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Premier League leaders Liverpool ruthlessly exploited another slip by their title rivals to move seven points clear with a match in hand after a 3-1 win over Leicester. Chelsea’s surprise defeat at home to Fulham earlier in the day had been an unexpected gift for Arne Slot’s side and they drove home their advantage by outclassing the struggling Foxes. Having overcome the early setback of conceding to Jordan Ayew, with even the travelling fans expressing their surprise they were winning away after taking just five points on the road this season, the home team had too much quality. That was personified by the excellent Cody Gakpo, whose eighth goal in his last 14 appearances produced the equaliser in first-half added time with the Netherlands international unlucky to have a second ruled out for offside by VAR. Further goals from Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah, with his 19th of the season, stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 22 matches. For Leicester, who had slipped into the bottom three after Wolves’ win over Manchester United, it is now one win from the last 10 in the league and Ruud van Nistelrooy has plenty of work to do, although he was not helped here by the absence of leading scorer Jamie Vardy through injury. It looked liked Liverpool meant business from the off with Salah’s volley from Gakpo’s far-post cross just being kept out by Jakub Stolarczyk, making his league debut after former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward was omitted from the squad having struggled in the defeat to Wolves. But if the hosts thought that had set the tone they were badly mistaken after being opened up with such simplicity in only the sixth minute. Stephy Mavididi broke down the left and his low cross picked out Ayew, who turned Andy Robertson far too easily, with his shot deflecting off Virgil van Dijk to take it just out of Alisson Becker’s reach. With a surprise lead to cling to Leicester knew they had to quell the storm heading their way and they began by trying to take as much time out of the game as they could, much to Anfield’s frustration. It took a further 18 minutes for Liverpool to threaten with Gakpo cutting in from the left to fire over, a precursor for what was to follow just before half-time. That was the prompt for the attacks to rain down on the Foxes goal, with Salah’s shot looping up off Victor Kristiansen and landing on the roof of the net and Robertson heading against a post. Gakpo’s inclination to come in off the left was proving a problem for the visitors, doing their utmost to resist the pressure, but when Salah curled a shot onto the crossbar on the stroke of half-time it appeared they had survived. However, Gakpo once again drifted in off the flank to collect an Alexis Mac Allister pass before curling what is fast becoming his trademark effort over Stolarczyk and inside the far post. Early the second half Darwin Nunez fired over Ryan Gravenberch’s cross before Jones side-footed home Mac Allister’s cross after an intricate passing move inside the penalty area involving Nunez, Salah and the Argentina international. Leicester’s ambition remained limited but Patson Daka should have done better from a two-on-one counter attack with Mavididi but completely missed his kick with the goal looming. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/IqmAsKylLR — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2024 Nunez forced a save out of the goalkeeper before Gakpo blasted home what he thought was his second only for VAR to rule Nunez was offside in the build-up. But Liverpool’s third was eventually delivered by the left foot of Salah, who curled the ball outside Kristiansen, inside Jannick Vestergaard and past Stolarczyk inside the far post.

