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EPL: Man City contract talks on hold — De BruyneNo. 12 Boise State (9-1, 6-0 Mountain West, No. 12 CFP) at Wyoming (2-8, 2-4,) Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN) BetMGM College Football Odds: Boise State by 22 1/2. Series record: Boise State leads 17-1. Boise State enters its final conference game of the season with an eight-game winning streak - its longest single-season winning streak since 2014 - and with its sights set on a potential top-four seed in the College Football Playoff. With Boise State in front of BYU, the Broncos became the provisional No. 4 seed in the playoff with two weeks left in the regular season. Despite being mired in a two-win season, Wyoming would love to play the spoiler role against the Broncos. Wyoming’s rushing defense against Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty. The junior running back comes into this one leading the nation in several categories, including rushing yards (1,893), rushing touchdowns (26), total touchdowns (27) and all-purpose yards (1,991). The Cowboys rank 116th in the nation in allowing 201.2 yards rushing per game. Boise State: WR Cameron Camper continues to play a pivotal role for the Broncos. As Jeanty draws the attention of opposing defensive units, it creates space in the secondary for Camper to operate. The senior leads the Broncos with 665 yards receiving with 40 catches, including four touchdowns. Wyoming: DE DeVonne Harris has proven to be effective for the Cowboys since missing time earlier this season with an injury. Harris registered a season-high six tackles with a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery at Colorado State and has three tackles for loss this season. Harris could be tasked to slow Jeanty in the running lanes while also applying pressure to Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen. Boise State and Wyoming are two of the best teams on third downs on both sides of the ball with the Broncos’ offense checking in third nationally in third-down conversion percentage (52.7%) and Wyoming’s defense ranked fifth in the country in third-down conversion percentage against (.285). ... The Broncos, who own the third-best rushing offense in the country with 258.7 yards rushing per game, have run for 200 or more yards in eight games this season. ... Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay ranks second on the team with 62 tackles this season. His 6.2 tackles per game rank 20th in the conference. .. Wyoming has won 65.9% of its games in War Memorial Stadium, though the Cowboys are just 1-4 in Laramie this season. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 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 .

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SBB Research Group Foundation Names November 2024 Grant Finalists: Double Blessings Inc., Street Samaritans, Violets KitchenNICEVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Aaliyah Nye scored 15 points and No. 23 Alabama coasted to an 83-33 win over Alabama State on Monday at the Emerald Coast Classic. Sarah Ashlee Barker and Karly Weathers both added 12 points for the Crimson Tide (7-0). Zaay Green had 11. Barker, Weathers and Green combined to go 12 of 16 from the field as Alabama shot 51% and made 23 of 34 free throws. Cordasia Harris had eight points for the Hornets (2-3), who shot 27.5% and had 28 turnovers while being outrebounded by 17. Alabama entered ranked 17th in scoring offense through the first two weeks of the season, averaging 87.3 points per game. Barker opened the scoring and contributed another layup before her 3-pointer made it 14-0. The Tide led 26-8 after one quarter. Alabama also had a 13-2 run in the second quarter and Weathers had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lead 46-20 at halftime. Alabama plays the winner of UAB-Clemson on Tuesday and the Hornets face the loser. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP women’s college basketball: and The Associated PressLittler threatened to overturn an early deficit but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. World number one Luke Humphries retained his Players Championship Finals title with an 11-7 victory over teenager Luke Littler in Minehead. Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”

Shohei Ohtani of the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers has been unanimously named the Most Valuable Player of the National League. The announcement was made on Thursday, concluding an exceptional season for the Japanese-born baseball star. In the voting conducted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, Ohtani secured all 30 first-place votes. His remarkable performance throughout the season led him to outshine competitors such as New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte. This latest accolade not only highlights Ohtani's immense talent and versatility but also solidifies his status as a key player in the Dodgers' success. His achievement has further captivated the baseball world and reinforced his reputation as a global sports icon. (With inputs from agencies.)In a call for bipartisan cooperation, President Anura Kumara Dissan-ayake yesterday urged Parliament to rally behind a shared mission of driving the nation’s economic and social transformation. Delivering the Government’s policy statement at the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament, Dissanayake emphasised the collective responsibility of building a better future for the country, appealing for support across political divides. Acknowledging past divisions shaped by regional, ethnic, and religious lines, the President stressed the importance of democracy as a system that thrives on diverse ideologies. “Democracy is not about uniting all people under a single party or ideology. It is about coexistence,” he said, reaffirming his Government’s commitment to represent and serve all citizens, including those who did not vote for them. The President highlighted the unity displayed during the elections as a powerful step toward national harmony. However, he firmly rejected the resurgence of divisive politics, vowing, “We will not allow nationalist or religious rhetoric to gain political power. This nation has suffered enough from ethnic conflicts.” Reflecting on his 24 years in Parliament, the President lamented its gradual decline in public trust and respect. He noted how the institution has become synonymous with disillusionment, calling for a collective effort to restore its dignity and relevance. “The primary mission of this Parliament must be to uphold the people’s sovereignty, regain their trust, and re-establish itself as a body that truly represents them,” Dissanayake stated. The President also underscored the public’s mandate for a political culture free of corruption. “This mandate reflects the people’s aspiration to transform the corrupt political culture that has taken root over many years,” he said. Disanayake pledged that his Government would prioritise accountability and serve the people with integrity. Noting that the 10th Parliament consists of a significant number of new members, he said this offers an opportunity to instil good practices swiftly and effectively. He also expressed hope to further open up the Parliament for the public. “This Parliament will no longer remain a hidden chamber concealed from the public. Today, Parliament operates in alignment with advancements in modern technology and media, making every daily occurrence open to the public. It will no longer serve as a secretive or inaccessible centre shielded from public scrutiny. Instead, we are striving to transform this Parliament into a transparent and accessible institution for all citizens,” he pointed out. The President also highlighted that the Government firmly believes that progress cannot be made without a functional and responsive public sector. “Globally, the success of major transformations is often driven by a strong public service capable of implementing ambitious political goals. The focus remains on rebuilding a competent, people-centric State service that prioritises the well-being of citizens, with the full support of public servants themselves, ensuring the success of this critical reform,” he said, recalling that an unprecedented number of public servants cast their votes in support of the new Government. The President opined that many within the State service express frustration and a sense of unfulfillment in their professional roles similar to the people’s dissatisfaction with the public services. “This has led to a dual challenge: an unhappy public and a discontented public sector workforce. The Government’s responsibility now lies in creating a State service that meets the needs of both citizens and the public servants themselves,” he added. The President also stressed the critical importance of restoring public trust in the rule of law, stressing that enacting laws alone is insufficient without effective implementation. The public’s confidence in the legal system has been eroded, and the President called for a collective effort to rebuild this trust. He asserted that no individual, politician, or authority should be above the law and vowed to address controversial crimes, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. This commitment, he said, is essential to establishing a just and prosperous state. The President also acknowledged the severe economic challenges facing Sri Lanka, which has been caught in a deep recession. “This economy cannot withstand drastic shocks and immediately upon taking power, our focus turned to ensuring economic stability and reaffirming trust with the relevant economic stakeholders. We understood that even the smallest error could have significant repercussions due to the scale of the crisis. Any disruption would only further harm the already delicate economic system,” he said, adding that the economic crisis has left the country with no room for mistakes. Therefore, Dissanayake insisted the lawmakers that everyone must carefully consider every aspect, thoughtfully analyse all factors, engage in dialogue, and make well-informed decisions. He also outlined the Government’s cautious approach to stabilising the economy, noting the importance of adhering to the parameters set with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While the IMF’s third review had been delayed due to the elections, the President expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached by Saturday (23), marking a crucial step in the country’s economic recovery. Dissanayake also disclosed that the country is making crucial strides in its debt restructuring program with the IMF aiming to conclude the process by the end of the year. “The Government has reached a common understanding on bilateral debt and is preparing to formalise agreements with individual countries. Preliminary agreements have also been made regarding international sovereign bonds and commercial market debt, with completion expected by December,” he added. The President highlighted that the ongoing debt restructuring discussions, which had been in progress for nearly two years, are now in their final stages. Despite challenges, he emphasised that debating the merits of the restructuring plan is no longer productive, as it is essential for moving the economy forward. As the IMF’s restructuring framework is seen as key to managing the financial crisis, the President acknowledged that it is not enough to address the deep-rooted economic issues facing the nation. “To overcome this, the Government plans to adopt a new economic strategy to rebuild and strengthen the country’s economic structure,” he noted. The President outlined that Sri Lanka’s new economic strategy is based on three core principles aimed at revitalising the country’s economy. The first pillar includes rapid growth and expansion in the production of goods and services, with an emphasis on broadening this growth beyond the Western Province to other regions. The second focus is on making the economy inclusive. The Government stresses that economic success cannot be achieved if people are excluded from participating. Instead, every citizen should play an active role in the economy to ensure the benefits reach all. Finally, the strategy emphasises fair distribution of wealth. The Government warns against the concentration of national wealth in the hands of a few, as this can lead to instability. Instead, it advocates for equitable distribution, ensuring that the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources benefits all citizens, promoting social and economic stability. Dissanayake said the Government has identified several key areas for short-term growth aimed at revitalising the economy. These include tourism, IT, maritime and agriculture. The tourism sector, he said is a top priority, with plans to attract 4 million tourists and generate an $ 8 billion industry within the next 3-4 years, a significant increase from the 2.3 million visitors and $ 4.3 billion recorded in the benchmark year of 2018. The President identified IT sector also holds strong growth potential. “Currently, there are 85,000 IT professionals, with plans to increase this number to 200,000 over the next five years. The goal is to raise IT export income from $ 1.2 billion to $ 5 billion by enhancing education and skills in the sector,” he pointed out. Leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic location, Dissanayake said the Government aims to transform the country into a global maritime and trade hub, enhancing the efficiency of the Port of Colombo and tapping into the full economic potential of its geographic advantage. In addition, he outlined that the agricultural sector is another area of focus. “Despite significant investments in irrigation and research, farmers remain burdened by debt. The Government plans to revive agriculture through innovation, including seed research and extension services, and increase subsidies for fertilisers to support the industry’s growth, he said, adding the fisheries industry, with vast untapped resources in Sri Lanka’s seas. “The sector is set to receive a boost with a fuel subsidy to get more boats back into operation, signalling a positive economic shift,” he opined. President Dissanayake also announced that a comprehensive Budget will not be immediately presented, citing that an Interim Budget is set to be submitted by early December to allocate funds for the next four months. He said a comprehensive Budget proposal is expected by early February, with the goal of securing parliamentary approval by mid-March. “This upcoming Budget will serve as the practical foundation for implementing the nation’s vision, with its structure aligned to the strategies discussed,” he said. Moreover, the President disclosed plans to overhaul its diplomatic services, with a renewed focus on not only strengthening international relations but also supporting local industries in accessing global markets. “The country’s diplomatic missions will be realigned to better serve this dual purpose,” he added. In addition, he said the Government aims to expand the construction industry’s reach beyond Sri Lanka, recognising the sector’s technical expertise and resources as key assets for international growth. He also stated that Sri Lanka’s unique indigenous products will also be targeted for global markets by adding value and establishing a modern industrial framework. Dissanayake also acknowledged the importance of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and stressed that their growth should align with national development goals. “To support this, clear plans have been devised to foster the sector’s expansion and integrate it into the country’s broader economic vision,” he stated. The President also announced plans to launch the “Cleaning Sri Lanka” program — a major initiative aimed at transforming the country’s environment and societal attitudes. He said a Presidential task force will lead the effort, which goes beyond environmental issues to focus on fostering good citizenship, positive behaviour, and responsible actions among citizens. “The program aims to change perceptions about public property and social responsibility, emphasising the need for accountability and respect for resources and one another. The initiative also addresses essential issues such as access to clean sanitation facilities, particularly for women in rural areas, and seeks to improve societal attitudes toward shared public spaces. The Government aspires to create a more humane and empathetic society, one marked by kindness, tolerance, and understanding,” he explained. In addition to societal transformation, Dissanayake said the Government is committed to eradicating poverty, with plans to increase welfare allowances, support schoolchildren from disadvantaged families, and raise pensions and public sector wages in the upcoming budget. “These efforts aim to ensure that every citizen has access to a fair meal, quality education, a decent home, and stable income opportunities,” he added. Ending his speech on a note of hope, the President asserted the shared responsibility of ensuring a better future for Sri Lanka’s next generations. “Our foremost responsibility is to prevent the repetition of past tragedies and to create a nation where suffering is replaced by unity and progress,” he affirmed.

