the HKSAR government have laid a legal foundation for the development of Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering center, testifying to the city’s “can do” attitude. “The city has already in place many of the key elements of a maritime cluster, such as shipowning, ship management, legal services, finance, technology, trading, logistics, education, human resources and more,” Bornozis said, adding “Hopefully, Hong Kong can become an ideal platform to pool global wisdom and speed up the process of decarbonization.” “Let’s work together. Governments, industry, academia, NGOs, energy providers, in particular, and buying the solution set together that actually works is fit for purpose and brings us to that goal of net zero for 2050,” said Bud Darr, executive vice president for Maritime Policy and Government Affairs of MSC Group, at the forum. “Because it’s critical, not only for our industry, but also for the planet and to work for children, their children, and the world behind them,” Darr said. Source: Xinhua

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WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money."Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy

No. 22 Texas A&M beats Texas Tech 72-67 in 1st meeting of former conference rivals since 2012

NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire , New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf, Tisch said. The shooter, who wore a jacket, face mask and large backpack, fled through Midtown on foot before pedaling an electric bike into Central Park a few blocks away, police said. The assailant remained at large Wednesday afternoon, sparking a search that included police drones, helicopters and dogs. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the insurer’s Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Police issued a poster showing a surveillance image of the man pointing what appeared to be a gun and another image that appeared to show the same person on a bicycle. Minutes before the shooting, he stopped at a nearby Starbucks, according to additional surveillance photos released by police on Wednesday afternoon. They offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. The killing shook a part of New York City that's normally quiet at that hour, happening about four blocks from where tens of thousands of people were set to gather for Wednesday night’s tree lighting. Police promised extra security for the event. The hotel is also a short walk from other tourist sites, including the Museum of Modern Art and Radio City Music Hall, and is often dense with office workers and visitors on weekday mornings. Many security cameras are nearby. “We’re encouraging New Yorkers to go about their daily lives and their daily business but to be alert,” NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. They were also searching Thompson's hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Kenny said. Police initially said the shooter rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the city’s bike-share program, CitiBike. But a spokesperson for the program’s operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company Wednesday afternoon that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet. Health care giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson's death. “I’m afraid that we — some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” a company official told attendees, according to a transcript. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today. ... I’m sure you’ll understand.” Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote. Associated Press writers Tom Murphy in Indianapolis, Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this story.Earlier this year, a caver was poring over satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain when he came across something unexpected: an enormous, mysterious scar etched into the barren landscape. The find intrigued scientists, including my colleagues and I. Upon closer investigation, we realised the scar was created by a ferocious tornado that no-one knew had occurred. We outline the findings in new research published today. Tornadoes are a known threat in the United States and elsewhere. But they also happen in Australia . Without the power of technology, this remarkable example of nature's ferocity would have gone unnoticed. It's important to study the tornado's aftermath to help us predict and prepare for the next big twister. Australia's tornado history Tornadoes are violent, spinning columns of air that drop from thunderstorms to the ground, bringing wind speeds often exceeding 200 kilometres an hour. They can cause massive destruction – uprooting trees, tearing apart buildings and throwing debris over large distances. Tornadoes have been reported on every continent except Antarctica. They most commonly occur in the Great Plains region of the United States, and in the north-east region of India–Bangladesh. The earliest observed tornado in Australia occurred in 1795 in the suburbs of Sydney. But a tornado was not scientifically confirmed here until the late 1800s. In recent decades, documented instances in Australia include a 2013 tornado that crossed north-east Victoria and travelled up to the New South Wales border. It brought winds between 250–300 kilometres an hour and damaged Murray River townships. And in 2016, a severe storm produced at least seven tornadoes in central and eastern parts of South Australia. It's important for scientists to accurately predict tornadoes, so we can issue warnings to communities. That's why the Nullarbor tornado scar was useful to study. A whirlwind mystery The Nullarbor Plain is a remote, dry, treeless stretch of land in southern Australia. The man who discovered the scar had been using Google Earth satellite imagery to search the Nullabor for caves or other karst features. Karst is a landscape underlain by limestone featuring distinctive landforms. The discovery of the scar came to the attention of my colleagues and I through the collaborative network of researchers and explorers who study the Nullarbor karst. The scar stretches from Western Australia over the border to South Australia. It lies 20 kilometres north of the Trans-Australian Railway and 90 kilometres east-north-east of Forrest, a former railway settlement. We compared satellite imagery of the site over several years to determine that the tornado occurred between November 16 and 18, 2022. Blue circular patterns appeared alongside the scar, indicating pools of water associated with heavy rain. My colleagues and I then travelled to the site in May this year to examine and photograph the scar and the neighbouring landscape. Our results have been published today in the Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science. What we found The scar is 11 kilometres long and between 160 and 250 metres wide. It bears striking patterns called "cycloidal marks", formed by tornado suction vortexes. This suggests the tornado was no ordinary storm but in the strong F2 or F3 category, spinning with destructive winds of more than 200 kilometres an hour. The tornado probably lasted between seven and 13 minutes. Features of the scar suggest the whirling wind within the tornado was moving in a clockwise direction. We also think the tornado moved from west to east – which is consistent with the direction of a strong cold front in the region at the time. Local weather observations also recorded intensive cloud cover and rainfall during that period in November 2022. Unlike tornadoes that hit populated areas, this one did not damage homes or towns. But it left its mark nonetheless, eroding soil and vegetation and reshaping the Earth's surface. Remarkably, the scar was still clearly visible 18 months after the event, both in satellite images and on the ground. This is probably because vegetation grows slowly in this dry landscape, so hadn't yet covered the erosion. Predict and prepare This fascinating discovery on the Nullarbor Plain shows how powerful and unpredictable nature can be – sometimes without us knowing. Only three tornadoes have previously been documented on the Nullarbor Plain. This is likely because the area is remote with few eye-witnesses, and because the events do not damage properties and infrastructure. Interestingly, those three tornadoes occurred in November, just like this one. Our research provides valuable insights into the tornadoes in this remote and little-studied region. It helps us understand when, and in what conditions, these types of tornadoes occur. It also emphasises the importance of satellite imagery in identifying and analysing weather phenomena in remote locations, and in helping us predict and prepare for the next big event. And finally, the results are a stark reminder that extreme weather can strike anywhere, anytime. Matej Lipar , Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .No. 22 Texas A&M beats Texas Tech 72-67 in 1st meeting of former conference rivals since 2012None