An Israeli airstrike flattened a multistory building in central Gaza, killing at least 25 people and wounding dozens more, according to Palestinian medical officials, after strikes Thursday across the Gaza Strip killed at least 28 others. The latest deadly strike hit the urban Nuseirat refugee camp just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters in Jerusalem that the recent ceasefire in Lebanon has helped clear the way for a potential deal to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the deadly strike in Nuseirat. Israel says it is trying to eliminate Hamas, which led the attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza . The Israeli military says Hamas militants hide among Gaza’s civilian population. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine in some of the hardest-hit parts of the territory. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 250 others were taken hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: DAMASCUS, Syria — Mohammad Salim Alkhateb, an official with the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces — an internationally backed group of the opposition in exile — said his group wants to see a transitional government formed via a United Nations-backed process in the wake of Bashar Assad ouster. It is not yet clear if Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group now in control of Syria, will pursue such a process. The insurgents have said an interim government headed by Mohammad al-Bashir, who is also the head of the “salvation government” of HTS in its former stronghold in northern Syria, will oversee the country until March but have not made clear how the transition to a new, fully empowered government would take place. “The transitional governing body should be formed in Geneva to have international legitimacy,” said Alkhateb, who is now in Damascus. “The transitional governing body, whatever its form, whether it is the ‘salvation government’ or any other, what matters is that it has international recognition.” Alkhateb said that the unexpectedly rapid fall of Damascus and departure of Assad after opposition forces launched their offensive had created confusion and a governance vacuum. A day before the insurgents pushed into Damascus, diplomats from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and Russia met in Qatar to discuss the situation in Syria. Alkhateb said that they had discussed a scenario in which the rebels would halt their advance, keeping the territory they had captured so far in the north — including Syria’s largest city, Aleppo — and the opposition and Assad’s government would go to Geneva for talks on a political settlement to the conflict. However, he noted, “there were no Syrians in that meeting.” Assad fled to Russia before the rebel forces arrived in Damascus but has not officially announced his resignation, which is “why we are living in a vacuum rather than a political transition,” Alkhateb said. He added that creating a professional army should be a priority of the transitional government. “We do not want a civilian who was trained during the revolution to carry military weapons to become the military,” he said. Israel bombed hundreds of military sites in Syria this week in a wave of airstrikes that destroyed “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of airstrikes in neighboring Syria was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s stunning collapse . WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Peirre says Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for 12 years, “is a top priority for this president.” During a briefing with reporters on Thursday, Jean-Pierre said of Tice, “There is no indication that he is not alive. There’s also no indication about his location or condition.” “What our goal is, is to bring him home. And so, we hope certainly that he is alive and, as we have stated many times before, we are talking through this with the Turks and we want to do everything we can to bring him home,” she said. BEIRUT — Amnesty International said Thursday that four Israeli airstrikes between September and October that killed at least 49 civilians in Lebanon “must be investigated as war crimes.” The rights organization said in a new report that the four strikes targeted homes in the Bekaa Valley, northern and eastern Lebanon, and municipal offices in the south. “These four attacks are emblematic of Israel’s shocking disregard for civilian lives in Lebanon and their willingness to flout international law,” said Amnesty International’s Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns. The rights group said this report was part of its ongoing investigation into violations of the laws of war in Lebanon. Amnesty International investigated four Israeli airstrikes, including one on Sept. 29 in al-Ain that killed all nine members of the same family. On Oct. 21, a strike in Baalbek city in eastern Lebanon killed six members of the same family. Another on Oct. 14 in the village of Aitou in northern Lebanon killed 23 displaced people, including a 5-month-old baby. A fragment from the attack site in Aitou was identified by an Amnesty weapons expert as likely part of a Mk-80 series aerial bomb, weighing at least 500 pounds. These munitions are primarily supplied to Israel by the United States, Amnesty said. The fourth strike Amnesty investigated was the strike that hit the municipal headquarters in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 16, killing 11 civilians including the mayor. “The air strike took place without warning, just as the municipality’s crisis unit was meeting to coordinate deliveries of aid, including food, water and medicine, to residents and internally displaced people who had fled bombardment in other parts of southern Lebanon,” Amnesty said. The rights group said it interviewed survivors and witnesses, examined evidence, and found no military targets near the sites of the four strikes. The Israeli military gave no warnings and did not respond to Amnesty’s inquiries, the group said. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike hit the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more, Palestinian medics said, just hours after President Joe Biden’s national security adviser raised hopes about a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Photos from the scene of the blast that circulated on social media showed a completely collapsed building with people walking through its mangled and charred remains, smoke rising from piles of belongings strewn over the rubble. Officials at two hospitals in the Gaza Strip, al-Awda Hospital in the north and al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, reported they received a combined total of 25 bodies from an Israeli strike on a multistory residential building in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. Palestinian medics also reported that over 40 people, most of them children, were receiving treatment at the two hospitals. The al-Aqsa Hospital said that the Israeli attack also damaged several nearby houses in Nuseirat. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the deadly strike. Israel is trying to eliminate Hamas, which led the attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza . The Israeli military says Hamas militants hide among Gaza’s civilian population. Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames U.N. agencies for not distributing it. The U.N. says Israeli restrictions, and the breakdown of law and order after Israel repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, make it extremely difficult to operate in the territory. UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. food agency is trying to deal with massive needs in Syria not only from escalating war-related food insecurity and an upsurge in displaced people fleeing Lebanon but also the dramatically new environment following the ouster of Bashar Assad, a senior U.N. official says. “It’s a triple crisis and the needs are going to be massive,” said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Program, in an interview with The Associated Press late Wednesday. The WFP estimated that 3 million people in Syria were “acutely food insecure” and very hungry. However, that estimate was made before the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon pushed many Syrian refugees back to their home country, plus the instability caused by the overthrow of Assad. Due to funding cuts, the WFP had been targeting only 2 million of those people, he said. Because WFP has been working in Syria during the 13-year civil war, he said, it has pre-positioned food in the country. It has 500 staff in seven offices nationwide and has operated across conflict lines, across borders, and with all different parties, he said. Skau said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group now in control of Syria, has promised to provide security for WFP warehouses. Humanitarian aid supplies had been looted at U.N. warehouses in the disorder after Assad fell. “We’re not really up and running in Damascus because of the continued kind of uncertainty there,” he said. WFP initially thought of relocating non-essential staff but the situation in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, has been “quite calm and orderly," he said. In the short term, Skau said, “what we’re seeing is that markets are disrupted, the value of the currency dropped dramatically, food prices are going up, transport lines don’t work,” and it’s unclear who will stamp required papers for imports and exports. This means that a bigger humanitarian response is needed initially, he said, but in the next phase, the U,N. will be looking at contributing to Syria’s recovery, and ultimately the country will need reconstruction. Skau said he expects a new funding appeal for Syria and urged donors to be generous. JERUSALEM — President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday that Israel’s ceasefire in Lebanon