Call for amendments to make ‘toothless’ Sindh Commission for Protection of Journalists powerful The Pakistan Journalists Safety Coalition’s (PJSC)-Sindh chapter and members of the Sindh Commission for Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners (CPJMP) have unanimously demanded amendments to make the “toothless” commission more powerful and at same time asked for “proactive support” from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s government to overcome logistic and other issues which the body has been facing since its inception in December 2022. “The current legal framework is not enough to expect the commission to deliver. As long as amendments are not made to the current law, the commission appears weak and the issue of impunity is unlikely to be tackled,” PJSC-Sindh chapter and CPJMP members said, according to a press release issued here on Friday. Co-chaired by PJSC-Sindh chairperson Aamir Latif and Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak, the meeting, which was held on Thursday here, met to take stock of the commission affairs and meeting participants were unanimous that the Sindh government was taking “least interests” in getting the commission fully operational. Since its notification in December 2022, the commission has not provided with secretariat-level support to combat impunity for crimes against journalists nor has the provincial government allocated any budget in annual provincial budget for the commission. “The government is not taking any interest,” Mazhar Abbas told the meeting, which was also attended by Karachi Press Club president Saeed Sarbazi, CPJMP members Jabbar Khattak and Dr Tauseef Ahmed, besides Ghulam Mustafa, Pakistan’s coordinator of the IFJ. Iqbal Khattak lamented that the Sindh commission was not delivering despite unanimity among all stakeholders on tackling impunity for crimes against media and its practitioners. “Where does the problem lie?” he asked. “We need to remove these roadblocks the commission is facing, and the Sindh government’s role is important.” Jabbar Khattak requested Freedom Network to help draft the amendments before calling on the PPP leadership and other parliamentary party leaders in the Sindh Assembly to pass the amendments unanimously. At least 21 cases of different threat categories were documented in Sindh province from January 2024 until 10 December 2024. Two journalists were murdered during the same period. Sindh emerged the most dangerous province for journalists in the 2024 Pakistan Impunity Report of Freedom Network, with Islamabad and Punjab designated as the “second and third dangerous places” to practice journalism in Pakistan. The meeting set three goals to make the commission effective and authoritative. “Amend the current law; urgent logistic support for commission and its members, need to change chairperson’s selection criteria and commission’s fact-finding mandate to investigate any attack against journalist,” the meeting explained the three goals.slot vip game 。

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Pete Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with lawmakers in an effort to protect his bid to lead the Pentagon amid growing questions about his personal conduct. "No," Hegseth said when asked if he would be dropping out. Reports indicate that the Trump transition team is considering potential replacements, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and incoming Trump national security advisor Michael Waltz, according to the Associated Press. "I believe that we need an FBI background check to evaluate the allegations," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. The Trump transition team signed a "memorandum of understanding" allowing the Justice Department to conduct background checks on nominees and staff. This is an essential step for a smooth transition of power, enabling Trump's future administration to obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information. "I've talked to 5 to 10 Republicans who have said to me, they're just waiting for the right moment to say no to Pete Hegseth," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. Hegseth called the allegations "BS stories" on social media, stating he won't back down as he worked to shore up support with senators on Wednesday. "It's been a wonderful process to go through and meet with senators, especially members of the Armed Services Committee whose passion is the Defense Department," Hegseth said. "It was a frank and thorough conversation," said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a former combat veteran whose work has focused on trying to stamp out sexual assault in the military. The senator's support is considered critical in the tightly divided Senate. If all Senate Democrats vote against Hegseth, he can only afford four Republican defectors. Hegseth's mother, Penelope Hegseth, defended her son on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday morning, despite a controversial email she sent him chastising his character. Hegseth "is not that man he was seven years ago, and I am not that mother," Penelope Hegseth said, discussing a 2018 email where she told her son he "belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego." Penelope Hegseth said she quickly apologized for the email and said she sent it in an emotional state.Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for relief

More Than Just Cauliflower: How to Cook Whole VegetablesThe onus will be on the Indian batting line-up as they take on Australia in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday (December 14) in a do-or-die situation. With the series locked at 1-1, Rohit Sharma's men will need to win the remaining three Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Baring the second innings in the first Test in Perth, the Indian batting looked a distant shadow of what they actually are on paper. While the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill let go their starts, Virat Kohli was undone by extra bounce, Rohit's idea of coming down the order at No.6 didn't help the visitors much. In Brisbane, the India is likely to open the batting with Rahul coming down at no.5. Among the spinners, Ravindra Jadeja's inclusion looks certain as he gives batting dept while pacer Harshit Rana is expected to make way for Akash Deep. On the other hand, Australia made one change in their playing XI from Adelaide with Josh Hazlewood making his way back from injury, replacing Scott Boland. India Vs Australia Test live: India's predicted playing XI Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin/Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep/Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy India Vs Australia Test live: Australia playing XI Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. India Vs Australia Test live: Optional practice session for India Meanwhile, India had an optional training session at The Gabba on Friday with only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill featuring for the visitors. Rohit Sharma didn't come. India Vs Australia Test live: What happened when India played here last time? The last time India played at this venue in 2021, the visitors broke a 33-year-old drought to win a Test match at The Gabba. Can India do the same this time? India vs Australia Test LIVE: Drizzles in Brisbane Brisbane experienced drizzles on Friday. Rain is expected on day 1 of the Test match along with thunderstorms. There are 65% chances of rain on Day 1 of the Test match. India vs Australia Test LIVE: Australia confirm once change Australia have already announced their only change with Scott Boland making way for Josh Hazlewood, who missed in the second Test. For India, there are a couple of changes expected. India vs Australia Test LIVE: How the series have gone so far India started the series on a resounding note with a 295-run win over in the first Test in Perth. Australia bounced back with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide. It's a do-or-die situation for the Indian team who need to win the remaining three Tests to qualify for the WTC final. India vs Australia Test LIVE: Hello and welcome from The Gabba Hello and welcome to day 1 of the third Test between India and Australia. The series is locked at 1-1 with both sides winning once game each so far.

Major stock indexes on Wall Street drifted to a mixed finish Friday, capping a rare bumpy week for the market. The S&P 500 ended essentially flat, down less than 0.1%, after wavering between tiny gains and losses most of the day. The benchmark index posted a loss for the week, its first after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1%, ending just below the record high it set on Wednesday. There were more than twice as many decliners than gainers on the New York Stock Exchange. Gains in technology stocks helped temper losses in communication services, financials and other sectors of the market. Broadcom surged 24.4% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Some tech stocks were a drag on the market. Nvidia fell 2.2%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Google parent Alphabet slid 1.1%. Among the market's other decliners were Airbnb, which fell 4.7% for the biggest loss in the S&P 500, and Charles Schwab, which closed 4% lower. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 17% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. All told, the S&P 500 lost 0.16 points to close at 6,051.09. The Dow dropped 86.06 points to 43,828.06. The Nasdaq rose 23.88 points to 19,926.72. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year . The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.

But the City boss has vowed to stay on and lift the club back to the top even if they are sent all the way down to the National League. Guardiola ended speculation over his immediate future this week by extending his contract, which had been due to expire at the end of the season, through to the summer of 2027. That has given the club some stability at a time of great uncertainty as they fight 115 charges related to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. City have denied all wrongdoing but their punishment if found guilty could be severe, with demotion even a possibility. Guardiola has strongly defended the club in the past and is happy to continue doing so. The Spaniard said: “I don’t enjoy it, I prefer not to be in that position, but once it’s there I love it because, when you believe in your club, and the people there – I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. “I cannot say yet because we’re awaiting the sentence in February or March – I don’t know when – but at the same time, I like it. “I read something about the situation and how you need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff. “I said when all the clubs accused us of doing something wrong, (and people asked) what happens if we are relegated, (I said) I will be here. “Next year, I don’t know the position of the Conference they are going to (put) us, (but) we are going to come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.” The immediate priority for Guardiola, who said his contract negotiations were completed in “just two hours”, is to arrest a run of four successive defeats in all competitions. Yet, ahead of their return to action against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the champions continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list. Mateo Kovacic is their latest casualty after sustaining a knock on international duty that could keep him out for up to a month. On the positive side, defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji could feature and Jack Grealish is also closing in on a return after a month out. Much to Guardiola’s frustration, Grealish was called up by England for their recent Nations League games, although he later withdrew. Guardiola said: “I want the best for Jack and I want the best for Jack with the national team but the doctor said to me that he was not ready to play. “I know (England) want him but they have 200 players to select from and Jack was not fit. He had to recover from many things.” Kyle Walker played for England against both Greece and the Republic of Ireland despite limited game time since suffering injury in the October international break. Guardiola said: “If he is fit I like him to play in the national team. It is not a problem, don’t misunderstand me. “Kyle has a dream to make 100 caps for the national team. Do I want to cancel this dream? Absolutely not. “But if you are not fit, if you cannot play here, you cannot play for the national team. It is quite obvious.”EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Ray'Sean Taylor had 27 points, Ring Malith scored 24 with 10 rebounds and SIU Edwardsville beat Ball State 82-69 on Sunday. Taylor went 9 of 22 from the field (7 for 15 from 3-point range) for the Cougars (6-4). Malith hit 7 of 13 shots and 9 of 10 at the free-throw line. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekslotvip 188 。

Labor eyes last chance of 2024 to tick policy boxesHarry and Meghan’s polo docuseries to highlight ‘grit behind the glamour’None

