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US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of "unfair" treatment of American ships and hinting at China's growing influence. Here are five things to know about the waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The 80-kilometer (50-mile) interoceanic waterway is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous public entity. The Central American nation's constitution describes the canal as an "inalienable heritage of the Panamanian nation" that is open to vessels "of all nations." The United States is its main user, accounting for 74 percent of cargo, followed by China with 21 percent. Panama's government sets the price of tolls based on canal needs and international demand. Rates depends on a vessel's cargo capacity. "The canal has no direct or indirect control from China, nor the European Union, nor the United States or any other power," Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino said Sunday as he dismissed Trump's threat. All vessels, including warships and submarines, are given a Panama Canal pilot. Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903 is linked to the canal. Following the failure of French count Ferdinand de Lesseps to open a channel through the isthmus, the United States promoted the separation of the province of Panama and signed a treaty with the nascent country that ceded land and water in perpetuity to build it. After 10 years of construction and an investment of $380 million, the canal was inaugurated on August 15, 1914 with the transit of the steamer Ancon. Some 25,000 deaths from disease and accidents were recorded during its construction. The canal "is part of our history" and "an irreversible achievement," Mulino said. Washington's establishment of a "Canal Zone" -- an enclave with its own military bases, police and justice system -- gave rise to decades of demands by Panamanians to reunify the country and take control of the waterway. In 1977, Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos and US president Jimmy Carter signed treaties that allowed the canal to be transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999. "Any attempt to reverse this historic achievement not only dishonors our struggle, but is also an insult to the memory of those who made it possible," former president Martin Torrijos, the general's son, wrote on social media. Under the treaties, supported by more than 40 countries, the canal is deemed neutral and any ship can pass through. The only conditions are that ships must comply with safety regulations and military vessels from countries at war must not pass through at the same time. Unlike Egypt's Suez Canal, the Panama Canal operates using freshwater stored in two reservoirs. A drought led to a reduction in the number of transits in 2023, but the situation has since normalized. The canal, which has a system of locks to raise and lower vessels, transformed global shipping. Crafts can travel between the two oceans in about eight hours without having to sail all the way around Cape Horn, the southern tip of the Americas. The canal allows a ship to shave 20,300 kilometers off a journey from New York to San Francisco. Five percent of world maritime trade passes through the canal, which connects more than 1,900 ports in 170 countries. By the early 21st century, it had become too small, so it was expanded between 2009 and 2016. Today, the canal can accommodate ships up to 366 meters long and 49 meters wide (1,200 feet by 161 feet) -- equivalent to almost four football pitches. It generates six percent of Panama's national economic output and since 2000 has pumped more than $28 billion into state coffers. More than 11,200 ships transited the canal in the last fiscal year carrying 423 million tons of cargo. jjr/fj/dr/mlm

Be Committed To Professionalism, Accountability, HCSF Charges Workers

Tweet Facebook Mail An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people on board has crashed near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors , a Kazakh official said. Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev disclosed the figures while meeting with Azerbaijani officials, the Russian news agency Interfax reported. The Embraer 190 was en route from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus when it was diverted and attempted an emergency landing 3km from Aktau, Azerbaijan Airlines said. READ MORE:  'Leave now': Victorian bushfire hits emergency level The wreckage of the deadly plane crash. (AP) Speaking at a news conference, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that it was too soon to speculate on the reasons behind the crash, but said that the weather had forced the plane to change from its planned course. “The information provided to me is that the plane changed its course between Baku and Grozny due to worsening weather conditions and headed to Aktau airport, where it crashed upon landing,” he said. Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said that preliminary information showed that the pilots diverted to Aktau after a bird strike led to an emergency on board. READ MORE:  The biggest national, sport, world, technology and entertainment stories of the year Officials say it is stll to early to determine what caused the plane to crash. (AP) According to Kazakh officials, those aboard the plane included 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian nationals, six Kazakhs and three Kyrgyzstan nationals. Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office previously said that 32 of the 67 people on board had survived the crash, but told journalists that the number wasn’t final. The Associated Press could not immediately reconcile the difference between the numbers of survivors given by Kazakhstan and Azerbaijani officials. Mobile phone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Other footage showed part of its fuselage ripped away from the wings and the rest of the aircraft, lying upside in the grass. The footage corresponded to the plane’s colors and its registration number. READ MORE: Mike's trip around the world ended with him pulling dead bodies from the Boxing Day tsunami deluge The crash killed dozens of people. (Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations) Some of the videos posted on social media showed survivors dragging fellow passengers away from the wreckage. Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24.com showed the aircraft making what appeared to be a figure eight once nearing the airport in Aktau, its altitude moving up and down substantially over the last minutes of the flight before impacting the ground. FlightRadar24 separately said in an online post that the aircraft had faced “strong GPS jamming,” which “made the aircraft transmit bad ADS-B data,” referring to the information that allows flight-tracking websites to follow planes in flight. Russia has been blamed in the past for jamming GPS transmissions in the wider region. READ MORE: Lizz Hills was on a scuba trip in Thailand when she noticed the ocean water 'boiling' underneath her Footage from the ground shows the plane move up and down before it hit the ground. (9News) Azerbaijan Airlines said it would keep members of the public updated and changed its social media banners to solid black. It also said that it would suspend flights between Baku and Grozny, as well as between Baku and the city of Makhachkala in Russia's North Caucasus, until its investigation into the crash has been concluded. Azerbaijan’s state news agency, Azertac, said that an official delegation of Azerbaijan’s emergency situations minister, the deputy general prosecutor and the vice president of Azerbaijan Airlines were sent to Aktau to conduct an “on-site investigation." Aliyev, who was traveling to Russia, returned to Azerbaijan on hearing news of the crash, the president’s press service said. He was due to attend an informal meeting of leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a bloc of former Soviet countries founded after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in St. Petersburg. Aliyev expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in a statement on social media. “It is with deep sadness that I express my condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote. He also signed a decree declaring Dec. 26 a day of mourning in Azerbaijan. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Aliyev on the phone and expressed his condolences, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Speaking at the CIS meeting in St. Petersburg, Putin also said that Russia's Emergency Ministry sent a plane with equipment and medical workers to Kazakhstan to assist with the aftermath of the crash. Kazakhstani, Azerbaijani and Russian authorities said they were investigating the crash. Embraer told The Associated Press in a statement that the company is “ready to assist all relevant authorities."In the HBO documentary “Surveilled,” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow travels across the globe to investigate and expose the dark underbelly of the multi-billion-dollar advanced spyware industry. The film reveals that repressive regimes aren’t alone in using spyware to hack into citizens’ cell phones and computers clandestinely; democratic governments are also guilty of spying on unknowing individuals. “In recent years, we have seen a succession of Western democracies, where people really thought, “It can’t happen here” have these scandals where the use of commercial spyware technology spirals out of control despite constitutions in place that should prevent it,” says Farrow, whose most recent article for the New Yorker details how the Trump administration could expand the use of commercial spyware in the U.S. The article examines the Department of Homeland Security’s recently signed two-million-dollar contract with the Israeli spyware company Paragon. “A number of experts told me that the Department of Homeland Security acquiring this technology doesn’t necessarily mean, even if it’s intended for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), that it will only be used by ICE for immigration purposes,” says Farrow. “Not that we should lack concern about ICE marrying up Donald Trump ‘s promise of mass deportation with advanced spyware technology. But a lot of the privacy law experts that I spoke with told me that we should all really be concerned even if you don’t think of yourself as being in a vulnerable category. Even if you are not a politician, an activist, or a journalist, you are still looking at a situation where you might not know that you are being targeted until after the fact, and that’s another reason why it was important to me in this documentary, to tell the stories of innocent bystanders who are apolitical, who get caught up in these dragnets.” Farrow began reporting on the spyware industry after he was the target of cyber surveillance during his investigation into Harvey Weinstein that would help launch the 2017 #MeToo movement. “I came to (this subject) quite naturally in the course of being surveilled in various ways myself while reporting on tricky stories that pissed people off,” says Farrow. “It was personally frightening and devastating. It’s not just information gathering; there is a dimension of intimidation to it and, maybe even more consequentially, it shrinks the space for us to do our work as journalists.” Directed by Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, “Surveilled” takes viewers inside the secretive industry while also illuminating how the digital spy business is reshaping contemporary concepts of privacy and power. The docu, which made its world debut at DOC NYC this month, examines ethical dilemmas that citizens and governments must now navigate in the brave new world of cyberespionage. Variety spoke to Farrow about Trump, the future of the #MeToo movement, and how to fend off being hacked. Farrow: I try to stay away from speculation other than talking about the capacities we have right now, the promises being made, and how those could collide in scary ways. We don’t know what will happen, but I do know that an array of serious privacy law experts are in a state of high alarm now looking at the fact that Donald Trump is making this promise of mass deportation. Also, the threats he is making to subject political enemies to tribunals and the idea he has conveyed that journalists who protect sources should go to jail have put privacy law experts in a high state of alarm (because) those promises become a lot scarier when married up with this kind of (spy) technology that his administration will have at its fingertips. It’s a huge concern. If we want freedom of expression and freedom of information, then we need to have privacy rights and devices that can’t be so easily compromised. We need to have checks and balances on these (spy) tools, and one of the big casualties when those checks and balances go away and when these devices are just a public space, and there is no room for private conversations, is journalism. I don’t want to see a reality in which the Trump administration makes good on what he’s saying about imprisoning people in our profession who protect their sources. Unfortunately, that reality becomes a lot more likely to transpire if this tech is used in an unfettered way. Write to your representatives and call them to say that you want accountability on this issue. While there are few complete defenses against advanced hacking technology, a daily reboot of your phone is something multiple tech experts have advised in the course of my reporting. I can’t give a satisfying answer to the question because the important part of my relationship with that reporting is that I really was just acting not as an activist but as an investigative reporter. The separate issue that you raised about Trump’s appointments, I think, is just linked to this wider pattern that we are seeing with those appointments, which has been described by very credible journalists in recent days as a trolling operation. Having people who have disregarded and flouted the very thing that the agency they are going to be running is designed to protect that’s happening over and over again. So, while it has a dimension of perhaps nose-thumbing at standards of consent and accountability around sexual violence, it is really just part and parcel with a moment in which this administration is coming in with a lot of evidence of a lot of different types of disregard for the rule of law. “Surveilled” is currently streaming on Max.

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President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his support for his pick to lead the Department of Defense, saying "Pete Hegseth is doing very well." He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense...Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!" Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social media platform on Friday. Hegseth's Nomination Hegseth, a former Fox News host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent the week on Capitol Hill working to secure his Cabinet nomination. Behind closed doors, he sought to reassure Republican senators of his qualifications to lead Trump's Pentagon . Hegseth's confirmation by the Senate remains uncertain amid scrutiny over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his controversial views on women serving in combat roles. The contentious nomination of Hegseth has become more than a debate over who should lead the Pentagon, and it underscores a conservative push for a more traditionally masculine military while targeting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Trump's allies have mounted a vigorous defense of Hegseth, including the Heritage Foundation's political arm, which has pledged $1 million to bolster his embattled nomination. Meanwhile, Hegseth has vowed to remain in the fight as long as the president-elect supports him. "We're going to earn those votes," Hegseth said in Washington D.C. this week. "As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I'm going to be standing right here." The fight over Hegseth's nomination has also been seen by some observers as a test of Trump's influence and the limits of loyalty among Republican senators grappling with concerns over his picks. Two of Trump's earlier nominees have already withdrawn under intense scrutiny: former Congressman Matt Gaetz , his initial choice for attorney general, and Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister, who was tapped to head the Drug Enforcement Administration. Views of Hegseth Donald Trump Jr., the president-elect's son, voiced support for Hegseth this week, saying on social media that "if you're a GOP Senator who voted for [current Defense Secretary] Lloyd Austin , but criticize @PeteHegseth, then maybe you're in the wrong political party!" Hegseth has assured lawmakers he would abstain from drinking while in office and denied any allegations of sexual misconduct. However, his professional stance on female service members has faced mounting criticism, particularly after he stated last month that women "straight up" should not serve in combat roles. Hegseth secured a key endorsement from Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, whose backing is viewed as a significant counterbalance to the lukewarm reception he received from Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. Ernst, a sexual assault survivor, declined to endorse Hegseth following their meeting this week. While acknowledging his military service, Ernst stated that they "had a frank and thorough conversation." Trump's incoming Vice President J.D. Vance also issued support for Hegseth on Friday, saying: "I fully support Pete. I think Pete's gonna get confirmed, and we are completely behind him." The New York Times Report The New York Times recently published a 2018 email from Hegseth's mother, Penelope, in which she accused him of mistreating women after he fathered a child with his current wife while still married to his second. This week, she appeared on Fox & Friends to defend her son. As Hegseth continued his battle for Senate confirmation, he appeared to make some headway with Republican lawmakers who had previously voiced concerns, particularly regarding reports about his drinking. "I'm not going to make any decision regarding Pete Hegseth's nomination based on anonymous sources," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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WASHINGTON, Dec 24 — A US health boss’s murder sparked a torrent of online misinformation and calls for violence against other executives, suggesting a failure of social media moderation that analysts fear could translate into real-world harms. The posts, allowed to spread unfettered across tech platforms, came in the wake of the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York on December 4 and lay bare a Wild West internet landscape that is largely bereft of guardrails. “As much disagreement as there is about what content, if any, should be moderated — at the top of most peoples’ list would be ‘explicit threats of violence,’” Jonathan Nagler, co-director of New York University’s Center for Social Media and Politics, told AFP. “So seeing posts on social media that explicitly encourage violence against anyone including CEOs of health insurance firms, suggests that content moderation has failed.” Further exemplifying that failure, disinformation security company Cyabra identified hundreds of accounts across the Elon Musk-owned X and Meta-owned Facebook that spread a host of conspiracy theories related to the murder. They included the unfounded claim that Thompson’s wife was involved in the killing as the couple was experiencing relationship issues. Other posts baselessly claimed that former House speaker Nancy Pelosi was behind the murder. Many of these narratives were amplified by prominent influencers on X such as the conservative commentator Matt Wallace, with some of them garnering hundreds of millions of views, Cyabra said. ‘Unchecked hate’ In another falsehood identified by the misinformation watchdog NewsGuard, a video swirling online purportedly showed Thompson admitting that he worked with Pelosi. But it was an old video from 2012 and the man was another Brian Thompson, who was forced to clarify on X that he was not the UnitedHealthcare chief executive. In a validation of the old axiom that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes, his X post drew only around 150 views while the posts advancing the false claim garnered hundreds of thousands. Thompson’s murder has unleashed pent-up anger towards the nation’s health insurance companies, which patients and advocacy groups say fail to provide affordable care. Many comments taking aim at the medical system quickly spiraled into targeted threats against high-profile CEOs. Hashtags such as “CEO Assassin” gained traction and multiple posts aimed at health insurance providers brazenly asked: “Who’s next after Brian Thompson?” One post targeting insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield said: “Let your CEO know... you’re next!!!” Similar posts took aim at Humana’s CEO Jim Rechtin and Andrew Witty from the UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of Thompson’s firm. “The danger here is clear: unchecked hate and disinformation online have the potential to spill over into real-world violence,” Dan Brahmy, chief executive of Cyabra, told AFP. ‘Alarming power’ The companies did not respond to AFP when asked how they were dealing with the threats ricocheting online. With the elevated risk, US corporations are increasing security personnel at offices and residences of senior executives, many of whom have been asked to delete their digital footprints, US media reported. Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione, who is accused of Thompson’s murder, has been widely lionized online. Brahmy said this demonstrated the “alarming power of unmoderated social media” to amplify violent narratives. Social media content moderation has emerged as a political lightning rod in the United States, with many conservatives calling it “censorship” under the guise of fighting misinformation. Platforms such as X have gutted trust and safety teams and scaled back moderation, making it what researchers call a hotbed for misinformation and hate. “As platforms grapple with moderation challenges, it’s imperative for companies, governments, and users alike to remain vigilant against the disproportionate influence of bad actors, who exploit social tensions to manipulate public perceptions and conversations,” Brahmy said. — AFP

By KEVIN FREKING WASHINGTON (AP) — National defense would see a 1% increase in spending this fiscal year under a Pentagon policy bill that also gives a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. Related Articles National News | 'Technical issue' causes massive outage to Facebook, Instagram, other Meta apps National News | FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at end of Biden’s term in January National News | Anthony Weiner, ex-congressman jailed in sexting scandal, files to run for NYC City Council seat National News | Ex-prosecutor charged with meddling in Ahmaud Arbery case appears in court ahead of trial National News | Gun found on suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO matches shell casings at scene, police say The measure is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but not this year as some Democratic lawmakers protest the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill is expected to pass the House Wednesday and then move to the Senate, where lawmakers had sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the $895.2 billion authorized in the compromise measure before them. Lawmakers are touting the bill’s 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said their pay has failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. “No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that’s exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. “This bill goes a long way to fixing that.” The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation’s borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a “tremendous loss for our national defense,” though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. “We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it,” Wicker said. House Republicans don’t want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 that could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a “very real problem.” He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. “These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives,” Smith said. “And in this bill, we decided we’re going to bar servicemembers’ children from having access to that.” Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care is in the thousands. He said he could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson’s office insisted upon the ban. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying “I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates.” Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, “and yet, here it is in this bill.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team was not telling Democrat how to vote on the bill. He said he was still evaluating the legislation as of Wednesday morning. “There’s a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well,” Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration had requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. The Senate is expected to take up the legislation next week. It then would move to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.Tulane QB Mensah transfers to Duke