has helped clear the way for another deal to end the war in Gaza. He plans to travel next to Qatar and Egypt — key mediators in the ceasefire talks — as the Biden administration makes a final push on negotiations before Donald Trump is inaugurated. Sullivan said “Hamas’ posture at the negotiating table did adapt” after Israel decimated the leadership of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon and reached a ceasefire there. “We believe it puts us in a position to close this negotiation,” he said. Sullivan dismissed speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was waiting for Trump to take office to finalize a deal. He the U.S. believes there are three American hostages still alive in Gaza, but it’s hard to know for sure. He also said “the balance of power in the Middle East has changed significantly” since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, especially with the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, a key ally of Hezbollah and Iran. “We are now faced with a dramatically reshaped Middle East in which Israel is stronger, Iran is weaker, its proxies decimated, and a ceasefire that is new and will be lasting in Lebanon that ensures Israel’s security over the long term,” he said. KHIAM, Lebanon — An Israeli strike killed at least one person Thursday in the Lebanese border town of Khiam, the Health Ministry said, less than a day after Israeli troops handed the hilltop village back to the Lebanese army in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, Khiam is the first Lebanese town Israel has pull out of since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants began two weeks ago, and marks an important test of the fragile truce . Lebanon's Health Ministry and state news agency did not provide details on who was killed, and did not report airstrikes elsewhere on Thursday. The Israeli military said the airstrike in Khiam targeted Hezbollah fighters. Lebanese troops deployed in the northern section of the town on Thursday morning and were coordinating with U.N. peacekeepers to finalize Israel’s withdrawal before fully entering into other neighborhoods. An Associated Press reporter who visited Khiam on Thursday observed widespread destruction, with most houses reduced to rubble. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, with collapsed walls and debris scattered across the streets. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, sharply criticized Israel for striking the town less than 24 hours after the Lebanese army returned, saying it was “a violation of the pledges made by the parties that sponsored the ceasefire agreement, who must act to curb Israeli aggression.” The truce was brokered by the U.S. and France. Israel has previously said the ceasefire deal allows it to use military force against perceived violations. Near-daily attacks by Israel during the ceasefire, mostly in southern Lebanon, have killed at least 29 people and wounded 27 others. Khiam, which sits on a ridge less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the border with Israel, saw some of the most intense fighting during the war. The Lebanese army was clearing debris and reopening roads in the northern section of the town. Civilian access to other areas remained challenging as the army clears roads and works alongside the U.N. peacekeepers to ensure the area is free of unexploded ordnance. AQABA, Jordan -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging the many players in Syria to avoid taking any steps that could lead to further violence. Blinken spoke to reporters in Jordan on Thursday shortly after meeting King Abdullah II as he opened a trip in the region to discuss Syria's future after former President Bashar Assad's ouster. Blinken will next visit Turkey, a NATO ally and a main backer of Syrian rebel groups. Blinken called this “a time of both real promise but also peril for Syria and for its neighbors.” He said he was focused on coordinating efforts in the region “to support the Syrian people as they transition away from Assad’s brutal dictatorship” and establish a government that isn’t dominated by one religion or ethnic group or outside power. Blinken was asked about Israel’s incursion into a buffer zone that had been demilitarized for the past half century. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the move is temporary and defensive, but also indicated Israel will remain in the area for a long time. Blinken declined to say whether the U.S. supports the move, but said the U.S. would be speaking to Israel and other partners in the region. “I think, across the board, when it comes to any actors who have real interests in Syria, it’s also really important at this time that, we all try to make sure that we’re not sparking any additional conflicts,” he said. ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, arrived in Damascus on Thursday, according to Turkish media reports. Kalin was seen arriving at the Umayyad Mosque to pray, surrounded by a large crowd, according to video shown on Turkish television. The visit is highly symbolic. Turkish officials, who supported the opposition against Syria’s government, had predicted at the start of the civil war in 2011 that President Bashar Assad’s government would fall, allowing them to pray at the Umayyad Mosque. JERUSALEM — Paraguay reopened its embassy in Jerusalem Thursday, becoming one of a small handful of nations to recognize the city as Israel’s capital and marking a diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s international isolation has increased as the war in Gaza drags on, and Paraguay was the first country to move its embassy to Jerusalem since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that kickstarted the war. The United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea are among the few countries with Jerusalem embassies. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in 1967 but it wasn’t recognized by the international community, and most countries run their embassies out of Tel Aviv. Spirits were high at the ceremony marking the embassy’s inauguration Thursday, with Netanyahu and Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lavishing praise on Paraguayan President Santiago Pena. “My good friend Santiago,” said Netanyahu, addressing Pena. “We’re a small nation. You’re a small nation. We suffered horrible things but we overcame the odds of history...we can win and we are winning.” Paraguay had an embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, under Former President Horacio Cartes. That embassy was moved back to Tel Aviv by Cartes’ successor, Mario Abdo Benitez, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Asuncion. Saar said Israel and Paraguay shared a “friendship based not only on interests but also values and principles.” He and the Paraguayan foreign minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, signed a series of bilateral agreements and Saar said he would soon visit Asunción with a delegation from the Israeli private sector. “Israel is going to win and the countries we are standing next to Israel, we are going to win," Pena said. AQABA, Jordan — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is renewing calls for Syria’s new leadership to respect women and minority rights, prevent extremists from gaining new footholds in the country and keeping suspected chemical weapons stocks secure as he makes his first visit to the Mideast since the weekend ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad . Making his 12th trip to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war erupted lasted year but amid fresh concerns about security following the upheaval in Syria, Blinken emphasized Thursday to Jordan’s King Abdullah II U.S. “support for an inclusive transition that can lead to an accountable and representative Syrian government chosen by the Syrian people,” the State Department said. Blinken also repeated the importance the outgoing Biden administration puts on respect for human rights and international law, the protection of civilians and stopping terrorist groups from reconstituting. Blinken met with the monarch and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Aqaba before traveling to Turkey for talks with Turkish officials on the situation in Syria and the urgency of securing a long-elusive deal to release hostages and end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the Palestinian territory since October 2023. Abdullah told Blinken that “the first step to reach comprehensive regional calm is to end the Israeli war on Gaza." GENEVA — The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling on authorities to save evidence from detention centers that were a hub of “unimaginable barbarity” that Syrians have faced for many years and cooperate with international investigators looking into such crimes. Geir Pederson referred to new images from the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital, Damascus, after President Bashar Assad fled Syria as armed groups stormed in to overthrow his government over the weekend. “The images from Saydnaya and other detention facilities starkly underscore the unimaginable barbarity Syrians have endured and reported for years,” Pedersen said in a statement. Documentation and testimonies “only scratch the surface of the carceral system’s horrors,” he added. Pedersen urged authorities to cooperate with U.N. bodies like an independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which was created in 2011, and an independent group known as the IIIM that was set up five years later to also compile evidence of crimes. ROME — Leaders of the Group of 7 industrialized nations offered their full support for an inclusive political transition in Syria and invited all parties to preserve the country’s territorial integrity. In a message released by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s office, the leaders said they were ready to support a transition that “leads to a credible government, inclusive and not sectarian, that guarantees respect for the state of law, universal human rights, including rights for women, (and) the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities.” The leaders also underlined the importance that ousted President Bashar Assad’s government is held responsible for crimes, citing “decades of atrocities.” They said they would also cooperate with groups working to prohibit chemical weapons “to secure, declare and destroy” remaining chemical arms in Syria. Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the G-7, which also includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says it struck Hamas militants in two locations in the southern Gaza Strip who planned to hijack aid convoys. Palestinian Health officials had earlier said that the two strikes killed 15 men who were part of local committees established to secure aid deliveries. The committees have been organized in cooperation with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza. It was not possible to independently confirm either account of the strikes, which occurred overnight into Thursday. Israel has long accused Hamas of hijacking humanitarian aid deliveries, while U.N. officials have said there is no systemic diversion of aid . U.N. agencies and aid groups say deliveries are held up by Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid and movement within Gaza, as well as the breakdown of law and order more than 14 months into the war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, which maintained internal security before the war. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main aid provider in Gaza, said a U.N. convoy of 70 trucks carrying humanitarian aid in southern Gaza “was involved in a serious incident,” resulting in just one of the trucks reaching its destination. It did not provide further details on the incident but said the same route had been used successfully two days earlier. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has caused vast destruction and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, leaving the territory heavily reliant on international food aid. DAMASCUS, Syria — An American who turned up in Syria on Thursday says he was detained after crossing into the country by foot on a Christian pilgrimage seven months ago. Travis Timmerman appears to have been among thousands of people released from the country’s notorious prisons after rebels reached Damascus over the weekend, overthrowing President Bashar Assad and ending his family’s 54-year rule. As video emerged online of Timmerman on Thursday, he was initially mistaken by some for Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing in Syria 12 years ago. In the video, Timmerman could be seen lying on a mattress under a blanket in what appeared to be a private house. A group of men in the video said he was being treated well and would be safely returned home. The Biden administration is working to bring Timmerman home, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Aqaba, Jordan, without offering details, citing privacy. Timmerman later gave an interview with the Al-Arabiya TV network, saying he had illegally crossed into Syria on foot from the eastern Lebanese town of Zahle seven months ago, before being detained. He said he was treated well in detention but could hear other men being tortured. AQABA, Jordan — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Jordan on his 12th visit to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year and his first since the weekend ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad that has sparked new fears of instability in a region wracked by three conflicts despite a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Blinken was meeting in Aqaba with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday before traveling to Turkey for talks with Turkish officials on Friday. The meetings will focus largely on Syria but also touch on long-elusive hopes for a deal to end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the Palestinian territory since October 2023. Blinken is the latest senior U.S. official to visit the Middle East in the five days since Assad was deposed as the Biden administration navigates more volatility in the region in its last few weeks in office and as President-elect Donald Trump has said the U.S. should stay out of the Syrian conflict. Other include national security adviser Jake Sullivan and a top military commander who traveled there as the U.S. and Israel have launched airstrikes to prevent the Islamic State militant group from reconstituting and prevent materiel and suspected chemical weapons stocks from falling into militant hands. Blinken “will discuss the need for the transition process and new government in Syria to respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance, prevent Syria from being used as a base of terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors, and ensure that chemical weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed,” the State Department said. The U.S. would be willing to recognize and fully support a new Syrian government that met those criteria. U.S. officials say they are not actively reviewing the foreign terrorist organization designation of the main Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, which was once an al-Qaida affiliate, but stressed they are not barred from speaking to its members. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli forces will remain in a Syrian buffer zone until a new force on the other side of the border can guarantee security. After the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Israeli forces pushed into a buffer zone that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war. The military says it has seized additional strategic points nearby. Israeli officials have said the move is temporary, but Netanyahu’s conditions could take months or even years to fulfill as Syria charts its post-Assad future, raising the prospect of an open-ended Israeli presence in the country. Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Thursday that Assad’s overthrow by jihadi rebels created a vacuum on the border. “Israel will not permit jihadi groups to fill that vacuum and threaten Israeli communities on the Golan Heights with October 7th style attacks,” it said, referring to Hamas’ 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. “That is why Israeli forces entered the buffer zone and took control of strategic sites near Israel’s border.” The statement added that “this deployment is temporary until a force that is committed to the 1974 agreement can be established and security on our border can be guaranteed.” The buffer zone is adjacent to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed. The international community, except for the United States, views the Golan as occupied Syrian territory. JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said Thursday that the attacker who fatally shot a 12-year-old Israeli boy in the occupied West Bank overnight turned himself in to authorities. The attacker opened fire on a bus near the Israeli settlement of Beitar Illit, critically wounding the boy, who hospital authorities pronounced dead in the early morning. Three others were wounded in the attack, paramedics said. The shooting took place just outside Jerusalem in an area near major Israeli settlements. JAKARTA, Indonesia — The Indonesian government has evacuated 37 citizens from Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government, officials said Thursday. The evacuees were taken by land from Damascus to Beirut, where they boarded three commercial flights to Jakarta, said Judha Nugraha, director of citizen protection at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Indonesian Embassy in Damascus said all 1,162 Indonesian citizens in Syria were safe. Indonesian Ambassador to Syria Wajid Fauzi said the situation in Syria has gradually returned to normal. “I can say that 98% of people’s lives are back to normal, shops are open, public transportation has started running,” Fauzi said, adding that most Indonesian nationals living in Syria had chosen to stay. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian medical officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 28 people in the Gaza Strip, including seven children and a woman. One of the strikes overnight and into Thursday flattened a house in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. An Associated Press reporter saw the bodies at the hospital’s morgue. Two other strikes killed 15 men who were part of local committees established to secure aid convoys . The committees were set up by displaced Palestinians in coordination with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry. The Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis received the bodies and an AP reporter counted them. The hospital said eight were killed in a strike near the southern border town of Rafah and seven others in a strike 30 minutes later near Khan Younis. The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames U.N. agencies for not distributing it. The U.N. says Israeli restrictions, and the breakdown of law and order after Israel repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, make it extremely difficult to operate in the territory. UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban . The votes in the 193-nation world body were 158-9 with 13 abstentions to demand a ceasefire now and 159-9 with 11 abstentions to support the agency known as UNRWA. The votes culminated two days of speeches overwhelmingly calling for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group . General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they reflect world opinion. There are no vetoes in the assembly. Israel and its close ally, the United States, were in a tiny minority speaking and voting against the resolutions.

