Big Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Bangladesh Year-Ender 2024: Sheikh Hasina Flees To India, Her Dramatic Ouster Casts Shadow Over Dhaka-Delhi Tiescasino slot games online free 。

The first NFL game on Thanksgiving this Thursday will take place in Detroit. It's a Thanksgiving tradition for the Lions to play on Thanksgiving and this year, they'll take on one of their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears. The game will get underway at 12:30 p.m. ET and ESPN's FPI has the Lions as a big favorite. ESPN's FPI gives the Lions a 76.2% chance of winning the game, which shouldn't be a surprise since the Lions are arguably the NFL's best team. The Lions enter the game with a 10-1 record, tied for the best record in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. They're 4-1 at home, their only loss coming against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Since then, the Lions have won nine in a row and will try to make it 10 on Thursday. They're also trying to stay in first place in the NFC North since the Minnesota Vikings are hot on their heels. The Bears enter this game with a 4-7 record and have had a crazy 2024 season. They got off to a great start by winning four of their first six games and were a play away from being 5-2 but they gave up a Hail Mary against the Washington Commanders to lose. Since then, they've lost four more in a row to drop their record to 4-7. They're trying to score a big upset with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams playing in his first Thanksgiving game. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will have the call for CBS at 12:30 p.m. ET. Related: ESPN Computer Predicts Winner Of Cowboys-Giants Thanksgiving GameChristopher L. Dods Headshot Christopher L. Dods Headshot Chris Dods joined First Hawaiian Bank in 2007 in the Card Services Division where he oversaw credit and debit card product development, operations, and compliance. Over time, his responsibilities grew to include marketing, corporate communications, digital banking, and all consumer products. In 2021 he was promoted to Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer and given oversight of Enterprise Technology Management, Enterprise Operations Services, Data and Analytics, and Strategy and Transformation. "Chris has been a key member of our management team and has made significant contributions to FHB during his time at the bank,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President, and CEO. "Under his leadership, we have made great strides in modernizing the bank and creating a user-friendly, highly functional digital experience for both our consumer and business customers. We would like to thank Chris for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.” "My career here will always be a source of pride, and my love for the people and the organization can never be overstated,” said First Hawaiian, Inc. COO Chris Dods. "It has been a privilege to work at such a fine and storied institution as First Hawaiian Bank.” First Hawaiian, Inc. First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ: FHB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank, founded in 1858 under the name Bishop & Company, is Hawaii's largest financial institution with branch locations throughout Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to consumer and commercial customers including deposit products, loans, wealth management, insurance, trust, retirement planning, credit card and merchant processing services. Customers may also access their accounts through ATMs, online and mobile banking channels. For more information about First Hawaiian, Inc., visit the Company's website, www.fhb.com . Kevin Haseyama, CFA (808) 525-6268 [email protected] Lindsay Chambers (808) 525-6254 [email protected]Motoring News Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Two of the world’s biggest car manufacturers – well known to Aussie motorists – have said they are exploring merger talks which could drastically change the vehicle market. It’s a further example of the radical restructuring of the automotive industry in the wake of electric vehicles and competition from Chinese brands. Honda and Nissan, both of Japan, have confirmed they are exploring a deal to bring the firms together. Japanese newspaper Nikkei said a memorandum of understanding between the two was expected to be signed as early as next week. “Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths,” the companies said in a statement on Tuesday. “If there are any updates, we will inform our stakeholders at the appropriate time.” It’s been reported that rival Japanese car firm Mitsubishi could also be part of any future merger. Nissan owns 24 per cent of Mitsubishi. A three-way tie up could create the world’s third largest car maker with only Japanese rival Toyota and German behemoth Volkswagen bigger. Nissan has 4 per cent of the Australian car market and Honda 6 per cent. (FILES) The emblem of Japanese automaker Nissan Motor is seen at a showroom in Yokohama on May 9, 2024. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP) Nissan and Honda have storied histories but have been t by challenges in recent years. In its most recent financial results, Nissan stated its profit margin had plummeted from 5.6 per cent to just 0.5 per cent over the year while it cut its annual profit margin by 70 per cent. The maker of the Qashqai, Navara and Leaf models was rocked last month when French car giant Renault said it would sell its controlling stake after 25 year of partnership. That led Nissan, founded in 1911, scrambling to find a new backer. “We have 12 or 14 months to survive,” a senior official close to Nissan said. CR-V, Civic and Accord maker Honda is going through a turbulent time too, albeit slightly less rocky. Last month it announced it expected full year profits it be around 14 per cent lower than last year. With a market capitalisation of $68 billion, Honda would be the major partner in any merger with Nissan which is worth $15bn. A Honda logo outside a dealership in Tokyo. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) China and US woes Like most western vehicle makers, Nissan and Honda have been heavily invested in the Chinese market. However, the rise of electric vehicles has stymied growth. While booth brands produce EVs, in China home grown manufacturers have grabbed more of the market from foreign brands. In China, brands like BYD and Great Wall are seen as more economical and technologically advanced. Where once Chinese motorists may have shunned Chinese brands now they are being embraced. In the US, and many other overseas markets, Tesla has been outperforming more established vehicle makers EVs. The 2023 Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-power. ‘Left it a bit late’ Talking to US network MSNBC , Peter Wells from the UK’s Cardiff University Centre for Automotive Industry Research said the joining of Honda and Nissan would create economies of scale. “Nissan has been struggling in the market, it’s been struggling at home, it doesn’t have the right product line-up. “There are so many warning signs, so many red flags around Nissan at the moment that something had to happen,” he said. “Whether this is the answer is another question.” But Prof Wells warned “they may have left it a bit late,” and that neither firm has the most current industry tech or products to compete effectively. Chinese car manufacturer BYD is on display at the Essen Motor Show in Essen, western Germany on December 4, 2024. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) The merger talks conformation sent Nissan shares surging by 24 per cent ion Wednesday, US time. Nissan was already close to finalising terms on an electric vehicle partnership with rival Honda. So a more formal merger would not be unexpected. Nissan has been criticised for falling behind on hybrid technology , with rivals such as Toyota, Hyundai and Kia having capitalised on the boom in petrol-electric models. Nissan does offer its own take on the hybrid theme with its e-Power models, which use a petrol engine only as a generator for an electric motor and battery pack. That tech is available in high-grade versions of the Qashqai small SUV and X-Trail family SUV in Australia. – with Matt Campbell and David Campbell. More Coverage Major car brand on brink of collapse Matt Campbell and David Campbell Another nail in Nissan’s coffin exposed David Campbell Originally published as Car giants confirm mega merger talks More related stories Motoring News Nissan’s insane merger call to save company The global Nissan crisis has taken another ugly turn after talk of a merger with a hated rival. Read more Motoring News Kombis don’t look like this anymore Volkswagen finally has an electric car in Australia and it is a fresh take on an old classic. Read more

JERUSALEM — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. In the hours leading up to the Cabinet meeting, Israel carried out its most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah in the final hours before any ceasefire takes hold. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East, but neither he nor Netanyahu have proposed a postwar solution for the Palestinian territory, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” Netanyahu's office later said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but "reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

The scoreline tells its own story. What an incredible result for Arsenal and exactly the performance Mikel Arteta demanded from his players. They were ruthless, clinical and brilliant with a much-needed away win in the Champions League as Arsenal’s season finally looks as if it is gaining real momentum. Remarkably, it was Arsenal’s first away win in Europe for 13 months , the first goals they have scored on the road in this competition in five games and the first time Sporting have lost all season. You could point to the fact the Ruben Amorim magic has already worn off after the ex-Sporting coach’s departure for Manchester United. But this was much more about Arsenal and their style. Towards the end, the away fans were chanting: “Who put the ball in the Sporting net? Half our f***ing team did.” It was a complete team display with five different scorers in Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was sensational and the architect in midfield as Arteta’s men took the sting out of the game and played with maturity and class. They have been lacking consistency all season but now, finally, there appears to be signs returning that they could be approaching their best again. A trademark goal from a set piece as Gabriel headed in from Declan Rice’s corner. Strong defending - apart from one lapse - to keep Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres quiet for most of the night. Arsenal impressed against Nottingham Forest on Saturday but this was a statement victory because Sporting smashed four past Manchester City in their last European tie against English opposition. This was reminiscent of the goal rushes of the second half of last season when everyone thought they would be genuine title contenders this time. They only took seven minutes to go ahead. Jurrien Timber’s low cross from the right split the Sporting penalty box and there was Martinelli to fire home from point blank range. They did not have to wait much longer for a second and it came after an even better move as Arsenal tore Sporting apart again. Thomas Partey’s inviting ball forward released Bukayo Saka, the England forward nutmegged Sporting keeper Franco Israel and there was Havertz to tap home for the 100th goal of his club career. Then came the clearest sign that Arsenal were back to their very best: a brilliant and well-worked goal from a corner which has been the hallmark of Arteta’s success in the past couple of seasons. Declan Rice swung over a corner, William Saliba blocked off defenders in the box and in steamed his fellow centre half Gabriel to power home a header. Sporting threatened a fight back after the restart. Francisco Trincao’s near post corner undid the Arsenal defence and Riccardo Calafiori did not react quick enough and allowed Goncalo Inacio to ghost in and fire home. But Arsenal came back again. Odegaard was tripped by Ousmane Diomande and Saka smashed home the penalty. On came Trossard and he got in on the act late on. Mikel Merino’s shot was saved and his fellow substitute headed in to complete the rout. 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. Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.Opening with a caveat that you can “never say never” in Hollywood, Keanu Reeves responded to questions about making another John Wick movie this week by saying he doesn’t feel like his body is up for it anymore. “My heart does,” Reeves told CBS News , “But my knees are saying right now, ‘You can’t do another John Wick . ” Reeves, 60 despite looking like Keanu Reeves, was mostly there to stump for his role in the current Sonic The Hedgehog 3 , where he plays Shadow, the answer to non-hypothetical question “What if Sonic The Hedgehog was angrier, and had a gun?” CBS Mornings host Nate Burleson was polite enough to hold off on asking any Wick questions until the end of the interview, but he did have to toss out the one, while also noting that Reeves will be reprising the role of the Baba Yaga for a (presumably knee-friendly) appearance in 2025 spin-off movie Ballerina . Reeves, for his part, seems genuinely a little sad to shoot the idea down, although if you want to understand the joy of Keanu, watch the way the semi-sarcastic, uber-chipper way he lights up when Sonic director Jeff Fowler reminds him that his aging body will never stop him from playing Shadow: “Thanks, Jeff!” Of course, people who watched John Wick: Chapter 4 might be a little confused about all this, given how that movie ends. (That fukn also bends over backwards to set up like three different characters who could conceivably helm their own spin-offs, but the heart is going to want the Keanu Reeves it wants.) But we’d also point to the big fat stacks of money that all four Wick movies made—as well as the fact that director Chad Stahelski and Reeves seem to genuinely get a kick out of how much crazy shit they can get away with. Too bad Reeves’ knees seem to have veto power at the moment.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Representatives will meet with global partners to share market insights and discuss the company's unique supply chain solutions HOUSTON , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith , a leading global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors, today announces its attendance at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada . Company representatives will be on hand to meet with current and potential customers during the trade show, which runs from Tuesday, January 7 , to Friday, January 10, 2025 . CES, also known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is widely regarded as the world's premier technology showcase. The biggest names in consumer electronics and entertainment will gather to debut their newest products and cutting-edge innovations. "This is a great opportunity for us to shake hands with our customers, forge new relationships, and gain insights into their needs and the challenges they face within the semiconductor supply chain," said Todd Burke , Smith's President of Global Business Development. "We are excited to demonstrate how Smith's customized programs can help keep chip inventories in balance and how our open-market strategies can generate new revenue streams." Todd and his team will discuss the benefits of supplier diversification , robust inventory management , and staying ahead of market trends . "As artificial-intelligence products and services become more mainstream, demand will continue to rise for the components powering its processing capabilities," said Todd. "Smith's agile sourcing team, broad global reach, and decades of industry expertise underpin our ability to develop fully customizable solutions that help our customers avoid supply chain disruptions and support their success." Visit Smith's CES landing page to schedule a meeting. About Smith Founded in 1984, Smith is celebrating 40 years of Intelligent DistributionTM. As a leading independent distributor of electronic components, Smith sources, manages, tests, and ships billions of components to partners worldwide in every industry and vertical. Offering a comprehensive suite of flexible and scalable supply chain solutions, Smith identifies and delivers customized service programs to support its customers' success. The company's expertise is backed by decades of market data, cutting-edge technology, and a systems-based approach to quality excellence. Smith has generated more than USD $12.9 billion in global revenue since 2019 and ranks eleventh among all global distributors. Visit www.smithweb.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-smith-at-ces-2025-in-las-vegas-302334000.html SOURCE Smith