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St. Petersburg council rejects immediate repair to Rays' ballpark roof after first giving approvalFormer Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities.Fulks puts up 26, Milwaukee defeats IU Indianapolis 88-81

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EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. “I would do the same," Jefferson said. "It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off. That would be my game plan.” When the Vikings visit Chicago on Sunday, they're expecting the usual heavy dose of split-safety coverage designed to put a lid on the passing attack and force them to operate primarily underneath. “We see that every week: Teams just have different tendencies on film, and then when we go out on the field they play us totally different,” Jefferson said, later adding: “I don’t really feel like anyone else is getting played how I’m getting played.” Jefferson nonetheless is second in the NFL in receiving yards (912) behind Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase, his former college teammate at LSU. Last week, Jefferson set yet another all-time record by passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards over the first five seasons of a career. Holt logged 80 regular-season games and accumulated 6,784 yards for St. Louis. Jefferson has 6,811 yards — in just 70 games. “I want to go up against those single coverages. I want to go have my opportunities to catch a deep pass downfield, just one-on-one coverage, like a lot of these other receivers get," Jefferson said. "It’s definitely difficult going up against an extra person or an extra two people, but it is what it is and the concepts that we’re drawing up and the ways that we’re trying to get me open, it definitely helps.” With fellow tight end Josh Oliver ruled out of the game on Sunday because of a sprained ankle, T.J. Hockenson is certain to have his heaviest workload since returning from knee surgery four weeks ago. He's also certain that Jefferson will continue to see persistent double-teams. “It puts it on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that,” Hockenson said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has been forced to dig deeper into the vault of play designs and game plans to help keep quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense on track. O'Connell said after Minnesota's 12-7 win at Jacksonville, when Darnold threw three interceptions to precipitate a safer strategy down the stretch, that he superseded his play-calling role with the wisdom of a head coach to help win that game. "Not just the egomaniac of wanting to score points and constantly show everybody how smart we are. There was a mode that I think you have to go into sometimes to ensure a victory,” O'Connell said on his weekly show on KFAN radio. Taking what the defense gives is usually the shrewdest strategy. “You’ve got to really implement some new things and some things that maybe you didn’t come across during your early coaching years whether as a coordinator or position coach or even when you’re responsible for a small area of the game plan as a younger coach," O'Connell said. "You really have to kind of look outside the lens of always what you see on tape.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Georgia has a new President and he is also a former Premier League soccer player. Georgia inaugurated on Sunday an ex-footballer turned far-right politician -- Mikheil Kavelashvili -- as Tbilisi's next figurehead president, after a controversial election process denounced as "illegitimate" by the current pro-EU leader, AFP reported. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for Picked by the governing Georgian Dream party as a loyalist, the former forward for English Premier League champions Manchester City is known for his expletive-laden parliament speeches and tirades against government critics and LGBTQ people. He was voted into the role by an electoral college controlled by Georgian Dream, after the party abolished the use of popular votes to elect the president under controversial constitutional changes passed in 2017. Kavelashvili was the only candidate and his inauguration came amid a major political crisis -- thousands of anti-government protesters have staged daily rallies in Tbilisi for a month, outraged at Georgian Dream for shelving EU accession talks. Minutes before he took the oath in parliament, outgoing pro-Western leader Salome Zurabishvili said she remains the "country's only legitimate president." For the first time in Georgia's history, the swearing-in ceremony took place behind closed doors in parliament. 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View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Protesters have described Kavelashvili as a "puppet" of billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, the country's de facto leader and Georgian Dream's founder. On Friday, Washington imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, arguing he undermined the country's democratic future for Russia's benefit, the AFP report stated. Mikheil Kavelashvili Born in Georgia's tiny southwestern town of Bolnisi in 1971, Kavelashvili began his career as a professional footballer in the 1980s, playing for clubs in Georgia and Russia and becoming a striker for his country's national team. The 53-year-old played for Manchester City from 1995 to 1997, scoring on his debut against bitter crosstown rivals Manchester United. He then joined Swiss club Grasshoppers, where he spent most of his time on the bench, before stints elsewhere in Switzerland at Zurich, Luzern, Sion, Aarau and Basel. Kavelashvili was disqualified from running for president of the Georgian Football Federation in 2015 due to a lack of higher education -- a requirement for the role. He has served as an MP for Georgian Dream since 2016 and was elected to the legislature on the party's list in October 2024 polls that opposition groups say were rigged and have refused to recognise. FAQs Q1. When did Mikheil Kavelashvili play for Manchester City? A1. Mikheil Kavelashvili played for Manchester City from 1995 to 1997. Q2. Which clubs did Mikheil Kavelashvili play for? A2. After plying his trade in Manchester City, Mikheil Kavelashvili joined Swiss club Grasshoppers, where he spent most of his time on the bench, before stints elsewhere in Switzerland at Zurich, Luzern, Sion, Aarau and Basel. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )South Korea's Justice Ministry imposes a travel ban on President Yoon over martial lawTelangana govt considers removing two-children’s criteria for rural local body polls

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Agilent Technologies A is preparing to release its quarterly earnings on Monday, 2024-11-25. Here's a brief overview of what investors should keep in mind before the announcement. Analysts expect Agilent Technologies to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.40. Investors in Agilent Technologies are eagerly awaiting the company's announcement, hoping for news of surpassing estimates and positive guidance for the next quarter. It's worth noting for new investors that stock prices can be heavily influenced by future projections rather than just past performance. Earnings Track Record Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.06, which was followed by a 0.16% increase in the share price the next day. Here's a look at Agilent Technologies's past performance and the resulting price change: Quarter Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024 Q4 2023 EPS Estimate 1.26 1.19 1.22 1.35 EPS Actual 1.32 1.22 1.29 1.38 Price Change % 0.0% -10.0% 3.0% 9.0% Market Performance of Agilent Technologies's Stock Shares of Agilent Technologies were trading at $132.06 as of November 21. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 5.86%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders should be satisfied going into this earnings release. Analyst Observations about Agilent Technologies Understanding market sentiments and expectations within the industry is crucial for investors. This analysis delves into the latest insights on Agilent Technologies. Analysts have provided Agilent Technologies with 3 ratings, resulting in a consensus rating of Neutral. The average one-year price target stands at $149.0, suggesting a potential 12.83% upside. Comparing Ratings Among Industry Peers In this analysis, we delve into the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of IQVIA Hldgs, Waters and Illumina, three key industry players, offering insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning. The prevailing sentiment among analysts is an Outperform trajectory for IQVIA Hldgs, with an average 1-year price target of $261.21, implying a potential 97.8% upside. The prevailing sentiment among analysts is an Neutral trajectory for Waters, with an average 1-year price target of $370.0, implying a potential 180.18% upside. For Illumina, analysts project an Neutral trajectory, with an average 1-year price target of $173.56, indicating a potential 31.43% upside. Summary of Peers Analysis The peer analysis summary provides a snapshot of key metrics for IQVIA Hldgs, Waters and Illumina, illuminating their respective standings within the industry. These metrics offer valuable insights into their market positions and comparative performance. Company Consensus Revenue Growth Gross Profit Return on Equity Agilent Technologies Neutral -5.62% $855M 4.65% IQVIA Hldgs Outperform 4.28% $1.38B 4.17% Waters Neutral 4.02% $438.65M 10.71% Illumina Neutral -3.49% $745M 39.60% Key Takeaway: Agilent Technologies ranks in the middle among peers for Consensus rating. It is at the bottom for Revenue Growth. For Gross Profit, it is at the top. In terms of Return on Equity, Agilent Technologies is at the bottom compared to its peers. Delving into Agilent Technologies's Background Originally spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999, Agilent has evolved into a leading life science and diagnostic firm. Today, Agilent's measurement technologies serve a broad base of customers with its three operating segments: life science and applied tools, cross lab consisting of consumables and services related to life science and applied tools, and diagnostics and genomics. Over half of its sales are generated from the biopharmaceutical, chemical, and advanced materials end markets, which we view as the stickiest end markets, but it also supports clinical lab, environmental, forensics, food, academic, and government-related organizations. The company is geographically diverse, with operations in the US and China representing the largest country concentrations. Agilent Technologies: A Financial Overview Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence. Revenue Growth: Agilent Technologies's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 31 July, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -5.62% . This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector. Net Margin: Agilent Technologies's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 17.87% . This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health. Return on Equity (ROE): Agilent Technologies's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 4.65% , the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance. Return on Assets (ROA): Agilent Technologies's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 2.58%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health. Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5 , Agilent Technologies adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management. To track all earnings releases for Agilent Technologies visit their earnings calendar on our site. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Republican National Committee Treasurer KC Crosbie told fellow members Sunday night that she is running for RNC co-chair to replace Lara Trump, who said Sunday night she is stepping down from that post. “This position demands leadership, communication, and the ability to unify our diverse membership while supporting President Trump and his Administration’s bold initiative to “Make America Great Again,” Crosbie, who is also the RNC national committeewoman from Kentucky, wrote in an email to RNC members, which was obtained by NBC News. “I am committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of RNC Co-Chair with the same dedication I have brought to the role of Treasurer.” The RNC co-chair role got significant attention during the 2024 election after President-elect Donald Trump helped install his daughter-in-law to the post as part of his takeover of the party infrastructure. Trump-backed RNC Chair Michael Whatley will has already agreed to remain in that post. “At the RNC, we had three distinct goals: 1) surpass all fundraising records 2) build the largest army of lawyers and poll watchers to ensure election integrity and, 3) turn out millions of Americans and low propensity voters during early voting. We accomplished all three,” Lara Trump wrote in an X post Sunday night announcing she was leaving the post. Crosbie’s email to RNC members came hours later. She highlighted the RNC’s fundraising numbers during her tenure as treasurer and the organization’s internal financial controls. “By implementing best practices and reinforcing internal controls, the RNC earned clean audits from our external auditors, while further strengthening the confidence of both grassroots supporters and major donors,” Crosbie wrote. It’s unlikely anyone would be able to secure enough support to replace Lara Trump without the explicit approval of Donald Trump or his team. Neither Crosbie or the Trump campaign responded to requests seeking comment. An RNC member told NBC News that “she is well liked” by the committee members. Crosbie was elected to serve as Kentucky’s RNC committeewoman in 2012 and picked to serve as the organization’s treasurer in June 2023. At the time, she said she would be a “steward and watchdog of funds raised to support the RNC.” Lara Trump's decision to step down comes as she has also been actively lobbying for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint her to the Senate seat being vacated by Marco Rubio, Donald Trump's pick to serve as secretary of state. “Certainly, we’ve all had the opportunity over the past nine years to fully involve ourselves in politics, to understand the American people, what they want, and we’ve all been residents of the state of Florida now for over three years,” she told Fox News on Sunday. “If that’s something that’s put in front of me, it would be a true honor.” Four sources familiar with the process told NBC News Monday that Lara Trump’s resignation has no bearing on the potential Senate pick and that DeSantis is not likely to make a decision until early January. He is also considering picks from Florida's ranks of elected Republicans, like state Attorney General Ashley Moody, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez, former state House Speaker Paul Renner and Jose Oliva and Secretary of State Cord Byrd, as well as DeSantis chief of staff James Uthmeier. Most of the Trump family and many major supporters have publicly said that they support Lara Trump getting the appointment. She is still in consideration but is not seen as holding frontrunner status at the moment.Facebook, Instagram down for thousands of usersS. Korea's Joint Investigation Unit Seeks Arrest Warrant For President Yoon #Korea's #Joint #Investigation #Unit #Seeks #Arrest #Warrant #President #Yoon #USA #Russia #Biden #Ukraine #War #Palestine #Gaza #Israel #