NJ lawmaker crafts state DOGE committee to ‘mirror’ Elon’s brainchild: ‘We need it more’Paylocity Holding's PCTY short percent of float has fallen 25.09% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 925 thousand shares sold short , which is 2.12% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.7 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Paylocity Holding Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Paylocity Holding has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted. Comparing Paylocity Holding's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Paylocity Holding's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.68%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’

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Maharashtra Election Results 2024: Rahul Gandhi’s 'Caste Census Push' And 'Red Book' Rhetoric Fail To Sway Voters

One of the most impressive aspects of Sun Yingsha's reign at the top of the rankings is her wide lead in points over her closest competitors. Her consistent performance in major tournaments, including Grand Slam events and prestigious international competitions, has allowed her to amass a significant points gap that seems insurmountable for others to catch up. This not only reflects her individual talent and hard work but also the strength of the Chinese women's table tennis team as a whole.

As Tencent Video grapples with the fallout from the wave of complaints, it faces a crucial decision – to either restore faith in its membership program by addressing users' concerns and improving its offerings, or risk alienating its customer base and losing their patronage to competitors who can offer a more compelling value proposition.

Florida Lawmaker's Party Switch Increases Republican Supermajority in the HousePHILADELPHIA — Nikki Giovanni, the legendary poet and leader of the Black Arts Movement, died at 81 on Monday, Dec. 9, in Blacksburg, Virginia, after receiving a third diagnosis of cancer, according to news reports . Her longtime partner, Virginia Fowler, was by her side. The revolutionary writer who penned verses about Black life, feminism, politics, rage and love, was born Yolanda Cornelia Giovanni Jr., in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1943 and raised in Cincinnati. She spent many years in New York and Virginia, where she taught English at Virginia Tech for decades. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.big fish casino jackpot magic slots 。

New Chip Wars! Who Will Dominate AI? Find Out NowDallas Cowboys star guard Zack Martin is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Martin didn't practice at all this week. He also physically struggled during Monday night's loss to the Houston Texas. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Saquon Barkley: "Pretty cool" to set Eagles single-season rushing record - NBC Sports

Trump Will Restore US Rule of Law by Pardoning January 6 Protesters

Tim Stutzle on torrid place for 100-plus point season as Senators prepare to face DucksUni student cap debate 'a real sore point', UC needs to grow: Barr

Caitlin Clark was announced on Tuesday as TIME's Athlete of the Year . While she spoke about her initial success in the WNBA and her transition from college to the pros during an in-depth interview with the magazine, Clark also spoke about her Taylor Swift fandom. The Indiana Fever star admitted to attending consecutive concerts on the heralded "Eras tour" at Lucas Oil Stadium and was bombarded with friendship bracelets from other "Swifties." Swift left Clark with four separate bags of tour merchandise that the 14-time Grammy-award-winning artist indicated were from " Trav and I." The singer also expressed that she's excited to attend a Fever game sometime next year. Caitlin Clark reveals truth about Angel Reese relationship and her response to WNBA gesture Chennedy Carter lets her game do the talking with WNBA contract decision looming “People are just going crazy that I’m there,” Clark said of her experience at the concert. “I thought people would be so in their own world, ready to see Taylor. And it was just completely the opposite.” Swift has had more crossover into the sports world in recent years, in part thanks to her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce . This season, she attended the first six Chiefs home games at Arrowhead Stadium. Swift had to miss Kansas City's most recent home game , a nervy 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, as she wrapped up the Eras Tour in Vancouver. She's also attended the US Open and the opening game of the ALCS Playoffs between the Cleveland Guardians - Kelce's alleged favorite team - and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs return home in two weeks when they take on the Houston Texans on December 21, the team's last contest at Arrowhead Stadium this season. With the Eras Tour over, Swift would be able to attend. The Fever start their 2025 season with a home meeting against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on May 17th of next year. Clark will line up for new coach Stephanie White next season. She led the Connecticut Sun the last two seasons after a stint at Vanderbilt University. The Fever may look to strengthen their team this offseason even though star Kelsey Mitchell is a free agent. Indiana owns the eight eight pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Common Pressure Washing Myths Debunked By Midwest Pro WashNobel recipient Geoffrey Hinton wishes he thoughts of AI safety sooner Geoffrey Hinton says he doesn’t regret the work he did that laid the foundation for artificial intelligence, but wishes he thought of safety sooner. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press Dec 8, 2024 5:39 AM Dec 8, 2024 5:50 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Geoffrey Hinton says he doesn’t regret the work he did that laid the foundation for artificial intelligence, but wishes he thought of safety sooner. The British-Canadian computer scientist says the technology has now progressed so fast that he thinks it could achieve superintelligence in the next five to 20 years. Superintelligence is intelligence that surpasses even the smartest humans. When superintelligence happens, Hinton says humanity will have to seriously worry about how it can stay in control. His remarks came at a press conference in Stockholm, where Hinton is due to a receive the Nobel Prize in psychics on Tuesday. Hinton and co-laureate John Hopfield are being given the prize because they developed some of the underpinnings of machine learning, a computer science that helps AI mimic how humans learn. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Science News Hacker scores 21, Bellarmine beats NAIA Brescia 94-66 Dec 7, 2024 2:42 PM Montreal blacksmith says he has a ‘place in paradise’ as Notre-Dame reopens its doors Dec 7, 2024 12:46 PM Do weighted blankets help you sleep better? Here's what to know Dec 7, 2024 6:03 AM