White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaignWaitrose reveals the identity of the mystery 'dessert thief' as it unveils part two of its Christmas advert The supermarket have revealed the identity of the pudding poacher READ MORE: Waitrose unveils star-studded festive advert as viewers are tasked with identifying the dessert thief at the dinner party By ALICE WADE Published: 20:30, 26 November 2024 | Updated: 20:43, 26 November 2024 e-mail View comments Waitrose has unveiled the criminal mastermind behind the mystery dessert thief - concluding their two-part festive ad. On 5 November, the luxury supermarket released the first part of their star-studded whodunnit advert - Sweet Suspicion, A Waitrose Mystery, which teased a mysterious dessert thief among a group of festive diners. After weeks of pondering the puzzling pilferage - who stole the No1 Red Velvet Bauble Dessert - the British retailer have finally released the identity of the sweet treat stealer today. The mystery sees a family getting everything ready for Christmas Day, only to discover their special pudding as disappeared, leaving an amateur detective to try and figure out who is the thief. In the newly released second-part, curious customers discover that the pudding poacher was Steve. Played by Dustin Demri-Burns, the Christmas dinner cook is caught red-velvet handed tucking into a slice of the delectable treat in the shed, much to the shock of the nation - who voted Steve the least likely of all the suspects. After the first-part of the advert was released earlier this month, the weeks that followed were full to the sugar dusted brim with conspiracy theories, alibis and guessing across shops and social media. And while most were fooled by Fig the Cat, who accumulated the highest number of accusers, it was Steve - the innocent Christmas cook - who was the mastermind behind the pudding pilferage. Waitrose have unveiled the criminal mastermind behind the dessert thief mystery, concluding their two-part festive ad On 5 November, the luxury supermarket released the first part of their star-studded whodunnit advert - Sweet Suspicion, A Waitrose Mystery, which teased a mysterious dessert thief among a family One of the nation's most-loved detective duos, Line of Duty stars, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston , even reunited in an effort to crack the case of the missing pud. Viewers were treated to the first instalment earlier this month, featuring Fleabag 's Sian Clifford, Succession star, Matthew Macfadyen , and Afterlife comedian, Joe Wilkinson. Sex Education star Rakhee Thakrar and Dustin Demri-Burns of 'Slow Horses', were also among those seated at the festive dinner table. The second part of sees amateur detective, played by Matthew Macfadyen , crack the case of the disappearing dessert. In the second instalment he asks the group of suspect gathered around the diner table: 'How could someone pull off such a delicious crime with so many witnesses?' 'Distracting the kids, keeping the host busy, giving me this irresistible gift and going to such extreme lengths to have the dessert all to themselves,' he notes, wondering who could have managed the criminal feat. While May absent mindedly stirs a pot of cranberry sauce, sneaky Steve silently retrieves the decadent treat from the fridge before scurrying away. But not long before he is noticed by Fig the cat, who witnesses the crime taking place while perched on a chair with a view of the fridge. Steve then puts a finger to his lips in a bid for secrecy, before throwing a ball to throw the feline off the scent. 'It was Steve, he hid the dessert in the gingerbread house!' the detective then reveals. The rest of the guests then head to the shed where they find a guilty looking Steve just about to tuck into a with a spoonful of pudding. Caught in the act, Steve sheepishly says, 'I found it... It's really good. Anyone want some?' And while most were fooled by Fig the Cat (pictured), who accumulated the highest number of accusers, it was Steve - the innocent Christmas cook - who was the mastermind behind the pudding pilferage In the newly released second-part, curious customers discover that the pudding poacher was Steve, played by Dustin Demri-Burns (pictured), who was caught red-velvet handed tucking into a slice of the delectable treat in the shed Customers across the nation were left scratching their heads as they rallied to crack the case of the vanishing dessert. The advert caught the attention of shopper when it was released earlier this month, with the first part of the campaign having brought in 150 million views across social media, TV and other digital channels. The impressive traction makes the Sweet Suspicious the retailer's biggest ever festive campaign. But despite drawing in curious customers attempts to detect the culprit, less than 10 per cent guessed correctly. The guilty cook drew in the least votes of all those up the crime, with the lowest ranking 8 per cent of votes. Nearly a fifth of Waitrose detectives guessed Fig the Cat was the pudding poacher, with 18 per cent pinning the crime on the feline. The polls revealed Gamma was the second highest suspect with 17 per cent of votes, followed by May with 15 per cent. Nathan Ansell, Customer Director at Waitrose, said: 'The last few weeks have been filled with suspicion, guessing and alibis. Customers and Partners alike have been getting into the 'whodunnit' spirit, from wearing the ad t-shirts in store with their predictions of who the culprit is, we've also seen huge engagement on social media polls and I've even had customers getting in touch with their own detailed theories and pictures. 'I can't wait for everyone to find out who did it! So here's to celebrating with some amazing GOOD food and seeing the surprise or smug looks on everyone's faces.' In the newly released second-part, curious customers discover that the pudding poacher was Steve After the first-part of the advert was released earlier this month, the weeks that followed were full to the sugar dusted brim with conspiracy theories, alibis and guessing across shops and social media Viewers were treated to the first instalment in a double part mystery this year, featuring a star studded cast including Fleabag 's Sian Clifford, (right) Succession star, Matthew Macfadyen , and Afterlife comedian, Joe Wilkinson Viewers are made to guess the culprit of the pudding thief. Was it the downtrodden grandma - once the Christmas pudding baker, now the cranberry sauce maker - the cheese feaster May, or turkey roaster Steve Earlier this month, the supermarket released a star studded whodunnit advert - Sweet Suspicion, A Waitrose Mystery - featuring a two-part campaign and festive cliffhanger Joe Wilkinson, who played the part of Uncle Phil, said: 'I've been getting accused left right and centre so I'm glad the public now knows that it WASN'T ME.' Dustin Demri-Burns, who played Steve said: 'I can fully empathise with Steve and his pud-thieving ways. The pressure of making Christmas wonderful can get to us all - sometimes we just want to eat our pudding in the shed and that's ok.' . The first 90-second film follows one family preparing the Christmas meal. While Steve, played by Demri-Burns, glazes the turkey and roasts the spuds, May, played by Clifford, sneaks off from parsnip peeling to munch on a predinner cheese selection. Meanwhile, Samira, played by Thakrar, shakes up the Christmas cocktails and the kids, played by Naya and Sonny, layer the gingerbread house. But amid the preparations for the festive feast, the family soon discover there is a thief among them. Much to their horror, the Waitrose Red Velvet Bauble Dessert, generously provided by Uncle Phil, played by Wilkinson, mysteriously vanished from the fridge. The amateur detective, played by Macfadyen, makes it his mission to find out whodunnit amongst the equally dubious dinner guests. Viewers were made to guess the culprit of the pudding thief. Was it the downtrodden grandma - once the Christmas pudding baker, now the cranberry sauce maker - the cheese feaster May, or turkey roaster Steve? Also a potential suspect is the family cat, Fig - played by a feline actor of the same name. The second installment revealing the identity of the pudding poacher was released on 26 November. The supermarket chain is releasing 550 new products for the festive season, including more than 150 new items to mix up the mystery at the dinner table. Customers across the nation were left scratching their heads as they rallied to crack the case of the vanishing dessert The supermarket chain is releasing 550 new products for the festive season, including more than 150 new items to mix up the mystery at the dinner table Among them is The No.1 Red Velvet Dessert, the stolen pudding at the centre of the story. The family sized festive delight will be available for families to fill their fridges from 19 December. Meanwhile, sweet treat fiends can get their hands on individual Red Velvet Bauble Desserts which are available instore and online. Several other delectable products from the chain's Christmas range feature in the campaign. Among those is their gooey Reuben Rarebit cheese bake, crumbly Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac and a sticky Treacle Glazed Turkey Crown. The culprit will be revealed on TV tonight during the Great British Bake Off on Channel 4 at 8:15pm and in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here on ITV at 9:15pm. Share or comment on this article: Waitrose reveals the identity of the mystery 'dessert thief' as it unveils part two of its Christmas advert e-mail Add commentThe Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Thailand, the Sri Lanka Automobile Component Manufacturers Association (SLACMA), and the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, organised an exposure and study tour to Thailand for Sri Lankan automotive exporters and manufacturers. A delegation comprising representatives from nine Sri Lankan automotive sector companies, accompanied by an EDB official, participated in the mission from 30 November to 6 December 2024, in Thailand. The main objective of the program was to enhance participants’ knowledge of the automotive components sector while providing exposure to emerging market trends and potential business opportunities. During the week-long visit, the delegation toured key automotive industry sites, including the SAIC Motor – MG car manufacturing plant. The visit provided firsthand insights into vehicle assembly technologies, including electric, hybrid, and conventional vehicles. Participants observed advanced machinery and assembly lines with an annual production capacity exceeding 40,000 units. The delegation also visited Siam NSK Steering Systems Co. Ltd., where they gained valuable exposure on cutting-edge steering system manufacturing technologies. They learned about advanced machinery, innovative manufacturing techniques, and defect inspection processes used in the factory. Another key visit was to the wire harness manufacturing plant of Dashing International, specialising in heavy vehicle wire harness production. The Sri Lankan delegation explored new technologies, injection moulding processes, tools, and machinery. They also discussed potential supply opportunities for Sri Lankan products with company representatives. At the Thai Smile Group, the delegation studied the production of electric buses and electric boats, including EV transportation control systems. The company operates over 2,500 buses in Bangkok and manages a fleet of EV boats they manufacture. Delegation studied the monitoring system of EV buses using AI technology and possibilities of introducing similar system to Sri Lanka. The team also visited the Thai government-owned Thailand Automotive Institute, where they observed automotive component testing methods. The institute expressed its willingness to provide technical support to assist in developing Sri Lanka’s automotive industry. To gain market insights, the delegation explored Worachak Market and Poonsup Market, two key after-sales auto parts markets in Thailand. They studied product quality standards, pricing, and potential entry points into the value chain. The tour concluded with a meeting at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand, where delegates engaged with the Sri Lankan diaspora and officials from the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce. Discussions centred on business opportunities and strategies for entering the Thai automotive market. The exposure tour proved to be a highly rewarding experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participating companies while supporting the continued growth and development of Sri Lanka’s automotive components sector.

ATLANTA (AP) — the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. years old. The died on Sunday, more than a year after entering , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, who , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, and well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. ‘Jimmy Who?’ His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. ‘A wonderful life’ At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” ___ Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report. 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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Doncic has 37 points and 12 rebounds as Mavericks rally late to beat Grizzlies 121-116Washington, D.C., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York, NY—December 3rd, 2024—On Monday, December 9, 2024, Vital Voices Global Partnership will host its annual Voices of Solidarity event in New York City, co-hosted by Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller. This inspiring event celebrates men who are using their platforms, influence, and leadership to elevate women, combat gender-based violence, and promote gender equality worldwide. The evening will feature award presentations by Padma Lakshmi, acclaimed author and activist, and Hasan Minhaj, celebrated comedian and advocate for social justice. Voices of Solidarity highlights the vital role of male allies in creating a world where women’s leadership thrives, gender-based violence ends, and equal opportunity becomes a reality for all. 2024 Honorees Event Overview Hosted by Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller, the evening will convene changemakers, activists, and supporters from around the world to honor these allies and amplify the call for collective action. “In an increasingly polarized world, tonight is a celebration of unity...” said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices. “The honorees remind us of the transformative power of standing together—of lifting others as we rise—to create a more just and equal world. Their actions underscore that the fight for gender justice is not just a women’s issue—it’s a human issue.” Event Details Sponsors Institutions Individuals & Families About Vital Voices For 27 years, Vital Voices has been investing in women leaders solving the world’s greatest challenges and accelerating collective action towards an equitable and sustainable world. We are “venture catalysts,” identifying those with a bold vision for change and partnering with them to make that vision a reality. We scale and accelerate their impact through long-term investments to expand the skills, connections, capacity, and visibility of women leaders. Media Inquiries For press credentials or interview requests, please contact Leila Roberts at leilar@vitalvoices.org ### Follow Vital Voices: Website: [Website URL] Twitter: @VitalVoices Instagram: @VitalVoices Facebook: Vital Voices Global Partnership Leila Roberts Vital Voices 4157132009 leilar@vitalvoices.orgcasino slot tips 。

( MENAFN - Jordan News Agency) Amman, Dec. 16 (Petra) -- As part of its ongoing development and commitment to providing a unique educational and historical experience, the Royal Tank Museum has officially opened its new Cold War Experience hall. The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mohammad Abu Taleb, and attended by Amman Mayor, Yousef Shawarbeh, along with members of the Board of Trustees. The Cold War Experience is an innovative journey that takes visitors through one of the most impactful eras in modern history. The hall highlights technological achievements, human stories, and cultural shifts that defined the Cold War era, including global conflicts, espionage, and the space race. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore captivating narratives such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, groundbreaking medical innovations at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, and the transformative impact of televised journalism during the Vietnam War. These are complemented by exhibits of tanks that played roles in each of these key events. Commenting on the opening, retired Brigadier General Nark Sajajah, Director General of the Royal Tank Museum, said: "The Cold War Experience Hall is designed as an interactive space equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technologies. It combines tank displays with immersive set designs, multimedia, large screens, and historical artifacts. This comprehensive experience demonstrates how human ingenuity and creativity thrived amid divisions and conflicts." He added: "We are delighted to welcome visitors to the new hall, which offers a one-of-a-kind experience, starting Monday, December 16." MENAFN16122024000117011021ID1109000086 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Starmer to visit troops serving on Russian border in push for Ukraine support

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How far would you go to get the house of your dreams? That’s one of the many looming questions posed by Netflix’s new dark comedy series . All eight episodes hit the streaming platform on December 12 and chronicles the long and grueling process that comes with both buying and selling a house to a hilariously exaggerated degree. Each person involved has a different motive and everyone, much like Gretchen Wieners’ hair, is full of secrets. It’s an intriguing concept, made all the more appealing due to the A-list cast of characters that can be found throughout the series, many of whom are sure to look very familiar. So who has what it takes to win this escrow war? Here are the cast and characters you’ll meet in Netflix’s . When it comes to stress, Paul is feeling all the things. His job as a contractor is not going well, he’s in debt, and wants him and his wife to leave their LA lifestyle and start anew. So, to him, everything hinges on selling this house. He thinks that money is the key to solving all of his problems. Little does he know that his problems are only just beginning. Romano is a stand-up comedian and actor, best known for his starring role on the popular CBS sitcom . He also served as the voice of Manny the mammoth in the franchise. Instagram: N/A Lydia is married to Paul, but unlike her husband, she is less than thrilled at the idea of saying goodbye to their family home. So, for her, it’s less about the money and more about finding the right fit in a new, prospective buyer. But with so many secrets running amok, it’s hard to know who or what to trust. Kudrow is most famously known for her flawless portrayal of Phoebe Buffay in the NBC hit comedy series, . In addition, she starred in the 1997 film as well as the satirical comedy series . Instagram: Margo is fabulous, fashionable, and a truly badass bitch. She is an icon of the highest order and isn’t afraid to go after anything and everything that she wants and what she wants most of all is Paul and Lydia’s house. But how far will she go to get it? You’ll just have to watch and find out. Cardellini starred alongside Christina Applegate in the Netflix series . Her other notable TV credits include roles in , , , and . She also portrayed Velma Dinkley in both movies. Instagram: JD is a down-on-his-luck, out of work soap opera actor who is looking to downsize from his now unaffordable mansion that he currently resides in. Though with so many other interested parties putting their hats in the ring, he runs the risk of not getting the outcome that he wants. Wilson has been tied to many notable movies, including , , , and , just to name a few. Instagram: N/A As a longtime admirer of Paul and Lydia’s house, Leslie is thrilled to hear that the place is now on the market. After all, it isn’t often someone gets the chance at buying their dream home, but one could argue that her emotional investment in the property only proves that she has more to lose if things don’t go her way. Jacobson co-created and starred in the Comedy Central series . She also served as star and co-creator of the one-and-done Amazon Prime series . Instagram: and is described by Tudum as being “soulful and grounded” as well as the “moral compass” to her partner. And when you’re playing in the real estate game, those are definitely some helpful attributes to bring to the table. But will it be enough to seal the deal? Liu has appeared in , , and the miniseries . Instagram: As a successful career woman and soon-to-be mom, Carla and her husband are eager to find the perfect home for her growing family. She believes she’s found what she’s looking for in Paul and Lydia’s house, but the stresses of house hunting could have unexpected consequences and put their marriage to the test. Parris has appeared in , , and eventually made her mark in the MCU as Monica Rambeau in and . Instagram: Dennis is Carla’s husband, who much like his wife, is eager to find the house of their dreams before their first child is born. He’s optimistic, good-natured, and an overall people-pleaser, which is nice on paper, but it definitely makes him a bit of a pushover when faced with his overly involved mother, who likes to insert herself into their life a little often. (In-laws, am I right?) Fagbenle is best known for his role as Lucas Bankole in , but some may also recognize him for his portrayal of Barack Obama in . Instagram: What’s worse than an ex convict? How about one that’s significantly in debt and super stressed out about it. And given the way he’s shown threatening Paul in the trailer, he’s willing to do just about anything to get out of trouble. Leary starred in and co-created the series . Additionally, he appeared in and lent his voice to numerous animated projects, including , where he voiced Francis the ladybug and the franchise, where he voiced the saber tooth tiger, Diego. Instagram: Greg is Paul and Lydia’s realtor who is hoping to make a solid commission on the sale of their home and with so many interested parties, he’s got a lot of incentive to keep his eye on the prize — and make the house as desirable as possible to as many people as possible. Rogers has appeared in , , and . He also had a role in the film . Instagram: Denise is Dennis’ overbearing mother, who is eager to help her son find the perfect home — whether he wants it or not. And if you’re wondering just how deep her smothering nature runs, please take note that her name is Denise and she named her son Dennis. To say he's a mama's boy would be an understatement. Horsford’s TV credits include , , and . She also appeared in the comedy film , , and . Instagram: Gwen is in cahoots with Margo, hoping to buy the house and flip it for a profit. Let’s just hope they don’t try to flip on each other as well. Moennig is best known for her roles in , , and . Instagram: We all have that neighbor who makes it their business to know everyone else’s business, and for the Morgans that person is Phyllis. You just know she’s abusing her Nextdoor privileges and refreshing the page at least every 10 minutes. Lavin may be most celebrated for starring in the sitcom series , however, millennials like myself will most likely recognize her for her brief but memorable appearances on where she played Sandy Cohen’s mother aka Seth’s nana. Instagram: Jacob is Paul and Lydia’s teenage son, which means that on top of trying to sell their house, they are also dealing with a moody teen. Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time. Aside from this role, the only other credit Aubrey has to his name is the TV show , where he played Dash Alonzo. But considering the stacked cast he’s now worked with, that resume is sure to continue to grow. Instagram: N/A Related StoriesWILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for Meta shareholders asked a Delaware judge Monday to sanction the company's former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg and fellow Facebook board member and current White House chief of staff Jeff Zients for deleting emails related to the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal , despite being told to preserve such records. The plaintiff attorneys contend that Sandberg and Zients used personal email accounts to communicate about key issues relating to their 2018 shareholder lawsuit that alleged Facebook officers and directors violated both the law and their fiduciary duties in failing for years to protect the privacy of user data. “Although Sandberg and Zients received a litigation hold requiring them to preserve documents from these accounts, they both knowingly and permanently destroyed electronically stored information from such sources,” attorneys said in a court filing. The plaintiffs say the former board members were either “reckless or intentional” in destroying documents, noting that Sandberg deleted communications to and from her Gmail account after only 30 days, even after being notified of the “litigation hold” to preserve documents. Zients never disabled an auto-delete function on his email account, even though he, too, received a litigation hold and consulted with lawyers, they said. The plaintiffs argue that Sandberg and Zients should be prohibited from testifying about information they sent or received using their personal email accounts. They also say the burden of proof for any affirmative defense they present should be raised to a standard of “clear and convincing evidence,” instead of the lower standard of a “preponderance” of the evidence. Sandberg was deposed last week. Plaintiff attorney Max Huffman said Zients is “busy” and will be deposed in February “after there’s an effective transition in Washington.” Defense attorney Berton Ashman described the email deletions as “unfortunate” but argued that the plaintiffs have not shown that they were prejudiced in any way. “There’s no intent here to destroy relevant or responsive information,” Ashman told Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster, adding that there no “trove of missing emails.” “There’s no grand scheme or suggestion of bad behavior,” he added. Ashman said the vast majority of emails that Sandberg and Zients sent or received using their personal accounts were also received by other individuals at Facebook. He suggested that any emails that may have been deleted have been made available to the plaintiffs from other sources at Facebook. Huffman, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, said Sandberg does not deserve the benefit of the doubt. “She unilaterally controlled what was kept and what was destroyed,” he told the judge. Laster, who is scheduled to preside over a non-jury trial in April, said he wanted to see a transcript of Sandberg’s deposition before ruling on the motion for sanctions. Last year, the judge rejected a defense motion arguing that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the plaintiffs did not first demand that Facebook’s board take legal action before filing litigation themselves. He agreed with the plaintiffs that such a demand would have been futile because of doubts that a majority of the relevant Facebook board members, many with close personal and business ties to Mark Zuckerberg, would be willing to confront the CEO and founder of the company over its privacy failures. Laster noted that, in deciding on a motion to dismiss, he was required to accept the allegations in the complaint as true. The complaint alleges that Facebook officials repeatedly and continually violated a 2012 consent order with the Federal Trade Commission under which Facebook agreed to stop collecting and sharing personal data on platform users and friends without their consent. Facebook later sold user data to commercial partners in direct violation of the consent order and removed disclosures from privacy settings that were required under consent order, the lawsuit alleges. The company’s conduct resulted in significant fines from regulators in Europe and culminated in the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018. That case involved a British political consulting firm hired by Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign that paid a Facebook app developer for the personal information of tens of millions Facebook users. The fallout led to Facebook agreeing to pay unprecedented $5 billion penalty to settle FTC charges that the company violated the 2012 consent order by deceiving users about their ability to protect their personal information.NoneIncredible: San Francisco 49ers player refused to enter and resigned from his team in the middle of a game