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Sio Silica plans to try again with controversial project in Manitoba19 cm of snow falls on Ottawa during overnight storm

UCLA women’s basketball earns first-ever No. 1 ranking in weekly AP pollNEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans tight end Taysom Hill is likely to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the Saints' loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “It looks like an ACL tear,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said Monday. “He’ll probably get a second opinion, but it looks like it will be season-ending.” Hill, who is listed at tight end but plays a variety of roles, was carted off the field after taking a hard hit to his left knee while converting a fourth down on a direct snap in the Saints’ 21-14 loss Sunday to the Rams. The injury came one game after he'd posted a career-best 138 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in a victory over Cleveland. He also has lined up at quarterback and running back, as well as playing special teams. “It means everybody else has to step up,” Rizzi said. “He fills so many roles, so there are going to be a lot of different guys that have to be a part of the solution there. It’s hard to sit here and tell you we are going to replace Taysom. You can’t. He’s a phenomenal person, player, leader and captain. It’s a big loss." Hill is the third key offensive player the Saints have lost. He joins leading wide receivers Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion in Week 9 and has not played since, and Rashid Shaheed, who is out for the year after tearing a meniscus in Week 7. Rizzi said guard Nick Saldiveri also might miss the remaining five games after injuring his left knee in the fourth quarter one series before Hill. Without Hill, though, the Saints’ quest to get back in the NFC South race became even tougher. At 4-8, they trail Atlanta and Tampa Bay by two games. Hill has 99 catches, 437 carries, 302 passes, 44 touchdowns, 19 tackles and one blocked kick in seven years with the Saints. “I don’t know if I can compare Taysom to anybody else that I’ve ever coached,” Rizzi said. “There’s not a guy that comes to mind that has been able to do all the different things he’s been able to do just in one game, forget about his career." Alvin Kamara had his third 100-yard rushing game of the year and is 106 yards away from the first 1,000-yard season of his eight-year career. He needs only 39 more yards to set a career high. His 206 carries are the third most in his career. Los Angeles averaged 5.4 yards per carry, finishing with 156 yards. Rams running back Kyren Williams said they knew at halftime they would win if they stuck to the ground game, and he carried seven times on the opening series of the third quarter as they took the lead. The Saints have allowed 5.1 yards per carry for the season — tied for last with the New York Giants. Signed in late October after Shaheed’s season-ending surgery, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has become Derek Carr’s go-to receiver for big plays. His 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was the Saints’ longest gain of the day and his fourth score in the past three games. Tight end Foster Moreau, a reliable performer all year, could not handle Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse on the Saints’ final offensive snap, allowing him to hit Carr as he released a pass on fourth-and-3 from the Los Angeles 9 with New Orleans trailing by 7. Although the news was bad for Hill and Saldiveri, Rizzi said he expected starting center Erik McCoy to play Sunday against the Giants. McCoy was scratched against the Rams after aggravating a groin injury two weeks earlier versus Cleveland in his first game back since missing seven in a row. Rizzi said oft-injured running back Kendre Miller, who has played in two games this year, might return from a hamstring injury Sunday. 2 — The number of sacks for the Saints, not enough to keep Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford from finding his rhythm in the second half. In the Rams’ last five losses, he has been sacked 20 times. In their last five wins, he has been sacked three times. With their NFC South hopes on life support, the Saints travel to face the reeling Giants, who have lost seven in a row. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThe United States called Monday for de-escalation in Syria, where an Islamist-led rebel alliance has wrested swathes of territory from the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government in a lightning offensive. The European Union also called on "all sides to de-escalate", while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "alarmed" by the violence and called for an immediate halt to the fighting. Syria has been at war since Assad cracked down on democracy protests in 2011. The conflict has since drawn in foreign powers and jihadists, and left 500,000 people dead. The conflict had been mostly dormant with Assad back in control of much of the country, until last week when the Islamist-led rebel alliance began its offensive. The attack has seen swathes of Syria fall to rebel control, including second city Aleppo for the first time since the start of the civil war. "We want to see all countries use their influence -- use their leverage -- to push for de-escalation, protection of civilians and ultimately, a political process forward," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. In a statement issued by EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, the European Union also called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians, while also condemning Assad backer Russia for conducting air strikes in his support. Russia first intervened directly in Syria's war in 2015 with strikes on rebel-held areas. Its help, along with that of Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, were instrumental in propping up Assad's rule. On Monday President Vladimir Putin and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian both pledged "unconditional support" for their ally, according to the Kremlin. Aleppo is home to two million people and saw fierce fighting earlier in the war. The Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies took the city at the weekend, except for neighbourhoods controlled by Kurdish forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. They also seized Aleppo International Airport. HTS, led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria branch, has faced accusations of human rights abuses including torturing detainees. Abu Sufyan, a rebel commander, told AFP: "God willing, we will continue, go into Damascus and liberate the rest of Syria." One Aleppo resident spoke of panic. "There were terrible traffic jams -- it took people 13 to 15 hours to reach Homs" in central Syria, which is under government control. Normally, he said, it would take a couple of hours. AFPTV footage showed rebels patrolling the streets, some burning a Syrian flag and others holding the flag of the revolution. On Monday, Assad branded the rebel offensive led by HTS an attempt to redraw the regional map in line with US interests. His comments came in a call with Iran's Pezeshkian, who in turn pledged continued support and said Iran hoped "Syria will pass through this stage with success and victory". On Monday, Syrian and Russian air raids on several areas of Idlib province in the northwest killed 11 civilians including five children, the Observatory said. "The strikes targeted... families living on the edge of a displacement camp," said Hussein Ahmed Khudur, a 45-year-old teacher who sought refuge at the camp from fighting in Aleppo province. Other strikes in Aleppo killed four civilians, two of them children, the Observatory said, adding that air raids also targeted a Christian-majority neighbourhood. AFPTV footage showed rebels pushing into Hama province in central Syria. Syria's defence ministry said troops were clashing with "terrorist organisations" in the northern Hama countryside. Islamist-led rebels killed six civilians on Monday in a rocket attack on the government-held city of Hama, the Observatory said. Aron Lund of the Century International think tank said a major question hangs over possible Turkish involvement. "I have a hard time imagining that Turkey-backed groups could launch a major rebel offensive out of Turkey-held areas without Turkey being very significantly involved," he said. "But I also don't think Turkey necessarily wanted the rebels to get this far." Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an end to the "instability" in Syria and an agreement to stop the civil war. On a visit to Ankara, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it was crucial "to protect the achievements" of the so-called Astana process to end Syria's civil war, which involves Turkey, Russia and Iran. Several hours later, he said the respective foreign ministers would meet on the matter next weekend in Qatar. "We will try to activate this process again," he said. While the current fighting is rooted in a war that began more than a decade ago, much has changed since then. Millions of Syrians have been displaced, with about 5.5 million now in neighbouring countries. Most of those involved in the initial anti-Assad protests are either dead, in jail or in exile. Russia is at war in Ukraine, and Iran's militant allies Hezbollah and Hamas have been massively weakened by more than a year of conflict with Israel. Lebanon's Hezbollah played a key role in backing government forces particularly around Aleppo, but it withdrew from several positions to focus on fighting Israel. HTS and its allies launched their offensive on Wednesday, the day a Lebanon ceasefire began. The violence in Syria has killed 514 people, mostly combatants but also including 92 civilians, according to the Observatory. burs-srm-ser/smw

