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2025-01-09

711bet download Brock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay. Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday's practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn't suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable. Purdy's typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can't play against the Packers. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The roof at the home of the Dallas Cowboys opened without incident and will stay that way for a Monday night meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. It was to be the first game with the roof open at AT&T Stadium since Oct. 30, 2022, a 49-29 Dallas victory over Chicago. The roof was supposed to be open three weeks ago for Houston's 34-10 victory on another Monday night, but a large piece of metal and other debris fell roughly 300 feet to the field as the retractable roof was opening about three hours before kickoff. The Cowboys decided to close the roof after the incident, and it remained that way for the game. There were no injuries, and the start of the game wasn't delayed. The club said at the time it would investigate the cause with a plan to reopen the roof when it was deemed safe. Wind was cited as a cause for the falling debris. There were gusts of at least 30 mph in the afternoon before the meeting with the Texans. It was sunny with a high in the 70s Monday in the Dallas area, and winds were in the 10 mph range. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLCEDAR FALLS, IOWA — The Saluki men's basketball team held a nine-point lead over Northern Iowa with just over five minutes in the first half, but the Panthers would close out the opening half on a 13-0 run en route to a 78-67 win Sunday afternoon at the McLeod Center. "They were more physical than we were, really on both ends," head coach Scott Nagy said following the loss. "We got off to a better start in this game, but when things got tight, we just couldn't run the offense. They weren't going to let us run what we wanted, and they just played more physical than us on the offensive end." Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 30 (ANI): Union Minister Ramdas Athawale hit out at Congress leader Bhai Jagtap over derogatory remarks to the Election Commission and said that he should accept the mandate given by the people in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Ramdas Athawale said, "It is not good for a leader like Bhai Jagtap to make comments like these. He should apologise, otherwise legal action should be taken against him. He should accept the mandate given by the people. The Election Commission is a different department. It has no relation to government functioning. PM Modi has a connection with the EC only till the conduct of polls. When their alliance got 31 seats in Lok Sabha polls and we got 17 seats, they got more votes than we predicted but we did not question the EVM." Also Read | Cyclone Fengal Update: Cyclonic Storm Makes Landfall Near Puducherry, Says IMD (Watch Video). He further said that MVA should not unleash the anger on the Election Commission for the defeat in the Assembly polls. "We got so many votes in Assembly polls because the people understood that the narrative of the Constitution was false. People realised that no one can change the constitution by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. People realised that no one can take away the reservations so Dalits also voted in favour of Mahayuti. Minorities have voted for us. So we got so much success. What is the fault of the Election Commission?" he added. Also Read | Arvind Kejriwal Attacked During Padyatra in Delhi: Man Throws Liquid on Former CM During Rally, Detained; AAP Points Finger at BJP. Earlier Bhai Jagtap refused to apologise over his objectionable "kutta" remark for the Election Commission. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap doubled down on his derogatory remarks against the Election Commission of India amid the row over the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and said that the country's democracy has been "disreputed" because of ECI's "sycophancy." "I will not apologise at all, not even a bit...If they are working under pressure from the PM and other ministers then what I have said is right. I will not apologise...Election Commission exists to further strengthen the democracy of the country, and not to serve someone. I stand by what I said. The Election Commission should work like TN Seshan...Democracy is being disreputed because of the sycophant attitude of EC," he said. He further said that Congress brought the EVM technology because it was being used in France, and the US, but after 2009, doubts started arising over its use. Jagtap further said, "Ours is the biggest democracy in the world. If any such doubt is raised, it should be answered. Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court on this. A decision on the same was pronounced in April 2024. It was said that VVPAT slips should be counted, if you do not want Ballot paper. The petition stated that 50 per cent of the VVPATs should counted but Supreme Court said that it should be 5 percent but it wasn't done." "PM of the country had spoken about ballot paper when he was the CM of Gujarat. So, what happened now? Lal Krishna Advani had also said the same...They are saying that we are raising this issue because we have lost (election in Maharashtra) but you too were saying the same then. Investigate it once. If this is faulty, replace it - that is what we are saying. Bring the system that people feel is right. I see my own ballot paper, stamp it, fold it and deposit it. So, there is no question of tampering," he further said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Earth just experienced its second-warmest November on record — second only to 2023 — making it all but certain that 2024 will end as the hottest year ever measured, according to a report Monday by European climate service Copernicus. Last year was the hottest on record due to human-caused climate change coupled with the effects of an El Nino. But after this summer registered as the hottest on record — Phoenix sweltered through 113 consecutive days with a high temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit — scientists anticipated 2024 would set a new annual record as well. In November, global temperatures averaged 14.10C (57.38F). Last year's global average temperature was 14.98C (59F). FILE - People are silhouetted against the sky at sunset Nov. 12 as they run in a park in Shawnee, Kan. Charlie Riedel, Associated Press Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Cape Cod, who wasn't involved in the report, said the big story about November is that "like 2023, it beat out previous Novembers by a large margin." People are also reading... This also likely will be the first calendar year in which the average temperature was more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times, the report said. The 2015 Paris Agreement said human-caused warming should be limited to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and ideally below 1.5. In the following years, the world's top scientist said limiting to 1.5 was crucial to stave off the worst impacts of climate change, such as increasing destructive and frequent extreme weather events. Scientists say the main cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. That "does not mean that the Paris Agreement has been breached, but it does mean ambitious climate action is more urgent than ever," said Copernicus Deputy Director Samantha Burgess. A young family visiting Washington cools off from the warm weather in a fountain Nov. 6 at the base of the Washington Monument. Kevin Wolf, Associated Press Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Francis said the new records are "terrible news for people and ecosystems." "The pace of warming is so fast that plants and animals cannot adapt as they always have during previous changes in the Earth's climate. More species will go extinct, which disrupts natural food webs they're a part of. Agriculture will suffer as pollinators decline and pests flourish," she said, also warning that coastal communities will be vulnerable to sea-level rise. Heat waves over the oceans and a loss of reflective sea ice and snow cover probably contributed to the temperature increase this year, experts said. Copernicus said the extent of Antarctic sea ice in November was 10% below average, a record. Oceans absorb about 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases, later releasing heat and water vapor back into the atmosphere. Last year's record heat was caused partly by an El Nino — a temporary natural warming of parts of the central Pacific that alters weather worldwide. People walk Nov. 27 on an autumn-colored ginkgo tree-lined avenue in Tokyo. Shuji Kajiyama, Associated Press But that ended this year and a cooling effect that often follows, called La Nina, failed to materialize, leaving the scientific community "a little perplexed by what's going on here ... why temperatures are staying high," said Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist at the University of Michigan. One explanation is that an El Nino releases more heat to the atmosphere because of warmer ocean waters, then "we're not getting the cooling effect that often in decades gone by helps bring the temperature back down," Overpeck said. "So it does look like this could be contributing to the acceleration of global warming. But this year, he said, "is such a big jump following yet another jump, and that's a scary thing." How forecasts of bad weather can drive up your grocery bill How forecasts of bad weather can drive up your grocery bill It's no secret that a warming world will drive food prices higher, a phenomenon increasingly known as "heatflation." What's less known, but a growing area of interest among economists and scientists alike, is the role individual extreme weather events — blistering temperatures in Texas, a destructive tornado in Iowa — may have on what U.S. consumers pay at the supermarket.At first glance, the answer might seem logical: A drought or flood that impacts agricultural production will, eventually, drive up prices. But it's not that simple, because what consumers pay for groceries isn't only reflective of crop yields or herd sizes, but the whole supply chain. As Grist reports, that's where it gets interesting: Economists are beginning to see a growing trend that suggests weather forecasts play a part in sticker shock. Sometimes the mere prediction of an extreme event — like the record-breaking temperatures, hurricanes, and wildfires forecasters are bracing for this summer — can prompt a spike in prices. It isn't the forecast itself to blame, but concerns about what the weather to come might mean for the entire supply chain, as food manufacturers manage their risks and the expected future value of their goods, said Seungki Lee, an agricultural economist at Ohio State University. "When it comes to the climate risk on food prices, people typically look at the production side. But over the last two years, we learned that extreme weather can raise food prices, [cause] transportation disruptions, as well as production disruptions," said Lee.How much we pay for the food we buy is determined by retailers, who consider the producer's price, labor costs, and other factors. Any increases in what producers charge is typically passed on to consumers because grocery stores operate on thin profit margins. And if manufacturers expect to pay more for commodities like beef or specialty crops like avocados in the future, they may boost prices now to cover those anticipated increases."The whole discussion about the climate risks on the food supply chain is based on probabilities," Lee said. "It is possible that we do not see extreme temperatures this summer, or even later this year. We may realize there was no significant weather shock hitting the supply chain, but unfortunately that will not be the end of the story."Supply chain disruptions and labor shortages are among the reasons food prices have climbed 25 percent since 2020. Climate change may be contributing as well. A study published earlier this year found "heatflation" could push them up by as much as 3 percentage points per year worldwide in just over a decade and by about 2 percentage points in North America. Simultaneous disasters in major crop and cattle producing regions around the world — known as multi-breadbasket failure — are among the primary forces driving these costs. Crop shortages in these regions may also squeeze prices, which can create volatility in the global market and bump up consumer costs.Historically, a single, localized heat wave or storm typically wouldn't disrupt the supply chain enough to prompt price hikes. But a warming world might be changing that dynamic as extreme weather events intensify and simultaneous occurrences of them become the norm. How much this adds to consumers' grocery bills will vary, and depends upon whether these climate-fueled disasters hit what Lee calls "supply chain chokepoints" like vital shipping channels during harvest seasons."As the weather is getting more and more volatile because of climate change, we are seeing this issue more frequently," he said. "So what that means is the supply chain is getting more likely to be jeopardized by these types of risks that we have never seen before." Spencer Platt // Getty Images Lower water levels slow down barges on the Mississippi River An ongoing drought that plagued the Mississippi River system from the fall of 2022 until February provides an excellent example of this. The Mississippi River basin, which covers 31 states, is a linchpin of America's agricultural supply chain. It produces 92 percent of the nation's agricultural exports, 78 percent of the world's feed grains and soybeans, and most of the country's livestock. Vessels navigating its roughly 2,350 miles of channels carry 589 million tons of cargo annually. Transportation barriers created by low water, seen above, hampered the ability of crop-producing states in the Corn Belt to send commodities like corn and soybeans, primarily used for cattle feed, to livestock producers in the South. Thus emerged a high demand, low supply situation as shipping and commodity prices shot up, with economists expecting consumers to absorb those costs. Past research showing that retail prices increase alongside commodity prices suggests that the drought probably contributed to higher overall food costs last year — and because droughts have a lingering impact on production even after they end, it may be fueling stubbornly high grocery prices today. But although it seems clear that the drought contributed to higher prices, particularly for meat and dairy products, just how much remains to be gauged. One reason for that is a lack of research analyzing the relationship between this particular weather event and the consumer market. Another is it's often difficult to tease out which of several possible factors, including global trade, war, and export bans, influence specific examples of sticker shock. While droughts definitely prompt decreases in agricultural production, Metin Çakır, an economist at the University of Minnesota, says whether that is felt by consumers depends on myriad factors. "This would mean higher raw ingredient costs for foods sold in groceries, and part of those higher costs will be passed onto consumers via higher prices. However, will consumer prices actually increase? The answer depends on many other supply and demand factors that might be happening at the same time as the impact of the drought," said Çakır. In a forthcoming analysis previewed by Grist, Çakır examined the relationship between an enduring drought in California, which produces a third of the nation's vegetables and nearly two-thirds of its fruits and nuts, and costs of produce purchased at large grocery retailers nationwide. While the event raised consumer vegetable prices to a statistically significant degree, they didn't increase as much as Çakır expected. This capricious consumer cost effect is due largely to the resiliency of America's food system. Public safety nets like crop insurance and other federal programs have played a large part in mitigating the impacts of adverse weather and bolstering the food supply chain against climate change and other shocks. By ensuring farmers and producers don't bear the brunt of those losses, these programs reduce the costs passed on to consumers. Advanced agricultural technology, modern infrastructure, substantial storage, and efficient transport links also help ensure retail price stability. A 2024 study of the role climate change played on the U.S. wheat market from 1950 to 2018 found that although the impact of weather shocks on price variability has increased with the frequency of extreme weather, adaptive mechanisms, like a well-developed production and distribution infrastructure with sufficient storage capacity, have minimized the impact on consumers. Still, the paper warns that such systems may collapse when faced with "unprecedented levels of weather variability." Last year was the world's warmest on record, creating an onslaught of challenges for crop and livestock producers nationwide. And this year is primed to be even more brutal, with the transition from El Niño — an atmospheric phenomenon that warms ocean temperatures — to La Niña, its counterpart that cools them. This cyclical change in global weather patterns is another potential threat for crop yields and source of supply chain pressures that economists and scientists are keeping an eye on. They will be particularly focused on the Midwest and stretches of the Corn Belt, two regions prone to drought as an El Niño cycle gives way to a La Niña, according to Weston Anderson, an assistant research scientist at the University of Maryland and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Those growing regions for corn and soybeans are what he'll be watching closely as La Niña develops. It's something Jennifer Ifft, an agricultural economist at Kansas State University, is also thinking about. "If you have a very severe drought in the Corn Belt ... that's going to be the biggest deal, because that's gonna raise the cost of production for cattle, hogs, poultry," said Ifft. "So that would probably have the largest inflationary impacts."As of January, U.S. beef herd inventory was at its lowest in 73 years, which multiple reports noted is due to the persisting drought that began in 2020. Americans, the majority of whom are already spending more on groceries than last year, are poised to soon see "record" beef prices at the supermarket. Food prices are also expected to rise another 2.2 percent in 2024, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. In a world enmeshed in extremes, our already-fragile food supply chain could be the next system teetering on the edge of collapse because of human-caused climate change. And costlier groceries linked to impending risk is the first of many warning signs that it is already splintering.This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Scott Olson // Getty Images Local Weather

One of the hardest questions to answer is a deceptively simple one: who are you? But this is precisely the question that “reminiscence” or “life review” therapies, which draw on autobiographical memory, looks to answer. It’s normal to think about our past or to relive memories in conversations with friends, but it is rare to do so in a considered, intentional way. In 2022, Jane Fonda spoke about conducting a life review after turning 60, telling Glamour , “it totally changed the way I thought about myself and about how I wanted to live the last third of my life”. But whether you’re 60 or 16, looking backwards can be a useful exercise in building purpose and meaning into your present and future. Credit: iStock What is reminiscence therapy? Reminiscence therapy is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of therapeutic approaches. David Hallford, a senior lecturer at Deakin University’s School of Psychology, says most therapy, “either implicitly or explicitly draws on memory”. “But reminiscence therapy is particularly focused on retrieving, reflecting on and reframing experiences into our understanding of ourselves.” Broadly speaking, he says reminiscence focuses on specific themes, like relationships, loss or challenges faced. Life review, on the other hand, is about a more systematic approach to reflecting on experiences across a whole lifetime. And reminiscence is about more than just mapping the big beats in our lives. Sunil Bhar, a professor of psychology at Swinburne University of Technology, says: “It’s not simply about documenting things, like where someone lived or who they married, where they end up with what is essentially a resume of their life. “We’ve discovered that what’s therapeutic about going back over someone’s life is not what they did, but who they are .” Reminiscence, he says, can help people answer the tricky question of “who are you?” “The most common answer to [this question] is, ‘I am a student’, ‘I am a daughter’, ‘I’m a son’; you talk about yourself in terms of the roles that you played in your life,” he says. “So reminiscence is a way of getting to the values that have been driving those roles and those life decisions.” What are its benefits? Research on reminiscence therapy has focused mostly on its benefits for older people, where it’s been shown to improve things like depression and life satisfaction . For people with dementia, reminiscence therapy can help create a sense of agency and improve mental health and cognition. Research has also found it can lessen the effects of anxiety and depression and that it can improve quality of life for cancer patients . However, an emerging body of research shows that reflecting on our lives can be beneficial at any age. Hallford’s research focuses on the benefits of life review , particularly for young adults. He thinks a lack of research is partly for cultural reasons, where there is the “preconception of sitting around and thinking about the good old days as a task of older adulthood, when we are not necessarily completing as many big life tasks like getting our careers started or having kids”. But the benefits of reminiscence therapy in older adults are much the same for younger ones. Research has shown reminiscence therapy to improve levels of self-esteem , confidence, optimism and life satisfaction . One small study led by Hallford this year found guided recall and interpretation of autobiographical memories helped improve young adults’ self-perception and views of others. Used in clinical settings, it has also been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, where it’s often part of a program involving cognitive behaviour therapy. Three great questions to ask How it works Typically, reminiscence therapy is conducted by a psychologist, either in a group setting or one on one. To explore this kind of therapy, you can chat to your GP, counsellor or psychologist. But you can still reap the benefits by reflecting on the past in a less structured way with friends or family. “There is a sense in the literature that maybe what is therapeutic about reminiscence therapy isn’t the outpouring of memories, but really it’s having someone listen,” says Bhar. “It brings the idea that what we’re really after is a human connection, and reminiscence is simply a way of eliciting that.” Hallford says journaling or voice recordings can help with this. It’s also common to use physical objects or music to prompt memories. Bhar says photographs can be a good starting point for talking about the past. So whether you’re spending the break alone or with friends or family, consider going through an old album, or talking about what matters to you most. It might help crystallise who you are. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter . Get it in your inbox every Monday .JACKSON, Miss. -- JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Clarke Reed , a Mississippi businessman who developed the Republican Party in his home state and across the South starting in the 1960s, died Sunday at his home in Greenville, Mississippi. He was 96. Reed was chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party from 1966 to 1976, beginning at a time when Democrats still dominated in the region. During the 1976 Republican National Convention, delegates were closely divided between President Gerald Ford and former California Gov. Ronald Reagan. Reed united the Mississippi delegation behind Ford — a move that created a decadeslong feud with William D. “Billy” Mounger, another wealthy businessman who was prominent in the Mississippi Republican Party. Reed recalled in a 2016 interview with The Associated Press that delegates faced considerable pressure. Movie stars visited Mississippi's 30 delegates to push for Reagan, and Betty Ford called on behalf of her husband. Reagan met twice with the Mississippi delegation — once with his proposed running mate, Pennsylvania Sen. Richard Schweiker — and once without, according Haley Barbour, who was executive director of the Mississippi Republican Party in 1976 and served as the state's governor from 2004 to 2012. “Everybody was coming to see us," Reed said. “These poor people had never seen this before, the average delegate.” Mississippi delegates were showing the stress at a meeting away from the convention floor in Kansas City, Reed said. “I looked out, and about half of them were crying," he said. Reed initially supported Reagan, but said he moved into the Ford camp because he thought Reagan made “a hell of a mistake” by choosing a more liberal northeastern running mate in a gambit to win support of the unpledged Pennsylvania delegation. “In my opinion, Reagan was the best president of my lifetime. I didn’t know that then,” Reed said in 2016. “And had he been elected with Schweiker, he might’ve gotten a bullet one inch over and Schweiker would’ve been president.” Ford won the party nomination during the convention, then lost the general election to Jimmy Carter, the Democratic former governor of Georgia. Reed was born in Alliance, Ohio, in 1928, and his family moved to Caruthersville, Missouri, when he was about six months old. He earned a business degree from the University of Missouri in 1950. He and Barthell Joseph, a friend he had met at a high school boarding school, founded an agriculture equipment business called Reed-Joseph International, which used technology to scare birds away from farms and airports. Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said Monday that Reed was “a mentor, supporter and advisor to me for over 56 years." Wicker said he was 21 when Reed put him on the Republican Platform Committee in 1972. “There is no more significant figure in the development of the modern day Mississippi Republican Party than Clarke Reed,” Wicker wrote on social media. “Our state has lost a giant."