The Minnesota Vikings entered their week 12 matchup vs the Chicago Bears , with a rare chance to go 9-2 in an NFL season. But as we all know, nothing comes easy when you cheer for MN sports teams. Even after winning four-straight, prior to Sunday’s matchup, history at Soldier Field has not been kind to the Vikings. And today’s win did not come easy. Even with the Vikings leading by two touchdowns in the 4th quarter, the Bears never died. A mad 4th quarter surge by Caleb Williams & Co., combined with some late Minnesota mistakes and the first onside kick recovery of the NFL season, led to a game-tying Bears field goal that put this one into overtime. What we learned about the gritty (not Griddy) Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears Thankfully, the Minnesota Vikings defense was able to get a hold, to start OT, and Sam Darnold was money in the extra session. Chicago may have kicked a game-tying field goal to force overtime, but Will Reichard’s replacement, John Parker Romo, made the game-winner, with just over two minutes remaining. The now 9-win Vikings proved a lot, on Sunday. Not all of the takeaways were positive, but this team showed fight and walked out of an extremely hostile environment with a division win, and that’s all that matters. Over a hard-fought 60 minutes of football, here’s what we learned. Jordan Addison officially freed. It’s been a few weeks since Jordan Addison may or may not have complained about his role in the Minnesota Vikings’ offense, with his now infamous “Free 3” post on Instagram. But Addison’s social media posts won’t be a concern for Kevin O’Connell & Co tonight. Not only was Addison a main feature of the Vikings’ offense this week, he was the entire passing offense, for most of the game. At one point early in the 3rd quarter, the former USC and Pitt star accounted for 126 of Minnesota’s 150 receiving yards, including this absurd catch with former Gopher Terell Smith draped all over him. JORDAN ADDISON : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/VOUwHrtAWj Did Jordan Addison stay in bounds? Incredible footwork pic.twitter.com/2MLRphyH6b When the final whistle blew in overtime, Jordan Addison reeled in 8 of his 9 targets for 162 yards and 1 touchdown. The 22-year-old wideout was the only reliable target for Sam Darnold, through regulation, on a day where Justin Jefferson was limited to only 2 receptions for 27 yards, the second of which came on the Vikings’ only OT drive. If teams are going to continue to take away JJ, this is how Addison needs to play every week, and his QB needs to make sure to find him. Week 12 proved how deadly he can be, when left open. On the day, Darnold went 22-of-34 for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was especially good in overtime, going 4-of-4 for 60 yards, which led to the game-winning field goal. Aaron Jones revenge game... except Speaking of offensive help for Justin Jefferson, let’s talk about Aaron Jones’ day. The Minnesota Vikings 1st year veteran running back, who turns 30-years-old this week , had himself a nice little revenge game in Chicago. On 22 carries, Jones posted 106 yards on the ground, at an average of 4.8 YPC. It was only his second 100-yard game in purple. The first came all the way back in September , vs the Houston Texans. Jones also found paydirt for the first time in over a month (Oct. 20). Aaron Jones runs 40+ yards for the Vikes into the goal line. pic.twitter.com/JcOCz346Nj Aaron Jones told media members this week that his rib injury was feeling a lot better, than last week, leading up to one of the worst performances of his Minnesota Vikings career. That was all washed away on Sunday, for the most part. In a game that ended up in overtime, we can’t forget his first quarter fumble, where he had a ball ripped away from him at the Bears’ 1-yard-line, as the Vikings were about to score on their first drive of the game. It was Jones’ third lost fumble in the last two weeks. Special Teams matter There may not be a game played in the NFL all season that magnifies special teams play, like Bears vs Vikings, week 12. Not only did Chicago have yet another field goal blocked, something that has proven to be a huge issue for them, but their punt returner, DeAndre Carter also let a punt hit him in the foot, which Minnesota recovered. But in the closing minutes of this contest, the Bears’ special teams gave them an insane chance at a comeback victory. After being down 14 points earlier in the 4th quarter, the aforementioned DeAndre Carter returned a Minnesota Vikings kickoff beyond midfield. That allowed Chicago to find the endzone, and pull the game within a field goal, with just 22 seconds remaining. Then, the Bears recovered the first onside kick of the NFL season, after it hit Johnny Mundt in the foot and a black jersey fell on the football. Bears recover the onside kick! : #MINvsCHI on FOX : https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/3JVpREri2f That gave Chicago a chance at a game-tying field goal, as time expired. This, just one week after they had a game-winner blocked vs Green Bay. This week, of course, they converted, pushing Bears vs Vikings into overtime, with the score tied at 27-27. Before we finish up this Special Teams portion of this article, we need to touch on John Parker Romo (or Parker Romo), who did not have a kicking job just a few weeks ago. Since joining the Minnesota Vikings, Romo has hit all eight of his field goal attempts, including three more today, from 26, 40 and 29 yards, the last of which came in OT and walked Minnesota off in Chicago. PARKER ROMO WITH THE OVERTIME GAME-WINNER!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bruE60mEQ4 Caleb Williams is going to cause the Minnesota Vikings problems for a long time The biggest takeaway from today’s game may have been more of a long-term observation. I hadn’t watched a lot of Chicago Bears football this season, but I don’t need to see anything further on Caleb Williams. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is going to be a problem for the entire NFL, but especially teams in the NFC North, for a long time. He made his fair share of mistakes on Sunday. He forced balls, threw low and threw high. But overall, it was one hell of a performance by the Bears’ new franchise QB. Sam Darnold threw two touchdowns in the first half vs the Bears. But Caleb Williams, on 16-of-22 passing in the first two quarters, more than doubled Darnold’s yardage, 176 to 81. These back-to-back throws by Caleb Williams are a perfect example why the hype was as high as it was for him pic.twitter.com/VeIHPE1UE3 In the 2nd half, Williams didn’t get as many opportunities, but he took advantage of what he did get, especially in the 4th quarter, when he led the Bears on a 10-play, 64-yard drive for a touchdown that cut the Minnesota Vikings lead from 14 to 8, after a failed two-point conversion. Report: Report: Minnesota Vikings are a Favorite to Land QB Daniel Jones When the dust settled in Chicago on Sunday afternoon, Williams finished 32-of-47 for 340 yards, 2 TD and 0 INTs (103.1 QB rating). He takes chances and tries to fit balls where they may not be able to go, but that’s because he trusts his incredible arm talent, and his feel for the game. After watching him today, Bears fans should too. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.Woman hospitalised after car crashes through Wodonga fence in wet weather

Two members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet will be in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday to meet with members of Donald Trump's team. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly and newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc are making the trip south to further discussions with members of the future Trump administration, ahead of inauguration day on Jan. 20. "They look forward to continuing the discussions that took place when the Prime Minister met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month," said Jean-Sébastien Comeau, director of communications for Minister LeBlanc, in a statement. The duo is also looking to build off a "positive call" the ministers had with Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, earlier this month. In an exclusive interview with CTV's Power Play host Vassy Kapelos on Dec. 19, Homan called border talks with Canada "positive." "The conversation I have in Canada, I couldn't ask for a better conversation," Homan said. "Of course, actions have to follow, but I'm very optimistic from the conversation I had that we're going to come up with a good border security plan." Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports if the country doesn't take sufficient action to address the flow of illegal drugs and migrants over the shared border. Last week, the federal government laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security , but it didn't provide specifics about where and how $1.3 billion in funding earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated. Friday's trip to Palm Beach, Fla., will focus on what Canada has done so far to address Trump's border concerns. "The Ministers intend to focus on Canada's efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration and the measures outlined in Canada's Border Plan, as well as the negative impacts that the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods would have on both Canada and the United States," Comeau said in his statement. The meetings also come amid repeated and ongoing online comments from Trump about Canada becoming "the 51st state" and the prime minister being its governor. "...To Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens' Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World," read in part a Christmas Day message posted by Trump on Truth Social, his own social media platform. The Prime Minister's Office has not directly addressed the repeated comments by Trump. With files from CTV News' Mike Le Couteur and Stephanie Ha MORE POLITICS NEWS India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S. Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview Canada condemns China's steps against Canadian institutions over Uyghurs, Tibet Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect Parties agree on the need to act on online harms, but time is running out for new law Revised airline compensation rules will do little to change status quo: experts Green Party's Elizabeth May reflects on unprecedented week in Canadian politics IN DEPTH Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power. 'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties. 'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it. Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports. 'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday. Opinion opinion | Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election? opinion | Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus. opinion | Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place. opinion | Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point. opinion | Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing. CTVNews.ca Top Stories Ministers Joly, LeBlanc travel to Florida to meet with Trump's team Two members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet will be in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday to meet with members of Donald Trump's team. India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S. Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM. Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said. Unwanted gift card in your stocking? Don't let it go to waste Gift cards can be a quick and easy present for those who don't know what to buy and offer the recipient a chance to pick out something nice for themselves, but sometimes they can still miss the mark. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Canada Laval police searching for missing teen girl, family fears for her safety Laval police (SPL) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 15-year-old girl, who was last seen on Christmas Eve. 2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning. Ship remains stalled on St-Lawrence River north of Montreal A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve, remains stationary north of Montreal. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. World An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence Syria's new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs on Thursday, a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country's fragile peace could break down. Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponents Israel's attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader's corruption trial. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies at 92 India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said. Russia arrests 4 suspects accused of plotting to kill top military officers on Ukraine's orders Russia's top security agency said Thursday that it has arrested several suspects accused of involvement in an alleged Ukrainian plot to assassinate senior military officers, an announcement that follows the killing of a top Russian general last week. Sinkhole prompts lane closures on Interstate 80 in New Jersey A sinkhole that opened up Thursday along Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey forced authorities to close the heavily travelled highway's eastbound lanes. Politics India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S. Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border. Nova Scotia premier tones down rhetoric toward Ottawa in end of year interview On the heels of a resounding election victory one month ago, Nova Scotia's premier is adopting a more measured tone when it comes to assessing his province's relationship with the federal government. Canada condemns China's steps against Canadian institutions over Uyghurs, Tibet The Canadian government condemned China on Tuesday for taking steps against two Canadian institutions and 20 people involved in human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and Tibet. Health Dr. Theresa Tam shares her top health concerns for Canada in 2025 As we enter 2025, Dr. Theresa Tam has her eye on H5N1 bird flu, an emerging virus that had its first human case in Canada this year. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Plush toys recalled in Canada due to choking hazard Health Canada announced a recall on a series of plush toys due to a choking hazard. Anyone who has purchased an elephant, giraffe, lion, tiger and/or panda plush toy with an attached baby can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Sci-Tech Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024 This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories. AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness it Getting the latest technology into the hands of students with disabilities is a priority for the U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report. Entertainment Bad Bunny announces a new album, 'Debi Tirar Mas Fotos' Happy holidays from Bad Bunny, who announced Thursday he will release a new album Jan. 5. 'Wicked' will make its streaming debut on New Year’s Eve, with deleted and extended scenes Universal Pictures, the studio behind the hit film, announced on Thursday that “Wicked” will be available to buy or rent on December 31 on digital streaming platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV. Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM. Business Unwanted gift card in your stocking? Don't let it go to waste Gift cards can be a quick and easy present for those who don't know what to buy and offer the recipient a chance to pick out something nice for themselves, but sometimes they can still miss the mark. OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Lifestyle Spending the holiday season alone this year? How to make the most of it Spending the holidays alone can feel lonely or empty, but it doesn't have to be that way. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes Heading into 2025, thousands of workers face an unsettling reality: after years of working from the comfort of home, they must return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic or look for new work. Your kid is spending too much time on their phone. Here's what to do about it Wondering what your teen is up to when you're not around? They are likely on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat, according to a new report. Sports World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day A Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city. Swimmer Summer McIntosh voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year for 2024 During the month before her 18th birthday, Summer McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, winter or summer, with a silver medal thrown in for good measure. Stephen Curry says 'end is near' for career NBA great Stephen Curry said he is appreciating his 16th season, knowing he is closing in on the end of his record-setting career. Autos More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. Ford Motor donates US$1 million and fleet of vehicles to Trump's inauguration Ford Motor Co F.N is donating US$1 million and a fleet of vehicles to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's January inauguration, a company spokesperson said on Monday. Local Spotlight Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather. Teen cancer patient pays forward Make-A-Wish donation to local fire department A 16-year-old cancer patient from Hemmingford, Que. decided to donate his Make-A-Wish Foundation gift to the local fire department rather than use it himself. B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status. 'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B. A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000. No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas 'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy. Big splash: Halifax mermaid waves goodbye after 16 years Halifax's Raina the Mermaid is closing her business after 16 years in the Maritimes. Willistead Manor celebrates the Christmas season in style, with only two weekends left to visit From the Great Hall to the staircase and landings, to the conservatory – hundreds of people have toured the Willistead Manor this December. Music maker, 88, creates unique horn section, with moose antler bass guitar and cello Eighty-eight-year-old Lorne Collie has been making musical instruments for more than three decades, creations that dazzle for their unique materials as much as their sound. Vancouver 1 airlifted, highway closed after crash in Mission Lougheed Highway is closed in Mission, B.C., after a car crash Thursday morning that seriously injured at least one person, Mounties say. These were the most-borrowed books from Vancouver libraries in 2024 What have Vancouverites been reading in 2024? The Vancouver Public Library has released its lineup of the books that kept flying off the shelf this year, which can serve as inspiration for bookworms’ 2025 reading lists. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Toronto OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down. Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by driver of vehicle in North York A pedestrian has been seriously injured after being hit by the driver of a vehicle in North York late Thursday afternoon. Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer. Calgary 2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning. Boxing Day draws deal-seekers, but maybe fewer than in times past Calgarians hoping to save some money—or get that last gift they missed out on for Christmas—headed to the store for Boxing Day. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Ottawa Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified. World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day A Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city. What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year. Montreal WEATHER | Smog warning in effect in Montreal, Laval Residents of Montreal, Laval and other regions are advised that a smog warning is in effect. Quebec teenager gives his Make-A-Wish donation to his community When the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered Gerry McAdam anything he wanted he didn't know what to do. The 16-year-old from Hemmingford, Quebec is battling sarcoma, a rare form of tissue cancer. A very different Boxing Day from previous years In a markedly different economic context than last year, with fiercer and more unfair international competition than ever and less than two weeks after the end of the Canada Post strike, this year’s Boxing Day sales are set to be different from those in previous years, says the Quebec Retail Council (CQCD). Edmonton These are the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024 CTV News Edmonton looks at the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024, and how you can protect yourself. Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut "It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it." Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Atlantic Christmas Day fire causes heavy damage to building in Saint John, N.B. A fire caused a power outage for around 900 residents of Saint John, N.B., Wednesday afternoon. Civil War sword with N.B. ties now on display at Loyalist House The blade of Dr. John F. Stevenson, who was born in Saint Andrews, N.B., is now part of the New Brunswick Historical Society’s collection after being purchased from a collector for $6,200 dollars. Temporary overnight parking ban for Saint John, N.B. Saint John, N.B., has declared an overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula beginning 11 p.m. Thursday evening through 7 a.m. Friday morning. Winnipeg 16-year-old boy found with machete: Police A 16-year-old boy is in custody after police said they found him with a machete. Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops. Have you seen Davis? Winnipeg police search for missing man Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a man who went missing last week. Regina Yorkton RCMP seek tips to locate unlawfully-at-large inmate Yorkton RCMP is seeking tips from the public to locate an inmate after staff noticed he was not present at the Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre. Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Sawed-off shotgun and three knives seized during Cambridge arrest Two people from Thunder Bay are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after they were arrested in Cambridge. Baden-born player, Guelph Storm forward and former Kitchener Ranger prepare to hit the ice at World Juniors Waterloo Region and Guelph will be well represented as the International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors gets underway. Saskatoon Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. IN PICTURES: CTV Saskatoon viewers send us their holiday photos A living gallery of viewer-submitted photos from the holiday season. Share your pictures with us at SaskatoonNews@bellmedia.ca Sask. highway closed following serious collision The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown. Northern Ontario Drug trade fuelling increase in gun crime in Timmins, police say Police in Timmins say gun crime is increasing in the city because of the drug trade, especially involving opioids. Freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Greater Sudbury Environment Canada issued a freezing drizzle advisory Thursday for areas in and around Greater Sudbury. Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record. London Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays. Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game. London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning. Barrie Police in Barrie searching for two missing individuals Police in Barrie are searching for two individuals who were both reported missing on Thursday. Teen allegedly attempting to avoid R.I.D.E. program leads to police chase, arrest A teenage driver is facing numerous charges after reportedly attempting to avoid a R.I.D.E. program and flee from police in Essa Township late Christmas night. Christmas Day break and enter under investigation Police are searching for those who were involved in an alleged break and enter at a Gravenhurst business on Christmas Day. Windsor Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom. VIDEO | From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season. 'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located? The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday. Vancouver Island Multiple sailing waits for BC Ferries after further cancellations BC Ferries cancelled multiple early morning sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island Thursday morning, as weather warnings due to wind and heavy rain remain in effect. Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster. Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Lethbridge Lake Louise ice climber takes a scary fall, then carries on climbing ice The sport of ice climbing is becoming more and more popular, but one man is lucky to be alive after a serious fall in Alberta’s back country. Safety tips for holiday home cooks: Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services If you’re planning to cook over the holidays, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding everyone to do it safely. Here’s which bins your Christmas wrapping, ribbons and leftovers should go into With piles of presents unwrapped Wednesday, Environment Lethbridge is reminding everyone to dispose of all that waste properly. Sault Ste. Marie Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record. Sault shopper caught with stolen credit cards A Sault man’s illegal shopping spree came to an abrupt end over the weekend. Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory. N.L. Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail. As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration. A massive, menacing Steller's sea eagle is dazzling birders in a Newfoundland park A national park in Newfoundland has made the unusual move of opening in the winter so people can catch a glimpse of its rare and menacing new guest. Newfoundland woman washed sick patients' hair every Saturday for more than 20 years A retired nurse and teacher in Newfoundland was honoured this week for her volunteer work, which included more than two decades washing the hair of bedridden hospital patients. Stay ConnectedEagles Backup QB Makes Big Announcement Amid Jalen Hurts Injuryslotvip slot 。