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies weren't immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. “Our investigators are exploring every avenue,” public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.'s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” And the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Joe Burrow's home broken into during Monday Night Football in latest pro-athlete home invasionAutomotive Lead Acid Batteries Market: Overview, Scope, Market Trends, and Factors 2028 11-25-2024 08:32 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research Automotive Lead Acid Batteries Market The automotive lead-acid batteries market has been a cornerstone of the global energy storage industry, driven by its reliability, affordability, and versatility. These batteries are predominantly used in vehicles for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) applications, alongside secondary uses in backup power systems and other transportation sectors. This post explores the automotive lead-acid battery market's current state, scope, key trends, and influencing factors, providing a comprehensive understanding for industry stakeholders and enthusiasts. The automotive lead acid batteries market will reach at an estimated value of USD 59.17 billion and grow at a CAGR of 4.3% in the forecast period of 2021 to 2028. Rising advancements in manufacturing processes of lead acid batteries is an essential factor driving the automotive lead acid batteries market. Browse More About This Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-automotive-lead-acid-batteries-market Market Overview Automotive lead-acid batteries are among the oldest and most widely used rechargeable batteries. Their simple design, robustness, and cost-effectiveness have ensured their longevity in the automotive industry. Despite advancements in battery technologies like lithium-ion, lead-acid batteries continue to dominate due to their capacity to deliver high power output and tolerance to overcharging. These batteries come in two main types: flooded lead-acid batteries and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries. Flooded batteries are the traditional option, while VRLA batteries, including AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and gel batteries, cater to modern vehicles with higher energy requirements. The global market for automotive lead-acid batteries is primarily driven by the rising demand for passenger and commercial vehicles. Furthermore, increased urbanization and industrialization, particularly in developing countries, have fueled market expansion. With growing emphasis on clean energy solutions, the integration of start-stop technology in vehicles has further boosted the demand for lead-acid batteries. Market Scope The automotive lead-acid battery market encompasses a wide range of applications and industries. It includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The demand spans across: Passenger Vehicles: Cars and SUVs form the largest segment, as they use lead-acid batteries for ignition and auxiliary systems. Commercial Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and heavy-duty vehicles rely on lead-acid batteries due to their durability and reliability. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: While lithium-ion batteries dominate this segment, lead-acid batteries serve as auxiliary power sources. Backup Power Systems: These batteries are also used in emergency power solutions for critical systems like medical devices and communication networks. The market spans geographic regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region has distinct dynamics influenced by industrial activity, technological adoption, and government policies. Key Market Trends Increasing Adoption of Start-Stop Systems Modern vehicles increasingly incorporate start-stop technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Lead-acid batteries, particularly AGM batteries, are well-suited for these systems, as they can handle frequent charge-discharge cycles efficiently. Advancements in Battery Design The industry is witnessing continuous innovations aimed at enhancing battery performance and lifespan. Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFBs) and advanced AGM batteries offer better deep-cycle capabilities and faster charging, addressing the needs of modern vehicles. Growth in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles While lithium-ion batteries are the primary choice for electric vehicles (EVs), lead-acid batteries remain essential for auxiliary power applications. The growing EV market indirectly supports the lead-acid battery segment. Recycling Initiatives Lead-acid batteries have one of the highest recycling rates among all battery types, with over 95% of their components being reusable. This sustainability aspect aligns with global environmental goals and ensures their continued relevance in the market. Expansion in Emerging Markets Developing countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization, driving vehicle sales and, consequently, the demand for lead-acid batteries. Affordable pricing further cements their position in these markets. Market Influencing Factors Technological Advancements The automotive sector's technological evolution is a significant driver of change. Advanced vehicle systems demand more robust and efficient batteries, prompting manufacturers to innovate within the lead-acid battery space. Regulatory Policies Governments worldwide are implementing stringent regulations to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. This has led to a push for more efficient and recyclable batteries, favoring lead-acid due to their high recyclability. Cost-Effectiveness Compared to alternatives like lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries offer a cost-effective solution, making them the preferred choice for budget-conscious consumers and fleet operators. Competition from Alternative Technologies The rise of lithium-ion and solid-state batteries poses a challenge to the lead-acid battery market. However, the latter's established infrastructure, affordability, and recycling ecosystem provide significant competitive advantages. Raw Material Prices The price of lead and other raw materials influences the overall cost of lead-acid batteries. Fluctuations in these prices can impact market dynamics, affecting both manufacturers and consumers. Consumer Preferences Shifting consumer preferences towards fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles impact battery demand. The preference for hybrid and electric vehicles indirectly supports the market for auxiliary lead-acid batteries. Economic Conditions Global economic conditions, including GDP growth, disposable income levels, and automotive sales trends, play a crucial role in shaping the market. Economic slowdowns can temporarily dampen demand, while periods of growth drive market expansion. Conclusion The automotive lead-acid battery market remains a vital component of the energy storage landscape, backed by its reliability, affordability, and widespread applicability. While facing competition from emerging battery technologies, it continues to evolve, driven by advancements in design, sustainability efforts, and market demand. Browse Trending Reports: https://newsasdbmr.blogspot.com/2024/11/blind-loop-syndrome-market-size-share_25.html https://newsasdbmr.blogspot.com/2024/11/bio-based-succinic-acid-market-size_25.html https://newsasdbmr.blogspot.com/2024/11/beetles-protein-market-size-share_25.html https://newsasdbmr.blogspot.com/2024/11/baking-oven-market-size-share-trends.html About Data Bridge Market Research: An absolute way to predict what the future holds is to understand the current trend! Data Bridge Market Research presented itself as an unconventional and neoteric market research and consulting firm with an unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are committed to uncovering the best market opportunities and nurturing effective information for your business to thrive in the marketplace. Data Bridge strives to provide appropriate solutions to complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge is a set of pure wisdom and experience that was formulated and framed in 2015 in Pune. Data Bridge Market Research has more than 500 analysts working in different industries. We have served more than 40% of the Fortune 500 companies globally and have a network of more than 5,000 clients worldwide. Data Bridge is an expert in creating satisfied customers who trust our services and trust our hard work with certainty. We are pleased with our glorious 99.9% customer satisfaction rating. Contact Us: - Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 888 387 2818 United Kingdom: +44 208 089 1725 Hong Kong: +852 8192 7475 Email: - sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com This release was published on openPR.Kylian Mbappe’s spot-kick woe goes on as Real Madrid lose at Athletic Bilbao