Social media users report they cannot access Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp, as Meta confirms a mass outage of its platforms. Outage tracking website was flooded with more than 100,000 reports of problems, which started about 3am (AEST). In a statement posted to X, Meta confirmed it was aware that a “technical issue” was impacting “some users” of their apps. It’s not clear how extensive the outage is, but reports suggest it is worldwide. “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience,” the statement read. Similar statements were issued by Instagram and WhatsApp acknowledging and apologising for the issue. The WhatsApp statement concluded: “We expect things to be back to normal shortly”. Police are trying to catch a motorcyclist who was filmed swerving between oncoming traffic while riding without a helmet. The incident was captured by a dashcam about 2.30pm, November 13, on Gehrke Road in the Lockyer Valley. Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the rider or his passenger, who police said appeared to be female, to come forward. They do not believe anyone was injured in the stunt. An 80-year-old man has been charged with historical child sexual offences almost a month after police arrested him in his Rosemount home, but investigators suspected the man had committed further offences. He was arrested on November 15, after an alleged victim tipped off police and officers executed a search warrant on the man’s property. He was charged with 17 offences – 12 counts of indecent treatment of children, and five counts of unlawful intercourse – with police reporting the man used his involvement in a sports club in the 1990s to repeatedly offend against a child. Sunshine Coast CPIU Detective Senior Sergeant Kerri Della-Vedova thanked the person who had spoken to police and offered information that led to the arrest, but suspected more children had been involved. “If anyone else relates to this offending or has more information, I encourage you to speak to police,” Della-Vedova said. “I’d like to reinforce to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse, even decades ago, that police will listen, we will investigate while respecting your wishes, privacy, health and safety needs.” The 80-year-old man was expected to appear before Maroochydore Magistrates Court today. An overnight house fire is being treated as arson by police. Officers believe the property, on Bindi Street in Logan Central, was reportedly set alight about 11.35pm. No one was home at the time and no injuries have been reported. Queensland Police declared a crime scene and investigations were under way at the house. Anyone with information or CCTV was urged to come forward. After confirming he would not stand in front of Indigenous flags if elected prime minister, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has suggested it’s his view that only the Australian flag should be flown on national landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Aboriginal flag permanently replaced the in June 2022, after a protracted debate about whether it should be flown. Asked on Seven’s if his stance on the Aboriginal flag at press conferences extended to it being flown on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Dutton didn’t directly answer. He noted it was a state government issue before implying his personal preference was that only the Australian flag was flown. “My preference would be that we just, frankly, accept that we have one national flag,” he said. “For us at a federal level, I’m not going to pretend that our country can be united when we’re asking people to identify in different ways.” He concluded that while we should be “very proud of our Indigenous heritage”, he doesn’t believe the country can be united under three flags. The Coalition’s nuclear energy policy, set to be released this week, will be cheaper than Labor’s plan, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has maintained. On Monday, released a report that found nuclear power was still about 50 per cent more expensive than renewables, even after the science organisation changed its modelling to accommodate criticism from the Coalition that it had unfairly favoured wind and solar energy sources. Dutton denied he was reconsidering his promise that energy bills would be cheaper using nuclear power because of the reissued report. He said the “international experience” had shown that they couldn’t meet net zero targets with renewable and that energy was cheaper. Pushed on the fact that most of the countries he regularly cites established their nuclear industries in the 20th century and therefore couldn’t be used to demonstrate the cost of an Australian plant, Dutton promised he would release the Coalition’s costings this week. “The costings show that ... it’s cheaper than what the government’s proposing, and we can deliver stability in the market,” he said. “So you need to decarbonise. We need to make sure that we’ve got stability. We can’t operate an economy with blackouts and brownouts.” Social media users report they cannot access Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp, as Meta confirms a mass outage of its platforms. Outage tracking website was flooded with more than 100,000 reports of problems, which started about 3am (AEST). In a statement posted to X, Meta confirmed it was aware that a “technical issue” was impacting “some users” of their apps. It’s not clear how extensive the outage is, but reports suggest it is worldwide. “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience,” the statement read. Similar statements were issued by Instagram and WhatsApp acknowledging and apologising for the issue. The WhatsApp statement concluded: “We expect things to be back to normal shortly”. The deluge of earlier this week in Brisbane is in the rear-view mirror, with a sunny day forecast this Thursday The temperature is expected to reach a top of 30 degrees, and the next few days are expected to be even warmer. Here’s your seven-day outlook: Here are the stories making the rounds further afield this morning: Labor will under a new scheme that seeks to punish platforms such as Facebook for refusing to sign content deals, raising the prospect of a financial penalty if they do not contribute to local news. What really goes on at Mar-a-Lago? Donald Trump’s Palm Beach palace has effectively as a roll-call of global statesmen, businessmen and political loyalists fly in to pay court, all striving to serve in, or influence, the president-elect. “What do you do? You wack the CEO.” Authorities say , who police allege gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, hinted at a hatred of corporate greed. The says it stands ready to respond to any economic turmoil caused by US President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious tariff plans. Papua New Guinea will officially be granted a National Rugby League licence at an announcement today. Good morning, thanks for joining us for live news blog. It’s Thursday, December 12, and we’re expecting a sunny day and a top temperature of 30 degrees. In this morning’s local headlines: Star Casino has asked cyclists to dismount for 100 metres on the Bicentennial Bikeway at Queen’s Wharf during the Sono Lumo event. If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, city reporter Courtney Kruk has compiled for gift-buying – from books and music to antiques and plants. Australian basketball great Leroy Loggins has thrown down the gauntlet and the way he responds could be what takes his side from the NBL doldrums to championship contention. And Brisbane’s The Gabba is set for a “green mamba” pitch in the third Test against India.Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm, is facing challenges in the wake of Storm Darragh. Regrettably for the star of Clarkson's Farm and his crew's various establishments in Oxfordshire, have been unable to endure the harsh conditions of the storm, which recently swept across the UK, bringing gusts of up to 93mph in certain areas. Taking to Diddly Squat's Instagram account it was announced the Grand Tour tent section of the venue was being shut down until further notice after it was battered by high winds and rain, necessitating some urgent repair work. This closure is particularly unfortunate as the tent draws visitors because it is the same tent Jeremy and his former Grand Tour co-stars Richard Hammond and James May used on their global tour. However, it proved no match for Storm Darragh. Due to the extent of the damage, the closure also meant Jeremy had to shut down the farm's butchers, off-licence Hops and Chops, the shop and the garden kitchen, known as The Famer's Puppy. "Sadly, our Grand Tour tent will be closing for some much-needed wind repair today," read a post on their social media account. But there was a silver lining: The Farmer's Dog main pub would remain open to the public as the storm continued to pass through. Jeremy's fans have rallied to bring a dash of humour to an otherwise unfortunate situation after his beloved Diddly Squat farm suffered damage amid the storms. Followers flocked to the comment section with quips like, "What did May do? Or did Hammond crash into it? " and "Reminds me of Hammonds motorhome on top gear where he managed to set fire to metal". However, not all banter was well-received, as one overzealous commenter learnt when suggesting Jeremy should have preemptively dismantled his pub to avoid storm damage. They wrote: “Surprised you didn't take it down before the storm came would of been easier.” Clarkson's curt response was: "It takes 24 people seven days to put that thing up or take it down." As fans are eager to find out the status of the pub, questions such as "Will the tent and farm shop be open again by this coming Thursday 12th?" were asked, to which the establishment assured that the farm shop is "standing strong" and would resume trading by Thursday. The Farmer's Dog launch at the cusp of summer on August 23 was a smash hit, drawing in crowds keen to sample what Clarkson's latest culinary extension of his Diddly Squat brand in Chipping Norton had to offer. Jeremy snapped up the five-acre spot, originally The Windmill pub, bagging the property for "less than £1m" before rebranding it to his taste. Presently, the establishment welcomes patrons Wednesday through Sunday, from midday until 11pm, offering beverages and dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients from British farms.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Cameron Haffner scored 13 points as Evansville beat Missouri State 57-40 on Sunday to snap a five-game losing streak. Haffner went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Purple Aces (4-9, 1-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Joshua Hughes added 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Tayshawn Comer scored 11. Dez White finished with 12 points, four assists and six steals for the Bears (7-6, 0-2). Missouri State also got 10 points, 12 rebounds and two steals from Michael Osei-Bonsu. Zaxton King had eight points. Evansville carried a slim three-point lead into halftime, as Haffner led the way with seven points. Evansville took the lead for what would be the final time on Haffner's 3-pointer with 18:44 remaining in the second half. His team would outscore Missouri State by 14 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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Noted music director Arjun Janya, making his directorial debut with 45, starring Kannada star actors including Dr. Shivarajkumar, Real Star Upendra, and Raj B Shetty, has teamed up with the renowned Toronto based VFX Studio company—MARZ for his dream project. First ever Indian project The VFX Studio MARZ, has so far worked in over 150 Hollywood films. The Kannada film marks the first ever project for MARZ, working on an Indian film, particularly in the Kannada industry. Arjun Janya took to social media to share the update on his ambitious project. “Thrilled to have Mr Raphael and Oscar nominated Mr Justin who has worked on Hollywood film THE CREATOR. Mr Raphael who has worked on films like Black Panther, The Matrix Resurrections, and Ant-Man, supervising the VFX for our movie 45!,” Arjun Janya wrote on X handle. The much-awaited Kannada film 45, starring Karunada Chakravarthy Shivarajkumar, Real Star Upendra, and Raj B Shetty, is making waves with its grand production scale and cutting-edge visual effects. ALSO READ: Arjun Janya Directorial ‘45’ Will Be One Of The Best Action Films In Indian Cinema: Dr Shivarajkumar 45 in post-production Arjun Janya’s directorial debut film is being bankrolled by M. Ramesh Reddy under his Suraj Productions banner. The shooting for the film was recently wrapped up and is now in the post-production phase. Actor-director Upendra, who portrays one of the lead roles in the multistarrer Pan-India Kannada venture, 45, along with Shivarajkumar and Raj B Shetty lauded the confidence of the director who meticulously planned the entire project before wrapping it up in 106 days since the film went on the floors. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Kannada, Entertainment News and around the world.Tata Tiago to Maruti Swift- Top 5 budget-friendly hatchback cars for Indian families

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The rift within the BC Conservative party has deepened over the resignation of a Vancouver police board member. Elenore Sturko, who represents Surrey-Cloverdale, publicly defied Leader John Rustad's request that she meet with Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba, the VPD board vice chair who resigned over controversial comments about diversity and inclusion in classrooms. "I stand by my position, and I won't be meeting with her," Sturko told reporters on Tuesday shortly before a B.C. Conservative caucus meeting in Victoria. Sturko says she had "no trepidation" going into the caucus meeting with the 13 MLAs who condemned her in a leaked letter but acknowledged it might be "feisty." Sturko told CBC News last month that Sakoma-Fadugba's comments were offensive and that she was right to resign. That put her at odds with some B.C. Conservatives, who said Sakoma-Fadugba raised valid issues about protecting Christian values, and she was a victim of cancel culture. In screenshots shared to Reddit, one of Sakoma-Fadugba's posts discusses how "mass immigration" and "a growing aversion to assimilation" are "transforming Canada into a place where a shared identity is disappearing." Another post questions Diwali celebrations at schools, saying the "push for secular education isn't about religion — it's about erasing Christian values from the lives of our children." Group of B.C. Conservative MLAs turn on fellow caucus member for backing police board member's resignation Vancouver Police Board vice-chair resigns following social media comments A third references "gender transitions" while criticizing a "woke culture that pits children against their parents." Thirteen Tory MLAs signed a letter condemning Sturko's comments and pressing Rustad to ask her to apologize." It is our view that the statements caused undue harm to Ms. Sakoma and called into question our commitment to the core values shared by Conservatives," they wrote. As they walked into their party's caucus meeting, all 13 MLAs refused to comment on why they signed the letter. Rustad had been silent about the issue until Monday night when he posted on social media that he had shared a meal with Sakoma-Fadugba in her home and invited Sturko to meet with her as well. On The Coast 10:14 Cracks appearing in B.C. Conservative Party B.C. Conservative Party board president Aisha Estey talks about 13 B.C. Conservative MLAs turning on fellow B.C. Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko in a leaked letter to party leader John Rustad. "I want to make it crystal clear where I personally stand — I support Comfort Sakoma, and I don't believe she should have been asked to quit the VPD police board," Rustad wrote. He said he understands "the critical importance of freedom of speech, particularly for MLAs." However, he said Sturko should "meet with Comfort Sakoma before drawing further judgment. "Comfort is a wonderful person with so much to offer, and I hope she continues to advocate for the Conservative movement in British Columbia and in Canada." CBC News asked Rustad Tuesday if Sturko publicly defied him by responding that she would not meet with Sakoma-Fadugba. "I expected that she would," he said. "They have the right to be able to say things, they have a right to bring forward issues." Rustad denied there's a rift in the party, saying differences of opinion are welcome. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad speaks to reporters after forming Opposition on Oct. 29, 2024. (Mike McArthur/CBC) Sturko said she was disappointed to learn about Rustad's position on social media but insists she stands behind him as party leader. "I came to Victoria and joined this party to work side by side with John. I intend to do that," Sturko said. "I think that what people don't necessarily realize is that caucuses do have disagreements." Former B.C. United spokesperson Andrew Reeve told CBC News he expected divisions within the big tent B.C. Conservative Party which formed as a result of several high-profile defections among B.C. United MLAs, including Sturko. However, Reeve said he didn't expect those rifts to happen just weeks after the Conservatives became the Official Opposition and for them to be exposed so publicly. B.C. Conservative leader names shadow cabinet, takes shots at NDP Rustad has said he will allow his MLAs to have free votes on issues and vote according to their conscience, but Reeve says that could expose further divisions between social conservatives and more progressive centrists in the party. The letter's signatories are: Tara Armstrong, Rosalyn Bird, Dallas Brodie, Brent Chapman, Reann Gasper, Sharon Hartwell, Anna Kindy, Jordan Kealy, Kristina Loewen, Macklin McCall, Heather Maahs, Korky Neufeld and Ward Stamer.

NoneMELVIN Odoom secretly attempted to get his crush Carol Vorderman's attention BEFORE going on I'm A Celebrity. According to colleagues at BBC Radio One, the DJ asked Producer Tom to help him win her over - with an impressive idea. Host Danni Diston exclusively told The Sun: "None of us knew about Melvin's crush on Carol, but apparently Producer Tom, who works at Radio One, did. "He helped Melvin DM Carol Vorderman in Welsh because obviously she's a Welsh queen." Danni added: "Whether or not she replied, I don't know. "I would like to see them go on a date. I think they'd be a cute couple. READ MORE ON I'M A CELEB "I know she's done the jungle already, but do you reckon she'd go back in and surprise him? I don't think she would, but it would be great." Last week Melvin admitted fancying his "dream woman" Carol - and even asked her out live on TV. He acted out his desired 'date' with Carol to campmates - after admitting he'd been too shy to say hello to the former TV presenter. Carol reacted to the bizarre moment Melvin did role play with Tulisa in camp, as he asked Carol out to a Thai restaurant. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 In a voicenote sent in to ITV2 's Unpacked, Carol said: "Melvin, or should I say Jungle Man.. Melvin Vorderman... It sounds the same to me. "Right, question. Have you been spying on me because just last night I had a little Thai food. "I had pad Thai, quite a lot of it, with a little chicken satay on the side. "It was delicious, Jungle Man. "Anyway keep doing what you're doing. You're doing a brilliant job. See you on the other side." Melvin hosts the mid-morning show on BBC Radio One alongside his pal Rickie Haywood-Williams and Charlie Hedges. ITV is logging all votes online at itv.com/vote or you can download the I’m A Celebrity app on your phone. Every time Ant and Dec announce a new trial you can cast five votes. Jane would love you to use all of them to get her another Bushtucker challenge. Later this week, vote to SAVE Jane from eviction. They also host the famous Live Lounge together. From January, his colleague Danni is moving to a new slot on BBC Radio One with her co-host Sam MacGregor. Sam and Danni, who previously held the Weekend Breakfast slot, will now host an afternoon show that runs from Friday to Sunday, 1-4pm. i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz , Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street , was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women . She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher . Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan . It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."Cyber protection ordinance: Draft fails to shake off ghosts of the past

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The year in review: Influential people who died in 2024It is worth noting that emergencies and unexpected events can occur in any industry, including the highly technical and intricate world of cloud computing. The ability of companies like Alibaba to swiftly address and resolve such incidents demonstrates their resilience and capacity to manage challenges effectively. By transparently communicating with stakeholders and providing timely updates, Alibaba showcases its commitment to accountability and customer trust.top 5 online casino 。

The young student, whose disappearance had sparked a city-wide search effort involving law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens, was finally found in a local hospital after a Good Samaritan recognized him and alerted the authorities. According to reports, he had been disoriented and unable to communicate his identity, leading to the delay in identifying him.As winter approaches, a fierce battle is brewing across the nation. The frigid grip of cold air has descended upon us, bringing with it record low temperatures and icy conditions. From the snowy peaks of the mountains to the bustling cities, no corner of the country is immune to the chilling effects of this winter onslaught.

Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?