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By Amanda Rosa Miami Herald / Tribune News Service There are many ways to go viral on social media, but one Broward resident had a sure fire idea: a tattoo of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Not a temporary tattoo or a fake one to trick people online. Levi Jones, a 33-year-old business owner, pulled up to Sacred Eye Tattoos in Hollywood last week and sat for eight hours getting a photorealistic black-and-white portrait of Mangione on his leg. The tattoo, complete with the words “Deny. Defend. Depose.” written on Mangione’s face, is one of many tattoos, artworks, songs, T-shirts and memes inspired by Mangione to pop up online since he was named NYPD’s prime suspect in the shooting. Just a few days after posting the video, Jones’ tattoo has gotten over 1 million views on Instagram. TikTok removed it from its platform as it was gaining traction, said Anthony Medina, the 27-year-old tattoo artist behind the piece. “I definitely think it’s gonna get a little bit more viral, probably like five to 10 million views, hopefully,” Jones told the Herald. “But that was the plan.” It’s all part of fiery online discourse over the shooting and the wave of public support for Mangione as many people expressed frustration over the healthcare insurance industry and its practice of denying legitimate claims . Prosecutors accused Mangione of shooting Thompson in Manhattan on Dec. 4 and fleeing to Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald’s days later. To some, Mangione has become a folk hero , while law enforcement and elected officials—from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to President-elect Donald Trump —have condemned those who valorize the alleged killer. Ironically, neither Medina nor Jones have a particularly strong opinion on Mangione or Thompson’s death. “Well, I don’t support murder, that’s for sure. I understand the frustration. I love the kind of vigilante aspect behind it. I’m in no means supportive of assassinating CEOs because you disagree with them or whatever immoral compass they have,” Jones said. “But, I’m kind of neutral on it. I don’t really know enough about it to even say if I’m with or against him.” Medina had a similar response: “I don’t have an opinion on what happened. I haven’t done research into it to even form an opinion whether it was justified or not. Killing someone in general is never justified, but I’m sure he had his reasons behind it.” So how did the permanent portrait come to be? “He’s a very impulsive person,” Medina said. Jones and Medina were already in talks about getting a different tattoo. Out of the blue, Medina said Jones texted him that he wanted to get a portrait of Mangione. Medina wasn’t buying it. “I said, ‘No shot you’re actually serious about this,’” Medina said. “Two days later, it actually happened.” In the past, Medina said, the two tried their hand at creating a viral moment with a fake Instagram video of Jones getting a suggestive face tattoo. “He was trying to go viral with that, but it didn’t go as well as this one apparently,” the tattoo artist said. “I was expecting us to have a lot more views by now just because it’s so controversial, but that was the intent behind it,” Jones said. “I wanted something that was going to be kind of intense and extreme. People would see it, shake their head like, ‘What the hell are these guys doing?’” In person, Jones said he’s only gotten positive reactions from people. While shopping at Total Wine on Friday, Jones said the cashier noticed the tattoo and gushed about how she had seen it online. On Instagram though, the comment section is more heated. Some like the tattoo, many do not. Comments range from “this is nuts but awesome work my boy like always” to “WHY” to “Celebrating a death that resulted in no change what so ever.” One Instagram user joked: “Imagine you got an infection from that tattoo and you went to the doctor and then your claim got denied.” Medina gets a kick out of people online who assume the artist and client are politically liberal, like one commenter that wrote, “I can tell by the shape of the leg this person is a lib” with laughing emojis. “I think it’s hilarious because we’re both Republicans, and he’s a full Trump supporter,” Medina said. Both Jones and Medina said they understand why some may find the tattoo offensive, but Medina noted that people have been getting tattoos of violent and controversial figures for years. Clients have asked Medina, who specializes in realistic, black-and-white portraits, for tattoos of mobsters, drug cartel leaders and Miami’s infamous “Cocaine Cowboys.” “Idolizing people that do bad things is not new,” Medina said. “I think because [the situation] is so recent, the tattoo is a little out there, but it’s definitely not the first time that something like this has gone around. I think I was just the best to do it.” Regardless of how people feel about it—or whether Mangione is found to be innocent or guilty—Jones said the tattoo makes for a great story and he doesn’t regret getting it. As someone who used to work in the medical field, Jones added that there is one positive thing to come out of social media’s Mangione mania: people are seriously talking about the healthcare insurance industry. “I know firsthand how corrupt it is, how people care more about money than patients. At the end of the day, people are paychecks,” Jones said. “I do like the fact that people are kind of waking up and seeing this because before this, no one would have cared.”A brief note, published on Sunday, May 12, 1889 by the Diario de la Marina , announced the important news: “Mr. Waterman, engineer of the Tonson Houston International Company, from Boston, has arrived in Cárdenas for the establishment of electric lighting in said city.” I say important because the city known as “the city of firsts,” called “The Barcelona of Cuba” by the Catalan Eduardo Asquerino, director of the Spanish newspaper La América , in 1866, was going to become the first town in Cuba to enjoy electric lighting. The U.S. specialist arrived in a rainy month, with heavy downpours, after a period of intense drought. On May 14, he got to work, in coordination with José Menéndez Ordóñez, in charge of the construction of the building. The technical part of the project was up to Waterman. A business community initiative Gumersindo Lanza, an enterprising man, conceived this project, supported by other merchants, according to Matanzas contemporánea. Guía provincial , in 1887. The work began immediately, especially the feasibility study. To learn how the new lighting system worked, a commission traveled to the United States. In a letter addressed to Mayor Francisco Comas Fuster, on January 24, 1889, they said: “The undersigned, residents and merchants of this city, with their corresponding personal identification cards, state: That they have carefully studied various electric lighting systems, and the data, budgets and (sic) reports that they have collected, it appears that no other, in their opinion, presents more improvements and provides more economy in its production than the Thompson and Hoston system, from Boston, USA. And this is proven by the number of prizes that said system has obtained in the main competitions on electricity that have been held in Europe and America. The undersigned wish to contribute so that the city of Cárdenas has advances that lead to great progress in all important towns and are useful to the population, the City Council that you preside over takes this into consideration, we will form a Company that will be called the Cárdenas Electricity Company.” Related Posts “Song to Havana” in photographs November 17, 2024 Cuba’s Railway Museum, without witnesses October 11, 2024 Villa Elvira, the house where Emilio Bacardí passed away September 8, 2024 The star of chocolate in Cuba August 12, 2024 var jnews_module_313679_0_6743b6dc69762 = {"header_icon":"","first_title":"Related Posts","second_title":"","url":"","header_type":"heading_1","header_background":"","header_secondary_background":"","header_text_color":"","header_line_color":"","header_accent_color":"","header_filter_category":"","header_filter_author":"","header_filter_tag":"","header_filter_text":"All","post_type":"post","content_type":"all","number_post":"4","post_offset":0,"unique_content":"disable","include_post":"","exclude_post":313679,"include_category":"13912","exclude_category":"","include_author":"","include_tag":"","exclude_tag":"","sort_by":"latest","date_format":"default","date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","force_normal_image_load":"","pagination_mode":"nextprev","pagination_nextprev_showtext":"","pagination_number_post":"4","pagination_scroll_limit":0,"boxed":"","boxed_shadow":"","el_id":"","el_class":"","scheme":"","column_width":"auto","title_color":"","accent_color":"","alt_color":"","excerpt_color":"","css":"","paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_21"}; Since the old gas lighting system, established in Cárdenas in 1857, caused continuous complaints from the population due to its high prices and instability, the official and the other members of the municipal government did not hesitate to support the initiative. On March 14, 1889, the Compañía de Electricidad de Cárdenas S.A. was established with a capital of 75,000 pesos and the company Thomson and Houston, from Boston, was contracted to carry out the work. This company offered a portfolio of four public lighting systems, provided electric motors from half to 30 horsepower (22 Kw) and had installed electric railways on 19 tracks in the United States in 1888. The company won fair and square against the Western Electric Co., which was competing for the Cuban market and in 1889 boasted of having installed lighting in the San Vicente, Senado, Dos Hermanos sugar mills, the Remeneu match factory, the Terry Theater and the sugar and honey refinery of Salvador Vidal in Cárdenas. At that time, the installation of the electric lighting system in Havana theaters and parks and in some commercial establishments was a novelty. Ships were also beginning to use the new technology for their lighting. Inauguration The delegation headed by General Manuel de Salamanca Negrete, Governor of Cuba since March 13 of that year, arrived at the overseas town of Regla on Saturday, September 7, 1889. The large group, made up of military personnel, public officials and representatives of the press, boarded an extraordinary train that left at seven fifteen to Cárdenas. At eleven twenty they arrived in the city, where they were received by the highest civil and military personalities of the town, and the businessman Gumersindo Lanza, who, together with the mayor, had invited the governor to the inauguration of the electric lighting of the city. Testifonte Gallego García, a lawyer, former journalist of the Court in Madrid, who at that time served as the Governor’s private secretary, was impressed by the beauty of the town. He would later write in his book Cuba por fuera, apuntes al natural : Cárdenas, a very important city, is without a doubt the most artistic and grand town on the island. It is immense because of the population it has; its wide streets, carefully maintained, and its beautiful and well-proportioned buildings, are proof of the existence of great elements. How were the streets decorated for the celebration? A report by the Diario de la Marina correspondent informed: The town is brightly and colorfully decorated, and the streets have a very lively appearance. Several arches have been erected in honor of the illustrious guest, some of them very pretty. The main ones are on Calle Real, one of the widest and best laid out streets of all the towns on this island. The arches on Calle Real have been erected: one, for Commerce; another, for the Army, Navy and Volunteers, and another, for the Casino and Club societies. On Coronel Verdugo Street there is one erected by the City Council, as well as others in various parts of the city... A broad program was organized for the celebration that included a baseball game, an open-air concert, dinner in the Casino halls and dancing at the Club. After a short break, at the City Hall headquarters, General Salamanca witnessed the parade of the troops, later he enjoyed a banquet with his traveling companions and visited the Infantry Headquarters, the Jail, the Hospital and other buildings. And night came, and with it the long-awaited foundational act. A. Caro, journalist from the Diario de la Marina , who was present at the historic event, recounted what happened: At the appointed time of night to witness the supply of current to the entire city, both to public buildings and private homes, we went with Mr. Lanza to the plant or building from which the subtle current was to come out, which in that city, the first on this island to be illuminated by it, was stirring the most lively interest and curiosity as has been proven with all the applications of this powerful agent in the sovereign laboratory of nature, where lightning is forged and thunder is produced, as we have stated more than once. As soon as the devices were started up, given the appropriate signal, and as if a lightning bolt had condensed, the plant or building of the Company, all areas of the city, the City Hall, the Club, public establishments and private buildings, were seen brilliantly illuminated. The plant, blessed by General Salamanca and the mayor’s wife, had the capacity to supply arc light to 320 1,200-candlepower lamps using two dynamos, and incandescent light to a thousand 16-candlepower lamps, also using two other dynamos. Eighty-four arc lights were set up, at a distance of 200 meters, and on the cross streets, at 133 meters. According to chronicles of the time, electric arc light emitted an intense light and gave off a lot of heat, but it was, at that time, the most advanced for public lighting since the U.S. inventor and businessman Thomas Edison, in 1879, patented his design of the carbon filament light bulb. While they were dancing at the Cárdenas club that night, Gumersindo Lanza was enjoying his moment of glory, as he was treated like a popular hero. He had made a good deal; in the offices of the Company, which he managed, he had numerous requests from private homes and commercial establishments to contract the electricity service. The City Council would pay 19,000 pesos annually divided into quarterly installments, to the company. Private individuals would be charged 2 pesos for each light bulb, although later the price was lowered to 1.40 Spanish gold. From afar, a chronicler of the Diario de la Marina wrote, “the halls of the Club looked like a golden ember, with a clarity that resembled day.” ________________________________________ Sources: Testifonte Gallego García: Cuba por fuera, apuntes al natural, La Propaganda Literaria, Havana, 1892. Matanzas contemporánea. Guía provincial, 1942, Editorial Panamericana S.A. Diario de la Marina Ecured Tags: cuban history cuban society featuredPanola College awarded $279,280 TRUE grant to enhance health science programs

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Anoka-Hennepin School District faces $21 million budget deficitA bill that would accelerate the Department of Energy’s quantum information sciences research efforts advanced through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Tuesday, signaling ongoing congressional interest in pushing emerging technology-centric legislation through both chambers. The — a bipartisan bill authored by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Steve Daines, R-Mont. — contains multiple provisions related to quantum technology and sciences research, namely funding federal efforts in quantum networking research and development, establishing domestic foundry programs and conducting industry outreach efforts. Pursuant to the bill’s name, these research efforts will be helmed by Energy through a budget of $2.5 billion distributed over the next five years, should the bill pass into law. “When America invests in science, we lead the world,” Durbin said in a press release. “And nowhere is this truer than in advanced computing. I’m encouraged that the Energy and Natural Resources Committee sees the value in funding DOE’s quantum projects by passing my bipartisan bill with Senator Daines.” The DOE Quantum Leadership Act’s advancement comes during a lame duck session in Congress ahead of the incoming 2025 Trump administration. As another key piece of quantum tech legislation — the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act — , the advancement of the senators' bill could help continue authorizing federal funding for advancements in the quantum technology industry. have impressed the need for steady government funding into quantum information sciences research amid increasing global competition and .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

NASA and its commercial partners continue to drive innovation in space exploration, achieving milestones that will ultimately benefit human spaceflight and commercial low Earth orbit efforts. These recent achievements from NASA’s industry partners include completed safety milestones, successful flight tests, and major technological advancements. “Our commercial partners’ growing capabilities in low Earth orbit underscore NASA’s commitment to advance scientific discovery, pioneering space technology, and support future deep space exploration,” said Angela Hart, manager of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. As NASA expands opportunities in low Earth orbit, the agency is working with seven U.S. companies to meet future commercial and government needs through the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities initiative. Blue Origin Blue Origin continues to make progress in the development of an integrated commercial space transportation capability that ensures safe, affordable, and high-frequency U.S. access to orbit for crew and other missions. Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman is evolving the company’s Cygnus spacecraft as a foundational logistics and research platform to support NASA’s next generation of low Earth orbit ventures. The company recently completed a project management review with NASA, presenting the roadmap and enhancements to commercialize the spacecraft. Northrop Grumman also continues to make progress toward the implementation of docking capability through a partnership with Starlab Space. Sierra Space Sierra Space recently completed two full-scale ultimate burst pressure tests of its LIFE (Large Integrated Flexible Environment) habitat structure, an element of a NASA-funded commercial space station for new destinations in low Earth orbit. The company also has selected and tested materials for the habitat’s air barrier, focusing on permeability and flammability testing to meet the recommended safety standards. The inflatable habitat is designed to expand in orbit, creating a versatile living and working area for astronauts with a flexible, durable structure that allows for compact launch and significant expansion upon deployment. Sierra Space also has advanced in high velocity impact testing and micro-meteoroid and orbital debris configuration and material selection, crucial for ensuring the safety and durability of the company’s space structures, along with advancing radiator designs to optimize thermal management for long-duration missions. SpaceX SpaceX continues developing the company’s Starship spacecraft, a fully reusable transportation system designed for missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. SpaceX completed multiple flight tests, launching the spacecraft on the Super Heavy, the launch system’s booster, from the company’s Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. During the tests, SpaceX demonstrated key capabilities needed for the system’s reusability, including landing burns and reentry from hypersonic velocities. SpaceX is preparing to launch newer generations of the Starship system, powered by upgraded versions of its reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion Raptor engines, as it works to operationalize the system ahead of the first crewed lunar landing missions under the agency’s Artemis campaign. Special Aerospace Services Special Aerospace Services is developing an Autonomous Maneuvering Unit that incorporates in-space servicing, propulsion, and robotic technologies. The company is evaluating customer needs and establishing the details and features for the initial flight unit. Special Aerospace Services also is working on a prototype unit at its Special Projects Research Facility in Arvada, Colorado, and has started construction of a new campus and final assembly facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The application of these technologies is intended for the safer assembly of commercial destinations, servicing, retrieval, and inspection of in-space systems. ThinkOrbital ThinkOrbital recently demonstrated autonomous welding in space, validated by NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). The company will further test in-space welding, cutting, and X-ray inspection technologies on another mission later this year. ThinkOrbital’s third mission, scheduled for late 2025, will focus on developing commercially viable products, including a robotic arm with advanced end-effector solutions and standalone X-ray inspection capabilities. In-space welding technologies could enable building larger structures for future commercial space stations. Vast Vast continues development progress on the Haven-1 commercial space station, targeted to launch in 2025. The company recently completed several technical milestones, including fabricating key components such as the primary structure pathfinder, hatch, battery module, and control moment gyroscope. Vast also completed a solar array deployment test and the station’s preliminary design review with NASA’s support. While collaborating with the agency on developing and testing the commercial station’s dome-shaped window, Vast performed rigorous pressure testing to meet safety requirements. In addition to these efforts, NASA also is collaborating with two businesses through its Small Business Innovation Research Ignite initiative, which focuses on commercially viable technology ideas aligned with the agency’s mission needs. Both companies are developing technologies for potential use on the International Space Station and future commercial space stations. Canopy Aerospace Canopy Aerospace is developing a new manufacturing system aimed at improving the production of ceramic heat shields, also known as thermal protection systems. The company recently validated the material properties of a low-density ceramic insulator using an alumina-enhanced thermal barrier formulation. Canopy Aerospace also continues development of a 3D-printed, low-density ablator designed to provide thermal protection during extreme heating. The company also worked on other 3D-printed materials, such as aluminum nitride and oxide ceramic products, which could be useful in various applications across the energy, space, aerospace, and industrial sectors, including electromagnetic thrusters for satellites. Canopy Aerospace also developed standard layups of fiber-reinforced composites and integrated cork onto composite panels. Outpost Technologies Outpost Technologies completed a high-altitude flight test of its Cargo Ferry, a reusable cargo transportation vehicle. The company dropped a full-scale prototype from 82,000 feet via weather balloon to test its recovery system and range capabilities. The key innovation is a robotic paraglider that guides the vehicle to a precise landing. The paraglider deployed at a record-setting altitude of 65,000 feet, marking the highest flight ever for such a system. During the test, the vehicle autonomously flew 165 miles before it was safely recovered at the landing site, demonstrating the system’s reliability. The company’s low-mass re-entry system can protect payload mass and volume for future space cargo return missions and point-to-point delivery. NASA’s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy builds on the agency’s extensive human spaceflight experience to advance future scientific and exploration goals. As the International Space Station nears the end of operations, NASA plans to transition to a new low Earth orbit model to continue leveraging microgravity benefits. Through commercial partnerships, NASA aims to maintain its leadership in microgravity research and ensure continued benefits for humanity. Learn more about NASA’s low Earth orbit microgravity strategy at: https://www.nasa.gov/leomicrogravitystrategy News Media Contacts Claire O’Shea Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 claire.a.o’[email protected] Anna Schneider Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 [email protected] Rathdown General Election 2024 updates: Catherine Martin says it’s the ‘old story of the junior coalition partner getting punished’ as Green Party fights to keep seats

