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FREE primary school breakfast clubs will start next year - giving parents extra childcare as headteachers sign up for the pilot scheme. Schools will be able to sign up for the clubs from Wednesday - with 750 set to be picked for a year-long pilot starting in April. 1 Free primary school breakfast clubs will start next year Credit: Getty Parents can get an extra half hour of childcare at the start of the day under the pilot. And youngsters will get a healthy and filling breakfast to start the school day. Chancellor Rachel Reeves tripled funding for the clubs to £33billion in last month's Budget. The extra cash covers equipment and staffing for schools trying out the scheme. Read More UK News FACE OF EVIL Monster who stabbed ex to death smirks in mugshot as he's convicted of murder 'WICKED BEYOND BELIEF' Mum jailed after keeping her baby in a drawer for almost three years Free breakfast clubs will be rolled out at primary schools across the country after the pilot ends in 2026. Once the clubs get started, more than 4.6million youngsters will be eligible for school breakfasts. One in eight state schools currently offer free breakfast clubs in a scheme limited to disadvantaged areas. Schools minister Stephen Morgan told the Mirror: "We're committed to breaking the link between background and opportunity. Most read in The Sun HISTORY MAKER Ex-Scotland women coach 'lands key role at Prem club' working with MALE stars ROAD CAM WARNING New speed cameras kick in for 30 WEEKS on major Scots motorway THIS IS THE STRIFE Amy Macdonald slams BBC's Scottish football coverage in X-rated blast FAMILIAR FACE Celtic hero set for shock Rangers UEL start - five years from last Ibrox game "The first step towards that, we believe, is investing in breakfast clubs in every primary school. "Breakfast clubs make a huge difference in terms of behaviour, attainment and attendance." The scheme will only be introduced in England, as education is a devolved matter. Youngsters at state primary schools in Wales can already get free breakfasts. The Scottish government has also pledged to bring in free breakfast clubs in all primaries. London mayor Sadiq Khan has also launched a scheme giving free school dinners to all primary pupils.Man City 3 Feyenoord 3: Pep Guardiola’s nightmare run goes on as hosts throw away THREE-GOAL lead to drawdrawing online game 。

EUAN MCCOLM: Most Scots don't think it's Right-wing to ban male-bodied people from women's spaces. They just think it's right

The Montreal Victoire announced the re-signing of defender Catherine Daoust on Thursday to fill the void created with Amanda Boulier being placed on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Daoust, 29, began this season on the Reserve Player list after playing in 24 games during Montreal's inaugural season. She also spent stints with the CWHL, PWHPA and PHF over five professional seasons before joining the Victoire. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 5, 2024-- lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) today announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended on October 27, 2024. Calvin McDonald, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "Our performance in the third quarter shows the enduring strength of lululemon globally, as we saw continued momentum across our international markets and in Canada. Looking to the future, we are pleased with the start to our holiday season, and we remain focused on accelerating our U.S. business and growing our brand awareness around the world. Thank you to our dedicated teams for continuing to deliver for our guests and stakeholders." The adjusted non-GAAP financial measures below exclude asset impairment and other charges recognized in relation to lululemon Studio during the third quarter of 2023, and the related income tax effects of these items. For the third quarter of 2024, compared to the third quarter of 2023: Meghan Frank, Chief Financial Officer, stated: "Our third quarter results, which exceeded our expectations, demonstrate the ability of our teams to be agile in a dynamic operating environment. With the majority of the fourth quarter still in front of us, we are focused on deepening engagement with our guests and bringing new consumers into the brand. We are committed to delivering on our Power of Three ×2 revenue target of $12.5 billion in 2026 and look forward to all that lies ahead." Stock Repurchase Program During the third quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased 1.6 million shares of its common stock for a cost of $408.5 million. On December 3, 2024, the board of directors approved a $1.0 billion increase to the Company's stock repurchase program. Including this increase, as of December 5, 2024, the Company had approximately $1.8 billion remaining authorized on its stock repurchase program. Balance Sheet Highlights The Company ended the third quarter of 2024 with $1.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents and the capacity under its committed revolving credit facility was $393.5 million. Inventories at the end of the third quarter of 2024 increased 8% to $1.8 billion compared to $1.7 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2023. 2024 Outlook For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company expects net revenue to be in the range of $3.475 billion to $3.510 billion, representing growth of 8% to 10%, or 3% to 4% excluding the 53rd week of 2024. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $5.56 to $5.64 for the quarter. This assumes a tax rate of approximately 29.5%. For 2024, the Company now expects net revenue to be in the range of $10.452 billion to $10.487 billion, representing growth of 9%, or 7% excluding the 53rd week of 2024. Diluted earnings per share are now expected to be in the range of $14.08 to $14.16 for the year. This assumes a tax rate of approximately 30%. The guidance does not reflect potential future repurchases of the Company's shares. The guidance and outlook forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on management's expectations as of the date of this press release and do not incorporate future unknown impacts, including macroeconomic trends. The Company undertakes no duty to update or to continue to provide information with respect to any forward-looking statements or risk factors, whether as a result of new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, including those stated below. Power of Three ×2 The Company's Power of Three ×2 growth plan calls for a doubling of the business from 2021 net revenue of $6.25 billion to $12.5 billion by 2026. The key pillars of the plan are product innovation, guest experience, and market expansion. Conference Call Information A conference call to discuss third quarter results is scheduled for today, December 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Those interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-844-763-8274 or 1-647-484-8814, if calling internationally, approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available online at: https://corporate.lululemon.com/investors/news-and-events/events-and-presentations . A replay will be made available online approximately two hours following the live call for a period of 30 days. About lululemon athletica inc. lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) is a technical athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories company for yoga, running, training, and most other activities, creating transformational products and experiences that build meaningful connections, unlocking greater possibility and wellbeing for all. Setting the bar in innovation of fabrics and functional designs, lululemon works with yogis and athletes in local communities around the world for continuous research and product feedback. For more information, visit lululemon.com . Non-GAAP Financial Measures Constant dollar changes and adjusted financial results are non-GAAP financial measures. A constant dollar basis assumes the average foreign currency exchange rates for the period remained constant with the average foreign currency exchange rates for the same period of the prior year. The Company provides constant dollar changes in its results to help investors understand the underlying growth rate of net revenue excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Adjusted gross profit, gross margin, income from operations, operating margin, income tax expense, effective tax rates, net income, and diluted earnings per share exclude certain inventory provisions, asset impairments, and restructuring costs recognized in relation to lululemon Studio, and the related income tax effects of these items. The Company believes these adjusted financial measures are useful to investors as they provide supplemental information that enable evaluation of the underlying trend in its operating performance, and enable a comparison to its historical financial information. Further, due to the finite and discrete nature of these items, it does not consider them to be normal operating expenses that are necessary to run the business, or impairments or disposal gains that are expected to arise in the normal course of its operations. Management uses these adjusted financial measures and constant currency metrics internally when reviewing and assessing financial performance. The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to January 31st of the following year, typically resulting in a 52-week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a 53-week year. Fiscal 2023 was a 52-week year while 2024 will be a 53-week year. The expected net revenue increase excluding the 53rd week excludes the expected net revenue for the 53rd week of 2024. This enables an evaluation of the expected year-over-year increase in net revenue based on 52 weeks in each year. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or with greater prominence to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section captioned "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included in the accompanying financial tables, which includes more detail on the GAAP financial measure that is most directly comparable to each non-GAAP financial measure, and the related reconciliations between these financial measures. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes estimates, projections, statements relating to the Company's business plans, objectives, and expected operating results that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "outlook," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements also include the Company's guidance and outlook statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations but they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: the Company's ability to maintain the value and reputation of its brand; changes in consumer shopping preferences and shifts in distribution channels; the acceptability of its products to guests; its highly competitive market and increasing competition; increasing costs and decreasing selling prices; its ability to anticipate consumer preferences and successfully develop and introduce new, innovative and updated products; its ability to accurately forecast guest demand for its products; its ability to expand in light of its limited operating experience and limited brand recognition in new international markets and new product categories; its ability to manage its growth and the increased complexity of its business effectively; its ability to successfully open new store locations in a timely manner; seasonality; disruptions of its supply chain; its reliance on a relatively small number of vendors to supply and manufacture a significant portion of its products; suppliers or manufacturers not complying with its Vendor Code of Ethics or applicable laws; its ability to deliver its products to the market and to meet guest expectations if it has problems with its distribution system; increasing labor costs and other factors associated with the production of its products