Published 4:58 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 By Data Skrive Saturday’s game that pits the No. 6 Purdue Boilermakers (4-1) against the Marshall Thundering Herd (3-1) at Mackey Arena has a projected final score of 81-71 (based on our computer prediction) in favor of Purdue, who is favored in this matchup by our model. Tipoff is at 12:00 PM ET on November 23. According to our computer prediction, Marshall should cover the point spread, which is listed at 19.5. The two teams are projected to go over the 149.5 over/under. Catch tons of live college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle. Place your bets on any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Sign up today using our link. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Rep your favorite players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. 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 .East Texas Baptist University celebrated the achievements of 202 graduates at its commencement ceremonies in Baker Chapel of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center on Saturday, Dec. 7. Guided by University President J. Blair Blackburn, the ceremony marked the conferral of degrees to 140 undergraduate and 62 graduate students. The event was filled with Scripture readings, songs of praise and worship, heartfelt prayers, and blessings bestowed upon the graduates. The December 2024 graduating class marked the largest fall class in university history. “This milestone commencement is a result of the combined efforts of faculty and staff focusing on ETBU’s mission of graduating Christian servant leaders so they can follow their calling to God and humanity,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders said. U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin from West Virginia delivered the commencement address during the morning ceremony. He has represented West Virginia in the United States Senate since Nov. 15, 2010. Senator Manchin grew up in a coal mining community, learning the values of family, fairness and hard work from his immigrant grandparents, who inspired his commitment to public service. As a former small business owner, state legislator, and six-term governor of West Virginia, Manchin prioritized “retail government,” focusing on constituent engagement and bipartisan solutions. His legislative efforts emphasized job creation, fiscal responsibility and a balanced energy policy that integrates environmental and economic needs. Manchin chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and serves on the Appropriations, Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. “It is an honor to have Joe Manchin, United States senator for West Virginia, here with us today,” President Blackburn said. “Thank you for serving your home state of West Virginia and our nation. Sen. Manchin is respectfully regarded as an esteemed statesman among both political parties. Americans across our country, and those of us in Texas, are grateful for Sen. Manchin and his leadership.” Manchin urged graduates to embrace their calling and approach life with a spirit of unity and collaboration. “There’s no way in the world you can make it by yourself,” Senator Manchin said. “I’ve never had anybody who worked for me; they worked with me. We all have to work together to make something happen. Success depends on the team moving in the same direction. Whether you’re leading a team or contributing to one, always remember that it’s not about tearing people down but building them up so they can rise and grow. That’s how we create lasting impact.” In the afternoon ceremony, Karen O’Dell Bullock was awarded an honorary doctorate and delivered the keynote address. An esteemed scholar and educator, Bullock has taught at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels for over 30 years. A Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate with M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees, she has held leadership roles at Southwestern, Dallas Baptist University, and B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary, where she recently retired but continues teaching and mentoring doctoral students. Bullock serves as executive vice president of the Baptist Center for Global Concerns, addressing global inequities through leadership training, agricultural projects and medical clinics. She is a passionate advocate for Christian heritage, missions and justice, and also chairs the Baptist World Alliance Commission Council. “We are what we read,” Bullock stated while addressing the graduates. “We are shaped and influenced by the books we read. They prepare us not only for interesting conversations but also for facing the real challenges of life. As graduates of East Texas Baptist University, an institution grounded in Christian values, you’ve been immersed in God’s Word. Its teachings are woven into the fabric of this campus, from the halls to the classrooms. These divine messages inspire us to grow in character, to deepen our faith, and to prioritize being over mere knowing or doing. You’ve been challenged to follow Christ while pursuing your academic goals. As you step into the world, remember that life won’t always be easy. You may face hardships, trials, and setbacks. But God promises to strengthen you and sustain you.” Each semester, ETBU President Blackburn presents an award to a graduate who represents a Christian leader, scholar and servant on campus and in the local community. Hannah Hobson, a bachelor of arts graduate in worship studies, was honored with the President’s Award for the Fall 2024 graduating class at East Texas Baptist University. A native of Shreveport, Hobson achieved an exceptional academic record, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her time at ETBU. Hobson, a gifted musician and devoted leader, has been a cornerstone of ETBU’s chapel bands for the past three and a half years. Her campus involvement also includes marching band, pep band, symphonic band, pom and theatre, showcasing her multifaceted talents. Hannah represented ETBU on the band and choir global study and serve trip to Israel and earned a place in the College Band Directors National Association Intercollegiate Honor Band. Her outstanding achievements were further recognized with the Department of Music and Theatre Arts Academic Excellence Award. Beyond campus, Hobson has faithfully served in ministry. She has completed practicum hours at First Methodist Church in Marshall and contributed to the worship ministry at First Methodist Church in Shreveport, where her father serves as music minister. “The quality of Hannah’s academic work is superior,” Nathan Phillips, chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts and Director of Bands, said. “She completes assignments thoroughly and often goes beyond the requirements in order to do her best work. As a musician, Hannah is one of the finest instrumentalists I’ve ever taught. She has superior technique and musicianship and elected to give two recitals that were not required for her degree. She treats everyone she meets with compassion and fairness. She goes out of her way to serve and encourage and gives of her time and energy.” Blackburn encouraged the graduates and reminded those in attendance of the university’s Christ-centered mission. “Today, we celebrate your academic achievements, spiritual growth, and answered callings to serve,” Blackburn said. “As a Christ-centered university, ETBU has equipped you to become Christian servant leaders, ready to impact the world with the hope, love, and light of Jesus Christ. From this Hill and ETBU, we are sending you out as Kingdom leaders — educated, empowered, and emboldened to influence and impact people. May you carry the torch of faith and transform lives, for the glory of God.”

Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothes

Duke of York ‘ceased all contact’ with spy-accused man after concerns raisedBOSTON (AP) — Two men, including a dual Iranian American citizen, have been arrested on charges that they exported sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American troops early this year and injured dozens of other service members, the Justice Department said Monday. The pair were arrested after FBI specialists who analyzed the drone traced the navigation system to an Iranian company operated by one of the defendants, who relied on technology funneled from the U.S. by his alleged co-conspirator, officials said. “We often cite hypothetical risk when we talk about the dangers of American technology getting into dangerous hands,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy, the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts. “Unfortunately, in this situation, we are not speculating.” The defendants were identified as Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, who prosecutors say works at a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, who was arrested Monday in Italy as the Justice Department seeks his extradition to Massachusetts. Prosecutors allege that Abedininajafabadi, who also uses the surname Adedini and operates an Iranian company that manufactures navigation systems for drones, has connections to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. They allege that he conspired with Sadeghi to circumvent American export control laws, including through a front company in Switzerland, and procure sensitive technology into Iran. Both men are charged with export control violations, and Abedini separately faces charges of conspiring to provide material support to Iran. A lawyer for Sadeghi, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was arrested Monday in Massachusetts, did not immediately return an email seeking comment. U.S. officials blamed the January attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah. Three Georgia soldiers — Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross — were killed in the Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. outpost in northeastern Jordan called Tower 22. In the attack, the one-way attack drone may have been mistaken for a U.S. drone that was expected to return back to the logistics base about the same time and was not shot down. Instead, it crashed into living quarters, killing the three soldiers and injuring more than 40. “To the people who were injured by this attack, to the loved ones and family members of the people who lost their lives, as the son of a combat veteran I humbly hope that today’s charges bring some measure of justice and accountability,” Levy said. Tower 22 held about 350 U.S. military personnel at the time. It is strategically located between Jordan and Syria, only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Iraqi border, and in the months just after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israel’s blistering response in Gaza, Iranian-backed militias intensified their attacks on U.S. military locations in the region. Following the attack, the U.S. launched a huge counterstrike against 85 sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Iranian-backed militia and bolstered Tower 22’s defenses. ____ Tucker and Copp reported from Washington. More articles from the BDN

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JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-warMonday, 8:15 p.m. EST, ESPN/ABC BetMGM NFL odds: Ravens by 3. Against the spread: Ravens 5-5-1; Chargers 7-3. Series record: Ravens lead 9-5. Last meeting: Ravens beat Chargers 20-10 in Inglewood, Calif., on Nov. 26, 2023. Last week: Ravens lost to Pittsburgh 18-16; Chargers beat Cincinnati 34-27. Ravens offense: overall (1), rush (2), pass (3), scoring (2). Ravens defense: overall (3), rush (26), pass (2), scoring (23). Chargers offense: overall (18), rush (12), pass (19), scoring (18). Chargers defense: overall (11), rush (11), pass (12), scoring (1). Turnover differential: Ravens plus-2; Chargers plus-8. K Justin Tucker missed two field goals last week and is under pressure after spending most of his career beyond reproach. He’s missed six field goals on the season and is 4 for 12 from 50-plus yards since the start of last season. WR Ladd McConkey had a career-high 123 yards on six receptions against Cincinnati. The rookie came up with clutch catches of 28 and 27 yards to set up the game-winning touchdown. Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins vs. Ravens’ run defense. Dobbins showed promise during his time in Baltimore, but he never was able to live up to that potential because of injuries. Now in Los Angeles on a one-year “prove it” contract, Dobbins has nearly matched his most productive season as a professional with 726 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games. After seeing Pittsburgh run the ball 34 times last week, the Chargers will be glad to copy that bruising approach with Dobbins. The Ravens are allowing 77.5 rushing yards per game, but even the sturdiest defense can buckle against that volume of work, so getting off the field will be critical. Baltimore’s defense has a couple of significant injury concerns. LB Roquan Smith (hamstring) left last weekend’s game, and S Kyle Hamilton has been nursing an ankle problem, although he played against the Steelers. ... Chargers OLB Khalil Mack (groin) didn’t play against Cincinnati. If the veteran pass rusher remains out this week, it would be a big loss to the chances of containing the Ravens' multi-faceted offense. The Ravens have won four straight over the Chargers in the regular season, but Los Angeles did earn a 23-17 AFC wild-card round upset in January 2019. ... Baltimore cruised to a 34-6 win over the Chargers in its first visit to SoFi Stadium on Oct. 17, 2021. Ravens RB Derrick Henry leads the NFL with 1,185 yards rushing and 15 total TDs (13 rushing and two receiving). He’s also run for a league-high 52 first downs. ... Henry is one rushing TD shy of the Ravens’ single-season record, set by Jamal Lewis in 2003. ... Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson is 6-2 on “Monday Night Football” with 20 TD passes and no interceptions. ... Henry is one of four players in the Super Bowl era to score a TD in each of the first 11 games of a season. The others are O.J. Simpson (1975), John Riggins (1983) and Jerry Rice (1987). ... The Ravens have scored touchdowns on a league-best 77.8% of their red zone trips. ... Jackson needs 124 yards passing and 16 yards rushing for a second consecutive season with 3,000 passing and 600 rushing. Since the AFL-NFL merger, only Randall Cunningham (1988-1990), Cam Newton (2011-12), Josh Allen (2021-22) and Jalen Hurts (2021-23) have accomplished that feat. ... Dobbins ran for two touchdowns against Cincinnati, giving him multiple scores in two of his past three games. He did it twice in 24 games as a Raven. ... OLB Tuli Tuipulotu had 1 1/2 sacks of Bengals QB Joe Burrow, his third straight game with more than one. All seven of Tuipulotu’s sacks this season have come in the past four games, and six of his eight tackles for loss have come in that span. ... The Chargers allowed a season-worst 27 points to Cincinnati after holding each of their previous nine opponents to 20 points or fewer. ... QB Justin Herbert has thrown one interception in 277 attempts this season. That lone pick came in Week 2 at Carolina. ... The Chargers lost their fifth turnover of the season when Herbert fumbled to start the fourth quarter. It was their first turnover at home. ... Los Angeles does not have a takeaway in its past two games. Herbert has heated up after a slow start in terms of fantasy production, having thrown for multiple touchdowns in three of his past four games. He is likely to keep that success going this week. Baltimore has allowed 22 scores through the air, which is tied with Houston for second most in the league, and Herbert should have plenty of chances to add to that total in what could be another high-scoring matchup. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Experts discuss why and how to navigate information overload and counter misinformation so that people with cancer can make well-informed decisions about their care. WASHINGTON , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network ® (NCCN ® )—a non-profit alliance of leading cancer centers—hosted a Patient Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. , today. The annual event brings together leading experts to promote strategies and best practices for improving cancer care. This year's summit focused on practice and policy solutions for sharing accurate, evidence-based health information with patients and caregivers. It featured a keynote address from W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) , along with panel discussions that included Robin Vanderpool , DrPH, Chief of the NCI's Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch . "When people with cancer are empowered to make informed choices about their care, they tend to have better outcomes," said Crystal S. Denlinger , MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN , who welcomed attendees at the start of the program. "That means we must provide patients with clear, trustworthy information that meets them where they are. For example, the NCCN Guidelines for Patients offer plain-language explanations of the latest evidence-based recommendations. They feature expert guidance on most cancer types, along with prevention, screening, and supportive care. We share them in multiple languages and formats, including books and webinars." "Every person facing cancer needs and deserves high-quality information to understand their options and guide their decisions. The National Cancer Institute, NCCN, and other organizations represented at the summit contribute to a complex information landscape to meet the needs of people with cancer," said Dr. Rathmell. "Trust in the cancer research enterprise is essential to ensuring that scientific progress includes and reflects the diversity of patient experiences and providing reliable health information is a key aspect of earning and honoring that trust." During a series of Best Practices Presentations for sharing patient-centered health information, NCCN's Senior Director of Patient Information Operations, Dorothy Shead , explained that the NCCN Guidelines for Patients ® are available for free at NCCN.org/patientguidelines or via the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer App —thanks to funding via the NCCN Foundation ® . Additional presentations came from spokespeople for We Engage 4 Health, HPV Cancers Alliance, Cancer Support Community, and the Frontier & Rural Patient Navigators at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. More information can be found in a new resource toolkit at NCCN.org/patient-advocacy-resources . Preventing the spread of misinformation Speakers underscored the need to identify and debunk any myths that can create misunderstanding and a false sense of security. They discussed the importance of working with trusted messengers to counter misinformation. "A key lesson learned from COVID-19 was the importance of having trusted professional and community advocates address misinformation and disinformation," noted Martha Dawson , DNP, RN, FAAN, FACHE , Immediate Past President, National Black Nurses Association . "Diverse researchers, scientists, policymakers, faith-based leaders, and community advocates with similar lived experiences can serve as sources of trusted information. It is important to support and expand cancer education at the community level and engage with people where they are born, live, work, play, worship and transition life." "Misinformation in cancer care can create confusion, delay treatment, and undermine trust between patients and providers. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can empower patients with accurate, accessible information to make informed decisions about their health," agreed Skyler Johnson , MD, Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah . "Effective communication is at the heart of quality cancer care. We need to equip clinicians and patients with the tools and strategies to counter misinformation, foster trust, and work together through an increasingly complex healthcare landscape." Clear and consistent messaging to build trust A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the importance of clear and consistent health messaging that is delivered in a way everyone can understand. That means keeping in mind inclusive technology and supportive health literacy levels. Speakers cautioned against using too much medical jargon, instead focusing on language that can resonate. They also noted that it can be hard to retain information right after learning you or a loved one has cancer, so careful repetition can be key. Speakers also reiterated how crucial it is to build trust with each patient through open and honest two-way relationships. "As a survivor and caregiver, I've seen firsthand the impact that clear and culturally-relevant care discussions can have for patients and their families," explained Randi Ervin , Survivor/Advocate, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) . "Compassionate, empathetic, and relatable communication—delivered at the right time—can make a difficult journey feel a little more manageable for families like mine." Bryce Reeve , PhD, Professor, Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, commented: "As a health care system, we have a responsibility to ensure that every individual with cancer has a voice in their care. This is especially important for young children and individuals from marginalized communities whose values, perceptions, and experiences have often been overlooked." "Regardless of our affiliations, whether it be community healthcare, academic medicine, the federal government, or the nonprofit sector, it is critical for us to recognize the richness of collaborating with non-science/healthcare community members to address challenges such as health misinformation and equitable clinical trial participation," concluded Arnethea Sutton, PhD, Interim Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center . "Not only will these collaborations contribute to trust-building amongst all partners, but the richness of diverse thought and perspectives will contribute to the translation of science and ultimately equitable outcomes for all." Learn more about past NCCN Oncology Policy Summits, and save-the-date for future events, at NCCN.org/summits . Next year's series will include the topics: Primary Care and Oncology Collaboration, Artificial Intelligence, and Unique Needs of Veterans and First Responders. About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network The National Comprehensive Cancer Network ® (NCCN ® ) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to defining and advancing quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all people can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines ® ) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients ® provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation ® . NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information. Media Contact: Rachel Darwin 267-622-6624 darwin@nccn.org View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nccn-hosts-patient-advocacy-summit-on-improving-access-to-accurate-health-information-302325181.html SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer NetworkMajor stock indexes on Wall Street drifted to a mixed finish Friday, capping a rare bumpy week for the market. The S&P 500 ended essentially flat — down 0.16 point, or less than 0.1%, to close at 6,051.09 — after wavering between tiny gains and losses most of the day. The benchmark index posted a loss for the week, its first after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 86.06 points, or 0.2%, to 43,828.06, while the Nasdaq composite rose 23.88 points, or 0.1%, ending at 19,926.72 — just below the record high it set Wednesday. There were more than twice as many decliners than gainers on the New York Stock Exchange. Gains in technology stocks helped temper losses in communication services, financials and other sectors of the market. Broadcom surged 24.4% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street's profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!golden casino slot 。

Baijiayun was honored with the title of "Exclusive Member Unit" by the Beijing Educational Informationization Industry Alliance.