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Xencor CEO Bassil Dahiyat sells $1.19 million in stock

Ministers told ‘incompetence’ at Met Office led to underestimation of Storm BertThe whiplash-inducing, “Hun­ger Games”-style race to become Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary made it easy for the media to ignore what has been going on with Janet Yellen — and the absolute mess she’s leaving for her successor. Yellen — who, it was revealed Friday, will be replaced as Treasury secretary in January by hedge fund mogul Scott Bessent — was Joe Biden’s pick to run the office that is essentially the country’s CFO. Indeed, it could be the most important cabinet position in the White House given the importance of the US economy. Americans put Trump in office largely over his handling of the economy during his first term — job growth and wages that kept place with a low inflation rate. Despite her gold-plated résumé, Ivy League degrees, and time served as Fed chair, Yellen gave the country just the opposite. Her boss paid the price politically as the American people paid the price economically. And according to my sources, the American people aren’t done paying the price for Yellen’s mismanagement even if most of the financial media is overlooking the fiscal time bomb she devised — one that could blow up once Trump takes office. Specifically, my sources who follow the bond market say Yellen has been setting a trap for the incoming Trump administration through the way she financed the massive $1.8 trillion federal budget deficit that exploded during the Biden years with the accumulation of $36 trillion in debt. Yellen has been moving away from long-term debt to finance the shortfalls to shorter-dated securities, essentially rolling over deficits with more and more Treasury bills instead of the normal way of debt issuance through 10- and 30-year debt. That’s according to an analysis by Robbert van Batenburg of the influential Bear Traps Report, who estimates that around 30% of all debt is the short-term variety — aka 2-year and shorter notes — compared to 15% in 2023. Didn’t lock in low rates In an era of low interest rates, Yellen & Co. could have locked in relatively cheap interest payments for years by issuing more 10- and 30-year debt. So why go there? Politics, according to Yellen’s Wall Street critics. Because the Biden administration has taken spending to new and some say unsustainable levels, Yellen needed to engage in a bit of financial chicanery to keep interest rates low and not spook the stock market during an election year, her critics say. If she had financed deficits with 10- and 30-year bonds, that would have caused a rise in interest rates that impact consumers, i.e. mortgages and credit cards. Yields on the 10-year bond have remained under 5%, a key level that has coincided with a run-up in stocks. If rates move to 5% and above, it would also probably cause a decline in the stock market because stocks would be competing with higher-yielding super-safe treasuries for investors’ money. She was playing with additional fire because rates on short-dated debt, while low, began to spike in recent years when the Fed raised its base rate to fight inflation. As van Batenburg puts it: “The Treasury now faces a substantial volume of short-term debt maturing annually, which must be refinanced at significantly higher interest rates. Current market rates for short-term debt, while slightly lower than recent peaks, remain elevated compared to historical levels. This mismatch between low-cost historical debt and high-cost replacement debt is driving a substantial increase in the government’s interest expense.” Scary stuff. Average Americans got screwed by inflation and then higher rates that made homeownership less affordable. Rich people luxuriated in gains from higher financial-asset prices. But yields on the 10-year have been inching up to that danger zone of 5%. It could set the stage for a stock market collapse or even worse if the bond market starts to factor in not just higher deficits given Biden’s spending spree, but also the need to issue more long-dated debt because short-term borrowing is more expensive. Thanks, Janet. Gensler’s SEC land mines Speaking of cleaning up messes, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler announced last week he doesn’t plan to stick around until his term ends in 2026. His replacement is still in question as this column goes to press, though sources say long-time securities lawyer and ex-SEC commissioner Paul Atkins has the inside track. While Wall Street’s top cop won’t face the same existential worries being faced by the new Treasury secretary, it won’t be a cakewalk, either. “Cleaning up after Gensler is like avoiding land mines left behind by the retreating Japanese soldiers,” an SEC insider told me. Gensler, during his three-plus years as Biden’s SEC chair, basically defied the agency’s congressional mandate. He turned what’s essentially an investor-protection agency into a climate-activist arm of the Biden administration by trying to impose costly and absurd disclosures on public companies about their carbon footprint, nearly impossible to accurately gauge. His enforcement arm became a de facto regulator of the $3.5 trillion crypto business; instead of setting clear rules for the industry, he brought cases, stifling innovation of all-important blockchain technology in the US and pushing it overseas. Staff morale is at an all-time low due to Gensler’s brusque management style. I can go on, but I don’t want to scare whoever’s taking Gary’s place. Originally published as US economy: Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen departs from office - as she leaves a trail of mess for her successor

The basketball arena at East Webster High School will host 17 high school basketball games over the next two days. Friday marks the beginning of the East Webster Christmas Classic and head coach Jon Ginn of the Wolverines has made his list and checked it twice. “I think it's going to be a good tournament,” Ginn said. “I think folks that show up will be well entertained. We've got some good matchups.” The boys action tips off at 10 a.m. Friday with Oak Hill Academy against Sebastopol and will be followed up by an all-area matchup at 1 p.m. between Starkville Academy and Choctaw County. The other boys games on the first day are Lafayette against Grenada at 2:30 p.m., Lamar School against Louisville at 5:30 p.m. and East Webster against Pillow Academy at 8:30 p.m. In boys outings on Saturday, Senatobia plays Choctaw County at 10:45 a.m., Oak Hill Academy sees Lafayette at noon, Lamar School takes on Pillow Academy at 2:30 p.m., East Union squares off against Starkville Academy at 5:30 p.m. and East Webster hosts DeSoto Central at 8:30 p.m. For more on this story, read our news edition from Friday, December 27 or click here to subscribe to our e-edition.49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknown

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Novak Djokovic has confirmed that British tennis legend Andy Murray is to become his coach. It marks Murray's next step in tennis after retiring from his playing career earlier this year. The Scot brought an end to career that saw Wimbledon glory and Olympic gold and now he is set to help the 37-year-old Djokovic, who perhaps denied him the opportunity of more success. "He never liked retirement anyway," commented Djokovic when publishing a video on social media to confirm the news. There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , Twitter , Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.slotvip link 。