in South Asia and South East Asia; its ability to safeguard against security breaches with respect to its technology systems; its compliance with privacy and data protection laws; any material disruption of its information systems; its ability to have technology-based systems function effectively and grow its e-commerce business globally; climate change, and related legislative and regulatory responses; increased scrutiny regarding its environmental, social, and governance, or sustainability responsibilities; an economic recession, depression, or downturn or economic uncertainty in its key markets; global or regional health events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and related government, private sector, and individual consumer responsive actions; global economic and political conditions; its ability to source and sell its merchandise profitably or at all if new trade restrictions are imposed or existing trade restrictions become more burdensome; changes in tax laws or unanticipated tax liabilities; its ability to comply with trade and other regulations; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; imitation by its competitors; its ability to protect its intellectual property rights; conflicting trademarks and patents and the prevention of sale of certain products; its exposure to various types of litigation; and other risks and uncertainties set out in filings made from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov , including, without limitation, its most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. lululemon athletica inc. The fiscal year ending February 2, 2025 is referred to as "2024" and the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 is referred to as "2023". Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Unaudited; Expressed in thousands, except per share amounts Third Quarter First Three Quarters 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net revenue $ 2,396,660 $ 2,204,218 $ 6,976,629 $ 6,414,175 Costs of goods sold 995,054 947,554 2,887,770 2,708,195 Gross profit 1,401,606 1,256,664 4,088,859 3,705,980 As a percentage of net revenue 58.5 % 57.0 % 58.6 % 57.8 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 909,827 842,795 2,624,212 2,407,683 As a percentage of net revenue 38.0 % 38.2 % 37.6 % 37.5 % Impairment of assets and restructuring costs — 74,501 — 74,501 Amortization of intangible assets 1,118 1,253 1,118 5,010 Income from operations 490,661 338,115 1,463,529 1,218,786 As a percentage of net revenue 20.5 % 15.3 % 21.0 % 19.0 % Other income (expense), net 13,743 9,842 55,020 25,229 Income before income tax expense 504,404 347,957 1,518,549 1,244,015 Income tax expense 152,534 99,243 452,336 363,293 Net income $ 351,870 $ 248,714 $ 1,066,213 $ 880,722 Basic earnings per share $ 2.87 $ 1.97 $ 8.57 $ 6.94 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.87 $ 1.96 $ 8.55 $ 6.92 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 122,697 126,460 124,471 126,892 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 122,803 126,770 124,668 127,218 lululemon athletica inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Unaudited; Expressed in thousands October 27, 2024 January 28, 2024 October 29, 2023 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,188,419 $ 2,243,971 $ 1,091,138 Inventories 1,800,893 1,323,602 1,663,617 Prepaid and receivable income taxes 257,388 183,733 300,258 Other current assets 358,589 309,271 309,886 Total current assets 3,605,289 4,060,577 3,364,899 Property and equipment, net 1,697,759 1,545,811 1,413,918 Right-of-use lease assets 1,360,589 1,265,610 1,048,607 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 178,185 24,083 23,912 Deferred income taxes and other non-current assets 241,847 195,860 170,928 Total assets $ 7,083,669 $ 7,091,941 $ 6,022,264 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 385,960 $ 348,441 $ 309,324 Accrued liabilities and other 561,615 348,555 392,949 Accrued compensation and related expenses 190,169 326,110 250,479 Current lease liabilities 290,368 249,270 217,138 Current income taxes payable 96,808 12,098 27,231 Unredeemed gift card liability 238,327 306,479 213,256 Other current liabilities 40,286 40,308 37,737 Total current liabilities 1,803,533 1,631,261 1,448,114 Non-current lease liabilities 1,223,733 1,154,012 950,954 Non-current income taxes payable — 15,864 15,864 Deferred income tax liability 33,231 29,522 53,833 Other non-current liabilities 37,440 29,201 27,650 Stockholders' equity 3,985,732 4,232,081 3,525,849 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 7,083,669 $ 7,091,941 $ 6,022,264 lululemon athletica inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Unaudited; Expressed in thousands First Three Quarters 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 1,066,213 $ 880,722 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities (194,890 ) 31,344 Net cash provided by operating activities 871,323 912,066 Net cash used in investing activities (575,214 ) (445,325 ) Net cash used in financing activities (1,328,510 ) (510,583 ) Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (23,151 ) (19,887 ) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,055,552 ) (63,729 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,243,971 1,154,867 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,188,419 $ 1,091,138 lululemon athletica inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Unaudited; Expressed in thousands, except per share amounts Constant dollar changes The below changes show the change for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023. Net Revenue Change Foreign exchange Change in constant dollars United States — % — % — % Canada 9 — 9 Mexico (1) n/a n/a n/a Americas 2 — 2 China Mainland 39 (3 ) 36 Rest of World 27 (4 ) 23 Total international 33 (3 ) 30 Total 9 % (1 )% 8 % Comparable Sales (2) Change Foreign exchange Change in constant dollars Americas (2 )% — % (2 )% China Mainland 27 (3 ) 24 Rest of World 23 (3 ) 20 Total international 25 (3 ) 