The invention of smartphones allows fewer excuses for ignorance than at any time in human history. Fact-checking political pronouncements has never been so simple, even on technically complicated subjects like climate change and energy. The AEMO Energy Live app, for example, tells us the source of the electricity we're using in real-time, as opposed to the type of generators Zali Steggall prefers. Steggall told Sky News this week that base load power is "an antiquated idea". “Our grid is evolving and changing,” she said. “We are now, with smart technology and appliances, able to meet the needs of the grid by turning on and off as required, on demand. "The old-fashioned concept of base load power is proving to be more and more a thing of the past." Steggall may or may not be surprised to learn that at 5.15 am on Friday, 92 per cent of NSW's electricity was provided by antiquated base load generators. What’s more, they were burning what she calls fossil fuel and the rest of us call coal. Of the rest, two per cent was generated by gas and hydro. Wind was generating five per cent and solar one percent. Batteries were contributing a big fat zero. This is certainly not a picture of a grid evolving and changing at a pace visible to the naked eye. It is a grid that, on almost every day of the year, depends almost as heavily on coal as it did under the prime ministership of coal-hugger Scott Morrison. The billions of dollars invested in wind, solar, transmission lines and batteries means we have more electricity than we know what to do with in the middle of an average day. In late afternoon, however, around the time we are making a beeline for the kettle or the fridge, the Australian Energy Market Operator is scrabbling around for extra kilowatts from coal, carbon-rich biomass, gas and hydro. AEMO is not too proud to stoop to diesel if it has to. At 6pm on Tuesday, for example, four per cent of Queensland's electricity was generated by liquid fuel, more than by wind and solar combined. Steggall's optimism about the potential of batteries is not entirely unjustified if we're prepared to disregard the environmental consequences of extracting and processing lithium and we're relaxed about putting our energy future in the hands of communist China. Batteries are indeed making some contribution to the grid in short bursts, helping AEMO to ride the shock waves caused by several gigawatts of solar power disappearing into the sunset. The limitations of batteries were exposed in Broken Hill in October when high winds in the middle of the night severed the transmission line supplying base load power from the National Electricity Market. Broken Hill has a new, advanced energy storage centre with grid-forming inverters funded by the government. These are supposed to allow batteries to restart the flow of synchronised energy from a standing start without the aid of power generated by steam or water-powered turbines, which reliably lock power in a tight 50hz cycle. Yet when the opportunity arrived for these clever batteries to do their stuff, they were flat, having discharged their power into the grid earlier in the evening. They had to be recharged by diesel. Engineers had to go through the complex exercise of reconfiguring the batteries into so-called island mode to create a self-contained mini-grid for Broken Hill. It was more than a week before the batteries could offer relief to the town, where the lights had been flickering with the help of more than a dozen trucked-in portable diesel generators. Steggall does not need to get her head around the engineering detail of the failed Broken Hill renewable-only experiment to recognise that it's no use following the science if you ignore the laws of physics. Renewables backed by storage cannot do the heavy lifting performed by always-on antiquated base load at those difficult moments in the day when predictably unreliable solar and wind are taking a little nap. She should check the international data on electricitymaps.com to see if any other jurisdiction has risen to the challenge of powering its grid by renewables alone. The good news is that it can be done if we're prepared to accommodate hydro and even biofuels in our renewables basket. On Friday morning, Sydney time, for example, Norway, was powered almost entirely by hydroelectricity and wind power. It had so much available that 17 percent of its output was being exported to Britain, nine percent to Germany, six percent to Denmark and seven percent to the Netherlands. Unfortunately, however, very few countries have a hills-to-people ratio as high as Norway or Canada. Nor have they made the historical investments in dams and generators required to operate hydro at base load capacity. It is a very different story in the renewable-only wannabes of Europe, like Germany and Ireland, both of which burn coal and gas and fall back on imported nuclear energy from countries like France. This is the real world, which MPs like Steggall are prepared to ignore. Base load power cannot be imagined away, and if Steggall wants us to stop burning coal and gas, nuclear energy is the only energy source capable of holding up the grid. In the interests of full disclosure, Steggall would, I'm sure, want us to put on the record that her 2022 election campaign received funding from Climate 200, led by Simon Holmes à Court. Climate 200 represents the interests of renewable energy investors whose net worth would be harmed by introducing a new competitor to the energy market, particularly one that is as clean or even cleaner than wind and solar and capable of despatching electricity on demand around the clock. Lifting the moratorium on nuclear would immediately slash their assets' net present value, making them instantly poorer. However, Steggall does not deserve to be tarnished by this association any more than she did by accepting a handsome donation from a former chairman of a coal company in 2019. Steggall's base load denialism must be judged on its own merits by whether it is in harmony with the data. Unfortunately for her, it is not. Nick Cater is senior fellow at Menzies Research Centre and a regular contributor to Sky News AustraliaIn the end, the early morning chaos and server meltdown will be remembered as a bump in the road on the journey towards a successful launch. The resilience of the team, coupled with the unwavering support of the users, turned a potential disaster into a valuable learning experience that will undoubtedly shape the future of the platform for the better. As the sun rose on a new day, the website stood strong, ready to welcome users from around the world to a new era of innovation and excitement.An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition

An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalitionThe "Assetto Corsa" series has long been hailed as one of the most realistic and immersive racing simulators available, offering players the opportunity to experience the thrill of high-speed racing from the comfort of their own homes. With stunning graphics, realistic physics, and a wide range of licensed cars and tracks to choose from, it's no wonder that "Assetto Corsa" has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years.

Safety is also a top priority for Deep Blue, and the S09 comes equipped with a host of advanced features designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. From collision avoidance systems to lane departure warnings, this SUV is packed with cutting-edge technology that gives you peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to: MoneyLion Inc. (NYSE: ML)’s sale to Gen Digital Inc. Under the terms of the proposed transaction, MoneyLion shareholders will receive $82.00 per share in cash, plus one contingent value right per share entitling the holder to a contingent payment in the form of shares of Gen common stock. If you are a MoneyLion shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . Patterson Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: PDCO)’s sale to Patient Square Capital for $31.35 in cash per share. If you are a Patterson shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: HURA)’s merger with Kineta, Inc. If you are a TuHURA shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . Kineta, Inc. (OTC PINK: KANT)’s merger with TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. If you are a Kineta shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com

The "Urban Sub-center Rail plus Land Demonstration Line" will stretch across several key districts in Beijing, connecting the urban sub-center with major commercial and residential areas in the city. The strategic positioning of the new subway line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, and enhance connectivity between different parts of the city.

Hurricane's Sha'lik Hampton (1), right, pushes past George Washington's Jackson Morgan (12) as the Hurricane High School football team takes on George Washington on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Hurricane. Finally, back to football. Welcome back to “At the Game,” a feature we're producing on high school football game nights this season to keep readers in the loop of what's going on across the area, in as close to real time as we can manage. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

In the aftermath of the fire, Alibaba Cloud faced a daunting task of rebuilding its data center and restoring its services to full capacity. The company vowed to enhance its safety protocols and invest in additional fire prevention measures to safeguard its infrastructure and protect against future disasters.A new coffee shop is slated to open in the former home of The Creamery at Fourth and Townsend streets, but the opening figures to be delayed, as the place was broken into twice on Sunday. The storefront at 685 Fourth Street used to be The Creamery, serving coffee to the tech and Caltrain commuter crowds up until its August 2020 closure . Now it’s finally being replaced by a South Bay chain called Silicon Valley Coffee , which claims to “find and roast the best coffee in the world and use the latest coffee technology to help you create a perfect cup of coffee.” But the opening of the SF Silicon Valley Coffee location may be delayed, as KPIX reports that the shop under development was broken into twice this week — within 24 hours. The owners showed up on Sunday, only to find two strangers inside the place, and needles scattered about. So you know what was going on! The owners called the police, who arrived, but oddly did not make any arrests. "Little disappointed, little shaken up," co-owner Matt Baker told KPIX. "We went home and came back the next morning just to find that we were robbed and everything we had back there was gone. Including our, ironically enough, our brand new security system." The SF Silicon Valley Coffee location only figures to be a short-term tenant once they open anyway. They’re eventually going to have to close, as developers plan to break ground on a reported 1,000-unit apartment complex at the site, and Silicon Valley Coffee presumably got a deal. Though the way things are going in the housing construction business these days, their short term may get extended once or twice. "This is an incredible opportunity," Baker told KPIX, with his chin up. "It's not every day an entire coffee shop, a restaurant, a giant patio in a prime location just lands in your feet and they ask you, can you help to make it better." Related: Famed Leather Bar SF Eagle Robbed of $30,000 In an Alleged Inside Job [SFist] Image: Google Street View

4. Mishandling of Budget: There have been reports of financial mismanagement within the postal service under Baron Leopold's watch, leading to concerns about the misuse of funds and a lack of accountability.We know you watched a few videos this year, but did you watch a few Polygon videos this year? To celebrate another year in the can, the Polygon video team gave each producer the chance (...and assignment) to shout out their favorite work from 2024 to give you an idea of where to dive in. Clayton Ashley The Great Game: The Making of Spycraft This video is more like my favorite of the last three years, because my colleague Simone de Rochefort and I worked on it at least that long. The Great Game: The Making of Spycraft is a feature-length documentary about the titular video game Spycraft: The Great Game . That big-budget, full-motion 1996 video game featured both a former KGB major general, Oleg Kalugin, and a former CIA director, William Colby. The parallel stories of two titans of Cold War espionage, and the making of a technology-pushing game, became too fascinating to ignore. Working on this video was unlike anything else I’ve done at Polygon. When I threw out the idea to have Jamelle Bouie — of New York Times op-ed, TikTok, Unclear and Present Danger podcast fame — narrate the documentary, I never dreamed it’d actually happen. We also had outside help for narration, graphics, and all the complicated production issues that full-length documentary creation entails, and it’s a testament to the whole team that it turned out as good as it did. If you spend the time to watch, I deeply appreciate it! ‘ Guy talks About Starship Troopers for 25 minutes NOt clickbait ’ I’m a big fan of Starship Troopers . Not only is it my favorite of Paul Verhoeven’s films, it’s one of my Letterboxd Four, and if my friends are any indication, it’s an R-rated feature our generation was exposed to at a very not R-rated age. Years later I learned and appreciated that it was a biting satire, perhaps the most biting in decades if the number of dissenting critics it fooled in 1997 is any indication. That’s a point that Pat’s video exquisitely illustrates. His video is actually a lot about Starship Troopers , both the movie and the book, as well as one of my favorite games of the year, Helldivers 2 . But that’s not why I think it’s important. Of course, I think all of our videos are important , but I think this video is important in a more... urgent way. Because... you know . (I’m gesturing around at everything. I realize now that this is much harder to convey in writing than in video.) While Starship Troopers and Helldivers 2 take center stage, what the video is really about is that it’s important to think critically about satirical media in a world where “Get it? It’s fascist” isn’t a joke. That even incisive, penetrating satires like Starship Troopers and Helldivers 2 aren’t without their flaws and limitations. That sometimes it helps to dive deeper not just into the commentaries filmmakers make, or the books that inspire movies like Starship Troopers (well, especially not that one), but also the history that inspires a director to make a movie about how war makes fascists of us all (yes, even that war). Christina ‘XTINA GG’ Gayton ‘ Subtle nerd clothing recommendations ’ My favorite video I did this year is this TikTok on subtle nerd clothing. It’s a sartorial interest I’ve had for a while and I’m glad so many people could relate to it. The video is about how geek apparel used to always be very bold and in-your-face, like Hot Topic T-shirts with the logo and name of the game on the front of a shirt in big, colorful lettering. These days you can find a myriad of clothing to express your interests in more subtle ways that would only be recognizable to other fans of the IP, such as the Unown pants from Atsuko (that I think might be out of stock now??). ‘ Sonic the Hedgehog Interview 3: Into the Shadow Realm ’ My favorite video from one of my co-workers is the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 interview Pat did with Ben Schwartz. I was impressed by their improvisational chemistry. I think it’s a testament to the creative possibility for interviews and how they can be fun and interesting. It felt like watching two friends rather than a professional interview. Also, I LOVED Sonic the Hedgehog 3 . It was so good. Patrick Gill ‘ Tekken is still weird and that’s what makes it great ’ I loved making this video because I got to dip into all of my little interests and tie them together: fighting games, animation, martial arts films, and weird wrestling history. But on a more personal level, I wanted to eulogize the spirit of martial naïveté. Growing up in a pre-MMA world with limited internet access, it was entirely possible for kids like me to go to our strip-mall karate classes and practice throwing chambered punches from our deep horse stances, believing we were learning how to fight. When I saw schoolyard scraps devolve into clumsy, red-faced grappling, I could tell myself it was because neither one of them knew how to execute a well-targeted palm strike. My sensei’s word was law, and my sensei said if an opponent grabbed my lapel like this , I could counter with a wrist lock like this . It was a comforting dream. Anyhoo! This is a video about how fighting affects fantasy and how fantasy affects fighting. I have a lot more to say on the topic and maybe, one day, I will! ‘ Stop lying about Assassin’s Creed Unity’s Notre Dame ’ Boy, do I love to see a myth busted. Take that, you stupid myth! Sometimes, you hear something, and you believe it. Maybe you repeat it to someone else — perhaps because it confirms how you think about the world, or because it makes you mad, because it is just nice to think about. Did you know Rutger Hauer improvised that entire Blade Runner monologue on set ? Wow! It’s especially easy to do this on the internet, where I can overlay some text on a picture of Keanu Reeves and convince a not-insignificant number of people that he holds opinions on the topic of “fake friends.” I love it when someone puts the time and effort into thoroughly correcting the record. But once is never enough. Simone has made this video a few times now in different forms . Misinformation can be genuinely harmful, or just seriously annoying, but it is always hard to kill. It comforts me to know that each time this particular myth swells up from the roiling bogs of discourse, Simone will be there to fight the good fight. Simone de Rochefort ‘ I played Elden Ring wrong for two years ’ This is maybe not my most substantial work, but I love when I am inspired to make something because shit is just happening to me . The anecdote at the core of this video is that I spent two years brute-forcing and cheesing my way through Elden Ring , only for my boyfriend to look at my build and go “your shit’s fucked.” But also : It’s about how I was having fun anyway . But also : The response to the video has been my favorite part. I was understandably a bit apprehensive about putting out a video basically saying “lol I’m bad at video games.” But there’s a ton of people in the comments being encouraging, or sharing their stories of sucking at Elden Ring , and it made me really happy! For me, having fun isn’t synonymous with being good at something, and it looks like I’m not alone! ‘ Elden Ring does this better than anyone else ’ The thing about this video is that I was going to make it. I like making videos about how game mechanics work, and the idea was to do one about how cloth is modeled. I turned to Gwen Frey, who I had interviewed about the Bread Boy in BioShock Infinite , because she had worked on video game cloth design before. We had a great interview, and then I sat down to write the video, and it just... didn’t work. Separately, Pat had pitched a video about Elden Ring ’s costuming and how it communicated character design. This also didn’t end up going anywhere. Until . Pat needed an idea for his next video, and I needed to stop lying to my boss about how I was making a video about cloth. The solution was clear: Pat was going to make a video about cloth. And he knocked it out of the park. The great thing about Pat is that he’s incredibly skilled at observing and explaining tiny details in games. And there are so many tiny details in Elden Ring . He takes a huge topic (ALL OF THE CLOTH IN ELDEN RING ???), and makes it funny and digestible and educational. He did a much better job with this than I would have, and I love it because he succeeded where I failed. And that’s why it’s so great to work on a team as talented as this one. Featured Videos VideoNone

Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. For Griffin, the hardest part of using the new drugs wasn’t access. It was finding out that the much-hyped medications didn’t really work for her. “I have been on Wegovy for a year and a half and have only lost 13 pounds,” said Griffin, who watches her diet, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging.” In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But roughly 10% to 15% of patients in those trials were “nonresponders” who lost less than 5% of their body weight. Now that millions of people have used the drugs, several obesity experts told The Associated Press that perhaps 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to the medications. It's a little-known consequence of the obesity drug boom, according to doctors who caution eager patients not to expect one-size-fits-all results. “It's all about explaining that different people have different responses,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital The drugs are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic a hormone in the body known as glucagon-like peptide 1. Genetics, hormones and variability in how the brain regulates energy can all influence weight — and a person's response to the drugs, Stanford said. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can prevent weight loss, as can certain common medications, such as antidepressants, steroids and contraceptives. “This is a disease that stems from the brain,” said Stanford. “The dysfunction may not be the same” from patient to patient. Despite such cautions, patients are often upset when they start getting the weekly injections but the numbers on the scale barely budge. “It can be devastating,” said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. “With such high expectations, there’s so much room for disappointment.” That was the case for Griffin, who has battled obesity since childhood and hoped to shed 70 pounds using Wegovy. The drug helped reduce her appetite and lowered her risk of diabetes, but she saw little change in weight. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she said. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.” The medications are typically prescribed along with eating behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s usually clear within weeks whether someone will respond to the drugs, said Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Weight loss typically begins right away and continues as the dosage increases. For some patients, that just doesn't happen. For others, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea force them to halt the medications, Dushay said. In such situations, patients who were counting on the new drugs to pare pounds may think they’re out of options. “I tell them: It's not game over,” Dushay said. Trying a different version of the new class of drugs may help. Griffin, who didn't respond well to Wegovy, has started using Zepbound, which targets an additional hormone pathway in the body. After three months of using the drug, she has lost 7 pounds. “I'm hoping it's slow and steady,” she said. Other people respond well to older drugs, the experts said. Changing diet, exercise, sleep and stress habits can also have profound effects. Figuring out what works typically requires a doctor trained to treat obesity, Saunders noted. “Obesity is such a complex disease that really needs to be treated very comprehensively,” she said. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan.” The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

From Ramaphosa to Zuma, Mzansi political leaders wish you a Merry Christmas

Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardianstop 5 online casino games 。

'AI-at-scale' method accelerates atomistic simulations for scientistsOn Wednesday at around 6pm, thousands of social media users in parts of the UK reported an outage with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The social media giant reported that a “technical issue” had left users unable to access its services. DownDetector, a website that monitors social media outages, says the three cities hit worst by the outage were London, Manchester and Glasgow. Other major cities hit hard by the blackout were Cardiff, Nottingham and Birmingham. Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. We apologize to those who’ve been affected by the outage. — Meta (@Meta) December 11, 2024 By around 10pm on Wednesday, DownDetector UK said there had been 23,445 reports of Facebook outages, 11,466 Instagram outages and 18,646 on WhatsApp across Britain. In an update issued at 10.26pm on X, Meta said the problem was now nearly resolved. A spokesperson said: “Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. “We apologise to those who’ve been affected by the outage.” Other parts of the world affected include Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, according to DownTracker. To find out if your area is affected, visit: downdetector.co.uk/status/facebook/map .As California politicos look ahead to 2025, the biggest question looming is whether Vice President Kamala Harris — a native daughter, battered just weeks ago by presidential election defeat — will enter the 2026 California governor’s race. Related Articles Harris has yet to give any public indication on her thoughts and those close to her suggest the governorship is not immediately top of mind. But if Harris does ultimately run — and that’s a massive — her entrée would seismically reshape the already crowded race for California’s highest office. Harris would have a major advantage, with 46% of likely voters saying they were somewhat or very likely to support her for governor in 2026, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey co-sponsored by The Times. “If Vice President Harris were to choose to run, I am certain that that would have a near field-clearing effect on the Democratic side,” Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, said . Porter, a high-profile Democrat who has been eyeing the wide-open governor’s race, has yet to say whether she plans to run. Porter’s point was broadly echoed in conversations with nearly a dozen California political operatives and strategists, several of whom requested anonymity to speak candidly. Most speculated that a Harris entry would cause some other candidates in the race to scatter, creating further upheaval in down-ballot races as a roster of ambitious politicians scramble for other opportunities. “In politics, you always let the big dogs eat first,” quipped Democratic political consultant Peter Ragone. The current gubernatorial field is a who’s who of California politicians, but lacks a clear favorite or star with widespread name recognition. The vast majority of California’s 22 million voters have yet to pay attention to the race and have little familiarity with the candidates. The list of Democratic candidates includes Los Angeles’ first Latino mayor in more than a century ( ); the first female and first out LGBTQ leader of the state Senate ( ); the sitting lieutenant governor and first woman to hold that post ( ); the state superintendent of public instruction ( ) and the former state controller ( ). Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is serving his second term as California governor, meaning he is ineligible to run again. Several other Democrats, including Porter, outgoing Health and Human Services Director Xavier Becerra and state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta have also publicly toyed with the idea of a run. They could be less likely to enter the fray should Harris decide to run. What the billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso — who has also been exploring a run — would choose to do is an open question, as Caruso might contrast himself with Harris as a more centrist candidate. The real estate developer was a registered Republican until November 2019. It’s unlikely that Harris will proffer a public decision in the immediate term, leaving plenty of time for political insiders to game out hypotheticals in the weeks and months to come. Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment. “I think every candidate for governor is trying to get some kind of intel,” Mike Trujillo, a Los Angeles-based Democratic political consultant and former Villaraigosa staffer, said of a potential Harris run. Trujillo speculated that Harris’ current state was probably similar to in the Chappaqua woods after losing to Donald Trump in 2016, or Al Gore in the bruising aftermath of his 2000 defeat. “The first thing she’s probably thinking about is, ‘Well, can I run again for president in four years?’ Not, ‘Do I run for governor in two years?’” said one political operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. Harris maintains a home in Brentwood and previously served as California’s senator and attorney general. A successful run for governor in 2026 would almost certainly impede a grab for the presidency in 2028. (Though if history is any guide, an unsuccessful run for California governor does not definitively preclude a bid for the Oval Office: Two years after losing the White House to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon . The Yorba Linda native became the nation’s 37th president in 1969.) As the chief executive of a state that doubles as the world’s fifth-largest economy, Harris would have more power to steer policy and make changes as a California governor than she did as vice president, where her job required deference to President Biden. But leading a state, even the nation’s most populous, could feel like small potatoes after being a heartbeat (and a few dozen electoral votes) from the presidency. The protracted slog to November 2026 would also be a stark contrast to her ill-fated 107-day sprint toward the White House, particularly for a candidate was dogged by allegations of infighting and mismanagement. “I don’t think Kamala Harris has a deep psychological need to be governor of California, or to be in elective office in order to feel like she can contribute to society,” said the operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. “I think some of these people do, but she’s somebody who has enough prominence that she could do a lot of big, wonderful things without having to worry about balancing California’s budget or negotiating with Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel,” the Encino Democrat who chairs the Assembly’s budget committee. Technically, Harris has until March 2026 to decide whether she enters a race. But political strategists who spoke to The Times theorized that she probably would make a move by late spring, if she chooses to do so. “People will be more annoyed if she drops in in June,” a Democratic strategist involved with one of the gubernatorial campaigns said. Sending a clear signal by February would be more “courteous,” the strategist continued, explaining that such a move would give candidates more time to potentially enter other races. Kounalakis is a , and the vice president also has long-term relationships with some of the other candidates and potential candidates. California has eight statewide elected offices and campaign finance laws allow candidates to fundraise interchangeably for them, meaning money already raised for a candidate’s gubernatorial campaign could easily be redirected should they decide to run for, say, lieutenant governor instead. There are already for lieutenant governor, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, former state Sen. Steven Bradford and former state Treasurer Fiona Ma. But that office probably would see even more interest should Harris enter the gubernatorial race. It’s a largely ceremonial position, but one that has served as a launching pad for the governorship. Still, even if Harris does enter the race, Republican political strategist Mike Murphy threw cold water on the idea that she would have an automatic glide path to the governor’s office. “It’s like Hollywood. Nobody knows anything. She’s famous enough to look credible in early polling. That’s all we know for sure,” Murphy said. “Does that predict the future? No. Are there a lot of downsides (to a potential Harris candidacy)? Totally, yes.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Author: MR Narayan Swamy Published by Vijitha Yapa PUBLICATIONS Rs 4,900 Veteran journalist MR Narayan Swamy’s ‘The Rout of Prabhakaran’ is a masterly twin-book chronicle on the LTTE, which includes his earlier book, ‘Inside an Elusive Mind: Prabhakaran’ (2003). The first part of his life is narrated in ‘Elusive Mind’. It lets us in on the rise of Velupillai Prabhakaran, a village boy from Velvettithurai (VVT) who, three decades later, became the unquestioned ruler of a third of Sri Lanka’s landmass. ‘The Rout’ is a dramatic account of how he lost his fiefdom by 2009, with the ultimate humiliation of being photographed lying dead, clad only in his undervest. Born in 1954, Prabhakaran was the youngest child of Velupillai, a Tamil land records clerk. The young Prabhakaran was a “loner, preferring to immerse himself in Tamil books and comics”. Although Tamil residents in VVT were politically loyal to the Lankan government, things started changing in 1956, when the government altered its official language policy, making it compulsory for Tamils to learn Sinhala “or face sack”. The book traces Prabhakaran’s early life when he “sneaked out of the backdoor of his house one night in 1972, with the police after him, determined not to give up until he gave a homeland to his people”. When he achieved this, he announced it to the world by addressing an international news conference at Killinochchi on April 10, 2002, as the de facto ruler of Jaffna. Prabhakaran “lightened up” when Balasingham, his media adviser, introduced him as the “president and prime minister of Tamil Eelam”. Global interest in him was manifest with the presence of 200 mediapersons, compared to his last such conference with only six journalists in April 1990, post the Indian Peace Keeping Force withdrawal. Prabhakaran’s elevation to this position was made possible only through a series of violent attacks on Sri Lankan (SL) positions after the SL army wrested Jaffna from him through Operation Sunshine in December 1995. However, he hit back through a series of terror attacks in the next four years, like the January 1996 bombing of the Central Bank building, massacring 1,200 soldiers in Mullaitivu garrison, bombing the Temple of Tooth in Kandy, and an attempt on President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s life in December 1999, which blinded her in the right eye. Even earlier, Prabhakaran had shown his prowess in innovative terror by organizing the first suicide truck bombing in South Asia on July 5, 1987, on SL army’s Nellady base, much like the October 23, 1983, Beirut Marine Barracks bombing by Islamic Jehad. A string of assassinations, like that of Rajiv Gandhi (1991), President R Premadasa and Minister Lalith Athulathmudali (1993), secured his place among the galaxy of global terrorist masters, on par with Osama bin Laden. Also, less than two months before the 9/11 attacks in America, Prabhakaran stunned the world by attacking the Bandaranaike International Airport and the adjoining air force base at Katunayake. The US Justice Department described it as “the most destructive act in aviation history”. He had also set up an effective parallel administration in Jaffna with his police and courts, not to mention his ships for covert arms purchases and improvised air force. Swamy mentions discovery of a 4.6-metre-long submarine in Phuket, Thailand, which the LTTE was fabricating. As a result, Chandrika was forced to seek the good offices of Erik Solheim from Norway for mediation. However, unlike Bin Laden, Prabhakaran crafted effective overseas propaganda on the sad plight of SL Tamils to draw their sympathy by opening offices in London, Paris, Geneva, Toronto and Nordic countries, using the 450,000-strong diaspora to spread his message. The author mentions that there were 40 SL Tamil newspapers in Europe alone. Many foreign academics became deeply sympathetic to the Tamil cause, which benefited LTTE’s operations. Swamy says that Indian military intervention brought about a major change in his personality for the worse: it made him heartless, despotic and intolerant even towards his colleagues. Parallelly, he had gone public on his deep antipathy towards Indian intervention, especially by the R&AW, which was echoed by Kittu. The question arises, even 37 years after the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord, whether India’s policy to tame the LTTE to fall in line was based on misplaced overconfidence. The late JN Dixit mentioned in his ‘Assignment Colombo’ (1997) that the senior-most foreign ministry official to whom he reported did not know the difference between Chelvanayakam and Tiruchelvam. He also told him “not to function in the mindset of IG or GP”. He was referring to Indira Gandhi’s SL Tamil policy executed through veteran negotiator G Parthasarathy. One last point is about Kittu. Sometime in January 1993, I received a frantic call from an America-based academic to save Kittu, who had been trapped by the Indian Navy. He confided that Prabhakaran had started distrusting his top aides; he wanted Kittu to be eliminated and had leaked his presence to India so that he would commit suicide, and the blame would come on India. Oceans away from Delhi, all I could do was to alert my headquarters. It’s a must-read for all those studying statecraft on the importance of festina lente (hasten slowly) advocated by Emperor Augustus. — The writer is a former Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat India.Views are personal

