Bankwell financial director Eric Dale acquires $11,153 in stockThailand remains a top target for cyberthreats and financial phishing attacks among the countries of Southeast Asia, according to global cybersecurity company Kaspersky. During the first six months of 2024, Kaspersky blocked more than 23 million bruteforce attacks targeting businesses in Southeast Asia. A bruteforce attack is a method employed by cybercriminals to guess login info, encryption keys, or to find a hidden web page by systematically attempting all possible character combinations until they find the correct one. It allows attackers to obtain personal data and other valuable information, plant and spread malware, and even hijack a system for malicious activities. A total of 23,491,775 bruteforce generic Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks were detected and foiled by Kaspersky products installed at companies of various sizes in the region. RDP is Microsoft's proprietary protocol, providing a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer via a network. Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand registered the highest number of RDP attacks during the first half of the year, with over 8.4 million, 5.7 million and 4.2 million attacks recorded, respectively. Moreover, Kaspersky detected 336,294 phishing attacks launched at organisations and businesses in Southeast Asia. The attacks were impersonating e-commerce, banking and payment brands, and were aimed at stealing credentials and other sensitive data. Thailand logged the highest number of financial phishing attacks at 141,258, followed by Indonesia with 48,439. Thailand and Singapore both registered the two largest increases of such attacks of 582% and 406%, respectively, compared to the corresponding period last year. Through financial phishing, attackers deceptively manipulate victims to divulge their personal and valuable information such as login credentials to financial accounts, as well as other personal or corporate information that is stored in those accounts. They are employing advanced social engineering schemes masquerading as financial institutions to deceive, invoke fear and exhort victims, and in some instances impersonating charitable organisations to trick victims into making contributions. Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia-Pacific at Kaspersky, earlier told the Bangkok Post that the company has committed to significant investment in Thailand as a growing digital economy and favourable government initiatives such as joining Brics. Brics is a bloc of major emerging economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia as full members. This has led Kaspersky to expand its team and services, targeting both the small and medium-sized enterprise and enterprise sectors. Thailand is expected to play a pivotal role in the company's APAC expansion, potentially becoming one of its top five markets by 2026, Mr Hia said. "We're committed to doubling our investment in the country over the next two years," he said. He added that the geopolitical landscape is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. While there are "good" and "not-so-good" markets for the company, the favourable environment in Thailand, especially with the government's digital initiatives, provides an optimistic outlook. These initiatives include the promotion of digital currency, the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies, and digital services that fuel the digital transformation of the economy. Mr Hia also sees opportunities in SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), as solutions are becoming increasingly important as businesses need to store and analyse security incidents.lucky 7 carne norte 。

2024: Nigerians commend Tinubu on Renewed Hope Agenda, pray for better 2025Joe Biden begins final White House holiday season with turkey pardons for 'Peach' and 'Blossom' WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road. A desert oasis outside of Dubai draws a new caravan: A family of rodents from Argentina AL QUDRA LAKES, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A desert oasis hidden away in the dunes in the far reaches of skyscraper-studded Dubai has drawn a surprising new set of weary world travelers: a pack of Argentinian rodents. A number of Patagonian mara, a rabbit-like mammal with long legs, big ears and a body like a hoofed animal, now roam the grounds of Al Qudra Lakes, typically home to gazelle and other desert creatures of the United Arab Emirates. How they got there remains a mystery in the UAE, a country where exotic animals have ended up in the private homes and farms of the wealthy. But the pack appears to be thriving there and likely have survived several years already in a network of warrens among the dunes. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. New Zealanders save more than 30 stranded whales by lifting them on sheets WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — More than 30 pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in New Zealand have been safely returned to the ocean after conservation workers and residents helped to refloat them by lifting them on sheets. New Zealand’s conservation agency said four whales died. New Zealand is a whale stranding hotspot and pilot whales are especially prolific stranders. The agency praised as “incredible” the efforts made by hundreds of people to help save the foundering pod. A Māori cultural ceremony for the three adult whales and one calf that died in the stranding took place Monday. Rainbow-clad revelers hit Copacabana beach for Rio de Janeiro’s pride parade RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Thousands of revelers have gathered alongside Copacabana beach for Rio de Janeiro’s annual gay pride parade, many scantily dressed and covered in glitter. Rainbow-colored flags, towels and fans abounded among the crowd mostly made up of young revelers, who danced and sang along to music blaring from speakers. While the atmosphere was festive, some spoke of the threat of violence LGBTQ+ people face in Brazil. At least 230 LGBTQ+ Brazilians were victims of violent deaths in 2023, according to the umbrella watchdog group Observatory of LGBTQ+ deaths and violence in Brazil.Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins decision compared to Sam Darnold form speaks volumes

Saints quarterback Derek Carr appears to have a broken left hand. That’s the Saints’ fear after the initial examination of the injury that knocked Carr out of today’s game against the Giants, according to NFL Network. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported that Carr had his left hand in a cast after the game. Although the injury is not to Carr’s throwing hand, it would be tough for him to take a snap with a broken hand, and he would seem likely to miss some time. Given that the Saints are far out of playoff contention and there’s only four games left in the season, it wouldn’t be surprising if his season is over. It also wouldn’t be surprising if his tenure with the Saints is over, given his contract and the realities of the Saints’ salary cap situation. It’s possible that attempting to leap for a first down and putting his left hand down to break his fall will be the last thing he does in a Saints uniform.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Let’s get the good news in Philadelphia out of the way first. The Eagles are riding a nine-game winning streak, Saquon Barkley is making a serious run at the NFL season rushing record and a playoff berth was clinched for the fourth straight year under coach Nick Sirianni. Now, about all that grumbling ... . Yes, Philly sports fans, media and social media doomsayers are usually the ones with a complaint even in the best of times for the pro teams. Perhaps it’s a bit unsettling around Philadelphia, then, that the grousing after a win over Carolina this weekend came from inside the locker room. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and even Jalen Hurts, made public their complaints about the state of the (diminishing) passing game, putting the coaching staff on notice that enough was enough and it was time to rev up the engine on a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and get the offense humming headed into the postseason. Even Sirianni conceded that yes, it was fair to raise questions about an offense that allowed Smith and Brown to combine for only eight catches and 80 yards. The problem this week? “Being on the same page,” Smith said. Smith is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has yet to break 100 in a game this season. Brown has four 100-yard games, well off last season's run when he topped 100 yards in six straight games and seven times overall. Hurts threw for just 108 yards with two TDs passing and one rushing score. Should an offense getting on the same page develop into this much of a concern for the Eagles (11-2) after 13 games? “No. I just say no," Hurts said. There are reasons the numbers are down. The easy one, of course, is that the traditionally pass-happy Eagles have leaned on Barkley and his team-record 1,623 yards to steer the offense in his first season. Hurts also shoulders his share of the blame given his propensity for holding on to the ball. He was sacked four times and missed Smith and Brown the few times he did chuck the ball deep to open receivers on long routes. Hurts didn’t throw Brown the ball a couple of times when he was open, including on a TD pass to Smith. “Have to find a way to come together and come and sync as a unit and play complementary ball,” Hurts said. Hurts has topped 300 yards passing only once this season and his last three games are at 179-118-108. He does have only five interceptions and has thrown just one during the winning streak. The offensive woes start at the beginning. The Eagles have yet to score a touchdown on their opening possession through the first 13 games and average only 10.7 points in the first half. They had only 46 total yards in the first quarter. The slow starts are one reason why teams with losing records such as Carolina, Jacksonville and Cleveland are able to keep games close at the Linc and make last-gasp drives at an upset victory. The running game. That really only means one name: Barkley. Barkley rushed for 124 yards to break the Eagles' season record, and Eric Dickerson's NFL mark is in his sights. Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. Barkley also maintained his pace to break Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. Barkley is one pace for 2,122 yards, just 17 yards beyond Dickerson’s 2,105 total. Linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. Dean led the Eagles with 12 tackles while Baun had 11 tackles and a sack. They both had strong games in shutting down Carolina's — albeit banged-up — running game. Jake Elliott. Elliott was wide right on a 52-yard attempt in the third quarter and has missed all five attempts of 50-plus yards this season. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was evaluated for a concussion and treated for an additional injury in the fourth quarter but had a game-changing interception. 9 — The Eagles won nine straight games only three other times, in the 2017, 2003 and 1960 seasons. The Eagles host cross-state rival Pittsburgh in a potential all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl preview. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Toby Fournier powers No. 8 Duke over Virginia Tech 81-59

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luckycalico com MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves delayed their game against the San Antonio Spurs by one hour on Sunday night due to an issue with the court at Target Center. The Timberwolves announced the decision about three hours before the originally scheduled tipoff time. The Spurs discovered the problem during their morning shootaround, Timberwolves spokesman Patrick Rees said. The team decided to delay the game so arena staff had enough time to install the replacement court that had to be delivered from elsewhere. The Timberwolves have played at Target Center since 1990. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

A group of researchers have found a way to develop FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay (FELUDA), a test developed during the Covid-19 period to diagnose Covid cases, as a point-of-care diagnostic service at a minimal cost for detection of H. pylori and its mutations in dyspeptic patients from rural areas of India, with minimal or no access to diagnostic laboratories. Infections with H. pylori affect over 43 per cent of the world’s population with a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia and even gastric cancer, according to ministry of science and technology. Resistance to clarithromycin, primarily attributed to point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA coding gene of H. pylori poses a global threat to public health, by necessitating repeated diagnostic tests and use of multiple courses of different antibiotic combinations for eradication of the same. Integration of novel diagnostic strategies as cost-effective diagnostic tools to detect the presence of H. pylori in human samples, as well as the identification of the antibiotic susceptibility is crucial for its rapid eradication. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-based methodologies are known to enable site recognition and cleavage of the target DNA with exceptional accuracy by designing guide RNAs targeting the respective mutation site in various kinds of DNA samples. Hence, in-depth understanding of H. pylori genetic makeup by CRISPR-based diagnostics (CRISPRDx) could aid in molecular dissection of its pathogenicity and development of targeted therapeutics against different strains. Towards this goal, Dr. Debojyoti Chakraborty and Dr. Souvik Maiti’s group at CSIR-IGIB had previously demonstrated the possibility of detecting H. pylori antibiotic resistance mutations using Cas9-based mutation detection strategies. However, CRISPR-Cas9 based biosensing techniques face limitations due to the requirement of NGG PAM sequences at the recognition site while detecting mutations. To encounter this limitation of CRISPR-Cas9 based detection tools in this study, Dr Shraddha Chakraborty (currently a Department of Science and Technology INSPIRE Faculty Fellow at DBEB, IIT Delhi) and colleagues at CSIR-IGIB explored the potential of en31-FnCas9 to successfully detect the presence and identify the 23S rDNA mutation status of H. pylori in gastric biopsy samples from dyspeptic patients, both by in vitro cleavage studies and lateral flow-based test strip assays (FELUDA). Clinical arm of the study was led by Dr Govind K Makharia (Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS New Delhi), Dr Manas K Panigrahi (Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar) and Dr Vinay K Hallur (Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar). They used an engineered Cas9 protein having resemblance to Cas9 orthologs isolated from Francisella novicida (en31-FnCas9) but with altered PAM binding affinity. In their paper published in the Microchemical Journal they reported the potential of this en31-FnCas9 to successfully detect the presence and identify the 23S rDNA mutation status of H. pylori in gastric biopsy samples from dyspeptic patients of Indian origin. The study highlights the significance of sequencing-free molecular diagnosis in detecting H. pylori and its antibiotic resistance mutations, thereby emphasizing the need for tailored treatment plans to address global public health concerns associated with antibiotic resistance and gastric cancer risks. The integration of en31-FnCas9-based detection with lateral flow assay (FELUDA) demonstrated rapid visual readout of H. pylori infection and its mutation status in patient samples, enhancing its diagnostic potential in clinical settings. This is the first report of en31-FnCas9 mediated molecular diagnosis of H. pylori mutations implicated in clarithromycin resistance. Successful deployment this methodology in a clinical setup can be helpful in providing accurate and timely reports on the antibiotic resistance pattern of the H. pylori strains isolated from patients, in remote settings allowing for effective management of this global public health concern.NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 30So-called human rights lawyer Phil Shiner is a wicked crook, a thief and a liar