Coronation Street star to be 'killed off' as character is diagnosed with dementia

Colorado's Travis Hunter to enter draft, vows to be full-time CB and WR in NFLChicago Pizzeria delights dogs with walk-up 'Treat window' decorated for Christmas

Patriots' coaches enter bye week confident Drake Maye can be a franchise quarterback FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Drake Maye’s arrival in New England coincided with a wholesale reset for the Patriots franchise following the departure of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones this past offseason. Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press Dec 5, 2024 2:46 PM Dec 5, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye warms up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Drake Maye’s arrival in New England coincided with a wholesale reset for the Patriots franchise following the departure of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Mac Jones this past offseason. In his eight starts since assuming the reins from veteran Jacoby Brissett, the rookie quarterback has provided encouraging examples of what the Patriots’ revamped front office saw in selecting him third overall in the draft last April. While the Patriots enter their bye week with a 3-10 record and just 2-6 with Maye as the starter, both the coaching staff and his teammates feel they have a quarterback they can build around going forward. “I’m just trying to take it one day at a time, one game at a time,” Maye said this week. “I’m trying to learn from negative experiences or negative plays, learn from turnovers, learn from sacks that I take and see if I can get the ball out and do something better. That’s probably the biggest thing. "Hopefully, the work that we’re putting in and the product that we’re putting out can lead to some positive plays and some positive wins down the road.” Maye is coming off his best statistical performance of the season, completing a season best 80% of his passes (24 of 30) for a season-high 238 yards and a touchdown in New England’s 25-24 loss to Indianapolis. He also had a 41-yard run, showing off a running ability that has him averaging 9.1 yards per carry – best among quarterbacks who have played at least nine games. Maye did have one interception off a tipped ball, but showed his best command of offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s scheme to date, spreading the ball around to six different players and consistently getting the Patriots into the red zone. The rub is that the Patriots were just 2 of 6 once they got there, including four trips inside the 10-yard line that yielded only one TD. Lackluster play in the red zone has been a hindrance for a unit that ranks 30th in the NFL in scoring touchdowns inside the 20. Maye said it will be one of his main focal points over the final four games. “It’s tough to go out like that,” Maye said. “You can’t win games going four drives in the red zone that end in field goals. We’ve got to focus in on that. I think that’s been an emphasis of improvement for this offense. We know you have to score touchdowns to win in this league.” Though coach Jerod Mayo agrees there is room for improvement for Maye, he also pointed out that the pieces around him need to do a better job supporting him as well. He pointed specifically to the offensive line, singling out rookie left guard Layden Robinson and rookie tackle Caedan Wallace, as well as fellow lineman and 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange, who is working his way back from a knee injury. “You need a guy like Layden Robinson to show what he can do. We need a guy like Cole Strange before the end of the season to see what he can do,” Mayo said. “You can use Caedan in that same bucket. We need to see what the receivers can do and what they’re going to look like going forward, and that’s the hard part for me. You want to win right now, but at the same time, I think it would be a disservice to go to the end of the season and not know exactly what we have.” That’s not lost on Robinson, who wants to play better for his quarterback who he said has grown exponentially as a leader since earning the starting job. “He always has that confidence about him and you know how he takes control of the huddle,” Robinson said. “He gets in there, and he’s like, ‘All right, let’s go to work,’ basically. We rally behind him.” Results aside, Van Pelt said there are no regrets about initially waiting to elevate Maye to the starting job. “Absolutely not. I think we had the plan going into place, and I think that it’s showing now that that was a good decision for us,” Van Pelt said. “Would he be as developed had he started the first game? Maybe. Could’ve gone the other way as well. I stated in the spring, this is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. "This is about a career, franchise quarterback, and we’re trying to develop him in the right way. And I feel like we did it that way.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Giants will try to snap a 7-game losing streak when they host the Saints Dec 5, 2024 3:29 PM Rookie Bucky Irving relishes opportunity to help Buccaneers any way he can against skidding Raiders Dec 5, 2024 3:29 PM The Titans have issues to fix and hope to keep slim playoff hopes alive when they host the Jags Dec 5, 2024 3:20 PM

West Virginia high school football playoffs get underway; opponents, times and historical information for local teamsBUCHAREST - Several thousand rallied in Romania on Dec 5 in support of a pro- European presidential candidate a few days before key elections, fearing their democratic rights were under threat. Around 3,000 gathered at University Square in the capital Bucharest, waving European Union flags and chanting “Freedom” and “Europe”. In the first-round on Nov 24, far-right outsider Calin Georgescu, a past admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, took the most votes, sparking fears about the future of the EU and Nato member and triggering protests especially among young people. Mr Georgescu is to face Elena Lasconi, the leader of the centrist, pro-EU USR party, in a run-off on Dec 8. “I fear that democracy is going to disappear in this country and this is what I don’t want,” said Ms Liliana Rotaru, who works in the banking sector. “I trust my people and hope that they will choose wisely and vote for the European Union and Nato,” the 50-year-old added. “So that means for Mrs Lasconi.” Another protester, Mr Radu Bourceanu, who works in human resources, said the protesters gathered to show “we are pro European”, but said it was hard to predict the outcome of the Dec 8 vote “because, we have a mass manipulation through diverse, social media apps.” Romanian authorities have pointed to “massive” social media promotion, “manipulated” influencers and cyberattacks, as they declassified documents detailing allegations against Mr Georgescu and Russia. “I’m really anxious, and I do really hope that democracy will win and the Russian influence will not prevail in Romanian elections,” said Ms Laura Boncu, 33. “I don’t know how our future will look if the Russian candidate, the pro-Russian candidate, wins,” she said. “I’m here to show that Romania is still a democracy, and we’re fighting and we’re showing up to be able to live tomorrow in a democracy.” Mr Georgescu has in recent days avoided answering questions about his previous praise for Mr Putin and his “Russian wisdom”. A critic of the EU and Nato, he says he does not want to leave either grouping but wants to put Romania “on the world map”. AFPStrong 7.0 quake rattles California, tsunami warning canceled

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S&W Finalizes Voluntary Plan of Administration Process for Australian SubsidiaryBlackout fears for states as mercury soarsFirst Quarter CCAR_McKie 10 pass from Vasko (Hensley kick), 8:15. Second Quarter GAST_FG Rickman 28, 14:07. GAST_Brock 19 run (Rickman kick), 8:38. CCAR_Courtney 5 pass from Vasko (Hensley kick), 4:16. CCAR_FG Hensley 43, :01. Third Quarter CCAR_C.Washington 18 run (Hensley kick), 10:56. GAST_FG Rickman 30, 7:06. CCAR_McKie 31 pass from Vasko (Hensley kick), 2:44. GAST_Brock 1 run (pass failed), :25. Fourth Quarter CCAR_Vasko 10 run (Hensley kick), 9:50. CCAR_FG Hensley 23, 8:33. CCAR_Fletcher 39 interception return (Hensley kick), 7:13. GAST_Fleming 6 pass from Lowe (Hurst pass from Lowe), 4:36. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_Coastal Carolina, Washington 20-124, Vasko 13-68, Bennett 8-43, Price 5-26, Lloyd 3-10, Taylor 1-5, Duplessis 1-1, (Team) 2-(minus 2). Georgia St., Brock 14-71, Veilleux 11-62, Lowe 3-47, Dukes 2-11, Beasley 3-11. PASSING_Coastal Carolina, Vasko 13-17-1-200, (Team) 0-1-0-0, Duplessis 0-1-1-0, Kim 0-1-0-0. Georgia St., Veilleux 15-26-4-205, Lowe 2-6-0-21. RECEIVING_Coastal Carolina, McKie 5-81, Tucker 3-31, Karr 2-35, Duplessis 1-41, Berrong 1-7, Courtney 1-5. Georgia St., Hurst 8-131, Dukes 3-15, Riles 2-26, Fleming 2-18, Brock 1-21, Milton 1-15. MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.

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Winnipeggers could learn the name of the city’s next police chief in about a week. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Winnipeggers could learn the name of the city’s next police chief in about a week. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Winnipeggers could learn the name of the city’s next police chief in about a week. On Friday, the chairman of the Winnipeg Police Board said two rounds of interviews for chief of the Winnipeg Police Service have wrapped up. “The decision has been made. (Now) it’s just the process that’s undertaken... to confirm the decision ... and then we can make our announcement within the next week or so,” said Coun. Markus Chambers. Winnipeg Police Service headquarters (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) The St. Norbert-Seine River councillor said some reference checks and final steps are still being completed but the hiring committee has selected a preferred candidate to recommend to city council for a ratification vote. “Hopefully, we’ll have a decision... or recommendation (to city) council next week,” said Chambers. If the process isn’t completed in time for council’s Dec. 12 meeting, the last scheduled one of the year, Chambers said he will ask for a special meeting prior to the holiday break. “We definitely want to have somebody in place with an announcement before the end of the year,” he said. 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. The position has been open since Danny Smyth retired in early September. Art Stannard has been interim chief in recent months. Smyth officially announced his retirement date in December 2023. When asked why it took this long to find a replacement, Chambers said the hiring committee needed time to “hire the right person for these times.” Coun. Markus Chambers, chair of the Winnipeg police board (Nic Adam / Free Press files) “We recognize, in terms of the consultation process that we undertook, that people are looking for transformational change and looking for a leader that works (well both) internally and externally. So, we were quite diligent in terms of the questions that we asked during the interview process... We want to be clear and precise on the person that we’re hiring,” said Chambers. [email protected] X: @joyanne_pursaga Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the before joining the in early 2020. . Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the before joining the in early 2020. . Every piece of reporting Joyanne produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisementjili178 apk download latest version 。

Canada's Jonathan David scores milestone goal in Lille win over Brest in Franceadmitted his relief after seeing nightmare run come to an end at the Etihad. The champions beat 3-0 to win their first game in eight attempts. It was City's first triumph since October - and halted the worst sequence of results in Guardiola's managerial career. But City's joy was tempered by injuries to defenders Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake. Guardiola said: "We needed it (the win). Come and join The Daily Star on , the social media site set up by ex-Twitter boss Jack Dorsey. It's now the new go-to place for content after a mass exodus of the Elon Musk-owned Twitter/X. Fear not, we're not leaving , but we are jumping on the bandwagon. So come find our new account on , and see us social better than the rest. You can also learn more about The Daily Star team in what Bluesky calls a . So what are you waiting for?! Let's "The club, the players, everyone needed to win, but it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park. The problems continue with Manu and Nathan, but we prove what an incredible group of players we have at our disposal. "We played good. The performance was better than Liverpool and Bournemouth, but quite similar to the other games that we didn't win. Today we won. That's all." Guardiola piled praise on the returning Kevin De Bruyne, who set-up Bernardo Silva's opening goal and scored the second, before Jeremy Doku completed the win. Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter! From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox. It only takes a matter of seconds. Simply , then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories. You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, Guardiola said: "I'm so happy for him. Last season he was many months injured and this season as well. I'm so happy he's back. He fought a lot and he's back with his physicality. He played 75 fantastic minutes." Guardiola was also pleased with Jack Grealish's display in midfield and he added: "He played in the middle and was involved in many things. "He played really good, I'm so happy for him. I know his quality, he can even play as a holding midfielder. He can keep the ball and break the lines." Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: "I'm not saying it was bad performance, and there were positive things to take from it. We had chances but couldn't take them. But we should be proud of ourselves because we tried, and this performance should allow us to continue to grow."

The future of in Bendigo is in good hands. or signup to continue reading A glimpse of that future took place at La Trobe University recently when doctors used ultrasound equipment on different body parts and dealt with ear, nose, and throat . More than 100 Rural Generalist doctors took part in workshops run by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). The workshops included training in rural emergency obstetrics and two Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses for Rural Generalist Fellows. There were also two days of hands-on skills training for 45 ACRRM registrars. ACRRM national director of training Dr Greg Gladman praised Bendigo's strong healthcare network and facilities. He said it made it an ideal location for training doctors who work in rural, remote and First Nations settings. "For many of our registrars and Fellows, who work in isolated areas, these workshops are invaluable," Dr Gladman said.. "They allow participants to undertake professional development, connect with peers, and learn from experienced medical educators and supervisors in a supportive group environment." The popularity of the Bendigo workshops was highlighted by the demand for ALS training, leading to the addition of a second course to meet the interest. "The enthusiasm from participants speaks volumes about the value of bringing ACRRM training to regional hubs like this," Dr Gladman said. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Greg Newsome: George Pickens only cares about himselfPARIS (CP-AP) — Canadian striker Jonathan David scored twice to go past the 100-goal career mark for Lille in a 3-1 win over Brest in Ligue 1 play Friday. The 24-year-old from Ottawa turned in a man-of-the-match performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, assisting on his team's other goal as Lille extended its unbeaten run to 10 matches. David now has 17 in 23 games in all competitions this season and leads the French top tier with 11 goals. David, who joined Lille in August 2020 in a $46.5-million transfer from Belgium's KAA Gent, went into the game with 99 goals in all competitions. He finished it with 101 goals in 206 appearances for Lille. He put Lille ahead from the penalty spot after nine minutes and set up a second just before halftime when he got away from his marker and sent in a cross that Iceland international winger Hákon Haraladsson knocked home . Ludovic Ajorque got one back for Brest early in the second half but David restored Lille’s two-goal cushion when he pounced on a loose ball and scored. David, who tops Canada's men's scoring list with 31 goals from 59 appearances, is out of contract after this season and has been linked with a move to several top European clubs. Lille has not lost to Brest at home since 1989. Lille joined Marseille and Monaco in second place on 26 points, seven behind leader Paris Saint-Germain, which played Auxerre later on Friday. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated PressWorst date for Christmas shop as chaos expected in Tesco, Aldi or Sainsbury'sNot to alarm you, but there are only 19 days ’til Christmas. Still not finished your shopping? No need to panic buy that air fryer just yet. Santa Smith’s got you covered with the inaugural ING Research Christmas gift list... Let me first tempt you with a card game; your niece or nephew is going to love it. Well, it’ll be memorable at least... It’s Top Trumps: the central bank edition. Long-suffering readers might remember this from the summer. You’ll be battling it out on statistics to decide which central bank needs to cut rates the most in 2025. Here are the stats in question: Inflation, obviously. Where is it relative to target, but more importantly, how high is services inflation? Remember that’s the bit of the basket central banks supposedly have the greatest amount of influence over. Growth. How does it look relative to pre-Covid averages? And what about the latest surveys? Unemployment. It’s a famously lagging indicator, but how far has it risen over the past year, and how does it compare to 2019? How aggressively have past rate hikes hit the economy? My favoured way of looking at this is the average mortgage rate paid on all outstanding debt. Bigger rises over the past two years tend to mean there’s more variable rate lending kicking about. Finally, trade. It’s the new addition for the Christmas edition, and it’s how exposed the country is to Donald Trump’s impending trade war. The chart below gives a bird’s eye view of what’s printed on my cards. The more orange, the more dovish the overall picture looks for each central bank. And there’s one country that’s more orange than all: Canada. Canada has faced a more rapid and aggressive hit from past rate rises, as James K discusses below. Growth has suffered, inflation has fallen back and the jobs market is under pressure. And the threat of fresh American tariffs adds insult to injury. The Bank of Canada has already embarked on one of the most aggressive cutting cycles to date. Even so, another 50bp cut next week is possible. Sweden, and the Riksbank which meets a week later, is in a pretty similar boat. Those meetings are of course dwarfed by an impending decision from the European Central Bank. It’s a close call between 25bp and 50bp. But interestingly, the eurozone doesn’t come out too badly on these metrics. Services inflation is sticky; wage growth is north of 5%. Unemployment is at record lows. Yes, the purchasing managers’ indices don’t look great, but they’re not always that reliable. Those are the arguments the hawks will be putting forward next week, anyway. My colleague Carsten thinks they’ll win the argument on a smaller rate cut. But with growth risks mounting, it’s the doves that’ll be in control next year. The ECB is poised to take rates below 2% by the summer. Ok, back to the gift list. And if I’ve failed to win you over so far, this is one for the bookworms. Spy thriller, love story, murder mystery... Our 2025 Global Outlook is sadly none of those things. But it’s got your nieces and nephews covered with the key calls for every major economy and central banks. Like why we aren’t ruling out yield curve control from the ECB and Federal Reserve next year. Or why Trump’s policies ultimately mean higher US inflation and slower growth. Trust me, it’s a real page turner, and it’s even got our own Chris Turner with his latest FX calls, too. The best bit? It’s completely free and available now. Or how about a weekend away in the new year? I get it, you’ve already ticked off the spa day or hot air balloon trip. So, how about a ticket to our Global Outlook webinar this coming Monday? Alright, it’s not quite as romantic. And I accept it’s not on a weekend. Or in the new year... But between Carsten, James and myself, we’ll be chatting through the major trends and risks for the coming year. Fun for all the family. Sign up today to avoid missing out! Well, that’s it. Sorry if you were expecting a list of high-brow academic literature. And if you still aren’t convinced, just remember this: your relatives will never complain about getting given socks ever again. THINK Ahead in developed markets United States (James Knightley) The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting on 18 December remains a 50:50 call as to whether we will see it cut rates 25bp or not. The data highlight is going to be consumer price inflation, but with another 0.3% month-on-month result for core CPI the favoured outcome, it will remain a knife edge decision. There is a general sense that monetary policy remains in restrictive territory and they think they should move it closer to neutral, but how quickly remains open to debate. For now we continue to favour the central bank cutting by 25bp this month, but then pausing in January. Eurozone (Carsten Brzeski) Interest rates (Thu): We think that the ECB will be hesitant to really walk the walk on getting ahead of the curve and will cut rates by 25bp next week. To bring a bit more dovishness and to signal that the ECB is not getting cold feet in its quest to get ahead of the curve, we expect the central bank to communicate that it will continue bringing rates towards neutral levels and that it no longer rules out bringing rates into easing territory. Read our full preview here. Canada (James Knightley) Interest rates (Wed): The Bank of Canada has cut its policy rate by 125bp since the beginning of June and there is a strong chance we get a second consecutive 50bp cut next week. This leave it at 3.25% as the BoC seeks to get rates close to neutral quickly due to the weak growth story and increasingly benign inflation backdrop. High debt levels and the structure of the mortgage market have weighed heavily – and with Trump threatening significant tariffs as soon as he enters the White House, authorities are seeking to avert a collapse in confidence. THINK Ahead for Central and Eastern Europe Hungary (Peter Virovacz) Inflation (Tue): The most important (and yet practically irrelevant) data release in Hungary next week is inflation. We see an acceleration in food, fuel and durable goods prices due to global commodity price developments and the significant weakening of the Hungarian forint. We’ve now reached the point where incoming inflation data is somewhat irrelevant. As long as the HUF is so vulnerable, we hardly see inflation moving the needle for monetary policy in any way. Czech Republic (David Havrlant) Industrial production (Mon): Industrial output likely slipped into an annual decline in October, largely due to a high comparison base from the previous year. That said, the continued bleak demand from main European trading partners and the challenges of German automotive will keep a lid on Czech industrial performance. Nevertheless, there are signs of Czech manufacturers bottoming out (e.g., significant mitigations in staff reductions). The rebound in the construction sector will absorb some of the free labour force and contribute to the unemployment rate remaining low in November. Inflation (Tue): Czech inflation likely increased in November, mainly due to stronger food price growth. Food prices also present a wild card, with the preliminary food price survey indicating a rather pronounced pick-up when applied in a regression. However, the survey is not a great explanatory variable, so we consider it as risk factor that could push headline inflation across the 3% threshold. More potent nominal and real wage growth combined with upbeat retail spending will exert pressure on consumer prices over the coming months. Current account (Fri): The current account is expected to have turned marginally positive at the beginning of the year’s final quarter, with October’s trade balance likely remaining safely in positive territory, only slightly below the previous reading. Source: ING