General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has been a transformative figure in Nigeria’s military landscape since he was appointed the 18th Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023. With his dedication to duty, patriotism, and people-oriented leadership style, General Musa has successfully evolved and transformed the Nigerian Armed Forces into a world-class institution, earning recognition globally for its effectiveness in addressing national security challenges. General Musa’s leadership has been marked by several outstanding achievements, including the successful rescue of 330 Chibok schoolgirls from Boko Haram terrorists and the accelerated amnesty program for repentant terrorists, which led to the surrender of over 47,975 terrorists and their families. He is not just reshaping the narratives but rewriting them. His fight against insurgency is model, impactful and dynamic, ever-evolving against the strategies and tactics emanating from the series of escalating security threats all over the world. A very forward-thinking and adroit strategist, General Christopher has shown mastery, dexterity and strategic insight in eliminating internal and external security threats, by evolving strategic insightful policies and building formidable resilience in the officers and men with very high capacity military readiness and enhanced operation capability and capacity, inter-agency coordination, and enduringly sustainable international collaborations. These fundamental and strategic policies also include the timely briefing and evolution of counter-strategies against all forms of insurgencies, criminalities against the State, terrorism, separatist tendencies and a highly formidable and robust intelligence-gathering mechanism capable of outmanoeuvring the strategies of the enemies. His role as the overall head of the Armed Forces also bestows on him the onerous responsibility of ensuring robust, formidable and responsive joint operational and integrative efforts of the Armed Forces. This collaboration has led to improved inter and intra-agency operations and resource optimizations, elimination of duplication of efforts, confidence building and the fostering of a united front against insurgents even among sister security agencies. Undoubtedly, General Musa’s wisdom, clout and congruence have led to various outstanding breakthroughs and victories in the areas of building the physical and social infrastructural capacities of the military, in such areas as the procurement of tools, equipment and modern sophisticated armaments, fortified and efficient state-of-the-art aerial surveillance units, and enhancement of cyber warfare capabilities. In the area of social infrastructures, he has empowered the forces with advanced technologies and skillsets through training and strategic partnerships which is central to this objective and a very robust motivational package. All these including consistent up-to-date training of personnel have greatly enhanced the Armed Forces in discharging its roles and also addressing the evolving complexities and growing international trends in asymmetrical warfare. General Musa’s role involves partnerships with international allies to augment Nigeria’s defensive apparatus, address capability gaps, and bolster the counterinsurgency repertoire. An apt and experienced soldier, his engagement of the minds and hearts of the insurgents, miscreants and urchins, coupled with other criminal elements with psycho-social measures has greatly led to successes in the de-radicalization programs, enhanced community engagement, and fostered socio-economic growth and development, thereby technically addressing the root causes of insurgency and discouraging recruitment into the camps of the insurgents as well reducing the allure of criminalities. This has progressively led to efforts aimed at countering the ideologies that feed insurgencies and separatist elements, which is as critical as the physical battlefield operations. His deft diplomatic engagements and multi-sectorial and multi-national counterterrorism initiatives have led to successes in reinforcing international solidarity and showcasing Nigeria’s resolve against terrorism, effectively rallying global support for combating insurgency, participation in multi-national counterterrorism initiatives, and navigating the security implications of international relations. At the sub-regional level, the CDS CG has increased advocacy for regional partnerships in the Lake Chad Basin and the ECOWAS region thereby solidifying collective action against shared security threats. He has also in a very tangible measure orchestrated the reformation of the Armed forces by making the Force amenable to civil governance, and evolving challenges as well as building capacity and capability to be able to navigate the complex nature of insurgencies as it relates to the undulating topography of the country. Equally strategic is his ability to fashion out and fuse a robust strategic vision, operational oversight, and inter-agency coordination aimed at eradicating the scourge of militancy and insurgency all over the country. Through an unabated and decisive commitment to proficiency, modernization, joint task formulation, and psychological operations, he can fashion a strategic and dependably sustainable bulwark against the tide of terrorism and insurgency contending against the nation. General Musa’s leadership has led to the evolution, and successful implementation of such operations as ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ which was launched to replace the previous ‘Operation Lafiya Dole.’ This operation represented a shift in tactics, focusing on a doctrine that moves away from purely defensive posturing to more offensive operations aimed at decisively defeating the insurgents. Furthermore, there is the advancement of the concept of “Super Camps,” which consolidates military presence in strategic locations, thereby giving the forces the flexibility to launch swift and precise counterinsurgency strikes and also the added value of timely re-enforcement. Such tactics have reportedly led to several successful raids on insurgent camps and the neutralization of key figures in the groups. He has also re-enforced community partnership, through robust community engagement and intelligence gathering. Through this, there have been stronger relationships with local communities and collaboration with community leaders, the military has improved its intelligence-gathering capacities and capabilities, leading to more targeted and effective operations against insurgents. Another strategic reform is the enhancement of inter-agencies relationship which brings together various branches of the Nigeria security apparatchik to form a formidable whole. This is in recognition of the fact that the fight against insurgency is very complex. This integrated approach ensures that military operations are supported and complemented by the efforts of the police, intelligence services, and other security agencies. Interagency collaboration has been instrumental in disrupting the logistics networks of insurgents and curbing the flow of arms and funding to their operations. He strongly believes that if the police can get it right the war against insurgency will be over. A strong advocate of a working police system, General Musa has advocated a stronger police force capable of addressing the needs of the citizenry. He strongly also believes that a well-equipped police is a sure panacea for getting the problem of insecurity right in Nigeria. A man of intrinsic humility, humour, and selflessness at all times, it is generally believed that the tenure of General Musa CG, OFR, will provide the needed peace, stability and security that has escaped the nation for several decades. **Prince is a media practitioner and writes from AbujaLOS ANGELES — UCLA football underclassmen carried their seniors off the field after Thursday’s practice as part of Bruin tradition, hoisting them above their shoulders in honor of the work they’ve done in their time with the team. Two days later, 42 players walked in the Senior Day celebration prior to the Bruins’ season finale against Fresno State at the Rose Bowl. Redshirt junior Carson Schwesinger took part in the celebration, indicating the possibility that the Butkus Award-nominated linebacker may not stay for another next season. Schwesinger and head coach DeShaun Foster said the FBS’ leading tackler has not made a decision as to whether he will go to the NFL. “He’s really going to do whatever is best for him in that situation,” Foster told reporters Wednesday. “I completely understand, especially if he gets the Butkus Award, and the way that he came out and performed this season. He deserves to get a shot and go to the NFL.” Receiver J.Michael Sturdivant also walked for Senior Day. Sturdivant, a redshirt junior, was UCLA’s third-leading receiver heading into Saturday’s game with 311 total yards and one touchdown. He averaged 31.1 yards per game. Sturdivant’s ability to stretch the field was underutilized in his two seasons at UCLA after he previously played two seasons at Cal. Offensive lineman Josh Carlin, edge rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo and defensive lineman Jay Toia each walked with the seniors Saturday and are expected to make a push for the NFL. “Incredibly grateful for the Bruin program, the UCLA program,” Oladejo told reporters Tuesday. “Came in here at the age of 19 and I’m now 21, so I’ve grown here a lot. Grown as a man, matured. Not just on the field but off the field as well. This means a lot to me.” Other notable players who took part in Senior Day: offensive lineman Garret DiGiorgio, quarterbacks Ethan Garbers and Chase Griffin, running back Keegan Jones, receiver Logan Loya, tight end Moliki Matavao and linebacker Kain Medrano. “A game like, this you want to send the seniors off on the right note,” Schwesinger said, “but on top of that, it’s being able to go out there and play competitively. We’re all here because we like to play football and you get a chance to do that, you’ve gotta go out and play your hardest.” Olympic and UCLA gymnast Jordan Chiles was in attendance for Saturday’s football game and gave a “4’s up” gesture on the big screen during the second quarter, promoting her return to UCLA. Chiles, a junior who took a year off to train for and compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, will make her return as a Bruin for the upcoming 2025 season. She made the announcement in an interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb in early August. Related Articles Chiles won a silver medal in 2020 to make her the most decorated Olympian in UCLA women’s gymnastics history. She scored three perfect 10s in her 2022 season as a Bruin — two in floor exercise and one on the uneven bars. She won NCAA titles in both events in 2023 and was the runner-up in the all-around at the national championships. UCLA’s gymnastics season begins with its Meet the Bruins event on Dec. 14 at Pauley Pavilion.

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Minnesota and Chicago meet for an NFC North battle in the cold as the Vikings look to continue rolling. Minnesota is 8-2 on the season and the winner of the last three games after losing back-to-back outings post the bye week. This is the third straight road game for the Vikings, so Chicago has a major advantage here as far as rest/travel. This is the first meeting of the season between the two. Chicago is 4-6 on the year and suffered a one-point loss to Green Bay. The Bears are on a four-game losing streak and shook up the coaching staff last week with a change to the offensive coordinator position. The Bears scored 19 points last week, which was the most since the bye week. NBC Sports has all the latest info and analysis you need, including how to tune in for kickoff, odds from DraftKings, player news and updates, and of course our predictions and best bets for the game from our staff of experts. Listen to the Bet the Edge podcast as hosts Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick provide listeners with sharp actionable insight, market analysis and statistical data to help bettors gain more information before placing their wagers. Game Details and How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. the Chicago Bears on Sunday · Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024 · Time: 1:00 PM EST · Site: Soldier Field · City: Chicago, IL · TV/Streaming: FOX Want to check out the other games on the NFL schedule this week? We’ve got you covered right here on NBC Sports with all the matchup, venue, game-time, and TV/streaming info so you won’t miss any of the action! Game odds for Vikings vs. Bears The latest odds as of Saturday courtesy of DraftKings: Moneyline: Vikings (-165), Bears (+145) Spread: Vikings -3.5 (-110) Total: 39.0 The look-ahead total of this game was 45.0 points, so there has been major movement when considering the current state of the Bears’ offense after the bye week and this being the Vikings’ third-straight road game. Expert picks & predictions for Vikings vs Bears Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest betting info & tools for NFL with game predictions, player props, futures, and trends! Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)Trump's casting call as he builds out his administration: TV experience preferred

DENVER — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family's home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note was left behind. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet's killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series "Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey." In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. "What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come in to detectives," he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the "media circus" surrounding the case. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet's clothing that pointed to the involvement of an "unexplained third party" in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys "victims of this crime." John Ramsey continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado's governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he advocated for several items that were not prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn't been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be "consumed" if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review ended but police continue to work through and evaluate a "lengthy list of recommendations" from the panel.Andy Murray joins Djokovic’s coaching team

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ATLANTA (AP) — the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. years old. The died on Sunday, more than a year after entering , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, who , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, and well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”Hollywood is mourning one of their own. Olivia Hussey Eisley, star of the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, has died. She was 73. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Olivia Hussey Eisley, who went peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on December 27th,” read a post shared on the actress’ Instagram page. “Olivia was a remarkable person whose warmth, wisdom, and pure kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.” The message continued, “Olivia lived a life full of passion, love, and dedication to the arts, spirituality, and kindness towards animals. Olivia leaves behind a loving family- her children, Alex, Max, and India, her husband of 35 years David Glen Eisley, and grandson, Greyson, and a legacy of love that will forever be cherished in our hearts.” Olivia was born in 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to an Argentine dad, tango singer Andrés Osuna, and British mom, Joy Hussey. The actress spent most of her childhood in her mom’s native England and began her acting career as a teenager, appearing in plays before making her onscreen debut on the TV show Drama 61-67. At age 15, she landed her big break playing Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The movie won two Oscars and both Olivia and Leonard Whiting won Golden Globes for their leading performances. In 2022, she and the fellow British actor sued the movie’s production company, Paramount Studios, alleging they were filmed in the nude for the film without their knowledge while they were minors. A Los Angeles judge dismissed the case in 2023, ruling that found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and that the pair filed their claim too late, NBC News reported. In addition to Romeo and Juliet, Olivia is known for her role in the 1974 holiday slasher film Black Christmas. She also played Mary in the 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth and starred in the 1979 movie Death on the Nile and the 1990 miniseries It, based on Stephen King’s hit novel. In 1997, Olivia guest starred on Boy Meets World as Topanga’s Aunt Prudence. Throughout the ’90s and aughts, the actress completed a lot of voiceover work on shows such as Batman Beyond and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Olivia’s last role was in the 2015 film Social Suicide. In the film, which is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, she and Leonard play the parents of a character portrayed by her real-life daughter India.vip slot 77 。

Marketing Cloud reinforces mid-market excellence in marketing automation across seven categories and 71 reports. TORONTO , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - A perennial "High Performer," Maropost Marketing Cloud broke new ground in G2's Winter 2025 Reports, earning "Easiest to Use" recognition to complement its ongoing "Easiest to Do Business With" accolades. Marketing Cloud secured badges across 71 categories—including nine for mid-market performance—while maintaining its "Users Love Us" status. The platform received multiple distinctions for its outstanding Marketing Automation and Marketing Analytics capabilities. Key achievements from G2 Winter 2025 Reports Earned badges in 71 categories, including nine for mid-market performance New "Easiest to Use" badge joins "Easiest to Do Business With" honors Maintained "Users Love Us" status, reflecting exceptional customer satisfaction Customers validate Marketing Cloud's value and performance Marketing Cloud is Maropost's AI-powered marketing automation platform. It was built to help fast-growing commerce brands build and segment audiences , customize customer journeys, and automatically personalize communications. Recent G2 reviews highlight why Marketing Cloud earned "High Performer" status and its new ease-of-use recognition across twelve Winter Report categories: "The automated email journeys are incredibly powerful . You can do so much with the automations. There are many features that I have not seen in other ESPs." "It is user friendly ... Tons of features and we are very happy with them. Deliverability is also top notch." " Best ESP for email marketing ... It's easy to set up and send a campaign now or schedule for later. Ease of use and multiple options are key." Building on ease of use Maropost Founder and CEO Ross Andrew Paquette says, "Our customers have consistently praised Marketing Cloud's performance and flexibility. Now, they're validating what we've known all along—that enterprise-grade marketing automation can be both powerful and easy to use. "In 2025, we'll push this commitment further by launching our connected commerce platform, which will unify commerce and marketing operations so brands can leave disjointed, standalone software behind and refocus on growth." About Maropost The Maropost platform revolutionizes how mid-market merchants operate by unifying the essential marketing, ecommerce, retail, search, merchandising, and helpdesk tools they need. It seamlessly delivers real-time access to combined customer profiles and business performance data, empowering leaders and front-line associates to make smarter decisions that accelerate growth, maximize sales, and elevate the customer experience. Trusted by more than 5,000 global commerce brands, including Victoria Beckham , Sandro Paris , Draper James, Scripps Media, Blue Bell Creameries, UNTUCKit, and Fujifilm Canada, Maropost has been featured on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list and G2's leaderboard. Learn more at maropost.com . SOURCE Maropost Inc.Gophers look to duplicate 2019 upset of Penn State on SaturdayMeet the 12 CFP Title Contenders: No. 12 Clemson