Iowa offense ready to excel against New Hampshire2 Dec 2024 Cate Blanchett on AI, G7 and Syria crisis Krishnan Guru-Murthy Presenter A G7 summit may not seem like a promising setting for a film. But ‘Rumours’ is a kind of comedy horror political satire in which world leaders find themselves tackling zombie bog monsters and a giant brain, as well as world crises. I spoke to Cate Blanchett, who plays the German Chancellor, and Nikki Amuka-Bird, who plays the British Prime Minister, ahead of the film’s release in cinemas this Friday. Share on Facebook Share Share on Twitter Tweet Share on WhatsApp Send Share on WhatsApp Send Share on WhatsApp Email Load more share options

ISLAMABAD - Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan announced on Sunday that the PML-N led government has unveiled a range of initiatives designed to uplift women, transgender individuals and people with disabilities, with the ultimate goal of fostering inclusive growth and social equality in Pakistan. Mashhood revealed in an exclusive interview with PTV news channel that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was driving a series of initiatives to uplift marginalized communities, including women, transgender individuals and People with Disabilities with the aim to provide them equal opportunities in the society. The PML-N government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to empowering marginalized communities, particularly women, through various initiatives and policies, he said and added, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme has taken a monumental step towards inclusivity and empowerment by hosting its 1st Dignity Awards, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women, transgender persons and women with disabilities. Multiple cars pileup in Dera Ismail Khan leaves 20 injured Rana Mashhood said that this initiative shined a spotlight on the incredible contributions of these individuals, promoting equal rights and opportunities for all. It is particularly noteworthy that the programme is recognizing the achievements of women with disabilities, who often face double discrimination due to their gender and disability, he said, adding, this acknowledgment is a crucial step towards breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. ‘The Dignity Awards’ serve as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or abilities, he highlighted. Responding to a query, he stated that this year, under the Youth Loan Program, various facilitation centers would be established, with a special focus on empowering women and persons with disabilities. Notably, a minimum of 25 percent of the program’s targets will be reserved for women, ensuring they receive prioritized support, he added. Additionally, specialized projects will be introduced to cater to the unique needs of women and persons with disabilities, promoting inclusive economic growth and equal opportunities for all, he added. The government is also taking proactive steps to promote inclusive education and employment opportunities, he said, adding that, specifically, PM Shahbaz Sharif was focusing on IT and technical education, recognizing the immense potential of these fields to drive growth and innovation. Gwadar Airport’s landing system in bad weather made functional Tags: mashhood unveils plan empower

If there was one thing No. 14 Gonzaga failed to do in nonconference play, it was learn how to finish. And the Bulldogs may not get many chances to play close games in West Coast Conference play, which they'll open Monday against Pepperdine in Malibu, Calif. Sure, the Bulldogs (9-4) trounced then-No. 8 Baylor 101-63 and then-No. 14 Indiana 89-73. But they also lost in overtime to West Virginia (86-78) and No. 4 Kentucky (90-89), dropped a 77-71 decision to two-time defending NCAA champion UConn at Madison Square Garden and are coming off a 65-62 defeat to No. 22 UCLA on Saturday. "Obviously we feel like we've been in a bunch of close games that we felt like we should have won all of them," said Gonzaga point guard Ryan Nembhard, who had 16 points and eight assists against a Bruins defense that is one of the best in the country. "We've got to close out these games and learn to win these close games." Graham Ike led the Bulldogs with 24 points as they rallied from an 11-point deficit and led for most of the final 12 1/2 minutes before stumbling. It didn't help Gonzaga that guard Khalif Battle, who is tied for third on the team with 11.8 points per game, was ejected with 4:13 remaining in the first half for a Flagrant-2 foul against UCLA's Eric Dailey Jr. "We're playing a great schedule and great teams," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. "And you're in position to win and in college basketball, you hope you can make a play, make a shot and get a stop at the end." Ike leads Gonzaga with 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Nembhard averages 12.1 points per game and leads the country with 10.0 assists per game. The Bulldogs have won 47 consecutive games against Pepperdine (6-8, 0-1 WCC) dating to Jan. 18, 2002. It's the third-longest run against an opponent in NCAA Division I history and the longest active streak. The Waves have won four of their past six games, but are coming off a 91-80 loss Saturday at Santa Clara to open their conference slate. Stefan Todorovic led the Waves with 25 points, three rebounds, four assists and a steal. Todorovic tops the WCC with 19.7 points per game. Dovydas Butka added 16 points with eight rebounds and three assists and Moe Odum contributed 14 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Odum is third nationally with 105 assists, with Gonzaga's Nembhard (130) the leader in that category. "The system that Coach (Ed) Schilling puts us in opens the (court) for everybody," Todorovic said. "Not just me, we can be a threat at all positions on the floor." Schilling is in his first season with the Waves after 13 years as an assistant at UMass, Memphis, UCLA, Indiana and, most recently, Grand Canyon. He also spent 1997-2003 as the head coach of Wright State. Schilling replaced Lorenzo Romar at Pepperdine. --Field Level MediaJason Whitlock claims Colorado players rented out a strip club TWICE before heavy Alamo Bowl defeat READ MORE: College football star stomped on by Arkansas' Fernando Carmona By ERIC BLUM Published: 22:50 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 22:50 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Nearly a day after Colorado football was blown out by BYU in the Alamo Bowl, Jason Whitlock believes he has revealed the reason the Buffaloes were shellacked - they rented out a strip club twice before kickoff. Colorado lost 36-14 on Saturday night to BYU, with the Big 12 teams facing in the postseason but not the regular season in a matchup where Deion Sanders' team rarely looked composed. It marked the final collegiate appearance of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. 'So I missed all of the Colorado-BYU game yesterday. What are the best takeaways? I've been reliably told that the CU offensive players rented out a strip club 2 nights during their bowl trip,' Whitlock said on social media. Whitlock, who has been synonymous with drumming up controversy and blasting his opinion on social media, no matter how bizarre it made seem to some, has not revealed his 'reliable' source. No one from the Colorado program has responded to Whitlock's claim. Whitlock has claimed that Colorado football players rented out a strip club in San Antonio The Buffaloes looked terrible in their bowl game against BYU, with some looking for excused So I missed all of the Colorado-BYU game yesterday. What are the best takeaways? I've been reliably told that the CU offensive players rented out a strip club 2 nights during their bowl trip. — Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) December 29, 2024 The bowl game took place in San Antonio, with the infamous River Walk, and the accompanying entertainment district, only a mile away from the Alamodome. Read More Referee left bloodied after suffering gruesome cut in wild brawl at college football game Whitlock also has not commented on the situation any further after posting his claim on social media. Texas law states patrons must be 21 or older to enter a strip club, which would eliminate several players on the Buffaloes offense from attending the alleged night on the town. Colorado responding to the claim is unlikely to happen in an official capacity, with Deion Sanders defending his team a possible avenue to retort against Whitlock. However, with Colorado's season ending, it may be until February's national signing day when Sanders holds his next press availability. Colorado Share or comment on this article: Jason Whitlock claims Colorado players rented out a strip club TWICE before heavy Alamo Bowl defeat e-mail Add comment

He delves inside with images of staircases, ceilings, tiles, chimneypieces and the only green organ in Ireland, found at St Fintan’s Church in Durrow, Co Laois , featuring angels carrying a family crest. His choice includes ruins of castles, mansions and the remains of a humble gate lodge. O’Byrne has also edited A Vanishing World: The Irish Country House Photographs of Father Browne (Messenger Publications, €25.00). Black-and- white interiors of 20 houses and castles, including those at Lismore, Dromoland, Dunsany, and Malahide , are brought back to life through the remarkable photographic legacy of the Jesuit priest and amateur photographer Fr Francis Browne . Historical context and personal anecdotes by O’Byrne enrich the visual narrative of these houses which were taken at a time when the buildings were not open to the public. [ Ireland’s beautiful ruined buildings and abandoned architectural grandeur Opens in new window ] The cultural historian and writer Peter Harbison, who died in May 2023, produced an unrivalled legacy of scholarly books on Ireland but also left behind a posthumous publication, Medieval Mayo: Churches and Abbeys (Mayo County Council, €25). Archaeology and built heritage were a fascination and the book showcases a selection of the county ’s religious stone monuments created during 1,000 years from AD 600 to 1600. Early medieval sites from 13 locations such as Caher Island, Inishglora and Mayo Abbey are discussed, before focusing on the late medieval, AD 1200-1500. This period, which includes two of the most important centuries in Ireland’s ecclesiastical history, covers the religious orders of the Cistercians, Augustinian Canons and friars, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Franciscans. A wider tour of the country and its built heritage is highlighted in For the Love of Ireland’s Buildings: Treasures from fifty years of the Roadstone Calendar (O’Brien Press, €29.99) by Michael Lunt. The calendar, which celebrated the best of the country’s architecture and engineering, hung in many homes. Browse the pages to discover atmospheric workers’ cottages, mansions, lighthouses, harbours and bridges. Pen portraits from the original Roadstone calendars by the architect Sean Rothery, writer Bernard Share and maritime historian John de Courcy Ireland, outline historical and environmental details. The architectural embroidery of the materials that make these buildings does not always receive due attention, but Brickmaking in Ireland: A Gazetteer by Susan Roundtree (Wordwell €40), is filled with insight into brickfields which in the 19th century were found in every county. Most brick in Irish buildings was made locally and there is a rich social and industrial aspect associated with their production. This book may encourage readers to visit some of the areas discussed, such as the spectacular Gothic ruin Duckett’s Grove, near Carlow town. Despite its roofless state, the granite stone masonry is in excellent condition and is extensively lined with brick. Several hundred photographs, many in colour, are interspersed throughout the text showing disparate facade styles such as polychromatic exterior, diaper patterning or terracotta detail; the endpapers comprise decorated bricks stamped with the names of the companies. The fabric of buildings and the bricks that made them is a fascinating story and it is fair to say that this superb study will be the standard textbook on the subject for many years to come. [ Brick by brick – An Irishman’s Diary on the brickworks of Ireland Opens in new window ] The enthusiasm for colourising books continues apace. Timeless Colours: Waterford (Merrion Press, €22.99) by Ian Hannigan, celebrates the history of the Déise with more than 100 images from 1840–1960. Through a combination of artificial intelligence technology and historical research, the author steps back in time bringing alive the past with a new energy. Wide shots feature The Clock Tower, Broad Street, and The Mall, while numerous buildings such as the Granville Hotel, and a variety of shopfronts are reanimated. At The Home and Colonial Stores, shop assistants proudly stand outside their premises. A beautifully lit shot shows a sausage-making room at the Denny factory while another features workers baking the famed Waterford “blaa” at Adair’s Bakehouse. Other highlights include the Dromana Hindu-Gothic Gate near Villierstown – the best surviving example of this style of architecture in Ireland – which is afforded a freshly coloured and evocative new lease of life, and Robert French’s original photograph of The Square in Portlaw, the Quaker Model Village. There are few better places for uncovering local history than churches and their surroundings, and Andrew Ziminski’s Church Going: A Stonemason’s Guide to the Churches of the British Isles (Profile, £25) brims with enthusiasm. The author, who is a conservator and restores gravestones, states that he has probably visited more churches than the Archbishop of Canterbury. The book is divided into three parts: In and Around the Churchyard, the Church Exterior, and the Church Interior. Sections on Gothic architecture cover gargoyles and grotesques, battlements and buttresses, parapets and pinnacles. On one of his visits to Ireland on a frosty winter morning, Ziminski singles out the high cross at Monasterboice as being the most remarkable of all Irish crosses: “When the low sun introduced a dramatic contrast of light and shadow across the carvings, which reveal themselves in sparkling sequence as the sun’s rays pass from east to west.” He has a passion for bullaun stones, the cylindrical hollows cut into boulders for devotional purposes, where the water in them is said to have curative qualities. There are, he states, a total of 837 bullaun stones throughout Ireland, while 360 Ogham stones survive in open country and churchyards. At the early monastic site of Kilmalkedar on the Dingle Peninsula, with its bullauns and holed Ogham standing stone, the author notes the unusual free-standing Mass dial cut from a single upright stone in the eighth century. On a visit to Strandhill on Sligo Bay he is enthralled by the story of how St Patrick is believed to have lost a tooth at Killaspugbrone church. It has said to have been kept there for many years until a reliquary was made in the 12th century that allowed it to be carried around the countryside for public veneration. The reliquary is now in the National Museum in Dublin. Another area of interest is in Sheela-na-gigs found in Ireland and Britain, and the author even uncovers a rare Séan-na-gig on the Hebridean island of Harris. Paul Clements is a contributor to The Irish Times