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SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates PWOD, VOXX, NEUE On Behalf Of ShareholdersMississippi State overcomes early deficit to down Prairie View A&MPrime Minister’s address on Veer Bal Diwas has brought renewed focus to the critical role of youth in shaping India’s future. By emphasizing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning and drawing lessons from history, the Prime Minister has underscored the importance of equipping youngsters with the tools, skills, and values necessary to lead the nation into a new era of progress and innovation. The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, who at a tender age defied oppression and chose the path of unwavering faith and courage, resonates deeply in today’s context. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that the nation’s progress often rests on the shoulders of its young people. The Prime Minister stressed the need for a futuristic approach to education and skills development. With the rapid advancements in AI and ML transforming industries, India must ensure its youth are adequately prepared to adapt and excel. These technologies are no longer confined to niche areas but are becoming integral to fields as diverse as railways, semiconductors, travel, and astronomy. By fostering expertise in such cutting-edge domains, the country can secure a competitive edge in the global economy. In this context, the Government’s new education policy is a step in this direction, aiming to equip students with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. However, implementing these changes on a large scale will require significant investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education remains challenging. Including vocational training and digital literacy at all levels of education can help bridge the gap between traditional learning and the demands of a modern workforce. The burgeoning startup ecosystem in India reflects the country’s potential as a global innovation hub. Young entrepreneurs are at the forefront of solving some of India’s most pressing challenges, from sustainable energy to healthcare and fintech. The Government’s support through initiatives like Startup India and promoting research and development in science and technology is commendable. However, further efforts are needed to simplify regulatory processes, improve access to funding, and create a more conducive environment for risk-taking. The launch of the ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan,’ aimed at improving nutritional outcomes through community participation, is another initiative worth mention. By addressing foundational issues like nutrition, the initiative ensures that children have the physical and cognitive capacity to thrive in their educational and professional pursuits. The Constitution’s principle of equality highlights its alignment with the teachings of India’s spiritual and historical leaders. The Sahibzadas’ sacrifice exemplifies the idea that every act in service of the nation is an act of valour. The Prime Minister’s interactions with the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar further underscore the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. These young achievers, who have excelled in fields like art, innovation, and social service, serve as role models for their peers and exemplify what India’s youth can accomplish with the right support and opportunities. PM’s call to involve one lakh politically unaffiliated youth in governance over the next 25 years is a bold and visionary move. Political participation by young people can bring fresh perspectives and energy to policymaking, ensuring that governance reflects the aspirations of a new generation. This initiative, coupled with platforms like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, provides a roadmap for harnessing the potential of India’s demographic dividend. The Government’s focus on empowering the youth is a step in the right direction. However, the success of these efforts will depend on their implementation and the active participation of stakeholders at all levels. As the nation honours the sacrifices of its past, it must also invest in the promise of its future. By equipping young Indians with the skills, values, and opportunities they need to succeed, India can ensure that its journey towards a brighter tomorrow is driven by the energy and vision of its youngest citizens.SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stitch Fix, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFIX), the leading online personal styling service, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, ended November 2, 2024. "Our fiscal year is off to a strong start. We exceeded our expectations in the first quarter on the top and bottom lines,” said Matt Baer, Chief Executive Officer, Stitch Fix. "Our clients are responding to the newness we have brought to our assortment as well as the improvements we've made to our client experience. This progress is a testament to the Stitch Fix team's ongoing execution of our transformation strategy, and we continue to expect to return to revenue growth by the end of FY26.” During the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we ceased operations of our UK business and met the accounting requirements for reporting the UK business as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the results of the UK business as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures below relate to our continuing operations. First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Key Metrics and Financial Highlights Our financial outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, ending February 1, 2025, is as follows: Our financial outlook for fiscal year 2025 is as follows: We expect both the second quarter and full fiscal year 2025 gross margin to be approximately 44% to 45%, and full fiscal year 2025 advertising expense as a percentage of revenue to be at the high end of an 8% to 9% range. Stitch Fix has not reconciled its Adjusted EBITDA outlook to GAAP net income (loss) because it does not provide an outlook for GAAP net income (loss) due to the uncertainty and potential variability of restructuring and other one-time costs, net other income (expense), provision for income taxes, and stock-based compensation expense, which are reconciling items between Adjusted EBITDA and GAAP net income (loss). Because Stitch Fix cannot reasonably predict such items, a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure outlook to the corresponding GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable effort. We caution, however, that such items could have a significant impact on the calculation of GAAP net income (loss). For more information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this release, please see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. Conference Call and Webcast Information Matt Baer, Chief Executive Officer of Stitch Fix, and David Aufderhaar, Chief Financial Officer of Stitch Fix, will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time today to discuss the Company's financial results and outlook. A live webcast of the call will be accessible on the investor relations section of the Stitch Fix website at https://investors.stitchfix.com . To access the call by phone, please register at the following link: Dial-In Registration: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb75f616c9a2a4320adf40088c7b87810 Upon registration, telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN number that can be used to access the call. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time at https://investors.stitchfix.com . About Stitch Fix, Inc. Stitch Fix (NASDAQ: SFIX) is the leading online personal styling service that helps people discover the styles they will love that fit perfectly so they always look - and feel - their best. Few things are more personal than getting dressed, but finding clothing that fits and looks great can be a challenge. Stitch Fix solves that problem. By pairing expert stylists with best-in-class AI and recommendation algorithms, the company leverages its assortment of exclusive and national brands to meet each client's individual tastes and needs, making it convenient for clients to express their personal style without having to spend hours in stores or sifting through endless choices online. Stitch Fix, which was founded in 2011, is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, please visit https://www.stitchfix.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release, the related conference call, and webcast contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward looking, including but not limited to statements regarding our expectations for future financial performance, including our profitability and long-term targets; guidance on financial results and metrics for the second quarter and full fiscal year of 2025; that the execution of our strategy and priorities will enable us to achieve long-term, sustainable, and profitable growth and positive free cash flow; our expectation to return to revenue growth by the end of fiscal year 2026; that the changes we have made to our client experience will help us acquire, retain, and reactivate highly engaged clients over time and better serve our clients; that our actions to make Stylists more visible to our clients will deepen relationships between clients and Stylists and increase client engagement; and our expectations regarding warehouse costs, transportation costs, gross margin, inventory levels, and advertising spend. These statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the current macroeconomic environment; our ability to generate sufficient net revenue to offset our costs; consumer behavior; our ability to acquire, engage, and retain clients; our ability to provide offerings and services that achieve market acceptance; our data science and technology, Stylists, operations, marketing initiatives, and other key strategic areas; risks related to our inventory levels and management; risks related to our supply chain, sourcing of materials and shipping of merchandise; our ability to forecast our future operating results; and other risks described in the filings we make with the SEC. Further information on these and other factors that could cause our financial results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any results, performance, or achievements anticipated, expressed, or implied by these forward-looking statements is included in filings we make with the SEC from time to time, including in the section titled "Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 3, 2024. These documents are available on the SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section of our website at: https://investors.stitchfix.com . We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements represent our management's beliefs and assumptions only as of the date such statements are made.