BUIES CREEK, N.C. (AP) — Tyrell Greene Jr. ran for three touchdowns, Devin Matthews added 134 yards on the ground with a score and Towson beat Campbell 45-23 on Saturday. Greene scored on a 7-yard run with 12:55 remaining, and after Tigers’ Will Middleton intercepted a Mike Chandler II pass, he broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown that stretched the Towson lead to 35-16 about 30 seconds later. Green also had a 3-yard TD run in the second quarter and finished with 41 yards rushing on nine carries. Matthews carried the ball 15 times and scored on a 54-yard run for Towson (7-5, 5-3 Coastal Athletic Association). Seth Brown completed 10 of 15 passes for 156 yards with a touchdown and Christopher Watkins added a late TD run. Mark Biggins had a 1-yard touchdown run for Campbell (3-9, 1-7). Chandler was 13-of-27 passing for 135 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Connor Lytton made 3 of 5 field goal attempts for the Camels. The Tigers secured their second winning season in three seasons and its first seven-win season since 2019. It was the first meeting between the teams. __ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

NoneNEW YORK — The Giants may have to host the Saints on Sunday without their top offensive weapon, too. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers has a hip flexor, underwent an MRI on Friday morning and is in jeopardy of possibly missing the Week 14 home game, head coach Brian Daboll said. Nabers is officially listed as questionable and did not practice Friday at all. “They’re not ruling him out right now,” Daboll said. Nabers, 21, got hurt during the 1-on-1 portion of Thursday’s practice. He was listed as limited with a groin injury but then underwent further testing that revealed the new hip injury, according to the coach. Dexter Lawrence, the Giants’ top defensive player, is already out for the season with an elbow injury. Top left Andrew Thomas (foot) is done for the season. Top linebacker Bobby Okereke (back) is week-to-week. Daniel Jones is on the Vikings. And now Nabers may be joining the long list of Giants players unable to stay on the field during the stretch of this horrific season. “We wish we had Dexter and Andrew Thomas and those guys, but we don’t,” Daboll said. “That’s the reality of the NFL. So they’re looking forward to the opportunity, which will be a big challenge.” The Giants (2-10) have lost seven straight games and are 0-6 at MetLife Stadium. The Saints (4-8) already fired their coach Dennis Allen, and New Orleans is 0-3 in outdoor games, 1-4 on the road and 0-4 in their last four away games. But they’re still 4.5-point favorites. Interim Saints head coach Darren Rizzi, a native of Hillsdale, N.J., said this week that his team was flying to the area on Friday to do a walkthrough in the elements to prepare the players for the cold weather. New Orleans lost dual threat quarterback/tight end Taysom Hill (knee) for the season last Sunday, but otherwise, they’re down backup guard Nick Saldiveri (knee) and wideout Bub Means (ankle). And defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon (Achilles) and running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) are questionable. The Giants’ injury report is comparably bleak. Top corner Deonte Banks (rib), Lawrence and defensive tackle Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (neck/shoulder) and Okereke (back) are all out. Defensive tackle D.J. Davidson (shoulder) and offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) are doubtful. And six players are questionable: Nabers, offensive tackles Evan Neal (hip) and Chris Hubbard (knee), defensive tackle Jordon Riley (knee), corner Dru Phillips (shoulder) and linebacker Dyontae Johnson (ankle). Hubbard and Phillips did not practice Friday, either. ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

PRR loan fails to revamp Pakistan’s tax system: report Report says that multilateral donors provided 16 foreign loans and assistance packages to reform tax system ISLAMABAD: Despite utilising 80% of the $400 million World Bank-funded Pakistan Raises Revenues (PRR) loan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has failed to address longstanding issues in Pakistan’s tax system and machinery. This was the conclusion of a joint report by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and PRIME, an economic think tank, titled “World Bank’s PRR Loan: Did It Help Increase Tax Revenues and Tax Machinery Efficiency? A Prospective Analysis,” launched on Friday. The report, authoured by economist Shahid Mehmood, highlights significant shortcomings in achieving the loan’s objectives. The report points out that multilateral donors have provided 16 foreign loans and technical assistance packages to reform Pakistan’s tax system. However, an FBR official, when contacted, argued that the report inaccurately included funding allocated to provinces as part of the FBR’s financing. The official clarified that the FBR itself had only secured three foreign loans. Speaking at the report’s launch, the World Bank’s lead economist, Tobias Akhtar Haque, emphasised the urgent need to bring all forms of income, at both federal and provincial levels, into the tax net. He said that Pakistan’s economy was on the brink of default 18 months ago but has now entered a stabilisation phase. However, bridging the revenue gap remains critical. “In the short term, emergency measures are necessary, but the country must ultimately broaden its tax base. Pakistan needs to consider moving toward a flat income tax system,” Haque added. Responding to questions about policy loans for addressing external financing gaps, Haque highlighted that provinces also secured foreign loans, underscoring the need to assess their actual benefits. On the digitisation of the FBR, he said that efforts were underway to develop state-of-the-art data centres and analytics to broaden the tax base. However, he conceded that the tax-to-GDP ratio remains unsatisfactory. Haque also stressed the importance of balancing revenue collection with necessary spending in a country where 80% of children face learning poverty, and 40% experience stunting. The report warns that the PRR loan risks repeating the failures of previous initiatives, such as the World Bank’s Tax Administration Reform Project (TARP). Despite partial improvements, fundamental issues persist due to a lack of institutional learning and consideration of ground realities. The loan’s main objective was to sustainably increase tax revenues by broadening the tax base and facilitating compliance. The first component outlined four goals: creating a simple and transparent system, ensuring taxpayer obligations, facilitating compliance, and promoting institutional development. However, none of these goals have been fully achieved. “With 80% of the loan already utilised, major improvements with the remaining funds seem highly improbable,” the report states. Core issues, such as the lack of institutional development, a stagnant tax-to-GDP ratio, declining filer numbers, and ineffective efforts to bring retailers and non-compliant groups into the tax net, remain unresolved. The report also criticises the use of technology under the loan’s second component, aimed at equipping the FBR with modern IT systems and tools. It references Robert Solow’s famous 1987 observation, “You can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics,” to underline the minimal impact of technology on improving FBR’s efficiency. The report concludes that outdated bureaucratic structures, political pressures, and entrenched inefficiencies continue to hinder the FBR’s performance, rendering technological upgrades insufficient to achieve meaningful reforms.

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The U.S. Navy is transforming a costly flub into a potent weapon with the first shipborne hypersonic weapon, which is being retrofitted aboard the first of its three stealthy destroyers. The USS Zumwalt is at a Mississippi shipyard where workers have installed missile tubes that replace twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated because it was too expensive. Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, adding to the usefulness of the warship. The USS Zumwalt is seen at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard Nov. 21 in Pascagoula, Miss. “It was a costly blunder. But the Navy could take victory from the jaws of defeat here, and get some utility out of them by making them into a hypersonic platform,” said Bryan Clark, a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute. The U.S. has had several types of hypersonic weapons in development for the past two decades, but recent tests by both Russia and China have added pressure to the U.S. military to hasten their production. Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Pleasantville man accused of murdering girlfriend Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery Mainland Regional falls to Old Tappan in state final Northfield intersection to become four-way stop 4 Bridgeton men indicted in alleged sex trafficking ring Mays Landing man charged in hit-and-run that injured man, killed dog in Absecon Wonderland developer to pitch vision again Wednesday at Ocean City Tabernacle Atlantic City mayor waives first appearance on witness tampering charge Northfield Councilman Leeds resigns, citing concerns over Mayor Chau's criminal charges Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking ban Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, with added maneuverability making them harder to shoot down. Last year, The Washington Post reported that among the documents leaked by former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defense department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27. While the Pentagon previously acknowledged the weapon's development, it had not recognized its testing. One of the U.S. programs in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the “Conventional Prompt Strike." It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. Each of the Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. In choosing the Zumwalt, the Navy is attempting to add to the usefulness of a $7.5 billion warship that is considered by critics to be an expensive mistake despite serving as a test platform for multiple innovations. The USS Zumwalt is seen at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard Nov. 21 in Pascagoula, Miss. The Zumwalt was envisioned as providing land-attack capability with an Advanced Gun System with rocket-assisted projectiles to open the way for Marines to charge ashore. But the system featuring 155 mm guns hidden in stealthy turrets was canceled because each of the rocket-assisted projectiles cost between $800,000 and $1 million. Despite the stain on its reputation, the three Zumwalt-class destroyers remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warship in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimize radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors. The Zumwalt arrived at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in August 2023 and was removed from the water for the complex work of integrating the new weapon system. It is due to be undocked this week in preparation for the next round of tests and its return to the fleet, shipyard spokeswoman Kimberly Aguillard said. A U.S. hypersonic weapon was successfully tested over the summer and development of the missiles is continuing. The Navy wants to begin testing the system aboard the Zumwalt in 2027 or 2028, according to the Navy. The U.S. weapon system will come at a steep price. It would cost nearly $18 billion to buy 300 of the weapons and maintain them over 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Critics say there is too little bang for the buck. “This particular missile costs more than a dozen tanks. All it gets you is a precise non-nuclear explosion, some place far far away. Is it really worth the money? The answer is most of the time the missile costs much more than any target you can destroy with it,” said Loren Thompson, a longtime military analyst in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Navy intercepted Houthi missiles and drones targeting two warships and three merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. But they provide the capability for Navy vessels to strike an enemy from a distance of thousands of kilometers — outside the range of most enemy weapons — and there is no effective defense against them, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute, an independent forum focusing on national security issues, and former commander of an aircraft carrier strike force. Conventional missiles that cost less aren’t much of a bargain if they are unable to reach their targets, Spicer said, adding the U.S. military really has no choice but to pursue them. “The adversary has them. We never want to be outdone,” he said. The U.S. is accelerating development because hypersonics have been identified as vital to U.S. national security with “survivable and lethal capabilities,” said James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies. “Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defense department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence, and to build enduring advantages,” he said. Image Credit: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock The financial challenges facing U.S. military households are a significant concern throughout the year. Holidays such as Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, or Veterans Day highlight the ongoing struggles that service members face, particularly amid rising costs for everyday essentials. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey shows a troubling trend: Military personnel and their families are finding it more difficult to cover basic household expenses such as food, housing, and transportation than the average American. Our analysis examines how service members are faring in today’s economy compared to civilian households, highlighting the states where military families report the greatest challenges in managing their finances. As we enter Giving Season, we’ve also highlighted meaningful ways to support service members and their families through charitable contributions, offering an opportunity to make a direct impact on those who serve our nation. Service members are struggling more financially than the average American. Image Credit: Upgraded Points According to recent Household Pulse Survey data, members of the armed services are experiencing financial strain at higher rates than the general U.S. population. Over 40% of service members report difficulty covering their usual household expenses, compared to 36.6% of all U.S. adults. The data also shows heightened anxiety among service members regarding rising prices. Nearly 80% of military personnel express stress about recent price increases, significantly higher than the 71.8% of all U.S. adults who share similar feelings. Furthermore, 81.8% of service members are concerned about future price hikes, reflecting widespread uncertainty about inflation’s long-term impact on household budgets. More than half of service members in certain states have difficulty covering basic household expenses. Image Credit: Upgraded Points Across the U.S., the financial burden on service members varies significantly from state to state, primarily influenced by local economic conditions. According to the most recent data, Utah leads with 53.7% of service members reporting difficulty covering basic household expenses, closely followed by Louisiana (52.9%) and Alaska (52.8%). Other states where over half of service members are struggling include Indiana (52.0%), Tennessee (51.2%), New York (50.8%), and Florida (50.3%). A key issue service members frequently raise is that their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) has not kept pace with the rapidly rising cost of housing. In states where service members face the greatest financial difficulties, such as Utah, Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida, home price increases have far exceeded the national average, exacerbating the strain on household budgets. Another critical factor affecting military families is the employment challenges military spouses face. According to the Department of Defense, the military spouse unemployment rate was 21% in 2023, compared to a national rate of 3.6% that year. Many military bases are located in rural or remote areas, limiting job opportunities for spouses, particularly in specialized fields. Additionally, frequent relocations make it difficult for spouses to sustain long-term careers, especially for those in professions requiring state-specific occupational licenses that can be difficult to transfer. Service members are also more likely to report financial struggles in states with higher-than-average unemployment rates, such as Louisiana, Alaska, and New York. Conversely, the state unemployment rate is below average in 9 of the 10 states where service members report the least financial difficulty. This suggests that strong local employment opportunities, particularly for spouses, significantly ease the financial burden on military households. Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock One of the most impactful ways to support service members, veterans, and their families who are facing financial hardships is through donations to reputable charities. These organizations are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by military families and veterans, providing vital assistance in areas like housing, medical expenses, scholarships, and career training. To help guide your generosity, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated charities based on scores from Charity Navigator , CharityWatch , and GuideStar , which assess organizations on criteria such as impact, efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Here are some of the best charities supporting military families and veterans in need: 1. USO For over 80 years, the USO has provided crucial support to active-duty service members and their families. From financial assistance programs to community-building initiatives, the USO helps service members stay connected to loved ones while addressing their most pressing needs during deployments and transitions. 2. Homes For Our Troops This charity is focused on providing specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. It helps veterans regain independence. Homes For Our Troops also provides financial planning and household budgeting to ensure long-term stability for the recipients. 3. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Dedicated to advocating for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, IAVA works to improve government policies and programs that support military families. Its advocacy ensures veterans have access to financial resources, healthcare, and education opportunities. 4. Fisher House Foundation This foundation builds “comfort homes” near military and VA medical centers, allowing families to stay free of charge while a loved one is hospitalized. By reducing travel and lodging expenses, Fisher House eases financial stress during difficult times. 5. Hope For The Warriors Offering a range of programs focused on financial stability, wellness, social support, and education, Hope For The Warriors provides critical support to service members, veterans, and their families. Its services include direct financial assistance for transitioning service members and veterans in need, career training and job placement, and scholarships for spouses. 6. Semper Fi & America’s Fund Semper Fi & America’s Fund assists wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families through direct financial assistance and case management during hospitalization and recovery. The organization also provides educational support, career assistance, and health and wellness services. 7. Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) WWFS supports families of those wounded or killed in combat through programs like medical travel grants, meal and housekeeping assistance, in-home care services, and family retreats. By addressing these families' immediate and ongoing needs, WWFS alleviates the financial burdens of those suffering from recent tragic events. For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, see Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help on Upgraded Points . Photo Credit: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock Upgraded Points conducted the analysis using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey Phase 4.0–4.2 , covering the period from January 9, 2024, to September 16, 2024. Service members were defined as adults currently serving in the U.S. armed forces (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) and their spouses. This analysis focuses on 3 key questions from the survey: Difficulty Covering Household Expenses: Respondents were asked, "In the last 7 days, how difficult has it been for your household to pay for usual household expenses, including but not limited to food, rent or mortgage, car payments, medical expenses, student loans, and so on?" We defined difficulty as either "very difficult" or "somewhat difficult.” Stress Due to Price Increases: Respondents were asked, "How stressful, if at all, has the increase in prices in the last two months been for you?" We defined stress as either "very stressful" or "moderately stressful." Concern About Future Price Increases: Finally, respondents were asked, "In the area you live and shop, how concerned are you, if at all, that prices will increase in the next 6 months?" We defined concern as either "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned." Statistics with fewer than 50 survey responses were omitted from the analysis. Additional statistics on home prices were sourced from Zillow’s Home Value Index , and unemployment rates were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates . For complete results, see Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help on Upgraded Points. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!jili casino slot 。

Published 4:48 pm Thursday, December 5, 2024 By Data Skrive Only one top-25 game is on Friday’s college basketball slate. That matchup is the East Tennessee State Buccaneers squaring off against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Watch women’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. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.