22 Total 4 % (1 )% 3 % (1) On September 10, 2024, the Company acquired the lululemon branded retail locations and operations run by a third party in Mexico. Wholesale sales to the third party by lululemon athletica canada inc. prior to the acquisition are disclosed as net revenue recognized within Canada. (2) Comparable sales includes comparable company-operated store and e-commerce net revenue. Comparable company-operated stores have been open for at least 12 full fiscal months, or open for at least 12 full fiscal months after being significantly expanded. Comparable company-operated stores exclude stores which have been temporarily relocated for renovations or have been temporarily closed. Adjusted financial measures The following tables reconcile adjusted 2023 financial measures with the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The adjustments relate to certain inventory provisions, asset impairments, and restructuring costs recognized in relation to lululemon Studio and their related tax effects. Please refer to Note 4. Impairment of Assets and Restructuring Costs included in Item 1 of Part I of the Company's Report on Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC on or about December 5, 2024 for further information on the nature of these amounts. Third Quarter 2023 Gross Profit Gross Margin Income from Operations Operating Margin Income Tax Expense Effective Tax Rate Net Income Diluted Earnings Per Share GAAP results $ 1,256,664 57.0 % $ 338,115 15.3 % $ 99,243 28.5 % $ 248,714 $ 1.96 lululemon Studio charges: lululemon Studio obsolescence provision 23,709 1.1 23,709 1.1 23,709 0.19 Impairment of assets 44,186 2.0 44,186 0.35 Restructuring costs 30,315 1.4 30,315 0.24 Tax effect of the above 26,085 (0.4 ) (26,085 ) (0.21 ) 23,709 1.1 98,210 4.5 26,085 (0.4 ) 72,125 0.57 Adjusted results (non-GAAP) $ 1,280,373 58.1 % $ 436,325 19.8 % $ 125,328 28.1 % $ 320,839 $ 2.53 First Three Quarters 2023 Gross Profit Gross Margin Income from Operations Operating Margin Income Tax Expense Effective Tax Rate Net Income Diluted Earnings Per Share GAAP results $ 3,705,980 57.8 % $ 1,218,786 19.0 % $ 363,293 29.2 % $ 880,722 $ 6.92 lululemon Studio charges: lululemon Studio obsolescence provision 23,709 0.3 23,709 0.3 23,709 0.19 Impairment of assets 44,186 0.7 44,186 0.35 Restructuring costs 30,315 0.5 30,315 0.24 Tax effect of the above 26,085 (0.2 ) (26,085 ) (0.21 ) 23,709 0.3 98,210 1.5 26,085 (0.2 ) 72,125 0.57 Adjusted results (non-GAAP) $ 3,729,689 58.1 % $ 1,316,996 20.5 % $ 389,378 29.0 % $ 952,847 $ 7.49 Expected net revenue increase excluding the 53rd week The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to January 31st of the following year, typically resulting in a 52-week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a 53-week year. Fiscal 2023 was a 52-week year while 2024 will be a 53-week year. Fourth Quarter 2024 Fiscal 2024 Expected net revenue increase 8% to 10% 9% Impact of 53rd week (5)% to (6)% (2)% Expected net revenue increase excluding the 53rd week (non-GAAP) 3% to 4% 7% lululemon athletica inc. Company-operated Store Count and Square Footage (1) Square footage expressed in thousands Number of Stores Open at the Beginning of the Quarter Number of Stores Opened During the Quarter Number of Stores Closed During the Quarter Number of Stores Open at the End of the Quarter 4 th Quarter 2023 686 26 1 711 1 st Quarter 2024 711 5 5 711 2 nd Quarter 2024 711 11 1 721 3 rd Quarter 2024 721 28 — 749 Total Gross Square Feet at the Beginning of the Quarter Gross Square Feet Added During the Quarter (2) Gross Square Feet Lost During the Quarter (2) Total Gross Square Feet at the End of the Quarter 4 th Quarter 2023 2,797 173 3 2,967 1 st Quarter 2024 2,967 35 14 2,988 2 nd Quarter 2024 2,988 90 3 3,075 3 rd Quarter 2024 3,075 156 — 3,231 (1) (2) View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205433612/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contacts: lululemon athletica inc. Howard Tubin 1-604-732-6124 or ICR, Inc. Joseph Teklits/Caitlin Churchill 1-203-682-8200 Media Contact: lululemon athletica inc. Madi Wallace 1-604-732-6124 KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FASHION ONLINE RETAIL RETAIL HEALTH OTHER RETAIL FITNESS & NUTRITION SPECIALTY SOURCE: lululemon athletica inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/05/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/05/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205433612/en

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesiaGiven that it’s Christmas Eve, and the law of averages dictates that at least 30 per cent of those reading this haven’t finished their shopping yet, we’ll keep this short and sweet. Well, that and there is even less than usual going on at the moment. And in that vein, there will not be an update on Wednesday; plus the Post sports desk will either be just getting home, still asleep, or opening our stockings to see what Father Christmas brought. If it’s socks, there’s going to be trouble. Still, there were a couple of things worthy of mention that happened while most of us were sleeping, and with the English Premier League entering its holiday rush, lets start there. The news most were expecting after he was spotted hobbling out of Crystal Palace on crutches on Saturday, Bukayo Saka is out for “many weeks” with a hamstring tear. In a press conference on Monday, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called the England international’s loss a “huge blow”, and then revealed that he would also be without Raheem Sterling “for weeks” as well. Sterling – the obvious back-up option for Saka – suffered a knee injury before the game against Palace, and Arteta said the on-loan Chelsea winger would need further testing on Tuesday to assess the extent of any damage. There’s never a good time to get sacked, but two days before Christmas has got to really sting. Only marginally better to be giving the news than receiving it you’d thing, unless you’re a proper Scrooge and revel in that sort of job.