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Top Canadian with a solid payout history, a growing earnings base, and sustainable yield can help generate decades of passive income. For instance, leading have been consistently rewarding shareholders with regular dividends for years. So, if you want worry-free passive income, here are three stocks worth buying right now. Investors seeking decades of passive income could consider adding top Canadian . These companies are known for their resilient and growing payouts. Notably, their rate-regulated businesses generate predictable cash flows, supporting steady dividend payouts. Among the leading utility stocks, investors could add ( ) to their portfolios. Canadian Utilities offers natural gas and electricity services and has an unparalleled streak of dividend increases—52 consecutive years, the longest in Canadian corporate history. Moreover, Canadian Utilities stock offers a solid yield of about 5%. Looking ahead, Canadian Utilities’s highly contracted and regulated earnings base will likely support future dividend growth. The company continues to invest in regulated utilities and long-term, contracted assets, which will expand its rate base and earnings, driving higher dividend payments. Further, its payout ratio is sustainable in the long term. Top infrastructure companies are known for their resilient dividend payouts. ( ) is a reliable stock in the energy infrastructure space that is worth buying for decades of passive income. Enbridge has paid dividends for about seven decades. Moreover, it has increased them by nearly three decades. Enbridge’s extensive network of liquid pipelines across key supply and demand zones, high system utilization rate, power-purchase agreements, and regulated tolling frameworks position it well to generate solid earnings and distributable cash flow (DCF) per share, supporting its dividend increases. Further, Enbridge’s continued investments in traditional and renewable energy assets, low-risk utility-like projects, and strategic acquisitions augur well for long-term growth and will likely support its future payouts. Enbridge projects a mid-single-digit increase in its EPS and DCF per share, positioning it well to grow its future dividend. It offers a high yield of over 6% and has a sustainable payout ratio of 60-70% of its DCF. The leading have been paying dividends for decades, making them reliable investments for passive-income investors. For instance, top Canadian financial institutions have uninterruptedly paid dividends for over a century. ( ) looks attractive among these firms for its longest-running dividend-payout record. This Canadian financial services company has paid dividends for 195 years, which reflects the resilience of its payouts. Moreover, the bank has grown its dividend at a CAGR of 5% over the past 15 years, rewarding shareholders with steady income growth. Bank of Montreal continues to capture a larger share of its core markets, supported by its robust customer acquisition strategies. Further, its diversified revenue base, expansion into high-growth markets, solid credit performance, and operating efficiency augur well for earnings growth and future dividend payments. The financial services giant expects its earnings to grow at a high single-digit rate, which will enable it to grow its future dividend at a healthy pace. Bank of Montreal has a conservative payout ratio and offers a dividend yield of 4.5%.Nasdaq Announces End-of-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date November 29, 2024NEW YORK (AP) — Remember what you searched for in 2024? Google does. Google released its annual “Year in Search” on Tuesday, rounding up the top trending queries entered into its namesake search engine in 2024. The results show terms that saw the highest spike in traffic compared to last year — ranging from key news events, notably , to the most popular songs, athletes and unforgettable pop-culture moments that people looked up worldwide. Sports — particularly soccer and cricket — dominated Google’s overall trending searches in 2024. topped those search trends globally, followed by the and . Meanwhile, the led news-specific searches worldwide. Queries about and this year’s followed. U.S. President-elect topped searches in Google’s people category this year — followed by , U.S. Vice President and Algerian boxer , who also led athlete-specific searches. Meanwhile, the late , and led search trends among notable individuals who died in 2024. In the world of entertainment, Disney and Pixar’s was the top trending movie of the year, while Netflix’s led TV show trends. And Kendrick Lamar’s dominated song trends. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Queries for the , made famous by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen over the summer games, led Google’s global recipe trends this year. The New York Times’ “Connections” puzzle topped game searches. And in the U.S., country-specific data shows, many people asked Google about like the word and “ .” You can find more country-specific lists, and trends , through Google’s . The California company said it collected 2024 search results from Jan. 1 through Nov. 23 of this year. Google isn’t the only one to publish an annual recap or top trends as 2024 draws to a close. , for example, as well as and words of the year, have offered additional reflections for 2024.

big fish casino lawsuit The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. It's unclear if Forbes' release means anything about the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore , the Commanders' trade deadline pickup in early November who still has not played for them because of a hamstring injury. Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Washington's home game Sunday against Tennessee. The Commanders (7-5) also put running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve because of a concussion . They elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for facing the Titans (3-8). Washington has lost three in a row to fall from first place in the NFC East to the conference’s final wild-card spot. The most recent loss, last weekend against division rival Dallas, came when Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game, which would have tied it with 21 seconds left. Seibert went on IR earlier in the week with a groin injury that Quinn said the kicker reported Monday. While injuries have piled up as the Commanders await their late bye week, the choice of Forbes has been second-guessed since the moment Rivera's front office chose the 166-pound Mississippi State defensive back with the 16th pick over Christian Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez was selected next, by New England, and has started 16 games for the Patriots. Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who was in charge when Washington selected Davis ahead of offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in '21 and traded down to take Dotson the following year instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

COMMERCE, Texas (AP) — Myles Corey had 27 points in South Alabama's 81-72 victory against East Texas A&M on Sunday. Corey also added five assists and four steals for the Jaguars (7-3). Barry Dunning Jr. scored 14 points and added five rebounds. John Broom went 4 of 5 from the field (3 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 11 points, while adding four steals. The Lions (1-10) were led in scoring by Khaliq Abdul-Mateen, who finished with 17 points. Yusef Salih added 17 points for Texas A&M-Commerce. Tay Mosher also had eight points. The loss is the seventh straight for the Lions. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Data Skrive.Tickets to the $1 Billion Mega Millions Draw available this Christmas Eve on Jackpot.comMGPI Investors Have Opportunity to Lead MGP Ingredients, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby

The subconscious imprint of socialist language | The Spectator AustraliaEdo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has stated that those who conjured election results and announced same on social media during the September governorship election are the same people crying that the polls were rigged. Naija News understands that Governor Okpebholo stated this on Saturday while speaking at Esan Central Local Government Council Secretariat, venue of the homecoming reception held in celebration of his victory by the Esan people of Edo Central. According to Governor Okpebholo, it is sad that criminals are crying today that they lost the election. He said the criminals will continue to lose, while they will keep spending their money on fruitless ventures, wasting away time, energy and resources. Okpebholo said: “I thank Edo people for the overwhelming support given to our party during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. I am happy for the resounding victory God gave us. “I thank President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of our party for not playing anti-party but stood firm for justice and equity to prevail, which led to the success and victory recorded by our party. “The people who wrote results and were announcing fake results on the internet, are the same people crying today that somebody rigged the election. “It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose. They are spending money day and night and wasting their money and will wait in vain. “Edo people have spoken. They have chosen the path of development, peace and unity. This is what Edo people have chosen and that is how it will remain. “I want to thank Esan people for standing by me and ensuring a resounding victory. Thank you for the confidence reposed in me and thank you for your votes. This crowd has shown that you people voted for me. “I will not disappoint Edo people. I will not disappoint Esan people. I will do the right thing and allow justice to prevail. “I thank the traditional rulers in the entire Esan land, leaders of Esan land, party leaders, and all those who stood by me to become the Governor of Edo State and above all I give God the glory.” The Onojie of Uromi, HRH Anselm Aidenojie II, said the people of Esan land are happy that their son is the Governor of the State. “We, the traditional rulers from Esan land went round the State to appeal for support to produce the Governor and today it is a reality. We thank the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and grateful to all for the support. We believe that the Governor will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State, ” he said. On his part, APC state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, thanked Edo people for the mandate given to Governor Okpebholo, saying he has already hit the ground running since his inauguration. He said: “ We are happy to celebrate the victory God Almighty has given to us and we thank Edo people for the mandate as all can see that the Governor has hit the ground running. This is how it will be in the next eight years. In the last eight years, there was no governance. Governor Okpebholo has started from where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole stopped.” Dignitaries at the reception organized by the Esan people for the Governor are traditional rulers from Edo Central; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu; members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA); top government officials, party faithful and others.