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lendmark Financial Services today announced Bret Hyler has been promoted to President & Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Joe Burgamy, Chief Business Officer and Mark Lawrence, Chief Privacy and Information Security Officer, will be retiring from Lendmark January 15, 2025. Hyler will be responsible for leading comprehensive strategies to maximize the organization’s value and enrich the culture for its approximately 2,400 employees. By creating market differentiation, advancing expansion opportunities and driving operational excellence across 515+ branch locations, Hyler will ensure Lendmark’s diverse product offerings meet the needs of its ~500,000 customers, 3,700 retail sales finance dealers, and nearly 19,000 direct automobile dealer merchants. “Bret is a seasoned servant leader who has the breadth of consumer lending expertise required to carry Lendmark into the next phase of our unprecedented growth strategy,” said Bobby Aiken, founder and CEO. “Bret started his 20-year career on the front line, rising through the ranks and learning our business inside and out with each successive assignment. I am confident he’s ready to take on responsibility for leading business operations for the entire organization.” Hyler will continue demonstrating his business acumen and exceptional people leadership abilities in this new role, creating even more value for all of our employees, customers, partners and key stakeholders. Aiken will focus specifically on driving key strategic and administrative initiatives and fostering financial and investment growth opportunities. Hyler will continue reporting to Bobby Aiken, founder and CEO. Most recently, Hyler served as Chief Operating Officer and was instrumental in expanding the business to amplify the company’s annual operating and capital budgets. He led all branch operations, strategic growth and planning initiatives, and financial and credit management programming. Hyler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Averett University. C-Suite Retirements “Joe Burgamy is one of the organization’s original employees of our 28-year-old company, and his fingerprints are on everything,” said Bobby Aiken, founder and CEO. “He has the highest level of integrity and commitment, and he has made an indelible mark on Lendmark. We will miss him tremendously.” “Mark Lawrence is one of the finest people I’ve ever worked with,” said Bobby Aiken, founder and CEO. “He has been instrumental in establishing and expanding our rock-solid technology practice and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his retirement.” About Lendmark Financial Services Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark) provides personal and household credit and loan solutions to consumers. Founded in 1996, Lendmark strives to be the lender, employer, and partner of choice by protecting household wealth, offering stability and helping consumers meet both planned and unplanned life events through affordable loan offerings. Today, Lendmark operates more than 515 branches in 22 states across the country, providing personalized services to customers and retail business partners with every transaction. Lendmark is headquartered in Lawrenceville, Ga. For more information, visit www.lendmarkfinancial.com . Media Contacts Lisa Burby Vice President, Corporate Communications O: 678-913-1720 C: 407-921-7775 lburby@lendmarkfinancial.com Jeff Hamilton Senior Manager, Corporate Communications O: 678-625-3128 jhamilton@lendmarkfinancial.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a83c4a1-d43c-4870-b047-3b695f1a40f9Defense Integrated Antenna Market Size, Share, Analysis, Growth Insight, Trends and Future Forecast - 2031

Are you wondering what it means to be wealthy in Thailand and if it's possible to move there? Thailand welcomes Americans at various life stages; it's open to retirees on one of several visas and offers a working visa for Digital Nomads. Here's how to move there and how much you'd need to be considered wealthy in Thailand. Thailand was one of the most visited countries in Asia in 2024, and tourism contributed to around 20% of the economy. But the country is more than beautiful beaches, Tuk-Tuks, floating markets, and full-moon parties. It's also home to a tropical climate, astonishing culture, stunning temples, golden Buddhas, and delicious cuisine. It's even home to the world's smallest mammal, the 3-cm-long Kitti's hog-nosed bat. The Cost of Living in Thailand Versus The U.S. The cost of living in Thailand is vastly different than in the U.S., where overall, living costs are roughly 55% less than in the U.S. The average cost of living for a family of four is around $2,320, not including rent (about 80,000 Baht), and about $650 for a single person (about 22,000 Baht). In comparison, the average cost in the U.S. for a family of four is $4,000, not including rent, while a single person might spend $1,166 monthly. If you use France as a metric to compare both places, the average cost of living across the U.S. is 7% higher than if you were living in France , while in Bangkok, the cost of living is 45.3% less than in Paris, excluding rent—and rent in Bangkok is 60% less than in the City of Lights. As an idea, you can live the high life in Bangkok for about $3,000, whereas for the same standard of living in New York, you would need around $9,000 per month. Is Thailand Wealthy? According to the World Bank, Thailand has made remarkable economic progress over the past 40 years—it is rated an upper middle-income country, sustaining robust growth and has achieved considerable reduction in poverty for its 69 million inhabitants. Social security has steadily expanded, offering free healthcare, and more children have been getting more years of education. It has the second-strongest Asian economy after Indonesia. However, there is massive income inequality, predominantly between rural and urban areas—79% of those in poverty live in the countryside. The wealthiest 1% of the Thai population control 67% of the country's wealth, while the bottom 50% own just 1.7%. What Is Considered Wealthy In Thailand? The average worker in Thailand earns about $433 per month . However, this is likely higher in its capital, Bangkok, and considerably lower, possibly below the poverty line in agricultural jobs where 11% of households earn just $81 per month. In 2021, Thailand had about 125,400 millionaires and 1,300 multi-millionaires. In 2023, almost 900 ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the country had an estimated $30 million or more in wealth. You would be among Thailand's top 1% of earners if you earned between $7000 and $11,000 monthly, mostly in real estate, finance, banking, manufacturing, and tourism. Forbes list of Thailand's 50 Richest people in 2024 starts at $550M for Chansamorn Wattanavekin & family. Still, Chalerm Yoovidhya & family tops the list with a wealth of $36B gained from a stake in Red Bull energy drinks. How to Move to Thailand To Retire Anyone over 50 can apply for one of two visas that allow entry into the country under different conditions. A non-immigrant O-A visa allows a one-year stay with a possible one-year extension, but if you leave the country during this time, you would need to apply for a re-entry visa. This O-A visa requires a minimum of $23,296 in a Thai-based bank account at least two months in advance. Alternatively, you can prove you have a monthly income of approximately $2,000. A non-immigrant O-X visa allows for a five-year stay, with a possible five-year extension, and the holder can leave and re-enter the country without further paperwork or visas. This O-X visa requires $52,432 in a bank account and an annual income of $34,955. Both visa types require that the holder reports to immigration every 90 days and that they have health insurance, particularly against COVID-19. Essentially, holders of both visas are not allowed to work during their stay in the country. How To Move To Thailand On A Digital Nomad Visa Better known as the Destination Thailand visa , this allows workers to stay for five years in the form of Digital Nomads (as opposed to people who work for Thai-based companies). It lasts five years, but you must leave the country and re-enter every 6 months. You can only extend this visa for 6 months more after it expires. In order to be eligible, you must have at least $14,350 in the bank, and the visa costs a couple of hundred dollars. You will only pay taxes if you stay longer than 180 days at a time. If a Thai company employs you, you would be automatically covered under the Thai healthcare system; otherwise, you would need to prove that you have healthcare coverage of up to $100,000. In the U.S., Thailand is the 15th most-searched-for destination for moving, traveling, or exploring. If you want to consider the idea further and how you might live a wealthy life in Thailand, there are many tools to help longer-term travelers relocate, such as whichcountrytomoveto.com?, which takes you through several questions to find the ideal country to move to for your personal situation and requirements. MORE FROM FORBES

PHILADELPHIA -- For the last two months, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has felt helpless. Sidelined for the rest of the season because of a right hamstring avulsion suffered on Nov. 3 against the Atlanta Falcons that required surgery, Prescott has watched the Cowboys' season flitter away from the coaches' booth, including Sunday's 41-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eliminated from the playoffs last week, the Cowboys (7-9) are guaranteed just their fourth losing record in the last 20 years with the defeat against the playoff-bound Eagles. "Nobody plans to lose. Nobody plans to have a losing season, to be in this position," Prescott said in a small hallway outside the Cowboys' locker room. "You expect the playoffs every year. You expect to win this division and then to be in this place or whether it's at home, playing against this team usually for the division. That's not the case. Yeah, it's frustrating." Editor's Picks What to know off every NFL Week 17 game: Barkley etches name into history, Giants eliminate Colts 36m NFL Nation Sunday's loss to the Eagles was reminiscent of the some of the early season defeats with an offense that turned the ball over too many times (four against the Eagles) and a defense that could not come up with enough stops (Philadelphia scored on six straight possessions). Now, the best the Cowboys can finish is 8-9 with a Week 18 win against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. The last time the Cowboys finished below .500 came in 2020, Mike McCarthy's first year as coach. The others in the last 20 years came in 2010 (6-10) and 2015 (4-12). McCarthy's job status has been a focus for most of the season since he is in the final year of his contract. Next week could potentially be his final game with the Cowboys, but he did not want to talk about having his fifth losing season in 18 years as a head coach. "Ask me that in eight days," McCarthy said. "I'm here to finish the race. That's my mindset and that's the team's mindset." Left guard Tyler Smith was the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2022. He experienced two straight 12-5 seasons that led to the playoffs to open his career. "As a competitor, I mean it just hurts," Smith said. "It hurts to have no dreams after Jan. 5, but I think we got to use this. I think every setback is a set up for a comeback. I truly do, and so just using this experience, feeding off of this. I never want to feel like this again. I never want to lose a football game -- I know eventually you will -- but we're a winning team. We got winning guys on this team. We built a winning culture. We just gotta get back in the offseason ... First things first, next week against the Washington Commanders, but we just got to clean it up. And it's on us." Owner and general manager Jerry Jones did not speak after Sunday's loss. He has been effusive in his praise of McCarthy for how the team has fought despite the injuries to stars like Prescott, Zack Martin (ankle), DeMarcus Lawrence (foot), Trevon Diggs (knee) and CeeDee Lamb (shoulder). But there have been no discussions with McCarthy's agent regarding a new deal. "It's tough to probably get your job done and do your job with all that hanging over your head," Prescott said of the scrutiny McCarthy has been under this season. "But credit to him, credit to his professionalism and really his coach's style of being able to get guys being ready to play and go out there and finish and take pride in what we finish and what we put on tape." Prescott added, "Obviously, I'm a promoter of bringing him back." Whoever is coaching the Cowboys in 2025 will have a full-strength Prescott at some point in the offseason. He had surgery on Nov. 13. "Gained some strength in it, started to use it a little bit," Prescott said. "Yeah, I'm probably a few weeks maybe a month from running, running. But got on the bike. So definitely doing some things, moving more." Edge rusher Micah Parsons pointed to health as the biggest reason why the Cowboys have not won. Like Smith, he had experienced nothing but making the playoffs since the Cowboys took him in the first round in 2021. "Yeah, definitely not what I envisioned, definitely not what I hoped for," Parsons said. "Coming off a devastating playoff loss and you say, 'Hey, I'm just going to get the same team back and we kind of know what it's going to look like, what the team's going to be like.' And you go into the season and devastating injuries across the board between CeeDee and Dak and Trevon. Just can't catch a break. "But you say there's other teams who are fully healthy and they're not where we're at right now. I'm going to take that as a grain of salt and use that as motivation to go toward next year."D Gukesh , the youngest ever world chess champion and only the second Indian to win the title after Viswanathan Anand, spoke to Boria Majumdar about his parents, Anand’s contribution, how he dealt with pressure in the final stages, and more. Excerpts: You are the youngest ever world champion. Has it kind of sunk in yet? It’s slowly sinking in that I have been able to make my countrymen proud and have done something of note for India. It was great to see so many people in Chennai and their smiles meant the world to me. You always want to do something for your own people and to see them happy is the greatest joy. When almost everyone thought it was a draw, you chose to play on. Did you sense anything or was it a part of your tactic to tire out Ding Liren ahead of the tie-break? Yes, the draw was the most likely possibility but I didn’t think it was time to stop trying. If you look at the board, people have lost from such situations very often, and I wanted to push as much. Ding was under time pressure, and it was human to err. I was always going to keep trying because that was part of what I had set out to do. 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Yes, there was a lot of pressure. When I won Game 11, I felt things had swung my way and I would be able to close it out. But that did not happen and he played a fantastic 12th game to equalise. That’s when I was a little restless. I was feeling the pressure. There was a lot at stake and it was natural that I’d get a little anxious. Thereafter, I controlled my nerves well and managed to get the job done. Was the bungee jumping plan a part of this stress-busting routine? (Laughs) After Game 9, there was a rest day and we went for a walk on the beach. We tried to unwind by doing things differently and that’s when my coach said that if I went on to win the match, he’d try bungee jumping. I got taken in by what he said and agreed to do the same. After I won, there was no way I could go back on my word. I am scared of heights, and it was scary but really cool! It was nice to see that after winning, and despite all the emotions, you put all the pieces back on the board and arranged the chair properly. Tell us a little more about those few minutes. Those two-three minutes were a roller coaster. It was looking like a draw and I was thinking about the tie-break the next day when it happened. When I sensed that I was the world champion, I got very emotional. A gamut of emotions came flooding and I couldn’t control my tears. But then all my teachers have always taught me to respect the board and pay my respects to god before I get up. Once I regained my composure, that’s what I did. After speaking to your father, the first thing that struck was his humility. Tell us about the contribution of your parents in your success. There is nothing bigger than the contribution of my parents. They have sacrificed a lot in their own careers to see me get here. My mother has always said that for her it isn’t important if I am a great chess player. What is far more important is how I am as a human being. She has repeatedly told me to never be arrogant and let success get to my head. I have learnt a lot from them and continue to do so every day. How has Viswanathan Anand contributed to your success? Anand sir is a phenomenon. He has been a mentor to me and I have learnt a lot from him. He is the one who encouraged us to dream big and has always been a beacon of hope for all of us. He inspires me and I will forever be grateful for all that he has done for me and for Indian chess . When Anand sir played Magnus Carlsen in 2013, I was there as a spectator. Anand sir lost that game and I had said to myself that I’d really want to be there one day for my country. I am pleased I have now got the title back to India. What next for Gukesh? The World Championship doesn’t mean you are the best player in the world. I am conscious of the fact that I may be world champion and I am not the best player just yet. That’s the goal — to be the best player in the world and dominate the sport. And that’s what will keep me going till I am able to achieve my dream. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