Colorado funeral home owners who let nearly 190 bodies decay plead guilty to corpse abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Joe Biden uses his final days in office to boost Ukraine’s defenses, Russia is playing a different game: spreading disinformation aimed at eroding U.S. support for Ukraine before Donald Trump’s return to the White House next month. Since the U.S. election on Nov. 5, the Kremlin has used state-run media and its networks of fake news sites and social media accounts to push divisive narratives about the war and America’s Republican president-elect. Analysts say the content, translated into English for American audiences, is intended to turn sentiment against Ukraine at a pivotal time, with the hope of reducing U.S. military assistance and ensuring a Russian victory. Recent examples include fake videos supposedly showing Ukrainian soldiers burning effigies of Trump or his supporters. One clip depicts soldiers saying Trump must not be allowed to take office and should “never be president again.” Multiple researchers have debunked the video, noting telltale signs of digital manipulation. A different video claims to show Ukrainian soldiers firing at a mannequin wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat and a Trump campaign shirt. That video was analyzed and determined to be fake by private analysts and Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, a government agency that tracks Kremlin propaganda. Other versions — just as fake — depict Ukrainian soldiers burning Trump’s books or calling him a coward. In the weeks after the election, the clips spread far beyond Ukraine and Russia, circulating among Trump supporters and believers in QAnon, the conspiracy theory that claims Trump is fighting a war against a Satanic cabal of powerful world leaders. It’s part of Russia’s continued push to divide Americans over the nearly 3-year war in Ukraine and paint Ukrainians as unreliable, dishonest allies, according to analysts who have tracked Russian disinformation and propaganda since the war began. By discouraging American support for Ukraine, the Kremlin is hoping to cut off the most vital source of military assistance that has kept Ukrainian hopes alive since Russia invaded in February 2022. Early in the war, Russian propagandists portrayed Ukrainian leaders as corrupt and self-serving. Russian state media claimed Ukraine’s leaders held Nazi sympathies — even though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish — or were involved in clandestine bioweapons research that Moscow sought to tie to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each false claim was used to justify Russia’s invasion. “It’s planted by the Russians, this idea that ‘Ukraine is so corrupt it shouldn’t even be a state, and we are the right people to be running this place,’” said Rupert Smith, a retired British general and former NATO deputy supreme commander who now leads a Brussels-based consulting firm called Solvo Partners. “Now this is being used as an excuse for not supporting Ukraine.” The fake video claiming to show Ukrainian soldiers firing on the Trump mannequin spread on platforms such as X, Telegram and YouTube, getting an early boost from pro-Kremlin news sites before migrating to ones popular with Americans, according to an analysis by researchers at NewsGuard, a firm that tracks disinformation. Some versions of the video were created long before the election but were passed off as more recent. Within days, the video was receiving hundreds of thousands of views and had been translated into several languages besides Russian and English, including German, Chinese and Polish, NewsGuard found. According to U.S. intelligence, Russia sought to support Trump in the presidential election, believing he would reduce American backing for Ukraine and perhaps the NATO alliance. The incoming president has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and NATO and promised to end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory now occupied by Russia. In response to questions about Russia’s role in spreading disinformation about Ukraine, a spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Washington referred to past statements rejecting any involvement. In the time it has left, the Biden administration has urged Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and has stepped upweapons shipments while forgiving billions in loans provided to Kyiv. So far, the White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, 2025. It’s easy to understand Russia’s motives in trying to cut off that supply of aid, said Joshua Tucker, a New York University professor and Russia expert who studies online disinformation. What’s harder to gauge, he said, is the effectiveness of Russian disinformation, especially on social media platforms already crowded with false, bizarre and debunked claims. One reason that Russia may persist with disinformation targeting Americans is the relative ease and affordability of such operations compared with diplomatic or military alternatives. Russia likely sees disinformation as part of a long-term effort to undermine America’s global leadership by dividing its people and undermining support for its institutions, Tucker said. Whether the topic is immigration, the government, the U.S. economy or the war in Ukraine, he said, the goal remains the same and goes beyond one election cycle or one candidate. “I think what they were really hoping for is a contested result with lots of people out in the streets, arguing the election wasn’t legitimate,” Tucker