IN BRIEF: • AI-driven payroll solutions streamline complex international payroll operations, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency. • Automating payroll processes with AI improves accuracy, compliance, and employee satisfaction. • AI-powered chatbots provide quick, accurate responses to payroll inquiries, simplifying workloads and enhancing the employee experience. M anaging payroll for a global workforce presents a myriad of challenges due to constantly evolving political, legal, social, and economic factors. These changes impact regulatory requirements and reporting, making it difficult to navigate diverse labor laws, tax regulations, data privacy standards, and payment procedures. Consequently, the dynamic conditions increase employee inquiries, complicating payroll management. Companies need efficient, accurate, and cost-effective methods to address these inquiries, enhancing employee satisfaction and trust. CHALLENGES OF GLOBAL PAYROLL MANAGEMENT Payroll errors and delayed responses can lead to fines, damage organizational reputation, and frustrate employees, affecting costs and related functions like recruitment and retention. While preventing errors is crucial, traditional methods for handling these challenges are often costly and ineffective. Businesses are ready for an innovation — a solution that offers something greater than the sum of its parts. Finding a time-efficient, cost-effective, innovative, and globally adaptable solution that can grow with the organization demands taking stock of the entire system and adding something more: an ecosystem approach. HOW AI CAN HELP Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a significant opportunity to transform payroll functions and enhance efficiency. By automating data collection and analysis, AI can identify trends and anomalies, providing real-time insights into payroll performance. This technology can help monitor payroll metrics, track progress against targets, and identify areas where additional investment or action is needed. By leveraging AI, companies can improve the accuracy and reliability of their payroll processes while freeing up time and resources for more strategic activities. CASE STUDY: AI-DRIVEN PAYROLL SOLUTIONS Many organizations face the challenge of managing complex international payroll operations. One company needed a quick and accurate communication platform with their employees that would answer country- and employee-specific payroll questions within a broader global payroll operations environment. Weighing the desired outcomes and challenges, the company implemented an AI-driven payroll chatbot. This chatbot addressed employee payroll questions efficiently and accurately, providing accessible answers to employee questions easily and quickly. The cloud-enabled development of a large language model helped create a payroll chatbot capable of answering complex employee questions. The chatbot solved the company’s payroll needs in a way that was efficient for them as the employer, but it was also incredibly effective and beneficial for their employees. After the initial launch of a pilot version, the company scaled it to an enterprise-ready payroll chatbot that answered complex payroll questions by using an underlying large language model and vast compliance data. This solution helped reduce the burden on the employer while personalizing the employee experience. In very real terms, there were improvements across the board in providing accurate answers to queries, employee satisfaction, and first call resolution. There was also an overwhelming decrease in cost to serve. This is just one example of how AI can help accelerate and improve payroll management while simplifying the workload. AN INTEGRATED GLOBAL PAYROLL SOLUTION Taking control and driving efficiency with an integrated global payroll solution involves transforming global payrolls through a unified managed services approach, integrating domestic, mobile, and global payroll services. A centralized, modular platform handles the complexities of an international workforce, connecting legal, advisory, and compliance knowledge for an integrated payroll experience. In today’s fast-paced world, where talent is the key resource, managing the payroll of an increasingly international workforce has become complex and time-consuming. The rapid pace of regulatory compliance, labor and privacy law changes, managing the life experience of employees, and the scarcity of payroll talent are just a few of the hurdles that organizations face. Traditional payroll models struggle to keep up with modern business demands and new ways of working. The risks of noncompliance, data privacy issues, and the high costs and inefficiency of managing multiple vendors are significant challenges. Taking initiative involves governance, oversight, and control. It means having single-process ownership across employee entitlement, compliance requirements, and pay distribution. This approach provides a unified view of data, reduces duplication, ensures consistent decisions and reporting, and offers a holistic view of talent and compliance, enabling organizations to plan. Driving efficiency requires providing direct access to all subject-matter-experts and enabling effective risk management across the entire employee population. It helps reduce cost and labor leakage that occurs with disparate vendors, duplication of effort, gaps in essential knowledge and process, and inadequate business controls. Additionally, it improves in-house technology and data assets. Planning enhances the employee experience through advanced technology, streamlined processes, and easy access to on-the-ground knowledge. It also reduces the cost of developing and modifying technology. THE FUTURE OF PAYROLL A next-generation payroll managed service approach combines global reach and deep capabilities, consistent multiservice integration, and direct access to teams across the globe. Across payroll, labor and employment law, and mobility, teams can work together collaboratively to meet workforce compliance needs wherever they are. Global processes, technology, and data models are smoothly integrated, providing a single, cohesive, high-quality service. Access to core service delivery without subcontracting to third parties helps ensure effective communication and improved performance. Being part of an ecosystem facilitates the provision of comprehensive solutions beyond payroll, leveraging deep knowledge to address unique challenges. Organizations can address global payroll operational and service challenges by leveraging AI technology to create innovative solutions, such as a payroll chatbot. The proper use of AI can help simplify employer workload, answer complex payroll employee queries, provide regulatory compliance information, and enhance employee experience, leading to increased operational efficiency. This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co. Aaron C. Escartin is a tax partner and Philippine Payroll Operate leader of SGV & Co.( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) HONESDALE, Pa., Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norwood financial Corp (NASDAQ: NWFL) (“Norwood” or the“Company”) today announced the pricing of a public offering of 1,000,000 shares of its common stock, $0.10 par value (the“Common Stock”), at a public offering price of $26.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $26 million. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 150,000 shares of common stock (the“over-allotment option”) at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full by the underwriters, the aggregate gross proceeds to the Company would be approximately $30 million. The Company expects to close the offering, subject to customary conditions, on or about December 19, 2024. Norwood expects to use the net proceeds from this offering for investment into its bank subsidiary to support its capital ratios in connection with the repositioning of a substantial portion of the Company's available-for-sale debt securities portfolio, and for general corporate purposes, repurchase of our common stock and support acquisitions of other institutions or branches if opportunities for such transactions become available. Piper Sandler & Co. acted as lead book-running manager for the offering, and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acted as joint book-running manager for the offering. The Common Stock will be issued pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement (File No. 333-279619) (including base prospectus) and a preliminary prospectus supplement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the“SEC”), and a final prospectus supplement to be filed with the SEC. Prospective investors should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus in the registration statement and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relating to the Common Stock offering can be obtained without charge by visiting the SEC's website at , or by emailing Piper Sandler & Co. at ... or by emailing Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, at .... This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any offering of the Common Stock is being made only by means of a written prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus supplement or the shelf registration statement or prospectus relating thereto. The securities being offered are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank or non-bank subsidiary of Norwood and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. ABOUT NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company's stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol“NWFL”. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as“may”,“will”,“anticipate”,“assume”,“should”,“indicate”,“would”,“believe”,“contemplate”,“expect”,“estimate”,“continue”,“plan”,“point to”,“project”,“could”,“intend”,“target”, and other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; business or economic disruption from a national or global epidemic or pandemic events; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; our ability to implement changes in our business strategies; the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in our market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer and the internet; inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, or reduce the fair value of financial instruments or reduce the origination levels in our lending business, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make whether held in portfolio or sold in the secondary markets; adverse changes in the securities markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, and other accounting and reporting standard setters; our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic conditions; our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; our ability to successfully expand our franchise, including acquisitions or establishing new offices at favorable prices; our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we have acquired or may acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto; an increase in the Pennsylvania Bank Shares Tax to which our bank subsidiary's capital stock is currently subject, or imposition of any additional taxes on the capital stock of us or our bank subsidiary; changes in consumer demand, borrowing and savings habits; the ability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits; cyber-attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information and destroy data or disable our systems; technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and operational factors affecting our operations, pricing products and services; volatility in the securities markets; disruptions due to flooding, severe weather, or other natural disasters or Acts of God; and acts of war, terrorism, or global military conflict. If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic and current reports that we file with the SEC. Also note that we provide a cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to our businesses in our periodic and current reports to the SEC. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, management believes could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. Norwood Financial Corp Contact: John M. McCaffery Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 272-304-3003 MENAFN17122024004107003653ID1109004849 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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bmw casino slot login NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the center's reliance on fossil fuels — and whether the plans for new natural gas power to support it could lead to higher energy bills in the future for Louisiana residents. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states offering tax credits and other incentives to lure big tech firms seeking sites for energy-intensive data centers. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utility providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15-year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, representing northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisiana residents and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated by Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96LPGA and USGA to require players to be assigned female at birth or transition before male puberty The LPGA and the USGA have updated gender policies that will require players to be assigned female at birth or to have transitioned to female before going through male puberty. The policies begin in 2025 and follow more than a year of study. The groups concluded that going through male puberty allows for competitive advantages in golf. The USGA has seven championships for females next year. The new policies rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson. She missed U.S. Women's Open qualifying by one shot this year and tried LPGA Q-school. Davidson began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA’s previous gender policy. Miami's playoff hopes nosedive as Alabama rises in the latest College Football Playoff rankings Miami’s playoff hopes took a nosedive while Alabama’s got a boost in the last rankings before the College Football Playoff bracket is set next weekend. The Hurricanes moved down six spots to No. 12 after suffering their second loss of the season. They are one spot behind the Crimson Tide, who won won last week and moved up two spots to No. 11. Alabama is projected as the last team in and the fourth from the Southeastern Conference. Oregon stayed at No. 1 for the fifth straight week and will head into Saturday’s Big Ten title game as the only undefeated team in big-time college football. SEC and Big Ten powers lead the way on signing day as prospects finalize their college selections Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State are bringing in the nation's top recruiting class as high school prospects across the country finalize their college plans. The identity of the No. 1 class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports may not be determined until Friday because of the uncertainty surrounding a couple of top-10 prospects. But most top recruits already committed to a school well before the signing period arrived Wednesday. The CFP rankings — and 'data points' — have left Miami, Ole Miss and South Carolina puzzled CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami wants things reconsidered. So does South Carolina. The Big 12 is puzzled. And Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin turned toward social media to ask the College Football Playoff committee a question. “You guys actually meet for days and come up with these rankings??” Kiffin wrote. The fallout and, for some, anger stemming from the release of the latest CFP ranking — one that almost certainly means Miami (10-2), South Carolina (9-3) and Ole Miss (9-3) all have no chance of getting into the 12-team field — continued Wednesday as the schools on the outside looking in continued making their case, even though all hope for them seems to be gone. Juan Soto starting to eliminate teams from negotiations, agent Scott Boras says LOS ANGELES (AP) — Juan Soto is starting to drop teams from negotiations ahead of baseball's winter meetings next week. Likely to approach or set a record contract, the free agent slugger has met with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Soto's agent, Scott Boras, says the outfielder has “begun the process of eliminating teams” but he doesn't think a decision is “imminent” in the near future. A four-time All-Star, Soto finished third in AL MVP voting after hitting .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks this year to help the Yankees reach the World Series. He has a .285 career batting average with 201 homers, 592 RBIs and 769 walks. Falcons QB Cousins is looking to avoid interceptions, have bounce-back game in Minnesota homecoming FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Kirk Cousins is set for his return on Sunday to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023. The homecoming comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons’ three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week’s 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade. A vote of confidence from coach Raheem Morris can’t silence suggestions that it’s time to give rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. a chance to jump-start the Falcons’ struggling offense. Lindsey Vonn to make her comeback to downhill racing at age 40 this weekend Lindsey Vonn is going to enter an official ski race for the first time in nearly six years this weekend at age 40. Vonn announced last month that she was coming out of retirement and she will race lower-level FIS downhills and super-Gs on Saturday and Sunday in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Vonn needs some decent results to improve her long-dormant ranking so she can enter World Cup races this season under a new wild card rule. U.S. Ski Team head coach Paul Kristofic says that “obviously her history speaks for itself and she’s definitely the most decorated speed skier out there." He adds that "it will be really, really fun and interesting to see what she can do.” Liverpool's lead cut in Premier League and Man City ends slump. Chelsea and Arsenal win MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to seven points after a 3-3 draw with Newcastle. Chelsea moved up to second by thrashing last-place Southampton 5-1, while Arsenal is third after a 2-0 win over Manchester United. Fourth-place Manchester City ended its seven-game winless run with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Liverpool’s result will give hope to its title rivals after Fabian Schar’s 90th-minute equalizer at St James’ Park. Arsenal inflicted a first loss on new Man United head coach Ruben Amorim. Pro Picks: Falcons will upset the Vikings in Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota Six division matchups and Kirk Cousins' return to Minnesota highlight a lighter Week 14 schedule. Six teams aren’t playing as the NFL wraps up its final week of byes before going to a full slate over the last four weeks. Two games feature the top two teams in the division. The Seattle Seahawks (7-5) visit the Arizona Cardinals (6-6) on Sunday in a battle for a tight race in the NFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) host the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) on “Sunday Night Football” with plenty of breathing room between the two teams in the AFC West. College football picks: 'Let's play two' a theme for handful of conference championship games No football coach would tell you he’s excited about the prospect of having to beat the same team twice in the same season. That will be the task for four teams in Football Bowl Subdivision conference championship games. The FCS-level Southwestern Athletic Conference game also is a rematch. Western Kentucky, Boise State, Miami and Georgia will be going for sweeps. Sportradar reports there have been 78 same-season rematches in the FBS since 2000. There have been 43 sweeps and 35 splits.In 2023, foreign tourist arrivals in India grew 43.5% to 9.3 million from 6.4 million in 2022. However this was still significantly below the 2019 pre-pandemic peak of 10.9 million. In the first half of 2024, some 4.8 million foreign tourist arrivals have been registered. But though tourism typically peaks in the latter half of the year, it is unlikely to touch 10 million this year. India ranks 39 out of 119 countries in World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. The US, Spain, Japan, France and Australia are the top 5 with India placed below China, Indonesia and Malaysia. Also read | Global tourism took a significant hit during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 but recovered sharply thereafter. In 2023, international tourism reached 89% of pre-pandemic levels and in the first half of this year, it has gone up to 96% according to the UN. India’s tally during the same period was 9% more than in 2023 but was still around 10% less than in the first half of 2019. India faces strong competition from countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka that are perceived to be more tourist-friendly. Law and order, air pollution, and modest public infrastructure are some factors keeping tourists away. Bangladesh and the US are the top source countries accounting for nearly 40% of all foreign tourist arrivals, followed by the UK, Canada, and Australia. Nearly 45% visit India for leisure and recreation, while over a quarter belong to the large Indian diaspora. The national capital, New Delhi, is by far the biggest entry point accounting for 30% of tourists every year. Also read | Tourism is a big contributor to foreign exchange earnings. In 2023, it generated revenue of 2.3 trillion, higher than the 2.1 trillion of 2019 even as footfall lagged, which means per capita spending of travellers has gone up. In the first half of this year, 1.27 trillion has been generated which is 29% more than the same period in 2019. According to Crisil, the spend per foreign tourist has gone up from 2 lakh to 2.7 lakh in 2024. Higher earnings are due to higher hotel tariffs and airline ticket prices, plus a weaker rupee. Also read | Steps being taken include facilitating easy availability of e-visas and reducing the cost, promoting adventure and niche tourism and launching a 24X7 multilingual helpline. Over the past few years, around $1 billion has been spent to improve the tourist experience and upgrade infrastructure. Yet a lot more needs to be done, especially in simplifying and expanding visa-on-arrival, where South-east Asian countries have an edge and improving air connectivity with other parts of the world. Also read |