Chipotle Mexican Grill said Wednesday it has raised menu prices by about 2%, as the burrito chain counters higher input costs in the midst of a choppy demand environment for restaurants in the US. Shares jumped 5% to $63.99. The stock is up 42% this year. Key ingredients such as dairy, beef and avocado have been costlier this year, weighing on margins for restaurant operators in an environment where consumers are already paring back on dining out in favor of cheaper meals at home. Inflation in input costs contributed to US restaurants and fast-food chains increasing menu prices in 2023, which tempered demand from consumers. As Chipotle lapped those price increases, executives said in October during a post-earnings call that it was still seeing a low-single-digit inflation on the cost of sales, as well as on labor. However, given some softness in demand trends — Chipotle missed market expectations for quarterly same-store sales — the company had hinted that a price increase might come only in early 2025. “For the first time in over a year, we have taken a modest price increase of approximately 2% nationally to offset inflation,” Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s corporate affairs chief said in a statement on Wednesday. “The timing of the increase is also a positive signal regarding current demand trends,” Raymond James analyst Brian Vaccaro said in a note. The company had raised prices in California in April when the FAST Act that raised wages for workers at fast-food chains went into effect.golden empire jili tricks 。

Homan promises mass deportations on trip to Texas' southern border President-elect Donald Trump's incoming border czar Tom Homan spoke to Texas National Guard soldiers and public safety troopers on the border Tuesday, promising to help implement the largest deportation program in U.S. history. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports. Then, Dave Weigel, politics reporter for Semafor, and Nicholas Wu, congressional reporter for Politico, join to discuss.