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee on Monday accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress, as lawmakers released the conclusions of a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz, now 42, took part in from 2017 to 2020 while the Republican represented Florida's western Panhandle. Congressional investigators concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, though not federal sex trafficking laws. They also found that Gaetz “knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct” the committee's work. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report said. Before the report came out, Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Gaetz , who was first elected in 2017, spent the majority of his time in Washington enmeshed in scandals that ultimately derailed his selection by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department . Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress last month. His political future is uncertain, although Gaetz has indicated interest in running for the open Senate seat in Florida. The committee painted a damning portrait of Gaetz's conduct, using dozens of pages of exhibits, including text messages, financial records, travel receipts, checks and online payments, to document a party and drug-fueled lifestyle. The committee said it compiled the evidence after issuing 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony and contacting more than two dozen witnesses. In addition to soliciting prostitution, the report said Gaetz “accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging in connection with a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts.” That same year, investigators said, Gaetz arranged for a staffer to obtain a passport for a woman with whom he was sexually involved, falsely telling the State Department that she was his constituent. In some of the text exchanges made public, he appeared to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. At one point he asked one woman if she had a “cute black dress” to wear. There were also discussions of shipping goods. One of the exhibits was a text exchange that appeared to be between two of the women concerned about their cash flow and payments. In another, a person asked Gaetz for help to pay an educational expense. Regarding the 17-year-old girl, the report said there was no evidence Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her. The woman told the committee she did not tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But Gaetz stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Florida law says it is a felony for a person 24 or older to have sex with a minor. The law does not allow a claim of ignorance or misrepresentation of a minor's age as a defense. Joel Leppard, who represents two women who told the committee that Gaetz paid them for sex, said the findings “vindicate” the accounts of his clients and “demonstrate their credibility.” “We appreciate the Committee’s commitment to transparency in releasing this comprehensive report so the truth can be known,” Leppard said in a statement. At least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the committee earlier this month in voting to release the report despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. On behalf of the Republicans who voted against making the report public, the committee chairman, Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi, wrote that while the members did not challenge the findings, “we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards,” to drop any investigation when a person is not longer a member of the chamber. Guest added that releasing this report sets a precedent that “is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences.” But Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Democratic member of the committee, said that for transparency, it was crucial for the public and Congress as an institution to read the findings. "I think that’s important for my colleagues here in the House to know how the committee reviews certain acts," he told The Associated Press. "Some of these were obviously conduct that crossed the line, but some of them weren’t.” Mounting a last-ditch effort to halt the publication of the report, Gaetz filed a lawsuit Monday asking a federal court to intervene. He cited what he called “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” Gaetz’s complaint argued that he was no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction because he had resigned from Congress. The often secretive, bipartisan committee has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021. But its work became more urgent last month when Trump picked him shortly after the Nov. 5 election Day to be the nation's top law enforcement officer. Gaetz resigned from Congress that same day, putting him outside the purview of the committee's jurisdiction. But Democrats had pressed to make the report public even after Gaetz was no longer in the House and had withdrawn from consideration for Trump's Cabinet. A vote on the House floor this month to force the report’s release failed; all but one Republican voted against it. The committee detailed its start-and-stop investigation over the past several years, which was halted for a time as the Justice Department conducted its own inquiry of Gaetz. Federal prosecutors never brought a case against him. Lawmakers said they asked the Justice Department for information about its investigation, but the agency refused to hand over information, saying it does not disclose information about investigations that do not result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the department for records. After a back-and-forth between department officials and the committee, the department only handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the committee's report. The report said Gaetz was “uncooperative" throughout the committee's investigation. He provided “minimal documentation” in response to the committee’s requests, it said. “He also did not agree to a voluntary interview.” ___ Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10New Study of Balearic Island Bronze Age Swords Reveals Complex Origins

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa on Monday announced she will support Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Ernst’s announcement came on the same day as her support for journalist to become the secretary of defense. Ernst issued a statement saying she would “support Pete through this process” as he faces headwinds in his Senate confirmation due to allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse, which Hegseth has denied, according to the . The nomination of Patel has raised eyebrows due to his past writings that were critical of the Deep State. Kash Patel will create much-needed transparency at the FBI. He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies, downsizing the D.C. bureaucracy, and having public servants work on behalf of the American people! — Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) “Kash Patel will create much-needed transparency at the FBI,” Ernst . “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies, downsizing the D.C. bureaucracy, and having public servants work on behalf of the American people!” Ernst had been facing pressure to support Trump’s nominees. Joni Ernst told me she thinks Kash Patel “is going to be great” she said she knows “Kash, and that’s why i think he’s going to be great. We really do need people that will go in and shake up some of these organizations.” — Stef Kight (@StefWKight) “It’s really this simple: If you oppose President Trump’s nominees, you oppose the Trump agenda, and there will be a political price to pay for that. We are well aware that there are certain establishment senators trying to tank the president’s nominees to make him look weak and damage him politically, and we’re just not going to allow that to happen,” a major Trump ally told . 🚨BREAKING: Joni Ernst expresses support for Kash Patel, saying that he will bring “much-needed transparency”. — PeakPerspective (@PeakPrspective) Patel also received support from Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa who called for current FBI Director to step aside, according to the . “For the good of the country, it’s time for you and your deputy to move on to the next chapter in your lives,” Grassley wrote in a letter to Wray, referring to the director and deputy director Paul Abbate. “[I] must express my vote of no confidence in your continued leadership of the FBI,” he wrote. The Post noted that Wray still has three years left in the 10-year term to which he was appointed, meaning for to take over, either Wray must leave or Trump must fire him. “We still don’t know what director Wray’s plans are, but eventually, I assume that Mr. Patel will be confirmed as the next FBI director,” Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said. Cornyn said he was “certainly inclined to support [Patel], barring some unforeseen circumstances.” Cornyn said during the meeting, he and Patel discussed the “reputation of the FBI as a nonpartisan law enforcement investigative agency.” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .

The Dolphins' improbable path to the playoffs isn't in their hands, but they must do their part

Mick Molloy admits shock at Mark Geyer's surprise axing from Triple M radio following 17 years of serviceInteractive Strength Inc. (Nasdaq: TRNR) Issues Year-End Update, Looks Ahead to 2025LONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

I'm a Celeb fans upset at 'non-elimination' as they call to get rid of next star

Atlanta's Akins Ford: 2025 Raptor Details Released!“The ‘Russia-ASEAN: World of Opportunities’ Forum became one of the largest business events of its kind in the country and region in recent years, providing a unique platform to enhance trade relations between Russia and Southeast Asian countries. In 2023, Russia’s trade turnover with ASEAN countries reached a record high, growing by 14.6% compared to the previous year. This positive trend continued in the first half of 2024, with a 20.5% increase. The business forum was a response to the growing interest of Russian businesses in ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia, and further solidified Russia’s strengthening trade position in Southeast Asia. I am confident that the Forum will serve as a significant discussion platform for addressing and broadly covering issues related to deepening trade and investment ties between Russia and ASEAN countries across various sectors,” said Anton Kobyakov , Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation. The Forum’s business agenda centered on trade and export interaction, energy, digital transformation, information security, technology, and innovations. Dedicated sessions also explored healthcare, tourism, education, and the impact of alumni communities in fostering international business connections. “Russia-Malaysia relations are dynamically progressing across a wide range of areas, providing optimism for their future. I believe this Forum served as an excellent starting point for creating and implementing new projects, fostering cooperation, and promoting open dialogue between the business community and government representatives. I hope the event’s outcomes bring ASEAN countries and Malaysia closer to Russia, enabling the peoples of our nations to learn more about each other and explore new horizons for mutually beneficial relationships,” emphasized Nail Latypov , the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Malaysia. He described Kuala Lumpur as a fitting choice for the event, noting that Malaysia will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and highlighting the city’s strategic location as a regional hub, within a two-hour flight of any ASEAN capital. The main highlight of the Forum was the plenary session, which featured participants such as Alexey Gruzdev , Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation; Ayrat Khayrullin , Minister of Digitalization of Public Administration, Information Technologies, and Communications of the Republic of Tatarstan; Tan Sri Nazir Razak , Founder and Chairman of Ikhlas Capital and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia; Oudet Souvannavong , President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council; Alexander Stuglev , Chairman and CEO of the Roscongress Foundation; and Abu Bakar Yusof , Deputy Director of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Daniyar Akkaziev , Executive Director of the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, moderated the session. The business program on the first day continued with a panel discussion titled “The Energy Dimension of Strategic Partnership between Russia and ASEAN: Lessons Learned and New Directions” and the EAEU-ASEAN business dialogue. Discussions focused on exploring new formats of cooperation among businesses for sustainable, long-term development. The second day of the Forum featured panels on enhancing cooperation between Russia and Southeast Asian countries in digital transformation, healthcare, and medicine. Additional focus was given to strategies for increasing tourist flows and fostering educational partnerships. The “World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN” International Business Forum was held with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Malaysia. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) served as the co-organizer. The Forum’s general partner was the Tatarstan Trade House, while program partners included the Russia-ASEAN Business Council, the Eurasian Economic Commission, and Coalstar LLC. Hashtag: #RoscongressFoundation The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented, non-financial development institution and the largest organizer of Russian, international, congress, exhibition, business, public, youth, sports, and cultural events. It was established in 2007 by presidential decree to promote economic potential, advance national interests, and strengthen Russia’s image. The Foundation comprehensively studies, analyzes, and highlights issues on Russian and global economic agendas. It facilitates business project administration, investment promotion, social entrepreneurship, and charitable initiatives. Events organized by the Foundation attract participants from 209 countries and territories, with over 15,000 media representatives working at Roscongress venues annually. More than 5,000 experts from Russia and abroad are involved in its analytical and expert activities. The Foundation collaborates with UN structures and other international organizations, develops diverse partnerships with 212 foreign economic institutions, industrial and business associations, and financial and trade organizations in 86 countries. Domestically, it partners with 293 Russian public organizations and federal and regional executive and legislative bodies of the Russian Federation. Official Roscongress Telegram Channels: In Russian – t.me/Roscongress, in English – t . me / RoscongressDirect , in Spanish – t . me / RoscongressEsp , and in Arabic – t . me / RosCongressArabic . Official website and information-analytical system: roscongress . org .

Brock Purdy participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers but the San Francisco starting quarterback was not on the field for the majority of the workout, casting doubt over his availability to play Sunday at Green Bay. Purdy is dealing with a right shoulder injury and the 49ers are also potentially without left tackle Trent Williams and Nick Bosa due to injuries. Bosa was listed as out of Thursday's practice with an oblique injury. Williams also didn't suit up Thursday. He played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable. Purdy's typical Thursday post-practice media session was scrapped until Friday as the 49ers did not make any quarterback available. Kyle Allen would step in for Purdy as the starter if he can't play against the Packers. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:44 p.m. ESTTeen arrested after medical staff make horrifying discovery in safe haven box By ISHITA SRIVASTAVA FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 16:47 EST, 23 November 2024 | Updated: 16:48 EST, 23 November 2024 e-mail View comments An Idaho teenager has been arrested for allegedly leaving a dead baby in a Safe Haven Baby Box over a month ago. Angel N. Newberry, 18, of Twin Falls was taken into custody by the Blackfoot Police Department on November 21 for reportedly leaving a newborn girl in the box at the Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot. While the baby girl was removed from the box 'within a minute' of the clinic receiving the alarm on October 13, staffers soon realized that the newborn had been dead long before being left. 'The medical team removed the infant from the bassinet within a minute. Upon removal, they quickly realized that the infant had passed away long before being placed in the baby box. 'The Safe Haven Law in Idaho allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed and healthy. Therefore, this was not a legal surrender under state law as it does not meet the criteria for Safe Haven surrender,' a Safe Haven news release reads. Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said in a social media post at the time: 'We are heartbroken. Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed.' Since being launched in 2016, Safe Haven Baby Boxes have provided parents a discreet and secure option to surrender their newborns. Angel N. Newberry, 18, of Twin Falls was taken into custody by the Blackfoot Police Department on November 21 for reportedly leaving a dead newborn girl in the Save Haven Baby Box While the baby girl was removed from the box 'within a minute' of the clinic receiving the alarm on October 13, staffers soon realized that the newborn had been dead long before being left The non profit's policy states that any parent can leave a baby under 30 days old without legal consequences. However it is imperative that the infant is not harmed or deceased under both company policy and Idaho law. The medical-grade boxes are installed in the exterior wall of the building. An exterior door automatically locks when a newborn is placed inside, and a medical staff member opens an interior door to secure the baby. Boxes are available in more than a dozen states. Since 2017, 52 infants have been surrendered at the organization's baby box locations, Kelsey said. In an new Facebook post , Deputies with the Blackfoot Police Department said: 'The Safe Haven Baby Box is intended to safely and anonymously allow custodial parents to surrender a newborn under 30 days old without legal repercussions, provided the child is unharmed. 'Unfortunately, the placement of a harmed or deceased infant is not protected under this system or Idaho law. 'After diligent work by the Blackfoot - Bingham Joint Detective Division over the last two months, 18-year-old Angel N. Newberry of Twin Falls was arrested in Twin Falls on a felony Bingham County arrest warrant for failing to report a death to law enforcement officials and the coroner. Since being launched in 2016, Safe Haven Baby Boxes have provided parents a discreet and secure option to surrender their newborns The child was left at the Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot, Idaho The non profit's policy states that any parent can leave a baby under 30 days old without legal repercussions. However it is imperative that the infant is not harmed or deceased under this system or Idaho law 'Angel has been transported and booked into the Bingham County Jail on the above warrant. Newberry has been charged with one count of felony failure to report a death to law enforcement. A court date has not been set yet. Officials have not yet clarified who the father is and how old the infant was at the time of her death. Deputies have also said that 'due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation and the potential for further criminal charges', more information about the case will not be made public for now. Idaho Share or comment on this article: Teen arrested after medical staff make horrifying discovery in safe haven box e-mail Add comment

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5. Volkswagen ID.4: The ID.4 is Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV, offering a spacious interior, cutting-edge technology, and a smooth driving experience. With a competitive price point and impressive range, the ID.4 aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience.Furthermore, China's proactive engagement in global economic cooperation has reinforced its position as a leading player in the international arena. Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and active participation in multilateral forums, China has deepened economic ties with countries worldwide, fostering mutual benefits and shared prosperity. By championing free trade, open markets, and multilateralism, China has contributed to a more interconnected and interdependent global economy, reaffirming its commitment to win-win cooperation and common development.

While the absence of these four key players may temporarily disrupt the team's dynamics, it also provides an opportunity for other squad members to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for a spot in the starting lineup. The resilience and depth of the team will be put to the test as they prepare for upcoming matches without the presence of Caraffiori and Timpber on the field.As the team navigates through this period of transition and adaptation, fans can expect to witness a renewed sense of determination and focus from Sky FC in the upcoming matches. The absence of Caraffiori and Timpber may be a temporary setback, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to showcase their depth and resilience in the face of adversity.VCA Animal Hospitals and Antech Advocate for More Comprehensive Pet Data in Public Health Reporting, Recommend Six-Step Framework for One Health Collaboration

'Thank You For All That You’ve Done': IPL Franchises Share Heartfelt Tributes For Former PM Doctor Manmohan SinghIn conclusion, the Opta-predicted Champions League standings paint a fascinating picture of the upcoming group stage, with unexpected outcomes and potential surprises awaiting fans around the world. As the footballing world eagerly anticipates the start of the Champions League, one thing is certain: the drama, excitement, and passion of European football's premier competition will once again captivate audiences and showcase the best that the sport has to offer.

In conclusion, the considerations to ban DJI and Dahua drones in the U.S. mark a significant development in the ongoing efforts to enhance national security and protect sensitive technology and data from potential risks. As the U.S. continues to confront the challenges posed by foreign companies in critical industries, it is imperative to maintain a careful balance between innovation, security, and regulatory measures to safeguard the country's interests and ensure a secure and resilient technological ecosystem.'Wemby' and 'Ant-Man' to make NBA Christmas debuts

Fortunately, there were two doctors on board who rushed to the passenger's side to provide immediate medical attention. They worked tirelessly to stabilize the man's condition, administering first aid and attempting to revive him. Despite their best efforts and the utilization of the limited medical equipment available on the aircraft, the passenger's condition continued to deteriorate rapidly.Should AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal? | Mohammad Hosseini

Aurier's decision to temporarily disable his social media accounts serves as a stark reminder of the impact that negative comments and online abuse can have on the mental health of athletes. The prevalence of online negativity highlights the need for stronger measures to tackle cyberbullying and harassment, both within the football community and society at large.

Looking ahead, uncertainties still exist in the global economic environment, including factors such as trade tensions, geopolitical issues, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. However, China's foreign trade sector has shown resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, positioning itself for continued growth in the future.

The striking visuals of the photograph served as a testament to the power of individuality and diversity in defining beauty. While Zhang Ziyi's graceful demeanor and classic allure exuded a sense of sophistication and grace, Yang Zi's vibrant energy and youthful charm conveyed a sense of spontaneity and freshness. Together, they represented a spectrum of beauty that transcended conventional norms and celebrated the multifaceted nature of femininity.Black Twitter Responds to Singer Khalid's Super -Messy Outing, Coming Out as Gay - The RootFrom new skins and accessories to special in-game challenges and rewards, Season 38 has something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, there's plenty to discover and enjoy in this latest installment of King of Glory.

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Caiwei Chen is a reporter who covers tech, the internet, and society. Her work has been seen in publications including Wired, Rolling Stone, Protocol, Rest of World, and more. She is more online than she would like to admit.TV presenters Emma and Matt Willis have expressed their concerns for their children, admitting they are "worried and scared" about the need for increased safeguards for children using smartphones. This comes after their involvement in a groundbreaking social experiment featured in their new Channel 4 documentary 'Swiped', which delves into the effects of smartphone usage on young people's behaviour. The couple teamed up with The Stanway School in Colchester, challenging a group of Year 8 students—and themselves—to go without their smartphones for three weeks. The kids, some of whom used their phones for up to five hours daily, initially found it tough to cope without the gadgets they're hooked on. However, as the experiment progressed, improvements were noted; the youngsters slept better, appeared more attentive in class, and some experienced reduced anxiety. The documentary also explores the disturbing content that young children can access on their phones, including violent footage and explicit adult material, leaving Emma and Matt shocked. Read more Rebekah Vardy branded 'jealous' and 'desperate' by ex-husband in savage rant Emma and Matt, posing as 13 year olds on TikTok with new phones, were shocked to receive content related to suicide and violence against women within just four hours of scrolling on a fresh account, reports the Mirror . Emma expressed her shock, saying: "It's just not what I thought it would was. I know you hear stories about what can be found on there but finding and searching for something is very different from it being served to you the first time you go on there as a 13 year old." Matt later described the content accessible to children on their phones as "terrifying". Prior to the experiment, Matt voiced his concerns: "It's how much time our kids spend on their smart phones that got us worried. I think we've signed up to this experiment because we're living it. We're going through it with our kids and we have no idea how to navigate this. We're worried, we're scared, everything we're seeing is negative, but we don't know how to stop it." He also shared his personal experience: "Our daughter was 11 when she got a smart phone, it's been the biggest disruptor between us and her, I feel like I lose her to it quite a bit. I miss her. I remember sitting on the couch once, the TV was playing and we were all on our phone. I was like, 'This is not good'." The couple, parents to Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, 8, have now implemented changes in their own home following the experiment. Emma, the presenter of The Voice, aged 48, has shared details about her family's tech habits, revealing that mobile phones are now charged downstairs and not in bedrooms. The children also hand over their devices to ensure some quality time together after 8pm. Interestingly, Emma has removed Instagram from her phone, only accessing it via an iPad. While their youngest child has steered clear of owning a smartphone for now, this looks unlikely to change for several years. Emma expressed her mixed feelings on the matter: "Our kids first had a phone when they were at secondary school, it feels like everyone has one and they want one. There are times when I definitely feel like I've lost them. Personally for me, I wished I'd never given them a smart phone. Our eldest, even now, and we're a bit scared of her on this subject, which is terrible really because she's a lovely kid. We never allow them to have social media. Then when she was 14 she had been begging for a long time and we were like, you can have Snapchat. And she's literally on it all the time." She continues with hopes for the future: "The one thing that we really want to get out of this experiment is that we really hope that it will get the ball rolling and change will begin. Because I think what we all want is that for our kids to be able to be in the tech world from the right age, but be absolutely safe within it. If we can all kind of put that pressure on, hopefully we can make positive change." Musician Matt, 41, who is a recovering drug addict and no stranger to battling addiction, shared his personal struggle with technology dependency. He confessed: "I used to belittle it in my head. But when I think about it, I am addicted to my phone. When I'm without it I crave it. I act the same way about this device as I have about substances in the past." He also expressed strong support for age restrictions on smartphone use, saying: "When I think about the idea of a smartphone ban to the age of 14, I think that's a very wise decision. We are exposing them to so much stuff that they can't process or they shouldn't be seeing, and we are allowing that to happen. The Government can't turn a blind eye to this anymore. You've got to look at this and go, this is a massive problem." They discuss potential reforms with Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, considering measures such as a ban on smartphones for under-14s on the documentary.