said. If they couldn’t have that, however, Russia’s disinformation agencies will keep pushing narratives that they believe will inflame Americans and boost their chances in Ukraine, Tucker said.Back to their roots! The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua kept tradition with their pre-season training in connecting with ordinary Fijians. The side had a training stint on Kadavu, and it was a special kind of pre-season experience for the boys. Stepping foot on Kadavu was an experience like none other for these players. I commend the team management for taking their pre-season camp to Namalata Central School ground on Kadavu. The boys experienced something different going to the village, training somewhere different, reconnecting with the people, the land and the hospitality, which was unreal. Those with roots in Kadavu expressed delight as they connected with their families and their villages. The team bonding exercise boosted the morale of the players ahead of their opening battle against the Brumbies. Choosing Kadavu as part of their pre-season and community engagement for the year will also boost Kadavu Rugby. Vinaka vakalevu Drua! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu Christmas present The Christmas season is meant to bring hope and peace to everyone. On Jesus birthday don’t forget to give Jesus a gift. What does he want? The scriptures say: “As you have done the least of these, so also have you done unto me.” So Jesus would want you to give unto the least of these. That is those who have little or nothing. This Christmas, give something to someone who needs it. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Show love to the lonely. Blessings go forward. God bless you and your family and have a Merry Christmas. Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka Encouragement Many are heading into this holiday season facing challenges that might not be obvious. For some, it’s their first Christmas in recovery again, and for others, the struggle is still very real. While many are celebrating with loved ones, there are those who are navigating pain, loss, and the weight of their journey. This season, let’s remember that what seems like a joyful time can be deeply difficult for others. Be kind, be patient, offer a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a resource they may not know about. Never know how your small act can make a big difference in someone’s life. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! NAVNEET RAM (TD), Lautoka No snow NO sleigh rides, no snow, no reindeers, no mistletoe, No chimney for Santa Claus, no freezing winter and staying indoors. No snow-laden fir trees, no totally white scenery, No building snowmen, by warmly wrapped children. It’s just hot and humid, often raining when it shouldn’t have. Just a myriad of bright colours, in Fiji, our island home like no other! Edward Blakelock, Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour Human factor The distraught picture of 83-year-old Satya Wati who faces losing her home through lawful eviction along with 200 other squatter families and the empathetic editorial ‘The human factor!’ on their pitiful plight (The Sunday Times 22/12) gives us an insight into the human cost of the war in Gaza with thousands losing their homes through indiscriminate Israeli bombardment. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia Merry Christmas As we celebrate with our friends, relatives neighbours, socially we pray for peace and prosperity for all mankind. The new challenges and approaches are always prioritised with safety and care. We can achieve by understanding, forgiving and reconciliations. Merry Christmas with safe festive season. God bless us all. Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand Did they think about this? Did the terrorists ever think about what would happen after their deadly attack on defenceless men, women and children on October 7 last year? Killing so many innocent civilians and taking so many more hostages was the key to opening Pandora’s box. And now thousands more innocent civilians in Gaza have paid the price for the senseless slaughter of October 7. No one will win this war. There are no victors in senseless slaughter. Only victims. The ground cries with the blood of innocent victims on both sides of the border. Colin Deoki , Australia EV tax Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad’s flippant remarks on the tax on EV (electric vehicles), and the wider renewable energy policies, cannot be left unchallenged. If he wasn’t speaking as the Minister of Finance, responsible for Fiji’s policy settings, one would have disregarded his comments as uninformed and naive if not extremely detrimental to Fiji’s and SIDS positions on climate change actions. He’s harping on about adaptation priority. I agree but he should also learn that taking such actions to respond to issues related to energy security is part of the adaptation strategies, with mitigation co-benefits. What is the harm in reducing Fiji’s dependence on imported expensive fossil fuels and improving our balance sheet, leaving more money for other priorities such as education, health, infrastructure etc. He brags about Fiji having 55 percent renewable energy as part of its mix without admitting that this is due largely to our huge hydropower investment in Monasavu, taken by a more progressive government almost four decades ago? How much solar energy is in the mix and how much has been added since the current Coalition came into power? I wish the minister pays more attention