Kurdish-led forces push back Turkish-backed Syrian rebels in tense offensiveSEATTLE — A proposal for a Seattle tax on capital gains fell short Thursday for the second time this week, failing to secure majority support from the City Council. That means the city won’t enact Councilmember Cathy Moore’s 2% tax on investment-sale profits above $262,000 annually. In rebuffing the proposal, some of her council colleagues said the timing wasn’t right. The idea could resurface in the coming year and could stand a slightly better chance of passing then, because a council seat will change hands next week when recently elected Alexis Mercedes Rinck replaces Tanya Woo. “We will continue to have this conversation,” Moore said Thursday, making the case that Seattle will need additional revenue from well-off residents to balance its budget in the long term and to provide struggling residents with a robust social safety net. “It’s a conversation we can’t afford not to have.” The decision on the capital gains tax came Thursday alongside an 8-1 vote to formally adopt Seattle’s 2025 budget. The council passed a modified version of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s budget plan, agreeing to plug a general-fund deficit and increase spending on priorities like police largely by redirecting a chunk of JumpStart payroll tax revenue previously earmarked for affordable housing. Council President Sara Nelson backed the new budget, praising her colleagues for working with Harrell to focus on public safety. Councilmember Tammy Morales cast the only vote against it, saying she couldn’t endorse its cuts to jobs and programs, as well as its deficit-closing approach. The vote against Moore’s capital gains tax was 6-3. The proposal had received a 4-4 vote during a budget committee meeting Tuesday and had advanced to Thursday’s full council meeting with a “do not pass” recommendation. On Thursday, Moore, Morales and Dan Strauss voted yes. Nelson, Rob Saka, Maritza Rivera and Bob Kettle voted no. So did Joy Hollingsworth, who had voted yes Tuesday, and Woo, who had abstained Tuesday. Moore introduced her proposal this month after the Nov. 5 election saw Washington voters affirm a similar tax at the state level, rejecting a ballot initiative that sought to repeal it. The state’s tax passed the Legislature in 2021 and took effect last year after surviving a court challenge. It taxes profits from the sale or exchange of stocks, bonds and other investments, excluding retirement accounts and real estate. It initially applied to gains above $250,000 and is calibrated to grow with inflation. Moore, who represents North Seattle’s District 5, said her city tax would be identical to the state’s version, except with a 2% rate rather than 7%. She made her proposal part of the council’s budget deliberations, saying the revenue could be used to fund rental, homebuyer and food assistance. In opposition, Woo said a more thorough stakeholder discussion about the proposal was necessary. Nelson said Seattle residents want to see City Hall achieve results with existing revenue before raising and spending more. “I do think we need to build back public trust,” the council president said. In support, Morales described the tax as a responsible step to diversify the city’s revenue options. She said the council had an opportunity to show spending restraint this year and instead added to Harrell’s budget. Morales said she hoped Mercedes Rinck would bring “a different balance” to the council when sworn in. Mercedes Rinck defeated Woo in a special election on Nov. 5 and campaigned as an advocate for progressive revenue.

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence HOMS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country’s fragile peace could break down. A tense calm prevailed Thursday after checkpoints were set up throughout the country’s third-largest city, which has a mixed population of Sunni and Shia Muslims, Alawites and Christians. The security forces are controlled by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the charge that unseated former President Bashar Assad. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. New York to charge fossil fuel companies for damage from climate change ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Large fossil fuel companies would have to pay fees to help New York fight the effects of climate change under a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. The governor signed the new law Thursday. It requires companies responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions to pay into a state infrastructure fund for repairs or projects that help avoid future damage from climate change. Lawmakers approved the bill earlier this year. It's meant to make big oil and gas companies contribute to the cost of repairs after extreme weather events or for resiliency projects. Such projects may include restoring coastal wetlands or upgrading roads, bridges and water drainage systems. Legal challenges to the new law are expected. Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts say that Russian air defense fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Azerbaijan is observing a nationwide day of mourning on Thursday for the victims of the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons yet unclear and crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan. Cellphone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday.Australia's House of Representatives passes bill that would ban young children from social media

49ers’ Shanahan expects Jake Moody to be his kicker into the futurePutin's ally Sechin to stay as Rosneft's head for five more yearsRed Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey Gasper

ST. PAUL — A former lawmaker who is the longest-serving woman in the history of the Minnesota House has suffered a stroke. Former Rep. Mary Murphy, DFL-Hermantown, experienced a stroke last week and is in comfort care following complications, House Speaker Melissa Hortman said in a Facebook post late Monday. Hortman said Murphy remains hospitalized until she can be transferred to a hospice care facility. “Mary has had some visitors. Her family hopes that Mary could feel and appreciate their presence,” Hortman said. “While heart-wrenching, the family has determined that hospice is the best solution. Mary will receive comfort care at the hospital until she can be placed in a hospice care facility, which they expect to happen soon.” Murphy, 85, is the second-longest-serving member of the Minnesota House and the longest-serving female legislator. She was first elected in 1976 and was defeated in her bid to represent the Duluth-area seat in 2022 by 33 votes. She’s also a former history and social studies teacher. Murphy was supposed to participate in last week’s Electoral College voting last week at the Capitol, an honor bestowed by party officials. She didn’t attend and an alternate was elevated. Hortman said Murphy’s family is grateful for the love and support shown by her friends, colleagues and community. This story was originally published on MPRNews.orgNone

Alberta minister wants to see $100B in data centre infrastructure in next five years