I have the same thought a lot of mornings when I look in the mirror. The bank insisted I confirm my identity before I could access our account — all because I made one teeny tiny typo entering the passcode. Flustered and in a hurry, but not one to ever make the same mistake twice, I made a different typo on my next try. I was automatically routed to the three-question “How Good Is Your Memory?” game. Where did you and your spouse first meet? What was your favorite pureed vegetable as an infant? What was your great, great, great maternal grandfather’s blood type? I failed that, too. I guess carrots was the wrong answer. I had to go to the bank in person to unfreeze the account. The teller asked if I had any additional identification. Just so you know, the bank will not accept an appendectomy scar from when you were a child as additional identification. The verification requests that I don’t mind are the ones that ask me to enter a code sent by text or email. I like these. They are good memory tests to see if I can flip between screens and still remember a six-digit number. So far, so good. The Walmart app recently asked me to verify my identity when I arrived for a grocery pickup order. Seriously? There are 32 pickup spots in the parking lot, and I was the only single solitary car out there. It was 7 a.m. and still dark. Yes, it’s me. Now please bring out the milk and laundry detergent. Of course, there’s always facial-recognition identification that simplifies logging in, but do I want to go down that road? What if I have a good night’s sleep (unlikely), the bags under my eyes disappear (virtually impossible) and the app can’t recognize me? What if I decide to have plastic surgery, have everything on my face pulled, tightened, puffed and fluffed, and wind up looking so young that the app doesn’t recognize me? That is also highly unlikely, but a woman of a certain age likes to keep her options open. The only thing I know for sure is that I always experience a wave of panic whenever I see the message: “Failed to verify your identity.” The upside of all this identity-verification business is that the CAPTCHA security checks that once required you to click on the all the boxes with power lines, bicycles or traffic lights now simply ask you to check the “I am not a robot” box. As improved as that is, I still believe that CAPTCHA should be renamed GOTCHA.

Saquon Barkley closed in on Eric Dickerson's all-time NFL rushing record, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a devastating defeat to the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills crushed Aaron Rodgers' New York Jets on the penultimate Sunday of the regular season... Dallas Cowboys 7-41 Philadelphia Eagles Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week's regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The Eagles (13-3) led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee, a career third-stringer, entered the game and the Eagles finished the drive with a field goal. McKee later threw two touchdown passes, a 20-yarder to A.J. Brown and a 25-yarder to DeVonta Smith, in front of a roaring crowd delighted to watch the Eagles dominate their fiercest rival to wrap up the division title and at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Trending Hurts was injured in last week's loss at Washington and remains in the NFL's concussion protocol - he didn't practice all week - which opened the door for Pickett to start. New York Jets 14-40 Buffalo Bills Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score as the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the unravelling New York Jets. Also See: NFL schedule Stream the NFL with NOW Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Inside the Huddle podcast The Bills put the game away by capitalising 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 two-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. Allen had a short and efficient outing, finishing 16 of 27 for 182 yards with a 30-yard touchdown 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. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Trubisky piled on by completing a 69-yard touchdown pass to practice squad call-up Tyrell Shavers 2:23 into the fourth quarter. Allen's two-touchdown passing outing was the 64th of his career to match Peyton Manning for the third most in a player's first seven NFL seasons. Patrick Mahomes holds the record with 67 two-touchdown outings in that span, followed by Dan Marino's 65. Allen also became the NFL's first player with five consecutive 40-touchdown seasons, while his one-yard score was the 65th rushing touchdown of his career, matching the team record held by Thurman Thomas. Indianapolis Colts 33-45 New York Giants Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The New York Giants snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended the Indianapolis Colts' slim playoff hopes as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 45-33 victory. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around touchdown passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and five yards to Wan'Dale Robinson in leading the Giants (3-13) to their first win since beating Seattle on October 6. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a 100-yard return on the second-half kickoff on a day the league's worst offense set a season high for points. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jonathan Taylor scored on runs of three and 26 yards for Indianapolis (7-9), while Joe Flacco, subbing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw touchdown passes of 13 yards to Alec Pierce and seven yards to Michael Pittman, the last bringing the Colts within 35-33 with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lock, who finished 17 of 23 for 309 yards, iced the game by leading a nine-play, 70-yard drive that he capped with a five-yard run. Nabers finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards. Las Vegas Raiders 25-10 New Orleans Saints Aidan O'Connell passed for two touchdowns, tight end Brock Bowers broke two rookie NFL records, and the Las Vegas Raiders won for just the fourth time this season as they beat the New Orleans Saints 25-10. Bowers' seven catches for 77 yards gave him 108 receptions for 1,144 yards this season, eclipsing Mike Ditka's 1961 rookie tight end mark of 1,067 yards receiving and Puka Nacua's 2023 mark of 105 catches by a rookie at any position. Bowers also surpassed Darren Waller's franchise mark of 107 receptions in a season, which had stood since 2020. Ameer Abdullah rushed for 115 yards for the Raiders (4-12) - the journeyman running back's first 100-yard game in his 10 NFL seasons. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player O'Connell finished with 242 yards passing, including a three-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers and an 18-yarder to Tre Tucker. Daniel Carlson kicked four field goals - his longest from 54 yards - for the Raiders, who didn't look fazed by flight delays on Saturday that got them into their hotel after midnight, less than 12 hours before kickoff. Spencer Rattle, playing in place of the injured Derek Carr completed 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Carolina Panthers 14-48 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep their division and playoff hopes alive with a 48-14 rout of the Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay's fifth win in the past six weeks nudged the first-place Bucs (9-7) a half-game ahead of Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, with the Falcons set to play on the road later on Sunday night at Washington. Atlanta holds the tiebreaker in the division race and can end Tampa Bay's three-year reign as NFC South champions by beating the Commanders and winning again next week at home against the last-place Panthers (4-12). Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Mayfield threw touchdown passes of two and one yards to Mike Evans, and Tampa Bay produced points on five straight first-half possessions to build a 27-7 lead. Jalen McMillan scored on receptions of 10 and 16 yards, linebacker J.J. Russell returned a blocked punt for a third-quarter touchdown and rookie Bucky Irving had another big game against Carolina with 120 yards rushing on 20 carries and four receptions for 77 yards. Irving went over 1,000 yards for the season (1,033) despite primarily being used as a backup to Rachaad White. The fourth-round draft pick ran for 152 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries against the NFL's 32nd-ranked run defense in Tampa Bay's 26-23 overtime win at Carolina on December 1. Tennessee Titans 13-20 Jacksonville Jaguars Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes, including one to standout rookie Brian Thomas Jr., as the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 20-13 in the rain to sweep the season series for the fourth time in 30 years. Jones completed 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, with most of them going to Thomas, who had seven receptions for 91 yards. The first-round draft pick's 11-yard touchdown catch with 7:05 remaining gave him his eighth game with at least 60 yards and a score, tying him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most by a rookie in NFL history. Thomas, who has five touchdown catches in his past four games, also became the fifth player in Jaguars history with double-digit touchdown receptions in a single season. He joined Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marcedes Lewis and Reggie Williams. The Titans (3-13) improved their position for the 2025 NFL draft - a potential chance to land a franchise quarterback - and secured last place in the AFC South. Jacksonville looked as if it might make it a blowout, but coach Doug Pederson's team settled for field goals while building a 13-0 lead early. The Titans got back in it with an 85-yard drive to start the second half, which ended with Mason Rudolph's eight-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Nick Vannett.

Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise the country’s stagnant economy. Mr Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag – a sister publication of Politico owned by the Axel Springer Group – published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month that he has supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” he wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say that the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality”. The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gives him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. Billionaire Mr Musk, an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image. “The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Mr Musk’s commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper’s own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Mr Musk’s social media platform, X. Eva Marie Kogel wrote: “I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print.” A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Mr Musk’s opinion piece. “Musk’s diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong,” he wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Mr Burgard – who is due to take over on January 1 – said in a joint statement that the discussion over Mr Musk’s piece was “very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.” “This will continue to determine the compass of the ‘world’ in the future. We will develop ‘Die Welt’ even more decisively as a forum for such debates,” they wrote to dpa. Associated PressThe democratic process may empower dangerous demagogues but it can also bring about necessary reforms. And so, as Donald Trump returns to Washington, Germany appears to be moving towards loosening the “debt brake” which forbids the country from borrowing more than the equivalent of 0.35 percent of its GDP each year and impedes growth. This limit was imposed through a constitutional amendment in 2009, when the German economy was booming and the only problem that the country and the European Union seemed to face was Greece’s debt crisis. But when things got difficult, first with the pandemic, then with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the measure was suspended for four years. Now that it is back, it is clear what an impediment it is. The Social Democrat chancellor, Olaf Scholz, wanted to loosen the brake, but the leader of the conservative opposition CDU party, Friedrich Merz, would hear none of it. The Liberals, who were part of the Scholz government, chose to be thrown out of it rather than agree to loosening the brake. The country is now headed for early elections on February 23. Suddenly, Merz appears willing to discuss raising the debt limit. What happened? If the polls are correct, Merz will be the next chancellor, possibly in a “grand coalition” with the Social Democrats. He will then face the impasse that troubled Scholz. The “brake” was instituted when Angela Merkel was chancellor, when the economy was growing and creating jobs. The eurozone’s structural problems benefited Germany, as the flight of capital towards the safety of its banks resulted in the government and German companies swimming in cheap cash. At the time, (Russian) energy was cheap and America took care of Europe’s defense. It seemed that the whole world, and more and more people in Germany, were working for Germany. The government at the time, though, did not take advantage of the opportunity to build new infrastructure and to strengthen its military. Now that problems are mounting, Germany needs to break the borrowing limit of 0.35 percent of GDP. As Scholz noted, additional spending on defense should not be at the cost of investments and welfare programs. “I think that targeted, moderate reforms of the debt brake are possible. They’re being broadly debated,” Finance Minister Jorg Kukies said on Friday. He noted the need to “combine the existing fiscal solidity with better incentives for public investments in the future.” Politicians broach the issue warily, as many Germans fear debt and inflation. If the populist parties on the extreme-right and extreme-left (AfD and BSW, respectively) gain more than a third of the seats in the Parliament, the governing coalition after the elections will not have the necessary majority to amend the constitution. If Germany cannot borrow as much as it needs to, it will face an economic impasse, a weakened military, and the need to cut welfare programs, along with all the social problems that this will cause. This would benefit the extremist parties at home and the country’s enemies abroad. A wounded and even more introverted Germany will seriously undermine the political, economic and military credibility of the European Union. German members of parliament and others who participate in the public debate are aware of the need to contribute towards strengthening Europe. That is why dedication to strict economic discipline should not be an end in itself. Fortunately, the question of political survival, which democracy raises regularly through elections, drives politicians to become more flexible. In this case, this benefits their country and the European Union, too.