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The remaining members of are to reunite onstage for a show next week at the 1100-capacity Showbox in Seattle, WA. Billed as Nudedragons, the name Soundgarden initially reunited under in 2010 (and an anagram of Soundgarden), the December 14 show will be Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron's first together since joining Brandi Carlisle for performances of and during her show at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Gorge, WA, in 2021. "Nudedragons will be returning to the stage, and the Showbox, for the first time in 14+ years as part of the SMooCH benefit for Seattle Children’s Hospital on Saturday, December 14," say the band on social media. "Shaina Shepherd will be featured on vocals for their brief encore performance. Shepherd is a Seattle-based singer, songwriter, music educator and community organizer who released a cover of Sam Cooke's classic in 2000 accompanied by bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Chad Smith. SMooCH was started by musicians Pete and Brandy Nordstrom in 2012 after their infant son received life-saving treatment from Seattle Children’s Hospital. Previous benefit shows have starred the likes of Modest Mouse, Iron And Wine, Jason Isbell, J. Mascis, the Afghan Whigs and Redd Kross. Last year’s event generated more than $2.6 million. Tickets and VIP packages for the show, which also features McKagan, Sebadoh and Doug Martsch of Built Spill (VIP only), are already sold out. . Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! “Over the last 10 years, I’ve been a bit disillusioned by popular music. The business sucks.” A revitalised Trent Reznor is ready to to be “back in the driver’s seat” again with a new Nine Inch Nails project “This one shifts gears from the fast and furious energy of our two recent singles”: Hear Arch Enemy put the “melodic” into “melodic death metal” on new single Blood Dynasty Live Is But A Dream...: Avenged Sevenfold announce European summer tour for 2025 Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:38 p.m. EST

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — What's stoking the Denver Broncos' surprising surge is the growing connection between rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Whenever the Broncos (7-5) need a clutch catch, a key flag or a timely touchdown, Sutton is usually the one delivering it like he did Sunday when he caught eight passes on 10 targets for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns that sparked the Broncos' come-from-behind 29-19 win at Las Vegas. “Courtland played tremendous,” coach Sean Payton said. Again. “He’s just reliable,” Nix said. “He's just always there when you need him.” Sutton's size (6-foot-4 and 216 pounds) and experience (he's in his seventh NFL season) make him an ideal target and safety valve for the rookie QB whose confidence is growing by the week. “He’s smart. He’s savvy. He makes plays when the ball’s in the air,” Nix said. “You can trust him. When it’s up in the air, it’s his or nobody’s. It’s not going to be a pick.” Nix's first touchdown toss to Sutton was an 18-yarder that allowed the QB to break Marlin Briscoe's 1968 Denver rookie record of 14 TD passes, and the two connected again with 5:30 left to make it a two-score game. The Broncos trailed 13-9 at halftime and Nix said they knew they had to get the ball into Sutton's hands more in the second half after he had caught the only pass thrown his way in the first half (for 17 yards). “Didn’t target him (much) in the first half,” Nix said. “We come out and say, ‘Look, Courtland, this is your half.’ We take over the game. He goes for two touchdowns. That just kind of speaks for what he means to our team.” Sutton has been on a tear after since he wasn't targeted a single time in Denver's 33-10 win at New Orleans on Oct. 17. (Payton mentioned as recently as last week what an anomaly that game was because there was a heavy diet of plays for Sutton that just didn't pan out for various reasons.) In his six games before that goose egg, Sutton had 21 catches on 49 targets for 277 yards and a touchdown. In the five games since, he's caught 36 of the 48 balls thrown his way for 467 yards and three TDs. Plus, he threw a touchdown pass to Nix on a “Philly Special” at Baltimore in Week 9. “I think we're just scratching the surface,” Sutton said. Thanks in part to the chemistry between Nix and Sutton, the Broncos are in position for the seventh and final playoff spot entering December. The passing game, thanks to the Nix-Sutton connection. The running game. Javonte Williams had just 2 yards on eight carries and Audric Estime ran three times for 15 yards against the Raiders' run-heavy fronts and a steady diet of blitzes. Jaleel McLaughlin saved the day with seven carries for 44 yards. OLB Nik Bonitto. His 10 sacks make him the first Denver defender with double-digit sacks since 2018, when Von Miller did it. Once again, the Broncos' special teams, with the exception of K Wil Lutz, who hasn't missed a field goal attempt or extra point since his protection unit cratered at Kansas City three weeks ago and allowed the Chiefs to block what would have been the game-winning kick as time expired. On Sunday, the Raiders had a successful fake punt and a 59-yard kickoff return. Payton isn't saying much about the injuries to DE Zach Allen (heel) and CB Riley Moss (knee) except that to him they're not serious setbacks for either player. 2 — The Broncos are two games above .500 for the first time since starting the 2021 season with three wins. The Broncos host Cleveland (3-8) on Monday night ahead of their bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Will Gustav Nyquist Score a Goal Against the Stars on December 12? Published 5:33 pm Thursday, December 12, 2024 By Data Skrive Should you wager on Gustav Nyquist to score a goal when the Nashville Predators and the Dallas Stars go head to head on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? In the article below, we dig into the numbers and trends you need to consider before making any bets. Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more. Will Gustav Nyquist score a goal against the Stars? Odds to score a goal this game: +390 (Bet $10 to win $39.00 if he scores a goal) Place your bets on any NHL matchup at BetMGM. Sign up today using our link. Nyquist stats and insights Catch NHL action all season long on Fubo. Stars defensive stats Catch NHL action all season long on Max. Nyquist recent games Predators vs. Stars game info Bet on this or any NHL matchup at BetMGM. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .MONTREAL — Laurentian Bank of Canada reported fourth-quarter profits that were up from a year ago, while it reported a loss for 2024 as a whole. The Montreal-based bank said Friday its quarterly profits amounted to $40.7 million, up from $30.6 million a year ago. For the fiscal year, it reported a loss of $5.5 million, compared with a net income of $181 million the year before, as it took charges related to its turnaround efforts. Impairment charges for the year totalled $228.4 million, including a $155.9 million writedown on the value of its personal and commercial banking segment, and $72.5 million in restructuring charges. In the fourth quarter, the bank reported $7.8 million in severance charges and a $5.7 million writedown in the value of its software and licences, plus impairments on its office space and leases. The efforts are part of a turnaround that chief executive Éric Provost said in a statement was going well. "Six months after presenting our strategic plan, I am pleased with the progress we’ve made." Profits in the fourth quarter amounted to 88 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Oct. 31, up from a profit of 67 cents per diluted share in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter totalled $250.8 million, up from $247.4 million a year earlier. The bank's provision for credit losses for the quarter amounted to $10.4 million compared with $16.7 million a year ago. On an adjusted basis, Laurentian says it earned 89 cents per diluted share in its latest quarter, down from an adjusted profit of $1 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. The average analyst estimate had been for an adjusted profit of 87 cents per share, according to data provided by LSEG Data & Analytics. Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman said the bank's low provisions for credit loss were impressive, especially given its commercial-heavy loan book as businesses face pressure. "It should highlight for investors the underlying quality of this bank’s commercial franchise at least from an underwriting perspective," he said in a note. Laurentian shares were up nine per cent in early trading Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange while they were up around 4.6 per cent by late afternoon. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:LB) The Canadian Press

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jili178 gift code philippines Revolutionary Single-Layer Film Eliminates Helmet Changes, Enhancing Driver Safety and Performance LAS VEGAS , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Racing Optics®, the global leader in high-performance tearoff visor film technology, proudly unveils its latest innovation: the Twilight Tearoff . This groundbreaking single-layer tearoff is engineered to elevate driver visibility during late-afternoon and early-evening races, providing superior glare reduction and contrast enhancement. The Twilight Tearoff redefines race-day performance by allowing drivers to maintain focus and adapt seamlessly to changing light conditions, eliminating the need for disruptive helmet changes. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in racing vision technology, delivering immediate and measurable benefits to professional drivers and teams alike. "The Twilight Tearoff solves one of racing's most persistent challenges—ensuring optimal visibility as lighting transitions rapidly during twilight races," said Chris Colton , Chief Applications Engineer at Racing Optics . "Our dedication to driver safety and performance drives every innovation, and the Twilight Tearoff is no exception." Transforming Racing at Twilight Racing teams are already embracing the Twilight Tearoff as a game-changing solution for twilight and low-light racing conditions. One racing team manager shared their experience: "In a recent twilight race, the Twilight Tearoff gave our drivers unmatched visual clarity. Transitioning from glaring sunlight to artificial lighting without pausing to change helmets was a decisive advantage that kept us competitive." By streamlining the driver experience, the Twilight Tearoff enhances safety and helps maintain uninterrupted race momentum—a critical edge in the high-stakes world of motorsports. Exclusive Debut at PRI Show 2024 The Twilight Tearoff will make its debut at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show , held December 12–14, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana . This highly anticipated event marks Racing Optics' 25th anniversary , celebrating a legacy of trailblazing innovations in motorsports safety and performance. Availability The Twilight Tearoff is now available for purchase at RacingOptics.com and through authorized dealers. Teams and drivers looking to gain a competitive edge are encouraged to explore this latest advancement. About Racing Optics For 25 years, Racing Optics has led the field in racing vision technology, delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety and performance. With a commitment to collaboration and innovation, the company continues to push the boundaries of motorsports protective equipment. For additional information, please visit RacingOptics.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/racing-optics-introduces-game-changing-twilight-tearoff-to-enhance-visibility-in-low-light-racing-conditions-302329546.html SOURCE Racing Optics, Inc.

Rivers Utd Reclaim Summit of NPFL with Win Over Abia WarriorsImagine a world where traditional societal norms are challenged, where creativity knows no boundaries, and where self-expression reigns supreme. This is the world of edgy influencers, individuals who are unafraid to break free from the constraints of convention and embrace the unconventional with open arms.The report highlighted a series of infractions, including inadequate teacher qualifications, overcrowded classrooms, lack of proper safety measures, and discrepancies in financial management. These violations not only jeopardize the well-being and development of the children in the kindergarten's care but also undermine the trust and credibility of the education system as a whole.

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who stunned the world this week by declaring martial law, has narrowly avoided being impeached, as his party's lawmakers boycotted the parliamentary vote on his ouster Saturday. The motion by opposition lawmakers accused him of insurrection, calling his decree an unconstitutional self-coup. "The president has betrayed the trust of the people and has lost the right to carry out state affairs," the impeachment motion read. Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the National Assembly to cheer on his removal. Now protests are expected to build. "We will not give up. We will prevail," liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said after the motion fell through. "By Christmas, we will bring people the end-of-year gift of restoring the country to normalcy." The liberal party said it would submit the motion again at the next parliamentary session on Wednesday — and every week after that until it passes. The question is whether enough members of Yoon's conservative ruling party will vote to oust him while he still has two-and-a-half years remaining in his term, potentially ceding the presidency to the liberal opposition. Impeaching Yoon requires the support of at least two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly — or 200 votes. Because the opposition coalition holds 192 seats, impeachment requires eight or more votes from Yoon's conservative People Power Party. In the days following the martial law declaration, a handful of ruling party legislators had indicated they would at least consider impeachment. But only three of them showed up for the vote Saturday, with the remaining 105 leaving the plenary hall in protest. Outside the National Assembly, the crowd gathered to call for Yoon's removal let out a cry of frustration. Among them were citizens who had traveled from hours away and college students studying for exams in the throng while keeping one eye on the news. "Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol!" they chanted as they marched down the promenade. In declaring martial law Tuesday, Yoon railed against the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which he accused of being a "den of criminals" and North Korea-sympathizers. Gen. Park An-su, whom Yoon designated as his martial law commander, subsequently suspended all political activity and declared the media under the military's control. For many in South Korea , the move chillingly harked to the country's past military dictatorships. But three hours after Yoon's decree, legislators — many of them scaling the gates of the locked-down National Assembly — unanimously voted to overrule Yoon, requiring him to lift the decree. On Saturday morning, in a two-minute address to the nation, Yoon apologized for inconveniencing the public and said that he had been motivated by "desperation." While Yoon reportedly told his officials and party members that his decree was meant to send a message to an adversarial legislature — which has filed numerous impeachments against his appointees and moved to investigate his wife on charges of graft and stock manipulation — many, including his own party members, say they believe he had much more sinister motives. Han Dong-hun, the leader of the People Power Party, said that there were signs that the special forces soldiers who had stormed the National Assembly were acting on orders to arrest him and other legislators. Opposition leader Lee, whom Yoon narrowly defeated in the presidential election two years ago, has said the same. "We've confirmed that President Yoon ordered the arrest of major politicians on the grounds that they were anti-state forces," Han said at a party meeting Friday. "I don't think we can pretend like nothing happened." While stating that this was based on "credible" sources, Han did not elaborate, offering only that these plans would be made public in due time "through various channels." In a meeting with Han that same day, Yoon denied giving such an order, Han said. Hong Jang-won, a senior official at the National Intelligence Service, the country's spy agency , told lawmakers Friday that Yoon called him to order the arrest of several lawmakers, including party leaders Lee and Han. Spy chief Cho Tae-yong has disputed Hong's allegations. Yet even while condemning the martial law declaration as unconstitutional and acknowledging that Yoon must ultimately be removed from office, Han and most of his party allies balked at impeachment. For the South Korean conservatives, impeachment is their exposed nerve, and they have reason to tread lightly. The first and only South Korean president to be successfully impeached was conservative Park Geun-hye, who was later investigated and jailed on corruption charges. Her downfall splintered the conservative camp and opened a path for liberal successor Moon Jae-in, whose term conservatives refer to as "the lost five years." Crucial to the success of Park's impeachment was a bloc of conservative legislators who joined the opposition to vote in favor. It is why many party stalwarts are determined to avoid the same fate this time around. "We cannot have any more traitors surrendering to the enemy, like the time with Park Geun-hye," Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo wrote on social media Wednesday. Instead, Yoon's party members have floated more moderate solutions that would make way for Yoon's "orderly resignation," such as revising the constitution to shorten Yoon's term, transferring some of his presidential powers to the prime minister or forming a bipartisan Cabinet. In his recent public address, Yoon said he would leave his fate to the party, hinting that he may relinquish much of his authority to Han, should he avoid impeachment. The liberal opposition has rejected any alternatives to impeachment, calling Yoon a "ticking time bomb." "He is in a very troubling mental state right now. We don't have time to discuss something like 'an orderly resignation,' " liberal party spokesperson Yoon Jong-kun told reporters Saturday morning. "Only Yoon's immediate removal from official duties and impeachment can alleviate the anger of the people and South Korea' s plummeting international credit rating." The liberal party has said that it would propose the motion again Wednesday. "We are going to propose it repeatedly," Lee Jae-myung said, "until it goes through." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

In the recent stock market update, over 5000 stocks in the A-share market soared at the opening, painting a rosy picture for investors. This surge in stock prices has captured the attention of market participants and analysts alike, signaling a positive start to the trading day. The bullish trend in the A-share market reflects investor optimism and confidence in the economic outlook.In a series of photos circulating online, Gong Li can be seen fully immersed in a game of badminton, her agile movements and competitive spirit shining through. Dressed in casual sportswear, with her hair tied back in a ponytail, Gong Li exudes a sense of freedom and vitality that is truly inspiring. The joy and enthusiasm she displays while playing the game are infectious, reminding us that age is just a number and that staying active is the key to staying young at heart.