d'lucky m tire center ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen reflected on Buffalo’s many offseason critics and doubters when asked about the Bills achieving their latest milestones while sewing up the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the unraveling and undisciplined New York Jets on Sunday. It was a the Bills quarterback’s “I told you so moment,” even though Allen elected not to use those exact words. “It speaks to the staff that we’ve got here, the guys that we’ve got in this locker room, how this team is put together and the culture that we have,” Allen said. “We didn’t really pay attention to the preseason notions, but we heard them and we saw them and we knew what people were saying. "But it had no effect on us.” Well, that might be a stretch when it comes to motivation. What’s unquestioned is how Allen and the Bills (13-3) overcame a young, patchwork roster following the offseason departure of six of eight team captains — including Stefon Diggs being traded to Houston — to run away with their fifth consecutive AFC East title and win a franchise-best 13 games for the fifth time in team history, and third since 2020. Coach Sean McDermott didn’t leave much doubt as to who deserves the most credit for leading the Bills to their sixth consecutive playoff berth, and helping them set the single-season franchise records for points (509) and touchdowns (63). “I think Josh Allen continues to show why he should be the MVP,” McDermott said. “I’ve been around this league long enough to know to see MVP every year for many years. And what he has done on this team and this organization in this community — and no offense to anybody else — but I’ve got a hard time believing that someone’s done more.” Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to become the NFL’s first player to score 40 touchdowns in five consecutive seasons. He did so in an outing Buffalo blew the game open by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. Nothing went right in what became a comedy of errors for Rodgers and the Jets (4-12). New York will finish with five or fewer wins for the seventh time over a 14-season playoff drought — the NFL’s longest active streak. “It’s kind of like the season, it just got away from us. Too many games got away from us,” said Rodgers, who finished 12 of 18 for 112 yards and two interceptions before being pulled in favor of Tyrod Taylor with Buffalo leading 40-0. “We were moving the ball well and then just hit a wall. And that’s kind of been the season.” Rodgers, who entered the game with 499 career TD passes and looking to become just the fifth player to reach 500, was instead shut out and became the NFL’s most sacked quarterback. The 41-year-old has now been sacked 568 times , moving ahead of Tom Brady (565) and into first place on the career list. Taylor accounted for all of New York’s points, with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson and a 20-yarder to Tyler Conklin. Discipline was an issue for a Jets team that fell to 2-9 since Jeff Ulbrich took over as interim coach. New York finished with 16 accepted penalties for 120 yards. “It’s frustrating, it’s embarrassing, it’s maddening. It’s all of that,” Ulbrich said. Allen had a short and efficient outing, finishing 16 of 27 for 182 yards with a 30-yard TD pass to Amari Cooper and a 14-yarder to Keon Coleman before giving way to backup Mitchell Trubisky with Buffalo leading 33-0 through three quarters. And Trubisky piled on by completing a 69-yard touchdown pass to practice squad call-up Tyrell Shavers 2:23 into the fourth quarter. Shavers became the 13th Bills player to catch a touchdown pass, matching the single-season NFL record, to validate the “everybody eats” mantra Allen and the offense used to approach this season. The Bills defense enjoyed a dominating performance to snap a shaky three-game stretch in which it combined to allow 1,357 yards, 86 first downs and 107 points. “I wouldn’t say need ... and I don’t want to say reassurance, either,” said A.J. Epenesa, who sacked Rodgers for the safety. “But it just shows that this is what we can do and this is the standard that needs to be upheld.” Allen’s 1-yard score was the 65th rushing TD of his career, matching the team record held by Thurman Thomas. ... James Cook scored on a 4-yard run for his 15th TD rushing of the season, one short of the Bills' single-season record set by O.J. Simpson in a 14-game season in 1975. Cook matched Allen, who scored 15 last year. ... Wilson reached 1,000 yards receiving for the third straight year to start his career, the first Jets player to do so and the 10th player in NFL history to accomplish the feat. Jets: Close the season by hosting the Miami Dolphins. Bills: Play their regular-season finale at the New England Patriots. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Trey Robinson's 19 points helped Northern Kentucky defeat IU Indianapolis 66-64 on Saturday. Robinson added six rebounds for the Norse (3-6, 1-0 Horizon League). Josh Dilling went 6 of 11 from the field (5 for 9 from 3-point range) to add 17 points. Sam Vinson had nine points and finished 4 of 13 from the field. The Jaguars (4-6, 1-1) were led by Paul Zilinskas, who recorded 24 points. Jarvis Walker added 23 points for IU Indianapolis. DeSean Goode finished with six points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Sidney Crosby passes Mario Lemieux for most assists in Penguins franchise historyStocks on the US index make the headlines here in the UK too. We can’t have missed ( ), with a market capitalisation of nearly $3.4trn (yes, trillion). It’s worth more than all the companies of the combined. And always seems to be getting a mention. The Tesla share price is up 31% since the US election. Tesla is still well below Nvidia’s rise in the past five years: Flying tech stocks On Friday (22 November) the Nasdaq closed at 19,003 points. On the same date in 2019, it ended at 8,520 points. That’s a gain of 123%. My imagined £5,000 invested in a low-cost Nasdaq index tracker fund back then would be worth around £11,300 today. There’d be some small charges for the fund management. But the Nasdaq pays an average dividend of around 1.8%, so I’ll treat them as canceling out. My key, and surprising, take on this is how small that gain is. I mean, this is the index that provides overnight multibaggers, isn’t it? Index comparison Over the same five years, the broader has risen by 92%, only just behind the Nasdaq. The dividend yield is similar, at around 1.2%. Based on this, the S&P seems like a better index to track than the Nasdaq, even if just for lower risk. But that’s only looking back five years. Winding the clock back a decade, the has gained 189%, but the Nasdaq is up a whopping 303%. So before I decided which to track, I’d carefully examine multiple timescales and think about my own investment horizon. My £5,000 invested in a Nasdaq tracker 10 years ago could be worth £21,500 now. And, the same amount invested when the tech index started in February 1971 could have grown to £948,600. Not that my pocket money reached five grand back then, mind. Concentration But that five-year return seems disappointing, but it reminds me of one main lesson. The Nasdaq’s gains are concentrated among just a few key stocks. Right now, it’s mostly the so-called ‘Magnificent Seven’. That’s Nvidia and Tesla, along with , , , , and . They all have artifical intelligence (AI) in common. CNBC runs its own Magnificent 7 index, and that’s up 320% just since it started in December 2022. Nasdaq leader To get back to Nvidia, what we see there is a five-year gain of 2,549%. And to get some idea of where that growth came from, the company posted total revenue back in 2020 of $10.9bn. Then by the year to January 2024, total revenue had reached a whopping $60.9bn. Q3 revenue this year, reported on 20 November, reached $35.1bn. That’s in a single quarter alone. Still, as it looks like growth might slow a little, investors weren’t satisfied, and the price dipped a little. As investors, we need to be aware that Nasdaq growth is often concentrated in a small number of stocks. The index can be very volatile too, and it’s not really for those who don’t want risk. Still, if I’d put a shilling in it in 1971...Middle East latest: Syria's forces withdraw from Homs, a key link between the capital and coast

The National List

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Tommy Mellott threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns and top-seeded Montana State tied a school record with its 13th straight win, dominating Tennessee-Martin 49-17 on Saturday in the second round of the FCS playoffs. Scottre Humphrey ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, one of three rushing touchdowns for the Bobcats (13-0), who are home next weekend against the winner of Saturday's late game between Lehigh and eighth-seeded Idaho. MSU, which has scored at least 30 points in every game this season, won 13 games in 1975-76. Mellott threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns in the first half and the Bobcats rolled to a 28-10 lead. Mellott had touchdown passes of 24 yards to Hunter Provience and 12 yards to Taco Dowler in the first quarter and 39 yards to Ty McCullouch in the second. McCullouch also had a 6-yard touchdown run. The pass to McCullouch ended a six-play, 73-yard drive that took just 53 seconds, and came immediately after Trevonte Rucker took a pass from Kinkead Dent 78 yards to the end zone that made it 21-10. The Bobcats only allowed only 10 total points in the first half of home games in the regular season. Humphrey had a 36-yard TD run and Mellott hit Dowler for a 29-yard score in the third quarter Adam Jones contributed a 30-yard scoring run in the fourth. Mellott finished 22-of-25 passing and the Bobcats had 501 total yards. Dent threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns, both to Rucker, who had six receptions for 107 yards. The Skyhawks (9-6) finished with 264 yards. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25NGen Leads Assessment of Skills Requirements of the Canadian Manufacturing Workforce

Post snowfall, CM Omar Abdullah drives to home constituency Ganderbal to assess situation