MicroStrategy Continues Bitcoin Binge With $5.4 Billion BuyMANCHESTER, England -- As scored to put 2-0 up over in the first half of their Women's Super League (WSL) clash, the contrast between the scenes in the two dugouts could hardly have been more stark. United boss Marc Skinner spun on his heels and punched the air; Liverpool's manager Matt Beard remained rooted to his seat, still shellshocked by Elisabeth Terland's opener which had only arrived a minute earlier. It showed how fine the margins are at the top level of the women's game, and just how quickly the fortunes of a manager and their team can change. United and Liverpool are arguably Engand's most formidable men's footballing institutions, with more than a century of success on both the domestic and European stage behind them. For their women's teams, though, earning a seat at the WSL's top table is proving considerably more difficult. United's win on Sunday temporarily moved them up the third -- though they were later usurped by following their victory over -- and into the Champions League places. But Skinner's side are six points off leaders , who also have a game in hand, and this season's charge for the title is seemingly already a two-horse race between the London club and . Liverpool, meanwhile, are down in seventh, having won just two of their nine WSL games so far this term. For both teams, the battle to consolidate a place among the division's long-established top three of Chelsea, City and Arsenal remains a work in progress. United's commanding victory over Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village -- secured thanks to goals from Terland, Galton, and -- was the perfect tonic after another difficult week for the club off the pitch. On Saturday, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake in the club earlier this year, sparked controversy with his comments about the women's team. Speaking to , the INEOS chief said: "There's only so much that you can do and our focus has been on the men's team. If not, you get spread too thinly. We need to sort out the main issue, the men's team. The women's team is an opportunity. Women's football is growing really quickly in popularity and size. We need to participate in that. The girls wear a Manchester United badge on their shirt and they're representing the club." It is not the first time Ratcliffe's perceived apathy towards United Women has caused a stir. Back in May, the 72-year-old opted to attend United's Premier League clash with Arsenal instead of the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley, where Skinner's side yielded the club's first major women's trophy with a win over . The following month, Ratcliffe drew further criticism after admitting in an interview with Bloomberg that plans for the future of the women's team were "TBC". While Ratcliffe's string of PR missteps are perhaps rooted in pragmatism, his behaviour has repeatedly undermined the "one-club mentality" United have tried to foster since their women's team was re-established in 2018. "I think you have to assess a lot," Skinner said after Sunday's game, when asked whether it is difficult to constantly have to field questions about matters off the pitch. "I think you have to take a lot as a human. "I think the role of a football manager has changed and it's evolving. You see that in the men's game. Of course we're human, we feel, we have our emotions. But we also have a role and a job and a responsibility to my players the fans and the club. I would be lying if I said it's easy, but also I have a job to do and I've got to do that to the best of my ability." The state of play at United has been further unsettled by the surprise departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth, which was confirmed by the club only hours before Skinner's side kicked off against Liverpool on Sunday. His exit has been viewed in some quarters as a further blow to the women's team, with the 53-year-old having only officially arrived in July after a £3 million settlement was reached with his former club . Ashworth has long been an advocate for the growth of the women's game and had forged a positive relationship with Skinner during his time at United. to supporters in the summer, Ashworth insisted that the women's team was a "key objective" of his job and had been a major part of his remit during his time with Newcastle, and the FA. "Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada have been fantastic and have both come in with real energy to speak to the group," Skinner said in a news conference earlier this season. "I cannot tell you how personable and authentic those conversations were. They genuinely love women's football and have a real burning ambition for it to be in the forefront of their direction. That will only improve." Whether Ashworth's successor is similarly passionate about empowering United Women remains to be seen. However, after the Liverpool game, Skinner was quick to emphasise the support he and his players continue to feel internally, reiterating his own determination to focus on performances on the field. "What I know about the club is that it has a love and an affinity with our women's team, I know that," he said. "I sense it every day when I go into the training ground. I know the love for our team is there. I don't know what that path looks like quite yet and I'm sure that is a part of the planning process from above to sell us that and I'm sure, over the next few weeks, we'll talk more about it. "But I want us as a team to focus on what we can control and that is the football part, and then away from that, I know we can be a massive part and are a massive part of this club and we've got to work out what that looks like." From a Liverpool perspective, Sunday's defeat was yet another bracing reminder of the gulf that still exists between them and the game's big hitters. Beard's side defied expectations last term to secure a fourth-placed finish, ending the season six-points clear of United, whom they toppled in both of their WSL meetings. Those victories seemed to symbolise an upwardly mobile Liverpool, capable of upsetting the league's top order. While injuries have been a major factor in the team's recent inconsistent form -- with a number of key players, including last season's top scorer, , currently sidelined -- they look some way off being able to compete for the game's top honours. "It's frustrating," Beard said after the game. "We know we've got one of the smallest squads in the division. I've said it before, we can only work with the resources we have budget-wise. I feel like we actually started the game quite well, but we had a moment of madness where two minutes killed the game for us." Beard's reference to the financial parameters he is working within at Liverpool again raises an important point about the disparity between the WSL's top three and the rest of the division. The club have come a long way since being relegated in 2019 -- incidentally the same year that Jurgen Klopp's side lifted the Premier League title -- and have gone to great lengths to improve the professionalism of the women's team, repurchasing Liverpool men's former training ground, Melwood, as a base for Beard's side and breaking the club's transfer record in consecutive summers to bring in Roman Haug and . But with the ruthlessness and knowhow of perennial winners Chelsea leaving little room for error in the WSL, it is clear it will take time for Liverpool to assemble a similarly well-stocked squad. "It's not always about the money," Beard said. "I don't know what all the other teams spend. I know what we spend and we've overachieved in the last two years. If you look at the investment from the other sides - - I'm not saying we've stood still, I don't think we needed many changes. We were consistent last season with team selection whereas this year I don't think I've been able to pick the same team twice." With seven first-team players missing this weekend's clash with United, it is perhaps little wonder Liverpool struggled against Skinner's side. But, with the WSL growing more competitive year-on-year, it is apparent both they and their hosts have a tough road ahead if they are to consistently compete at the highest level.MARKET REPORT: Raspberry Pi in festive mood as shares soar