Prevention: Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings to ensure that they are clear of any obstructions. Keep vents and flues free from debris and maintain proper airflow.

One interpretation of the renewed emphasis on moderate easing is that central banks and policymakers are preparing for potential economic headwinds and external shocks that could derail the fragile recovery. By signaling a willingness to adopt accommodative monetary measures, authorities are signaling their commitment to supporting economic activity and preventing a downturn.NEW YORK — Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday in Manhattan. State charges were also filed Wednesday in Florida against two of the brothers and a third man stemming from three alleged sexual assaults over the past decade. Federal prosecutors allege in the New York indictment that Oren and Tal Alexander, known for brokering deals on high-end properties in New York City and Miami, and sibling Alon Alexander used their wealth and influence to take advantage of victims from at least 2010 to 2021. “This conduct was heinous,” U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said at a news conference in his Manhattan office. The brothers, who all reside in Miami, used “deception, fraud, and coercion” to entice victims to travel with them or attend parties or events in which they covered flights, hotels and other expenses, according to the indictment. They also at times used the promise of a romantic relationship, it said. The women were then drugged and raped by one or more of the brothers, as well as other men, the U.S. Attorney said. After the assaults, the brothers often gave their victims concert tickets and luxury items, Williams added. The brothers typically met their victims on dating apps, through social events and at bars and nightclubs, but they also used party promoters to “source” women, according to Williams. He added that the women were often provided drugs, including cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms and GHB. The brothers even surreptitiously drugged some of the women’s drinks, leaving them physically impaired and unable to fight back or escape from the sexual assaults, prosecutors said in their indictment. "In some instances, the defendants physically restrained and held down their victims during the rapes and sexual assaults and ignored screams and explicit requests to stop,'' the indictment said. In the Florida cases, state prosecutors described one incident in December 2016 as a “gang rape” of a woman who said she was invited to a barbecue at Alon Alexander’s Miami Beach apartment only to discover no one there, save Alon, his brother Oren and another man. The woman, who is not named, said she was led into a bedroom where the brothers argued over who would rape her first as she pleaded with them not to assault her, according to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. The second incident, in October 2017, involved a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by Oren Alexander at his apartment following a real estate event. The woman said she was given a glass of wine that made her feel weak and unable to control her body before she was attacked, according to prosecutors. They said the third incident happened in October 2021 and involved a woman who said she was assaulted by Oren Alexander after going out to dinner with him and then going back to his residence with some of her friends. Williams, the U.S. Attorney in New York, said the three brothers were arrested in Florida on Wednesday and will appear in Miami federal court before being brought to New York to answer to the charges. He declined to say if others also will be charged and urged any other possible victims to come forward as the investigation is ongoing. “They were not acting alone,” Williams said. A lawyer representing one of the brothers denied the charges, which include one count of engaging in a sex trafficking conspiracy for each sibling. "Oren Alexander is innocent," attorney Susan Necheles wrote in an email. “The evidence will show that neither he nor his brothers ever committed a crime.” Lawyers for the other brothers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Tal Alexander, 38, and Oren Alexander, 37, first worked as a team under real estate giant Douglas Elliman, listing properties for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Liam Gallagher, and Lindsay Lohan. In 2022, they started a new company called Official. Meanwhile, Alon Alexander, who is Oren's twin brother, attended law school and joined the family business, private security firm Kent Security.

Title: Trump Threatens to Withdraw from NATO Again Unless Allies Pay Up and Fairly Share Costs

Three different former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks threw touchdowns with their new teams on Sunday. Kenny Pickett , Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph all found the end zone on Sunda. That means the entire 2023 Steelers quarterback room scored touchdowns. Pickett started for the injured Jalen Hurts, who has a concussion. He combined two touchdowns while leading the Eagles to the NFC East crown. Pickett aggravated a rib injury and could not finish the game, but the Eagles led 24-7 before hie exit. Trubisky replaced Josh Allen after the Buffalo Bills had already routed the New York Jets. Trubisky drove the offense down the field with the backups in the game and found paydirt for the first time this season. Rudolph is starting for the Tennessee Titans after they benched second-year quarterback Will Levis. He hit another former Steeler, tight end Nick Vannett, for his lone touchdown pass of the game. The Titans would drop the game 20-13 to the Jacksonville Jaguars as the Titans continue to plummet in the NFL Draft order. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News Pittsburgh Steelers likely to play in Ireland game in 2025 Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback helps lead new team to division title Possible Pittsburgh Steelers playoff opponent eliminated Potential Pittsburgh Steelers playoff opponents revealed Ravens star cornerback hit with massive fine for taunting Steelers playerCHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 87-40 on Saturday. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team's previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4. Illinois is unbeaten in four home games. Maryland Eastern Shore is winless in six road games. Illinois: Coming off a 100-87 loss Wednesday to No. 8 Alabama, the Illini had no trouble dominating the overmatched Hawks. They led 35-15 at halftime and extended the lead to as many as 52 points in the second half. Maryland Eastern Shore: The Hawks couldn’t match Illinois’ height and depth and were slowed by 15 turnovers. After struggling at the start of the game, the Illini went on a 17-0 run over a seven-minute stretch to move in front 25-8 with 5:15 to go in the first half. Maryland Eastern Shore struggled from the field, shooting 22% (15 for 68), including 5 for 20 on 3-pointers. Illinois hosts Little Rock on Monday. Maryland Eastern Shore plays at No. 20 Arkansas on Monday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballNone

SAN RAMON, Calif., Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO), a leading global medical device company, today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended October 31, 2024. Fourth quarter 2024 revenue of $1,018.4 million, up 10%, or up 7% organically. Fiscal year 2024 revenue of $3.9 billion, up 8%, or up 8% organically. Fourth quarter 2024 GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58, up 38%. Fiscal 2024 GAAP diluted EPS of $1.96, up 33%. Fourth quarter 2024 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.04, up 19%. Fiscal 2024 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $3.69, up 15%. See "Reconciliation of Selected GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results" below. Commenting on the results, Al White, Cooper's President and CEO said, "Fiscal 2024 was a great year for Cooper having achieved record consolidated revenues, including record CooperVision revenues, record CooperSurgical revenues and record non-GAAP EPS. We look forward to continued success in fiscal 2025 and thank all of our employees for driving these results." Fourth Quarter Operating Results Revenue of $1,018.4 million, up 10% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 9% in constant currency, up 7% organically. Gross margin of 67% compared with 65% in last year’s fourth quarter driven by price and efficiency gains. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was similar to last year at 67%. Operating margin of 19% compared with 15% in last year’s fourth quarter driven by SG&A expense leverage and stronger gross margins. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was 26%, up from 24% last year. Interest expense of $27.0 million compared with $26.3 million in last year's fourth quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, interest expense was $25.6 million, down from $26.4 million. Cash provided by operations of $268.1 million offset by capital expenditures of $139.9 million resulted in free cash flow of $128.2 million. Fourth Quarter CooperVision (CVI) Revenue Revenue of $676.4 million, up 9% from last year’s fourth quarter, up 8% in constant currency, up 8% organically. Revenue by category: Revenue by geography: Fourth Quarter CooperSurgical (CSI) Revenue Revenue of $342.0 million, up 12% from last year's fourth quarter, up 12% in constant currency, up 5% organically. Revenue by category: Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Results Revenue of $3,895.4 million, up 8% from fiscal 2023, up 9% in constant currency, up 8% organically. CVI revenue of $2,609.4 million, up 8% from fiscal 2023, up 8% in constant currency, up 9% organically, and CSI revenue $1,286.0 million, up 10% from fiscal 2023, up 11% in constant currency, up 5% organically. Gross margin of 67% compared with 66% in fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP gross margin was 67% compared with 66% in fiscal 2023. Operating margin of 18% compared with 15% in fiscal 2023. Non-GAAP operating margin was 25% compared with 24% in fiscal 2023. Cash provided by operations of $709.3 million offset by capital expenditures of $421.2 million resulted in free cash flow of $288.1 million. Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Guidance The Company initiated its fiscal year 2025 financial guidance. Details are summarized as follows: Fiscal 2025 total revenue of $4,080 - $4,158 million (organic growth of 6% to 8%) CVI revenue of $2,733 - $2,786 million (organic growth of 6.5% to 8.5%) CSI revenue of $1,347 - $1,372 million (organic growth of 4% to 6%) Fiscal 2025 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $3.92 - $4.02 Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance excludes amortization and impairment of intangible assets, and certain income or gains and charges or expenses including acquisition and integration costs which we may incur as part of our continuing operations. With respect to the Company’s guidance expectations, the Company has not reconciled non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance to GAAP diluted earnings per share due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting acquisition-related, integration and restructuring charges and expenses, which are reconciling items between the non-GAAP and GAAP measures. Due to the unknown effect, timing and potential significance of such charges and expenses that impact GAAP diluted earnings per share, the Company is not able to provide such guidance. Reconciliation of Selected GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Results To supplement our financial results and guidance presented on a GAAP basis, we provide non-GAAP measures such as non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, as well as constant currency and organic revenue growth because we believe they are helpful for the investors to understand our consolidated operating results. Management uses supplemental non-GAAP financial measures internally to understand, manage and evaluate our business, to make operating decisions, and to plan and forecast for future periods. The non-GAAP measures exclude costs which we generally would not have otherwise incurred in the periods presented as a part of our continuing operations. We provide further details of the non-GAAP adjustments made to arrive at our non-GAAP measures in the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations below. Our non-GAAP financial results and guidance are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. To present constant currency revenue growth, current period revenue for entities reporting in currencies other than the United States dollar are converted into United States dollars at the average foreign exchange rates for the corresponding period in the prior year. To present organic revenue growth, we excluded the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and the impact of any acquisitions, divestitures and discontinuations that occurred in the comparable period. We define the non-GAAP measure of free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We believe free cash flow is useful for investors as an additional measure of liquidity because it represents cash that is available to grow the business, make strategic acquisitions, repay debt, or buyback common stock. Management uses free cash flow internally to understand, manage, make operating decisions and evaluate our business. In addition, we use free cash flow to help plan and forecast future periods. Investors should consider non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as replacements for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. EPS, amounts and percentages may not sum or recalculate due to rounding. (1) Charges include the direct effects of acquisition accounting, such as amortization of inventory fair value step-up, professional services fees, regulatory fees and changes in fair value of contingent considerations, and items related to integrating acquired businesses, such as redundant personnel costs for transitional employees, other acquired employee related costs, and integration-related professional services, manufacturing integration costs, legal entity rationalization and other integration-related activities. The acquisition and integration-related charges in fiscal 2024 were primarily related to the Cook Medical acquisition and integration expenses. The acquisition and integration-related charges in fiscal 2023 were primarily related to the Generate acquisition and integration expenses. Charges included $2.9 million and $8.4 million related to redundant personnel costs for transitional employees, $0.7 million and $4.5 million of professional services fees, $1.4 million and $1.4 million of manufacturing integration costs, $1.5 million and 1.5 million of inventory fair value step-up amortization, and $0.7 million and $4.1 million of other acquisition and integration-related activities in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2024, respectively. The twelve months ended October 31, 2024 also included $0.7 million regulatory fees. Charges included $7.5 million and $21.9 million related to redundant personnel costs for transitional employees, $6.5 million and $16.2 million of professional services fees, $2.9 million and $6.5 million of manufacturing integration costs, $3.1 million and $5.0 million of legal entity rationalization costs, $0.9 million and $2.7 million regulatory fees, and $0.6 million and $5.0 million in other acquisition and integration-related activities, in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. (2) Charges include costs related to product line exits such as inventory write-offs, site closure costs, contract termination costs and specifically-identified long-lived asset write-offs. Charges included $2.3 million of write-offs of long-lived assets and $1.7 million of other costs related to product line exits in the twelve months October 31, 2024. No charge related to product line exits was incurred in the three months ended October 31, 2024. Charges included $3.4 million and $7.9 million of site closure costs related to the exit of the lens care business, $0.4 million and $1.1 million of other costs related to product line exits in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 also included $9.8 million of intangible assets impairment charge associated with the discontinuation of certain products. (3) Charges represent incremental costs of complying with the new European Union (E.U.) medical device regulations for previously registered products and primarily include charges for contractors supporting the project and other direct third-party expenses. We consider these costs to be limited to a specific time period. (4) Charges represent the costs associated with initiatives to increase efficiencies across the organization and optimize our overall cost structure, including changes to our IT infrastructure and operations, employee severance costs, legal entity and other business reorganizations, write-offs or impairments of certain long-lived assets associated with the business optimization activities. Charges included $1.5 million and $10.6 million of employee severance costs, $1.0 million and $4.1 million related to changes to our IT infrastructure and operation, and $0.4 million and $2.9 million of legal entity and other business reorganizations costs, in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2024, respectively. The twelve months ended October 31, 2024 also included $0.7 million of other optimization costs. Charges included $1.4 million and $11.3 million of employee severance costs, $1.4 million and $1.9 million of legal entity and other business reorganizations costs, and $0.3 million and $5.9 million related to changes to our IT infrastructure and operations, partially offset by $0.2 million and $0.4 million of other items in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. (5) Amount represents an accrual for probable payment of a termination fee in connection with an asset purchase agreement in the second quarter of 2023, which was paid in August 2023. (6) Amount represents the release the contingent consideration liability associated with SightGlass Vision's regulatory approval milestone in the first quarter of 2023. (7) Charges include certain business disruptions from natural causes, litigation matters and other items that are not part of ordinary operations. The adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP net income also include gains and losses on minority interest investments and accretion of interest attributable to acquisition installment payables. Charges included $1.5 million and $5.9 million of gains and losses on minority interest investments, $1.4 million and $5.5 million of accretion of interest attributable to acquisition installments payable, $0.6 million and $1.5 million related to legal matters in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2024, respectively. Charges included $1.6 million and $6.3 million of gains and losses on minority interest investments, and $1.3 million and $4.6 million related to legal matters in the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2023, respectively. The twelve months ended October 31, 2023 also included $1.1 million of other items. (8) In fiscal 2021, the Company transferred its CooperVision intellectual property and goodwill to its UK subsidiary. As a result, we recorded a deferred tax asset equal to approximately $2.0 billion as a one-time tax benefit in accordance with U.S. GAAP in fiscal 2021 as subsequently adjusted for changes in UK tax law. The non-GAAP adjustments reflect the ongoing net deferred tax benefit from tax amortization each period under UK tax law. Audio Webcast and Conference Call The Company will host an audio webcast today for the public, investors, analysts and news media to discuss its fourth quarter results and current corporate developments. The audio webcast will be broadcast live on CooperCompanies' website, www.investor.coopercos.com , at approximately 5:00 PM ET. It will also be available for replay on CooperCompanies' website, www.investor.coopercos.com . Alternatively, you can dial in to the conference call at 800-715-9871; conference ID 2026064. About CooperCompanies CooperCompanies (Nasdaq: COO) is a leading global medical device company focused on improving lives one person at a time. The Company operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision is a trusted leader in the contact lens industry, improving the vision of millions of people every day. CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's health company dedicated to assisting women, babies and families at the healthcare moments that matter most. Headquartered in San Ramon, CA, CooperCompanies ("Cooper") has a workforce of more than 16,000 with products sold in over 130 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com . Forward-Looking Statements This earnings release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements relating to guidance, plans, prospects, goals, strategies, future actions, events or performance and other statements of which are other than statements of historical fact, including our fiscal year 2025 financial guidance are forward looking. In addition, all statements regarding anticipated growth in our revenues, anticipated effects of any product recalls, anticipated market conditions, planned product launches, restructuring or business transition expectations, regulatory plans, and expected results of operations and integration of any acquisition are forward-looking. To identify these statements look for words like "believes," "outlook," "probable," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or "anticipates" and similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements necessarily depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause our actual results and future actions to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements are: adverse changes in the global or regional general business, political and economic conditions including the impact of continuing uncertainty and instability of certain countries, man-made or natural disasters and pandemic conditions, that could adversely affect our global markets, and the potential adverse economic impact and related uncertainty caused by these items; the impact of international conflicts and the global response to international conflicts on the global and local economy, financial markets, energy markets, currency rates and our ability to supply product to, or through, affected countries; our substantial and expanding international operations and the challenges of managing an organization spread throughout multiple countries and complying with a variety of legal, compliance and regulatory requirements; foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations including the risk of fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies or interest rates that would decrease our net sales and earnings; our existing and future variable rate indebtedness and associated interest expense is impacted by rate increases, which could adversely affect our financial health or limit our ability to borrow additional funds; changes in tax laws, examinations by tax authorities, and changes in our geographic composition of income; acquisition-related adverse effects including the failure to successfully achieve the anticipated net sales, margins and earnings benefits of acquisitions, integration delays or costs and the requirement to record significant adjustments to the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the measurement period, required regulatory approvals for an acquisition not being obtained or being delayed or subject to conditions that are not anticipated, adverse impacts of changes to accounting controls and reporting procedures, contingent liabilities or indemnification obligations, increased leverage and lack of access to available financing (including financing for the acquisition or refinancing of debt owed by us on a timely basis and on reasonable terms); compliance costs and potential liability in connection with U.S. and foreign laws and health care regulations pertaining to privacy and security of personal information such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements in Europe, including but not limited to those resulting from data security breaches; a major disruption in the operations of our manufacturing, accounting and financial reporting, research and development, distribution facilities or raw material supply chain due to challenges associated with integration of acquisitions, man-made or natural disasters, pandemic conditions, cybersecurity incidents or other causes; a major disruption in the operations of our manufacturing, accounting and financial reporting, research and development or distribution facilities due to the failure to perform by third-party vendors, including cloud computing providers or other technological problems, including any related to our information systems maintenance, enhancements or new system deployments, integrations or upgrades; a successful cybersecurity attack which could interrupt or disrupt our information technology systems, or those of our third-party service providers, or cause the loss of confidential or protected data; market consolidation of large customers globally through mergers or acquisitions resulting in a larger proportion or concentration of our business being derived from fewer customers; disruptions in supplies of raw materials, particularly components used to manufacture our silicone hydrogel lenses; new U.S. and foreign government laws and regulations, and changes in existing laws, regulations and enforcement guidance, which affect areas of our operations including, but not limited to, those affecting the health care industry, including the contact lens industry specifically and the medical device or pharmaceutical industries generally, including but not limited to the EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), and the EU In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR); legal costs, insurance expenses, settlement costs and the risk of an adverse decision, prohibitive injunction or settlement related to product liability, patent infringement, contractual disputes, or other litigation; limitations on sales following product introductions due to poor market acceptance; new competitors, product innovations or technologies, including but not limited to, technological advances by competitors, new products and patents attained by competitors, and competitors' expansion through acquisitions; reduced sales, loss of customers, reputational harm and costs and expenses, including from claims and litigation related to product recalls and warning letters; failure to receive, or delays in receiving, regulatory approvals or certifications for products; failure of our customers and end users to obtain adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers for our products and services; the requirement to provide for a significant liability or to write off, or accelerate depreciation on, a significant asset, including goodwill, other intangible assets and idle manufacturing facilities and equipment; the success of our research and development activities and other start-up projects; dilution to earnings per share from acquisitions or issuing stock; impact and costs incurred from changes in accounting standards and policies; risks related to environmental laws and requirements applicable to our facilities, products or manufacturing processes, including evolving regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances or chemicals in our products; risks related to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues, including those related to regulatory and disclosure requirements, climate change and sustainability; and other events described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the “Business”, “Risk Factors” and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, as such Risk Factors may be updated in annual and quarterly filings. We caution investors that forward-looking statements reflect our analysis only on their stated date. We disclaim any intent to update them except as required by law. Contact: Kim Duncan Vice President, Investor Relations and Risk Management 925-460-3663 [email protected] THE COOPER COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Constant Currency Revenue Growth and Organic Revenue Growth Net Salesjili178 net 。