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SANTA CLARA — Jake Moody missed another goal attempt in Week 17, setting social media and talk radio ablaze. Time for the 49ers to get a new kicker, or at the very least some competition during training camp in 2025. Not necessarily, even if coach Kyle Shanahan threw his tablet on the sidelines in frustration after Moody missed a 41-yard attempt in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. “I believe we’ve got the right guy,” Shanahan said Thursday as the 49ers (6-9) began preparations to host the Detroit Lions (13-2). “He’s showed that at times. I thought he showed that at times in his rookie year. I thought he showed that in being 12 of 13 to start the year and I think he’ll show that in the future.” But rest assured that Moody will be watched closely to see how he performs in the final two weeks of the season, beginning with a spotlight game on Monday night in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game won 34-31 by the 49ers. Since the game is at Levi’s Stadium, Moody should enter with some confidence. He’s 23-for-30 on field goal attempts a 76.7 rate that’s unacceptable in today’s NFL, let alone for a kicker who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But all seven of his misses have been on the road — one in Miami, two in Buffalo in the snow, three in Tampa Bay in the sunshine and one in Los Angeles. Which apparently came as news to Moody. “I actually didn’t know that,” Moody said. “That’s pretty interesting. I don’t think that necessarily has anything to do with it, being home or away. It’s just the misses, I’ve got to hit better kicks. It’s not any specific reason why I miss. I’ve just got to make sure I’m dialed in on my form.” Moody is 15-for-15 in field goal attempts at home, starting off 6-for-6 in the opener against the New York Jets. But Moody sustained a high ankle sprain on his right kicking foot in Week 5 against Arizona, missing three games as the 49ers cycled through Matthew Wright (also injured on a kick return) and Anders Carlson. “Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously,” Shanahan said. “I think a lot of it probably has to do with (the injury), just common-sense wise. Hopefully he can get to this offseason, heal up and find a stroke again.” Having a midseason injury was a “learning experience,” according to Moody. “Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything what it was prior to the injury,” Moody said. “It’s not like you can really blame something.” While tempted to alter his approach and preparation, Moody thought better of it. He considers kicking similar to golf, and said it can take years for golfers to master a swing change. “In this business you don’t have that much time to try and dial something in and do big changes like that,” Moody said. “You’ve got to be consistent and not be changing too many things or you’ll be overwhelmed by everything.” While the 49ers may bring another kicker into camp just for an extra leg, Shanahan didn’t sound as if he was looking to set up a competition for No. 1. “I think you’ve got the wrong guy if you have to,” Shanahan said. “You do that when you don’t think you’re going to have a guy, but when those guys miss too much you go get a new one usually. And that’s what’s tough about the kicker position.” GREENLAW DONE FOR THE YEAR Shanahan hinted strongly Monday that linebacker Dre Greenlaw wouldn’t play in the last two games, saying he’d wait until talking to him before making it official. “He’s not going to play in these two games,” Shanahan said Thursday. “He understood.” Left tackle Spencer Burford (calf) did not practice and Shanahan thought there was a chance he’d be ready to face Detroit with Trent Williams and Jaylon Moore both on injured reserve. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee), who hasn’t yet been placed on IR, did not practice and neither did edge rusher Robert Beal Jr. Those who were limited were safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle), running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/ankle). Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) was off the injury list. Veteran offensive lineman Matt Hennessey was added to the roster with Williams going on injured reserve, with Sebastian Gutierrez joining the practice squad. Shanahan will try to piecemeal an offensive line heading into Detroit, with newcomer Charlie Heck also in the mix. “We’ve got to mix and match a number of guys,” Shanahan said. The 49ers activated the practice clock on rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been out with a knee injury in hopes of getting him back before the end of the regular season. LIONS EXPECT 49ERS BEST SHOT Detroit Dan Campbell thinks last year’s loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game helped prepare them for taking another run at this season. “I think we’re really more mature,” Campbell told the Detroit media. “Every year you learn something about winning and losing. And when you take an `L’ like we did last year you learn from that . . . I think we’re much more prepared than at that time. You feel like you’re (prepared) but you get into that with a heavyweight that’s been there numerous times, you don’t always know. I think that as an experience has served us well moving into this year.” The Lions have also taken notice of what happened to the 49ers in 2022 when Brock Purdy tore the UCL in his throwing elbow in the NFC title game against Philadelphia and didn’t have a viable quarterback. Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was signed to the roster, giving the Lions three quarterbacks along with starter Jared Goff and backup Hendon Hooker. STAT WATCH — Tight end George Kittle (68 receptions, 967 yards) needs 33 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the fourth time in his career and second in succession. With eight touchdown receptions, he’s three shy of his career high of 11 set in 2022. — Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (63 receptions, 856 yards) needs 144 yards in his last two games to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. His six touchdown receptions are a career best. — Bosa has has seven sacks and needs three over the last two games for his fourth consecutive season in double figures. Bosa had 15 1/2 in 2021, 18 1/2 in 2022 (winning NFC Defensive Player of the Year) and 10 1/2 last season. First, Bosa is thinking about his eighth sack. “Just trying to get to the next one,” Bosa said. “But it would be cool.” — Defensive end Leonard Floyd has 8 1/2 sacks and needs 1 1/2 over the last two games to reach double figures for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in his career. — Middle linebacker Fred Warner (117 tackles) needs 21 in his last two games to exceed his career high of 137 in 2021. Warner has exceeded 100 tackles in each of his seven seasons. — Purdy has 31 rushing first downs, three more than Colin Kaepernick had in 2013 and 2014.