BANGKOK — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, and Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, arrive to attend a joint news conference Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) An industry shakeup The ascent of Chinese automakers is rattling the industry at a time when manufacturers are struggling to shift from fossil fuel-driven vehicles to electrics. Relatively inexpensive EVs from China's BYD, Great Wall and Nio are eating into the market shares of U.S. and Japanese car companies in China and elsewhere. Japanese automakers have lagged behind big rivals in EVs and are now trying to cut costs and make up for lost time. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi announced in August that they will share components for electric vehicles like batteries and jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to dramatic changes in the auto industry centered around electrification. A preliminary agreement between Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and Nissan, third largest, was announced in March. A merger could result in a behemoth worth about $55 billion based on the market capitalization of all three automakers. Joining forces would help the smaller Japanese automakers add scale to compete with Japan's market leader Toyota Motor Corp. and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota itself has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, pose for photographers during a joint news conference in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) What would Honda need from Nissan? Nissan has truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybird powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. "Nissan does have some product segments where Honda doesn't currently play," that a merger or partnership could help, said Sam Abuelsamid, a Detroit-area automotive industry analsyt. While Nissan's electric Leaf and Ariya haven't sold well in the U.S., they're solid vehicles, Fiorani said. "They haven't been resting on their laurels, and they have been developing this technology," he said. "They have new products coming that could provide a good platform for Honda for its next generation." Why now? Nissan said last month that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global work force, and reducing global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Earlier this month it reshuffled its management and its chief executive, Makoto Uchida, took a 50% pay cut to take responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($9.4 billion). Nissan's share price has fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. A report in the Japanese financial magazine Diamond said talks with Honda gained urgency after the Taiwan maker of iPhones Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., better known as Foxconn, began exploring a possible acquisition of Nissan as part of its push into the EV sector. The company has struggled for years following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Honda reported its profits slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as sales suffered in China. More headwinds Toyota made 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, while Honda rolled out 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. Even after a merger Toyota would remain the leading Japanese automaker. All the global automakers are facing potential shocks if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on threats to raise or impose tariffs on imports of foreign products, even from allies like Japan and neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Nissan is among the major car companies that have adjusted their supply chains to include vehicles assembled in Mexico. Meanwhile, analysts say there is an "affordability shift" taking place across the industry, led by people who feel they cannot afford to pay nearly $50,000 for a new vehicle. In American, a vital market for companies like Nissan, Honda and Toyota, that's forcing automakers to consider lower pricing, which will eat further into industry profits. ____ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report from Detroit. Airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and high-strength materials mean that the safest cars today are far better at protecting people from injuries than ever before. Although most new cars compare well to their predecessors, some stand above the rest. The safest cars for 2025 offer excellent occupant protection and also do a good job of preventing accidents from happening in the first place. Based on testing data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , or IIHS, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , or NHTSA, these are some of the safest cars available today. Ranging from inexpensive compact cars and mainstream midsize sedans to stylish station wagons, posh luxury cars, and sporty coupes and convertibles, Edmunds shares a list that has something for just about everyone. For those who prefer a higher seating position and maybe some added practicality, Edmunds' list of safest SUVs is for you. The stylish Mazda 3 has a lot to offer compact-car shoppers, including great looks, a composed driving experience, and reasonable fuel economy from its base 2.0-liter engine. It's also one of the safest cars in its class, earning a perfect five stars in NHTSA crash testing and sterling crashworthiness and collision avoidance scores from the IIHS. Its standard features are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. With mature styling, a premium interior, and an efficient hybrid powertrain option, the 2025 Honda Civic is a great option if safety is a concern since it aces almost all of the IIHS' crash tests and earns a five-star safety rating from the federal government. It also comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Civic falls short slightly in the IIHS' updated moderate overlap front test, which now accounts for rear passenger safety, but even so, it's one of the safest cars in its class. Reflective of parent company BMW, today's Mini Cooper is well constructed and features premium safety features that belie its small size, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. Although the Mini hasn't been tested by NHTSA, the IIHS gives the Cooper its highest score of Good in the original driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side-impact tests. That said, the IIHS doesn't place the Cooper on its Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ lists since it hasn't been evaluated on the updated battery of passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, or side-impact tests. Expect the new-for-2025 Mini Cooper to earn decent crash ratings in those scenarios, especially since it shares its strong platform with the outgoing model. With its recent redesign, the Toyota Prius transformed from a frumpy little caterpillar to a stylish and efficient butterfly. It also became a very safe hybrid hatchback. Perfect scores in all of its government and IIHS crash tests, as well as a sophisticated system of collision avoidance technology, earn it top marks. It's also one of our favorite cars on the market, period, as evidenced by its status as a 2024 Edmunds Top Rated vehicle. The Honda Accord is among the safest midsize sedans on the market today thanks to excellent crashworthiness scores and a competent standard collision prevention system. It's a Top Safety Pick+, beating out rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Subaru Legacy, and the Accord also earns a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. Honda's hybrid-intensive product planning is on full display here—all but the two lowest Accord trims have a hybrid powertrain—and it's also among the most spacious cars in its class. Like its Honda Accord rival, the Toyota Camry is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star NHTSA rating. It also has a very impressive suite of driver assistance and safety technology, including lane departure prevention with active centering, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Camry edges out the Accord in IIHS testing thanks to a more effective collision avoidance system, but both cars are remarkably well matched otherwise. The fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers excellent safety and collision prevention, with excellent scores across the entire line of IIHS tests. The Ioniq 6 hasn't been tested for rollover resistance by NHTSA, but it earned a four-star front safety rating and a five-star side-impact rating in government tests. Like most EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. It also offers up to 342 miles of all-electric driving in its longest-range trim level. The Acura Integra is a close mechanical cousin to the Honda Civic, so it's no surprise it does well in both the IIHS' and NHTSA's crash tests. The luxury hatchback is a Top Safety Pick+ and earns a perfect five stars in government testing. The AcuraWatch safety suite is standard on the Integra, bringing automatic emergency braking, lane centering, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a safe option in the popular small luxury sedan segment thanks to its good scores in IIHS crash testing. Mercedes' best-selling sedan also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, which helps it earn a Top Safety Pick award. However, it hasn't been tested by the NHTSA. Both the Genesis G80 and the fully electric Genesis Electrified G80 earn a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS thanks to their good scores on the agency's crash tests, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features that avoided collisions with simulated pedestrians. The internal-combustion-engine G80 earned a perfect five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and although the Electrified G80 hasn't been tested by the feds just yet, it should likely excel in those tests too. The flagship Genesis G90 sedan competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, and the South Korean automaker clearly hasn't skimped on safety in its fight against the establishment. Although it hasn't been subjected to the NHTSA array of tests, it aced almost all of its IIHS tests, and a long list of standard active safety and driver assistance features sets it apart from the stingy German makes that charge extra for them. With handsome styling and a well-finished interior, the Volvo V60 is a very appealing station wagon for those looking for such a thing. It's also quite safe, with good crashworthiness scores in the IIHS' original moderate overlap front and side-impact scores. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been tested with the updated versions of those tests, it didn't earn this year's Top Safety Pick award, but it was called a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022. NHTSA also gives the V60 a five-star safety rating. Although the Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain isn't a traditional wagon — it follows the lifted almost-crossover formula shared with the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country — we'll take what we can get in this dwindling category. The All-Terrain hasn't been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but a previous-generation E-Class earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award, and Mercedes isn't the kind of company that goes backward when it comes to safety. The E 450 All-Terrain comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, though, at this price, Benz should just make other active safety features standard. With a five-star NHTSA safety rating, standard forward collision warning and emergency braking, and excellent IIHS crashworthiness scores on its original tests, the Audi A6 Allroad does a good job protecting people (both passengers and pedestrians) from crashes. However, since the IIHS hasn't subjected the Allroad to its updated side and moderate front crash criteria, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status in 2022. Still, it should be a fine option for luxury longroof shoppers. Both the Ford Mustang coupe and convertible perform well in crash testing. The coupe received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and both variants scored decently on all the IIHS tests they've undergone. They also come standard with forward collision warning, lane departure prevention, and automatic emergency braking. However, the IIHS needs to test both models on its updated criteria before it will rate them. Although the government hasn't tested it, the Toyota GR86 aced all of its IIHS crashworthiness tests when it was new for the 2022 model year. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been subjected to the IIHS' updated testing since then, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status. Still, this is a fun-to-drive, sporty coupe that comes standard with a long list of active safety features, and it's reasonably priced to boot. Mechanically identical to the Toyota GR86, the 2025 Subaru BRZ achieves the same safety ratings—who would have thought? It likewise received a Top Safety Pick+ score in 2022 that lapsed when the IIHS updated its criteria for 2023, but like the Toyota, it has a long list of active safety features to go along with its lightweight, rip-roaring sports car attitude. The Audi A5 lost its traditional two-door coupe body style after 2024, but the five-door Sportback body style remains before it's replaced later in 2025. Although it hasn't seen the IIHS' more stringent test regimen, its original crashworthiness scores were good enough to earn it a Top Safety Pick award as recently as 2022. The Sportback is the only variant to be tested by the government, where it earned a five-star safety rating. This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Aaron Judge wins second AL MVP in 3 seasons. Shohei Ohtani expected to win NL honor

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What is perhaps most surprising about Guardiola's statement is his declaration that he will not coach another club or national team in the future. This decision has sparked speculation and debate among fans and pundits alike. Some have questioned whether Guardiola's announcement is merely a moment of frustration and whether he will reconsider his stance in the coming months. Others have praised Guardiola for his honesty and integrity in recognizing his own limitations and making a difficult decision for the sake of his well-being.

Unrivaled signs LSU star Flau'jae Johnson to NIL dealJangra’s victory | An inspiration for Fiji boxing

State agencies are required under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act to notify the news media of certain reportable breaches of security. In a statement, the Illinois Department of Human Services said it experienced a privacy breach on April 25 when a phishing campaign was used to access a number of employee accounts and the files associated with the accounts. Phishing involves sending seemingly legitimate requests for personal or sensitive information such as passwords or account numbers. IDHS said the files that were accessed included Social Security numbers for 4,704 people. In addition, public assistance account information was accessed for more than 1.1 million people. While that information did not include Social Security numbers, it did have names, public assistance account numbers and some combination of addresses, birthdate, Illinois State Board of Education Student Information System identification numbers and cellphone numbers. "Upon learning of the phishing incident, IDHS worked in partnership with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to investigate the extent of the breach and to determine which individuals were included," according to the statement. "This was an in-depth forensic analysis, followed by a manual review of all compromised files to determine the nature of the breach. IDHS continues to train its employees on how to avoid and report phishing attempts." Written notices were sent to those whose Social Security numbers were involved and whose current address was on file. Those notices provide details about available actions, including credit monitoring.Shugaba Tinubu ya nada sabon shugaban NUCIn the wake of the shooting, the insurance company has released a statement expressing shock and sadness over the tragic incident. The CEO, who is currently recovering in the hospital, is said to be in stable condition. The company has announced plans to review its security protocols and implement stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

But perhaps the most compelling aspect of "Melody's Quest" is its profound message about the power of music to bring people together, heal old wounds, and unite us in a common purpose. In a world that is often plagued by discord and division, the game reminds us that music has the power to transcend boundaries, bridge gaps, and create bonds that can withstand the test of time.Throughout the season, Zheng Qianwen showcased her incredible skills on the court, defeating some of the biggest names in women's tennis and winning hearts with her tenacity and determination. Her powerful serve, swift footwork, and aggressive playing style set her apart from the competition, making her a force to be reckoned with in every match she played.