Armed with a compelling case file and a determination to seek justice, the man presented his findings to the vendor, demanding a fair resolution to his ordeal. With the weight of evidence on his side, the vendor had no choice but to acknowledge the legitimacy of his claim and offer a reasonable settlement to rectify the situation.In the words of He Jiong and Wang Han themselves, "与美好撞个满怀！" (Embrace the beauty with open arms!) Let us carry this message in our hearts as we step into the future, knowing that no matter what lies ahead, we have two faithful companions by our side, ready to make every moment a little brighter and more beautiful. Cheers to He Jiong and Wang Han, and here's to many more years of joy, laughter, and love. Happy New Year!

Fans of the shows are divided in their loyalties, with some rooting for the seasoned veterans of "Hunter 1" and others throwing their support behind the underdog challengers of "Hunter 2". Social media is buzzing with speculation, predictions, and debates as viewers analyze past performances, strengths, weaknesses, and strategies of both teams. The stage is set for a clash of epic proportions, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the moment when the first shot will be fired.

Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, swiftly responded to the crisis, ensuring the safety of its staff and the preservation of its infrastructure. The company's prompt and coordinated efforts helped contain the fire and prevent any major disruptions to its services.Real Madrid to Make Stunning £45 Million Signing to Secure ComebackNEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. ("Viking" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: VKTX ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Viking and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On November 3, 2024 , Viking released positive trial data for VK2735, the Company's anti-obesity drug, as part of a presentation at the Obesity Week medical meeting, causing Viking's stock price to climb 9% during intraday trading on November 4, 2024 . However, analysts were quick to note that Viking may face production problems for VK2735, especially for 100mg or higher doses. Analysts at Deutsche Bank stated in a note that scaling up production for the drug "will be costly with capital requirements and expertise beyond what [Eli] Lilly (LLY) and Novo [Nordisk] (NVO) currently have[.]" Following these reports, Viking's stock price fell $9.74 per share, or 13.36%, to close at $63.14 per share on November 4, 2024 . Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York , Chicago , Los Angeles , London , Paris , and Tel Aviv , is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz , known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud , breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

jili178 review Farage: Badenoch must apologise for ‘crazy conspiracy theory’ on Reform numbers

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — Rasheed Bello had 19 points in Purdue Fort Wayne's 99-76 victory against Eastern Michigan on Sunday. Bello also contributed eight assists for the Mastodons (8-4). Jalen Jackson scored 17 points while going 7 of 12 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and 1 for 3 from the line. Corey Hadnot II had 17 points and shot 6 for 8, including 5 for 6 from beyond the arc. Jalen Terry led the Eagles (5-5) in scoring, finishing with 28 points. Jalin Billingsley added 16 points and nine rebounds for Eastern Michigan. Da'Sean Nelson had 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Purdue Fort Wayne took the lead with 18:46 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 48-34 at halftime, with Jackson racking up 14 points. Purdue Fort Wayne extended its lead to 56-34 during the second half, fueled by an 8-0 scoring run. Maximus Nelson scored a team-high 12 points in the second half as his team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Byron Ireland's 22 points helped Nicholls State defeat New Orleans 73-70 on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Byron Ireland's 22 points helped Nicholls State defeat New Orleans 73-70 on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — Byron Ireland’s 22 points helped Nicholls State defeat New Orleans 73-70 on Saturday. Ireland had seven rebounds for the Colonels (6-4, 2-0 Southland Conference). Trae English scored 18 points while shooting 7 for 13 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Robert Brown III shot 3 for 6 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points. The Privateers (2-6, 0-1) were led by Michael Thomas, who recorded 16 points and nine rebounds. James White added 15 points for New Orleans. NEXT UP Nicholls State next plays Tuesday against Southern University at New Orleans at home, and New Orleans will visit Iowa on Sunday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementSt. Thomas secures 100-61 win over Crown (MN)

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Trump names former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to ChinaTULSA, Okla. (AP) — Michael Jacobs' 19 points off of the bench helped lead Southern to a 70-66 victory over Tulsa on Saturday. Jacobs shot 7 of 15 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Jaguars (4-4). Cam Amboree added 10 points while going 3 of 5 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) while they also had five rebounds. Derrick Tezeno shot 4 of 6 from the field to finish with 10 points. The Golden Hurricane (4-6) were led by Keaston Willis, who recorded 23 points and seven rebounds. Tyshawn Archie added 17 points, four assists and two blocks for Tulsa. Ian Smikle also had 11 points and eight rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The future of AI: Best ASX shares to buy now - The Motley Fool Australia

Last February, explaining why he thought President Joe Biden could not be successfully prosecuted for mishandling classified documents, Special Counsel Robert Hur suggested that jurors would be apt to view the president as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” and “diminished faculties.” That amply supported characterization outraged Democrats, who portrayed it as a politically motivated attempt to undermine Biden’s reelection. Five months later, additional evidence of Biden’s “diminished faculties” forced his withdrawal from the presidential race, showing it was Democrats’ refusal to admit the obvious, not Hur’s willingness to note it, that kneecapped their attempt to retain the White House. The misplaced criticism of Hur was one of the year’s most audacious attempts at blame-shifting. Here are some more highlights. Felonious Joking. In January, a federal jury awarded Waylon Bailey $205,000 to compensate for the ordeal he suffered in March 2020, when a dozen sheriff’s deputies wearing bulletproof vests descended on his home in Forest Hill, Louisiana, with their guns drawn, ordered him onto his knees and arrested him for “terrorizing” the public, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The cops claimed Bailey had invited this response by posting a zombie-themed joke about COVID-19 on Facebook. Acorn Agitation. In February, the Okaloosa County, Fla., sheriff’s office revealed that Deputy Jesse Hernandez had resigned after emptying his gun into his own patrol car, miraculously missing a handcuffed suspect in the back seat. Although Hernandez claimed the suspect had shot at him, body camera video showed that the deputy mistook the sound of a falling acorn for gunfire. Collision Coverage. Last February, Police Chief Harold Medina of Albuquerque, NM, ran a red light and slammed his department-issued pickup truck into the side of a sports car, severely injuring the driver. Medina, who said he was fleeing from a fight between two homeless men that had escalated into gunfire, blamed “gun violence” for his reckless driving. Prohibition Perils. In April, two months after transgender activist Cecilia Gentili died from a drug overdose, federal prosecutors blamed Gentili’s dealers for causing the death by selling heroin mixed with fentanyl. Yet that sort of hazard is a predictable result of the same laws that federal officials were enforcing, which create a black market where the composition of drugs is highly variable and unpredictable. Marijuana Mistake. In May, based on advice from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Justice Department said marijuana does not belong in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, a category supposedly reserved for especially dangerous drugs with no medical utility. HHS blamed the Drug Enforcement Administration’s erroneous reading of the law for that widely derided classification, which HHS itself supported for decades before belatedly admitting that it had no scientific basis. Lethal Lies. During his murder trial in September, former Houston narcotics officer Gerald Goines, who lied to justify a 2019 drug raid that killed Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas, sought to blame his victims , noting that Tuttle fired at the cops after they broke into his house and killed his dog. The jurors rejected that argument in favor of the account offered by prosecutors, who said Tuttle did not realize the intruders were police officers and reacted as “any normal person” would to a violent home invasion. Cat Tales. When then-Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance faced flak in September for promoting unfounded rumors about pet-eating Haitian immigrants, he said he was relying on “firsthand accounts from my constituents.” In particular, he cited a report from a woman whose lost cat turned up, alive and well, in her own basement. Retroactive Rules. Defending its rejection of flavored nicotine vaping products, the Food and Drug Administration blamed the manufacturer’s failure to meet requirements that were not announced until it was too late to comply with them. The new standard, the company’s lawyer told the Supreme Court in December, “directly contradicts the guidance FDA provided before the submission deadline.” Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine.

Lawrence’s 16 help Rhode Island take down Central Connecticut 77-69China’s oil consumption peaked in 2023, CNPC saysVance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump's most contentious picks

LAFAYETTE, CO / ACCESSWIRE / November 26, 2024 / urban-gro, Inc. (Nasdaq:UGRO) ("urban-gro" or the "Company"), an integrated professional services and Design-Build firm offering solutions to the Controlled Environment Agriculture ("CEA") and commercial sectors, today announced the launch of its new Processing and Extraction Division. Further expanding urban-gro's sector offering, this strategic expansion driven by client demand, delivers cutting-edge solutions designed to optimize cannabis facilities for post-harvest operations. The Processing and Extraction Division addresses the growing need for advanced post-harvest services and access to high-quality processing equipment. By seamlessly integrating design, engineering, and construction services with equipment provisioning, this division will ensure that facilities meet the highest industry standards and regulatory requirements. Through urban-gro's engineering and architectural services, it designs and builds rated extraction spaces, C1D1/C1D2 hazardous environments, dry rooms, and post-processing areas, with an emphasis on the mechanical and HVAC systems that are critical for facility safety and compliance. urban-gro's construction services ensure that all lab build-outs comply with fire codes and other cannabis-specific regulations, providing both safety and regulatory adherence for high-stakes extraction and post-processing operations. To spearhead the new division, urban-gro has hired a Business Development Director with over eight years of experience in construction and post-processing, specializing in C1D1/C1D2 and solventless extraction facilities. This strategic addition underscores urban-gro's commitment to serving as a comprehensive partner and delivering exceptional value to clients within the cannabis sector. urban-gro will be showcasing its enhanced service portfolio at MJBizCon 2024 in Las Vegas from December 4-6. Attendees are invited to visit Booth 38014 to learn more about how urban-gro's integrated approach can design, build, and optimize state-of-the-art cannabis facilities. To schedule a meeting with one of urban-gro's business development executives or sales engineers, please reach out to urban-gro at [email protected] . About urban-gro, Inc. urban-gro, Inc.® (Nasdaq:UGRO) is an integrated professional services and Design-Build firm. We offer value-added architectural, engineering, and construction management solutions to the Controlled Environment Agriculture ("CEA"), industrial, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. Innovation, collaboration, and creativity drive our team to provide exceptional customer experiences. With offices across North America and in Europe, we deliver Your Vision - Built. Learn more by visiting www.urban-gro.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this release, terms such as "believes," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "may," "projects" and similar expressions and variations as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, the Company's ability to integrate its existing business with its new processing and extraction division, the ability of the Company's solutions to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and the value realized by the Company's clients as a result of its products and services. These and other forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including, among others, the Company's ability to successfully manage and integrate acquisitions, its ability to accurately forecast revenues and costs, competition for projects in the Company's markets, the Company's ability to predict and respond to new laws and governmental regulatory actions, including delays granting licenses to clients or potential clients and delays in passage of legislation expected to benefit the Company's clients or potential clients, our ability to successfully develop new and/or enhancements to the Company's product offerings and develop a product mix to meet demand, risks related to adverse weather conditions, supply chain issues, rising interest rates, economic downturn or other factors that could cause delays or the cancellation of projects in the Company's backlog or our ability to secure future projects, the Company's ability to maintain favorable relationships with suppliers, risks associated with reliance on key customers and suppliers, the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel, results of litigation and other claims and insurance coverage issues, risks related to the Company's information technology systems and infrastructure, risks associated with climate change and ESG matters, the Company's ability to maintain effective internal controls, the Company's ability to execute on our strategic plans, the Company's ability to achieve and maintain cost savings, the sufficiency of the Company's liquidity and capital resources, and the Company's ability to achieve our key initiatives for 2024, particularly the Company's growth initiatives. A more detailed description of these and certain other factors that could affect actual results is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. Investor Contact: Jeff Sonnek - ICR, Inc. (720) 730-8160 [email protected] Media Contact: Barbara Graham - urban-gro, Inc. (720) 903-1139 [email protected] SOURCE: urban-gro, Inc. View the original on accesswire.comThe Arizona Cardinals announced they have placed LT Paris Johnson and RT Jonah Williams on injured reserve, ending their seasons. We have made the following roster moves: – Placed OL Paris Johnson Jr. and OL Jonah Williams on IR – Signed OL Jackson Barton to active roster from practice squad – Signed CB Darren Hall to practice squad – Signed LB Benton Whitley to the active roster — Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 24, 2024 Arizona promoted OL Jackson Barton from the practice squad to the active roster and signed OLB Benton Whitley to fill the open roster spots. The Cardinals also signed CB Darren Hall to the practice squad. Williams, 27, was selected by the Bengals in the first round out of Alabama in 2019. He played out the final year of a four-year, $17,630,162 rookie contract that included a $10,841,936 signing bonus. The Bengals exercised Williams’ fifth-year option which will cost them $13.2 million fully guaranteed for the 2023 season. Williams was testing the open market as an unrestricted this offseason when he signed with the Cardinals in March on a two-year, $30 million deal. In 2024, Williams appeared in six games for the Cardinals and made six starts at right tackle. Johnson, 23, moved from right guard to left tackle in 2022 and was a consensus All-American in his final season at Ohio State. The Cardinals drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is in the second year a four-year, $30,359,563 contract that includes a $19,079,682 signing bonus and includes a fifth-year option for the 2027 season. In 2024, Johnson appeared in 14 games and made 14 starts for the Cardinals at left tackle. Pro Football Focus had him graded as the No. 14 tackle out of 79 qualifying players. This article first appeared on NFLTradeRumors.co and was syndicated with permission.Nonejili178 vip 。

Titans return to QB Mason Rudolph after 3-INT performanceMan Utd Have 'World-Class' Star on Four-Man Striker Shortlist for January

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Pakistani authorities launch operation to clear Imran Khan supporters from the capital