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers... DAILY MIRROR Man Utd have reservations over triggering Alvaro Carreras' £25m buy-back clause in January after selling the left-back to Benfica last summer. The deal helped to ease United's financial concerns but the club have seen the need for a left-sided full-back develop. Dani Olmo's agent Andy Bara has reportedly arrived in Manchester with Premier League clubs considering whether to take advantage of Barcelona's uncertain ability to register the player. Sport claim that Barcelona are happy to sell Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, with the decision made not to hand the latter a new deal. The Dane joined Barca on a free transfer from Chelsea but has been out for a lengthy spell this season. Newcastle, Juventus and AC Milan have been linked. Trending Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player DAILY MAIL Manchester United are intent on keeping Antony at the club when the January transfer window opens next week - and the player's agent has clarified his current situation amid speculation that the Brazilian could leave the club. Also See: Transfer Centre LIVE! Stream Sky Sports with NOW Download the Sky Sports app Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp Ruben Amorim stressed that Manchester United must adopt survival mode after a fourth defeat in five Premier League games. Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City plan to be active in the January transfer window. Legendary sports reporter Chris Kamara made his triumphant return to broadcasting on Boxing Day, two years after stepping back from his Soccer Saturday duties due to a speech condition. THE SUN Ruben Amorim indicated Marcus Rashford is still not doing enough for his liking after leaving the forward out of Manchester United's squad for a fourth straight game. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Wayne Rooney has been left clinging onto his job after Frank Lampard's Coventry thrashed Plymouth 4-0. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's cheat sheet was exposed on his water bottle before saving Erling Haaland's penalty against Manchester City. Wilfried Zaha could be blocked from a return to the Premier League in January by a little-known rule. The Ivorian winger, on loan at Lyon from Galatasaray, may be prevented from representing a third team in the 2024-25 campaign after his 15-minute cameo in the Turkish Super Cup thumping should FIFA deem that an official match. DAILY TELEGRAPH Arsenal hold an interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha but would face a huge battle landing him during the transfer window while the Brazilian is involved in a fight for survival at Molineux. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Crystal Palace full-back Danny Imray has a host of Championship and League One promotion-chasers looking to sign him on loan for the second half of the campaign. Ipswich are among the teams looking at Scottish midfielder Jordan Holsgrove during his spell at Portuguese club Estoril. THE TIMES Nottingham Forest and their fans are dreaming about a return to European football after this win against Tottenham Hotspur sent them up to third in the Premier League - but Spurs supporters attacked their chairman Daniel Levy following a ninth league loss of the season in their opening 18 games. The Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall was sent off after a 20-man brawl in the St James' Park tunnel at half-time during the home side's 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Wayne Rooney has insisted he is the right man to lead Plymouth Argyle despite their 4-0 hammering by Frank Lampard's Coventry City keeping them bottom of the Sky Bet Championship. However, the former Manchester United and England captain accepted that he would inevitably face intense pressure. DAILY RECORD Brendan Rodgers has promised Celtic can still find another level after victory over Motherwell saw them continue their unbeaten start to the Premiership season. Stuart Kettlewell accused ref Ross Hardie of talking to his Motherwell side like schoolchildren. Tom from Southampton became a millionaire for free with Super 6! Could you be the next jackpot winner? Play for free!Twitch CEO Daniel Clancy finally responded to streamers’ concerns regarding ad revenue on their channels, explaining some behind-the-scenes info about advertisers’ interactions with the platform. Clancy spoke out on the subject during a December 4 Patch Notes broadcast in response to a viewer who reported seeing lower ad revenue for channels they moderate during the holidays. In November, Twitch introduced new labels specifically for political content and streams with “sensitive social issues,” which Clancy touched on in his answer. “There’s been a lot of confusion around this recently... a big thing that we need to do with advertisements is make sure we’re running ads against content that the advertisers want their content run against,” Clancy said. “For a period of time, there were a number [of advertisers] that were expressing concerns around being shown up near sensitive subjects in politics, and so we had reduced the ads there. Some people that were doing stuff around politics and sensitive social issues may have seen a reduction, because some advertisers weren’t running ads there.” 🚨Twitch CEO Dan Clancy and MerryKish speak on Twitch streamers seeing a reduction in their Twitch Ad Revenue after Dan claimed streamers would make more money off Ads During Q4❗️🤦🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/Z7YcQLja16 This isn’t necessarily a new revelation; in November 2024, streamers like PirateSoftware explained that broadcasters who’d labeled their content as sexual or political were likely seeing a drop in ad revenue , which several spoke out about during that time. Dan Clancy opens up on Twitch ad revenue “confusion” Clancy even referenced PirateSoftware in his answer during the Patch Notes stream, going on to explain that some streamers might not realize their ad revenue is delayed by two days — something PirateSoftware also mentioned in his discussion of the topic last month. Related: “I think there’s a lot of confusion. It’s absolutely the case that certain content does affect your ads. Our advertisers, at times, adjust their controls in terms of the content that they want to see. But in general, we have not seen this big shift,” he continued, likely referencing fears of an impending ‘adpocalypse’ on the platform. Co-host and Direct of Community Marketing, ‘merrykish,’ went on to decry “misinformation” being spread on platforms like X, saying there’s “nothing really guaranteed” and that “we’ve seen a lot of creators not experience anything.” Clancy’s comments come on the heels of numerous complaints from streamers who reported a decrease in ad revenue due to certain content labels on their streams. For instance, FaZe Kaysan, an Iranian streamer, claimed that he’d been ‘demonetized’ due to labeling his stream ‘Iran,’ while another said the same due to labeling their stream ‘Venezuela.’ Meanwhile, on December 4, Bloomberg reported that three major companies had pulled their ads from the platform amid a series of allegations against the streaming site.

With over 60 million downloads and an estimated $180 million in revenue since late October, a new Pokemon mobile game app is enjoying worldwide success as the latest incarnation of the hit Nintendo-owned franchise. Released on October 30, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is a virtual version of the collectible card game that has captivated schoolyards since the late 1990s. Developed by The Pokemon Company, a Nintendo subsidiary, it combines opening "boosters" -- the equivalent of sealed card packs -- with collecting creatures and online battles. "Pokemon TCG Pocket is showing one of the strongest performances of any mobile game of all-time," Sam Aune, an analyst at digital market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, told AFP. The group estimates it generated around $180 million through the Apple and Google app stores in just six weeks. Developed by the Japanese games studio Creatures Inc, Pokemon TCG Pocket ranks second among mobile games measured by their first-month revenue, surpassed only by another Pokemon franchise title, Pokemon Go. The global phenomenon of 2016, Pokemon Go generated over $200 million in its first month and drove millions of players outdoors to hunt for virtual creatures which appeared on their mobile phone screens. As well as creating vast online revenues, the new surge in interest in Pikachu and his fellow cast of characters is spilling over into the offline world. Sales of physical cards are rising -- and the game is back in fashion among school children. "It brings players back into the Pokemon brand," explained Frederique Tutt, a toy market expert at Circana, a market research firm. "And physical cards remain the heart of the brand, something collectors want to own for playing and trading." Popularised in the 1990s, the concept of collectible trading cards has since been adapted into many video games. From "Gwent" in The Witcher III to "Hearthstone" from the Warcraft universe, card games have carved out a special place in the hearts of gamers. Pokemon TCG Pocket has "very effectively brought that card pack opening and playing experience to digital," says Simon Carless, founder of the analyst firm GameDiscoverCo. "It's actually a very unchanged experience compared to the physical card game -- which was smart, and that's why people love it," he added. On social media, players have been sharing videos of themselves unveiling new cards or participating in tournaments, with the hashtag #PokemonTCG amassing over 1.5 million posts on TikTok. Other video game adaptations of the Pokemon trading card universe date back decades. A Game Boy title was released in Europe in 2000, followed by another for PCs in the early 2010s. While Pokemon TCG Pocket is free to download, players are encouraged to spend money in-app to acquire more cards. Sacha Bernard, a 33-year-old teacher from the Paris suburb Creteil, said he was drawn in by nostalgia for the characters and the "short and fast" gameplay sessions. "Since it launched, I must have spent around 70 euros," he told AFP. "It's really the first time a mobile game has made me spend that kind of money."Alexander: Dodgers’ signing of Blake Snell creates the traditional uproar

Ford Motor Company F shares are trading higher Friday. There were multiple developments this week, including unionization efforts at its Kentucky battery plant and broader industry calls to President-elect Donald Trump to preserve key EV tax credits. Here’s what you need to know. What To Know: Earlier this week, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced that a supermajority of workers at Ford's BlueOval SK battery plant in Kentucky, a joint venture with SK On, signed union authorization cards . The workers cited pay and benefit disparities compared to unionized Ford employees as key motivators. UAW stated that BlueOval SK workers earn significantly less than their unionized counterparts, starting pay at $21 per hour compared to $26.32 for Ford's UAW production workers. Additionally, a group representing major automakers, including Ford, urged the incoming Trump administration to preserve the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases and support self-driving car technologies. The group also expressed concerns over emissions regulations and potential revisions to rules mandating automatic emergency braking systems. This lobbying effort potentially highlights the auto industry’s focus on sustaining momentum in EV and autonomous vehicle development while addressing regulatory challenges. What Else: On Wednesday, the company announced plans to cut about 4,000 jobs or 14% of its European workforce, due to weak demand for electric vehicles and increasing competition. The layoffs, representing 2.3% of Ford’s global headcount, are expected to occur by the end of 2027. Ford’s European sales have dropped 17.9% this year, largely due to reduced EV subsidies in markets like Germany, contributing to the company’s challenges as its transition to electric vehicles. F Price Action: Ford Motor shares were up 3.56% at $11.18 at the time of writing, according to Benzinga pro. Image via Shutterstock . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

NoneU.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) welcomes a crowd during a runoff election night party at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead on January 6, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump nominates former Senator Kelly Loeffler as the head of the Small Business Administration. Loeffler’s nomination is praised for her experience in reducing bureaucracy and fostering small business growth. Having served as a U.S. Senator from Georgia, Loeffler has a mixed political and business background with experience in finance and technology. ATLANTA - President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will nominate former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler to serve as the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in his upcoming administration. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump praised Loeffler’s extensive experience in business and government. He emphasized her skills in streamlining operations and fostering growth for small businesses, which he described as 'the backbone of our great economy.' "Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive," Trump wrote. "She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach." Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Loeffler to the U.S. Senate in December 2019 after Sen. Johnny Isakson resigned due to health issues. She served until January 2021 but was defeated in a special election by Democrat Raphael Warnock in a January 2021 runoff. Trump commended her work on legislation aimed at protecting women in sports. Prior to her political career, Loeffler spent 25 years in financial services and technology. As Executive Vice President, she contributed to the growth of a company that expanded from 100 employees to over 10,000 and achieved Fortune 500 status. "Kelly was a tremendous fighter in the U.S. Senate," Trump said. "Along with her amazing husband, Jeff, she helped build a Fortune 500 company and played a crucial role in securing my Big Election Win in Georgia." Upon confirmation, Loeffler would oversee the agency tasked with aiding, counseling, assisting, and protecting the interests of small business concerns and helping families and businesses recover from national and other declared disasters. A native of Illinois, Loeffler moved to Georgia in the early 2000s and quickly rose to prominence in the state's business and political scenes. She and her husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, co-own the Atlanta Dream, a WNBA team, and have been active Republican donors. Loeffler is currently a co-chair of Trump's inaugural committee. The Source: The naming of former Sen. Kelly Loeffler was announced by President-elect Donald Trump on his social media platform Truth Social. Details about Loeffler's life and career were compiled using previous reports by FOX 5 Atlanta, the Associated Press, and FOX News.Need some assistance with NYT Strands today? Today's theme — "Back in style" — is rather tough, espeically if you're a bit younger. Below, we've compiled some useful hints for Strands #299, as well as the answers, should it come to that. We'll start off with some clues, before building up to the full answer for Strands #299, so read on if you need a little help. Warning: Spoilers lie ahead for Strands #299. Today's NYT Strands answer — Today's theme and hints The official theme for NYT Strands #299 is... "Back in style". And here's an unofficial hint from me: "A distant decade." If you're still in the dark, here are some useful words to give you those valuable clue tokens: Still struggling? The spangram will give you a hint about the connection word. Today, it starts with E and ends withS. Scroll down to find out what it is... It's EIGHTIES. Today's Strands answers So, what are today's Strands answers for game #299? Drumroll, please... ...and the spangram was EIGHTIES. Strands #299 “Back in style” 💡🔵🔵🔵 🔵💡🔵🟡 🔵 Hi Strands fans. This one felt quite tricky for me. Even as a child of the 1980s, I can't say all of the styles and fashions immediately come to mind, so I can only imagine how anyone younger would have coped. While I had an idea of what the theme - "Back in style" - might refer to, I hadn't honed in on the decade, and searches for "flares" and "miniskirt" came up empty so I used a clue. It revealed NEON, which helped me focus. I immediately found JUMPSUIT on the right-hand side, and SPANDEX above it. I then saw MULLET in the bottom-left corner. After this flurry of activity, I was struggling again, so used a second clue which revealed PERM in the bottom-right corner, giving me enough space to complete the spangram: EIGHTIES. Only one answer was left to find in the top-left corner, but it was a long anagram: REKERADBNWI. Eventually I was able to successfully decode it: WINDBREAKER. Yesterday's Strands answers Reading this in a later time zone? You can find the full article on yesterday's Strands answers for game #298 right here .

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JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, and Aamer Madhani in Washington, contributed. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war'Relegated immediately' - Pep Guardiola makes bold Man City 115 charges claim against Premier League rivalsClick with care: Rise in online travel scams

The Game Awards (TGA) is just around the corner, and excitement is building as fans eagerly anticipate what surprises lie in store. Among the numerous game developers and publishers expected to make announcements at the event, all eyes are now on Xbox as a renowned journalist has hinted at some big reveals from the gaming giant.

Discovering that your Instagram account has been hacked is never going to be fun. But the good news ... [+] is that it's usually fairly straightforward to get access back — and to keep yourself a bit safer in future. Anybody can get hacked on Instagram: indeed, according to StationX , it's happened to 85% of Instagram users at one time or another; it's one of the most-hacked social media platforms, with more than 36,222 accounts per month compromised during 2023. Hackers can gain your information in several ways: perhaps through another vulnerable account where you've used the same password, or via phishing , where you're encouraged to click on a fraudulent link or download malware. And once the attackers have control of your account, they can use it to steal your personal information, scam your followers by impersonating you or even access your other online accounts. We look at what to do if your Instagram account gets hacked. Did Your Instagram Get Hacked? There are a number of signs that your Instagram account may have been hacked . The most obvious is probably discovering that you can't log into your account, with a message that your login details are incorrect. Another indication that your account has been compromised is unusual activity, such as the appearance of posts, reels or stories that you didn't make. You may start getting direct messages from unfamiliar accounts, or your followers may start receiving strange messages, apparently from you, and possibly containing fraudulent links. And you may be alerted to a hack by Instagram itself, with login notifications appearing for devices or locations that you don't recognize. You may also get a message from Instagram support, with a warning that your credentials have been changed and a link to reverse the changes. What To Do If Your Instagram Gets Hacked If you do discover that your Instagram account has been hacked, you'll need to move quickly, before the hackers get a chance to do any more damage. There are a few immediate steps to try. If you can still log in to your account, you should change your password right away, and turn on two-factor authentication. If you can't log in, there are a number of steps you can take, depending on your type of account. If you've had a message from Instagram telling you that your email address has been changed , you may be able to fix by clicking the “Secure my account” link in the message. You can also ask for a login link or security code to be sent to the email address or phone associated with your account; if you can no longer access these, you can get help via Instagram help . You may be asked to verify your identity by sending a video of yourself. Gmail Account Deletion Warning—Act Now To Save Your Email In 2025 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results: Drew McIntyre Defeats Sami Zayn UFC Tampa Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights And Reactions Step 1: Change Your Password If you can still log in to your account then change your password immediately — and make sure that it's a secure one, and not one you've used anywhere else. You should also turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to make sure that the hacker can't simply get straight back into your account. This will take you less than a minute and is absolutely critical. Both these actions should only take a minute or two. Step 2: Delete All Suspicious Activity The hackers may well have been sending messages in your name, installing apps or logging in from their own device. If this is the case, you should delete any apps that you didn't install. You should also check what devices are logged into your account by going to the Settings page, and remove any unauthorized devices, or devices listed as being at locations other than yours. Step 3: Tell Friends And Family One of the main motivations of hackers is to gather more victims, and this is often the case when it comes to an Instagram hack. Scammers will often use their victim's account to spread spam, or to try and scam your friends and family by persuading them to click on links to dodgy websites. For this reason, it's a good idea to alert all your contacts as soon as possible, and warn them not to respond to any messages that appear to be coming from you — especially if they contain requests for money. Step 4: Be More Cautious In The Future You should have already changed your password to something unique and unguessable, and turned on two factor authentication. But you should take other precautions to stay safe in future too. Make sure you're signed up for login alerts from Instagram, so that if anything happens in future you'll know straight away; and get them sent in the format you're most likely to see. Have a good look through your third party apps, and delete any that you don't really need. And it goes without saying that you should never click on any links in messages unless you're certain that it's absolutely safe to do so. How To Get Your Instagram Account Back If you still have access to your Instagram account, the steps above should help you regain control. If not, things may get slightly more complicated. If you've received an email from security@mail.instagram.com letting you know that your email address was changed, you may be able to undo this change by clicking the Secure my account in the message. You can also ask Instagram to send a login link to the email address or phone number associated with your account; if you've lost access to these, you can get help via Instagram . If the company can't verify your identity through photographs on your account, you may be asked to send a video of yourself. Unless the hacker has for some reason deleted your account, it should always be possible to recover it one way or another. Bottom Line Discovering that your Instagram account has been hacked is never going to be fun. But the good news is that it's usually fairly straightforward to get access back — and to keep yourself a bit safer in future. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Happens If Your Instagram Is Hacked And They Change The Email? If hackers have accessed your account and changed the email, you should be alerted by a message from the company. This will contain a link that you can use to reverse the change. You can also request a login link or security code. The good news is that while hackers may be able to change the email address associated with your account, that doesn’t mean that they can access your email account too — unless, that is, you've used the same password. What Does It Mean If Your Instagram Is Locked After Trying To Verify Identity? If you can't log in to Instagram, and it won't accept your identity, this doesn't necessarily mean that your account has been hacked. It's worth checking that you haven't mistyped, for a start. Otherwise, the reason may be that Instagram has decided you've been engaging in suspicious activity of some sort, or that you're logged in from too many locations. If you think this is the case, and you've done nothing wrong, then you should contact the company help center. If Your Instagram Gets Hacked, Are Your Other Social Media Accounts At Risk? Even if your Instagram account has been compromised, your other social media accounts should be safe — as long as you haven't been daft enough to use the same password, or something extremely similar. You should always make sure that you use different, unguessable passwords for every different site — if that's tricky, you can use a password manager to keep them safe.Title: The Truth behind the Controversial Incident of Sheltering Female Master graduate And Allegations of Holding a Banquet