Happy Holidays! As we’ve done the past few years here at Smart Money , we’re going to look “forward” to the next year by looking back at what we’ve talked about this year. But before we get to that, I wanted to deliver a holiday gift to you... a special report featuring my Top 7 Stocks for 2025 that’s free to you just for being an important Smart Money follower. Each one of these stocks capitalizes on one of the powerful megatrends we talk about here. I hope you’ll check that out . And this year, we’ve talked about a technology so powerful that its existence could either herald the end of the world – or, at the very least, the world as we know it – or usher in the beginning of an unprecedented utopia. That development is artificial general intelligence, or AGI. As we’ve only just begun traveling down the path toward AGI, I’d like the revisit a past Smart Money from this year where I answered your most pressing questions. Updates will be provided as needed. This article is from August of this year, titled Answering Your Biggest AGI Questions ... Let’s jump right in... Scientists and other bright minds have put forth a few different timelines as to when they believe AGI will be developed. For example... The truth is that we really don’t know when AGI will become a part of our lives. However, the common denominator here is that the technology is developing fast... and will be upon us soon. AGI is going to impact several industries in ways many folks — including those on Wall Street — have never even considered. They are industries that I also believe everyone should consider investing their capital in right now. I’m talking about data centers, raw materials and metals, energy, software, semiconductor chips, robotics, and healthcare. As AI infiltrates the medical field, the U.S. healthcare industry is on track to grow faster than any other sector in the U.S. economy. Companies are converging with AI to bring about massive amounts of innovation in the healthcare industry. In the biotech sector, for example, AI could revolutionize the economics of drug discovery. First, it could boost the success rates of new therapies by prequalifying potential drug candidates more expertly than traditional trial-and-error processes could. Second, it could reduce the average expense and timeline of advancing these candidates through clinical trials by shortening the drug-development time frame. Today, without AI, it can take more than a decade and over $1 billion to bring a new drug to market. AI could impart a game-changing efficiency to the drug-development process, and thereby shower pharmaceutical companies, in particular, with a pixie dust of enormous prosperity. Collectively, the pharmaceutical industry seems to be banking on the pixie-dust scenario. For example, all 10 of the top holdings in the iShares Biotechnology ETF ( IBB ) are actively integrating some facet of AI into their drug-development processes. Many of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world are paying tens of billions of dollars to snap up promising biotech companies. You could call it a biotech gold rush. The volume of merger-and-acquisition deals in the global healthcare sector surged about 22% last year, according to data provider Dealogic, even though M&A activity across all industries dropped about 23%. I believe that the pharmaceutical industry, in aggregate, will reap handsome rewards from the expansion of AI in healthcare, especially as AGI continues to advance. Overall, I expect AGI to impart fantastic benefits to the healthcare industry. When I say “stealth AI,” I’m usually talking non-tech companies that will adopt and apply AI with the goal of reaping huge gains in efficiency, productivity, and profits. In many old-school industries, like shipping or travel, new AI- and AGI-enabled processes could boost efficiency and fatten profit margins. I consider industries like these to be future-proof, meaning they’re not going anywhere, despite whatever AI and AGI do. And when you put stealth AI to work inside a future-proof industry, you have the potential for both reliable and outsized gains. Artificial intelligence has added a powerful tailwind to platinum demand... a tailwind that AGI will kick in to high gear. At present, electronics and technology end-uses account for only 3% of total platinum demand. However, thanks to AI, the tech sector’s platinum consumption could grow by double digits for several years in a row. According to research from Metals Focus, a boom in demand for AI applications will create an echo boom in demand for the high-specification semiconductors and sensors that enable AI technologies to operate optimally. Much of this next-gen hardware contains platinum. As the World Platinum Investment Council explains... The performance of the myriad of miniature transistors and capacitors embedded into an integrated circuit is enhanced by the deposition of thin platinum films onto semiconductor wafers... These platinum films are created using a technology known as sputtering, where platinum particles are ejected and deposited onto a surface, creating a thin (only a few atomic or molecular layers thick) platinum layer. AI-driven platinum demand could add an additional kicker to any new bull market that emerges. The rise of AGI is also boosting demand for copper, because data centers use enormous amounts of copper for power and cooling systems. Even moderately sized data centers can require several thousand tons of the metal. All this makes copper a very attractive business to be in – for mining companies and investors alike. There were great questions, folks. As AGI develops, the future that lies ahead is not simply a continuation of what has been... it is a complete departure from anything we have ever known. So, I hope you’ve found these answers to your most pressing AGI questions helpful. In fact, we could be months, weeks, or even mere days away from achieving AGI. After that happens, we may reach a point of no return. And I’m tracking this information closely. In fact, you will hear more about my 1,000 day countdown to AGI soon after the new year. It’s a comprehensive look at the most important technological revolution of our lifetime. Finally, one last thing before I go... Regarding the Top 7 Stocks for 2025 free report I shared with you up top... sometimes knowing when buy a stock is just as important as knowing which stock to buy. And my colleagues at TradeSmith have developed a new way potentially double your money, by foreseeing the biggest jumps on 5,000 stocks, to the day , with 83% back-tested accuracy. And on January 8, at 10 a.m., they’ll be unveiling this financial breakthrough during a special free presentation. You can sign up for that here. In short, we’ve developed a breakthrough way to pinpoint dates of the calendar when certain stocks – like the ones in my new report – shoot up – year after year, producing one winning trade after another. Essentially, it tells you what each stock’s “green day” is. On January 8, they’ll explain exactly how this works. And if you sign up to join the guest list for that special event , you’ll receive instant free access to their system. You can try it yourself right now to see the “green day” for 5,000 different stocks. Regards, Eric Fry

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors moved Monday to dismiss the criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump that accused him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election and to abandon the classified documents case against him, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The decision by special counsel Jack Smith, who had fiercely sought to hold Trump criminally accountable for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election, represented the end of the federal effort against the former president following his election victory this month despite the election-related cases and multiple other unrelated criminal charges against him and is headed back to the White House. The decision, revealed in court filings, also amounts to a predictable but nonetheless stunning conclusion to criminal cases that had been seen as the most perilous of the multiple legal threats Trump has faced. It reflects the practical consequences of Trump’s victory, ensuring he enters office free from scrutiny over his hoarding of top secret documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon the prosecutions, in federal courts in Washington and Florida, was not a reflection of their view on the merits of the cases but rather a reflection of their commitment to longstanding department policy. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in Monday’s court filing in the election interference case. The decision was expected after Smith's team began assessing how to wind down both the 2020 election interference case and the separate classified documents case in the wake of Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department believes Trump can no longer be tried in accordance with longstanding policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump has cast both cases as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing the Republican as he vied to reclaim the White House. But it quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of using “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. ___ Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this story. Alanna Durkin Richer And Eric Tucker, The Associated PressRuben Amorim impressed with Arsenal’s corners after first defeat as Man Utd boss

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Trey Robinson's 19 points helped Northern Kentucky defeat IU Indianapolis 66-64 on Saturday. Robinson added six rebounds for the Norse (3-6, 1-0 Horizon League). Josh Dilling went 6 of 11 from the field (5 for 9 from 3-point range) to add 17 points. Sam Vinson had nine points and finished 4 of 13 from the field. The Jaguars (4-6, 1-1) were led by Paul Zilinskas, who recorded 24 points. Jarvis Walker added 23 points for IU Indianapolis. DeSean Goode finished with six points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Blue Owl Capital Co. III (NYSE:OBDE) Sees Large Volume Increase – Here’s What HappenedVictor Wembanyama: From NBA Star to Chess Enthusiast

is lucky calico legit Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week

An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition

Viewers took to social media and shared their disappointment after several classic lines were axed. Paul Hogan starred in the 1986 film, Crocodile Dundee, which sees American reporter Sue Charlton (played by Linda Kozlowski) travel to the Australian outback to meet eccentric poacher Mick "Crocodile" Dundee and invites him to New York City, where he comes face-to-face with the complexities of modern life. The movie aired on Channel 5 on Boxing Day (December 26) but was not well received by fans of the beloved film, who said much of it had been censored. Taking to X, @anne_headland complained: "@channel5_tv if you're going to put an old 80s film on with risqué and slightly rude bits, don't cut all the clips out ... put it on after 9pm ffs #crocodiledundee." (sic) @PaulWil38543502 tweeted: "@channel5_tv If you insist on editing the funniest parts of the film so you can tick your PC woke boxes, then you can keep it. Changed channel to watch something else. Madness! #crocodiledundee." @pertinaxone fumed: "What the actual f**k have you done to Crocodile Dundee?!?!??! It's unwatchable!! #Woke #CrocodileDundee." @realpauldakers remarked: "Well so far the TV gods have managed to cut anything remotely shocking out of #CrocodileDundee including the phrase 'sh*t for brains' so I'll be switching that off - no point in watching films on TV anymore with the #Orwellian censorship." @Bricks2Peter said: "Let’s not upset anybody channel 5 #CrocodileDundee." @bennys85 shared: "One of the best movie lines cut out, should have guessed. World has gone soft. @channel5_tv #CrocodileDundee." @Spionste added: "Well just watched the iconic #crocodiledundee absolute belter of a film, but channel 5 decided to hack the film to bits #whatsthepoint." However, others delighted at the classic being aired over the festive period as @Hadok184U said: "And, now watching the classic movie now on #CH5 #CrocodileDundee #PaulHogan I haven’t seen this movie for decades. Still retains it’s charm." @mark__burnett gushed: "What a film! #crocodiledundee." Viewers issued a similar complaint after they claimed classic lines and memorable scenes had been cut - including the moment Mick (played by Paul Hogan) was approached by a man, who asked for his wallet and threatened him with a small pocket knife. However, Mick says, "That's not a knife," and pulls out his own huge blade before cutting off the offender's jacket. It is not uncommon for broadcasters to cut scenes from films or television shows primarily due to time constraints. This is usually done to accomodate advertisements, often resulting in the removal of scenes that may be considered less crucial to the plot or could be considered graphic or too sensitive for the intended audience.2024 Concludes with Positive Update On Current Initiatives TOMBALL, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2024 / QS Energy, Inc. (OTCQB:QSEP), a leader in advanced crude oil transport efficiency technologies, is pleased to announce a significant progression in its commercial activities and strategic initiatives as the year comes to a close. Building on the strong foundation established throughout 2024, the company has achieved key milestones that position it for accelerated growth in 2025. Expansion into Global Markets Over the past year, QS Energy has made notable strides in deploying its Applied Oil Technology (AOT) systems across new and high-demand markets in Southeast Asia and South Asia. Through partnerships formalized earlier this year, the company has moved from exploratory phases to contract issuance that will enable the rollout of AOT units across critical energy infrastructure in key regions. These developments reflect QS Energy's ability to meet the growing global demand for technologies that enhance pipeline efficiency and reduce operational costs. Financial Backing to Support Customer Expansion and Growth To support these contracts and ensure smooth execution, QS Energy is advancing discussions with a leading U.S. government-supported financial institution specializing in global trade financing. This institution offers a comprehensive suite of financing solutions, including working capital, buyer-backed financing, and funding opportunities designed to enable manufacturing scale and expansion within the United States. These financial pathways allow QS Energy's customers to adopt AOT technology with minimal upfront capital barriers, streamlining the deployment process. As customers adopt and expand their use of AOT, this financing structure positions QS Energy to scale operations, including the necessary expansion of its U.S.-based assembly capabilities to meet growing demand. "Our progress with this trusted export financing partner reflects our ability to align innovative technology with practical financial solutions," says CEO, Cecil Bond Kyte. "This support framework enables us to help our customers adopt AOT systems while also preparing to meet future growth opportunities through scalable manufacturing." Addressing Legacy Licensing Fees with Temple University In support of our positive momentum to clean up our final balance sheet items, QS Energy and Temple University are in discussions to rectify our past obligations to our mutual future economic benefit. Reflecting on a Year Throughout 2024, QS Energy has demonstrated its ability to evolve from technology development to commercialization. Key milestones this year include: Establishing strategic partnerships to bring the first AOT systems into commercial operation. Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand AOT deployment in Southeast Asia. Advancing financial pathways for global adoption through innovative customer financing solutions. "As we reflect on the successes of 2024, we are proud to have reached these milestones while staying true to our vision of enhancing energy efficiency worldwide. The momentum we've built sets the stage for even greater achievements in 2025." says CEO Cecil Bond Kyte. For further information about QS Energy, Inc., click here and read our SEC filings at https://ir.qsenergy.com/sec-filings . To stay connected, subscribe to Email Alerts at https://ir.qsenergy.com/news/email-alerts to receive Company filings and press releases, and subscribe to our new QS UPDATES email service here to receive timely updates on the Company's latest news and innovations. Safe Harbor Statement Some of the statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Please click here for our complete cautionary forward-looking statement. About Applied Oil Technology QS Energy's patented Applied Oil Technology (AOT) is a solid-state turn-key system which uses a high volt / low amp electric field to reduce crude oil viscosity. AOT installs inline on crude oil pipelines, operates unattended without interrupting pipeline flow, with full remote monitoring and control. More information is available online here . About QS Energy QS Energy, Inc. (OTCQB: QSEP), develops and markets crude oil flow assurance technologies designed to deliver measurable performance improvements to pipeline operations in the midstream and upstream crude oil markets. For further information about QS Energy, Inc., visit www.qsenergy.com . Company Contact QS Energy, Inc. Tel: +1 844-645-7737 E-mail: investor@qsenergy.com Sales: sales@qsenergy.com SOURCE: QS Energy, Inc. View the original on accesswire.comCalifornia Capitol Evacuated After Threat Made by Email