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NoneLil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National Championship

Trump boasts of 'very productive meeting' with Canadian PM Trudeau at Mar-a-LagoCoastal Carolina 48, Georgia St. 27TORONTO — Canada's main stock index ended Tuesday narrowly in the red, weighed down by losses in energy and base metals stocks, while U.S. markets moved higher. Investors digested the latest news from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who threatened sweeping new tariffs of 25 per cent on products from Canada and Mexico. The “sizable” tariff promise likely shocked markets somewhat right off the bat, said Mike Archibald, vice-president and portfolio manager with AGF Investments Inc. “But I think as people have kind of digested they've thought that this is probably a starting position from a bargaining standpoint,” he said. The announcement was in line with Trump’s tactics used during his first presidency, said Archibald. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 5.21 points at 25,405.14. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 123.74 points at 44,860.31. The S&P 500 index was up 34.26 points at 6,021.63, while the Nasdaq composite was up 119.46 points at 19,174.30. A few Canadian companies saw their share prices drop because of the outsized impact such a tariff could have on certain sectors, said Archibald. These included Bombardier, BRP, Linamar and Magna International. “You can see the biggest losers on the market today are generally those that manufacture in either Canada and/or Mexico,” he said. But higher tariffs could also be inflationary for the U.S., said Archibald. Markets have been paring back their bets for interest rate cuts in the U.S. in the wake of the election in anticipation of potentially higher inflation. “It’s a bit too early to know,” said Archibald. Despite the uncertainty, he said markets are still poised to do well in the coming months thanks to Trump’s overall pro-business bent. “I still think the market is in a very good position to rally ... into the end of the year,” he said. “The S&P 500 is still going to do fairly well relative to other markets around the world.” The loonie fell to a four-year low before clawing back some of its losses later in the day, he noted. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.01 cents US compared with 71.53 cents US on Monday. The January crude oil contract was down 17 cents at US$68.77 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up three cents at US$3.47 per mmBTU. The December gold contract was up US$2.80 at US$2,621.30 an ounce and the March copper contract was down four cents at US$4.12 a pound. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press

Chance of direct attack by Russia ‘remote’, says UK armed forces chiefNASHVILLE, Tenn. — Married couples across the U.S. have had access to no-fault divorce for more than 50 years, an option many call crucial to supporting domestic abuse victims and key to preventing already crowded family courts from drowning in complicated divorce proceedings. But some advocates for women worried as old comments from now Vice President-elect JD Vance circulated during the presidential campaign opposing no-fault divorce. After President-elect Donald Trump and Vance won the election, warnings began popping up on social media urging women who might be considering divorce to "pull the trigger" while they still could. Some attorneys posted saying they saw a spike in calls from women seeking divorce consultations. Donald and Ivana Trump pose in May 1988 outside the Federal Courthouse in New York after she was sworn in as a United States citizen. Trump — who is twice-divorced — hasn't championed overhauling the country's divorce laws, but in 2021 Vance lamented that divorce is too easily accessible, as have conservative podcasters and others. "We've run this experiment in real time and what we have is a lot of very, very real family dysfunction that's making our kids unhappy," Vance said during a speech at a Christian high school in California, where he criticized people being able to "shift spouses like they change their underwear." Marriage rates held steady but divorce rates of women age 15 and older declined from 2012 to 2022, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released in October. Despite concerns, even those who want to make divorces harder to get say they don't expect big, swift changes. There is not a national coordinated effort underway. States determine their own divorce laws, so national leaders can't directly change policy. "Even in some of the so-called red states, it hasn't gotten anywhere," said Beverly Willett, co-chair of the Coalition for Divorce Reform, whose group unsuccessfully attempted to convince states to repeal their no-fault divorce laws. A couple exchanges wedding bands Oct. 11, 2018, at City Hall in Philadelphia. Mark A. Smith, a political science professor at the University of Washington, said while many Americans became accustomed to no-fault divorce being an option, Vance's previous comments on making it more difficult to separate from a spouse could help jump-start that effort. "Even though he's not directly proposing a policy, it's a topic that hasn't gotten a ton of discussion in the last 15 years," Smith said. "And so to have a national profile politician talk that way is noteworthy." Meanwhile, Republican Party platforms in Texas and Nebraska were amended in 2022 to call for the removal of no-fault divorce. Louisiana's Republican Party considered something similar this year but declined to do so. A handful of proposals were introduced in conservative-led statehouses over the years, but all immediately stalled after they were filed. In January, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Dusty Deevers introduced legislation that would have removed married couples from filing for divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. Deevers backed the bill after writing a piece declaring no-fault divorce was an "abolition of marital obligation." Sen. JD Vance smiles as his wife Usha Vance applauds Nov. 6 at an election-night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. Similarly, in South Carolina, two Republican lawmakers in 2023 filed a bill that would have required both spouses to file for a no-fault divorce application rather than just one. In South Dakota, a Republican lawmaker attempted to remove irreconcilable difference as grounds for divorce since 2020. None of the sponsors of these bills responded to interview requests from The Associated Press. All are members of their state's conservative Freedom Caucus. Nevertheless, some Democratic lawmakers say they remain worried about the future of no-fault divorce. They point to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 as an example of a long-accepted option that was revoked through a decades-long effort. "When you choose to be silent, you allow for this to creep in," said Democratic South Dakota Rep. Linda Duba. "These are the bills that gain a foothold because you choose to be silent." Before California became the first state to adopt a no-fault divorce option in 1969, married couples had to prove their spouse violated one of the approved "faults" outlined in their state's divorce law or risk a judge denying their divorce, said Joanna Grossman, a law professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Qualified reasons varied from state to state, but largely included infidelity, incarceration or abandonment. Donald and Marla Trump wave to photographers Dec. 20, 1993, as they enter their wedding reception in New York's Plaza Hotel. The system was a particular burden on domestic violence victims, who are often women who could be stuck in dangerous marriages while they try to prove their partner's abuse in court through expensive and lengthy legal proceedings. "If there was any evidence that the couple both wanted to get divorced that was supposed to be denied because divorce was not something you got because you wanted it, it was something you got because you've been wronged in a way that the state thought was significant," Grossman said. To date, every state in the U.S. adopted a no-fault divorce option. However, 33 states still have a list of approved "faults" to file as grounds for divorce — ranging from adultery to felony conviction. In 17 states, married people only have the option of choosing no-fault divorce to end their marriages. The link between rates of divorce and age at first marriage has been borne out over time, but it also explains geographic differences in rates of divorce. Today, most of the states with the lowest rates of divorce are also those with a higher median age for marriage. States like New Jersey, New York, California, and Massachusetts all stand out for having fewer than 10% of adults divorced and an age at first marriage above 30. One exception to this is Utah, which has the lowest overall median age for first marriage at 25.5 but also the third-lowest share of divorced adults at 9%, likely due in part to the state’s strong religious ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . In contrast, Maine and Nevada lead all states in the share of the population currently divorced at 13.9% and 13.8%, respectively. And at the local level, many of the cities with the highest levels of divorce are found in Florida, Appalachia, and the Southwest. The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey . To determine the most divorced locations, researchers at ChamberOfCommerce.org calculated the percentage of adults currently divorced. In the event of a tie, the location with the higher percentage of adults currently separated was ranked higher. To improve relevance, only cities with at least 100,000 residents were included. Additionally, cities were grouped into cohorts based on population size: small (100,000–149,999), midsize (150,000–349,999), and large (350,000 or more). Here are the most divorced cities in the U.S. Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: photo.ua / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Jonny Trego / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Tupungato / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Kevin J King / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Galina Savina / Shutterstock Photo Credit: f11photo / Shutterstock Photo Credit: CHARLES MORRA / Shutterstock Photo Credit: LHBLLC / Shutterstock Photo Credit: Valiik30 / Shutterstock Photo Credit: turtix / Shutterstock Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Tehran, Dec 25 (AP) Iran's government on Tuesday said it had lifted a ban on access to WhatsApp and Google Play after more than two years, the official IRNA news agency reported. The report said the country's Supreme Council of Cyber Space made the decision in a meeting led by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has vowed to remove restrictions on social media. Also Read | Bill Clinton Health Update: Former US President Is out of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital After Being Treated for Flu. Iran's telecommunication minister Sattar Heshemi in a post on X called the decision a “first step” in removing restrictions and said “the path will continue" — indicating the possibility of unblocking other services. Many people reached by The Associated Press across the capital, Tehran, and other cities said they had access to the services on computers but not yet on mobile phones. Also Read | American Airlines Operations Up and Running Again After Brief Grounding Due to Systemwide Technical Issues on Christmas Eve. WhatsApp has been the third most popular messaging platform in Iran after Instagram and Telegram. The ban on WhatsApp and Google Play was put in place in 2022 during mass protests against the government over the death of a woman held by the country's morality police for allegedly violating the strictly enforced dress code. The protests calmed in 2023 after a crackdown by police and security forces that led to the death of hundreds of people and the imprisonment of thousands. Iran has blocked access to various social media platforms over the years but many people in the country use proxies and VPNs to access them. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s “landmark” win as the best Champions League performance of his reign. Incredibly, it was Arsenal ’s first away win in Europe for 13 months and also their first goals in the competition in their last five games. It was also Sporting Lisbon’s first defeat of the season. Arsenal made it a five-star show with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to prove they can be genuine challengers. When asked whether it was the best Champions League win of his tenure, Gunners boss Arteta said: “For sure. Especially against the opponent that we played in their home. I don’t think they’ve lost here in 18 months. “They’ve been in top form, they’ve been better than everyone they’ve played here. To play to that level with the fluidity that we’ve done today, very pleased. “The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. We played PSG and we were exceptional again. We played Bayern and were exceptional. But we made some mistakes and it cost us. "That’s the level. We have to be able to cope. You have to make it happen. That creates belief. We need that consistency because the ability is there. It’s a big performance, a big win and we’re really happy.” Arteta said Arsenal’s win was a sign they are getting their players back to fitness but then revealed Gabriel went off injured and that will be a concern for the Gunners before they go to West Ham on Saturday. Arteta added: “We don’t know on Gabriel. We had to make the change because he was feeling some discomfort. We had to get him out. “It’s true that we’re still managing certain players. The level raises no doubt if we have the availability we’re going to be a really good side.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This ain't Texas—this is buffering. As Beyoncé gets ready to perform during the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Christmas Day halftime show at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston, she couldn't help but poke a bit of fun at Netflix , who will be live-streaming the game on their platform. In a video posted to her social media accounts Dec. 24 , the Grammy winner could be seen sitting on a football field wearing a flowing cape, big hat and sunglasses and strumming a banjo to the tune of her hit "Texas Hold 'Em." As Beyoncé removes her sunglasses, the camera zooms in on her face before giving viewers the classic Netflix red circle buffer. The "Diva" singer—who shares children Blue Ivy Carter , 12, and twins Rumi Carter and Sir Carter , 7, with husband Jay-Z —can then be heard laughing over the buffer, before the video cuts to a reminder about the game. "I'm sending you big joy and love on this Cowboy Christmas Eve," the 43-year-old wrote alongside the promo. "I'll see y'all tomorrow, in my city HTX." And of course fans were delighted by the trolling, with Netflix even jumping in to share their own thoughts. "now hold on...," they wrote in the comments of her video on X , formerly Twitter, before changing their bio on the platform to, "roasted by beyoncé 12.24.25." Beyoncé's halftime performance marks the first time she's taken the stage since wrapping her Renaissance World Tour in October 2023, and also the first since the March release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter . And while the Texans-Ravens game will start streaming on Netflix at 4:30 p.m. ET, fans will still have three hours to catch her performance on the platform after the game ends, according to Variety . (Although if you're outside the United States, the game expires 24 hours after the stream ends.) But it's not all about football for Beyoncé, as mom Tina Knowles recently shared a few of the family's holiday traditions that they'll be enjoying this year. "For the kids, we buy toys just like in any other family," she told E! News . "That's what they like." And it's not just gifts they'll be enjoying, as Tina has another recipe for success up her sleeve, noting she'll be, "making my amazing gumbo." "I just made it for Thanksgiving," she added, "it was so many people that came over. Just good food and company and family." To see how more of your favorite stars are celebrating the holidays this year, keep reading. Christian Siriano The fashion designer attends David Barton and Susanne Bartsch ’s 25th annual toy drive at Gym U in New York City. Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, Mary Cosby & Whitney Rose The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costars escape the Utah snow to party at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s bash in Beverly Hills. Larsa Pippen & Marysol Patton The Real Housewives of Miami costars rock Printfresh pajamas for Marysol's Recharge & Reset holiday pajama party. Kourtney Kardashian The Poosh founder gave fans a glimpse at her holiday decor, which included numerous Christmas trees all around her home, with one upside down. Kris Jenner The Kardashians star is definitely the most interesting to look at while attending Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party Benefitting Animal Haven and Camp Cocker Rescue in L.A. Cynthia Bailey & Crystal Kung Minkoff The Real Housewives stars co-host The Abbey’s 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in honor of World AIDS Day benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in West Hollywood. Kathy Hilton and Nicky Hilton The mother-daughter duo host the hottest holiday party in the 90210. Tarek El Moussa & Heather Rae El Moussa The lovebirds attend DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s party benefitting Ronald McDonald House charities. Heather Dubrow The Real Housewives of Orange County star swapped Prada for pajamas during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Cynthia Bailey The Bravolebrity is pretty in pink at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Lisa Barlow & Kathy Hilton The Real Housewives stars belt out a number at Kathy's DIRECTV bash in Beverly Hills. Dylan Mulvaney & Ashley Park The influencer and Emily and Paris star ring in the holidays in the comfiest way possible. Crystal Kung Minkoff The RHOBH alum attends BFF Kathy Hilton's holiday PJ party. John Janssen & Alexis Bellino The RHOC couple enjoy date night at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s charity party. Kimora Lee Simmons The supermodel looks runway ready at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party in L.A. Jennifer Tilly The RHOBH castmember is feeling festive at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Nicky Hilton The entrepreneur kicks of the holiday season hosting a party alongside mom Kathy. Kathy Hilton The Real Housewives star is definitely feeling hunky dory this holiday season. Dorit Kemsley The RHOBH star strikes a pose in front of Kathy Hilton's Christmas tree. Kyle Richards & Faye Resnick The besties ring in the 2024 holiday season today at Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Erika Jayne The "Pretty Mess" singer has her hands full with some enviable stocking stuffers. Paula Abdul The "Straight Up" singer is comfy and cozy during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Ashley Benson The actress stops by Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party. Jaime King The actress models a Kathy Hilton original.Last year, tech giant Huawei catapulted to the top of the smartphone market in China when it released the Mate 60 Pro, a phone that contained a tiny computer chip more advanced than any previously made by a Chinese company. The chips used by Huawei’s smartphones have become a symbol in the struggle between China and the United States for control over advanced technology . Huawei’s new Mate 70 phone. Policymakers in Washington have spent years trying to prevent Chinese companies from being able to make the kind of chip Huawei uses in its Mate phone. But Huawei has pressed ahead, and the phone has burnished its image as a national leader, triumphant in the face of US restrictions. Shoppers in China were excited to buy a phone with state-of-the-art components that had been made entirely at home. Huawei was able to appeal to Chinese customers who previously would have been more likely to buy iPhones, eating into Apple’s most important market outside the United States. On Tuesday, Huawei unveiled the next generation of that phone, the Mate 70 series, from its offices in Shenzhen in southeastern China. Richard Yu, Huawei’s consumer group chair, called the flagship device the “smartest” Mate phone. Loading Powered by its homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS Next, which was officially launched last month, the Mate 70 series has artificial intelligence-enabled functions, including improved photography, live transcription and translation of phone calls. Apple has yet to release its AI features in China. Starting at 5499 yuan ($1172) the price of the Mate 70 is meant to compete with the iPhone in China. HarmonyOS Next allows phones to connect with Huawei’s other products: electric cars, smart speakers and watches. But widespread commercial success for the Mate 70 could depend on Huawei’s ability to secure a steady supply of chips. The company relied on Chinese chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., or SMIC, to make the chips in the Mate 60 Pro. SMIC, which is partly state owned, is the only maker of advanced chips in China. Analysts said they believed Huawei had again turned to SMIC for the Mate 70. Huawei did not reveal details about the chips in the new phone. A critical question is how advanced the chips are, because that can determine whether they can perform more sophisticated tasks like AI at a faster speed. The chips used by Huawei’s smartphones have become a symbol in the struggle between China and the United States for control over advanced technology. Credit: Bloomberg US officials seeking to control China’s chip development say advanced technology is essential not just for consumer technology like chatbots but also for military superiority. They have tried to prevent Chinese companies from buying these kinds of chips and related machinery, leaving SMIC dependent on dated tools. Experts say SMIC has strained to make enough chips for Huawei. Even though production for some parts in Huawei’s latest phones began in July, the Mate 70 has not gone on sale until now because it has been challenging for Huawei to acquire enough chips, said Lori Chang, a senior analyst at Isaiah Research, a market research company. SMIC did not respond to a request for comment. As of Tuesday, more than 3 million people had signed up on Huawei’s website to reserve the company’s latest flagship phone, which does not require a deposit. The premium version of the Mate 70 is set to go on sale in China on Tuesday, according to Huawei’s website. A critical question is how advanced the chips are, because that can determine whether they can perform more sophisticated tasks like AI at a faster speed. Huawei has been working for years to position itself as synonymous with the country’s tech industry, as Apple is with Silicon Valley. Resurgence despite Washington’s controls is a crucial part of this image. A top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, became a hero to many in China after her return in 2021 following almost three years of detention in Canada while facing fraud charges in the United States. A series of trade restrictions against Huawei first put in place during the Trump administration pummeled its profits in 2022. Since Meng’s release, Huawei has expanded its product range and developed some of China’s most advanced AI technology. Over the past two years, the company has steadily gained ground in China’s smartphone market. In 2022, three-quarters of the high-end smartphones sold in China were iPhones. This year, it was just about half, as Huawei’s share more than doubled, according to Canalys, a market research firm. “Huawei’s goal over the past few years has been consistent — to reclaim some of the market share that iPhone holds in China,” Chang said. Huawei faces stiff competition from domestic rivals like Xiaomi and Oppo, which sell less expensive devices. To compete, Huawei will have to sell more midrange models, too, said Toby Zhu, a senior analyst at Canalys. Loading But even those devices will require a large number of chips. And as foreign chipmakers like the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., or TSMC, stop sending chips to Chinese clients, this could become increasingly difficult as more companies will depend on SMIC for advanced chips. “Not only Huawei but now all China-based AI makers, they face the same issue,” said Linda Sui, a senior director at TechInsights, a market research firm. “If they all ship through SMIC, that’s going to make the supply constraints even worse next year.” This article originally appeared in The New York Times . Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday . Sign up here . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Phones Apple Most Viewed in Technology Loading