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Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image, renouncing longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. As he entered Damascus behind his victorious fighters Sunday, he even dropped his nom de guerre and referred to himself with his real name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. Insurgents control Damascus, Assad has fled into hiding, and for the first time after 50 years of his family’s iron hand, it is an open question how Syria will be governed. The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App Syria is home to multiple ethnic and religious communities, often pitted against each other by Assad’s state and years of war. Many of them fear the possibility that Sunni Islamist extremists will take over. The country is also fragmented among disparate armed factions, and foreign powers from Russia and Iran to the United States, Turkey and Israel all have their hands in the mix. Hours after Damascus' capture, the 42-year-old al-Sharaa made his first appearance in the city's landmark Umayyad Mosque, declaring Assad's fall “a victory for the Islamic nation.” A senior rebel commander, Anas Salkhadi, appeared on state TV to declare, “Our message to all the sects of Syria, is that we tell them that Syria is for everyone.” Al-Sharaa, who has been labeled a terrorist by the United States, and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS – many of whose fighters are jihadis -- now stand to be a major player. For years, al-Sharaa worked to consolidate power, while bottled up in the province of Idlib in Syria’s northwest corner as Assad’s Iranian- and Russian-backed rule over much of the country appeared solid. He maneuvered among extremist organizations while eliminating competitors and former allies. He sought to polish the image of his de-facto “salvation government” that has been running Idlib to win over international governments and reassure Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities. And he built ties with various tribes and other groups. Along the way, he shed his garb as a hard-line Islamist guerrilla and put on suits for press interviews, talking of building state institutions and decentralizing power to reflect Syria’s diversity. “Syria deserves a governing system that is institutional, no one where a single ruler makes arbitrary decisions,” he said in an interview with CNN last week, offering the possibility HTS would eventually be dissolved after Assad falls. “Don’t judge by words, but by actions,” he said. Syrian opposition fighters seize ammunition abandoned by the army in the town of Khan Assubul, Syria, southwest of Aleppo, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) Al-Golani’s beginnings in Iraq Throughout his rise through extremist ranks, al-Sharaa was only known by the jihadi nickname he adopted, Abu Mohammed al-Golani. His ties to al-Qaida stretch back to 2003, when he joined insurgents battling U.S. troops in Iraq. The Syrian native was detained by the U.S. military but remained in Iraq. During that time, al-Qaida usurped like-minded groups and formed the extremist Islamic State of Iraq, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In 2011, a popular uprising in Syria against Assad triggered a brutal government crackdown and led to all-out war. Al-Golani’s prominence grew when al-Baghdadi sent him to Syria to establish a branch of al-Qaida called the Nusra Front. The United States labeled the new group as a terrorist organization. That designation still remains in place and the U.S. government has put a US$10 million bounty on him. The Nusra Front and the Syrian conflict As Syria’s civil war intensified in 2013, so did al-Golani’s ambitions. He defied al-Baghdadi’s calls to dissolve the Nusra Front and merge it with al-Qaida’s operation in Iraq, to form the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. Al-Golani nonetheless pledged his allegiance to al-Qaida, which later disassociated itself from ISIS. The Nusra Front battled ISIS and eliminated much of its competition among the Syrian armed opposition to Assad. If you're on Telegram, subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on top stories In his first interview in 2014, al-Golani kept his face covered, telling a reporter for Qatari network Al-Jazeera that he rejected political talks in Geneva to end the conflict. He said his goal was to see Syria ruled under Islamic law and made clear that there was no room for the country’s Alawite, Shiite, Druze and Christian minorities. Syrian opposition fighters stand atop a seized military armored vehicle on the outskirts of Hama, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) Consolidating power and rebranding In 2016, al-Golani revealed his face to the public for the first time in a video message that announced his group was renaming itself Jabhat Fateh al-Sham -– the Syria Conquest Front -- and cutting its ties to al-Qaida. “This new organization has no affiliation to any external entity,” he said in the video, filmed wearing military garb and a turban. The move paved the way for al-Golani to assert full control over fracturing militant groups. A year later, his alliance rebranded again as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham -– meaning Organization for Liberating Syria -- as the groups merged, consolidating al-Golani’s power in northwest Syria’s Idlib province. HTS later clashed with independent Islamist militants who opposed the merger, further emboldening al-Golani and his group as the leading power in northwestern Syria, able to rule with an iron fist. With his power consolidated, al-Golani set in motion a transformation that few could have imagined. Replacing his military garb with shirt and trousers, he began calling for religious tolerance and pluralism. Complete coverage of conflicts in the Mideast He appealed to the Druze community in Idlib, which the Nusra Front had previously targeted, and visited the families of Kurds who were killed by Turkish-backed militias. In 2021, he had his first interview with an American journalist on PBS. Wearing a blazer, with his short hair gelled back, the now more soft-spoken HTS leader said that his group posed no threat to the West and that sanctions imposed against it were unjust. “Yes, we have criticized Western policies,” he said. “But to wage a war against the United States or Europe from Syria, that’s not true. We didn’t say we wanted to fight.”Jurors end 1st day of deliberations without a verdict in the YSL gang and racketeering trial

Daily Post Nigeria Fuel subsidy removal, floating of Naira sparked inflation in 2024 – CIBN Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Business Fuel subsidy removal, floating of Naira sparked inflation in 2024 – CIBN Published on December 15, 2024 By Daniel Chibuike The Chattered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, has stated that some government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira, impacted negatively on the banking sector and the Nigerian economy at large. The bankers’ association stated this in Umuahia on Saturday at the 2024 end of the year event of the CIBN, Abia State branch. The address was delivered by Adiele Kelechi, chairman of the organising committee. The bankers who identified information technology, IT, migrations carried out by many banks in 2024 as another tough battle they fought, said that high inflation and increase in the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, were occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and floating of the Naira. The CIBN members who said that bankers have been at the forefront of economic battles, noted that the Nigerian economy has started witnessing envisaged stability from the Federal Government’s economic policies. Also speaking, a former Director of Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Isaac Okoroafor who was honoured for his roles in Nigeria’s economy and contributions to the Institute, identified bankers as the engine room in the stability of a nation’s economy. The Chairman of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, who delivered a keynote address, advised the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to reduce the cash reserve ratio to enable banks to extend loans to customers. “Deposit Money Banks outside the monetary policy measures should do adequate credit analysis and appraisal before extension of credit to customers”, Ogbonna said, adding that study of various countries’ CRR shows that Nigeria currently maintains the highest at 45 percent. Related Topics: CIBN Don't Miss Nigeria set to release inflation data for November You may like Banking sector key driver of Nigeria’s economy growth – CIBN President, Olarenwaju CIBN revenue grew by 63% to N1.37bn in 2023 CIBN seeks Senate passage of Act Bill CIBN backs CBN on banking reforms CIBN provides solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges CIBN seeks NGX collaboration on Act amendment, financial development Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

The European Championships was an obvious career highlight for the goalkeeper when memories were made despite the defeats to Norway, Austria and England in sunny Southampton. There was more to it than that for Burns, though. Two years after her performances at the tournament helped earn a move to the Women’s Super League, Burns is encouraging the new generation of Northern Ireland players to seize their chance to not just enjoy an experience of a lifetime but also grab a potentially life-changing experience too, just like it was for her. Injury may have blighted Burns’ time at Reading but, without that move, she may not be where she is now, chasing promotion back to the WSL with Bristol City Women. While the number of Northern Ireland players playing in England and Scotland has steadily increased of late, a second successive Euro qualification could well come with the added benefit of propelling the likes of Emily Wilson and Keri Halliday into the full-time game. “I think that’s the good thing about where we are. If we make it to the bigger stage, it does set us up to be in the eye of bigger clubs,” said Burns, who was joined at Reading by Lauren Wade in the wake of the 2022 Finals. “I am hoping that could well be the case again this time because we have a squad full of young players who have the potential to go and play at a high level. “Hopefully, if we get to that stage once again, then it will help them in the future.” Standing between Northern Ireland and another Euro Finals is a sizeable barrier in the shape of Norway, the former World, European and Olympic champions who possess a former Ballon d’Or winner and a couple of multiple Champions League winners amongst their ranks. Burns previously faced the might of the Norwegians in both qualifying for the 2022 tournament as well as at the Finals themselves and had to pick the ball out of the net 10 times across those two meetings – she missed the away qualifier, a 6-0 defeat in November 2019, through injury. Despite those previous humblings, however, Burns believes facing a familiar foe puts Northern Ireland in a good position before a crunch two-legged Play-Off with the prize of a place at the 2025 tournament in Switzerland for the winners. “I remember back to the first game of the Euros, and a lot of things happened,” recalled Burns of the 4-1 defeat ahead of facing them again at Inver Park on Friday night. “I think that we can’t really plan for a better opponent because we have played them so many times in the past, and we can take that as a major advantage. “We know what they have done in the past, and we are now very familiar with them. “If we can go out in the first game and have a solid performance and possibly get something from it, then it means that we can plan ahead going into the next game, and maybe it won’t be as tough a job when we go out there for that.” If there is a fear over facing the threat of Ingrid Engen and Caroline Graham Hansen, who have helped Barcelona win the last two Women’s Champions Leagues, as well as 2018 Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Ada Hergerberg, who has six Champions League winners’ medals herself, Burns isn’t showing it. She’s taking it all in her stride. “You can’t take away what they have achieved in terms of the honours that they have won – Ballon d’Ors and Champions Leagues. It’s important to remember that they are footballers at the end of the day, and that’s what we’re all here to do – we’re here to play football,” said Burns. “I can only prepare as best I can for what is to come and, hopefully, what I do is enough.”During his time at Old Trafford, Lucas Silva played a key role in several memorable seasons, helping Manchester United clinch multiple domestic titles and even a coveted Champions League trophy. His unwavering commitment to the team, combined with his exceptional defensive skills, elevated him to the status of a club legend.

NoneThe story of the man who ordered a washing machine online and received a teddy bear instead serves as a reminder that sometimes, life throws unexpected surprises our way. In a world filled with routine and predictability, moments of confusion and laughter can be a welcome break from the ordinary. And who knows, maybe that teddy bear will prove to be an unexpected but cherished addition to the man's home, bringing a smile to his face every time he does his laundry.

B.C. boosts tax incentives to support film and television productioncasino slot ph 。

The British Columbia government is increasing tax incentives for both local and international film and TV projects in an effort to attract more major productions to the province. Premier David Eby said the tax credit for international projects made in B.C. will jump from 28 to 36 per cent, and an incentive for Canadian-content productions will increase from 35 to 36 per cent. There’s also a special bonus to attract blockbuster productions with budgets of $200 million. Speaking on Thursday at the Martini Town studio, a New-York-themed backlot in Langley, B.C., Eby said tax incentives are the province’s “competitive advantage” and increasing them will help the industry that has been battered by the pandemic, labour disruptions and changes to industry practices. “This is a sector that’s taken some hits. The decision by major studios to ... reduce some of their budgets on production, the impact of labour disruptions, other jurisdictions competing with British Columbia for these productions with significant subsidies for the industry, means that we need to respond,” Eby said, the Manhattan street scene behind him decorated for Christmas. “We need to make sure that we continue to be competitive.” Government numbers show the film industry generated $2.7 billion in GDP in 2022 — roughly one per cent of provincial GDP — and $2 billion in 2023, a year affected by strike action and a decrease in global production A government statement says the incentives begin with productions that have principal photography starting Jan. 1, 2025, and projects with costs of greater than $200 million in B.C. will receive a two per cent bonus. Gemma Martini, chair of industry organization Screen BC and CEO of Martini Film Studios, told the news conference that it has been a “tumultuous” year for film and television, which supports tens of thousands of jobs. “It is clear that British Columbia is a well respected and preferred global production partner, but we must be able to compete at the bottom line,” she said. “We expect, we know, our government’s announcement will put B.C. back in the game to earn our true ‘Hollywood north’ reputation.” Foreign film and TV work makes up an average of 80 per cent of total production spending in B.C., and the government says maintaining strong international relationships is critical for the industry to continue to thrive. The government says it also intends to restore regional and distant-location tax credits that were cut last year for companies with a brick-and-mortar presence outside of Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Whistler and Squamish. Eby first promised to increase the tax credits as part of his election campaign earlier this year. Just days after the new B.C. cabinet was announced in November, a delegation that included Finance Minister Brenda Bailey and Arts and Culture Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert travelled to California to pitch B.C.‘s film and TV industry. Chandra Herbert told the news conference that during the trip they met industry representatives who are now looking at B.C. “in a bigger way” because of the new incentives. He said the additional two per cent bonus for productions over $200 million is a way to encourage larger productions to come and stay in B.C. “This is a way of making sure that the workers in this industry, and the companies, know that we’re here for them for the long term. You can make these investments long term. You can grow the industry today, tomorrow and into the years ahead,” he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024.Canada is already examining tariffs on certain US items following Trump’s tariff threatOlympic snowboarder killed in avalanche in Switzerland