Congress slams government, says "stagnant wages" key cause of lower GDP growth in July-September quarterTributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.Donald Trump’s “best buddy,” South African-born Elon Musk, has endorsed a post on X slamming Americans as “re***ded” workers who can’t hold a candle to skilled foreign hires in Silicon Valley. Musk was responding to a post — using a word widely considered a slur — explaining the difference between the “right right” (whom Trump claims to back) and the “tech right.” The “right right” want everything in America, including jobs, for Americans, the poster explained. The “tech right,” however, want H-1B visas for “skilled” foreign workers because American workers “ are re***ed ,” and “you can’t out train” that, the poster added. Musk responded Thursday night: “ That pretty much sums it up . This was eye-opening.” Musk, an immigrant, then clarified that he wants exceptions to MAGA’s anti-immigrant posture for the top “0.1% of [foreign] engineering talent as ... essential for America to keep winning.” America is, after all, “ mostly Americans ,” he pointed out, apparently for the sake of Americans he considers “re***ded.” Vivek Ramaswamy — Musk’s DOGE partner, both tasked by Trump to carve up the federal government — also slighted American intelligence in an X post earlier Thursday. He blamed U.S. sitcoms for extolling the virtues of the dimmer characters over those with brains, necessitating the hiring (at least in the tech world) of smarter people from other countries. “If we’re really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH: Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long,” Ramaswamy schooled. He then called for changes in American childrearing: “ More math tutoring, fewer sleepovers ... more creating, less chillin’.” Both men were attacked by MAGA Trump supporters on social media — notably including far-right activist Laura Loomer over the duo’s push for H-1B visas for foreign tech workers . Loomer then suddenly lost her blue check mark on X that had made her a “verified” user. Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett pointed out on X that, unlike MAGA, she also believes immigrants are good for the economy (though without the class division Musk and Ramaswamy seem to embrace). “MAGA got played & is mad at who ?!” she asked. “The same 2 guys just yelling was looking out for them last week as the government was on the verge of a shutdown!”

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling , as early as January 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. "Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a visit to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in Vienna, Va., on Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them. Many consumers may remember receiving their first credit card, either years ago in a plain envelope, or months ago from a smartphone app. Still other consumers may remember their newest card, maybe because it's the credit card they're now using exclusively to maximize cash back rewards or airline miles. But for most consumers, there's also a murky in-between where they add, drop and generally accumulate credit cards over time. Over the years, consumers may close some credit card accounts or leave some of their credit cards dormant as a backup form of payment, or perhaps left forgotten in a desk drawer. In the data below, Experian reveals the changes in consumers wallets in recent years. U.S. consumers, on average, carry fewer cards today than they did in 2017, when the typical wallet held 4.2 active credit cards. As of the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, consumers carried 3.9 cards on average. This average is up slightly since the early days of the pandemic, when consumers reduced their average credit card debt and number of accounts as the economy slowed. As Experian revealed earlier this year, credit card balances are still climbing, despite (and partially because of) higher interest rates. And while average balances are increasing, they are spread across fewer accounts than in recent years. Alternative financing—including buy now, pay later plans for purchases—may account for at least some of this discrepancy, as consumers gravitate toward these newer financing methods. In general, residents of higher-population states tend to carry more credit cards than those who live in states with fewer and smaller population centers. Nonetheless, the difference between the states is relatively small. Considering that the national average is around four credit cards per consumer, the four states with the fewest cards per consumer (Alaska, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming) aren't appreciably different, with "only" about 3.3 credit cards per consumer. Similarly, the four states on the higher end of the scale where consumers have 4.2 or more credit cards are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The disparity in average credit card counts is more apparent when the population is segmented by age, thanks in part to Generation Z, many of whom have yet to receive their first credit card. The average number of credit cards for these consumers was two, less than half of what older generations keep on hand. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Donald Trump hinted he still wants to buy Greenland, a self-ruling territory of Denmark, saying that U.S. ownership and control of the island is an “absolute necessity” for national security. The U.S. President-elect reopened a debate from 2019, when he offered to buy what is the world’s biggest island, a proposal that was quickly rebuffed by Denmark at the time. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World,” Trump said on Truth Social Sunday, “the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Greenland is already crucial to American national defense, being home to a U.S. air base and a radar station. The war in Ukraine has dramatically increased the territory’s military value to the U.S. and NATO, given the island’s strategic location between the Arctic and the North Atlantic. Trump made the statement on Sunday as he nominated PayPal co-founder Ken Howery for U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark. Howery responded on X saying he would work to “deepen the bonds” between the U.S., Denmark and Greenland. Howery was an ambassador to Sweden from 2019 to 2021, under Trump’s first administration. Commenting on Trump’s post, Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede said by email that the island is “not for sale and will never be for sale.” However, he said Greenland must continue to be open to cooperation and trade directly with other countries, especially its neighbors. The autonomous authority published a blueprint for its foreign, security and defense policy earlier this year, in which it outlined hopes to forge closer links with North America through trade in critical minerals and by having a bigger say in key defense relationships that have historically been governed by Denmark. Trump’s proposal to buy Greenland in 2019 triggered tensions between the U.S. and Denmark, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen describing it as “absurd,” making it clear Greenland was not for sale. — Bloomberg News

GOP Sen. Lankford: We 'Need a Law to be Able to Fix the Asylum Loophole'

Stunned cops find 'visibly startled gnome' made of party drug MDMA in raid‘Queer liberation necessitates Palestinian liberation’: Activists at Bengaluru panelThe Los Angeles Chargers placed running back J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve due to an MCL sprain that he suffered during a 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero , the Chargers "want to be cautious" with Dobbins' injury and ensure that he's "healed up for the stretch run" of the season. The 25-year-old will now miss a minimum of four games, meaning that his earliest opportunity to return is against the New England Patriots on Dec. 29. This article will beupdated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sportsworld, check out our B/R app , homepage andsocial feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”

Captains of industry and other stakeholders must take advantage of the economic stability brought by the Second Republic’s policies to grow their operations and accelerate economic growth in the coming new year, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said in his Christmas message. He said consumers should buy products made in Zimbabwe to boost the operations of local companies and consequently create more jobs. In his statement, Minister Ndlovu saluted businesses, development partners, the private sector, ministry development agencies and consumers for their contributions to economic growth this year. “The new year presents an opportunity to address challenges in industrial growth while optimising on the strong macro-economic stability we have experienced in the last few months to drive industrial growth going forward,” he said. “I equally encourage your support for the inter-ministerial taskforce on business malpractice in combating counterfeiting and smuggling which enables us to give sanity to our business environment while enhancing consumer protection. “As you celebrate this festive season, please support local initiatives through the Buy Zimbabwe and local content strategy,” Minister Ndlovu implored the nation. His statement comes as Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe national chairman Mr Tafadzwa Musarara yesterday said the milling industry had supplied all essential grain-based products to the market for the festive season and that there will be no shortages. Mr Musarara said despite 2024 being a challenging year marked by drought and grain imports, the milling sector rose to the occasion and delivered products that exceeded demand by 38,9 percent. The stock levels meant that prices would be stable as they could only be pushed up by profiteering retailers when there were shortages. With all maize in stock reserved for Government food schemes, millers had to import their entire supply except for what they had contracted with the farmers. Some of the products that have been supplied to the market were maize meal,rice, flour, salt and other essentials. “The surplus supply has stabilised prices, making these commodities accessible to all, in both formal and informal retail outlets,” he said. “Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting local agriculture through contract farming and exploring additional source markets to maintain affordability.” Mr Musarara thanked the Government for its private sector-led approach to achieving national food security. “The Government’s policies align with international best practices and have enabled us to adapt effectively to these challenges,” he said. The Government has implemented a number of measures to stabilise the economy including strengthening the foreign exchange market that has seen the stability of the local currency, the ZiG, against the US dollar and other currencies, even on the parallel market. A crackdown against smuggling through the country’s borders has also been launched, amid startling revelations the country may be losing an estimated US$1 billion annually in revenue through smuggling. Through partnerships with private investors, a number of electricity generating projects, especially in the coal sector, have been initiated and are expected to ease power shortages the country has been experiencing this year by the end of next year. This will enable Zesa to release more electricity to the manufacturing sector. Minister Ndlovu said they are focusing on strengthening collaboration with the private sector and invited all stakeholders to engage actively with the Ministry. The Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan 2024-2025 had been launched to promote industrial development as the country strives to be an upper-middle income society by 2030. The plan seeks to address challenges hindering the growth of the manufacturing and commercial sectors, including issues such as competitiveness, the cost of doing business, promotion of links with small and medium enterprises, innovation and research. The Ministry was allocated ZiG509 million for the implementation of the plan in the 2025 National Budget. Nqobile Bhebhe, Bulawayo Bureau The Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of existing policies and regulations to facilitate the effective implementation of the parole system and establish community correctional centres. The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), are working to implement the system that [...] Trust Freddy and Obey Musiwa Harare was busy yesterday, as shoppers flocked to shops for last-minute Christmas shopping, while hundreds of travellers headed to rural areas to reunite with loved ones. The city centre was flooded with people rushing to buy last-minute Christmas goodies, clothes, and get stylish haircuts, with salons and beauty parlours also [...] Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent The Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ) has received an early Christmas gift in the form of a donation of groceries and personal care items from Premier Corporate Gifts, bringing joy to many. The donation, handed over during a small ceremony in Chitungwiza, included cooking oil, maize meal, rice, flour, spaghetti, [...]Tributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.