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Germany's foreign minister described the suspected sabotage of a Baltic Sea power cable as a "wake-up call" for the West and urged the European Union to impose new sanctions targeting what is known as Russia's " shadow fleet ." Meanwhile, a media outlet focusing on shipping news and intelligence reported that the ship suspected of damaging the cable linking Finland and Estonia on December 25 was equipped with "special transmitting and receiving devices that were used to monitor naval activity." The Eagle S "had transmitting and receiving devices installed that effectively allowed it to become a 'spy ship' for Russia," Lloyd's List reported on December 27, citing "a source familiar with the vessel who provided commercial maritime services to it as recently as seven months ago." Finland seized the Eagle S on December 26, citing suspicions that it caused an outage of the Estlink 2 undersea power cable and damaged four Internet lines. Finnish investigators said the ship may have caused the damage by dragging its anchor along the sea floor. Finnish and EU officials say the Eagle S is believed to belong to a "shadow fleet" of old, uninsured oil vessels used to bypass Western sanctions and maintain a source of revenue for Russia's economy and its war against Ukraine. The poor condition of these ships has also raised concerns about environmental disasters. "The suspected vessel is part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which threatens security and the environment , while funding Russia's war budget," the European Commission said on December 26, suggesting the incident was part of a deliberate effort to damage "critical infrastructure" in Europe. "We will propose further measures, including sanctions, to target this fleet." In comments on December 28, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged "new European sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet," which she said is "a major threat to our environment and security" that is used by Russia "to finance its war of aggression in Ukraine." "Almost every month, ships are damaging major undersea cables in the Baltic Sea," Baerbock said in a statement to the Funke media group. "Crews are leaving anchors in the water, dragging them for kilometers along the seafloor for no apparent reason, and then losing them when pulling them up.” "It's more than difficult to still believe in coincidences," she said. "This is an urgent wake-up call for all of us." TBILISI -- Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili joined thousands of pro-West demonstrators on the streets of Tbilisi to protest the Georgian Dream-led government's moves to delay closer integration with the European Union and its perceived tilt toward Russia. The December 28 rally came at a potentially explosive time in the South Caucasus nation as Zurabishvili has vowed not to step down at the end of her term on December 29, claiming her successor -- chosen by an electoral college dominated by Georgian Dream -- was "illegitimate." Zurabishvili and demonstrators, waving Georgian and EU flags, marched along the Saarbruecken Bridge in the capital, joined by members of parliament from allied countries, including Poland and Lithuania, to form a "chain of unity." The rally marked one month since the start of the recent wave of anti-government protests, which have been met with violent police action, injuries, and mass arrests by Georgian authorities. Protesters accuse the government of the Georgian Dream party of moving the country away from the EU and closer to Moscow. The political crisis erupted after Georgian Dream claimed victory in October parliamentary elections that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said was marred by instances of vote-buying, double-voting, physical violence, and intimidation. The rallies intensified after a government decision last month to delay negotiations on Georgia joining the EU. On December 24, Human Rights Watch called for Georgian security forces to be investigated for the "brutal police violence" against largely peaceful protesters who have taken to the streets for the demonstrations. On December 27, the United States said it had slapped fresh sanctions on Russia-friendly billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and the founder of the Georgian Dream party, for undermining Georgia's democracy for the "benefit of the Russian Federation." "Under Ivanishvili's leadership, Georgian Dream has advanced the interests of the Kremlin by derailing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory -- in direct contradiction to what was envisioned by the Georgian people and the Georgian Constitution," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. The action prompted anger from the Georgian Dream party, while the Georgian opposition hailed the action and called on the EU to also move against Ivanishvili and other Georgian leaders. Zurabishvili -- who has spilt with the government and backed the protesters early in the wave of rallies -- on December 22 called on Georgian Dream to set a date for new parliamentary elections by December 29. U.S. Republican House member Joe Wilson on December 27 wrote on X that he welcomed the new sanctions and added that he had invited Zurabishvili -- "as the only legitimate leader in Georgia" -- to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration on January 20. "I am in awe of her courage in the face of the assault by Ivanishvili and his friends" in China and Iran, Wilson added, without mentioning Russia. Earlier this month, an electoral college dominated by Georgian Dream chose Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former soccer player and right-wing populist, as Georgia's next president. His inauguration is supposed to take place on December 29, though the 72-year-old Zurabishvili, whose term ends this year, has said she will not step down, setting up a potentially explosive showdown. "Next week at this time, I will be president," Zurabishvili restated on December 27. Georgia received EU candidate status in December 2023, but ties with Brussels have been tense in recent months following the adoption in May of a controversial "foreign agent" law pushed through parliament by Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012. Afghanistan's Taliban-led government said Taliban forces targeted what it claimed were "centers and hideouts for malicious elements" it said were involved in a recent attack in Afghanistan, as an upsurge of cross-border fighting continues. The statement from the Taliban's Defense Ministry followed reports of deadly early morning clashes on December 28 between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards. It came days after the government said Pakistani aircraft bombed targets in Afghanistan in an attack it said killed dozens of civilians. The ministry gave few details about the strikes, which it said were launched against targets in several districts behind the "hypothetical line" -- a reference to a portion of the border with Pakistan that Afghan authorities have long disputed. Local sources told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that three people in Paktia Province were killed and two wounded by gunfire from Pakistani border guards, and that clashes also took place in the Khost province. The reports could not be independently verified. There was no immediate comment from the Pakistani government. But the head of a community in the Kurram district told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that Taliban forces fired rockets at two security posts near the border at about 6 a.m., setting off fighting that continued for several hours. The Taliban's Defense Ministry suggested the strikes on Pakistan were retaliation for what the Taliban-led government said were Pakistani air strikes that killed 46 civilians in Paktika Province, which also borders Pakistan, on December 24. Pakistan says that militants from the Islamist group Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are hiding across the border in Afghanistan, and Islamabad has repeatedly asked the Afghan Taliban to take action against them. The Afghan Taliban say the TTP is in Pakistan. There has been a steady increase in TTP attacks in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan. Authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka extended a wave of pardons ahead of a January presidential election in Belarus, ordering the release of 20 prisoners jailed on extremism charges his opponents and rights groups say were politically motivated. Lukashenka's press service suggested the pardons were issued on humanitarian grounds, saying 14 of those ordered released have chronic illnesses and 10 of them have children. It said 11 of the 20 are women. The press service claimed the prisoners had all sought pardons and expressed remorse, an assertion that could not be independently verified. It said that authorities would "monitor their behavior following their release." Since July, Lukashenka has pardoned more than 225 people whom activists consider political prisoners. Rights groups have recognized nearly 3,600 people as political prisoners since the state launched a massive crackdown when pro-democracy protests erupted after Lukashenka, in power since 1994, claimed a landslide victory in an August 2020 election that millions believe was stolen though fraud . Many of those have served out their sentences. Ahead of a January 26 election in which he is certain to be awarded a new term, Lukashenka may be seeking to signal to the West that he is easing off on the persistent clampdown that the state has imposed since the 2020 election. But the crackdown continues, with frequent arrests and trials on what activists say are politically motivated charges. At least 1,253 people whom rights groups consider political prisoners remain behind bars, and the real number is believed to be higher. Lukashenka has roped Belarus closely to Russia and has provided support for Russia's war on neighboring Ukraine, including by allowing Russian forces to invade from Belarusian territory, and he says Russian nuclear weapons have been deployed in Belarus. But over 30 years in power, he has often tried to capitalize on Belarus’ position between Russia in the east and NATO and the European Union to the west and north. Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized over the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane this week, the Kremlin said, amid growing evidence that the jet was hit by a Russian air-defense missile in the Chechnya region before it went down in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. In a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin said Russian air defenses were repelling an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Chechnya’s capital, Grozny, when the plane was trying to land at the airport there, a Kremlin statement said. Putin "conveyed his apologies in connection with the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace," the statement said, indicating that Putin acknowledged the plane was damaged over Chechnya but stopped short of stating a Russian missile strike was the cause. "In the conversation, it was noted that...the aircraft tried more than once to approach the Grozny airport for landing," it said, adding that “at this time, Ukrainian combat drones were attacking Grozny [and the nearby cities of] Mozdok and Vladikavkaz, and Russian air-defense systems were repelling these attacks." Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation into the possible violation of flight safety rules, the statement said. It said two Azerbaijani prosecutors were working with Russian law enforcement in Grozny and that Russian, Azerbaijani, and Kazakh authorities were working together at the crash site near Aqtau, Kazakhstan. The Kremlin statement is likely to further increase suspicions that a Russian missile damaged the Embraer-190 jet before it was diverted to Aktau, across the Caspian Sea from Chechnya, where it crashed near the shore after a steep descent and burst into flames. Evidence of a missile strike includes footage of damage inside the plane before the crash and images of the hole-pocked tail section after the crash, as well as comments from survivors who said they heard at least one explosion outside the plane over Chechnya. Azerbaijani lawmaker Hikmat Babaoghlu told RFE/RL on December 27 that there is a "very strong" possibility that the plane was damaged by a Russian air-defense missile. He said that the "observations and conclusions drawn so far support the idea that the plane being shot down is the closest to the truth." On the same day, White House spokesman John Kirby said U.S. experts "have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air-defense systems." Reuters quoted an Azerbaijani source familiar with the investigation as saying results indicated the plane was hit by a Pantsir-S air-defense system, a self-propelled antiaircraft gun and missile system designed by Russia. The crash has disrupted air traffic in the Caucasus and beyond. An Azerbaijan Airlines flight bound for the Russian spa town of Mineranlye Vody, not far from Grozny, took off from Baku on December 27 but then abruptly headed back after receiving a flight information notice that Russian airspace it was due to fly through was closed. Azerbaijan Airlines later said it is suspending flights to several Russian cities, including Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Grozny, and Makhachkala. Turkmenistan Airlines announced on December 28 that it was canceling all its flights between the capital, Ashgabat, and Moscow from December 30 to January 31, giving no reason for the decision. Turkmenistan borders Kazakhstan on the eastern shore of the Caspian. Also on December 28, Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said that restrictions were briefly placed on the operation of the airport in the Tatarstan regional capital, Kazan, to ensure flight safety, and media reports said that all departures and arrivals had been suspended. Flights heading to Kazan from the Siberian cities of Tomsk, Surgut, and Kemerovo were redirected to an airfield in Nizhnekamsk, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing the airport's press service. No specific reason was given for the measures, which Rosaviatsia said had been lifted a few hours later. Russia has closed airports at times due to alleged drone attacks, and a drone attack hit high-rise buildings in Kazan on December 21. NATO has said it would bolster its presence in the Baltic Sea after undersea power lines and Internet cables were damaged by suspected sabotage believed to be carried out by vessels belonging to Russia’s so-called “ shadow fleet .” Estonia also announced on December 27 that it had begun a naval operation to guard a crucial electricity line in the Baltic Sea in coordination with allies as tensions mounted in the region. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in a social media post following discussions with Finnish President Alexander Stubb that "NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea." Both Finland and Estonia have coastlines on the Baltic Sea. When asked for details about planned actions, NATO officials told AP that the alliance “remains vigilant and is working to provide further support, including by enhancing our military presence” in the region. "We have agreed with Estonia, and we have also communicated to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, that our wish is to have a stronger NATO presence," Stubb told a news conference. Stubb added that investigators did not want to jump to conclusions, but a day earlier he had said that "it is necessary to be able to prevent the risks posed by ships belonging to the Russian 'shadow fleet.'" The "shadow fleet" is a reference to old, uninsured oil vessels typically used to bypass Western sanctions on Russia and maintain a source of revenue. European government and the United States have accused Russia of intensifying "hybrid attacks" following reports of damage to Baltic Sea communications cables, although they have not yet directly tied Moscow to the damage. NATO stepped up monitoring critical infrastructure in the Baltic following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the destruction of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline seven months later. Chinese-linked ships have also been suspected of sabotaging undersea infrastructure over recent years. Sweden -- NATO's newest member, which also has a coastline on the Baltic Sea -- said its coast guard had stepped up surveillance of sea traffic and had deployed aircraft and vessels in concert with regional allies. The European Commission on December 26 said a cargo ship suspected of having deliberately damaged power and Internet cables in the Baltic Sea was part of Russia's "shadow fleet." The poor condition of these ships has also raised concerns about environmental disasters. Finnish authorities on December 26 boarded and took command of the Cook Islands-registered Eagle S oil tanker in the Baltic Sea as part of its investigation into the damages, saying it likely belong to the "shadow fleet." Investigators have said the damage could have been caused by the ship intentionally dragging its anchor. The Kremlin said it had no connection to the ship seized by Finland. It has regularly denied that it is involved in any of the many incidents involving Baltic Sea region infrastructure assets. The United States said it has slapped fresh sanctions on Russia-friendly billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, for undermining Georgia's democracy for the "benefit of the Russian Federation." "Under Ivanishvili's leadership, Georgian Dream has advanced the interests of the Kremlin by derailing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory -- in direct contradiction to what was envisioned by the Georgian people and the Georgian Constitution," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on December 27. Blinken added that "Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream's actions have eroded democratic institutions, enabled human rights abuses, and curbed the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Georgia." "We strongly condemn Georgian Dream's actions under Ivanishvili's leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures." The new measures will block transactions involving entities owned by Ivanishvili, the statement said. According to Bloomberg News, Ivanishvili's fortune is estimated at $7.5 billion, much of it coming through metals, banking, and telecom assets in Russia during the 1990s. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the U.S. action "blackmail" and said it was Ivanishvili's "reward" for protecting Georgia's national interest. However, opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze of the Unity National Movement hailed the U.S. decision, according to Georgia's Interpress news agency. "I welcome this step from the United States and believe that we are quickly moving toward victory and will celebrate Georgia without Ivanishvili, who is the bringer of chaos and misery to this country," he was quoted as saying. In a previous action, the United States on December 12 said it would "prohibit visa issuance to those who are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Georgia." That move affected some 20 people, "including individuals serving as government ministers and in parliament, law enforcement and security officials, and private citizens," it said in a statement , without naming the individuals. Georgia, once a closer U.S. ally, has angered Washington and the European Union with its perceived tilt toward Russia and its violent crackdown on dissent in the Caucasus nation. The sanctions come at a crucial time, as Georgia's fate hangs in the balance -- whether it will intensify its tilt toward Moscow, return to the pro-Europe path, or remain in an environment of unrest and uncertainty. Police in Tbilisi have clashed with pro-West protesters over the past several weeks, detaining dozens and injuring scores of people who accuse the government of the Georgian Dream party of moving the country away from the European Union and closer to Moscow. The political crisis erupted after Georgian Dream claimed victory in October parliamentary elections that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said was marred by instances of vote-buying, double-voting, physical violence, and intimidation. The rallies intensified after a government decision last month to delay negotiations on Georgia joining the EU. The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) on December 24 called for Georgian security forces to be investigated for the “brutal police violence” against largely peaceful protesters who have taken to the streets for huge anti-government demonstrations. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili – who has spilt with the government and backed the protesters -- on December 22 called on Georgian Dream to set a date for new parliamentary elections by December 29. "Next week at this time I will be president," Zurabishvili restated on December 27. U.S. Republican House member Joe Wilson wrote on X that he welcomed the new sanctions and added that he had invited Zurabishvili -- "as the only legitimate leader in Georgia" -- to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration on January 20 "I am in awe of her courage in the face of the assault by Ivanishvili and his friends" in China and Iran, Wilson added, without mentioning Russia. Earlier this month, an electoral college dominated by Georgian Dream chose Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former soccer player and right-wing populist, as Georgia's next president. His inauguration is supposed to take place on December 29, though the 72-year-old Zurabishvili, whose term ends this year, has said she will not step down, setting up a potentially explosive showdown. Georgia received EU candidate status in December 2023, but ties with Brussels have been tense in recent months following the adoption in May of a controversial "foreign agent" law pushed through parliament by Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012. PODGORICA -- After a multinational back-and-forth legal battle, Montenegro on December 27 said it would extradite South Korean cryptocurrency entrepreneur Hyeong Do Kwon -- the so-called Crypto King -- to the United States. Do Kwon is sought by both the United States and South Korea and also faces possible legal action in Singapore. Montenegrin courts have previously issued at least eight often-contradictory decisions regarding Do Kwon's fate. In September, the Montenegrin Supreme Court ruled that Do Kwon could be sent to either the United States or South Korea and that the final decision on which country would be up to Justice Minister Bojan Bozovic. On December 24, Do Kwon lost his final appeal against extradition with Montenegro's Constitutional Court. In the latest ruling, the Justice Ministry said the U.S. request had met the threshold for removal and, as a result Bozovic "issued a decision approving the extradition." The ministry said the criteria included the gravity of the criminal acts, the order of submission of the extradition requests, and the citizenship of the person in question. The former CEO and co-founder of the cryptocurrency company Terraform Labs is wanted by U.S. and South Korean authorities for his alleged role in capital market and securities fraud involving assets worth some $40 billion. Do Kwon was arrested with business partner Chang Joon in March 2023 at Podgorica airport while attempting to fly to Dubai using on allegedly forged passports. They each received a four-month prison sentence on the forged-passport charge. Chang, who was wanted only by South Korea, was extradited to that country on February 5. After serving his sentence, Do Kwon was sent to a shelter for foreigners near Podgorica, where he awaited extradition. Do Kwon in October claimed that the South Korean charges were illegitimate and "politically motivated." Despite the legal struggle, Do Kwon's trial in absentia took place in the United States, where a New York jury on April 5 found him and Terraform labs liable on civil fraud charges, agreeing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that they had misled investors. Terraform Labs agreed to pay about $4.5 billion in a civil settlement with the SEC following the court's ruling. Do Kwon was ordered to pay $204 million. Following the verdict, a Terraform spokesperson said, "We continue to maintain that the SEC does not have the legal authority to bring this case at all" and that the company was weighing its options. Italy’s Foreign Ministry said journalist Cecilia Sala, who was in Iran to carry out "journalistic activities," has been detained by Tehran police authorities. The ministry said in a statement on December 27 that Sala, who has a podcast called Stories that covers life in places around the world, was detained on December 19. It gave no reason for the detention, but said in a statement that the ambassador from Italy's embassy in Tehran had paid a consular visit "to verify the conditions and state of detention of Sala." "The family was informed of the results of the consular visit. Previously, Sala had the opportunity to make two phone calls with her relatives," it said. Sala posted a podcast from Tehran on December 17 about patriarchy in the Iranian capital. Iran is routinely accused of arresting dual nationals and Western citizens on false charges to use them to pressure Western countries. Earlier this month, Reza Valizadeh , a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and former journalist for RFE/RL's Radio Farda, was handed a 10-year sentence by Tehran's Revolutionary Court on charges of "collaborating with a hostile government." Valizadeh resigned from Radio Farda in November 2022 after a decade of work. He returned to Iran in early 2024 to visit his family but was arrested on September 22. His two court sessions, held on November 20 and December 7, reportedly lacked a prosecution representative, with the judge assuming that role. Sources close to the journalist claim he fell into a "security trap" despite receiving unofficial assurances from Iranian security officials that he would not face legal troubles upon returning to Iran. Iran is among the most repressive countries in terms of freedom of the press. Reporters Without Borders ranked Iran 176th out of 180 countries in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The Paris-based media watchdog says Iran is now also one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists. An Azerbaijani lawmaker said there is a "very strong" possibility that the crash of a passenger jet earlier this week was caused by Russian air-defense systems on alert for Ukrainian drone attacks. Speculation has mounted that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane, which was headed from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region, may have been hit by an air-defense missile before crossing the Caspian Sea and crashing near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 passengers and crew. Lawmaker Hikmat Babaoghlu told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service in an interview on December 27 that such an explanation is most likely "closest to the truth." "This is only a possibility, but a very strong one, and the observations and conclusions drawn so far support the idea that the plane being shot down is the closest to the truth," he said. "In this specific case, the incident involves Azerbaijan's airliner being damaged within the territory of the Russian Federation, with the event causing the crash occurring there. Therefore, there is no doubt that responsibility falls on the Russian Federation. If these assumptions are correct, accountability also undoubtedly rests with Russia," he added. Kazakh experts arrived on December 27 to examine the crash site and black box of the ill-fated passenger jet, as speculation -- and evidence -- mounted suggesting that a Russian air-defense missile may have inadvertently struck the craft. Even as the probe intensifies, countries with victims aboard the plane -- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan -- continue to mourn their dead and treat the injured from the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft. Since the crash, uncertainty has rocked the aviation industry throughout the Caucasus. An Azerbaijan Airlines flight bound for the Russian spa town of Mineranlye Vody took off from Baku on December 27 but then abruptly headed back after receiving a flight information notice that Russian airspace it was due to fly through was closed . Azerbaijan Airlines later said it is suspending flights to several Russian cities, including Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Grozny, and Makhachkala. Speculation has swirled around the tragedy, with some experts pointing to holes seen in the plane's tail section as a possible sign that it could have come under fire from Russian air-defense systems engaged in thwarting Ukrainian drone attacks. White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on December 27 that the United States has seen signs suggesting that the jet could have been hit by Russian air defense systems. U.S. experts "have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense systems," he said. Kirby added that Washington has “offered our assistance...should they need it" to the ongoing investigation being conducted by Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Evidence, yet to be corroborated by authorities, includes footage from inside the plane before the crash, images of the hole-pocked tail section after the crash, a survivor's comments, and accounts indicating there was a suspected drone attack around the time the plane apparently tried to land in Grozny. Reuters quoted an Azerbaijani source familiar with the investigation as saying results indicated the plane was hit by a Pantsir-S air-defense system, a self-propelled antiaircraft gun and missile system designed by Russia. It was not immediately clear where the black box would be examined. The process can be highly technical, and not all countries have the resources to undertake such work. Gulag Aslanli, a leader of Azerbaijan's opposition Musavat party, told RFE/RL that an international commission was needed to investigate the incident. "Russia cannot be allowed there," he said. "If the black box is going to be taken to Russia and examined there, I will look at its outcome with suspicion." Officials said it typically takes about two weeks to fully assess a black box, although various conditions can alter that time frame. Commenting on unconfirmed reports that the plane may have been shot down by a missile, Kazakh Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbaev said it was "not possible" to say what may have damaged the aircraft until the investigation is finished. "Real experts are looking at all this, and they will make their conclusions. Neither Kazakhstan, Russia, nor Azerbaijan, of course, is interested in hiding information, so it will be brought to the public," Ashimbaev said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made a similar comment, reiterating Moscow's previous stance on the deadly incident. "An investigation is under way, and until the conclusions of the investigation, we do not consider we have the right to make any comments and we will not do so," Peskov told reporters on December 27. Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russian officials as saying the plane, commissioned in 2013, had passed a maintenance check in October and that the pilot had "vast experience" with more than 15,000 flying hours. Azerbaijan Airlines President Samir Rzayev also told reporters the plane had been fully serviced in October and that there was no sign of technical malfunction. But he said it was too early to determine a cause: "The plane has been found with a black box. After detailed research, all aspects will be clear." The airline suspended flights along the route of the crash pending completion of the investigation. Azerbaijan's Prosecutor-General's Office said that "all possible scenarios are being examined." As the first seven survivors arrived back in the country on December 26, Azerbaijan observed a national day of mourning. Burials of four of those who lost their lives were conducted during the day, with additional funerals expected in the coming hours and days. Officials in Baku said the wounded arrived on a special flight arranged by Azerbaijan's Emergency Affairs Ministry and that the injured, many with severe burn wounds, were accompanied by medical professionals. Ayhan Solomon, Azerbaijan’s chief consul in Aqtau, told reporters that 26 of those killed were Azerbaijani citizens. He said 16 Azerbaijani citizens survived. “Of those, 10 to 12 are in good condition and others remain critically stable,” he added. Azerbaijan Airlines' supervisory board said on December 26 that the families of those killed will be compensated with 40,000 manats ($23,460), while those injured would receive 20,000 manats ($11,730). Along with the 42 Azerbaijani citizens, those aboard Flight J2-8243 were listed as 16 Russian nationals, six from Kazakhstan, and three Kyrgyz citizens, officials said. The survivors include nine Russian citizens, who were flown to Moscow on December 26 by the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry. Three of the Russian survivors were in critical condition, according to Russian health authorities. KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said “several” North Korean soldiers – badly wounded in fighting alongside Russian forces – have died after being captured by Ukrainian troops on the battlefield and he accused Moscow of having little regard for their survival. Zelenskiy, echoing earlier remarks by U.S. officials, said soldiers sent to Russia by Pyongyang are suffering major losses in fighting in Russia's Kursk region. The Ukrainian leader accused Moscow and North Korean “enforcers” of leaving the soldiers unprotected in battle and even executing fighters to prevent them from being captured alive. He did not provide evidence to back up the claims and they could not independently be verified. The North Korean military has suffered “many losses. A great deal. And we can see that the Russian military and the North Korean enforcers have no interest in the survival of these Koreans at all,” he said in a video address on December 27. “Everything is arranged in a way that makes it impossible for us to capture the Koreans as prisoners – their own people are executing them. There are such cases. And the Russians send them into assaults with minimal protection.” He said Ukrainian soldiers had managed to take some prisoners. "But they were very seriously wounded and could not be saved.” The remarks came after South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said that a North Korean fighter had died of wounds suffered before his capture by Ukrainian special operations troops in the Kursk region. "We have confirmed through an allied intelligence agency that a North Korean soldier who was captured on the 26th died a little while ago due to serious injuries," the news release said. On December 26, the Ukrainian news outlet Militarnyi said a soldier believed to be North Korean had been captured by Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in the Kursk region. A photo of a captured soldier, who is believed to have been injured, also was previously shared on Telegram. The photo has not been independently verified. Details about the soldier's condition and status are not known. Last month Pyongyang ratified a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement with Russia, cementing a deal that paved the way for its soldiers to fight on Russian soil against Ukraine. Western sources estimate that 12,000 North Korean troops are in the Kursk region, parts of which are occupied by Ukrainian forces amid ongoing pitched battles. U.S. Response White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on December 27 that North Korean forces are suffering heavy casualties on the front lines, adding that some 1,000 of their troops have been killed or wounded in the Kursk region over the past week. "It is clear that Russian and North Korean military leaders are treating these troops as expendable and ordering them on hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defenses," Kirby said. Kirby said also U.S. President Joe Biden would likely approve another package of military aid for Kyiv in the coming days as he bids to bolster Ukraine’s forces before leaving office on January 20. U.S. officials later told reporters that a new package of military assistance worth $1.25 billion is scheduled to be announced on December 30. North Korean Losses Zelenskiy on December 23 said more than 3,000 troops, or about a quarter of the North Korean special forces sent to Russia, had been killed or injured, though he couched his statement by saying the data was preliminary. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported on a lower figure, saying on December 19 that about 1,100 North Korean special forces have been killed or injured in Russia since entering the fray against Ukraine. On December 15, Skhemy (Schemes), an investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, received photos from Ukrainian military sources purportedly showing the bodies of dead soldiers in Kursk, including what was said to be North Korean fighters. RFE/RL has not been able to independently verify the claims. Russia has not commented on the report. North Korean military support is coming at a critical time in the war. Russia is seeking to overpower an undermanned and under-resourced Ukrainian infantry and gain territory before its own manpower and resources become constrained. Russia has lost more than 600,000 soldiers in the nearly three-year war, the Pentagon said in early October. It has burned through so much war material that it is struggling to replace its artillery and missile needs amid sweeping Western sanctions. Now nearly two-thirds of the mortars and shells Russia launches at Ukraine come from North Korea, the Wall Street Journal reported , citing Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian Army officer. And every third ballistic missile was made in North Korea, Ukrainian officials said. The European Commission said a cargo ship suspected of having deliberately damaged power and Internet cables in the Baltic Sea is part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," prompting the EU to threaten new sanctions against Moscow. "We strongly condemn any deliberate destruction of Europe’s critical infrastructure," the commission said in a statement on December 26. "The suspected vessel is part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which threatens security and the environment, while funding Russia’s war budget. We will propose further measures, including sanctions, to target this fleet," the statement added. The statement added that "in response to these incidents, we are strengthening efforts to protect undersea cables, including enhanced information exchange, new detection technologies, as well as in undersea repair capabilities, and international cooperation." The remarks come after two fiber-optic cables owned by Finnish operator Elisa linking Finland and Estonia were broken on December 25. A third link between the two countries -- owned by China's Citic -- was damaged, authorities said. An Internet cable running between Finland and Germany belonging to Finnish group Cinia was also believed to have been severed, according to officials. Investigators said the damage could have been caused by the ship intentionally dragging its anchor. Finnish authorities on December 26 boarded and took command of the Cook Islands-registered Eagle S oil tanker in the Baltic Sea as part of the investigation. The Finnish customs service said the Eagle S is believed to belong to Russia's so-called “shadow fleet” of old, uninsured oil vessels used to bypass Western sanctions and maintain a source of revenue. The poor condition of these ships has also raised concerns about environmental disasters. Finnish President Alexander Stubb also suggested the cargo has Russian links and that his country is closely monitoring the situation. "It is necessary to be able to prevent the risks posed by ships belonging to the Russian shadow fleet," Stubb wrote on X . EU foreign ministers on December 16 adopted a package of sanctions against Moscow targeting tankers transporting Russian oil as the bloc looked to curb the circumvention of previous measures aimed at hindering Kremlin's ability to wage war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte said on December 26 that the alliance is ready to help Finland and Estonia as they launch their probe into the possible "sabotage." "Spoke with [Estonian Prime Minister] Kristen Michal about reported possible sabotage of Baltic Sea cables,” he wrote on X. “NATO stands in solidarity with Allies and condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure. We are following investigations by Estonia and Finland, and we stand ready to provide further support." Russian President Vladimir Putin said on December 26 that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is ready to offer a “platform” for possible peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv to end the war in Ukraine. Putin told the media Fico said during a recent meeting that "if there are any negotiations, [the Slovaks] would be happy to provide their country as a platform." Most terms suggested so far by Putin have been deemed unacceptable to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Fico is one of the few European leaders Putin has stayed friendly with since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting criticism of the Slovak leader by Zelenskiy and many Western leaders. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian is scheduled to travel to Russia on January 17, state-controlled media in Iran and Russia reported on December 26. Quoting Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali, Iran's Tasnim news agency said that “the president will visit Russia on January 17 and a cooperation agreement between the two countries will be signed during the visit." Russia and Iran both are under severe financial sanctions imposed by Western nations and have stepped up bilateral cooperation on many fronts in recent years. The West has accused Iran of providing weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine. Tehran has denied the allegations despite evidence widespread use of Iranian-made drones in the war. SARAJEVO -- Bosnia-Herzegovina’s security minister has been arrested on charges of money-laundering, abuse of office, and accepting bribes, the Balkan nation’s prosecutor’s office said. The minister, Nenad Nesic, was among seven people arrested on similar charges, the office said on December 26. The charges stem from an investigation by the Bosnian state prosecutor and the Interior Ministry of Bosnia's ethnic-Serb entity, Republika Srpska, into suspected corruption at the Roads of RS (Putevi RS) public company, where Nesic was general manager from 2016 to 2020. The company's current general manager, Milan Dakic, was also among those arrested, prosecutors said. The company did not immediately comment. Nesic, 46, has been Bosnia’s security minister since 2022. When asked by reporters about the case as he was entering an East Sarajevo police station, Nesic said only that "I continue to fight for Republika Srpska," according to Reuters. Nesic is president of the Democratic People's Alliance (DNS), which is in a coalition with Milorad Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD). Dodik, who is president of Republika Srpska, claimed on social media that this was an "unacceptable procedure" and a "persecution of cadres" from the Bosnian government. The pro-Russia Dodik is under sanctions imposed by the United States and Britain for his efforts to undermine the Dayton agreements that ended the 1992-95 Bosnian war. He is currently facing trial himself on charges he failed to comply with the decisions of international High Representative Christian Schmidt. Ethnic Serb lawmakers this week said Dodik's trial was political and based on illegal decisions by the high representative. They claimed that the court was unconstitutional because it was set up by Schmidt and not by the Dayton agreement. Since the Dayton peace accords were put into effect, the country has consisted of a Bosniak-Croat federation and the mostly ethnic Serb Republika Srpska under a weak central government, where Nesic holds the security portfolio. Israel carried out large-scale air strikes on the main airport in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on December 26 as it steps up attacks on the Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in what Tehran called a “violation” of peace and security. Huthi rebels said three people were killed and 14 were injured or missing following the Israeli attacks on the airport and other sites in Yemen, including port facilities. "Fighter jets conducted intelligence-based strikes on military targets belonging to the Huthi terrorist regime on the western coast and inland Yemen," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The attacks followed recent rocket launches by the Huthi fighters against the Tel Aviv area, although little damage was reported. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes on Yemen, calling them "aggressions" that it claimed were "a clear violation of international peace and security." It said they represented "an undeniable crime against the heroic and noble people of Yemen," who had "not spared any effort to support the oppressed people of Palestine." The Israeli military has said air strikes in Yemen are targeting Huthi sites that have been used to receive Iranian weapons, which are then often transported to other Tehran-linked groups in the Mideast -- mainly Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hamas has been designated a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union, while Hezbollah has also been deemed a terrorist group by Washington. The EU blacklists its military arm but not its political wing. The U.S. State Department designated the Huthis as a terrorist group at the start of this year. Hamas and Hezbollah have been severely weakened following massive Israeli military strikes on their respective sites in Gaza and Lebanon, and most of their leaders have been killed in Israel's military response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes would continue against the Huthi rebels, who have also targeted shipping in the Red Sea, claiming they are in solidarity of Hamas fighters in Gaza. "We are determined to cut this branch of terrorism from the Iranian axis of evil. We will continue until the job is done," Netanyahu said in a video statement. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus -- head of the World Health Organization who was at the Sanaa airport during the Israeli attack -- said he was safe but that "one of our plane's crew members was injured.” A Pakistani military court has sentenced 60 people to prison terms ranging between two and 10 years over violent protests that erupted after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2023, the army’s media wing said on December 26. The defendants, who included a relative of Khan as well as two retired military officers, were sentenced in connection with attacks on military facilities. Twenty-five other people were sentenced on the same charges on December 21. They have the right to appeal the sentences, the military’s media wing said in a statement. Protests erupted across Pakistan in May 2023 when Khan was arrested during his court appearance on corruption charges that he and his supporters deny. Thousands of Khan’s supporters ransacked military facilities and stormed government buildings. Several people were killed, and dozens were injured in the unrest. At least 1,400 protesters, including leaders of Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party were arrested following the riots. But only 105 of those detained faced military trials. PTI condemned the sentencing, and said the court had violated the defendants’ rights. The United States expressed deep concern about the sentences, while Britain said that trying civilians in military courts "lacks transparency, independent scrutiny, and undermines the right to a fair trial.” The European Union said the sentences are "inconsistent with the obligations that Pakistan has undertaken under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” Kazakh experts are due to arrive on December 27 to examine the crash site and black box of the ill-fated Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet, as speculation – and evidence – mounted suggesting that a Russian air defense missile may have inadvertently struck the craft. Even as the probe intensifies, countries with victims aboard the plane – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan -- continue to mourn their dead and treat the injured among the 67 passengers and crew who were aboard when the Embraer 190 aircraft fell from the sky on December 25. The plane went down on a scheduled flight from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to Grozny in Russia's Chechnya region after it was diverted and attempted an emergency landing near the city of Aqtau in western Kazakhstan, killing 38 and injuring 29, many with severe burns suffered in the flaming crash. Speculation swirled around the tragedy, with some experts pointing to holes seen in the plane’s tail section as a possible sign that it could have come under fire from Russian air defense systems engaged in thwarting Ukrainian drone attacks. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told news agencies that indications suggest a Russian antiaircraft system struck the airliner, although the official provided no details. Canada expressed concerns about reports that Russian air defenses may have caused the crash. "We call on Russia to allow for an open and transparent investigation into the incident and to accept its findings," the Canadian Global Affairs office said on X. Evidence, yet to be corroborated by authorities, includes footage from inside the plane before the crash, images of the planes hole-pocked tail section after the crash, a survivor’s comments, and accounts indicating that there was a suspected drone attack around the time the plane apparently tried to land in Grozny. Reuters quoted an Azerbaijani source familiar with the investigation as saying results indicated the plane was hit by a Pantsir-S air defense system, a self-propelled antiaircraft gun and missile system designed by Russia. It was not immediately clear where the black box would be examined. The process can be highly technical, and not all countries have the resources to undertake such work. Gulag Aslanli, a leader of Azerbaijan's opposition Musavat movement, told RFE/RL that an international commission was needed to investigate the incident. "Russia cannot be allowed there," he said. "If the black box is going to be taken to Russia and examined there, I will look at its outcome with suspicion." Talgat Lastaev, Kazakhstan's vice minister of transport, told RFE/RL that experts are scheduled to arrive at the site on December 27 to assess the next steps regarding the black box. Officials said it typically takes about two weeks to fully assess a black box, although various conditions can alter that time frame. Commenting on unconfirmed reports that the plane may have been shot down by a missile, Kazakh Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbaev said it was “not possible” to say what may have damaged the aircraft until the investigation is finished. "Real experts are looking at all this and they will make their conclusions. Neither Kazakhstan, Russia, nor Azerbaijan, of course, is interested in hiding information, it will be brought to the public," Ashimbaev said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made a similar comment, saying: "We need to await the end of the investigation.” It was “wrong” to speculate before the investigators gave their findings, Peskov added. Russia's Interfax news agency quoted officials as saying the plane, commissioned in 2013, had passed a maintenance check in October and that the pilot had "vast experience," with more than 15,000 flying hours. Azerbaijan Airlines President Samir Rzayev also told reporters the plane had been fully serviced in October and that there was no sign of technical malfunction. But he said it was too early to determine a cause: "The plane has been found with a black box. After detailed research, all aspects will be clear." The airline suspended flights along the route of the crash pending completion of the investigation. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also said it was too early to determine a cause but at one point had suggested bad weather could have contributed to the crash. The office of Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General said that "all possible scenarios are being examined." As the first seven survivors arrived back in the country on December 26, Azerbaijan observed a national day of mourning. Burials of four of those who lost their lives were conducted during the day, with additional funerals expected in the coming hours and days. National flags were flown at half-mast across Azerbaijan, and signals were sounded from vehicles, ships, and trains as the nation observed a moment of silence at noon to honor the victims of the plane crash. Officials in Baku said the wounded arrived on a special flight arranged by Azerbaijan's Emergency Affairs Ministry and that the injured were accompanied by medical professionals. There was no immediate word on the condition of the injured, who were among 29 survivors from the crash, many of whom suffered severe burn wounds. Ayhan Solomon, Azerbaijan’s chief consul in Aqtau, told reporters that 26 of those killed were Azerbaijani citizens. He said initial reports indicate that 16 Azerbaijani citizens survived. “Of those, 10 to 12 are in good condition and others remain critically stable,” he added. Azerbaijan Airlines' supervisory board said on December 26 that the families of those killed will be compensated with 40,000 manats ($23,460), while those injured would receive 20,000 manats ($11,730). Along with the 42 Azerbaijani citizens, those aboard Flight J2-8243 were listed as 16 Russian nationals, six from Kazakhstan, and three Kyrgyz citizens, officials said. The survivors include nine Russian citizens, who were flown to Moscow on December 26 by the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry. Three of the Russian survivors were in critical condition, according to Russian health authorities. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Qanat Bozymbaev -- who is in charge of a special government commission to investigate the incident -- said many of those who died in the crash were not immediately identifiable due to massive burns suffered. Bozymbaev said the 29 survivors had injuries ranging from moderate to severe, with many also suffering from major burns. According to Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry, the injured included at least two children and 11 people had been placed in intensive care. The United States and European Union on December 25 condemned plans by ethnic-Serb leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina to block efforts for closer European integration for the Western Balkan nation. Lawmakers in the country’s ethnic-Serb entity, Republika Srpska, late on December 24 ordered Serb representatives in state institutions to block decision-making actions and law changes needed for the country's further integration into the EU. In response, the embassies of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, along with the EU delegation in Bosnia, in a joint statement condemned the Serb parliament's acts as "a serious threat to the country's constitutional order." "At a time when formal opening of EU accession negotiations has never been so close, a return to political blockades would have negative consequences for all citizens, a majority of whom support EU accession," the statement said. The Republika Srpska parliament announced the actions in response to the trial of regional leader Milorad Dodik, who is under U.S. and British sanctions for actions that Western governments allege are aimed at the eventual secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dodik is on trial in a long-delayed, ongoing process on charges he failed to comply with the decisions of the High Representative in Bosnia. He faces up to five years in prison and a ban on participating in politics if convicted. Ethnic Serb lawmakers said Dodik's trial was political and based on illegal decisions by international High Representative Christian Schmidt. They claimed that the court was unconstitutional because it was set up by Schmidt and not by the Dayton agreement. Since the Dayton peace accords that ended the 1992-95 Bosnian War, the country has consisted of a Bosniak-Croat federation and the mostly ethnic Serb Republika Srpska under a weak central government. Dodik, who is friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has often made somewhat contradictory comments about his entity's place in Bosnia. He has denied it has ever pursued a policy of secession or disputed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia under the Dayton agreement. He has said, however, that Republika Srpska "has the right to a political fight for its status” under the Dayton accords. He has also called for the “disassociation” of Republika Srpska from Bosnia -- which Washington called “secession by another name.” PRISTINA -- A special panel in Kosovo overturned a decision by the election commission that had barred the country's largest ethnic-Serbian party from participating in upcoming elections due to its strong links with Belgrade. "The Central Election Commission (CEC) is ordered to certify the political entity Serbian List and the candidates of this political entity...for the elections for the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo to be held on February 9, 2025," the Electoral Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP) said on December 25. The ruling stated that the party had fulfilled all obligations required regarding the political filings and was therefore entitled to be certified. On December 23, the CEC said when it announced its decision not to certify Serbian List that its main reason was the party's nationalistic stance and close ties to Serbia. Some commission members noted that Serbian List leader Zlatan Elek has never referred to Kosovo as independent and continues to call it Serbia's autonomous province of Kosovo. The CEC also said that Serbian List has close ties with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and other Serb leaders who also refuse to recognize Kosovo's independence. Serbia has close ties to Russia and has refused to join international sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, although Vucic has attempted to balance relations with the West and has continued to press Belgrade's desires to join the European Union. Elek on December 24 said he planned to appeal the order and said he was confident it would be overturned. The Serbian List -- which described the CEC decision as an attempt "to eliminate" it from the electoral process -- welcomed the latest ruling. The party said the CEC is now obliged to act on the PZAP decision but added it remains to be seen whether the commission will "continue to violate its own law and regulations and act on direct political pressure from the authorities in Pristina." The February parliamentary elections are expected to be a key test for Prime Minister Albin Kurti, whose party came to power in 2021 in a landslide in the Western-backed Balkan nation. Prior to the ECAP ruling, political analyst Albert Krasniqi of the Demokraci+ NGO told RFE/RL that the CEC decision is part of the preelection campaign being conducted by Kurti’s Self-Determination party (Vetevendosje). He forecast that Serbian List would appeal the decision and predicted it would be successful in getting it reversed. “All this noise will last at most four days, and I am sure that the ECAP will reverse this decision of the CEC and will oblige the CEC to certify Serbian List,” Krasniqi said. Kosovo proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade still considers Kosovo a province of Serbia and has a major influence on the ethnic Serbian minority living there. Authorities declared a region-wide state of emergency in Russia's Krasnodar region, warning that oil was still washing up on the coastline following a December 15 incident involving two Volgoneft tankers carrying thousands of tons of low-quality heavy fuel oil. "Initially, according to the calculations of scientists and specialists, the bulk of fuel oil should have remained at the bottom of the Black Sea, which would allow it to be collected in water. But the weather dictates its own conditions -- the air warms up and oil products rise to the top. As a result, they are brought to our beaches," regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said on December 25. Dozens of kilometers of Black Sea coastline in the southern Russian region have been covered in heavy fuel after the two oil tankers were badly damaged during a storm in the Kerch Strait. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . If North Korea’s elite troops were expecting an easy campaign against Ukrainian forces entrenched in Russia’s Kursk region, they faced a harsh reality on the ground. About 1,100 North Korean special forces have been killed or injured in Russia since entering the fray against Ukraine a few weeks ago, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported on December 19. A general was reportedly among those killed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on December 23 put the figure even higher, at more than 3,000, or about a quarter of the North Korean special forces sent to Russia, though he couched his statement by saying the data was preliminary. RFE/RL could not confirm either of the reported numbers. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, though, doesn’t seem to be fazed by the rapid losses. The authoritarian leader is reportedly doubling down in his support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in exchange for critical supplies of oil, cash, and military technology. Zelenskiy said on December 23 that North Korea may send more troops and weapons to the front. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff seconded that forecast, saying Pyongyang is preparing to rotate or supply additional forces to Russia. North Korean military support is coming at a critical time in the war. Russia is seeking to overpower an undermanned and under-resourced Ukrainian infantry and gain territory before its own manpower and resources become constrained. Russia has lost more than 600,000 soldiers in the nearly three-year war, the Pentagon said in early October. It has burned through so much war material that it is struggling to replace its artillery and missile needs amid sweeping Western sanctions. Now nearly two-thirds of the mortars and shells Russia launches at Ukraine come from North Korea, the Wall Street Journal reported , citing Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian Army officer. And every third ballistic missile was made in North Korea, Ukrainian officials said. Pyongyang is ramping up arms production to meet Russia’s growing need, experts said. Trench Warfare Russian troops are now gaining ground in Ukraine’s east at the fastest pace since the start of the war. Kyiv carried out a surprise incursion into the Kursk region in August, seizing a swath of Russian territory in the hope of drawing enemy forces away from eastern Ukraine. That hasn’t materialized, thanks in part to the supply of North Korean troops. The arrival of the North Korean troops in Russia in October was initially seen as an act of desperation on the part of Putin, who has had to significantly bump up salaries to attract new recruits. However, The New York Times reported on December 23, citing U.S. officials, that it was North Korea who approached Russia with the offer of troops and Putin accepted. It is unclear when Kim made the offer. Putin traveled to Pyongyang to meet Kim in June. During the summit, the two leaders agreed on a strategic treaty that includes a mutual defense provision. Putin signed the treaty into law in November. The supply of troops to Russia can help Kim evade sweeping sanctions on technology and materials for military use. North Korea was hit with international sanctions after conducting its first nuclear test in 2006. Pyongyang hasn’t been engaged in a hot war in decades. Thus, its miliary brass and troops – which number more than 1 million -- have no combat experience. The deployment in Russia's war with Ukraine is a way for Kim and his military to acquire some. However, Kim’s troops are ill-prepared for the type of trench warfare with widespread use of drones and missiles they are facing in Kursk, experts say. Hyunseung Lee, a North Korean who spent 3 1/2 years with an artillery and reconnaissance battalion in the early 2000s before defecting, told RFE/RL last month that Kim’s troops "don't really train with that equipment." He said they cannot master drones and the high-tech equipment in such a short period of time. Videos circulating on social media show Ukrainian kamikaze drones striking and killing North Korean soldiers in Kursk’s snow-covered fields. Commenting on the videos in a December 19 tweet , Lee called it a “sad predictable outcome.” Modern warfare technology is not the only issue leading to large-scale deaths of North Koreans, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Washington-based research firm said North Korean soldiers were struggling to communicate and coordinate with Russian forces due to language barriers. Perhaps more importantly, North Koreans are now conducting the initial attack in open territory on Ukrainian positions, ISW said. Some military experts cynically call such fighting tactics “meat assaults” because they result in a large loss of life among the attackers. Yevhen Yerin, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence service, told the AFP news agency on December 24 that Russia’s use of North Korean troops has not had a major impact on the battlefield. “It is not such a significant number of personnel," he said, adding that they use tactics that are "primitive, linked, frankly speaking, more to the times of the Second World War."Labor condemns perceived antisemitism, ignores Islamophobia