to the suggestions from the private sector which will be important partners in our quest to tackle climate change, given that the Government has no additional resources for this and is still in the rhetoric mode on climate finance. Perhaps Mr Narube, in his opinion pieces, has a point in relation to the minister’s suitability in leading Fiji’s charge on climate change. He has a lot to learn and understand. Altauf Chand, Minto, Australia Thank you As a good, caring and corporate citizen, I thank Digicel Fiji for bearing gifts to the elderly and the vulnerable in society; the residents of the Father Law Home. Thank you for the care supplies, ongoing Sky Pacific and Unwired services to the home. Thank you CEO Farid Mohammed and your exemplary team for your kindness and generosity. You lighten the work of care-giving for the elderly. Bahut shukriya, Sarkar Ji aur staff. Thank you for your Good Samaritan-ship. Sincere thanks must go too to the Digicel staff members who sacrificed their precious time during the fourth week in Advent for cleaning the Father Law Home. This is so noble. Thank you also for the nourishing lunch provided including groceries, hygiene products and T-shirts for every resident. Thank you also for bringing smiles to each resident. They have almost nowhere else to turn to. Sincere thanks are also accorded to the hardworking board members and staff of the Father Law Home for your endless hours of sacrifice caring for the elderly in our community. Every special blessing and protection be yours each passing day. Here’s sending you all Christmas cheers during this festive season. As a kai Nadi and senior citizen, (and an advocate for the home), I appeal to other good corporate entities to lend a helping hand to the home in 2025 and beyond. Many hands lighten the burdens. Ronnie Chang , Martintar, Nadi Using Xmas! WHEN we use “Xmas”, we take Jesus Christ out of Christmas and out of our lives, coz “X” replaces “Christ.” Often forgotten, is that He is the real reason, for this season, and it’s not about materialism. Edward Blakelock, Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour Value for money Is there any health and hygiene standards or checks in place for meat being sold commercially? I recall passing through several butchers and supermarkets, downtown Suva and Nadi, on my last trip home. It appeared that some are selling meat which does not appear to have a pleasant smell and neither does it look promising. If there are standards, then one wonders when and how often these are enforced? All in all, if customers engage in fair transactions when it comes to purchase of meat, then they have every right to demand value for money. Floyd Robinson, Micronesia FNPF records Vinaka Mr Derrick Wadman for your ‘FNPF has a solution’ letter (FT 23/12). Hoping some board member(s) reads it. I’d be interested to know if the FNPF keeps a library file/index/record/archive of every FS and FT article/letter on the FNPF. Similar is maintained by the USP Library’s Pacific Collection on articles/information relating to the USP and proven very useful for researchers. The solution for pensioners who were unjustly treated certainly lies among those articles! Elizabeth Reade Fong, Suva Who’s he protecting? WHO is PM Rabuka protecting, fearful of or taking advice from that makes him gullible to set things right and straight within his three wheeler Coalition Government while the people who voted for change are left in the dark? AREKI DAWAI, Suva Earthquake We can’t fight mother nature, but we’re standing with our neighbours in Vanuatu. Even though Fiji’s small, it’s a big deal that they’re ready to help however they can. Jaheed Buksh, Sigatoka Bula Boys To give Fiji a fighting chance in the FIFA World Cup qualifier semi-final against New Zealand in New Zealand in early 2025, no effort should be spared in the Bula Boys’ preparation. We certainly don’t want anything like the 1-8 hiding New Zealand gave Vanuatu in their WC qualifier in November 2024. The Bula Boys must be able to hold their heads high with their performance against a superior NZ side. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia Christmas party Will the prime minister hold another Christmas Party this year for any unspent budget allocation like he did this time last year at the Grand Pacific Hotel? It is important that he spend the money on themselves in case “it is lost forever”. He always gets the priorities right. Jan Nissar, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

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Former India Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh delivering a speech at a press conference in Ahmedabad Gujarat in November 2017. Photo: Getty Images The first Sikh in office, Singh, 92, was being treated for age-related medical conditions and died after he was brought to hospital after a sudden loss of consciousness on Thursday, local time. He is credited with steering India to unprecedented economic growth and lifting hundreds of millions out of dire poverty. He went on to serve a rare second term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji." He applauded the economist-turned-politician's body of work. Born into a poor family in a part of British-ruled India now in Pakistan, Singh studied by candlelight to win a place at Cambridge University before heading to Oxford, earning a doctorate with a thesis on the role of exports and free trade in India's economy. He became a respected economist, then India's central bank governor and a government advisor but had no apparent plans for