EDMONTON — Alberta's Technology Minister Nate Glubish says he's hoping to see $100 billion worth of artificial intelligence data centres under construction within the next five years. Such centres are filled with computer servers used by companies like Meta to develop and train large-scale artificial intelligence models. Glubish says Meta, as well as other major companies including Google and Amazon, are on the hunt for space to build more facilities, and he wants Alberta to be an option. He says landing some data centres would create jobs and bring in much needed new tax revenue for the province. Glubish also says that since Alberta's electricity grid regulations allows for off-grid power generation, he thinks the province is an ideal location. He says allowing for off-grid power connections where power generators supply data centres directly also means there's less risk for Albertans, as there wouldn't be major drains on the electrical grid. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press49ers’ Shanahan expects Jake Moody to be his kicker into the future

By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Related Articles National News | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National News | U.S. homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people National News | OpenAI whistleblower death: Parents want to know what happened to Suchir Balaji after apparent suicide National News | Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds National News | Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.

The No. 6 Notre Dame women’s basketball team (4-0) has breezed through the first 2 1⁄2 weeks of the season, annihilating opponents by an average of 47.5 points. It’s hard to know what’s more impressive about the Fighting Irish. Is it their offensive dominance? Or perhaps their stifling defense that’s kept opposing teams to 31.2% shooting? Then again, the early returns on Notre Dame’s season are inflated, considering the Fighting Irish haven’t faced much of a challenge in four tuneup games. But the slow ramp-up for their season is over, and the real competition is set to begin when Niele Ivey’s team travels to Los Angeles to take on No. 3 USC (4-0) on Saturday (4 p.m. ET, NBC). “We’re really excited,“ Niele Ivey told reporters this week . “The fact that we get to be on this big stage, it’s just an incredible matchup. They have some of the biggest names out in women’s basketball right now.” Ivey is referring to USC sophomore standout JuJu Watkins and potential 2025 WNBA lottery pick Kiki Iriafen. Watkins was a basketball big shot even before she stepped on the court last season for the Trojans. But her remarkable first-year campaign — during which she set a single-season record for a freshman by scoring 920 points – only elevated her stature. This season, Watkins is averaging 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.8 steals and 3.0 blocks in four games. Iriafen, a transfer from Stanford, has posted 17.3 points to go with her team-high 7.5 rebounds per game. But make no mistake about it: Notre Dame has a few stars of its own, too, which adds to the intrigue of this early-season showdown of two possible Final Four teams. It helps that point guard Olivia Miles, another potential 2025 lottery pick, returned to the Fighting Irish’s lineup after missing all of last season because of a knee injury. Miles’ elite passing abilities and improving 3-point shooting make up just one half of what could be the most dynamic backcourt in college basketball this season. Sophomore All-American guard Hannah Hidalgo, who set several program records for Notre Dame last season, also is picking up where she left off. She leads the team in scoring (25 points per game) and steals (5.3 per game). Hidalgo’s scrappy approach on the defensive end makes her a menace to opposing guards and could help wear down Watkins over the course of Saturday’s tilt. After all, the way to beat USC is not to go into the game with the mindset of stopping Watkins – that’s not going to happen – but rather to make her work for every point. Other players who might be up for the defensive assignment include Sonia Citron and Cassandre Prospect. Saturday will be a chance for Notre Dame to make a statement and prove it’s a legitimate national title threat this season. Big-game hunting Here are three more games you should know about this week: No. 1 South Carolina (5-0) at No. 5 UCLA (4-0), Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, FS1: The schedule makers delivered basketball fans quite the treat this weekend with not just one but two marquee matchups — and both of them in Los Angeles, at that. The second potential Final Four preview features South Carolina with its 43-game winning streak on the line. South Carolina’s star big from a season ago, Kamilla Cardoso, went to the WNBA. Chloe Kitts has been working to fill the 6-foot-7 void left by Cardoso’s departure, but she doesn’t have nearly the same size and skills inside as her successor. Enter UCLA 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts, who could be a matchup nightmare for the Gamecocks. Betts is averaging 21.5 points on 72.5% shooting and is corralling 11.5 rebounds per game, which could be a big problem for South Carolina. Then again, the Gamecocks have legendary coach Dawn Staley, who’s no stranger to leading a team that has a target on its back. This game could come down to the wire. No. 2 UConn (4-0) vs. Oregon State (1-3) in Nassau, Bahamas, Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET: Geno Auriemma added yet another impressive notch on his belt this week when he became the all-time winningest coach in college basketball . UConn’s win against Fairleigh Dickinson on Wednesday was the 1,217th of Auriemma’s career, surpassing former Stanford coach Tara Vanderveer for the record. Auriemma’s win count is sure to continue to swell, starting Monday against Oregon State at the Baha Mar Women’s Championship. This Huskies team is loaded with talent and has a deep bench – a luxury that had eluded it in past seasons because of injuries. Azzi Fudd is back in the fold after a year away because of a knee injury. And Paige Bueckers, a favorite to go No. 1 in the 2025 WNBA draft, continues to dazzle. No. 16 North Carolina (3-1) vs. Ball State (4-0) in Nassau, Bahamas, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET: North Carolina enters this weekend as a favorite to win the annual Battle 4 Atlantic tournament. Sure, the Tar Heels are coming off a tough loss at UConn, but that might only fuel them this weekend. Ball State will be putting its perfect record on the line. The Cardinals managed to squeeze out a win against Northern Iowa last week, which proved to be more impressive than initially believed. Could Ball State pull off a stunner? Upset alert! Maya, oh my. Maya McDermott was a catalyst for Northern Iowa, who took the cake this week for the biggest upset of the young women’s basketball season. The unranked Panthers stunned No. 8 Iowa State on Wednesday night, 87-75, as McDermott dropped a career-high 37 points. It marked Northern Iowa’s first win against a top-10 opponent in program history and will go down as a day to remember for McDermott, who grew up in a Des Moines suburb just 30 miles south of Iowa State’s campus.Tage Thompson eyes return as Sabres welcome WildWhen Will Donald Trump Dump Elon Musk? “Morning Joe” Panelists Predict The Exact Time