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When it comes to pasta, simplicity is often key, but a few humble pantry staples can shift a basic recipe into an elevated dish. While we don't often think of canned foods in relation to pasta, they can be a real game-changer in your next meal. They pack rich flavors, are endlessly versatile, and, let's be honest, they're perfect for those nights when you're short on time but still crave something yummy and a little more complex than plain spaghetti. For the winter months, canned foods promise consistent produce when your grocery store shelves may be sparse. From a variety of tomato types that can amp up your sauce to artichoke hearts that bring a gourmet flair, the right canned ingredients can transform your dishes for the better. If you're looking to spice things up when it comes to your Italian favorites, this is the article for you. These are all canned ingredients you should have in your pantry, so let's check out 12 of them that will have you rethinking dinner — one can at a time. 1. Add a smokey essence with roasted red peppers A quick and easy way to upgrade your pasta by using canned foods is with roasted red peppers. This option adds smokey notes and creamy textural goodness to any recipe. Your typical marinara would love this addition, adding a sweet and savory depth to the acidity of the tomatoes. Roasted red peppers also have range, as they can be incorporated into a heartier dish containing onions and Italian sausage or a lighter recipe like pasta primavera . You really can do it all with just one can. While the flavor combos are vast, there are a few different ways you can use this canned option. Add the roasted red peppers as a garnish on top of your pasta creation, incorporating other ingredients like pancetta to deepen the flavor profile, chop them up and swirl them into your sauce for flavor and texture, or purée them to add depth to your favorite homemade or jarred sauce. No matter which option you choose, the flavor of roasted red peppers can easily upgrade your dish, leading people to think you were in the kitchen working all day long. 2. Make your dish magical with mushrooms Mushrooms are such a versatile food item. They can be the star of the show, in the case of a stuffed appetizer, or hide in larger dishes when chopped up in a sauce. When it comes to canned produce, this is a perfect option for your next pasta meal. A vegetarian food and a great source of vitamins and nutrients, canned mushrooms are available in a variety of types and flavors, adding an earthy element to dishes. From shiitake and portobello types and flavors, to styles of preparation like marinated or grilled, the flavor additions and textural combinations seem endless. To incorporate canned mushrooms into your dish, chop them finely and combine. They align perfectly with a quick and easy sauce that uses a soup base , such as cream of mushroom, where the flavor foundation is already present. You could also add them to a hearty spaghetti casserole or even a lighter Tuscan pasta . 3. Amp up your flavor profile with artichokes When you hear the word "artichoke," your mind might go to an elevated culinary experience, as working with fresh artichokes can be an arduous process. The prep alone is exactly why a canned option is perfect. These veggies can add depth and texture to your dish, from an addition to your favorite sauce to a quick and easy revision of your go-to pasta salad . While you can blend and incorporate them into a sauce, such as a creamy base to a classic Alfredo , there are other creative options out there. Garnish your dish with the full hearts in a perciatelli pasta with vegetables and herbs , add them to a pasta bake, or chop them up and toss them into a dish with a light red sauce, tomatoes, spinach, and even some of those mushrooms we talked about. Just be sure to check the artichokes to see if there are any hard layers on the outside, and remove those pieces to ensure a better eating experience. 4. Build up your protein game with canned seafood If you're like us, you're always looking for new ways to incorporate more protein into your meals. While some shy away from canned seafood , it holds a wealth of ease, health benefits, and flavors to be explored. Using canned clams over linguine is a surefire way to create an epic pasta dish without the cost and hassle of fresh seafood. That briny addition can take a sauce, and the entire plate, to a whole new flavor level. The same can be said for sardines and anchovies, which can add a salty flair while bringing great health benefits, such as omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, to your table. Create your own version of seafood spaghetti di nero with these tinned fish. Salmon is another great choice for health benefits and flavor, and crab is a stellar option for something like a homemade ravioli. Canned tuna is always a quick fix of protein and can be tossed in aglio e olio or a classic tuna noodle casserole . 5. Get creative with your tomatoes An easy and painless way to spruce up any pasta dish is with your favorite canned tomatoes . Diced, crushed, pureed — the list goes on when it comes to the variety of styles you can find at the store. Instead of a jarred sauce, you can make a quick homemade version with some canned tomatoes of your choice, tomato paste, basil, sugar, salt, and any spices you love. Some cans even have a flavorful flair, like fire-roasted. What's great about canned tomatoes is that they not only add flavor, but they can also upgrade the texture of your dish. Pureed tomatoes will add a thick and creamy base while diced can create a chunky texture. You can even mix your go-to jarred marinara sauce with canned tomatoes and a few more additions like fresh herbs and spices for a step above a grocery store version. While a simple marinara sauce or a hearty bolognese are obvious options, don't be afraid to up your kitchen game with something like a puttanesca or spicy Roman penne all'arrabbiata . 6. Add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness with peas The color palette of pasta dishes can lean towards blah more often than not, with a sea of tans and reds. Using canned peas adds a delightful pop of color to your pasta without any fuss. While peas don't add a whole lot in terms of health benefits or intense flavors, they can elevate a dish's aesthetic, add a textural pop, and bring minimal calories to the literal table. They jive perfectly with pesto and are super versatile in an array of other dishes. For warm recipes, pasta e piselli is a clear choice, but you can also toss some on top of your spaghetti carbonara to add a light, sweet touch and a scattering of green coloring. Peas also work well in cold dishes, making for the perfect addition to a pasta salad, along with some Parmesan and tuna or chicken for added protein. 7. Follow in Popeye's footsteps with spinach Popeye was a trailblazer when it came to canned food, knowing spinach packs an array of health benefits. Spinach is healthy for your eyes, bones, and skin, and adds vitamins like A and K into your diet. It's also a stellar source of iron. Compared to fresh spinach, canned spinach can have issues with water retention, but there are ways to use this veggie within your pasta without it being a soggy mess. After draining your spinach thoroughly, ensuring all the excess water is removed from the greens, start simple by adding it to dishes like cheese and spinach manicotti , lasagna, or ravioli. This way, you're hiding the greens but keeping the nutrients on the table. Alternatively, you can blend it in with your pesto ingredients or even an Alfredo sauce to add nutritional value, a thicker base, and an earthy flavor component. 8. Reduce your prep time with canned chicken If you're in need of another protein option, look no further than one of the best canned chicken brands . There are a variety of pasta recipes that call for chicken, and using the canned version is a quick and easy way to accomplish that task. Not only can you add a healthy dose of protein, but you also avoid all that prep time when it comes to buying, spicing, cooking, and cutting! Add canned chicken to an Alfredo sauce with some broccoli, and you have yourself an easy-peasy gourmet meal, or create a more elevated dish, like an angel chicken pasta . Since canned chicken typically comes with the option of salted or unsalted (with no other added flavors), it becomes the perfect base for transformation. Garlic parmesan, Cajun, and Tuscan chicken pasta are all perfect for this canned ingredient. 9. Add a meatless protein with lentils With a history that dates back over 10,000 years, there's something to be said about lentils. They are high in protein, gluten-free, and offer eaters nutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium. These ancient legumes are super cheap, making them an ideal meat substitute. They also come in a variety of colors, which can not only add an aesthetic appeal, but can change the flavor profile of your dish. Brown lentils lean earthy, along with black and green, while red and yellow offer a more nutty taste. Most people use lentils in soups because they soak up whatever sauce and flavor you add them, but canned lentils are a perfect choice for pasta for the exact same reason. Use them in one-pot dishes like pasta e lenticchie, toss them in a pasta casserole, or simply mix them into your favorite sauce, like a bolognese or marinara. You can even double your protein intake by combining your lentil pasta with something like ground beef. American goulash with lentils is the perfect cold weather food. 10. Add a hint of sweetness with canned corn You may be wondering where on earth you could find a place for corn in the Italian world, but hear us out — there's a lot you can do with this canned option. The easiest way to use canned corn is to purée it and create a thick, sweet, and creamy sauce. Combine your mixture with herbs, spices, oil, pecorino or Parmesan, and even white wine for added depth and a more complex flavor profile. There's a lot of room to play with a base that leans away from your typical savory gravy. You can also use canned corn to simply add color and texture to your meal, too. Add it on top of your more simplistic recipes with lemon sauces, white wine, Parmesan, and pepper for an easy addition to a light dish. Sprinkle on a little basil and you have yourself a new type of masterpiece — one that's quick, easy, and cheap to make. And don't forget those bolder dishes, like a pasta salad with a Mexican flare ; street corn meets Italian dish, and it's absolutely delish! 11. Change it up with chickpeas Legumes offer an array of health benefits, as they're full of protein and fiber, and can help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, and aid in digestion. When it comes to pasta dishes, chick peas are another stellar addition that will add flavor, nutrition, and texture. Like spinach or corn, a purée of these little guys can make a creamy addition to your sauce. Try combining your purée with the stock of your choice, garlic, onions, and mustard, with any seasonings you like. You can also fry them and sprinkle them on top for added crunch — a personal favorite. However, you can get really creative with classic dishes like pasta e ceci, where they become part of the sauce and bowl. And since canned chickpeas are ready to use, don't be afraid to toss them straight into your favorite cold pasta salad; they'll add a nice bite to the mix and provide a light nutty flavor. 12. Add a complex, briny taste with olives Feel like something Mediterranean? Add some canned olives to your pasta dish for a pop of color, texture, and bold flavor. This is an easy way to add some earthy and salty vibes to your meal without having to use your entire spice rack. You have a few options here when it comes to type and flavor, with the choice of green or black — sliced or whole. If you're seeking flavor, green olives will give you an earthier, herbal flair with a pop of color to boot. Linguine puttanesca is a perfect option for green olives, but a Cerignola olive is great for any pasta dish. Black olives have a more complex flavor profile, showcasing that briny taste people know and love. Adding Gaeta olives to pasta ensures a smokey and tart addition, perfect for a pasta alla cenere. You can use canned olives as a garnish on a simple angel hair pasta with olive oil, or chop them up and add them to a spaghetti bolognese. You can even use the liquid to add more flavor to your sauce. These are a pretty versatile addition to any pasta dish, so get creative and get cooking!

Hyderabad: Godavari Phase-2 project to be completed in 2 years

Judge hears closing arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google have made their closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia came as Google already faces a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case in Virginia focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Newsom says California could offer electric vehicle rebates if Trump eliminates federal tax credit SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Gov. Gavin Newsom says Monday he'll propose creating a new version of the state’s successful Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023 after funding nearly 600,000 new cars and trucks. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Stock market today: Dow hits another record as stocks rise NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose, with those benefiting the most from lower interest rates and a stronger economy leading the way. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3% Monday to pull closer to its record set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 440 points to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. They got a boost from easing Treasury yields after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants hedge-fund manager Scott Bessent to be his Treasury Secretary. Smaller companies can feel a big boost from easier borrowing costs, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks finished just shy of its record. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — American Airlines says it doesn’t expect significant disruptions to flights this week as a result of a labor strike at its hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. Service workers there walked out Monday during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Eggs are available -- but pricier -- as the holiday baking season begins Egg prices are on the rise again as a lingering outbreak of bird flu coincides with high demand during the holiday baking season. The average price for a dozen eggs in U.S. cities was $3.37 in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was up 63% from October 2023, when a dozen eggs cost an average of $2.07. Avian influenza is the main culprit. The current bird flu outbreak that began in February 2022 has led to the slaughter of more than 111 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens. But the American Egg Board says egg shortages at grocery stores have been isolated and temporary so far. Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center could see 2 towers razed in $1.6B redevelopment plan DETROIT (AP) — Two towers at Detroit’s iconic Renaissance Center would be razed and the complex converted to a mix of housing and offices under an ambitious $1.6 billion plan announced on Monday. GM will move its headquarters out of the complex next year. The towers are a symbol of Detroit, with aerial views often shown on television sports broadcasts. GM announced that it would join forces with the Bedrock real estate development firm and Wayne County to turn the partially vacant property into a roughly 27-acre entertainment complex across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario. Bedrock would invest at least $1 billion, with roughly $250 million more coming from GM and another $250 million in public money, possibly from the state of Michigan.