Three-time All-Star Brandon Crawford announced Wednesday he's retiring from MLB after 14 seasons. "Baseball has given me, Jalynne, and the kids more than we ever thought possible, and for that we are so thankful," he said. "I wouldn't have been able to have the career I did without their love and support every step of the way. I also want to thank my parents, siblings, in-laws, coaches, teammates, fans, and everyone else who guided, helped, and rooted for me throughout my career. Now it's time for the next chapter, and I can't wait for the new opportunities and different experiences that it will create." The San Francisco Giants, for whom Crawford spent all but one of his years in the majors, saluted the decorated shortstop: This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .what is calico cat 。

Georgia to inaugurate disputed president amid political crisis

PHOENIX — The Dallas Mavericks have more clarity about their franchise player’s latest injury. Luka Doncic will be re-evaluated in 30 days after suffering a left calf strain on Christmas Day, a person familiar with the injury confirmed to The Dallas Morning News. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report Doncic’s latest recovery timeline. Doncic sustained the injury in the second quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He initiated a stepback midrange jumper, but felt a sense of discomfort when he planted his left foot onto the court. He hobbled to the locker room and had to leave the arena on crutches. Doncic was scheduled to receive an MRI on Thursday to evaluate the severity of the injury. The Mavericks will enter familiar territory after Doncic’s latest injury. They’ve performed well without him in the lineup with a record of 6-2. Doncic’s re-evaluation date will fall on Jan. 27, which means he will miss the Mavericks’ next 17 games. He has already missed eight games this season due to various injuries, including a right knee contusion, a left heel contusion and a right wrist sprain. Doncic missed the Mavericks’ training camp and preseason with a left calf contusion. Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 22 games this season. ©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Voters in three states this year sent important signals that the answer to parents’ frustration about public education is not universal school vouchers, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Mary Ellen Klas writes. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular A shooter kills UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in an ambush in New York, police say A shooter kills UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in an ambush in New York, police say The latest business openings and closings in Hampton Roads The latest business openings and closings in Hampton Roads German restaurant Deutsche Ecke opens in Newport News German restaurant Deutsche Ecke opens in Newport News Amazon same-day delivery center opens in Hampton — the 1st of its kind in Hampton Roads Amazon same-day delivery center opens in Hampton — the 1st of its kind in Hampton Roads Here are the top 50 high school football recruits in Hampton Roads’ Class of 2025 Here are the top 50 high school football recruits in Hampton Roads’ Class of 2025 Williamsburg Christmas parade to feature Commanders marching band Williamsburg Christmas parade to feature Commanders marching band No arrests made in Newport News triple shooting as police continue investigation No arrests made in Newport News triple shooting as police continue investigation Newport News retiree warns of losing access to doctors under city’s insurance provider Newport News retiree warns of losing access to doctors under city’s insurance provider Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck says great things lie ahead in his final State of the City address Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck says great things lie ahead in his final State of the City address Langley Speedway to honor late employee with benefit at track on Saturday Langley Speedway to honor late employee with benefit at track on Saturday Trending Nationally Tijuana once again sets up additional checkpoint at border crossing Fox News contributor Dr. Kelly Powers dead at 45 Disneyland offers discount tickets for Southern California residents in 2025 UK rock band robbed at gunpoint outside Bay Area coffeehouse Florida axes Boy Scouts and other low-selling specialty license plates

Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump's defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host's personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth met with legislators on Capitol Hill, conducted a radio interview and released an opinion article denying allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. He insisted he was “not backing down one bit," that Trump was still supporting him and he planned to return Thursday for more meetings with lawmakers. But the president-elect's team was looking at alternatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump himself remained quiet about Hegseth while issuing a flurry of statements on social media Wednesday about other nominees and his news coverage. Hegeth, asked if he'd meet with Trump on Thursday, said he'd meet with him “anytime he'd like." Hegseth is the latest nominee-designate to be imperiled by personal baggage after the recent withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vulnerabilities were well-documented. But Hegseth’s past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies, was not widely known. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people, showcasing the uneasy intersection between law, politics and individual rights. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism of arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House adviser Peter Navarro, who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, will return to serve in Donald Trump’s second administration, the president-elect announced Wednesday. Navarro, a trade adviser during Trump’s first term, will be a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump said on Truth Social. The position, Trump wrote, “leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.” The appointment was only the first in a flurry of announcements that Trump made on Wednesday as his presidential transition faced controversy over Pete Hegseth, Trump’s choice for Pentagon chief. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, and Trump has considered replacing him with another potential nominee. As he works to fill out his team, Trump said he wanted Paul Atkins, a financial industry veteran and an advocate for cryptocurrency, to serve as the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He wrote on Truth Social that Atkins “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Trump also said he was changing course on his choice for White House counsel. He said his original pick, William McGinley, will work with the Department of Government Efficiency, which will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending. Now David Warrington, who has worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and a lawyer for his campaign, will serve as White House counsel. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza on Wednesday, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants “involved in terrorist activities” in the area, without providing additional details, and said it took precautions to minimize harm to civilians. The strike on the Muwasi tent camp was one of several deadly assaults across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. An Israeli attack in central Gaza killed at least 10 more people, including four children, according to Palestinian medics. Israel’s devastating war in Gaza, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, shows no signs of ending after nearly 14 months. Hamas is still holding dozens of Israeli hostages, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced and is reliant on international food aid to survive. Israel is also pressing a major offensive in the isolated north, where experts say Palestinians might be experiencing famine. The Biden administration has pledged to make a new push for a Gaza ceasefire now that there's a truce in Lebanon between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah, ending more than a year of cross-border fighting. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump demanded this week the release of hostages held by Hamas before he is sworn into office in January. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term and whether he will abide by democratic principles. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Here's a look at the political firestorm caused by the martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years. Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on Tuesday night was accompanied by a pledge to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces at a single stroke.” He vowed to protect the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” Yoon, a conservative, cited repeated attempts by his liberal rivals in control of parliament to impeach his top officials and curtail key parts of his budget bill for next year. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. President-elect Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support the Republican over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. About two-thirds of voters said they own a dog or cat, but pet owners don't usually get much attention from politicians. This year, however, past comments by Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue — and Taylor Swift signed her Instagram endorsement of Harris in September as “Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.” Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who owned a cat but not a dog. Still, those voters were a relatively small slice of the electorate, and pet owners as a whole did not seem to hold Vance's remarks against the GOP ticket. Childless or not, women who only owned a cat were more likely to support Harris than were dog owners, or voters who had a cat and a dog. About 6 in 10 women who owned a cat but not a dog supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast. She did similarly well among women who did not own either kind of pet.

In a groundbreaking move, China's wealthiest individual has set his sights on a new business venture - the male Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine market. This strategic decision marks a significant shift in the healthcare industry and highlights the growing importance of preventive healthcare measures in addressing public health concerns.X Æ A-Xii, Musk's son with Canadian musician Grimes, made the statement during a rare public appearance at a charity event in Los Angeles. The 5-year-old, who has already garnered a significant following on social media due to his unique name and celebrity parents, surprised attendees with his bold declaration that his father should play a more active role in addressing the challenges facing America.Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump didWon’t use tractors, will march to Delhi on foot: Farm leaderslucky calico ph m home 。

Street signs: Sebi's tougher rules for MIIs, mkts settle into neutral gearBitcoin experienced a sudden plunge, causing nearly 570,000 people to be liquidated as the market witnessed intense fluctuations. The massive sell-off sent shockwaves through the crypto community, leaving traders and investors scrambling to make sense of the dizzying volatility.As we mourn the loss of 184 lives in the tragic attack on the slum in Port-au-Prince, let us also renew our commitment to standing in solidarity with the people of Haiti in their quest for peace, justice, and dignity. May this heartbreaking incident serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize the protection and empowerment of the most vulnerable communities, and to work together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all Haitians.

Shares of Xerox Holdings Corp. .css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);}.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link:hover.css-8459s-OverridedLink.css-8459s-OverridedLink:any-link:hover svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);} .css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink{display:inline;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference){.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:200ms,200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:0ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:hover:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveLink020);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:hover:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:active:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveLink030);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:active:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink030);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:hover:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:visited:hover:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:focus-visible:not(:disabled){outline-color:var(--outlineColorDefault);outline-style:var(--outlineStyleDefault);outline-width:var(--outlineWidthDefault);outline-offset:var(--outlineOffsetDefault);}@media not all and (min-resolution: 0.001dpcm){@supports (-webkit-appearance: none) and (stroke-color: transparent){.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:focus-visible:not(:disabled){outline-style:var(--safariOutlineStyleDefault);}}}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010, interactiveLink010);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);}.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link:hover.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink.css-1y1y9ag-OverridedLink:any-link:hover svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020, interactiveLink020);} XRX inched 0.34% higher to $8.91 Tuesday, on what proved to be an all-around grim trading session for the stock market, with the S&P 500 Index SPX falling 0.30% to 6,034.91 and Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA falling 0.35% to 44,247.83. This was the stock's second consecutive day of gains.

Manchester United, on the other hand, have shown glimpses of their potential and quality under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Maguire standing out as key players for the Red Devils. Despite inconsistency in their performances, Manchester United have the talent and resources to compete at the highest level and challenge for major trophies in the near future.

Liu Yang, known for his expertise in financial matters and his engaging teaching style, has been a key figure at Sier Education for many years. His departure came as a shock to both students and colleagues alike, as he had built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education and mentorship.By investing in the development and distribution of a male HPV vaccine, the Chinese business magnate aims to not only capitalize on a burgeoning market but also contribute to the prevention of HPV-related diseases among men. The introduction of a male HPV vaccine represents a paradigm shift in preventive healthcare, offering men the opportunity to safeguard their health and well-being through vaccination.

Geopolitical risks to weigh on PSEiBiden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump didOh the humanity! "Look Back" yells from the rooftops why art needs to exist in the age of AI

The U.S. Supreme Court said it will decide on Jan. 10, 2025, whether to hear an unusual racial gerrymandering appeal from North Dakota. The lead appellee is former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, who is being sued in his official capacity. Burgum’s term ended on Dec. 15. President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, has nominated Burgum to be U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Burgum will likely be replaced as a litigant with the new Republican governor, Kelly Armstrong, which is the usual practice when a government official leaves office midway through a lawsuit. Two Republican-affiliated voters sued to challenge a redistricting plan passed by the state legislature. The redistricting plan approved by a lower court allows the state to create two new minority-majority state legislative subdistricts in the state House to help elect local Native Americans. In the state’s eyes, the problem with the case it won is that a three-member panel of federal district judges assumed that attempting to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA) justifies racial discrimination in validating the new subdistricts. The VRA, enacted in 1965, prohibits racial discrimination in voting and was intended to enforce the 15th Amendment, which forbids the federal government from denying or abridging a citizen’s right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” The plan that is the subject of the case passed the state legislature in 2021 and bisected two existing two-member districts in the state House of Representatives to create two new Native American-majority subdistricts that would each be represented by a single member. The new political subdivisions include Indian reservations. The other appellant, Paul Henderson, is active in the state GOP. The two filed their lawsuit as voters, alleging that the plan amounted to unconstitutional racial gerrymandering that discriminates against non-minority voters. At trial, they argued the newly drawn subdistricts violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, while the state argued it had reason to believe the subdistricts were required by Section 2 of the VRA. That section prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color, or membership in a large language minority group. In November 2023, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota dismissed the lawsuit at the behest of North Dakota and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. The so-called MHA Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes, is located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, near New Town, North Dakota. The panel granted summary judgment to the state and the tribe, finding “that the state’s actions to draw the subdistricts in districts 4 and 9 satisfy strict scrutiny.” Courts use the strict scrutiny test when reviewing legislative or executive branch enactments that infringe on constitutional rights. A government interest is deemed compelling, and therefore in satisfaction of the test, when it is essential or necessary, as opposed to a matter of preference, choice, or discretion. Whenever a case involving compliance with Section 2 as a defense to racial gerrymandering has come before the High Court, the justices have struck down the plan in dispute, the voters argued in the statement. “As a matter of first principles, the state is unable to defend the basis” for the summary judgment, specifically, the district court’s assumption that attempting to comply with the VRA justifies racial discrimination,” the brief stated. If complying with a federal statute requires the state to engage in racial discrimination, “the proper conclusion is not that the statute excuses the state’s discrimination, but that the statute is invalid,” the brief stated, quoting Justice Clarence Thomas’s dissent in Allen v. Milligan (2023). Alabama had asked the Supreme Court to weaken Section 2, arguing the U.S. Constitution required such remedial action, and the court refused. Burgum urged the Supreme Court to “reexamine the foundation” of the district court ruling’s “assumption.” He asked the Supreme Court to vacate the panel’s decision and “make clear that a state’s attempted compliance with Section 2 of the VRA cannot provide a compelling justification for making race the predominate consideration in the design of an election map.” Prelogar said in a brief that the voters challenging the redistricting do not live in an affected subdistrict so they lack legal standing. Standing refers to the right of someone to sue in court. The parties must show a strong enough connection to the claim to justify their participation in a lawsuit. She also said the district court was correct when it upheld the use of race to create the subdistrict. The Epoch Times reached out to Walen’s attorney, Bryan Paul Tyson of Clark Hill in Atlanta, Georgia, the office of North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, and the U.S. Department of Justice for comment. No replies were received by publication time.Investors and financial experts are closely monitoring the market dynamics, as the surge in stock prices has raised concerns about potential overheating and market volatility. It is crucial for investors to maintain a cautious approach and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions in such a volatile market environment.In such uncertain times, gold has long been considered a safe haven asset, known for its ability to retain value and provide a hedge against inflation. Gold stocks ETFs, which track the performance of gold mining companies, are particularly attractive in a rising yield environment. As bond yields rise, the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing assets like gold decreases, making gold stocks more appealing to investors.