htmumbai@hindustantimes.com MUMBAI: NMIA to take load off CSMIA The passenger and air traffic load on the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will ease by 2025, as the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is scheduled to begin commercial operations by May 2025, with one terminal and one runway. In October, the Indian Air Force aircraft successfully landed on the 3,700-mt runway. The airport is expected to handle passenger capacity of 20 million and 0.8 million cargo every year. More than 80% of the terminal building is also ready. As the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), NMIA was planned to reduce the burden on Mumbai airport, the second busiest in the country – it handled 52.8 million passengers in FY 2024 against 43.9 million in FY 2023. Spread over 1,160 hectares, the largest greenfield airport in the country is designed to handle 90 million passengers and 2.6 million tons of cargo annually. The airport will have parking facilities for 350 aircraft, two parallel runways and two full-length parallel taxiways for separate movement of aircraft. The ₹ 18,000 crore airport is being developed through a public private partnership by NMIA, a special-purpose vehicle formed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited and CIDCO. The airport will be named after late Dinkar Balu Patil, a former MP and activist who led several protests by farmers and land owners in Navi Mumbai when the Maharashtra government acquired land in the area in the 1970s and 1980s to build the planned city. New rail corridors planned Every day, between 65 to 70 lakh commuters travel by local trains on the Western and Central lines – the fortunate squeezed into overcrowded coaches, the not-so-fortunate dangerously hanging on to their lives on the edge of the footboard, in peak hours. In the last two years around 5,000 people have died in rail-related accidents on both routes, as per data from GRP. The pressure on the locals has continuously mounted, as citizens are pushed into distant suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for affordable housing, given Mumbai’s expensive real estate. In order to alleviate commuter concerns, the railways have planned to introduce new non-AC and AC local trains, creating new routes, and expanding and laying new tracks, across rail corridors in Mumbai and MMR in 2025. Foremost is laying the sixth rail line from Kandivali to Borivali that will be ready by March 2025. WR has completed laying the 5-6 rail lines till Kandivali connecting Bandra Terminus. The two new rail lines will improve punctuality because it will segregate suburban and non-suburban train corridors. By the end of 2025, a new suburban rail corridor connecting Panvel and Karjat, the two ends of MMR, will be ready, which will reduce travel time between Karjat and CSMT by 20-30 minutes from the approximately two hours it takes now. Following repeated demands, commuters can expect more AC local trains. Of the 10 new AC locals requested by WR and CR, each from the Railway Board, both have received one each. Reviving monorail The Mumbai Monorail, considered a white elephant for over a decade now, is likely to get a shot in the arm in 2025. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has started receiving new train sets at its Wadala depot which will improve the frequency of its services along the 19.48-km Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle route. MMRDA has planned to retain some existing rolling stock to give the transport system fresh life. Ten new trains will be introduced to reduce the headway from the present 15 minutes to about 7-10 minutes. The first train set has been delivered by the Telangana-based Medha Servo Drives, while more are expected to reach Mumbai in 2025. Once operational, this transport system will connect the eastern suburbs and south Mumbai. At present, of the seven trains available, only five are put into service; one is kept on standby, while the other undergoes maintenance. The daily ridership hovers between 17,000-18,000, but is expected to improve after additional services introduced, and metro lines 3 (Aarey-Bandra-Colaba) and 4 (Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kapurbawdi) become operational. Metro 3 will link monorail at Jacob Circle, while metro 4 will be integrated at Wadala’s Bhakti Park. The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited, an arm of MMRDA, is currently operating and maintaining the entire transportation system. BEST foot forward The century-old Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, the city’s second lifeline after the local train network, has been challenged with a dwindling fleet which has affected commuters as well as the public utility’s balance sheets. BEST’s image took a beating recently when the driver of a wet lease bus rammed into multiple vehicles at Kurla, killing nine people and injuring 40, on December 9. Between April and November, BEST buses including those on wet lease have been involved in 35 accidents that have resulted in four deaths. The gloom around the transport utility is likely to be lifted, as it has rolled out plans to increase the fleet to 8000 buses in FY 2025-26, from its present depleted number of 2,885 buses, of which a mere 985 are part of their owned fleet while 1,900 buses are run by wet lease operators. In the financial year starting March, BEST expects 5,115 new single and double-decker electric and air-conditioned buses. After the incident in Kurla, the transport body has also moved its attention towards updated training modules for drivers, which is a part of its refurbished standard operating procedure. At least two electric buses will be inducted for training. The undertaking’s electricity supply division also has a ₹ 6000 crore plan to replace 80-year-old underground power cables. Work, including upgrading substations and other power equipment, costing around ₹ 2,000 crore is expected to be undertaken in 2025. 6 metro lines to be operational That Mumbai needs a separate mode of public transport -- the Mumbai metro –to reduce vehicular congestion and shave off load from local train network, was conceived over a decade ago. The numbers speak for themselves – each day, suburban locals ferry approximately 6.5-7 million people. On the other hand, there are nearly 49 lakh vehicles in Mumbai of which approximately 60% comprise two-wheelers. The much-compromised Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking’s fleet has added to the pressure on other modes of public transport. Come 2025, as many as six Mumbai metro lines will be partially or wholly operational to provide relief to commuting Mumbaikars. The six metro corridors are: 2B, 3, 4, 4A, 7A and 9. On the 2B route, Andheri West to Mandale and Mandale to Diamond Garden stretches will be ready in June 2025, while the entire metro 2B with 19 stations will be ready in 2026 The second phase of the underground metro 3 from Bandra Kurla Complex to Cuffe Parade is likely to be ready by July 2025. On Mumbai Metro 4 and 4A (Wadala to Kasarvadavli to Gaimukh), the stretch on Thane’s Ghodbunder Road, is likely to be operational by the end of 2025. Mumbai Metro 7A from Gundavali to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will connect Terminal 2 and existing Mumbai Metro 3 with the western suburbs creating a metro network with interchanges. Mumbai Metro 9 from Dahisar East to Mira-Bhayander, which is an extension of the currently operational Mumbai Metro 7 on the northern side of the corridor will connect Mira-Bhayander with the rest of Mumbai. MMRDA intends to partially operationalise the metro line by June 2025 between Dahisar East and Kashigaon, a stretch having three of the total seven stations along the corridor. Civic Elections: Poll Position Of the people, for the people, by the people... Municipal corporators represent the voice of citizens, a direct line to the municipality, whose policies and functioning have a powerful impact the quality of our lives. After nearly three years sans corporators, Mumbai is hoping that 2025 will be the year for the BMC elections. When the term of the city’s elected representatives ended on March 7, 2022, power was concentrated in the hands of a state-appointed administrator – the municipal commissioner - Iqbal S Chahal till March 2024 and Bhushan Gagrani since. A system of checks and balances was replaced with a single decision-making authority, that too during the longest vacancy in the 150-year history of the country’s richest municipal corporation. Proposals were drawn up, approved and executed solely under their authority, without corporators present to debate and vote on budgets and the legion of issues that affects our daily lives. But everything hinges on a Supreme Court hearing on the delimitation of civic wards, in January. If the case concludes, elections to Mumbai’s 227 wards can be held before the monsoon. “Corporators will increase the accountability, vibrancy and feedback mechanism in the municipality,” said Gagrani. It will be interesting to see how the elections play out, politically. After the Mahayuti alliance’s strong showing in the recent assembly elections, the ruling coalition is eager – and a little restless – to seize power in the BMC as well. Traditionally, the Shiv Sena ruled the civic body, but after its split in 2022, the two Sena factions will be pitted against each other. Coastal Road: Full Speed Ahead After decades in the planning, 2024 saw Mumbai’s Coastal Road being opened to traffic. It’s 11km of pure magic, quite literally converting hours into minutes as you drive without interruption from Marine Drive to Worli – overland and underground. The Coastal Road is one of Mumbai’s flagship infrastructure projects, and the Marine Drive-Worli stretch opened in a phased manner on March 11. There’s still a long way to go, as this super-expressway will eventually extend from Marine Drive all the way to Palghar, a distance of 167km. The next piece of this engineering marvel to be put in place is the south-bound connector between the Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, on January 26. On November 27, the final span of the bow-string bridge was moved into place, another milestone in this colossal project. A seamless ride will then be possible from Marine Drive to Bandra. The last two of the eight arms of the Haji Ali interchange will open early next year. Anticipation is also building for the 70 hectares of open spaces that will be created along the length of the coastal road, through massive land reclamation. Among these is a promenade that will forever change the city’s coastline. Also planned are sections and precincts with different themes, namely the Green Shore, Nature’s Cove and Park Line. But this will take a while. For now, in a city where gridlocked traffic regularly swallows hours of precious time, the focus is on providing Mumbai’s motorists a dream ride. Concretisation: Hitting Roadblocks If you thought the relentless excavating of the city’s streets and the plumes of dust thus exhumed would cease, forget it! Only 30% of phase 1 of the plan to concretise Mumbai’s roads was completed by June, 2024 – there is a long way to go. Concretising Mumbai’s roads was a project initiated by former chief minister Eknath Shinde, as the solution to making the city pothole-free within two years. Announced in June 2022, the municipality cleared contracts worth ₹ 6,080 crore, for 397km of road. Five firms were awarded the contracts in January 2023, the largest civic contract to date. But the plan is way behind schedule. Worse still, the plan for South Mumbai has run aground. A major contractor’s tender was terminated in January 2024, and fresh bids were invited. Work hasn’t even begun. The target for Phase 1 was thus revised to 324km, and limited to the western and eastern suburbs. But even where concretisation is underway, work is moving at snail’s pace. Utilities under Mumbai’s streets are also posing a challenge. Now the BMC aims to complete Phase 1 by May 2025, a very optimistic deadline they’re unlikely to meet. For citizens, this means another year of navigating endless traffic snarls, mountains of rubble underfoot, and worsening air quality. Bridges: On the Fly The new year will finally see the east-west connector, the Gopal Krishna Gokhale bridge, being completed, after numerous delays. The revised deadline is April 2025 and it’s likely to be revised further. This is only one in a series of bridges – over railway tracks and the city’s streets – that will hopefully be thrown open to traffic in 2025, easing your daily commute. First in line are two rail over bridges (ROBs) – one connecting Worli Naka at Dr E Moses Road and Dhobi Ghat at Saat Rasta, and the other a cable-stayed bridge connecting Saat Rasta and Keshavrao Khade Marg. They are expected to the opened for motorists in February 2025, after an earlier deadline of 2023. The next, perhaps by March, is an east-west connector, the Vikhroli ROB, connecting LBS Marg to the Eastern Express Highway. Work orders were first issued in 2018. Next – if all goes to plan – will be the historic east-west Carnac ROB. The first girder was moved into place in October, and 80% of installation work for the second one is complete. The deadline is May 2025. Another major flyover will be completed next year – the 840-mt extension of the Mrinal Gore flyover, from Ram Mandir to Goregaon (West). Extending above the congested S V Road and Oshiwara River and ending at Relief Road, the flyover is expected to cut travel time, from the Western Express Highway at Goregaon to the Link Road in Oshiwara, from 40 minutes to less than 10 minutes. It is unlikely to be completed before the end of the year.House Passes Defense Bill Denying Transgender Health Coverage for MinorsC.J. Stroud responds to fans booing during Texans' demoralizing loss: 'People are entitled to their opinions'

NoneCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Related Articles College Sports | Michigan shocks No. 2 Ohio State, 13-10, wins fourth straight in heated rivalry College Sports | Michigan State holds off No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 in overtime for 3rd at Maui Invitational College Sports | Danny Wolf scores 20 and Michigan knocks off No. 22 Xavier 78-53. College Sports | SEC losses are big gains for SMU and Indiana in latest College Football Playoff rankings College Sports | Hunter, Haggerty again lead way for Memphis in 71-63 win over Michigan State to reach Maui finale Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines’ flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn’t like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines’ postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game,” he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” — By MITCH STACY, Associated Presstop 5 online casino real money 。

Gus Malzahn is resigning as Central Florida’s head coach to become Florida State ‘s offensive coordinator, a person familiar with the hire told The Associated Press on Saturday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Seminoles have not confirmed Malzahn’s move, which is pending a state background check. ESPN first reported the decision. The Knights made official that Malzahn is leaving in a statement released a day after UCF (4-8) concluded its season with to Utah. “We would like to thank Coach Malzahn for his contributions to our football program over the past four seasons, including our transition into the Big 12 Conference,” the school said. “We appreciate his professionalism and dedication to our student-athletes throughout his tenure at UCF and wish he and his wife, Kristi, the very best in their future endeavors.” Malzahn finished with a 28-24 mark in four years at UCF, the last two ending with losing records after joining the Big 12. He coached at Auburn for eight seasons in 2020. Malzahn replaces offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins, who was fired Nov. 10 following a 52-3 loss at Notre Dame. The Seminoles rank 131st out of 134 in total offense and scoring offense, averaging 15.8 points a game heading into Saturday night’s rivalry game against Florida. The Seminoles (2-9) have dropped significantly since going 13-1 last season and winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. The Knights, meanwhile, struggled mightily in Malzahn’s fourth season — most of it because of quarterback issues. Four players took snaps from center as the Knights finished 2-7 in conference play. It was the program’s worst record since going 0-12 in former coach George O’Leary’s final season in 2015. Florida State coach Mike Norvell fired Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and receivers coach Ron Dugans amid the Seminoles’ season-long skid. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and

HAS Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Hasbro, Inc. Securities Fraud LawsuitBills' letdowns on defense, special teams and clock management in loss to Rams are all too familiar

No. 7 Tennessee outscored UT Martin by 28 points in the second half in routing the visiting Skyhawks 78-35 on Friday afternoon in Knoxville. Chaz Lanier scored a game-high 18 points for the Volunteers (7-0), who expanded on a 35-20 halftime lead with a 43-15 second half. Felix Okpara had 10 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, helping Tennessee command the paint along with Igor Milicic, who added nine points and 13 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine assists. The Volunteers used their size to their advantage, outscoring UT Martin 36-10 in the paint and out rebounding the Skyhawks 49-24. That included 20 offensive rebounds for Tennessee, which led to 19 second-chance points. UT Martin (2-5) was cold coming out of the locker room after halftime, missing its first eight shots. Conversely, the Vols started the second half with a nine-point run to extend their lead to 24 points. The Vols never let the Skyhawks score consecutive baskets in the first half, holding UT Martin to 25 percent shooting (4 of 16) from beyond the arc and allowing a total of only three points from the starting five. For the game, guard Josue Grullon led UT Martin with 15 points. The leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference entering Friday at 18.2 points per game, Grullon has not started any game for head coach Jeremy Shulman. Most of the Skyhawks' points -- 28 of 35 -- came from their reserves. The starting five combined to score seven points -- six points from Matija Zuzic and a free throw for Lamine Niag. The starters went a combined 2 of 18 from the floor, while UT Martin as a team shot 22.6 percent (12 of 53) from the field. The Skyhawks made 5 of 7 free-throw attempts and made 18 turnovers. The Volunteers, who got 23 points off the bench, were 8-for-10 and had 11 turnovers. Tennessee improved to 6-0 all-time against UT Martin since 1993. --Field Level MediaBrainy, 'normal guy': the suspect in US insurance CEO's slaying