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queenbet casino Manmohan Singh's father may have believed his bookworm son would one day lead India, but the understated technocrat with the trademark blue turban, who died Thursday at the age of 92, never dreamed it would actually happen. Singh was pitchforked into leading the world's largest democracy in 2004 by the shock decision of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to turn down the role after leading the party to an upset win over the ruling Hindu nationalists. He oversaw an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. Known as "Mr Clean", Singh nonetheless saw his image tarnished during his decade-long tenure when a series of corruption cases became public. As finance minister in the early 1990s, he was hailed at home and abroad for initiating big-bang reforms that opened India's inward-looking economy to the world. Known as a loyalist to the Gandhi political dynasty, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in the vast nation and never held elected office before becoming PM. But he deftly managed the rough and tumble of Indian politics -- even though many said Sonia Gandhi, the Italian-born widow of the assassinated Rajiv Gandhi, was the power behind the throne. Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh moved to the holy Sikh city of Amritsar as a teenager around the time the subcontinent was split at the end of British rule into mainly Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. His father was a dry-fruit seller in Amritsar, and he had nine brothers and sisters. He was so determined to get an education he would study at night under streetlights because it was too noisy at home, his brother Surjit Singh told AFP in 2004. "Our father always used to say Manmohan will be the prime minister of India since he stuck out among the 10 children," said Singh. "He always had his nose in a book." Singh won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD. He worked in a string of senior civil posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies such as the United Nations. More from this section Singh was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history -- currency reserves had sunk so low the country was on the brink of defaulting on foreign loans. Singh unleashed sweeping change that broke sharply with India's Soviet-style state-directed economy. In his first term he steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending the country the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the US that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. But by 2008 there was growing disquiet among the ruling alliance's left-leaning parties about the pact, while high inflation -- notably food and fuel prices -- hit India's poor hard. Still, voters remained drawn to his calm, pragmatic persona, and in 2009 Congress steered its alliance to a second term. Singh vowed to step up financial reforms to drive economic growth, but he came under increasing fire from critics who said he had done nothing to stop a string of corruption scandals on his watch. Several months before the 2014 elections, Singh said he would retire after the polls, with Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul earmarked to take his place if Congress won. But Congress crashed to its worst-ever result at that time as the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Narendra Modi, won a landslide. More recently, an unflattering book by a former aide titled "The Accidental Prime Minister" portrayed him as timid and controlled by Sonia Gandhi. Singh -- who said historians would be kinder to him than contemporary detractors -- became a vocal critic of Modi's economic policies, and more recently warned about the risks that rising communal tensions posed to India's democracy. pmc-grk/abh/fox/leg/smsRico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite,” the players' association said in its statement . The Braves said Carty left an indelible mark on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise's first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Authored by Ted Snider via AntiWar.com, On December 11, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that, as one of the last things he would do at the end of his term as the European Union’s rotating president, he proposed a Christmas truce between Ukraine and Russia. "At the end of the Hungarian EU presidency, we made new efforts for peace. We proposed a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange ," he said. Sadly, he said, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "clearly rejected and ruled out" the idea. There is a history of the Christmas truce, and there is a history of civilian and military leaders rejecting it. On Christmas morning of 1914, a truce spread across multiple regions along the hundreds of miles western front. The truce broke out spontaneously and was not officially sanctioned. Pope Benedict XV had proposed a Christmas truce, pleading "that the guns may fall silent at least upon the night the angels sang." But officials on both sides rejected his plea . But individual soldiers did not, and an unofficial, spontaneous truce broke out in different ways in different places . In some, British soldiers could see lanterns on small Christmas trees along the German trench and could hear German soldiers singing “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht.” Amazed British soldiers applauded the carol singing and responded with their own chorus of “The First Noel.” In other places along the front, British soldiers heard German soldiers inviting them to cross the no man’s land and “Come over here.” British soldiers answered, “You come half-way. I come half-way.” Sometimes the call included the invitation to bring a bottle and meet half way. In yet another account, British soldiers decided to take advantage of the thick fog that blanketed the field that morning to repair their trenches. As the fog suddenly lifted, they saw German soldiers doing the same thing. The two sides were close enough to shout greetings back and forth. Some German soldiers said they wanted a truce for that day, and the British soldiers approached, meeting them in no man’s land where the enemies shook hands and exchanged cigarettes . They spoke, and for one brief moment, the war came to a stop. There are remarkable reports in diaries of the effect the Christmas truce had. One British soldier recorded that “There was not an atom of hate on either side.” Another wrote in his diary, “Here we were laughing and chatting to men whom only a few hours before we were trying to kill!” British soldiers report Germans telling them in accented English that “they rather dislike[d]... the whole war in fact. They weren’t aggressive at all.” There are accounts of soldiers helping enemy soldiers collect their dead. There are even accounts of a soccer game breaking out. The Germans won 3-2. Officials were not at all pleased by the peaceful actions of their armed forces. Military leaders feared that the camaraderie and conversation would allow the men to get to know each other and undermine their willingness to kill each other. Orders were given on both sides to cease all “fraternization with the enemy.” Officers were ordered to fire on enemy soldiers who approached across no man’s land. Soldiers who violated the order face court martials. That would be the first and last Christmas truce in World War I. After that magical Christmas, High Command on both sides prevented it from ever happening again. In December 2022, faith leaders’ call for a Christmas truce in the Russia-Ukraine war “in the spirit of the truce that occurred in 1914 during the First World War” was drowned out by the continued sound of artillery . And, now three years into the war, Orban has repeated that call. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó says that Zelensky “forcefully but politely” refused a call from Orban to discuss a Christmas truce . Despite that initial rejection, Hungary is still pushing for the truce. Orban says that Moscow responded positively to the idea of a Christmas truce and prisoner exchange and that, though Kiev has so far rejected the idea, hope still remains. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also claims that “Putin has supported” the effort of Orban and that “Russian President Vladimir Putin backs Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s efforts to achieve a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine.” Asked about the Christmas truce proposal that “Orban seems to floating,” Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security advisor, answered that “if that is some type of ceasefire as a first step, again, we’ll – we’ll take a hard look at what that means.” Russia and Ukraine have agreed on nothing during this war. There has even been a cultural battle in Ukraine between Russian and Ukrainian linked Orthodox churches. But, perhaps, the two churches can agree that Jesus’ message was not one of war. It is unlikely that the two sides will officially agree to a Christmas truce. It is, perhaps, even unlikely that small, spontaneous truces will pop up along the Donbas front. But, perhaps, in some small pocket of the front, a small number of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers will approach each other half way across the field that separates them and shake hands and exchange Christmas greetings and remind their leaders that the people who are suffering and dying are not just enemy soldiers but, more essentially, humans and brothers who just want to go home and stop this dreadful war.

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New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns

Union Berlin has parted ways with head coach Bo Svensson following a concerning streak of nine games without a victory across all competitions. The decision, made public on Friday, initiates the search for new leadership, expected to be unveiled within the coming days. The club's performance has been under scrutiny after being knocked out of the German Cup and suffering a series of unfavorable Bundesliga outcomes. Despite an initial promising phase, Svensson's tenure saw little growth, prompting sporting director Horst Heldt to call for substantial changes. Union Berlin's coaching challenges are underscored by previous dismissals, including the popular Urs Fischer, who initially led the team to considerable success. As the club prepares for upcoming fixtures, a new strategic approach becomes essential to navigate the upcoming challenges. (With inputs from agencies.)New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire gunsNew Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Gautam Adani and several others condoled the demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani, on Thursday expressed his deepest condolences at the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, saying that he was a rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions. Dr. Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away at age 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here following a deterioration in his health. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh. History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world,” Gautam Adani posted on X. Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh. History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world. A rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions, Dr... pic.twitter.com/seW5Fk5hKY Gautam Adani further stated that Dr Singh was “a rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions”. “Dr Singh’s life remains a masterclass in leadership, humility and service to the nation and will inspire generations to come,” added the Adani Group Chairman. India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic... pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP PM Modi condoles demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of former PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away here in the AIIMS at the age of 92. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said he played an important role in the country’s governance. Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, died here on Thursday night at the age of 92. The home minister said the news of Singh’s demise is extremely sad. पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी के निधन की सूचना अत्यंत दुःखद है। भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक में गवर्नर से लेकर देश के वित्त मंत्री और प्रधानमंत्री के रूप में डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी ने देश की शासन व्यवस्था में महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई। दुःख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों व समर्थकों के... “From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country,” he wrote on X in Hindi. “I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this loss,” he said. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several other leaders of the state condoled the demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, died in Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92. Singh’s death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he was admitted in the Emergency ward around 8.30 PM in a critical condition. Patel said Singh’s demise was a major loss to the political realm. “Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise is a profound loss to Indian politics. I pray for peace to his soul and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family,” the governor said in a statement. Adityanath said, “The demise of former prime minister and eminent economist Dr Manmohan Singh is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to Indian politics.” “As finance minister and prime minister, he played a significant role in the governance of the nation. My humble tributes to him! I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family and his supporters to bear this immense loss. Om Shanti,” he said in a statement. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over Singh’s passing. “A man of truth and a gentle personality, Dr Manmohan Singh’s death is an irreparable international loss. Heartfelt tributes to the great economist and former prime minister,” he said in a post on X. “His visionary initiatives, including economic reforms, the nuclear agreement and MGNREGA, brought India to new heights of prosperity. The nation will forever be indebted to his contributions. Heartfelt tributes,” Rai added. सत्य और सौम्य व्यक्तित्व के धनी महान अर्थशास्त्री भूतपूर्व प्रधानमंत्री मनमोहन सिंह जी का निधन एक अंतरराष्ट्रीय अपूरणीय क्षति है। भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि! pic.twitter.com/QcHngymjqx Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Our nation has lost one of its greatest economists, a visionary reformist, and a global statesman,” said NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, who was agriculture minister in Singh’s cabinet. “His departure is an unbearable loss. He was a godly soul who embodied humility, forbearance, tolerance, and compassion. As the architect of India’s economic reforms, his legacy will forever inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Pawar added. “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in post on X, soon after Singh died at AIIMS. Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji! With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of Economic Liberalisation and... pic.twitter.com/BvMZh3MFXS “With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of Economic Liberalisation and Rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a Middle Class in India and lifting crores out of poverty,” the Congress president, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said. Mourning “the loss of a lifelong senior colleague”, Kharge described Singh as a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who embodied the aspirations of India, having risen through the ranks with unwavering dedication. “I am proud to have been a part of his Cabinet as Labour Minister, Railway Minister and Social Welfare Minister. A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history,” he said. Kharge said in this moment of sorrow, he extends his deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. May they get the strength to overcome this huge loss, he said. “His enduring legacy of ushering in India’s growth, welfare and policies of inclusivity will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Congress chief said. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal condoled demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying it is an irreparable loss of the nation. भारत के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी का निधन देश के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। उनकी विद्वता और सादगी के गुणों को शब्दों में पिरोना असंभव है। ईश्वर पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान दें। उनके परिवार और शुभचिंतकों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं। ॐ शांति In a post on X, the former Delhi chief minister said the intellect and simplicity of the former prime minister is hard to be described in words. Kejriwal expressed his sympathies to the family and well-wishers of Singh and prayed for the departed soul. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said India has lost a leader whose dignity will always be remembered. With the passing of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country has not just lost a world renowned economist, but a leader whose erudition and dignity will always be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family and loved one’s. May God give them strength at this... pic.twitter.com/GbS4U0tcNE “With the passing of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country has not just lost a world renowned economist, but a leader whose erudition and dignity will always be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family and loved one’s. May God give them strength at this difficult time,” she posted in X Singh, revered as one of India’s finest economists and a beacon of decency in politics, leaves behind a legacy of transformative policies that shaped modern India. “He was treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26,” AIIMS, Delhi, said in a bulletin. (With inputs from IANS and PTI)

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This support should include cultural orientation programs, language classes, mental health support, and access to Chinese-speaking staff members who can help them navigate the challenges of living abroad. In addition, regular check-ins and communication with the players, their families, and their European clubs will ensure that they are adjusting well and receiving the necessary support. It is also important for Chinese players to maintain a connection with their home country, so they feel supported and connected to their roots even as they adapt to their new surroundings.

There is a certain simplicity and elegance to Wen Yongsan's beauty that is often missing in today's fast-paced world. Her understated charm and grace harken back to a time when glamour was effortless and style was timeless. In a world obsessed with perfection and excess, Wen Yongsan stands out as a beacon of natural beauty and classic elegance.

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xcoub, a rising star in the decentralized finance (DeFi) staking space, has successfully closed a $7 million Series A funding round. Although the investors remain undisclosed, this significant investment highlights the growing confidence in Xcoub's ability to revolutionize the staking ecosystem. Renowned for its state-of-the-art technology, multi-chain compatibility, and user-centric design, Xcoub is quickly establishing itself as the go-to platform for secure and flexible staking solutions worldwide. Driving Innovation in DeFi Staking At the core of Xcoub's success is its advanced multi-chain staking platform, supporting over 10 leading blockchain networks, including Ethereum (ETH), Aptos (APT), and Optimism (OP). Xcoub's diverse staking options empower users to maximize returns while effectively managing risks, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced investors. The platform is constantly evolving, introducing intuitive features that streamline the staking process and cater to both retail and institutional users. With a robust roadmap centered on technological growth and user satisfaction, Xcoub is paving the way for the next era in DeFi staking. Security First: The Bug Bounty Program Xcoub has launched a comprehensive Bug Bounty Program, offering up to $100,000 in rewards for identifying potential platform vulnerabilities. This proactive initiative fosters collaboration with global developers and security experts, ensuring the platform maintains top-tier security and reliability. By prioritizing user asset safety, Xcoub builds trust and sets a high standard for security in the DeFi space. Scaling Globally and Setting New Standards Armed with $7 million in Series A funding, Xcoub plans to expand its global reach, strengthen its presence in key markets, and grow its community of users. The funds will fuel infrastructure upgrades, the introduction of new features, and scaling efforts to meet the demands of DeFi enthusiasts worldwide. By focusing on scalability, innovation, and user empowerment, Xcoub is poised to set new benchmarks for DeFi staking. Its commitment to delivering high-performance, secure, and user-friendly staking solutions makes it a key player in the evolving decentralized finance landscape. A Vision for the Future As a pioneer in decentralized finance, Xcoub envisions a future where staking is accessible, secure, and profitable for everyone. Through continuous innovation and a focus on simplifying complex processes, Xcoub is ready to lead the next wave of DeFi evolution. Its dedication to addressing user challenges positions the platform as a transformative force in the industry. About Xcoub Xcoub is a decentralized finance (DeFi) staking platform built to simplify and elevate the staking experience for users worldwide. Supporting over 10 major blockchain networks, Xcoub offers secure, flexible, and high-yield staking opportunities. With a focus on innovation, user experience, and security, Xcoub is redefining DeFi staking and setting new standards for the industry. Xcoub Dapp: Xcoub.com Media Contact: Name: Eric Smith, Xcoub Finance Website: https://xcoub.com/ Email: support@xcoub.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Xcoub Finance . The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b57ed6e-4d4f-4ec1-b668-af9b68d563fa https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8556f13d-4808-4be5-bea1-0643a9572c41 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24cc26e8-be06-4113-b2d6-cede8e5478ae https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28fc6951-66b1-469a-8f3b-410c2a8220be © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADVM) today announced that on December 4, 2024, the Compensation Committee of Adverum's Board of Directors granted inducement awards consisting of non-qualified stock options to purchase 68,640 shares of common stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) for 34,920 shares of common stock to 13 new employees under Adverum's 2017 Inducement Plan. The Compensation Committee of Adverum's Board of Directors approved the awards as an inducement material to the new employees' employment in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). Each stock option has an exercise price per share equal to $6.00 per share, Adverum's closing trading price on December 4, 2024, and will vest over four years, with 25% of the underlying shares vesting on the first anniversary of the applicable vesting commencement date and, 1/48th of the balance of the underlying shares vesting monthly thereafter over 36 months, subject to the new employee's continued service relationship with Adverum through the applicable vesting dates. Each of the RSUs will vest over three years, with 33 1/3% of the underlying shares vesting on each anniversary of December 4, subject to the new employee's continued service relationship with Adverum through the applicable vesting dates. The awards are subject to the terms and conditions of Adverum's 2017 Inducement Plan and the terms and conditions of an applicable award agreement covering the grant. About Adverum Biotechnologies Adverum Biotechnologies (NASDAQ: ADVM) is a clinical-stage company that aims to establish gene therapy to preserve sight for life in highly prevalent ocular diseases with the aspirations of developing functional cures to restore vision and prevent blindness. Leveraging the capabilities of its proprietary intravitreal (IVT) platform, Adverum is developing durable, single-administration therapies, designed to be delivered in physicians' offices, to eliminate the need for frequent ocular injections to treat these diseases. Adverum is evaluating its novel gene therapy candidate, ixoberogene soroparvovec (Ixo-vec, formerly referred to as ADVM-022), as a one-time, IVT injection for patients with neovascular or wet age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, by overcoming the challenges associated with current treatment paradigms for debilitating ocular diseases, Adverum aspires to transform the standard of care, preserve vision, and create a profound societal impact around the globe. For more information, please visit www.adverum.com . Inquiries: Adverum Investor Relations Email: [email protected]

5. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:As the impeachment storm gathers steam, the future of South Korea hangs in the balance. The upcoming presidential election will be a crucial turning point for the country, determining its direction and leadership for years to come. With tensions running high and the political landscape in turmoil, South Koreans are bracing themselves for a period of uncertainty and change.Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Game And 4K Blu-Ray Bundle Gets Nice Discount

In conclusion, the mild growth in global merchandise trade in the fourth quarter is a positive development that reflects the resilience of the global economy amidst ongoing challenges. While there are risks and uncertainties ahead, concerted efforts and coordination among stakeholders will be essential in fostering a more robust and sustainable recovery of global trade in the coming months.David J. Neal | (TNS) Miami Herald Stanley — whose cups have become almost as popular as the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup — recalled 2.6 million travel mugs because their burn count got too high. As explained in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice, “These mugs’ lid threads can shrink when exposed to heat and torque, causing the lid to detach during use, posing a burn hazard.” According to what Stanley told the CPSC, the lids on recalled travel mugs have detached 16 times in the United States and 91 times worldwide, causing two burn injuries in the United States and 38 worldwide. Of those 38, 11 “required medical attention.” Related Articles National News | Companies tighten security after a health care CEO’s killing leads to a surge of threats National News | Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge National News | Unidentified drones spotted flying at locations across NYC, including LaGuardia Airport National News | Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied National News | Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases This involves the Switchback model, ID No. 20-01437 in the 12-ounce size and Nos. 20-01436 and 20-02211 in the 16-ounce size; and the Trigger Action model, ID Nos. 20-02033, 20-02779 and 20-02825 in the 12-ounce size; Nos. 20-02030, 20-02745 and 20-02957 in the 16-ounce size; and 20-02034 and 20-02746 in the 20-ounce size. Stanley wants customers to contact the company to receive a free replacement lid by either going to the website to enter your product identification number and place of purchase (if you remember) or calling (866) 792-5445, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time. ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The investigation, led by both US and Chinese regulatory bodies, centers around Nvidia's proposed acquisition of UK-based chip designer Arm. The $40 billion deal, announced in September 2020, has faced numerous hurdles along the way, with concerns raised over potential antitrust issues and national security implications.

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Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) New-elected President Jimmy Carter gives a press conference after being elected 39th President of the United States, on November 05, 1976 in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by GENE FORTE / CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES / AFP) (Photo by GENE FORTE/CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES/AFP via Getty Images) Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter hold up signs during a rally on may 15, 1976 in New York. – Carter was elected on December 21, 1976 39th President of the United States, 51% voice against 48% for incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Chief Justice Warren Burger administers the oath of office to Jimmy Carter (R), flanked by his wife Rosalynn, as the 39th President of the United Sates on January 20, 1977. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, GallupNYPD drone helps nab two Queens teen subway surfers — one of whom had MTA train keys

The list of President-elect Donald Trump's legal cases is shrinking — or being delayed. On Monday, Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a motion to dismiss the Washington, D.C. election subversion case. He also asked a federal appeals court to stop reviewing the classified documents case in Florida. On Tuesday, that court granted dismissal of the case against Trump — though not against other appellees. In dismissing the cases, the Special Counsel cited the Department of Justice's long-standing policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents. "After careful consideration, the Department has determined that OLC's prior opinions concerning the Constitution's prohibition on federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting President apply to this situation and that as a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated," Smith wrote in his court filing regarding the election subversion case. "We've used the word unprecedented a lot over the course of the last four years, and yet again this is something that is unprecedented, and Smith himself said this in his motion," former state and federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein told Scripps News. "He took great detail to point out that this was not based on the strength or weakness of the case." In a post on Truth Social , Trump said in part "These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless." RELATED STORY | Special counsel evaluating how to wind down federal cases against Trump Earlier this year, Trump faced four on-going criminal cases. He was convicted in his New York hush money case in May, but sentencing — which was scheduled for this week — has been delayed . After Smith's actions Monday, Trump now faces only the Georgia election interference case. In Georgia, Trump was indicted along with 18 allies, accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. But that case is now on hold after the state appeals court unexpectedly removed a December hearing from its calendar. That court will issue a new order on how this case will move forward, but with less than two months before the inauguration, the future of the Georgia and New York hush money cases are still being decided. "The two state cases are likely to recede into the background — at best," former Department of Justice attorney and current partner at Gelber, Schachter & Greenberg, Barbara Llanes, told Scripps News. "We probably won't hear much about these cases following the inauguration of President-elect Trump." Defense attorneys for Trump believe his election victory is enough for the hush money case to be dismissed. They need to file a motion by Dec. 2 making that argument. Then prosecutors have until Dec. 9 to file a rebuttal. They still believe Trump should be sentenced — even if it's after he leaves office. Judge Juan Merchan will then make a decision on how this case should move forward. There's no set date on exactly when he will make that decision.CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Southern Illinois quarterback Michael Lindauer's coming-out party also was a dazzling farewell. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Southern Illinois quarterback Michael Lindauer's coming-out party also was a dazzling farewell. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Southern Illinois quarterback Michael Lindauer’s coming-out party also was a dazzling farewell. The senior graduate assistant, pressed into duty as a player again when injuries left the Salukis in need of a quarterback, made his first career start — on Senior Day, no less — and threw for a school-record seven touchdowns in a 62-0 victory over Murray State on Saturday. “This was incredible,” Lindauer said. “The guys around me — thank the guys. The receivers were making plays, the O-line’s blocking. When you get on a roll like that, stuff just starts happening.” The fifth-year senior, a transfer from Cincinnati, completed 20 of 33 passes for 283 yards. Keontez Lewis caught scoring passes of 4 and 64 yards. Bradley Clark had TDs of 35 and 23 yards. Nah’shawn Hezekiah had touchdowns of 19 and 35 yards on his two catches. And Jay Jones caught one pass for 1 yard — also a touchdown. Before the game, Lindauer had attempted 27 career passes. “Now, he’s in the record book,” Salukis coach Nick Hill said. “It will be a hard record to beat, seven TDs in one game. ... What he’s done ... just being so selfless and coming back and being a player. The team needed it. ... It’s a testament that if you stay committed, do the right things, have a great attitude, you’re going to get rewarded at some point, and he was rewarded in a big way today.” Southern Illinois finished the season 4-8 overall and 2-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference, but “to go out like that, that’s a good way to go out,” Hill said. Lindauer was named the MVC offensive player of the week for his performance in his first and last career start. He plans to return in the spring, again as a graduate assistant coach, but this time with a resume to lean on. ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football AdvertisementThe stock ( ) suffered a significant sell-off in 2024. It's down 38% since January 2024 (as shown below). I'm asking myself whether this is the right time to pounce on the beaten-up stock. It's normal for commodity businesses to go through ups and downs because they are exposed to the volatility of . Nearly all of Fortescue's revenue is generated by selling iron ore to China, so the iron ore price is key to the company's success. Let's consider the latest developments with the resource and how they impact my view on the value offered by the Fortescue share price. According to , the iron ore price recently rose above US$104 per tonne because Chinese steel mills are increasing their stockpiles with expectations of increased activity in the Chinese spring. It was noted that the iron ore price had fallen during winter because there was less manufacturing activity in the off-season, which led to a three-month low of output at the major steel mills. I believe the Fortescue share price suffered so much in 2024 because the iron price fell from above US$140 per tonne at the start of the year to where it is today. China's this year. In previous years, I have taken the opportunity to buy Fortescue shares when iron ore conditions were tough. So, perhaps now a good time to consider the . I have followed the old investment saying of 'buying low and selling high' with Fortescue. I decided to in July for a tidy capital gain (and the big significantly boosted my returns during my ownership). However, I'm less confident in this resources giant than I was three years ago for three reasons. First, global , which could be a headwind for the iron ore price if global demand doesn't match the increase. The huge in Africa is getting closer to completion, which could be a setback for the possible recovery of Fortescue's share price and profit. Second, Fortescue has , at least in the short term. I was previously attracted to the diversification that the green energy efforts could create, but this segment now isn't as appealing to me if it's going to be smaller than I anticipated. Third, with the iron ore price still above US$100 per tonne, conditions aren't quite as weak as I like them to be to invest. There is no financial 'rule' that says the iron ore price will drop below US$100 per tonne, but that's the trigger point where I start being interested because it normally corresponds with a lower Fortescue share price. If President , it could hurt the Chinese economy. The miner's valuation could fall further in 2025 if the iron ore price drops, which may be the right time to buy, but I'm not rushing to my share broker to invest today.

Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets

The 2024 fire season cost Oregon emergency response agencies nearly $350 million, and the state leaders are struggling to find a way to cover outstanding bills. Gov. Tina Kotek announced Tuesday following reporting from Oregon Public Broadcasting that she’ll call a special session of the Legislature on Dec. 12 to appropriate at least $218 million from the state’s general fund to cover remaining fire costs. Lawmakers will already be at the Capitol for committee hearings during that time. More than half of the $350 million in outstanding debts will eventually be covered by disaster relief funds from the federal government, according to a news release from Kotek’s office, but the state wants to pay those owed as soon as possible. Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, explained that it’s about ensuring state agencies don’t burn bridges with private contractors who stepped in to help with fire prevention or response work this year. “We contracted with people, and we are obligated to pay them, and we will want many of those people to bring their machines, their aircraft, their bodies back next fire season,” Marsh said. Nearly 2 million acres burned this summer and fall — more than three times the 10-year average — mostly in eastern Oregon grass and shrub, with about 25% of it in forestland, according to the Wildland Mapping Institute . More than one-third of all acres burned have been on private land, and about 62% was on federal land. At least 42 homes and 132 other structures were burned. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal wildfire reimbursements to California as a form of political gamesmanship. Asked whether Kotek is seeking more money to prepare for potential federal withholding, Anca Matica, a Kotek spokesperson, said it’s not part of the current issue being solved by the special session. “The state needs to pay its bills as expeditiously as possible,” Matica said in an email. Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to wildfire threats and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act a record 17 times. This mobilized structural firefighting resources coordinated by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office to local communities. The state fire marshal is on the hook for more than $200 million of the $218 million owed by the state to contractors. Incoming House Republican leader Christine Drazan of Canby expressed frustration in a news release that Kotek did not talk with her or her peers before announcing the special session, but she said Republicans are willing to work cooperatively to solve the funding issues. Drazan lost the 2022 gubernatorial race to Kotek, and the two frequently butted heads in the House when Kotek served as speaker and Drazan as minority leader. “Evidently, the Governor will be communicating via press release rather than a phone call. That is her prerogative,” Drazan said. “Despite this bizarre approach to leadership, Republicans welcome the opportunity to solve this problem by ensuring the people who work to protect Oregon communities during wildfire season are paid for their service.” The Department of Administrative Services, responsible for tracking spending, did not respond to a request for a list of outstanding payments from the wildfire season by Tuesday afternoon. Fire agencies already got $47.5 million from the Legislature’s Emergency Board in September to cover some outstanding costs, and the Oregon State Treasury rejected the Department of Forestry’s request for a $60 million loan last month, according to reporting from Willamette Week. Wildfire protection and response costs in Oregon are generally split between private and public forest and range landowners and Oregonians via the state’s general fund. Costs for 2024 were projected to be about $136 million. “Fighting wildfires of the magnitude we saw this season required a tremendous level of resources that even wildfire experts couldn’t foresee,” said House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, in a statement. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBEBills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets

Albany scores 24 4th-quarter points to overtake Hampton 41-34

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who was aggressive in his oversight of cryptocurrencies and other financial markets, will step down from his post on Jan. 20. Gensler pushed changes that he said protected investors, but the industry and many Republicans bristled at what they saw as overreach. President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign that he would remove Gensler. But Gensler on Thursday announced that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated. Bitcoin has jumped 40% since Trump’s victory. It hit new highs Thursday and was nearing $100,000. Bitcoin moved notably higher still after Gensler's resignation was announced. Gensler's stance on the rise of cryptocurrencies was captured during a speech he gave during the first year of his chairmanship in 2021 where he described the market as “the Wild West.” “This asset class is rife with fraud, scams, and abuse in certain applications,” he said in a speech at the Aspen Security Forum. “There’s a great deal of hype and spin about how crypto assets work. In many cases, investors aren’t able to get rigorous, balanced, and complete information.” Under Gensler, the SEC brought actions against players in the crypto industry for fraud , wash trading and other violations, including as recently as last month when the commission brought fraud charges against three companies purporting to be market makers, along with nine individuals for trying to manipulate various crypto markets. Yet access to cryptocurrencies became more widespread under Gensler. In January, the SEC approved exchange-traded funds that track the spot price of bitcoin. With such ETFs, investors could get easier access to bitcoin without the huge overlays required to buy it directly. Gensler, however, acknowledged the SEC had denied earlier, similar applications for such ETFs, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, among the first to eventually be approved by the SEC. “Circumstances, however, have changed,” Gensler said, pointing to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that said the SEC failed to adequately explain its reasoning in rejecting Grayscale’s proposal. Even there, Gensler made sure not to endorse the merits of bitcoin. He pointed to how ETFs that hold precious metals are tracking prices of things that have “consumer and industrial users, while in contrast bitcoin is primarily a speculative, volatile asset that’s also used for illicit activity including ransomware, money laundering, sanction evasion, and terrorist financing.” Gensler was tested early in his tenure with the rise of the meme stock phenomenon that shocked the financial system in early 2021. Earlier this year, the SEC under Gensler pushed Wall Street to speed up how long it takes for trades of stocks to settle, one of the areas where the commission’s staff recommended changes following the reckoning created by GameStop , one of the first meme stocks. In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, hordes of smaller-pocketed and novice investors suddenly piled into the stock of the struggling video-game retailer. During the height of the frenzy, several brokerages barred customers from buying GameStop after the clearinghouse that settles their trades demanded more cash to cover the increased risk created by its highly volatile price. In May 2024, new rules meant broker-dealers have to fully settle their trades within one business day of the trade date, down from the previous two. Critics of the SEC under Gensler have called many of the agency's proposals overly burdensome. The investment industry, for example, is pushing against a proposal to force some advisers and companies disclose more about their environmental, social and governance practices, otherwise known as ESG. Critics say the proposal is overly complex and increases the risk of investor confusion, while imposing unnecessary burdens and costs on funds. On Thursday, Gensler stood by the SEC's track record under his direction. “The staff and the Commission are deeply mission-driven, focused on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation, and ensuring that the markets work for investors and issuers alike," Gensler said in prepared remarks. “The staff comprises true public servants." Gensler previously served as Chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, leading the Obama Administration’s reform of the $400 trillion swaps market. He also was senior advisor to U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes in writing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002) and was undersecretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance and assistant secretary of the Treasury from 1997-2001.Heidi Klum is manifesting a lucky 2025 in any way that she can. “Do you have a tradition on New Year’s Eve?” Klum, 51, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, December 28. “For me ... it’s red lace ❤️ . Good Luck 🍀 .” The supermodel shared a video of herself frolicking in the snow — only wearing a matching red lace lingerie set. In the clip, Klum ruffled her long blonde locks before picking up a handful of snow left on a balcony ledge to fling it toward the camera. Klum has never been particularly modest about showing off her curves. “I’m not shy about my femininity,” she told The Times of London in a profile published last month. “I love dressing up where I have my cleavage showing, wearing miniskirts, high heels, gorgeous stockings — but that doesn’t mean I want to go home with you.” She added, “That’s just my personality. Why not? I want to have fun and show my body, but I have boundaries, as do all women.” A post shared by Heidi Klum (@heidiklum) Klum has also worked hard through the years to maintain her physique. “I don’t really have a specific diet. I just eat very healthfully,” she previously told Entertainment Tonight in 2018. “I start with great smoothies in the morning. I also have four children, so we cook a lot. I don’t really eat out a lot. I think when you eat out a lot or order food in a lot it gets a little tricky because you don’t know what people are putting in there.” You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News Nearly five years later, Klum revealed via Instagram that she also doesn’t count her calories in a day. “I don’t think I’ve ever had to count my calories in my life, [so] don’t believe everything that you read,” she said in an August 2022 upload. “I don’t count my calories.” Klum had faced backlash that month after a social media user asked her about her weight. In a since-expired Instagram Story video, she got out a scale and learned that she weighed between 137 and 139 pounds.

1. A delightfully stress-free This Annoying Life coloring book so you can find humor in the frustrations and pains of everyday life — like stepping on Lego bricks with bare feet. At least you can choose the color of the bricks! Promising review: "By far the most amazing coloring book I’ve ever bought! It’s so funny and it really makes you laugh at the most annoying and inconvenient experiences in life. This made me laugh so much I bought two more for friends who also loved it! 10/10" — KArribas Get it from Amazon for $12.95 . 2. A pound of cereal marshmallows because your ideal ratio of cereal to marshmallows is 90% marshmallows and 10% cereal. Promising review: "Buying these charms was one of the best decisions of my life. The bag is twice the size of my head. The marshmallows are aesthetically pleasing and delicious . It's everything I ever wanted in a snack." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 3. A ceiling fan carbon filter for grabbing dust, pollen, smoke, dander, and other allergens as the fan spins. It sticks to the fan blade and is unnoticeable — but you may notice the difference in the air! Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" — Haylee Marez Get a three-pack from Amazon for $19.99 . 4. A set of turtle-shaped toilet bolt caps if your bathroom is lacking the right amount of aquatic creatures. And no, the recurring mildew in your toilet bowl doesn't count. Promising review: "Absolutely love these. My daughter’s toilet was missing the original caps, so I thought I would give these a try. They are so nice looking!! She loves them. Great quality and fits perfectly over the screw. Going to buy some for my bathroom now! Buy it, you won’t regret it." — Valentine Girl Get a pair from Amazon for $15.65 (available in seven other styles). 5. An extendable silicone straw that I will not apologize for wanting! Nope! I am lazy . I want to sit where I'm sitting and not have to bring a heavy Stanley water bottle to my mouth when I'm thirsty. Promising review: "Bought for working out because I’d rather use my cup than water bottles, and honestly, I was surprised to see that it works. The straw is longer than expected. The only flaw is the straw is hard to get in if you have ice already in your cup." — lisa Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 6. And a car cup holder extender to keep you from doing stupid stuff to stay hydrated — like when you're at a red light, reaching behind you to the backseat floor trying to find the water bottle that's rolled under a seat. Swigzy is a small business that specializes in drinkware and accessories. Promising review : "Fits great in my F-150 . I've been manually holding my Yeti for years, oftentimes picking my water bottle off the floor after it slides off my passenger seat. Slide no more. This thing works great. Feels sturdy. Holds all of my oversized cups. Highly recommend." — Bryan Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in two styles). 7. A pack of knee and elbow cushions so you can solve a car problem you probably never thought there would be a solution for: painful rubbing on hard plastic. Promising review: "I have tried different solutions for my left elbow while on 12-hour drives between Virginia and Florida. Most have been elbow sleeves. Not that it hurts, but resting on the door gets uncomfortable over time. I decided to try these and was able to stick them in just the right place and bend them to fit the door contouring. It worked great, and the adhesive appeared very strong. A good buy." — Officer999 Get a four-pack from Amazon for $17.99 . 8. A Tub Topper because parents everywhere, bathtime is about to change forever. It attaches with suction cups to the lip of the tub and acts as a splash guard, toy tray, and a fun zone thanks to the flat surface, which allows for play. Promising review: "Like you, when I first came across this, I was hesitant because of the price. It's a bit steep, I thought to myself. But then, after another night of bathtime with two towels on the ground to soak up the water my child had splashed all over, I took the plunge and bought it. And definitely worth it a million times over. My child LOVES the extra space for toys and I love the water staying in the tub. I definitely and highly suggest buying it. You won't be disappointed! Or your child!!" — Brianna Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in four colors). 9. A "Magic Gel" back pain relief pack for hot or cold relief after surgery or just a really long, exhausting day. Reviewers also recommend it when you just need help cooling down. A wearable ice pack? Genius! Promising review: "This was perfect for my sore back. It comes with two inserts. That is nice because I was able to keep one in the fridge and the other to warm up in the microwave. The belt they go in works great for lower back pain. I could wear it at work when my back was bad." — Brandie Collins Get it from Amazon for $27.99 . 10. Or a PainCake — yep, an ice pack that sticks — if you need very targeted cooling relief. Now, you don't need a whole bag of frozen peas when you jam your finger. Promising review: "These little ice packs are so handy, especially when you smack the top of your hand on a door, bang your knee on an open cabinet, or when your Great Dane steps (and leans) on the top of your foot. Just stick this handy dandy cold pack on and then pop it back in the freezer for the next use. Nothing to hold onto, and you don’t have to sit down and be still. Feel free to walk around with this little thing stuck right to your injured body part and be dazzled by how well it works." — Anna Ashley Get a two-pack from Amazon for $17.99 . 11. A pack of towel clips that'll prevent kids and pets from pulling down the towel. Or, maybe you have neither of those things, yet your hand and kitchen towels always end up on the ground. Promising review: "This clip is amazing. No more towels falling on the floor. It was becoming a routine thing since my cat thinks it's fun to pull the kitchen towels off the oven. Not now, bad kitty! Great product...wish I had bought one sooner!" — Joanna Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99 . 12. An extra-wide power recliner chair with built-in USB ports to properly prepare for hibernation season. It's big enough for two people...or just one person and a lot of snacks, pillows, and blankets. "I'm becoming one with the chair." —you approaching hour 13 of your Hallmark movie marathon. Promising review: "Wonderful chair, fits two adults easily. I bought it for our nursery as we are expecting twins to be able to feed and do story time together with my husband. The chair is pretty, sturdy, and very soft! Rocks and reclines." — Naomi Get it from Wayfair for $899.99 (originally $1,197; available in two colors/styles). 13. A WD-40 pen (A pen! Genius!) so you can enjoy the squeak-quieting, hinge-lubricating, rust-preventing powers that you know and love from traditional WD-40 but in an easy-to-maneuver precise pen tip. Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623 Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99 . 14. A pack of carborundum sponges because these are the heavy hitters you'll want for stains and gunk that no other sponge is strong enough to handle. Promising review: "Nice and thin. You'll find so many more uses for these around the house than just getting stuff off the underside of cookware! I had hard, scaly water deposits on the glass surrounding our powder room faucet (one of those fancy, highfalutin modern-looking things). I've tried everything for four years to get this stuff off. One day I thought, maybe i'll try my sponges. Took it all off super easily!!!! Faucet looks like new. My only rec is to spot-test your item first before using it because it will scratch certain surfaces if you scrub too aggressively (for example, it gets the burned-on, weird stuff off of the bottom of my fave Our Place pan, but I rubbed too hard in one spot and it took the color right off lol)." — Hoarder Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sponge thicknesses). 15. A book of shady bird stickers for conveying all the sass that would probably get you sent to HR. The "Wow, are you always like this?" sticker...spectacular, give me 14 of 'em right now. It comes with 60+ stickers, including some puffy stickers. Get them from Amazon and Brass Monkey for $8. 16. An outlet extender if your bed, couch, cabinets, etc., can't lie flat against the wall because a pesky cord is in the way. This adapter has three outlets, so you can push your bed flat against the wall and still plug in the charger. Promising review: "I have been looking for a solution that would allow for a nightstand and also a dresser to be pushed up against a wall even with things plugged into the outlet behind that furniture. I FOUND IT. This wall outlet extender does exactly what it says it will do. I have a fan, clock radio, and watch charger plugged into it and can still move the nightstand right up against the wall. The light on the dresser no longer forces the dresser to be out a couple of inches; it, too, can be pushed right up against the wall, and the cord is not in danger of getting crushed and becoming a fire hazard. A game changer! I will be ordering a few more." — Lynda L. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.58+ . 17. Chubby Buttons , a genius Shark Tank –famous product that'll save the day when you're zooming down a mountain on your snowboard or cruising on your bike at a decent clip and want to change the song but don't want to fiddle with removing your phone. In mittens? Yeah, not happening. Think of this as an oversized remote you're strapping to yourself so you can easily answer calls, control the volume, skip songs, take selfies, and more! Promising review: "I have several board sports, and there is nothing worse than having a song that takes you out of the zone and having to fiddle with earbud/headphone-based controls. This fixes that plain simple! They work. They are obnoxiously large and ridiculously simple. Don’t expect anything more than what they are: chubby buttons that are easy to use when you’re doing other things and likely have gloves on! Who has time to push on your earbuds? Just tap the Chubby Button!" — Mr. Cheetodust Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in three colors). 18. A genius drying rack to prevent any sweater shrinking mishaps in the dryer. These three-tier mesh racks will help speed up the drying process while taking up minimal space. Plus air-drying is gentler on the fabric than a tumble in the dryer, which can help extend the life of your sweaters. Promising review: "Big enough for size large sweaters. I love that it is instant to set up, holds several items, the mesh lets most clothes dry overnight and it doesn't have any loose parts to lose. The layers collapse on each other, then fold up like a car shade but with three wires to contend with takes a bit more force. If car shades are your nemesis, this is probably not for you, but if you've conquered car shade folding, the drying rack is quick and small to store. The storage bag appeared to be flimsy, but it has lasted for over a year of use with no problem." — Costume Shop Get it on Amazon for $14.86 . 19. A couch cooler shaped like a potato plushie — a ~couch potato~ if you will — so you can show up to movie night with everything you need: drinks, snacks, a bottle opener, and a stuffie for cuddling. Get it from Amazon for $23.89 . 20. A velvet headboard cover with storage pockets (!) for anyone whose cats have scratched up their leather headboards, but a full new headboard is not in the budget. This is also great if you're looking to redo your bed on the cheap! Promising review: "My headboard is only a few years old but my cats had pulled a bit and left damage. I was looking around to replace it and then found this. It is perfect for what I was looking for. I was able to update the headboard for a great price. I love the softness of the material, and I did not have any issue pulling the cover on. The color is a lovely chocolate and matches my bedding. I did brown over brown but I think this is thick enough to cover if you are changing the color. I had no idea this even existed, and they are such a great option to update your bedroom for a great price." — Mary Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in three sizes and six colors). 21. A Windex outdoor glass cleaner if you're tired of sighing in disappointment when you look at your dirty windows but ain't no way, ain't no how you're getting on a ladder to clean those floor-to-ceiling windows. Just attach the bottle of Windex to your hose, spray the solution, and you're done! Promising review: "The windows are noticeably squeaky clean and clear, and no scrubbing is required after only needing about 20 minutes to dry on a sunny day. I also used this to clean two outdoor glass dining tables, which are now ready for lunches and early dinners outside in the summer. Great product, definitely recommend and will be buying again!" — Helen Simmons Get a two-pack from Amazon for $25.96 . 22. A Lugabug travel seat that slips over your roller bag and turns your suitcase into a seat for your toddler — especially handy if you're at the airport without a stroller. This is designed for children 28 to 42 inches in height and 24 to 40 pounds. Promising review: "I bought this because I do not travel enough to buy a $200 riding suitcase, but I was traveling with my 2-year-old and a lot of stuff, so I needed something to transport him while my husband and I held and pulled everything else. It worked great. I noticed others comment that it tips over if you are not tilting it up, and that is true; you can’t really just set it down. I do not recommend it to anyone traveling alone with their child. Someone needs to be tilting it at all times. We got so many comments while using this. People at the airport were asking us to take pictures of it because they wanted one for themselves. I did tip him over sideways a couple of times while I was getting used to it, but he was not phased. I used this on a small carry-on suitcase. I imagine it would work even better on a bigger suitcase." — RL Get it from Amazon for $44.99 . 23. A tub of soft chews to make life better for your pet — and 99% of your happiness is derived from your pet being happy — if they're boot-scootin' around the house. They may help your pet naturally empty their anal glands and are designed to support your pup's digestive health. Vetnique was founded by veterinarian James Bascharon. You should still talk to your vet if your dog is exhibiting symptoms that indicate they may need their anal glands expressed. Promising review: "I'm shocked that these worked so well. Our pup had lots of gland issues and leakage on a nearly daily basis, and we thought we were resigned to washing sheets and towels every day to deal with it. These got good reviews and I figured it was worth a try, and they have actually eliminated 99.9% of our dog's issues. He's not a huge fan of the taste, but I crumble them up in his food, and he eats them with no problem. We're on our 4th or 5th reorder and will keep our pup on these." — Chelsea Georgesen Get 30 chews from Amazon for $17.99 (available in three flavors and in packs of 60 and 120 chews). 24. A Don't Worry Duck so you'll always remember that you have a silly lil' guy by your side when you're feeling stressed or down. Dapple & Dot is a small business based in the UK. It donates 5% of all sales to Just One Tree, a nonprofit organization that plants trees to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Promising review: "Fun little magnet of great quality. Exceptional value for money." — PLstar Get it from Dapple & Dot on Etsy for $8.68 (available as a pin or magnet). 25. A deceptively normal-looking hair band because it's actually specially made for glasses-wearers! The U-shaped design reduces pressure on your head (no more early afternoon headaches because your headband is too tight) and curves away from your glasses arms. Promising review: "I have had this headband in my cart for at least six months. I needed a headband that would accommodate my eyeglasses. I just couldn’t pay the price. I wasn’t sure if it would stay on my head. Well, I am here to tell you. Buy it! Good quality material, unlike the cheap plastic ones. I love that it wraps away from my ear, so no competition with my eyeglasses. You won’t regret this purchase." — Irene Voss Get it from Amazon for $24.50 (available in 14 colors and multi-packs). 26. A fat separator cup for totally bypassing the time-consuming process of straining out the fat manually or waiting for the fat to solidify and then removing it. There's also a filter at the top to catch bigger pieces of debris you don't want in your gravy or broth. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year or making homemade gravy...you're gonna want this in your kitchen! Promising review: "Used for the first time today. Smoked pork butt and collected all the drippings from the wrap. Sat for a few minutes and had perfect separation of fat from the juice. No leak of any kind noticed. Easy application back into the pulled pork. Leaving only the grease behind. Highly recommend" — michael Kamens Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in black or red). 27. An anti-slip food bowl if your pet is an enthusiastic eater or drinker and pushes their bowl around the room at mealtime. It's also designed with a slight tilt and a wide bowl to prevent whisker fatigue and keep your pet's head at an angle that could avoid post-meal vomiting. Promising review: "I was genuinely shocked at the quality of this item! They are sturdy and easy to clean, and they come with little spoons for wet food! Adorable! My cats took to the bowls right away, and I am hoping it will make for a more pleasant eating experience for them. Totally love these!" — Elizabeth B. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in red and orange). 28. Invisible Bandage , a GENIUS, well, invisible bandage to soothe and protect blemishes, minor cuts, and burns. It's a sort of top coat for your skin that contains healing active ingredients, creates a smooth surface for makeup, and protects against bacteria and irritants. Hate the idea of applying foundation to a popped pimple but doubly hate how obvious pimple patches are with a full beat? Try this! Promising review: "I’m perimenopausal, so apparently, that means I break out all the time. But this little bit of magic actually does what it says. I cover the red angry areas. Leave it a few minutes to dry, then put some concealer over. Not only do they stay covered, but when I remove my makeup. The spots are soothed and healing up. As I said, magic!✨" — Vanessa H. Get it from Violette_Fr for $28 . The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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NoneBrazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in coup plot, police report allegesProtesters gather around thier tents to protect therefrom police during a protest to free Palestine on the UI campus near Alma Mater on Friday, April 26, 2024. To pitch a ‘My Turn’ guest column, email jdalessio@news-gazette.com . To subscribe, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations. Sign up for our daily newsletter here URBANA — A second individual who faced charges after pro-Palestine demonstrations on the University of Illinois campus has had his case resolved with a guilty plea. Joseph M. Kleckner, 25, of Savanna, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor of obstructing a peace officer. Charges of mob action, a Class 4 felony, were dismissed. Kleckner was the fifth of eight people to be charged with mob action after an April 26 demonstration near the Alma Mater statue on the UI campus — but he wasn't charged until July, after police used video evidence to identify him. Charges are specifically related to interactions between demonstrators and police early that morning, after demonstrators gathered and erected tents at around 6 a.m. State's Attorney Julia Rietz said that UI officials notified the group they were violating school policies and could be charged with trespassing if they stayed. Officials attempted to negotiate with the group over the course of about two hours to remove the structures, but UI police were concerned about social media posts telling people to "defend the camp," Rietz said. Officials first attempted to remove the structures at 8:23 a.m., but demonstrators circled around the tents and linked arms to block access. They were again told to remove the tents or potentially face trespassing charges, but they did not. UI police eventually broke through the circle and removed the tents. Investigators later compared body camera footage with other media including social media posts to identify demonstrators who pushed or shoved officers. They used a license-plate reader to identify a vehicle which dropped off supplies for the demonstrators; the registration and driver's license photo for the vehicle identified Kleckner as a demonstrator caught on body cam. After pleading guilty, Kleckner was sentenced to one year of conditional discharge with 100 hours of community service work, which can include hours in education, treatment, aftercare, sobriety based self-help group meetings, Victim Impact Panel and GED classes. Victor Smith, 22, of Champaign, is the only other demonstrator to be charged with mob action who has resolved his case. He similarly pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, saw mob action charges dropped, and was given the same sentence.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Previously, confiscated bourbon or other spirits could end up being destroyed, he said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.Online auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbonsbet711 casino 。