The key to the extraordinary speed upgrade lies in a combination of cutting-edge algorithms, advanced hardware enhancements, and groundbreaking optimization techniques. By reimagining the fundamental principles of data processing, JHU's innovation has unlocked the potential for information to be processed and analyzed at an unprecedented pace, ushering in a new era of possibilities for industries across the globe.Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 women's basketball league launching this winter, signed LSU star guard Flau'jae Johnson to a name, image and likeness deal. Johnson is the second college player to ink an agreement with Unrivaled, following UConn's Paige Bueckers. They won't be participating in the upcoming inaugural season, but Johnson and Bueckers will have equity stakes in the league. Unrivaled dropped a video on social media Thursday showing Johnson -- who also has a burgeoning rap career -- performing a song while wearing a shirt that reads, "The Future is Unrivaled." The deal will see Johnson create additional promotional content for the league. Johnson, 21, was a freshman on the LSU team that won the 2023 national championship. Now in her junior year, Johnson is averaging career highs of 22.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game through 10 games for the No. 5 Tigers (10-0). She ranks eighth in Division I in scoring. Johnson has career averages of 14.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in 82 career appearances (80 starts) for LSU. --Field Level MediaGianforte taps Dept. of Ag head to lead MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks

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FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host despite human rights concerns ZURICH (AP) — Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed by FIFA as host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer. The Saudi bid was the only candidate and was acclaimed by the applause of more than 200 FIFA member federations. They took part remotely in an online meeting hosted in Zurich on Wednesday by the soccer body’s president Gianni Infantino. The decision was combined with approving the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host in a six-nation project, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay each getting one of the 104 games. The South American connection will mark the centenary of Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet acquired by Red Sox from White Sox for prospects DALLAS (AP) — All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet has been acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox for four prospects. Catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez and outfielder Braden Montgomery are headed to Chicago. The 25-year-old Crochet was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts for a White Sox team that went 41-121. It's the most losses for any club since 1900. He was picked for the AL All-Star team in his first season as a starter. Selected 11th overall by Chicago in the 2020 amateur draft, Crochet made his big league debut that September. He had Tommy John surgery in April 2022. NFL will consider replay assist for facemask penalties and other plays IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL will consider expanding replay assist to include facemask penalties and other plays. Officials have missed several obvious facemask penalties this season, including two in a three-week span during Thursday night games. League executive Troy Vincent also cited hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal bat, an illegal double-team block, illegal formations on kickoffs and taunting as other areas that warrant consideration for replay assist. Current rules only allow replay assist to help officials pick up a flag incorrectly thrown on the field, or in assisting proper enforcement of a foul called on the field. The NFL’s Competition Committee will review potential recommendations for owners to vote on for expanding replay assist. Ohio politician proposes make flag planting a felony after fight in Michigan rivalry game An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Jimmy Butler says he's not worrying about his future with Heat amid trade speculation Jimmy Butler knows there are tons of questions about his future with the Miami Heat. He might get traded, he might leave as a free agent next summer, he might exercise a $52.4 million option to return to the Heat or he might get a new contract. He isn't sure what will happen. The Heat forward spoke out about trade speculation Wednesday, telling reporters after practice that he doesn’t mind his name being in the rumor mill. US Biathlon officials ignored sexual harassment and abuse of female racers for decades, athletes say Sexual abuse and harassment by coaches and others who held positions of power over women on the U.S. Biathlon team were ignored or excused over decades by officials more concerned with winning medals than holding offenders accountable. That's according to Olympians and other biathletes interviewed by The Associated Press. While the men climbed the sport's ranks, these women say they were forced to end their careers early. The women and others describe a culture of misogyny and say they faced retaliation for speaking up. Three of the men denied allegations they were either part of the abuse or ignored allegations of abuse. A fourth did not respond to AP requests for comment. Man City crisis deepens with loss to Juventus in Champions League as Barcelona and Arsenal win Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus in the latest setback in a scarcely believable run of poor results for the ailing English champions. City dropped to 22nd place in the 36-team standings and only the top 24 advances. Reaching the knockout stage looked a certainty before the season for a team that was European champion in 2022 and has won the last four Premier League titles. It's not anymore as City manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and an apparent loss of belief among his players. Arsenal beat Monaco 3-0 and Barcelona won 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund. Tulane QB Mensah transfers to Duke; Mississippi State’s Van Buren, Cal’s Mendoza enter portal Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State’s Michael Van Buren Jr. and Cal’s Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah is a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining. He told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men’s basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Lindsey Vonn savors chance to test out World Cup course as a forerunner in comeback bid at age 40 BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is trying to take her comeback step-by-step even if there’s plenty of reason to look down the road. For now, the 40-year-old American ski racer was concentrating on testing out the course as a forerunner. Soon, it will be her first World Cup race. Possibly later, the 2026 Winter Games at one of her favorite venues in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Vonn was one of three forerunners to test out the Birds of Prey course before the racers in the field went through a training run. Federica Brignone of Italy had the fastest time on a Birds of Prey course that’s new to quite a few racers. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Cash Logistics Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 20, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company 's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! The Cash Logistics Global Market continues to exhibit resilient growth , with the market size expected to grow from $20.53 billion in 2023 to $22.29 billion in 2024 with an impressive compound annual growth rate CAGR of 8.6%. This break-neck expansion is attributed to robust economic growth in emerging markets, a surge in the deployment of automated teller machines ATMs, and increased currency circulation. What's On The Horizon For The Cash Logistics Market? An upward trend in the cash logistics market size is anticipated in the next few years, as it is projected to reach $31.34 billion by 2028, flourishing at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 8.9%. Key factors driving this growth include a rise in cash-on-delivery COD methods of payment, an increase in population, and increased funding. During the forecast period, industry stakeholders can expect the adoption of artificial intelligence in cash management, technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and collaborations to be among major trends. To further delve into the promising prospects of this market, access a sample of the detailed research report here: What's Driving The Sustained Growth Of The Cash Logistics Market? The proliferation of ATMs is expected to be a key market stimulant. The essential role of an ATM in facilitating cash transactions without human intervention invigorates the cash logistics industry. Cash logistics, a vital cog in banking operations, involves the collection, management, and deposit of cash at ATMs, a process often outsourced by banks to users. For instance, the number of bank ATMs in India reached 213,575 in March 2021, a 1.3% increase from the previous year, as stated by the Reserve Bank of India. This spurred development of ATMs significantly contributes to the growth of the global cash logistics market. For a more comprehensive analysis of this stimulating market, download the full report here: Who Are The Major Players In The Cash Logistics Market? Some of the notable companies operating in the cash logistics market include The Brink's Company, Loomis AB, Prosegur Compania de Seguridad SA, and Garda World. Other significant players shaping the dynamics of the market are CMS Info Systems Ltd, Security and Intelligence Services Ltd., and General Secure Logistics Services GSLS, among others. What Are The Latest Innovations In The Cash Logistics Market? An emerging trend gaining traction in the cash logistics market is the deployment of mobile ATMs, with major companies focusing on this innovation to bolster their market position. For instance, HDFC Bank, a leading banking and financial services company in India, deployed mobile ATMs to cater to client needs and provide innovative services in May 2021. These mobile ATMs, available in approximately 50 Indian cities, enable customers to execute over 15 different types of transactions, thereby eliminating the need for physical cash withdrawals in restricted areas. How Is The Cash Logistics Market Segmented? The cash logistics market under review in this report is segmented as follows: 1 By Service: Cash Management, Cash-In-Transit, ATM Services 2 By Mode Of Transit: Roadways, Railways, Airways, Waterways 3 By End-User: Financial Institutions, Retailers, Government Agencies, Hospitality, Other End Users What Is The Regional Market Distribution? Asia-Pacific secured the leading spot in the global cash logistics market in 2023. However, other regions covered in the market report including Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa also make substantial contributions to the market. Browse Through More Similar Reports By The Business Research Company: Payments Global Market Report 2024 Social Media Subscription Global Market Report 2024 E-Commerce Global Market Report 2024 The Business Research Company, with over 15000+ reports published across 27 industries in 60+ geographies, offers extensive, data-based insights underpinned by thorough secondary research and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. Connect with us at The Business Research Company: Website For more queries, reach out to us at ... Join our business network on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest updates and insights. 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The bill to rename the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, after the second civilian governor of the state, Rev. Fr Moses Adasu, on Thursday passed second reading during plenary at the Benue Assembly. The Majority Leader, Mr Saater Tiseer (APC/Mbagwa), said that the provisions of the assembly’s Standing Orders XII, Rule 83, limited the second reading to the general merits and principles of a bill and not its details. Tiseer said that the bill was aimed at changing the maiden name of the university to Adasu as a mark of honour as the founder of the university. “In 1992, the second civilian governor of Benue, the late Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, successfully established the Benue State University. “He swiftly set up a steering committee led by the late Chief Edwin Ogbu, which ensured the take-off of the university in the 1992/1993 academic session. “The Benue State University became a reality under the watch of the late Adasu, whose tenure lasted for barely two years before it was truncated by another military intervention. “32 years after its establishment, BSU has fulfilled the dream of its founding fathers by providing the Benue child with easy access to university education and employment opportunities as well as highly trained manpower. “Relatedly, the bill for a law to establish the Benue University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Ihugh, also passed second reading,” he said. The majority leader said that the bill was aimed at establishing a professional university in the state as a replacement for the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He said that the federal university has been restructured into a conventional university offering courses in both the physical sciences, arts, and the humanities. According to him, the proposed university was a timely and transformative initiative. Tiseer stated that the university would undertake research in modern agriculture, harness local potentials in technological innovations, and partner with advanced universities in other climes. The majority added that it would and equip the youth with entrepreneurial skills needed to drive economic growth and development. He said it was in addition to availing the Benue child of more options and access to higher education in the changing world order. The Minority Leader, Mr Michael Audu, seconded the two motions and the bills second reading. The Clerk of the House, Mr John Hwande, therefore, read the bills for the second time. The Speaker, Mr Hyacinth Dajo, in his ruling, referred the bills to the House Standing Committee on Higher Education for further legislative scrutiny.Maree Shepherd is passing the baton after 17 years of conducting the Sing Australia Sutherland group. or signup to continue reading Ms Shepherd is retiring, having helped and encouraged many people of all ages across the shire to sing - including many who thought they couldn't. Sing Australia is a nation-wide network of groups, where everyone who enjoys singing is welcome, regardless of ability. "It is about making happy connections with people from all walks of life and demographics within groups and through performances, gatherings, tours and impromptu opportunities to sing," the organisation says. Ms Shepherd's love of music began at the age of four when her mother began teaching her the piano. She went on to study piano and singing at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, achieving qualifications in both. For many years, she taught music and singing at the Yamaha Music School in Jannali. In 2007, Ms Shepherd was appointed conductor of Sing Australia Sutherland and was awarded Life Membership of the network in 2017. She led the group at more than 300 events, as well as sessions involving about 80 members every Tuesday night at Gymea. Ms Shepherd said, "As sad as it is for me, I know it's time to pass the conductor's baton to a younger generation". "I remember so many highlights, including conducting the Sutherland Anzac Day Dawn Service, participating in Sutherland Shire's Relay for Life, and conducting 500 singers from across Australia at in Canberra in 2023. "I have also had the honour of conducting combined Sing Australia groups at the annual celebration on the steps of St Mary's Cathedral since 2021." Ms Shepherd said Sing Australia Sutherland was "made up of a wonderful group of people of all ages who have found lasting friendships with each other". "I would encourage anyone who enjoys singing to come along and give it a go," she said. A long-time shire resident, Ms Shepherd was for many years the Senior Electoral Officer to Miranda MP Barry Collier. Mr Collier praised Ms Shepherd's "consistent and dedicated contribution to shire life and to the well-being of residents through music and song". "During my time in office, I attended several Tuesday night singalongs with the group and even joined in singing with them at a senior's concert led by Maree at Gymea Community Aid Centre. "There is no doubt that singing is good for the soul, and I can't forget the joy I saw in the eyes of those present as they remembered the words and quickly joined in. "Maree's enthusiasm for singing was simply infectious. The encouragement she gave to so many shire residents to get involved in the local Sing Australia group was simply inspirational." Anyone interested in finding out more about the position of conductor of Sing Australia Sutherland should contact the current group leader Mrs Barbara Archer on 0407 067 028. St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news.Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporter covering politics, urban affairs, council, development and general community news.Email: mtrembath@theleader.com.au

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