The investigation into Zhong Moyan's corrupt activities began after a whistleblower came forward with evidence of the principal's illicit dealings. It was revealed that over the course of several years, Zhong Moyan had accepted bribes from various individuals in exchange for favorable treatment and contracts related to school projects.

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Moreover, Lenovo's tutorial emphasizes the importance of customizing keyboard settings and layouts to suit individual preferences and hand sizes. By utilizing programmable keys and macros, gamers can adjust their keyboard configurations to optimize comfort and efficiency, ensuring a smoother gaming experience without compromising performance.In response to Syria's appeal, Israel has defended its military actions as necessary measures to protect its security and prevent attacks from Syrian-based militant groups. Israel has accused Syria of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations that pose a direct threat to Israeli civilians and has vowed to continue targeting these groups.

In the football world, there are often tales of players who fail to meet expectations at one club, only to find success and redemption at another. Such is the case with the enigmatic striker, known as the Red Devil Abandoned Star, who has been lighting up the Ligue 1 this season with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess.Furthermore, the reiteration of the concept of "moderate easing" after a gap of 14 years is a clear indication of the government's resolve to support growth through monetary measures. By advocating for a balanced approach that combines targeted stimulus with prudent risk management, the authorities seek to strike a delicate balance between bolstering the economy and ensuring financial stability.Foreign investors have staged a strong comeback to Indian equities with a net investment of Rs 24,454 crore in the first week of December. After heavy selling in the past two months, the comeback is amid stabilising global conditions and expectations of potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts. With the latest inflow, FPI investments have reached Rs 9,435 crore in 2024 so far. Advertisement According to the data with the depositories, FPIs have made a net investment of Rs 24,454 crore till December 6. The foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pulled out a net Rs 21,612 crore in November and a massive Rs 94,017 crore in October – the worst monthly outflow on record. Interestingly, September had marked a nine-month high for FPI inflows, with a net investment of Rs 57,724 crore, highlighting the volatility in foreign investment trends. FPIs pulled out Rs 142 crore in the debt general limit and invested Rs 355 crore in the debt Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) during the period under review. In June, July, August, and September, they bought stocks worth Rs 26,565 crore, Rs 32,365 crore, Rs 7,320 crore, and Rs 57,724 crore, respectively. Amid the recent uptick in the IT sector performance, anticipations are high that the IT sector is poised to perform well and attract increased FII interest. Experts opined that the uncertainty over Chinese equities on the back of proposed tariffs by US and other several nations could have prompted FPIs to look back at Indian equities. Advertisement

As Manchester United looks to build upon its recent successes and compete for top honors both domestically and in Europe, having players like Rashford in the squad will be crucial. His ability to change games, provide moments of brilliance, and lead by example make him an indispensable part of Solskjaer's plans for the team's future.IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Revisiting top buys in IPL history as decacorn league beckons in Jeddah

Ronaldo's longevity in the game can also be attributed to his versatility and ability to adapt his playing style as he ages. While he may not possess the same blistering pace he had in his youth, Ronaldo has evolved into a more intelligent and tactical player, relying on his footballing IQ and sense of positioning to outsmart opponents. His aerial prowess, lethal finishing, and ability to score from a variety of positions on the pitch make him a constant threat to opposing defenders.But defeating the Pao Wyrm is no easy task. Its resilience is unmatched, its endurance unyielding. Only the most skilled and determined hunters will emerge victorious against this apex predator of the Crimson Forest. Those who do will be hailed as legends, their names whispered in awe and reverence by all who seek to challenge the might of the Pao Wyrm.Africa is on the verge of a digital transformation, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in reshaping industries, improving public services, and enhancing everyday life. TeKnowledge, a leading technology services provider specialized in AI adoption and cybersecurity, is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging new tools to empower Nigerian businesses and the wider West-African continent. With a suite of services grounded in innovation, TeKnowledge is pushing the boundaries to ensure that these markets stay ahead of the curve in the global digital economy. According to Olugbolahan Olusanya, the Growth and Sales Director for Africa at TeKnowledge, the company’s approach to AI is grounded in solving real-world challenges faced by African businesses and governments. “At TeKnowledge, our mission is to bring the most advanced AI solutions to Africa in a way that is accessible, impactful, and sustainable,” says Olusanya. “AI isn’t just about futuristic technology; it’s about making lives better, driving economic growth, and creating opportunities that were previously unimaginable. True AI advancement goes beyond access — it involves enabling people with the skills and knowledge to harness AI effectively. By fostering AI adoption and digital skilling, we empower individuals and organizations to not only use AI but to thrive in an AI-driven future.” Enhancing Business Competitiveness Through AI In today’s global market, all organizations must innovate continuously to stay at the forefront, and TeKnowledge understands this imperative, offering AI-driven solutions that help companies optimize their operations. This in turn, improves customer experiences, and helps in making data-driven decisions. From predictive analytics to AI-powered customer support, TeKnowledge’s Managed AI Services are designed to streamline processes and deliver a tangible, measurable impact for businesses of all sizes. “AI has the power to transform how African businesses, governments and teams operate,” explains Motunrayo Ayo-Awe, Head of Marketing for Africa at TeKnowledge. “With AI, companies can unlock insights from vast amounts of data, enabling them to make smarter decisions and anticipate market trends. We’re focused on helping governments and enterprises understand the value of AI and how it can make them more competitive, not just locally, but on a global scale.” Building Resilient and Smart Public Services The public sector stands to benefit immensely from AI, especially in a country like Nigeria where resources can be stretched. TeKnowledge remains committed to supporting government institutions in adopting AI solutions that can optimize service delivery, just as it can enhance cybersecurity, and improve public health and education systems. By automating routine processes and deploying AI for predictive analytics, governments can anticipate needs, respond more effectively to its citizens, and deliver services that are more efficient and reliable for the long term. “One of the core areas we’re focused on is enabling the public sector to leverage AI for greater efficiency and resilience hrough different adoption and skilling initiatives” notes Olugbolahan Olusanya. “AI can predict patterns, analyze risks, and identify opportunities, which is invaluable for public planning and decision-making. We’re working with government institutions to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to use AI in ways that make a tangible difference in the lives of the people.” Supporting the Development of Local AI Talent A major aspect of TeKnowledge’ s vision is developing technical talent within Nigeria and across Africa. The company believes that building a skilled workforce in AI is essential for sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness. TeKnowledge has been actively involved in training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and initiatives to inspire young Africans to pursue careers in technology. “Our commitment goes beyond just providing AI services; we’re dedicated to nurturing local talent,” says Ayo-Akwe. “We want to create an ecosystem where Africans don’t just consume technology but are empowered to create it. This is key to establishing a foundation for long-term innovation and independence in the tech sector.” Embracing a Future Built on AI With the demand for AI solutions growing rapidly, TeKnowledge is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in driving Africa’s digital transformation. By providing businesses and governments with AI solutions tailored to their specific needs, TeKnowledge is helping the continent make strides toward a future where technology empowers and uplifts. “Our vision is clear,” Olusanya emphasizes. “We’re not just helping Nigeria and Africa adopt AI; we’re shaping a future where Africa is a leader in digital transformation. Through our expertise, commitment, and innovation, we’re making it possible for the continent to compete globally and thrive in the digital age.” Commitment through Partnerships TeKnowledge’s commitment to the future of AI in Nigeria and Africa, is further emphasized by its strategic collaborations and partnerships with leading tech companies that share its mission of driving AI inclusion across the continent, Chief of which is their partnership with global tech giant, Microsoft These alliances not only highlight the company’s dedication to advancing AI, but also nurture environments where technology can thrive, bringing tangible benefits to businesses, governments, and communities. As TeKnowledge continues to expand its influence across Nigeria and globally, the company remains steadfast in its mission to bring the benefits of AI to every sector, every community, and every individual. 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As Keita settles into his new surroundings in Hungary, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the challenges of a new league and a new team. The Guinean midfielder will be hoping to make a positive impact at Ferencvaros and show that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the game. Only time will tell whether this loan move will prove to be a turning point in Keita's career, but one thing is for certain - it has certainly stirred up excitement and anticipation in the world of football.COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kirill Marchenko scored with 2:12 left in regulation, and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 on Monday night for their second straight home win, rallying after blowing a pair of two-goal leads. Dmitri Vorokov scored twice to extend his point streak to five games, and Kent Johnson added a goal. Jordan Harris netted his first goal for Columbus, while Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan each had three assists. Marchenko also had two assists. Jet Greaves made 27 saves, as the Blue Jackets snapped a seven-game losing streak against Montreal dating to Nov. 23, 2022. David Savard and Jake Evans each had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, and Lane Hutson scored to stretch his point streak to six games. Joel Armia also scored, Cole Caufield contributed two assists, and Sam Montembeault made 27 saves. Montreal had won three straight. Takeaways Montreal: The Habs fought back after being down in the first two periods, but could not close the door. Trailing after the first period seems a sure sign the Canadiens are headed for a loss, as they are 0-11-1 when trying to come from behind. Columbus: The Blue Jackets showed intensity early and late. Despite wasting a two-goal lead for the second consecutive game, they brought the crowd to its feet with a pair of third-period goals and late-game heroics from Greaves. Key Moment Voronkov scored 14 seconds into a third period power-play to pull Columbus even after it fell behind with Armia's score 20 seconds into the last frame. Marchenko’s goal, his third point of the night, finally brought the win home. Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault, left, makes a stop in front of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko, center, and defenseman Lane Hutson during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Credit: AP/Paul Vernon Key Stat Marchenko extended his point streak to six games, and Werenski set a franchise record with points in 11 straight home games. Up Next The Canadiens visit Florida on Saturday, and the Blue Jackets host Boston on Friday night.