Chargers are expected to be without top RB Dobbins and could lean on QB Herbert against FalconsALTOONA, Pa. — After UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was gunned down on a New York sidewalk, police searched for the masked gunman with dogs, drones and scuba divers. Officers used the city's muscular surveillance system. Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door-to-door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later, those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian's instincts. A Pennsylvania McDonald's customer noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos that New York police had publicized. Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry speaks during a press conference regarding the arrest of suspect Luigi Mangione, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Hollidaysburg, Pa., in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested Monday in the killing of Brian Thompson, who headed one of the United States’ largest medical insurance companies. He remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. He's expected to be extradited to New York eventually. It’s unclear whether Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday's arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after the McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Police in Altoona, about 233 miles (375 kilometers) west of New York City, were soon summoned. This booking photo released Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections shows Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections via AP) They arrived to find Mangione sitting at a table in the back of the restaurant, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he’d been to New York recently, he “became quiet and started to shake,” the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, “we knew that was our guy,” rookie Officer Tyler Frye said at a news conference in Hollidaysburg. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a Manhattan news conference that Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America." An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks said in court that Mangione was found with a passport and $10,000 in cash — $2,000 of it in foreign currency. Mangione disputed the amount. Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a midtown Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on ammunition found near Thompson’s body. The words mimic a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry. From surveillance video, New York investigators gathered that the shooter fled by bike into Central Park, emerged, then took a taxi to a northern Manhattan bus terminal. Once in Pennsylvania, he went from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, “trying to stay low-profile” by avoiding cameras, Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens said. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Mangione was valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, where his 2016 graduation speech lauded his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” An NYPD police officer and K-9 dog search around a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Luigi Nicholas Mangione worked for a time for the car-buying website TrueCar and left in 2023, CEO Jantoon Reigersman said by email. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of Honolulu tourist mecca Waikiki. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back," Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. NYPD officers in diving suits search a lake in Central Park, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. Although the gunman obscured his face during the shooting, he left a trail of evidence in New York, including a backpack he ditched in Central Park, a cellphone found in a pedestrian plaza, a water bottle and a protein bar wrapper. In the days after the shooting, the NYPD collected hundreds of hours of surveillance video and released multiple clips and still images in hopes of enlisting the public’s eyes to help find a suspect. “This combination of old-school detective work and new-age technology is what led to this result today,” Tisch said at the New York news conference. ___ Scolforo reported from Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Contributing were Associated Press writers Cedar Attanasio and Jennifer Peltz in New York; Michael Rubinkam and Maryclaire Dale in Pennsylvania; Lea Skene in Baltimore and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Intersection of IT Services and Cybersecurity with Expert Advice from Subrat Patnaik

DALLAS , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: NREF) (the "Company") today announced a dividend for its 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (NYSE: NREF PRA) of $0.53125 per share. The dividend will be payable on January 27, 2025 , to stockholders of record at the close of business on January 15, 2025 . About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its common stock and Series A Preferred Stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NREF" and "NREF PRA," respectively, primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, convertible notes, multifamily properties and common equity investments, as well as multifamily and single-family rental commercial mortgage-backed securities securitizations, promissory notes and mortgage-backed securities. More information about the Company is available at nref.nexpoint.com . CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Griffith IR@nexpoint.com Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint pro-nexpoint@prosek.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nexpoint-real-estate-finance-inc-announces-series-a-preferred-stock-dividend-302339003.html SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.

OpenAI is contemplating a bold entry into the world of humanoid robotics. The tech giant is eyeing the development of humanoid robots, although its other projects, such as advanced AI reasoning models and automation agents, remain higher on its priority ladder. Earlier this year, OpenAI demonstrated its interest in the robotics arena by joining a significant $675 million investment in the startup Figure. Figure unveiled its humanoid robot, Figure 01, which features a neural network enabling it to complete tasks like handing an apple to a person and organizing kitchenware. OpenAI’s potential launch into humanoid robotics signals a strategic ambition to widen its footprint across various technological fronts, from search engines to data center operations. Despite this futuristic vision, the move hints at increased dependence on international collaborations, particularly with China. The Asian nation plays a pivotal role in the global robotics supply chain and manufacturing, making it a crucial partner for such initiatives. OpenAI’s journey into the realm of robotics traces back to its renewed project focused on creating a “universal robot.” Originally spearheaded by co-founder Wojciech Zaremba, this initiative represents another intriguing chapter in OpenAI’s evolving narrative as it explores cutting-edge technologies and maintains its competitive edge in the tech landscape. OpenAI’s Bold Robotics Venture: What’s at Stake? The news of OpenAI’s tentative foray into humanoid robotics has piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike. While the bulk of the company’s resources remains committed to refining advanced AI models, this potential expansion into robotics reveals intriguing possibilities and challenges for the tech giant. Innovations at the Forefront of Robotics OpenAI’s involvement in the robotics sector, highlighted by its significant investment in the startup Figure, underscores its commitment to exploring the intersecting realms of AI and robotics. Already, Figure has made headlines with its humanoid robot, Figure 01, which is designed with a neural network capable of performing intricate tasks, such as passing an apple to a person. This capability showcases the potential of integrating AI with robotics to create machines that can perform complex, human-like tasks. Strategic Collaboration and Global Dynamics OpenAI’s potential endeavors in humanoid robotics also underline a broader theme of international collaboration, especially with major players like China. Known for its dominance in the global robotics supply chain and manufacturing, China stands as an indispensable partner. OpenAI’s engagement with Chinese entities could facilitate a smoother venture into hardware production, notwithstanding geopolitical challenges and the need for strategic alliances. Market Insights and Future Trends The global humanoid robotics market is expected to experience substantial growth, driven by advancements in AI and machine learning technologies. OpenAI’s entry could potentially accelerate innovation and competition in this arena. Their extensive experience in AI would offer a unique edge, potentially bridging gaps between AI development and robotic functionality. Challenges and Considerations Despite these prospects, OpenAI faces significant hurdles. Developing humanoid robots requires not only technological expertise but also substantial investments in research, development, and production infrastructure. Furthermore, understanding and navigating the ethical implications of deploying humanoid robots is crucial, given the societal impact they may have on labor markets and day-to-day interactions. Conclusion OpenAI’s potential journey into humanoid robotics epitomizes its ambition to diversify its tech portfolio. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, engaging in strategic international collaborations, and keenly assessing market trends, OpenAI might well redefine the intersection of AI and robotics in the years ahead. While this venture presents formidable challenges, it also offers unparalleled opportunities to push the boundaries of innovation.

Jojo Siwa Says Chloe Fineman Needs To Make One Change To Perfect Her SNL Impersonation, And I Can See ItMurray – Britain’s greatest ever player – retired after this summer’s Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body. Many in the game expected the Scot would one day return to tennis and become a coach, particularly due to his love of the sport, hard work and his tactical acumen. He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) But it came with some degree of shock on Saturday afternoon when a social media post from Djokovic, playing on Murray’s light-hearted tweet upon his departure, read: “He never liked retirement anyway”. The attached video announced Murray, who he lost to in two Slam finals but beat in four Australian showpieces, would coach him over the winter and through January’s Open in Melbourne. “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers,” Djokovic said. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard, coach Andy Murray.” Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals as well as the French Open final in 2016. It was after he unseated Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 that Murray suffered the hip injury which ultimately derailed his career. Since his retirement, Murray has been playing golf with the same dedication he pursued his tennis but will now return to his natural habitat. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game after he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.

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HEBRON, Ky. — Standing just a few hundred feet from the thunderous roar of an airliner touching down are two members of a critical airport team you've likely never heard of. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport's operations team ensures the facility is safe and ready for everyone from airlines to food vendors to cargo shippers. What falls under the team’s purview is a wide-ranging list, said Casey Kinosz, CVG’s Airport Operations Director. "Our team does everything from ‘Is there something we need to correct out in the airfield immediately?’ to ‘Does the chair look nice that you’re sitting in?’" Kinosz said. In a room beneath travelers in the concourse, members of the operations team are surrounded by screens. "All the aircraft and vehicles that are out on the airfield will show up on that map," Kinosz said, explaining the intricate monitoring system that gives the teams eyes and ears in the windowless room. More than 800 cameras show everything from the taxi lanes to baggage claim. “The team, just by their daily duties, can be watching that camera scroll and see if something irregular pops up,” Kinosz said. But the team’s office goes far beyond one room. Safety is always their top priority. The airfield is inspected at least twice a day, a routine that ensures all signs, lights and pavement markings are in optimal condition. "The signage system can be complex for somebody who's not familiar," said senior manager Brian Barnott. During times of low visibility, members of the airport ops team will escort pilots unfamiliar with CVG. Technology becomes even more instrumental in maintaining flight operations during the winter months. The team deploys a friction tester truck to measure runway slickness and coordinates with a fleet to clear the runway during inclement weather. Plus, small pucks in the pavement help determine surface temperature. Other weather equipment helps determine how far away lightning may be from the airfield. While they remain out of sight for many passengers, the operations team gets busier and busier as the airport grows. CVG is now the sixth largest cargo hub in North America and welcomed 8.7 million passengers in 2023. Those working in airport ops don’t need an aviation background, Barnott said: “If you have a good personality and fit in with the organization, airport operations can come second nature to most folks." But, employees "gotta love aviation. That's a key requirement," he said with a smile.Crowsnest Pass vote shows 72% support Grassy Mountain coal mine

NoneA former Penticton support worker who claimed discrimination for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine has had her complaint against the B.C. General Employees' Union dismissed by the Labour Relations Board. According to the Nov. 22 decision, Amie Harbor claimed that her employer had constructively dismissed her for failing to disclose her vaccination status, and alleged that the union had provided bad faith and discriminatory representation when she filed a grievance with them. Harbor started work for Thomspon Community Services (TCS) in 2018 and stopped in 2021 after the public health order requiring vaccinations against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic went into effect. Ahead of the order coming into effect, Harbor declined to share her vaccination status with her employer and had informed them that she was seeking an accommodation due to her "strongly and conscientiously held political beliefs" that align with those of the BC Libertarian Party. To support her request, she attached a letter of support from Keith MacIntyre, the party's leader. According to the Labour Relations Board's decision, Harbor's employer then informed her that before it could make an accommodation assessment, needed her to disclose her vaccination status. TCS also requested evidence of more long-term involvement with the BC Libertarians, asking for any membership receipts or documentation. "In terms of the letter of this date from Mr. MacIntyre, we have received several very similar letters and will require more substantive evidence of your long-term political belief and participation with the British Columbia Libertarian Party," TCS was quoted as saying. TCS also noted in its reply to Harbor's accommodation request that she should notify the union of her request and also asked how her case was different from a BC Human Rights Tribunal case heard already that year. Harbor did not provide any of that information, and once the deadline arrived, was placed on an unpaid leave due to failing to meet the requirements of the provincial health order. A year later, Harbor went to the union to ask about filing a grievance over the issue. The union then contacted TCS, which informed both them and Harbor that it remained willing to end the leave should the public health order be lifted or if Harbor discloses her vaccination status for TCS to do an assessment. A month after that, Harbor officially filed a grievance claiming that TCS had constructively dismissed her from employment, discriminated against her, psychologically harassed and terminated without cause. All of the claims were denied by TCS, and the union initially forwarded the case to arbitration, before deciding otherwise. A staff representative then informed Harbor that the union had decided against going to arbitration after further review and multiple other arbitrations that had found ineligibility to work under a public health order offering just cause for termination. Harbor then appealed the decision not to go to arbitration to the Union's Area Grievance Appeal Committee, which finally dismissed the appeal in February of 2024. The provincial appeal committee declined to hear a further appeal of the area committee's decision. As a result, Harbor brought forward a complaint against the union, claiming that they had made representations and responded to her grievance based on "a pre-determined, discriminatory position regarding employees and vaccine choice." To back up her argument, she pointed to publications made by the union in advance of the public health order taking effect which had sections pointing out accommodations could be applied for on a medical basis, which Harbor argued disregarded political beliefs. The Labour Relations Board rejected Harbors arguments, stating that the staff representative had explicitly considered her accommodation request for her political beliefs, and came to the decision not to advance the grievance to arbitration due to a lack of compelling evidence of success. "Similarly, the GAC considered the issue of the applicant’s request for an exemption due to her political belief in its decision dated February 1, 2024," reads the Board's decision. "Again, there is no indication in the GAC’s response to the Applicant that it relied on a view that there could be, or should be, no exemptions for pollical beliefs." The board also noted that Harbor had waited a year before filing the grievance, that Harbor had not disclosed her status to even begin the accommodation assessment, and that she had not provided any additional material as requested by TCS.Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasts Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico over reluctance to source alternatives to Russian gas. The Ukrainian leader’s fiery remarks come after Fico’s highly controversial visit to Moscow to on Sunday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy slammed Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, accusing the Slovak leader of helping Russia’s Vladimir Putin weaken Europe. Zelenskyy’s comments followed a rare visit to Moscow by an EU leader since the Kremlin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Fico’s visit to the Russian capital on Sunday was classified as a one-one-one “working visit” with Putin aimed at discussing “the international situation”, prospects of a “peaceful end” to the war in Ukraine and Russian natural gas deliveries to Slovakia. Fico’s trip followed Zelenskyy’s comments on Thursday’s European Summit in Brussels. The Ukrainian leader declared his intention of not renewing a five-year agreement signed before the war on his country that enabled the flow of Russian natural gas to some European countries; including Slovakia, through Ukraine, set to expire at the end of this year. Dnes som sa v Moskve pracovne stretol s prezidentom RF V. Putinom. Znova pripomínam, že presadzujem suverénnu politiku... Fico said Zelenskyy’s decision would harm his country’s interests and economy, opting to seek an alternative arrangement with Putin instead of sourcing an alternative to Russian gas. Zelenskyy took to X saying the dependency and purchase of Russian gas helps Putin earn money to fund his war on Ukraine. “We are losing people as a result of the war that Putin started, and we believe that such assistance to Putin is immoral.” “Moscow provides significant discounts to Fico, but Slovakia pays for them. Such discounts are not free, payments to Russia are made through sovereignty or murky schemes. This should be a matter of concern for Slovakia's law enforcement and special services,” continued Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy says that evidence of such financing was revealed in last week’s Summit in Brussels. “Leaders observed that Mr. Fico does not want to participate in the common European work on energy independence or seek replacement for Russian gas, but rather wants to assist Russia in pushing American gas and energy resources of other partners away from Europe,” added the Ukrainian president. Zelenskyy noted that Fico had even refused compensations offered to Slovakia to ease the transition period as Europe looks to decrease its reliance on Russian energy. The Ukrainian leader implied that the Kremlin had incentivised Fico monetarily to ensure Slovakia’s continued interest in only Russian gas. “It is not a security issue for him. He is interested specifically in the Russian gas and the matter’s worth is 500 million U.S. dollars per year. Other profits come from the oil pipe that runs through the Ukrainian territory and gives another 500 million U.S. dollars per year, which helps Mr. Fico.” Thousands of people took part in anti-government protests in the capital, Bratislava, on Monday after the Slovak premier’s surprise talks with Putin. Protesters held placards calling Fico a traitor and denouncing him as their prime minister. In a post on X, Michal Šimečka, leader of Slovakia’s largest opposition party, Progressive Slovakia, called Fico’s visit a source of shame for the country, likening it to betraying their national interests and partners. He continued accusing his rival of making Slovakia a tool of the Kremlin’s propaganda machine, insisting Fico should have negotiated with Ukraine if gas was truly his point of concern. Russian troops have reportedly made significant advancements in various Ukrainian territories, leaving Kiev’s forces on the back foot. Ukraine has lost territory to Russian forces in the northeastern Kharkiv Oblast and eastern Donetsk Oblast regions, according to Ukrainian media outlets. The Kremlin’s gains in the region were kickstarted by Russia’s capturing of Avdiivka in February, paving the way for major offensives to batter Ukraine’s eastern fronts for the remainder of the year. Several key industrial cities in the Donetsk region quickly fell to Russian attacks, as Ukraine, struggling with troop shortages is now ending the year having ceded multiple key territories. Ukrainian media also reports that a Russian counteroffensive involving North Korean troops may be imminent, offering little respite or prospect for a positive change on the battleground.