Colts players reflect on their favorite Christmas giftsDiverse virus populations coexist on single strains of gut bacteria December 12, 2024 NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine A study offers evidence that a single bacterial species -- the host of the phage -- can maintain a diverse community of competing phage species. Knowing how more than one kind of virus can survive over time on a single bacterium could help in designing next-generation viral (phage) cocktails to treat bacterial infections. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email Viruses that infect and kill bacteria, called phages, hold promise as new treatment types for dangerous infections, including strains that have become resistant to antibiotics. Yet, virologists know little about how phages persist in the populations of bacterial cells they infect, hampering the development of phage therapies. Published online December 13 in the journal Science , a new study offers the first evidence that a single bacterial species, the host of a phage, can maintain a diverse community of competing phage species. Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Oxford, and Yale University, the study showed that several phage species coexist stably on a population of a genetically uniform strain of E. coli , a bacterial species that colonizes the human gut and includes disease-causing versions. The researchers found that, despite competition between the viruses, different phage species preferred slower or faster growing cells that randomly appeared in the population. In this way, each phage species was able to find a separate niche on the same host, leading to stable coexistence. Lack of local access to nutrients (starvation), for instance, may slow the growth of some cells to preserve scarce resources. In the current study, two species of phage, labeled N and S, co-existed because N was more fit to survive in fast-growing bacterial cells, while phage S was better in slow-growing cells. The designers of phage therapies hope to avert the problem in treatment with antibiotics, where a certain drug kills bacteria but leaves alive the fraction that by chance are the most resistant to that drug's mechanism of action. These survivors are a major concern because they have become resistant to available treatments. "Knowing how more than one kind of phage can survive over time on a single bacterium could help in designing next-generation phage cocktails," said first study author Nora Pyenson, PhD, a post-doctoral scholar in the lab of co-author Jonas Schluter, PhD, of the Institute of Systems Genetics at NYU Langone Health. "For example, each phage species might attack the bacterium in a different part of its lifecycle and enabling the whole population to be killed before resistance to the treatment evolves." "No phage therapies have yet become standard treatments for bacterial infections, either because in past attempts a single phage did not kill all the targeted bacteria or because the bacteria evolved to be resistant, similar to the evolution of antibiotic resistance," adds Dr. Pyenson. Labs are already testing phage treatments as an alternative to antibiotics. A co-author of the current paper, Paul Turner, PhD, at Yale University, for instance, leads a clinical trial that uses phages against the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa , which can contribute to severe inflammation in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. Dr. Schluter's lab is studying the role of phages in the gut ecosystem of humans and mice that could shape future therapies for infections like Salmonella . A main goal is to anticipate the impact of phage administration and design phage therapies that, unlike current versions that must be tailored to a single patient, work universally across many patients. Importance of Phage Ecology Understanding species diversity is a fundamental question in ecology and evolutionary biology. A major factor enabling diversity, from birds to plants to bacteria, is that species find ways to coexist while still competing for resources. However, viruses were not traditionally thought of in this "social" context. The current research team experimentally tested the long-held assumption that the genetic diversity of bacteria limits the diversity of viral species. This led to an expectation that one phage type would outcompete all others to be the lone survivor. However, just as multicellular organisms host a wide array of bacterial species within their microbiome, the new results show that a single bacterial strain can, itself, host a diverse community of phage species. "Our study contributes to the burgeoning field of studying the social lives of viruses," adds Dr. Pyenson. "We often think of viruses purely in terms of their impact on the host, but they also exist in the context of other viral species. These phage communities show how diversity emerges even among the simplest bits of biology." Interestingly, the presence of a diverse population of bacteria in the human gut is a sign of health, as the diverse set of species (microbiome) is better able to resist attempts at dominance by any invading, disease-causing species. By the same token, the population of viruses occupying the bacteria that live in the gut is also emerging as an important regulator of health, with abnormal phage mixes thought to contribute to conditions like sepsis. "This work represents a shift in our understanding of phage ecology," said Dr. Schluter, also a professor in the Department of Microbiology at NYU Langone. "Thanks to Nora's work, which she carried through a pandemic and across four labs, we can now begin to understand the evolution of phages when they are in community with diverse viral species and how this shapes their role in health and disease." Along with Drs. Pyenson and Schluter at NYU Langone, and Dr. Turner at Yale, study authors were Asher Leeks and Odera Nweke in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale University; Joshua Goldford in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena; Kevin Foster in the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford; and Alvaro Sanchez of the Institute of Functional Biology & Genomics, CSIC & University of Salamanca in Spain. Drs. Foster and Sanchez were corresponding authors alongside Dr. Pyenson. Funding for parts of the work was through the Life Science Research Foundation and the Simons Foundation provided to Dr. Pyenson, and through a New Innovator Award to Dr. Schluter (DP2AI164318) from the National Institute of Autoimmune and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. Story Source: Materials provided by NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :

Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche in Switzerland, the country's skiing federation has said. Hediger, 26 and a member of Switzerland's snowboard cross team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, was in the mountain resort of Arosa when the incident occurred on Monday. Hediger competed at the Beijing Games in the women's snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. She achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St Moritz in January. "We are shocked and our thoughts are with Sophie's family, to whom we offer our deepest condolences," said Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser in a statement. Mr Reusser added Hediger grew up in Horgen, a town about 20 minutes by car from Zurich, and spent a lot of time in Arosa. He said she lost her life "tragically, brutally and far too soon".ATLANTA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (the "Company" or "Cousins") (NYSE:CUZ) announced today that its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP (the "Operating Partnership"), has priced an offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2032 at 99.463% of the principal amount. The offering is expected to close on December 17, 2024 , subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Cousins intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund a portion of the purchase price of 601 West 2nd Street, also known as Sail Tower, an 804,000 square foot trophy lifestyle office property in Austin (the "Sail Tower Acquisition"), and the remainder to repay borrowings under its credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In the event the Sail Tower Acquisition is not completed, Cousins will use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition and development of office properties, other opportunistic investments and the repayment of debt. The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company. J.P. Morgan, Truist Securities, US Bancorp, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley, PNC Capital Markets LLC, TD Securities and Wells Fargo Securities are acting as joint book-running managers. A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of these documents may be obtained by contacting J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York , 10179, Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, 3rd Floor, telephone collect at 1-212-834-4533; Truist Securities, Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 303 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, telephone: 800-685-4786, or e-mail: TruistSecurities.prospectus@Truist.com ; or U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., Attention: High Grade Syndicate, 214 North Tryon Street, 26th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202, or by telephone at: (877) 558-2607. Electronic copies of these documents are also available from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov . This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Cousins Properties Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT"). The Company, based in Atlanta, GA and acting through the Operating Partnership, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets. The Company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, and opportunistic investments. Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, as itemized in Item 1A included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 . These forward-looking statements include information about the Company's possible or assumed future results of the business and the Company's financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and objectives. They also include, among other things, statements regarding subjects that are forward-looking by their nature, such as: guidance and underlying assumptions; business and financial strategy; future debt financings; future acquisitions and dispositions of operating assets or joint venture interests; future acquisitions and dispositions of land, including ground leases; future acquisitions of investments in real estate debt; future development and redevelopment opportunities; future issuances and repurchases of common stock, limited partnership units, or preferred stock; future distributions; projected capital expenditures; market and industry trends; future occupancy or volume and velocity of leasing activity; entry into new markets, changes in existing market concentrations, or exits from existing markets; future changes in interest rates and liquidity of capital markets; and all statements that address operating performance, events, investments, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to creating value for stockholders. Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following: the availability and terms of capital and our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements on terms favorable to us or at all; the ability to refinance or repay indebtedness as it matures; any changes to our credit rating; the failure of purchase, sale, or other contracts to ultimately close; the failure to achieve anticipated benefits from acquisitions, developments, investments, or dispositions; the effect of common stock or operating partnership unit issuances, including those undertaken on a forward basis, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock; the availability of buyers and pricing with respect to the disposition of assets; changes in national and local economic conditions, the real estate industry, and the commercial real estate markets in which we operate (including supply and demand changes), particularly in Atlanta , Austin , Tampa , Charlotte , Phoenix , Dallas , and Nashville , including the impact of high unemployment, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, and international economic and other conditions; threatened terrorist attacks or sociopolitical unrest such as political instability, civil unrest, armed hostilities, or political activism, which may result in a disruption of day-to-day building operations; changes to our strategy in regard to our real estate assets may require impairment to be recognized; leasing risks, including the ability to obtain new tenants or renew expiring tenants, the ability to lease newly-developed and/or recently acquired space, the failure of a tenant to commence or complete tenant improvements on schedule or to occupy leased space, and the risk of declining leasing rates; changes in the preferences of our tenants brought about by the desire for co-working arrangements, trends toward utilizing less office space per employee, and the effect of employees working remotely; any adverse change in the financial condition or liquidity of one or more of our tenants or borrowers under our real estate debt investments; volatility in interest rates (including the impact upon the effectiveness of forward interest rate contract arrangements) and insurance rates; inflation; competition from other developers or investors; the risks associated with real estate developments (such as zoning approval, receipt of required permits, construction delays, cost overruns, and leasing risk); supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased construction costs; risks associated with security breaches through cyberattacks, cyber intrusions or otherwise, as well as other significant disruptions of our information technology networks and related systems, which support our operations and our buildings; changes in senior management, changes in the Company's board of directors, and the loss of key personnel; the potential liability for uninsured losses, condemnation, or environmental issues; the potential liability for a failure to meet regulatory requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws or the impact of any investigation regarding the same; the financial condition and liquidity of, or disputes with, joint venture partners; any failure to comply with debt covenants under debt instruments and credit agreements; any failure to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust or meet regulatory requirements; potential changes to state, local, or federal regulations applicable to our business; material changes in dividend rates on common shares or other securities or the ability to pay those dividends; potential changes to the tax laws impacting real estate investment trusts and real estate in general; risks associated with climate change and severe weather events, as well as the regulatory efforts intended to reduce the effects of climate changes and investor and public perception of our efforts to respond to the same; the impact of newly adopted accounting principles on our accounting policies and on period-to-period comparisons of financial results; risks associated with possible federal, state, local, or property tax audits; and those additional risks and environmental or other factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company cannot guarantee the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements contained in this press release, and the Company does not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts Roni Imbeaux Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations 404-407-1104 rimbeaux@cousins.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cousins-properties-announces-pricing-of-senior-notes-offering-302330787.html SOURCE Cousins Properties Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today

It was a dry and cool Wednesday evening outside the Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, a longtime military installation that once made the bombs and shells that led to victory in World War II. A contractor there knocked off work and decided to wait out rush-hour traffic. He picked up some takeout from Wawa, parked outside a nearby wildlife preserve and settled in to watch an episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast on his phone. Then he saw a flash in the side mirror. A light rising straight up from the tree line and toward the arsenal. He started recording. Could it have been a plane? Or was it a drone? And so began what seems to be the origin story of the ongoing drone saga. The contractor called in his sighting to his superiors Nov. 13, and others followed quickly, first throughout the county, then the rest of New Jersey, then into neighboring states. Countless people have reported mysterious hovering objects dotting the night skies and posted blurred images — a white light, a black background — on social media. Every day, for weeks. Drones. Drones? Small drones. Drones big as vans. Blinking, stationary, speeding and zipping and buzzing. Jeffrey Parker first saw them outside his Vineland, New Jersey, apartment building. He was barefoot, checking the mail, and there they were: three lights flying low and slow. “I was like damn, that’s not airplanes,” said Parker, 65. Was it a foreign government? Our own government? Kids? Visitors from space? The story grew to consume police departments, sheriffs, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, a former reality TV star with a supposed inside line to NASA, mayors, governors, the White House and the president-elect. But now it appears increasingly likely that if there were any drones at all, it was very few, and that most of the drones people did see — stay with this — were up there looking for the drones people thought they were seeing. Mounting evidence, and lack thereof, suggests that perhaps the whole craze has been a sort of communal fever dream fueled by crowd mentality, confirmation bias and a general distrust in all things official. This explanation has been widely rejected by those sharing their personal drone experiences, leaving them feeling belittled and gaslit and creating the kind of hothouse where conspiracy theories take root, grow and thrive. ‘Out in the ocean’ Five days after the arsenal sighting, on Nov. 18, multiple drones were reported, there and elsewhere in surrounding Morris County. A Facebook page called Live Storm Chasers with 1.3 million followers posted a five-drone sighting. The Morris County Prosecutors Office issued a statement from sheriffs, police chiefs and emergency officials that simultaneously acknowledged and downplayed the sightings and urged people to “be mindful that what they read online may not be accurate.” Still, a day later, the FBI quietly opened its own investigation into the drones. The agency would later announce a drone hotline and receive about 5,000 tips. And the Federal Aviation Administration posted temporary flight restrictions prohibiting drone flights over the arsenal and, shortly after, the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. The owner of that club would weigh in soon enough. November turned to December, and without any new, proved evidence or data to frame what was happening, the story exploded. A lack of facts became pure oxygen on social media and, on its heels, mainstream media. Even people’s Ring doorbells, equipped to alert users with messages from other Ring users, began to ping out drone sightings. Jessica Fiorentino, 33, a mother of two young children in Toms River, had heard about drones, but when she went to the beach one night, she couldn’t believe what she saw. “All the way out in the ocean, drones,” she said Friday in an interview. “Some would stay above the ocean, and some would come onto the land.” She alerted her followers on TikTok, normally filled with mom posts, and kept going out, every night, sometimes to other beaches, always posting videos. “They are very low in Seaside Heights right now,” she said in a video on a recent December night, pointing out two lights. “Part of me is starting to maybe think that red drone is someone’s drone, like someone here, putting it up, like police,” she reported. “And the one above it is the unidentified drone.” The video was viewed more than 393,000 times. The federal government was widely seen as being slow to react and confusing in its messaging, which was essentially “Don’t panic, but be vigilant.” Then came Dec. 8 at Island Beach State Park, a narrow stripe of coastline in southern New Jersey. A State Park Police officer contacted the local Ocean County Sheriff’s office with a frightening report right out of a summer blockbuster. “Fifty drones were coming from the ocean toward the mainland,” Sheriff Michael Mastronardy told Fox News. He rushed to the beach and met the officer. “She had legitimate information she provided,” Mastronardy said in a recent interview. The next night, he was joined by a Republican member of Congress, Rep. Chris Smith, who wanted a firsthand look. He said the drones “have so far evaded identification, origin, mission or potential threat to Americans” and criticized the Biden administration for not taking it seriously. Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., was frustrated by a lack of information, so he accompanied police officers Dec. 12 to three sites that had been flooded with drone calls. “They were kind of pointing out things that were flying,” he said. “Some, they were like, ‘That’s a drone.’ These are police officers. They’ve been out there for weeks now.” He took videos and showed them to aviation experts, who convinced him that the objects were actually manned aircraft. “It kind of highlighted to me: This is the information that people need,” he said. Other lawmakers have suggested that the drones should be shot out of the sky. Some people may have tried to heed that call, in a way. Plane and helicopter pilots reported dozens of incidents of lasers being pointed at them over New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in early December. Shining a laser at an aircraft can injure or blind the pilot, and is a federal crime. The FBI responded and urged people to stop. Fiorentino, her once-MomTok now a full-time DroneTok, was still recording every night, and growing more alarmed at what she was seeing. “There’s stuff spraying out of them — this is new to me,” she said in a video Dec. 15. That video was viewed 485,000 times, and another she posted about spraying got 2.8 million views. Jennifer McDonald, 48, taking her 15-minute break outside a Walmart in Pennsville, still hadn’t seen a drone well into December. Her husband kept asking her. Then she went outside and looked up. “Hot damn,” she said. She called her husband on FaceTime and they spent her whole break watching the little lights in the sky together. Airplanes and stars By mid-December, after weeks of shrugs, the federal government stepped up its attempt to explain what was going on. In short, officials said: They’re not drones. An FBI representative told reporters that of the 5,000 hotline tips it received, fewer than 100 leads had been generated and deemed worthy of further investigation. Four federal agencies quickly echoed that analysis, saying the bright lights floating or flying in the night sky above New Jersey were airplanes, helicopters, stars or drones that were not suspicious. The messaging did not appear to resonate among the people looking up. Kim, shopping with his two sons at a Lego Store in the Cherry Hill Mall recently, was approached with one question. “What is happening with the drones?” Bethenny Frankel, formerly of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” became another regular drone reporter on TikTok. “I know this guy whose father worked with the Pentagon and NASA and secret projects, and he has been messaging me that he will never forgive himself if he doesn’t tell the people he knows,” she began in a post last week. “These drones are ours and quite possibly could be sniffing out something dangerous.” The next morning, the “Good Day New York” program on Fox reported her claim, “and that it has something to do with radioactive material in New Jersey,” Rosanna Scotto, the host, said on air. At a news conference Dec. 16, the same day the federal agencies said most reported drone sightings were not drones, President-elect Donald Trump was asked about the situation, and he chuckled. “The government knows what is happening,” he said. “For some reason, they don’t want to comment.” He seemed to allude to the airspace restrictions over his club in Bedminster, where he said he had planned to go the next weekend. “I think maybe I won’t spend the weekend in Bedminster,” he said. “I decided to cancel my trip.” By the end of the week, looking to literally clear the air, the FAA announced a ban on drone use in airspace above critical infrastructure in more than 90 communities in New Jersey and New York. And Kim said Friday that federal drone detecting devices that had been put in place in hot spots in recent weeks had not detected any drones. This will probably do little to calm a jittery public. In Toms River, Fiorentino said she’ll keep posting TikTok videos. “We have no answers,” she said. “They’re still here. I hear more counties are getting them. More states are getting them.” And, if she’s being honest, it’s a nice diversion after a long day of work and kids. “People are relying on me to go out there,” she said. “For me it was like, OK, I can take a break from the chaos inside.” At Picatinny Arsenal, where it all began weeks ago, the contractor who reported what he saw in his car’s mirror has otherwise stayed quiet about the incident, telling just a few colleagues and an old college classmate. He is speaking out now on the condition that his name be withheld because he is not authorized to address the matter. As he has watched the drone frenzy spread across the country, he said he can’t help but worry he’s to blame. “I feel,” he said, “like I’ve caused mass hysteria.” Dodai Stewart and Nate Schweber contributed reporting.