The incident has sparked a debate among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists about the ethics of using technology to monitor and observe wild animals. While cameras and other monitoring devices can provide valuable insights into the behaviors and habits of wildlife, they also carry the risk of intruding on the animals' privacy and causing them distress.UN General Assembly overwhelmingly demands immediate Gaza ceasefiregolden empire jili download 。

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Russian Uranium Stake In Kazakhstan Sold To China Amid Western Sanctions RiskIn a recent investigative report, China Central Television (CCTV) delved into the virtual live streaming industry chain, exposing the hidden workings of the 'factory' behind the scenes of green screen compositing. This groundbreaking exposé sheds light on the elaborate production techniques and the ethical implications of creating virtual environments for live broadcasts.In the world of celebrity gossip and speculation, rumors about marriages and relationships are a dime a dozen. While it is important to take these rumors with a grain of salt, there is no denying the fascination that the public has with the personal lives of their favorite stars.

But what exactly is driving this obsession with all things cute? For starters, the digital era has played a significant role in amplifying the popularity of adorable content. Social media platforms are flooded with cute animal videos, whimsical illustrations, and charming animations that have captivated a generation raised on a steady diet of digital content.Tech review: Gift options for the cord cutter

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money."The stock market in both Shanghai and Shenzhen witnessed a fiery scene as a total of 100 listed stocks hit the daily limit-up on the same trading day. This extraordinary event has once again brought the spotlight onto the frenzied and volatile nature of the equity market.

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Broncos’ Brandon Jones logged key interception Sunday despite he, fellow safety P.J. Locke playing through a list of maladies

How to choose a start-stop battery? DF MAX-EFB start-stop new product "has style and fashion"In a heartwarming turn of events, the 39 search and rescue dogs in Yunnan province who unfortunately failed their entrance exam are now in search of loving forever homes. The news of their failed exam has touched the hearts of many, leading to an overwhelming response of nearly 700 people stepping forward to offer these loyal and hardworking dogs a second chance.

Luigi Mangione: How Friends, Family Describe UnitedHealth Shooting SuspectSyrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.Global survey of healthcare risk and financial professionals highlights the need for integrated approaches to risk management to tackle emerging challenges. TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The healthcare sector faces unprecedented risks, from skills shortages and cybersecurity threats to economic pressures and the unintended consequences of AI technologies. A new report by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) , Risk Cultures in Healthcare: The Role of Accountancy, underscores the growing recognition of the importance of a collaborative risk culture to navigate these complexities effectively. The study of nearly 100 healthcare professionals from across the world identified the integration of clinical, operational, and financial management as a critical step towards achieving enterprise risk management. This alignment fosters better decision-making and enables healthcare organizations to deliver quality patient care - the common purpose shared across the sector. Rachael Johnson, head of risk management and corporate governance for ACCA, said: "By collaborating and learning from each other, different departments in healthcare can meet shared objectives-of quality care, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance-more effectively.” The report outlines key enablers of a strong risk culture, including effective communication, cooperative education, and a transparent environment. It also emphasizes cross-functional knowledge-sharing and ethical decision-making as essential practices for managing interconnected risks, from rising cybercrime and fraud to fast-changing workforce challenges. Mark Millar, former ACCA president and non-executive director at East Suffolk & North East Essex NHS Foundation Trust, warned against viewing risk management solely as a financial function. "Understand that risk in healthcare is far more than a financial issue. It is about life and death. Old cultural attitudes viewed people who raised the profile of risk as admitting to failure and they were therefore subject to criticism or censure. A more helpful culture is one that encourages the sharing of information willingly to address challenges and make improvements,” he said. The study also reveals regional nuances in risk priorities: As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the role of accountancy professionals is pivotal. From promoting cross-departmental communication to embedding risk cultures, they provide the financial insights and strategic frameworks necessary to achieve resilient and patient-centric systems. This report is a call to action for the sector to break down silos and embrace a cohesive approach to risk management, aligning financial, clinical, and operational goals for the betterment of healthcare systems globally. Read it here . About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognized accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com ACCA is not affiliated with any Chartered Accountant (CA) organization or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) organization. CONTACT: Matt Sollars Anat Gerstein, Inc. (on behalf of ACCA North America) 347-925-0101 [email protected]

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Tragic News: 33-Year-Old Internet Celebrity "Liu Dabeili" Passes Away After Liposuction Procedure

In recent years, Brazilian footballer Oscar has been a topic of heated discussion and controversy among fans and media alike. His decision to leave European football powerhouse Chelsea for the Chinese Super League was met with widespread criticism and accusations of lacking ambition and drive. Many mocked him for choosing money over prestige, questioning his commitment to the sport and his own career. However, as Oscar bids farewell to China after eight years and a staggering 16 billion yuan earned, his journey in the Middle Kingdom has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and ultimately, success.In the end, Liu Dabeili's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of chasing external perfection at the expense of one's own well-being. Let us honor her memory by striving to cultivate a culture of self-love, compassion, and respect for all individuals, both online and offline. Rest in peace, Liu Dabeili, may your spirit continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.