Knights face tall road task vs. Sam Montembeault, CanadiensCLEVELAND (AP) — Germain Ifedi became the fourth left tackle to start this season for the Cleveland Browns, lining up Thursday night against the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. Ifedi moved up the depth chart and into the lineup after starter Dawand Jones broke his left leg last week at New Orleans and had surgery. He'll be responsible for blocking quarterback Jameis Winston's blindside. Jedrick Wills Jr., who had lost his starting job to Jones, figured to start against the Steelers (8-2), but was ruled out Wednesday with a knee injury that has bothered him for weeks. A first-round pick in 2020, Wills recently caused a stir by saying he made a “business decision” to sit out a game on Oct. 27 against Baltimore because of his knee. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Wills used a “poor choice of words.” James Hudson started Cleveland's first two games at left tackle while the Browns (2-8) waited for Wills to recover from knee surgery in December. The first-place Steelers were without outside linebacker/edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who missed his second straight game with an ankle injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Washington (CNN) — President-elect Donald Trump has named Billy Long, a former Republican congressman from Missouri, to head the Internal Revenue Service, signaling plans to oust current Commissioner Danny Werfel before his term expires in 2027. Replacing Werfel, who was picked by President Joe Biden, could mean a major shift at the agency, which has been undergoing a massive transformation that’s become a political football in Washington. Democrats have argued the agency, after facing years of budget cuts, needs more money to go after tax cheats and modernize its technology. And Republicans, many of whom – including Long – have supported shutting down the agency altogether , are skeptical that new enforcement actions won’t unfairly target middle-class Americans. Last year, Republican lawmakers successfully clawed back $20 billion of the $80 billion provided to the IRS by the Democrat-backed Inflation Reduction Act that passed in 2022. Further cuts to the IRS’ budget could be a priority for Trump, who has put Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in charge of a new commission to cut federal spending . While the Inflation Reduction Act spells out how much money can be used for enforcement activities and taxpayer assistance, it’s largely up to the IRS, which is housed in the Department of Treasury, to decide how exactly the money is spent . One of the biggest projects under Werfel – the launch of a free tax filing program called Direct File – doesn’t have the backing of many GOP lawmakers, some of whom have criticized the program as “illegitimate and unnecessary.” There are Republicans who have also voiced concern about the effort to ramp up enforcement. Some, including Trump , have misleadingly suggested that the IRS is hiring 87,000 new auditors to target middle-class Americans and small business owners. But Democrats say the IRS needs the influx of money to successfully go after tax cheats. Prior to the Inflation Reduction Act, the agency did not have the staffing or resources to pursue high-income earners that the agency knew owed taxes, Werfel said earlier this year . So far, the IRS has collected nearly $1.3 billion in overdue taxes from wealthy households due to the new enforcement efforts. Less controversial efforts undertaken under Werfel’s leadership have been aimed at making it easier for Americans to file their federal taxes, like hiring thousands more customer service representatives and updating the agency’s archaic technology so that it can digitize paper forms . The independent Congressional Budget Office and other budget experts say that spending money on tax enforcement can reduce the deficit by bringing in more tax revenue. Long served 12 years in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023. He ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in 2022. During his time in Congress, Long served on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Homeland Security Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – but not on the House’s main tax-writing committee. He co-sponsored, along with dozens of other Republicans, bills to abolish the IRS and replace the federal income tax system with a national sales tax. Long currently works as a certified tax and business adviser, according to his X bio . “DM me to save 40% on your taxes. We have a new traunch of tax credits just out!” it says. “Since leaving Congress, Billy has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations,” Trump said in a statement Wednesday announcing his pick. In the private sector, Long has been helping people file for the employee retention tax credit, a pandemic-era benefit. The IRS temporarily paused processing of those claims in 2023 amid concerns of fraud . In a 2023 podcast interview , Long talked about how he only helps people who are eligible to claim the tax credit. “If they don’t qualify, we do not tell them they do. And we do not to get them through the process,” he said. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well respected on both sides of the aisle,” Trump said in his statement. A former professional auctioneer, Long once used his skills to drown out a protester who was disrupting a committee hearing on Capitol Hill. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Activism / The Green New Deal—From Below Hundreds of young climate activists rally in Lafayette Square on the north side of the White House to demand that President Joe Biden work to make the Green New Deal into law on June 28, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) While the Green New Deal has languished for five years in Congress, community groups, unions, city and state governments, tribes, and others outside the federal arena have been creating their own Green New Deal programs—from below. This Green New Deal from Below can provide a critical base for fighting back against Trump's destructive policies. As a historian of social movements, I am always alert for signs that new forms of action may foreshadow new forms of organization and action by ordinary people. The Green New Deal from Below has all the hallmarks of such a development. My new book, The Green New Deal from Below, details more than a hundred such initiatives in more than 40 states. I believe this development can make a significant contribution to providing inspiration and building power in the coming Trump era. Some of these initiatives have names like "The Boston Green New... https://www.thenation.com/authorsThe Davis Police Department is urging residents to be careful after two reported robberies occurred near ATMs in downtown.Brandon Sklenar speaks out on Blake Lively's Justin Baldoni complaint

( MENAFN - GetNews) In a remarkable moment for literature and human rights advocacy, Sandeep Kumar Mishra's evocative poem Ashes and Echoes will soon grace a travelling exhibition throughout the Netherlands, thanks to Utrecht University's groundbreaking initiative. The poem was shortlisted in the university's prestigious Poems for Human Rights international competition, a celebration of poetic creativity and social justice. Sandeep's powerful verse, which weaves vivid imagery with a resonant human rights message, has captivated the jury and secured its place among the six exceptional poems chosen from a sea of global entries. The competition received submissions spanning diverse poetic traditions, making the final selection a challenging but rewarding task for the panel of distinguished judges. The jury, comprising luminaries such as Geert Buelens, Antoine Buyse, Hanneke van Eijken, and others, commended the shortlisted poems for their depth, originality, and ability to inspire.“Ashes and Echoes stood out for its rich symbolism and profound impact,” the jury noted.“Its haunting reflections on human rights violations resonate deeply in today's world.” A Showcase of Global Talent The competition will celebrate two ex aequo winners-one poem in English and one in Dutch-alongside four commendable works. The shortlisted poets include Marieke Vreeken (Human Treaty), Vicky Breemen (Universe Declaration), Sandeep Kumar Mishra (Ashes and Echoes), Safiya Lall Mohamed (True Colours), Alessandra Spadaro (It Rains Bombs) and Elyse Touron - van der Roer (Wie Schrijft Dan Nog – Ongehoord Soedan) The three winning poets will receive cash prizes, supported by the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights, the Freudenthal Institute, and Institutions for Open Societies. They will also perform their works during Impact Night 2024: Human Rights, for Present and Future Generations on Human Rights Day in December and at the Faculty Club in February 2025. An Exhibition across Utrecht and Beyond Ashes and Echoes, along with the other shortlisted poems, will be showcased in a travelling exhibition across the city of Utrecht. The exhibition schedule and places includes Janskerkhof 3, Utrecht : December 10–17, 2024, University Library City Centre, Drift 27 : Mid-December 2024 to mid-January 2025 and Bibliotheek Neude, Neude 11 : January 30 – February 5, 2025 The exhibition aims to amplify the voices of poets who have transformed human rights advocacy into a poignant art form. Utrecht University's efforts reflect a commitment to fostering dialogue on human rights issues through creativity. Global Recognition for Sandeep Kumar Mishra Sandeep's triumph extends beyond the exhibition. His poem will also be featured on the competition's website and in an anthology that promises to share these powerful works with a global audience. This recognition solidifies his position as a compelling literary voice and a fierce advocate for human rights. When asked about the honor, Sandeep expressed gratitude:“It's a privilege to have my poem included in such an important initiative. Poetry has the power to bridge divides, and I hope Ashes and Echoes resonates with audiences, inspiring empathy and action.” As the world prepares to celebrate Human Rights Day, Sandeep Kumar Mishra's Ashes and Echoes stands as a beacon of creativity and compassion, reminding us of the enduring power of words to ignite change. MENAFN23122024003238003268ID1109025458 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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Trudeau to chair Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee amid calls to resignPolice say searchers don’t expect to find woman in Pennsylvania sinkhole alive UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania has become a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference Wednesday that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but that the search for her remains continues. Limani says crews have seen "no signs of any form of life or anything.” Pollard was last seen alive Monday evening when she went out looking for her cat in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. WWE is seeking a bigger stage and Netflix, pushing for more live events, is providing it WWE will perform on a stage next month that could be vastly larger than its current home on cable television when it makes its “Raw” debut on Netflix. The sports entertainment company is moving to a platform with about 283 million subscribers worldwide as it departs its current home on the USA Network, which averaged 688,000 viewers in prime-time last year, according to the Nielsen company. For Netflix, onboarding the WWE is part of strategic move to air more live events on the heels of a hugely successful fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul that was viewed by more than 60 million people. Michigan court upholds light sentence for woman who killed dad in dispute over ride DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals has declined to overturn a light jail sentence for a young woman who killed her father by burning him with a dangerous powder. Prosecutors said Megan Imirowicz was upset when her father couldn’t drive her to a hair appointment before her 18th birthday party. Imirowicz was sentenced to only a year in jail in 2023. She actually spent more than a year in custody because she was locked up before trial and while awaiting her punishment in suburban Detroit. Sumo wrestlers bring 1,500 years of tradition to London as the sport has an international moment LONDON (AP) — London’s Royal Albert Hall is preparing to host a different kind of spectacle: Sumo wrestling. Wrestlers put on an exhibition of heavyweight grappling to promote a tournament scheduled for next October. It marks only the second time an elite five-day tournament will be held outside Japan. The first was held in 1991 at the same venue. Organizers are hoping to whip up the kind of excitement that was generated three decades ago, when the deeply ritualistic sport attracted sell-out crowds and a national television audience. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. Jury revisits key videos in NYC subway chokehold death trial NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the New York City chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny. The request came during a second day of deliberations Wednesday. The anonymous jury also asked to rehear part of a city medical examiner’s testimony. The request included testimony about her decision to issue a death certificate without getting toxicology test results for Jordan Neely. He was the agitated subway rider whom Penny held him around the neck for roughly six minutes. Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Prosecutors say he recklessly killed Neely. Penny's defense maintains he was justified in acting to protect fellow subway riders from Neely. Relatives hunt for the missing after Guinea stadium crush amid fears official death toll is too low CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Kambaly Kouroumah was searching a local morgue for his teenage brother, Adama, who died after chaos erupted at a soccer game in southern Guinea’s Nzerekore city. Adama, 15, was among 56 people that officials said were killed in Sunday's crush, although rights groups reported a death toll nearly three times higher. Local media, rights groups and witnesses say security forces used tear gas to respond after fans began to throw stones to protest a referee's decision during the soccer game that was organized in honor of Guinea's junta leader, Col. Mamadi Doumbouya. Many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates, videos showed. Power shortages in Ecuador are melting away the future of a small town’s ice-cream industry SALCEDO, Ecuador (AP) — Ice-cream production in this quiet Ecuadorian town began in the mid-20th century in a convent for Franciscan nuns. The nuns sold their creamy popsicles in town to gather funds for the poor. But the people of Salcedo saw a business opportunity and began experimenting with new flavors and techniques, establishing a thriving popsicle industry that has made their small town famous among ice-cream lovers. But now, the South American nation is struggling with a relentless wave of power cuts that threaten the future of Salcedo’s ice-cream industry, melting away its dreams of a more prosperous future. Senegalese artisans in the spotlight as they exhibit for the first time at a prestigious art event DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — For the artistic and cultural elites of the West African nation of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, but its role has declined in recent years. As living costs rise, many Senegalese opt for cheaper, Chinese-imported products. And those that can afford it buy Western clothes and furniture to mark their social status. Eminem's mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper's lyrics, dies at age 69 Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his song lyrics, has died. She was 69. Eminem’s longtime representative Dennis Dennehy confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday. He did not provide a cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer. Nelson’s fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star. Nelson brought and settled two defamation lawsuits over Eminem’s statements about her in magazines and on radio talk shows. In her 2008 book, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” she attempted to set the record straight.