a political career when he was suddenly tapped to become finance minister in 1991. During that tenure to 1996, Singh was the architect of reforms that saved India's economy from a severe balance of payments crisis, promoted deregulation and other measures that opened an insular country to the world. Famously quoting Victor Hugo in his maiden budget speech, he said: "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come," before adding: "The emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea." Singh's ascension to prime minister in 2004 was even more unexpected. He was asked to take on the job by Sonia Gandhi, who led the centre-left Congress party to a surprise victory. Italian by birth, she feared her ancestry would be used by Hindu-nationalist opponents to attack the government if she were to lead the country. Riding an unprecedented period of economic growth, Singh's government shared the spoils of the country's new found wealth, introducing welfare schemes such as a jobs programme for the rural poor. In 2008, his government also clinched a landmark deal that permitted peaceful trade in nuclear energy with the United States for the first time in three decades, paving the way for strong relations between New Delhi and Washington. But his efforts to further open up the Indian economy were frequently frustrated by political wrangling within his own party and demands made by coalition partners. "History will be kinder to me" And while he was widely respected by other world leaders, at home Singh always had to fend off the perception that Sonia Gandhi was the real power in the government. The widow of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose family has dominated Indian politics since independence from Britain in 1947, she remained Congress party leader and often made key decisions. Known for his simple lifestyle and with a reputation for honesty, Singh was not personally seen as corrupt. But he came under attack for failing to crack down on members of his government as a series of scandals erupted in his second term, triggering mass protests. The latter years of his premiership saw India's growth story, which he had helped engineer, wobble as global economic turbulence and slow government decision-making battered investment sentiment. In 2012, his government was tipped into a minority after the Congress party's biggest ally quit their coalition in protest at the entry of foreign supermarkets. Two years later Congress was decisively swept aside by the Bharatiya Janata Party under Narendra Modi, a strongman who promised to end the economic standstill, clean up graft and bring inclusive growth to the hinterlands. But at a press conference just months before he left office, Singh insisted he had done the best he could. "I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the opposition parties in parliament," he said. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.

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New banknotes, wow?Cameron Brink, the Los Angeles Sparks star, left her followers feeling downhearted with her Christmas wish after a challenging year. The WNBA forward stood out as she shared a unique holiday post, unlike most of her peers in the league. Brink had a tough first season after being selected second overall from Stanford, where she shined during her college career. Her season was cut short by a knee injury sustained in a game against the Connecticut Sun on June 18. LSU star Flau'jae Johnson goes official with college football player boyfriend Cameron Brink gets engaged to boyfriend after injury ruined WNBA rookie season After tearing her ACL, Brink underwent surgery and has been sidelined, missing the Unrivaled season's debut. On Instagram, Brink posted several photos in a chic black ensemble, but it was her caption that resonated with fans: "All I want for Christmas is a healthy knee." Followers humorously offered their own knees in the comments to fulfill her wish, with one saying, "You can have my knee, my ACL, take it all," another offering, "You can have my knees, take everything," and a third chiming in, "I just called Santa for you don't worry". Cam Brink won't be hitting the court until 2026 due to her ongoing knee rehab, but she's already making waves in the Unrivaled 3x3 women's basketball league. The Lunar Owls snagged her as a wildcard pick, and despite the league kicking off this January, Brink's multi-year contract is set for her debut in four years. DON'T MISS: WNBA star tells Elon Musk to 'go back to Africa' after Donald Trump failure Pickleball star, 17, to earn more than Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese with contract Caitlin Clark shares how she really feels about huge amount of fan attention "Cam Brink is UNRIVALED," boasted the league's social media announcement. "Filling the first wildcard spot with a multiyear deal with the Lunar Owls. She will take the court in 2026." Brink credits her godbrother, NBA icon Steph Curry, for influencing her leap into Unrivaled. "When the league was just forming, we did chat about it - and yeah, I think Steph is in full support of it," she shared with People. "He thinks it's a great idea and he knows I love the round three basketball." This isn't Brink's first rodeo in 3x3 basketball; she's previously played for Team USA, even nabbing MVP at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in 2023. But an ACL injury sidelined her from joining the gold-winning 2024 Olympic team, despite being selected for the Paris games.

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