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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 its traditional territories and financial compensation. The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation filed a claim Thursday in B.C. Supreme Court seeking a return of decision-making, resource and ecological stewardship, said Chief Mike Maquinna, a descendent of the former Chief Maquinna who met British explorer Capt. James Cook in 1776. Crown-authorized forest industry activities approved by the province without the consent of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation have resulted in cultural, economic and environmental impacts, he said at a news conference on Thursday. “Our people, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht, have endured many hardships since first meeting Capt. Cook, who was the explorer who first came into our territory,” said Maquinna. “As a result of the explorations of our territory, the natural resources of our lands have been taken. We want to correct rights and wrongs here and hopefully as time goes on this will show that Mowachaht/Muchalaht has been infringed upon since time of contact.” Capt. Cook and Chief Maquinna met in March 1776 at the traditional Mowachaht/Muchalaht whale-hunting village of Yuquot, later named Friendly Cove by Cook. The Parks Canada website says Yuquot was designated a national historic site in 1923 as the ancestral home of the First Nation, which was continuously occupied for more than 4,300 years and the centre of their social, political and economic world. The Parks Canada website says the village became the capital for all 17 tribes of the Nootka Sound region. Maquinna said 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 said the claim seeks title to about 430,000 hectares of land on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island and an amount of financial compensation to be determined by the court. “It is common knowledge we were here long before Capt. Cook and now we have to go to court and definitively prove that,” he said. “I don’t like that we have to prove that we owned it before he showed up to my territory, to my beach.” The land title case does not make any claims against private land owners, homeowners or recreational hunting and fishing operators, said Jack. Premier David Eby said the B.C. government prefers negotiated land-claims settlements rather than become involved in lengthy, expensive court cases, but the Mowachaht/Muchalaht have the right to take that route. “We have no problem with them doing that,” he said at an unrelated news conference in Langley. “We’d rather sit down and find a path forward.” The 15-page notice of claim seeks declarations that the First Nation has Aboriginal title to its lands and that B.C.’s Forest Act and Land Act will no longer apply to Mowachaht/Muchalaht lands once title is declared. Jack said the 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 PressBjork is 'absolutely' confident that Day will return next year at Ohio StateNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball switched a pair of series involving the Tampa Bay Rays to the first two months of the season in an attempt to avoid summer rain at open-air Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home following damage to Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay is scheduled to play 19 of its first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 through May 28, then play 64 of its last 108 games on the road. The Rays are home for eight games each in July and August. A series scheduled at the Los Angeles Angels from April 7-9 will instead be played at Tampa, Florida, from April 8-10, MLB said Monday. The second series between the teams will be played at Anaheim, California, from Aug. 4-6 instead of at St. Petersburg, Florida, from Aug. 5-7. Minnesota's first series against the Rays will be played at Steinbrenner Field from May 26-28 and the Twins' second will be at Target Field in Minneapolis from July 4-6. Tampa Bay heads into the All-Star break with a 10-game trip to Minnesota, Detroit and Boston, and has a 12-game trip to the Angels, Seattle, Oakland and San Francisco from Aug. 4-17. Tropicana Field, the Rays’ home since the team started play in 1998, was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9 , with most of its fabric roof shredded. The Rays cannot return to the Trop until 2026 at the earliest, if at all. Story continues below video Tampa's average monthly rainfall from 1991 to 2020 was 2.25 inches in April and 2.60 in May , according to the National Weather Service, then rose to 7.37 in June , 7.75 in July and 9.03 in August before falling to 6.09 in September . The Class A Tampa Tarpons, the usual team at Steinbrenner Field, had six home postponements, two cancellations and four suspended games this year from June 21 through their season finale on Sept. 8. The Rays are now scheduled to play their first six games at home against Colorado and Pittsburgh, go to Texas for a three-game series, then return for a 13-game homestand against the Angels, Atlanta, Boston and the New York Yankees. The Tarpons will play their home games on a back field. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/Daily Post Nigeria Six year-single term for president temporarily set back – Ugochinyere Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Politics Six year-single term for president temporarily set back – Ugochinyere Published on November 22, 2024 By Seun Opejobi A member of the House of Representatives from Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, on Friday described the rejection of the single-year term of six years for President and governor as a “temporary set back.” Ugochinyere said the bill be represented in the next legislative session. On Thursday, the House of Representative had rejected the bill seeking to reduce the tenure of the president and governors to a single tenure of six years. The bill, sponsored by Ugochinyere and others was debated before the lawmakers rejected it. The bill sought to amend the 1999 constitution to reduce the tenure of the lawmakers, President, and governors. However, featuring on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Ugochinyere said: “After excusing all the legislative timeline, it will be represented at the floor of the next legislative session. “Secondly, we have compiled the submission and by tomorrow or Monday, we will be submitting it to the constitutional amendment committee. “Hope is still alive and it’s a temporary set back, the struggle to have six years single term rotation of power between the North and South is till on. “In parliamentary business there must be yes and no about it, this is not the first time the six years single term proposal is coming up; and like I said before, more consultation would be carried out and will be represented for members to see reasons from our own angle.” Related Topics: Ugochinyere Don't Miss Wike, G5 governors want to destroy PDP – Rep member ugochinyere You may like Wike, G5 governors want to destroy PDP – Rep member ugochinyere Irredeemable doom awaits PDP – Ugochinyere warns Court order didn’t stop PDP NWC before sacking Damagun – Ugochinyere Rivers crisis: Wike’s supporters must face justice – Ugochinyere Rivers crisis: Nigeria is finished – Ugochinyere LG Poll: ‘Fly down to Rivers now in solidarity with Fubara’ – Ugochinyere tells PDP govs Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

By HILLEL ITALIE NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, there was still time to read books. U.S. sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market, with many choosing the relief of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up Taylor Swift’s tie-in book to her blockbuster tour, while others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Here are 10 notable books published in 2024, in no particular order. Asking about the year’s hottest reads would basically yield a list of the biggest hits in romantasy, the blend of fantasy and romance that has proved so irresistible fans were snapping up expensive “special editions” with decorative covers and sprayed edges. Of the 25 top sellers of 2024, as compiled by Circana, six were by romantasy favorite Sarah J. Maas, including “House of Flame and Shadow,” the third of her “Crescent City” series. Millions read her latest installment about Bryce Quinlan and Hunter Athalar and traced the ever-growing ties of “Maasverse,” the overlapping worlds of “Crescent City” and her other series, “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” If romantasy is for escape, other books demand we confront. In the bestselling “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt looks into studies finding that the mental health of young people began to deteriorate in the 2010s, after decades of progress. According to Haidt, the main culprit is right before us: digital screens that have drawn kids away from “play-based” to “phone-based” childhoods. Although some critics challenged his findings, “The Anxious Generation” became a talking point and a catchphrase. Admirers ranged from Oprah Winfrey to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee, who in a letter to state legislators advocated such “commonsense recommendations” from the book as banning phones in schools and keeping kids off social media until age 16. Bob Woodward books have been an election tradition for decades. “War,” the latest of his highly sourced Washington insider accounts, made news with its allegations that Donald Trump had been in frequent contact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin even while out of office and, while president, had sent Putin sophisticated COVID-19 test machines. Among Woodward’s other scoops: Putin seriously considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, and President Joe Biden blamed former President Barack Obama, under whom he served as vice president, for some of the problems with Russia. “Barack never took Putin seriously,” Woodward quoted Biden as saying. Former (and future) first lady Melania Trump, who gives few interviews and rarely discusses her private life, unexpectedly announced she was publishing a memoir: “Melania.” The publisher was unlikely for a former first lady — not one of the major New York houses, but Skyhorse, where authors include such controversial public figures as Woody Allen and Trump cabinet nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And its success was at least a minor surprise. Melania Trump did little publicity for the book, and offered few revelations beyond posting a video expressing support for abortion rights — a break from one of the cornerstones of GOP policy. But “Melania” still sold hundreds of thousands of copies, many in the days following her husband’s election. Taylor Swift was more than a music story in 2024. Like “Melania,” the news about Taylor Swift’s self-published tie-in to her global tour isn’t so much the book itself, but that it exists. And how well it sold. As she did with the “Eras” concert film, Swift bypassed the established industry and worked directly with a distributor: Target offered “The Eras Tour Book” exclusively. According to Circana, the “Eras” book sold more than 800,000 copies just in its opening week, an astonishing number for a publication unavailable through Amazon.com and other traditional retailers. No new book in 2024 had a better debut. Midnight book parties are supposed to be for “Harry Potter” and other fantasy series, but this fall, more than 100 stores stayed open late to welcome one of the year’s literary events: Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo.” The Irish author’s fourth novel centers on two brothers, their grief over the death of their father, their very different career paths and their very unsettled love lives. “Intermezzo” was also a book about chess: “You have to read a lot of opening theory — that’s the beginning of a game, the first moves,” one of the brothers explains. “And you’re learning all this for what? Just to get an okay position in the middle game and try to play some decent chess. Which most of the time I can’t do anyway.” Lisa Marie Presley had been working on a memoir at the time of her death , in 2023, and daughter Riley Keough had agreed to help her complete it. “From Here to the Great Unknown” is Lisa Marie’s account of her father, Elvis Presley, and the sagas of of her adult life, notably her marriage to Michael Jackson and the death of son Benjamin Keough. To the end, she was haunted by the loss of Elvis, just 42 when he collapsed and died at his Graceland home while young Lisa Marie was asleep. “She would listen to his music alone, if she was drunk, and cry,” Keough, during an interview with Winfrey, said of her mother. Meanwhile, Cher released the first of two planned memoirs titled “Cher” — no further introduction required. Covering her life from birth to the end of the 1970s, she focuses on her ill-fated marriage to Sonny Bono, remembering him as a gifted entertainer and businessman who helped her believe in herself while turning out to be unfaithful, erratic, controlling and so greedy that he kept all the couple’s earnings for himself. Unsure of whether to leave or stay, she consulted a very famous divorcee, Lucille Ball, who reportedly encouraged her: “F— him, you’re the one with the talent.” A trend in recent years is to take famous novels from the past, and remove words or passages that might offend modern readers; an edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” cuts the racist language from Mark Twain’s original text. In the most celebrated literary work of 2024, Percival Everett found a different way to take on Twain’s classic — write it from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. “James,” winner of the National Book Award, is a recasting in many ways. Everett suggests to us that the real Jim was nothing like the deferential figure known to millions of readers, but a savvy and learned man who concealed his intelligence from the whites around him, and even from Twain himself. Salman Rushdie’s first National Book Award nomination was for a memoir he wished he had no reason to write. In “Knife,” he recounts in full detail the horrifying attempt on his life in 2022, when an attendee rushed the stage during a literary event in western New York and stabbed him repeatedly, leaving with him a blinded eye and lasting nerve damage, but with a spirit surprisingly intact. “If you had told me that this was going to happen and how would I deal with it, I would not have been very optimistic about my chances,” he told The Associated Press last spring. “I’m still myself, you know, and I don’t feel other than myself. But there’s a little iron in the soul, I think.”

Man United coach Amorim says argument between Hojlund and Diallo a 'very good sign'

Online auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbons

Burnham Holdings, Inc. Declares Dividends, Announces Date of Annual Meeting and Director RetirementPanel warns about threats to international educationFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Previously, confiscated bourbon or other spirits could end up being destroyed, he said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.

NoneFRO stock touches 52-week low at $18.26 amid market shiftsChad Chronister, Donald Trump's pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position. Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Trump's pick of Chronister for the post drew backlash from conservatives, including for past comments he made that his sheriff’s office was not focused on enforcing federal immigration laws. RELATED STORY | Trump nominates South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead Homeland Security Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump's first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The DEA post requires Senate confirmation.

This is CNBC's live blog covering European markets. European markets are expected to open lower on Friday, as investors in the region digest the latest political developments in France. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Following a vote that toppled French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's minority government on Wednesday evening — a motion backed by both left and right-leaning lawmakers after Barnier forced his contested budget through parliament without a vote — the country's President Emmanuel Macron gave a defiant speech criticizing politicians for not thinking about "the voters." He insisted he would see out the remainder of his presidency, which will see him stay in office until 2027. Barnier resigned from his post Thursday morning , but will continue in a caretaker role while Macron selects a replacement. The euro was marginally lower against the dollar before the European opening bell following a rise in the previous session. At 6:21 a.m. London time it was trading around $1.0574. In Asia, markets were mixed , with traders monitoring political instability in South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law. Money Report UniCredit's Orcel could still sweeten his bid and take on a double M&A offensive India's central bank revises down economic growth forecast for 2025, keeps interest rate steady Across the Atlantic, investors are looking ahead to the publication of U.S. nonfarm payroll figures, which are expected to have increased in November . Opening calls The FTSE 100 is expected to open 8 points lower at 8,341 on Friday morning, while the German DAX index is slated to lose 24 points at the opening, according to IG, bringing it down to 20,334. Meanwhile, IG is predicting that the CAC 40 will open around 8 points lower at 7,322. — Chloe Taylor CNBC Pro: Top picks for 2025: Stocks from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia among Macquarie's favorites — all with more than 50% upside Macquarie has named several Asian companies as its top picks for 2025, with predicted gains ranging from 50% to over 80% in their share prices. The selection spans multiple sectors including technology, automotive, defense, and power utilities, reflecting the investment bank's positive view on these industries for the coming year. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao Also on CNBC Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: Ulta Beauty, Lululemon and more Stock futures are little changed ahead of key jobs report There's an important jobs report coming Friday. Here's what to expect

MONTREAL - The Ottawa Charge got contributions from six different goal scorers in a 6-1 pre-season win over the Boston Fleet on Thursday in the Professional Women's Hockey League. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MONTREAL - The Ottawa Charge got contributions from six different goal scorers in a 6-1 pre-season win over the Boston Fleet on Thursday in the Professional Women's Hockey League. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MONTREAL – The Ottawa Charge got contributions from six different goal scorers in a 6-1 pre-season win over the Boston Fleet on Thursday in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Emily Clark, Stephanie Markowski and Anna Meixner had a goal and an assist each, while Katerina Mrazova, Mannon McMahon and Shiann Darkangelo also scored for Ottawa (1-0-0). Emerance Maschmeyer made 36 saves playing all 60 minutes and Tereza Vanisova pitched in with two assists at the Verdun Auditorium. Lexie Adzija replied for Boston (1-1-0). Starter Cami Kronish stopped 10 of 12 shots, while Klara Peslarova denied 12 of 16 in relief. PWHL mini-camp play in Montreal wraps up Friday when Ottawa takes on the Montreal Victoire (0-1-0). Boston beat Montreal 3-1 on Wednesday. — FROST 4 SIRENS 3 (OT) TORONTO — Mae Batherson scored twice, including the overtime winner, and the Minnesota Frost beat the New York Sirens in exhibition play. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Brooke McQuigge, with a goal and an assist, and Melissa Channell-Watkins also scored for Minnesota (2-0-0), which won the inaugural Walter Cup last season. Nicole Hensley stopped 10 of 11 shots and Lauren Bench saved nine of 11 while splitting duties at Ford Performance Centre. Paetyn Levis had a goal and an assist for New York (0-0-1). Brooke Hobson and Elle Hartje also scored, and Corinne Schroeder made 19 saves. The Sirens take on the Toronto Sceptres (0-1-0) on Friday. Toronto fell 3-1 to Minnesota on Wednesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement

Enaya Medical Foundation And CEO Dr. Salman Al Mutairi Earns Honor For Business Society Contributions And Executives Awards At HBC 2024 International AwardsArkansas WR Andrew Armstrong declares for NFL draft, skipping bowl

DENVER — Dylan Guenther had two goals and an assist and the Utah Hockey Club beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 on Thursday night. Vladislav Kolyachonok and Kevin Stenlund also scored as Utah improved to 3-0-1 in its last four games. Karel Vejmelka stopped 22 shots. Nathan MacKinnon scored his 11th goal of the season for Colorado, and Scott Wedgewood had 19 saves in his first home start with the Avalanche since coming over in a trade with Nashville on Nov. 30. The Avalanche snapped a three-game win streak. Guenther opened the scoring at 8:26 of the first period when his centering pass deflected off Artturi Lehknonen's skate and past Wedgewood. Kolyachonok and Guenther then scored 1:47 apart midway through the second period to put Utah up 3-0. MacKinnon made it 3-1 with 4:34 left in the third, but Stenlund scored into an empty net 23 seconds later. Takeaways Utah: Has a losing record at home but is 9-6-2 on the road. Utah has won five straight road games, where it plays six of its next 10 games. Avalanche: New goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood served as Wedgewood’s backup three days after being acquired from San Jose. Blackwood is expected to be Colorado’s No. 1 goalie Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz, left, pursues the puck with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar in the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Denver. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski Key moment Colorado had a chance to cut into the deficit in the final minute of the second period when Cale Makar’s shot trickled through Vejmelka and landed in front of the net. Casey Mittlestadt fanned trying to knock it in and Utah was able to clear it out of the crease. Key stat MacKinnon’s goal was his 946 career point, tying him with Michel Goulet for third in franchise history. Up next Utah travels to San Jose on Saturday night while the Avalanche host Nashville.MT Democrats project confidence in Medicaid expansion passage

DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Byte Federal Inc. Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised

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