The world stands at the dawn of a “third nuclear age” in which Britain is threatened by multiple dilemmas, the head of the armed forces has warned. But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”CHEYENNE – The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens will host Conservatory of Lights beginning Wednesday and continuing on selected dates through Dec. 27. Patrons will step into a tropical winter wonderland, where the fusion of warm breezes and festive cheer creates an unforgettable holiday experience, a news release from the gardens said. A scavenger hunt will lead through lush greenery and sparkling decorations, offering surprises at every turn. After the adventure, guests can indulge in a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, available for purchase in the gift shop. To alleviate crowding and ensure a better experience, the Gardens has instituted free timed tickets. Those who attend will need to visit botanic.org/events to select a date and time for their tickets. These tickets must be presented on a phone or as a printed copy to enter. Conservatory of Lights will be open from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on selected dates: Wednesday, Thursday, and Dec. 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27. A special preview for members of the Friends of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Conservatory will be cleared each of these days at 4:45 p.m. to prepare for those with tickets. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens has also created a giving tree this year to help Santa Claus get nice gifts to needy children. To learn more about the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and to find registration links for events, visit botanic.org . Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.NORAD Santa tracker: See when Father Christmas will reach your house in Wales and where he is now

play jili178 net Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brinkHarris dismisses ‘project fear’ approach to Sinn Fein

Trump 2.0 has a Cabinet and executive branch of different ideas and eclectic personalities

NoneOn the 16th day, Bryson DeChambeau finally got his hole-in-one. The LIV golfer and started a challenge earlier this month of attempting to make a hole-in-one while hitting golf balls over his house and onto a backyard putting green. The number of shots DeChambeau would attempt would depend on what day of the challenge he was on — so one shot on the first day, two on the second day, and so on. On Wednesday, DeChambeau's achieved his goal with a wedge on his 14th attempt of the day and his 134th overall shot. What a journey — Bryson DeChambeau (@brysondech) “I can’t believe I made that, finally! Are you kidding me?!” DeChambeau said before falling to the ground in disbelief. “That’s enough.” There were close calls along the way, . But successfully sinking a hole-in-one early in this would it? As for holes-in-one during his career, DeChambeau has only made one — during the final round of the on the 16th hole.Penn St. 85, Fordham 66

NoneNikkei Trading Near 1989 Stock Peak: Double Top?Published 4:21 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2024 By Data Skrive The Butler Bulldogs versus the Northwestern Wildcats is one of many compelling options on Thursday in college basketball action — suggested picks against the spread for 10 games are available below. Watch men’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term.A GP turned serial fraudster must serve an additional 13 months in prison for obstructing official efforts to seize his property on behalf of the Treasury. Gerald Smith was first jailed in 1993, when he received a two-year term for stealing £2 million from the pension fund of Farr Group, a construction company. In 2006 he was jailed for eight years after stealing more than £34 million from a technology company in a fraud that caused the collapse of the stock market-listed firm and shareholders to lose investments. Last September, the 69-year-old was sent to prison for 18 months after he fraudulently obtained a £50,000 business bounce-back loan from the government during the coronavirus pandemic. While Smith was serving that most recent sentence in Brixton

A judge has once again rejected Musk’s multi-billion-dollar Tesla pay package. Now what?Rays will play 19 of their first 22 games at home as MLB switches series to avoid summer rain

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s personnel choices for his new Cabinet and White House reflect his signature positions on immigration and trade but also a range of viewpoints and backgrounds that raise questions about what ideological anchors might guide his Oval Office encore. With a rapid assembly of his second administration — faster than his effort eight years ago — the former and incoming president has combined television personalities , former Democrats, a wrestling executive and traditional elected Republicans into a mix that makes clear his intentions to impose tariffs on imported goods and crack down on illegal immigration but leaves open a range of possibilities on other policy pursuits. “The president has his two big priorities and doesn’t feel as strongly about anything else — so it’s going to be a real jump ball and zigzag,” predicted Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s 2017-21 term. “In the first administration, he surrounded himself with more conservative thinkers, and the results showed we were mostly rowing in the same direction. This is more eclectic.” Indeed, Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio , the Florida senator who has pilloried authoritarian regimes around the world, is in line to serve as top diplomat to a president who praises autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon has been tapped to sit at the Cabinet table as a pro-union labor secretary alongside multiple billionaires, former governors and others who oppose making it easier for workers to organize themselves. The prospective treasury secretary, Scott Bessent , wants to cut deficits for a president who promised more tax cuts, better veterans services and no rollbacks of the largest federal outlays: Social Security, Medicare and national defense. Abortion-rights supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump's choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which Trump’s conservative Christian base has long targeted as an agency where the anti-abortion movement must wield more influence. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich allowed that members of Trump’s slate will not always agree with the president and certainly not with one another. But he minimized the potential for irreconcilable differences: “A strong Cabinet, by definition, means you’re going to have people with different opinions and different skills.” That kind of unpredictability is at the core of Trump’s political identity. He is the erstwhile reality TV star who already upended Washington once and is returning to power with sweeping, sometimes contradictory promises that convinced voters, especially those in the working class, that he will do it all again. “What Donald Trump has done is reorient political leadership and activism to a more entrepreneurial spirit,” Gingrich said. There's also plenty of room for conflict, given the breadth of Trump's 2024 campaign promises and his pattern of cycling through Cabinet members and national security personnel during his first term. This time, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign goods, end illegal immigration and launch a mass deportation force, goose U.S. energy production and exact retribution on people who opposed — and prosecuted — him. He's added promises to cut taxes, raise wages, end wars in Israel and Ukraine , streamline government, protect Social Security and Medicare, help veterans and squelch cultural progressivism. Trump alluded to some of those promises in recent weeks as he completed his proposed roster of federal department heads and named top White House staff members. But his announcements skimmed over any policy paradoxes or potential complications. Bessent has crusaded as a deficit hawk, warning that the ballooning national debt , paired with higher interest rates, drives consumer inflation. But he also supports extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that added to the overall debt and annual debt service payments to investors who buy Treasury notes. A hedge-fund billionaire, Bessent built his wealth in world markets. Yet, generally speaking, he’s endorsed Trump's tariffs. He rejects the idea that they feed inflation and instead frames tariffs as one-time price adjustments and leverage to achieve U.S. foreign policy and domestic economic aims. Trump, for his part, declared that Bessent would “help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States.” Chavez-DeRemer, Trump promised, “will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.” Trump did not address the Oregon congresswoman’s staunch support for the PRO-Act, a Democratic-backed measure that would make it easier for workers to unionize, among other provisions. That proposal passed the House when Democrats held a majority. But it’s never had measurable Republican support in either chamber on Capitol Hill, and Trump has never made it part of his agenda. When Trump named Kennedy as his pick for health secretary, he did not mention the former Democrat’s support for abortion rights. Instead, Trump put the focus on Kennedy’s intention to take on the U.S. agriculture, food processing and drug manufacturing sectors. The vagaries of Trump’s foreign policy stand out, as well. Trump's choice for national security adviser , Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, offered mixed messages Sunday when discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, which Trump claims never would have started had he been president, because he would have prevailed on Putin not to invade his neighboring country. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Waltz repeated Trump’s concerns over recent escalations, which include President Joe Biden approving sending antipersonnel mines to Ukrainian forces. “We need to restore deterrence, restore peace and get ahead of this escalation ladder, rather than responding to it,” Waltz said. But in the same interview, Waltz declared the mines necessary to help Ukraine “stop Russian gains” and said he’s working “hand in glove” with Biden’s team during the transition. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence , the top intelligence post in government, is an outspoken defender of Putin and Syrian President Bashar al Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Perhaps the biggest wildcards of Trump’s governing constellation are budget-and-spending advisers Russell Vought, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Vought led Trump’s Office of Management and Budget in his first term and is in line for the same post again. Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, and Ramaswamy, a mega-millionaire venture capitalist, are leading an outside advisory panel known as the “Department of Government Efficiency.” The latter effort is a quasi-official exercise to identify waste. It carries no statutory authority, but Trump can route Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s recommendations to official government pathways, including via Vought. A leading author of Project 2025 , the conservative movement’s blueprint for a hard-right turn in U.S. government and society, Vought envisions OMB not just as an influential office to shape Trump’s budget proposals for Congress but a power center of the executive branch, “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” As for how Trump might navigate differences across his administration, Gingrich pointed to Chavez-DeRemer. “He might not agree with her on union issues, but he might not stop her from pushing it herself,” Gingrich said of the PRO-Act. “And he will listen to anybody. If you convince him, he absolutely will spend presidential capital.” Short said other factors are more likely to influence Trump: personalities and, of course, loyalty . Vought “brought him potential spending cuts” in the first administration, Short said, “that Trump wouldn’t go along with.” This time, Short continued, “maybe Elon and Vivek provide backup,” giving Vought the imprimatur of two wealthy businessmen. “He will always calculate who has been good to him,” Short said. “You already see that: The unions got the labor secretary they wanted, and Putin and Assad got the DNI (intelligence chief) they wanted. ... This is not so much a team-of-rivals situation. I think it’s going to look a lot like a reality TV show.”Business on the NHL trade speculation front picked up massively on Monday when Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the New York Rangers were bothered by their recent 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers and that perhaps a shakeup was needed to snap them out of a funk of sorts in the ultra-competitive Metropolitan Division. Shakeups don't always come with names attached, but this one did in the form of two of the Rangers' veteran leaders, Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba. While we've recently been accustomed to seeing Trouba's name out there, Kreider being mentioned as a player who could be moved is stunning. Kreider was a 52-goal scorer in 2021-2022 and had 36 and 39 goals in the next two seasons. He's been a fixture up front for the Rangers and is one of their key leaders. In all likelihood, this kind of report was done to kick the team in the butt with big games ahead against divisional foes Carolina and New Jersey on the horizon. That's not going to stop us from kicking around possibilities for where the 33-year-old power forward may land. With two more years left on his contract and a $6.5 million cap hit , it's not an easy deal to make, but dang it, we're going to kick it around a little. The Chicago Blackhawks spent a lot of money last summer to make the team more mature and competitive to surround superstar Connor Bedard. That hasn't exactly worked out as they had hoped, but adding a presence like Chris Kreider to the mix would ideally provide a jolt. Kreider's ability around the net and take-no-prisoners way of handling himself around the paint drives opposing teams batty and makes goaltenders upset. His competitive spirit is intense and he's the exact kind of player that would fit what Chicago is looking for while they continue the rebuild. It's the rebuild aspect, as well as making the money work, that would get in the way of any deal. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade clause and with Chicago among the worst teams in the league, despite how great of a city it is it's hard to see Kreider being cool with going from a Stanley Cup contender to a No. 1 pick contender. Plus, for all the cap space Chicago has, adding Kreider's salary alone would put them near the cap ceiling which would be an extra tough look given the team's record. The Boston Bruins are in the middle of turning their season around after firing Jim Montgomery and they're in desperate need of an offensive jolt. Bringing Boston-are native Chris Kreider back home would be the kind of homecoming that, on paper, would make a ton of sense. Kreider's style of play is a perfect fit for how the Bruins classically play. He's physical, he's got a nasty side, and he scores goals all around the front of the net. He's the exact kind of player the B's don't have right now. Kreider, however, is having a tough start to his year with nine goals and no assists headed into games on Monday. His advanced stats are the worst in his career as well and factoring that in with having two more years on his contract after this one at a juicy cap hit, it wouldn't be a trade without potential risks. That said, going back home to spark Kreider to explode and return to piling up goals would be such a logical outcome in the end that it should be enough for the Rangers to not want to deal him there, if at all. It's time once again to throw out the salary constraints, the hesitancy that comes with making a deal or not, and to embrace the possibility of the Vegas Golden Knights making a massive trade for Chris Kreider. The Knights have dealt with some injuries already this season and have been without captain Mark Stone for a few game s now as well and they're no strangers to making the best use of LTIR to add to the team if they need to. Currently, they're in a great salary spot and under the cap, but if GM Kelly McCrimmon needs to make a move, he's shown he'll do it without blinking. Vegas's offense has been outstanding this year and their power play has been equally good so in that respect, adding Kreider would be a case of the rich getting richer. But the Golden Knights already have a couple of Boston-area guys on the team with Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin and you can bet adding Kreider to the mix would be a huge hit with them and would allow Vegas to be that much nastier to deal with in the playoffs. We know Vegas would figure out a way to make the money work and there would certainly be enticing players for the Rangers to consider in return. A Kreider trade probably won't happen, but if it ever became more of a likelihood, Vegas would certainly be a factor. With a new world and financial freedom to work with in Utah, GM Bill Armstrong suddenly has a team that's much more serious about making the playoffs than in the past in Arizona. With all that cap space burning a hole in their pocket as well as prospects and picks to work with, the Hockey Club would be wise to keep tabs on Chris Kreider's situation in New York. Utah has a tough, physical forward who can score with Logan Crouse, but Kreider's brand of physical play on offense and his meticulous work on the power play and at the net would give them a player who excels in an area where they have a lack of presence. Utah's key players up front are decidedly very young (Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley) or veteran but still kind of young (Clayton Keller, Matias Maccelli), and adding a veteran like Kreider to the mix could be the key to helping them take another step forward towards making a run at the postseason. Would Kreider waive his NTC to go to Salt Lake City? With what they're building there, maybe, but there's no doubt that at 33 years old Kreider's eyes are more fixed on winning a Stanley Cup. If you had to draw up the kind of top-six forward the Buffalo Sabres are on the lookout for that fits the profile for the qualities they'd be looking for, that player would look a lot like Chris Kreider. The Sabres are in the market for a scorer who excels around the net and plays a more physical game, and they've got oodles of salary cap space they haven't spent after they bought out Jeff Skinner in the summer. Kreider at 33 years old and his history of piling up goals makes a ton of sense for those reasons. However, the two years he has left on the contract at $6.5 million against the cap would potentially give Sabres GM Kevyn Adams reason to pause. There are also the possible red flags surrounding his poor advanced stats this season on a very good Rangers team and given his age, the fear of how those years to come will go at that price would make this kind of acquisition a big risk. There's also Kreider's no-trade clause in play here as well since many players have Buffalo on their list for myriad reasons and not always having to do with them being in one of the longest playoff droughts in modern sports. There's also some awkward history between the franchises when the Rangers interest in then-Sabres star Jack Eichel was sky-high and the rumors surrounding talks there showed neither side was close to giving what the other wanted. Of the teams on our list, the Anaheim Ducks might be the longest shot here when it comes to Chris Kreider. The Ducks are doing better, comparatively, to previous years but still struggling to mesh together. They're young and they're oozing with high-end talent that's getting their chance to show what they can do in the NHL now. Those are good things for a team that's spent the past few years rebuilding and is continuing to do so. But it's that rebuild that would give Kreider all kinds of pause to consider if the two teams came to an agreement on paper. Would Kreider at 33 be OK with becoming a veteran leader for such a young group and leave a Stanley Cup contender to do so? Everything about his game would be a great fit with Anaheim and his kind of presence on offense would be huge for them. All the cap space in the world can make the Ducks a viable place for any high-price veteran player, but it'll take a few more wins and more consistency to get those players to want to be there. That day is coming, but in Kreider's situation, it may not be the time for him.

Michael Buttstedt - Chief Financial Officer and Board Member of Allianz Partners Tomas Kunzmann , CEO of Allianz Partners, commented : "We are thrilled to welcome Michael as our new Chief Financial Officer and Board Member. His deep risk and financial acumen coupled with his rich management experience and very good understanding of Allianz Group, make him the right choice to steer our financial strategy, manage risks and investments as we continue to transform and retain our #1 market position." Michael replaces Damien Ladous, who has taken on the role of Head of Group Performance Steering, the strategic and financial steering unit of Allianz Group and part of H2 division at Allianz SE, reporting directly to the CFO of Allianz Group, Claire-Marie Coste-Lepoutre . About Allianz Partners Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners' businesses, sold through intermediary channels or directly to customers through the Allianz brand. Present in over 75 countries, our 21,900 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 72.5 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world. For more information, please visit: www.allianz-partners.com Social media Follow us on X @AllianzPartners Follow us on LinkedIn Allianz Partners Follow us on Youtube /allianzpartners Follow us on Instagram @allianzpartnersStoke Therapeutics CMO sells $120,698 in stock