The Bank of Canada has cut its benchmark interest rates four times since June. Amid falling interest rates, investors should look to invest in to earn a stable passive income. Meanwhile, the following three Canadian stocks pay monthly dividends at higher yields, thus making them excellent buys. NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT ( ) owns and manages 186 healthcare properties across seven countries. It has signed long-term lease contracts with government-backed tenants, thus enjoying healthy occupancy and collection rates. Its weighted average lease expiry (WALE) stands at 13.4 years. Around 85% of its rent is inflation-indexed, thus shielding its financials against rising prices. Moreover, NWH continues to strengthen its financial position through its non-core assets sales program. This year, the company has disposed of 50 properties across North America, Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, thus generating $1.3 billion in net sales. The company has utilized these cash flows to lower its leverage. It has also put 19 other properties worth $122.8 million for sale, which it expects to dispose of in 12 months. Moreover, NWH is developing next-generation properties that can deliver long-term earnings growth. Given its improving financial position and healthy growth prospects, I believe its future dividend payouts will be safer. Meanwhile, the company offers a juicy forward dividend yield of 7.36%, thus making it an excellent buy for income-seeking investors. Whitecap Resources Second on my list is ( ), which reported an impressive third-quarter performance last month. Its total average production for the third quarter increased by 10.4% to 173,302 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). However, its and fund flows declined compared to the previous year’s quarter due to lower average realized prices. Amid solid operational performance, the company has raised its 2024 production guidance. The new guidance represents a 10.2% increase from 2023. Moreover, WCP has planned to make a capital investment of $1.1-$1.2 billion in 2025, strengthening its production capabilities. These investments could support its production growth, with the management projecting its 2025 average production to be between 176,000 boe/d and 180,000 boe/d. The midpoint of the guidance represents a 3.2% year-over-year growth. Amid its solid operating performance, the management hopes to generate $1.6-$1.7 billion of funds flow next year with WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude at US$70/barrel and AECO natural gas prices at $2.50/GJ (gigajoules). Considering its healthy cash flows, I believe WCP could continue rewarding its shareholders with healthy dividends. With a monthly dividend of $0.0608/share, it currently offers a forward dividend yield of 6.99%. Extendicare ( ) is my final pick. The company reported an excellent third-quarter performance last week, with its topline growing by 11.3%. Increased LTC (long-term-care) funding, volume growth and rate increases in LTC and home health care, and growth in managed services drove its revenue. Supported by its topline growth and lower administrative expenses, its adjusted EBITDA grew 42.4% to $36.1 million. Also, its AFFO (adjusted fund flows from operations) increased to $23.1 million from $12.3 million in the previous year’s quarters. Further, Extendicare is constructing a 256-bed LTC home in St. Catharines, Ontario, to replace its 152-bed Class C home. The company expects to open the facility in the first quarter of 2027. It is also planning to begin the construction of two additional homes this quarter. Considering its healthy financials and growth prospects, I believe Extendicare would continue rewarding its shareholders with healthy dividends. It now pays a monthly dividend of $0.04/share, translating into a forward dividend yield of 4.69%.Coal baby, not cool?

Summer holidays are traditionally a time of celebration and feasting. So, as our minds turn to food and our stomachs rumble, why not read about it? These five food titles, ranging from a chef’s memoir to a foodie crime novel, offer a smorgasbord of perspectives on the ways food shapes our culture, our identities, our environment and our selves. All of them will leave you hungry! A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain (2001) follows late chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain on a global culinary adventure as he searches for “the perfect meal”. While Bourdain doesn’t find perfection, he does discover the centrality of food in preserving culture and building relationships. In Portugal, he gets involved in the yearly pig slaughter – visceral and confronting, despite his experience as a chef – and revels in the celebration, conviviality and hospitality that accompanies this centuries-old tradition. In Vietnam, he builds tentative relationships with locals by joining them in drinking “moonshine from a plastic cola bottle” on the banks of the Mekong. The book is engaging, witty and sharp, but also poignant. It encourages us to not only think about where our food comes from, but about the meanings we ascribe to it and the communities we build around it. My Life in France by Julia Child (with Alex Prud’homme) Julia Child was an unlikely culinary icon. She didn’t really learn to cook until she moved from the United States to France with her husband, Paul, in 1948. On her return, she introduced not just her home country but the English-speaking world to the art of French cooking. (2005), co-written with journalist Alex Prud’homme, tells the story of “a crucial period of transformation” in which she found her “true calling” and started writing (1961) with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. My Life in France is bursting at the seams with Child’s signature : she certainly doesn’t take herself seriously. It is also a snapshot of postwar French cuisine, as experienced by someone encountering something completely transformative – and deciding to share her experience with the world, despite the obstacles. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat Judging by the subtitle, Mastering the Art of Good Cooking, Samin Nosrat’s 2016 book, , took some inspiration from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. However, it is eminently more beginner friendly. While the book has recipes (good ones), it is not a recipe book . Rather, it is a set of instructions on how to cook: or, if you already have the basics down, how to cook better. Yet, unlike other cooking reference books, it tells a story. Iranian–American Nosrat, who trained at the acclaimed restaurant , introduces her readers to her four elements of good cooking, one at a time. She introduces culinary theory, scientific principles and tips and tricks, in an accessible and engaging way. This information is interspersed with vignettes from Nosrat’s culinary life and supported by excellent illustrations. It is not only a good read, but a cookbook you will reach for time and again. Death in the Dordogne by Martin Walker It may be strange to see a mystery novel on this list, but sometimes we want a palate cleanser, a sweet treat to end a meal. Martin Walker’s (2009) is just the thing. Bruno Courrèges is chief of police in the small town of St. Denis in the Dordogne, in south-west France. While there is a murder to be solved (the death of an elderly war veteran), Bruno’s other major obsession is the food and wine of the Périgord region, which Walker describes in delicious detail. As Bruno travels around the countryside solving the mystery, he eats: omelettes scented with black truffle, ripe red strawberries, flaky croissants, and fresh trout cooked in the open air. Alongside this feast, the book also probes the complexities of a changing, modern France – including the impact of immigration and the . The perfect Boxing Day read. Cod by Mark Kurlansky (1997) is a book about the voracious appetite of the human race and the effects of appetite. The story Kurlansky tells is not just the millennia-long saga of the low-fat, white-fleshed fish that was indispensable to cuisines across Europe. It is that, of course – but it’s also a story about the rise of colonialism and capitalism, international conflict, the slave trade, the insatiable search for commodities, and the environmental legacy of new technologies. Cod was first published almost 30 years ago, soon after the North Atlantic cod fishing industry had reached a point of collapse due to overfishing. In 2024, for the first time since the early 1990s, the on commercial cod fishing off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, in light of improved cod stocks. Kurlansky’s writing is evocative – you can feel the chill and the fog of the cod banks. Intrepid cooks may even attempt some of the recipes. To remove this article -Following the rank bestowal, the new recruits gathered together to recite the oath of allegiance, pledging their loyalty and dedication to serving their country with honor and integrity. The air was filled with a sense of unity and camaraderie as these young soldiers voiced their commitment to upholding the values of the military and defending their nation's freedom and security.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is already facing pressure from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to sack his food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, accused of shielding the killer of a village official in Beed district, is now in a spot after even BJP MLAs attacked Munde openly. This led to Fadnavis’s confidant and Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule stepping in and expressing his displeasure over remarks made by BJP MLA Suresh Dhas in public, targeting NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, in connection with the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Dhas has been criticising Munde indirectly alleging that Valmik Karad, the main accused in the murder case has been evading arrest due to his links with food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde, who assumed charge of his post very recently. Advertisement “I will ask Suresh Dhas to share any information he possesses directly with the Chief Minister rather than going public. I will tell him not to make any comments which will hamper the (murder) probe,” Bawankule told reporters in Shirdi. Advertisement However, Bawankule’s efforts failed when BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar, who was previously an aide to CM Fadnavis before becoming a BJP MLA from Ausa, publicly stated on Saturday that the pain caused by the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh has been felt throughout Maharashtra, as evidenced by a protest march organised in Beed district against the murder. The silent march, held in Beed to protest the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, was attended by politicians across party lines. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, Sharad Pawar-led NCP MP Bajrang Sonawane, Sharad Pawar-led NCP MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar, Ajit Pawar-led NCP MLA Prakash Solanke, Sharad Pawar NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, and BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar participated in the march. All the political leaders present demanded the arrest of the main accused at the earliest. Despite Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s statement in Shirdi earlier, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas alleged at the protest march on Saturday that Valmik Karad, who is considered close to food and civil supplies minister Dhanajay Munde, has been “terrorising the district and is working to extort ransom to deliver it to his boss”. BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar also attacked food and civil supplies minister Munde, saying, “Similar protest marches will be held across Maharashtra against the murder of Santosh Deshmukh. The culprits should be given the death penalty. Be it Valmik Karad or anyone else, no matter how big the accused is, he should be punished. The government should take note of this march,” BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar said. Sharad Pawar-led NCP MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar said that the main accused, Valmik Karad, considered close to food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde, must be arrested. “Dhananjay Munde must resign until the investigation is over,” Kshirsagar said at the protest. Significantly, Prakash Solanke, who is from food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde’s own Ajit Pawar-led NCP, also demanded that Munde must be removed from his ministerial post until the Santosh Deshmukh case is solved and the culprits are arrested. Advertisementlucky calico win 。

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Unfortunately, his lack of adherence to the challenge's guidelines led to his disqualification just before the end of the competition. As a result, he not only lost the opportunity to win the 800,000 yuan prize money but also incurred a loss of 20,000 yuan in entry fees and related expenses.Petition by RFK Jr. fan prompts Montreal council to end water fluoridationRamadoss-Anbumani face off as PMK’s general council meeting turns stormyGeode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Krispy Kreme, Inc. ( NASDAQ:DNUT – Free Report ) by 2.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,099,645 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 48,203 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 1.24% of Krispy Kreme worth $22,555,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in Krispy Kreme by 450.6% during the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 169,209 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,816,000 after purchasing an additional 138,475 shares in the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp grew its holdings in Krispy Kreme by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 38,658 shares of the company’s stock valued at $415,000 after purchasing an additional 958 shares in the last quarter. Point72 DIFC Ltd acquired a new stake in Krispy Kreme during the 3rd quarter valued at $51,000. Holocene Advisors LP acquired a new stake in Krispy Kreme during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,716,000. Finally, Bamco Inc. NY grew its holdings in Krispy Kreme by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 10,481,319 shares of the company’s stock valued at $112,569,000 after purchasing an additional 425,630 shares in the last quarter. 81.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Krispy Kreme Trading Up 0.5 % NASDAQ DNUT opened at $9.78 on Friday. Krispy Kreme, Inc. has a one year low of $9.18 and a one year high of $17.84. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.81 and a 200-day simple moving average of $10.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.66 billion, a PE ratio of 57.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.21 and a beta of 1.34. Krispy Kreme Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In DNUT has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Krispy Kreme from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Krispy Kreme from $14.00 to $13.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Krispy Kreme in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $14.00 price objective for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $15.56. Get Our Latest Research Report on DNUT About Krispy Kreme ( Free Report ) Krispy Kreme, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces doughnuts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: U.S., International, and Market Development. The company offers doughnut experiences through hot light theater and fresh shops, delivered fresh daily branded cabinets and merchandising units within grocery and convenience stores, quick service restaurants, club memberships, drug stores, and ecommerce, as well as through its branded sweet treat line comprising Krispy Kreme branded sweet treats. Read More Five stocks we like better than Krispy Kreme Best of the list of Dividend Aristocrats: Build wealth with the aristocrat index S&P 500 ETFs: Expense Ratios That Can Boost Your Long-Term Gains Financial Services Stocks Investing How AI Implementation Could Help MongoDB Roar Back in 2025 Bank Stocks – Best Bank Stocks to Invest In Hedge Funds Boost Oil Positions: Is a Major Rally on the Horizon? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DNUT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Krispy Kreme, Inc. ( NASDAQ:DNUT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Krispy Kreme Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Krispy Kreme and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Together, Jack Ma and Fan Luyuan represent the dynamic duality of the modern business world. Their partnership is a perfect blend of creativity and pragmatism, of innovation and reliability. Like the two sides of a coin, they complement each other, each bringing their unique strengths to the table to create a synergy that is greater than the sum of its parts.