Navigating Global Economic Shifts: Israel's Strategic Resilience UnveiledLongtime United States Women's National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher announced her retirement from international soccer on Monday. Naeher is currently in London as the Americans prepare for games against England on Nov. 30 and the Netherlands on Dec. 3. It will mark the final matches of her 11-year senior international career. Naeher, 36, became the starting goalie in 2017 and was in net for two Women's World Cups (2015, 2019) and two Olympics (2021, 2024). The U.S. won the World Cup in 2019 and took gold in the 2024 Olympics. In 2023, the USWNT underachieved at the World Cup and were ousted in the round of 16 by Sweden. But in the shootout, Naeher became the first goalkeeper to take and make a penalty kick in Women's World Cup history. "Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honor," Naeher wrote on Instagram. "When I began this journey, I never could have imagined where it would take me, and now I find myself so grateful for all the incredible teammates that I have shared the field with; teammates that have turned into lifelong friends. ... "This has been a special team to be a part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field. The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime. I know one chapter is ending, but I am so excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish." Naeher will play for the Chicago Stars of the NWSL in 2025 -- which will mark her ninth season with the club and 12th in the league. Naeher ranks third in USWNT history with 88 wins and 68 shutouts. Hope Solo is the all-time leader with 153 and 102, respectively. Briana Scurry (135, 72) ranks second. Naeher has an 88-6-14 record in international play. --Field Level Media

The Minnesota Timberwolves will have to try and recover from their sluggish start to the 2024-25 season. Still working through chemistry issues and including new rookies into their rotation has been a challenge. At times there are some new players in the rotation who look comfortable while others are struggling to find their role. Although Minnesota is limited in what they can do, there are some possible moves that can be made. With trade rumors arising, Bleacher Report added three new names that could be great trade targets for the Wolves. The name mentioned that makes the most sense is Utah Jazz guard Patty Mills. He would address one of the Wolves' biggest needs. Mike Conley's early struggles have been an ongoing problem for the Wolves backcourt this season. He is only averaging 7.5 points on 31% shooting. At 37 years old, Conley is one of the few veterans on this team. Mills seems perfectly fine with taking on the veteran mentor role, and because the Jazz don't have championship aspirations, finishing his career with a team like Minnesota would allow him to retire on a high note. In a conversation with the Deseret News , Mills appeared comfortable with his role in Utah. "From my conversation with Will (Will Hardy, Jazz coach), there was an understanding of what this was about, the guys that were here, my value, and what I could bring. That conversation went from a place of understanding the role, accepting the role, and then envisioning what I needed to do," Mills said. Bringing in Mills would not only give them a guard that can mentor the younger guards on the team, but while he is on the court, he can run the offense and knock down some shots from the arc. MORE WOLVES NEWS: Rob Dillingham's breakout performance brightens Wolves' narrow loss to Celtics2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animalsThe world of football has a wealth of iconic, historic and beautiful stadiums . These include Wembley and the Nou Camp. Such stadiums have hosted memorable games and moments over the years. For some stadiums, the atmosphere generated on match days is what makes them great. For others, it is the architecture and design that makes them well-loved and talked about places. Some stadiums have stood for scores of decades. Others are of more recent construction and technology, designed to further enhance the fan experience. When talking of new technology, Artificial Intelligence has become a much-talked-about part of modern life. With that in mind, the following list reveals who ChatGPT considers the 19 greatest football stadiums in the world. Some familiar and famous stadiums feature in the rankings. These include the Anfield and the Bernabeu and many others, as you will discover. ChatGPT Names and Ranks the 19 Greatest Football Stadiums in the World Rank Stadium Country 1. Maracana Brazil 2. Nou Camp Spain 3. Santiago Bernabeu Spain 4. Anfield England 5. Wembley England 6. San Siro Italy 7. Allianz Arena Germany 8. Marseille Veoldrome France 9. Signal Iduna Park Germany 10. Estadio Azteca Mexico 11. Ali Sami Yen Turkey 12. King Fahd International Stadium Saudi Arabia 13. Parc de Princes France 14. Krestovsky Stadium Russia 15. Veltins Arena Germany 16. Red Bull Arena Germany 17. Soccer City South Africa 18. Esadio Americo Montanini Colombia 19. Luzhniki Stadium Russia There have been so many talented British players in the world of football - but AI has named and ranked the top 20. 19 Luzhniki Stadium What ChatGPT says: Luzhniki hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final and has seen countless historic moments, from the 1980 Olympics to international football events. It remains a national icon for Russian sport. The stadium was reconstructed in 2013. It was the stage of 2018 World Cup Final, where Kylian Mbappe made his mark on the global stage. Having had a fabulous game against Argentina earlier in the tournament, Mbappe scored France ’s fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Croatia in the final. It also hosted the 2008 Champions League final, where Manchester United overcame Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out. 18 Estadio Americo Montanini The Estadio Americo Montanini, formerly known as The Alfonso Lopez Stadium, is home to Atletico Bucaramanga. Here is what ChatGPT has to say about the ground: Known for its boisterous crowds, the Estadio Americo Montanini stadium stands as one of the best football venues in Colombia and South America. The stadium’s fan energy brings games to life, and its location is iconic in Colombian football. The ground is perhaps a left-field choice from ChatGPT to be in the rankings. Featuring a fairly modest grandstand, 2024 was a big year for Bucaramanga. They won the season’s initial Apertura title for the first time in the club’s history. 17 Soccer City /First Nation Bank Stadium What ChatGPT says: The site of the 2010 World Cup final, Soccer City is the largest stadium in Africa. Its design is based on an African pot, making it a symbolic structure for both the sport and the continent. In 2010, South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup. While Soccer City hosted the final, in which Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0, it also hosted the opening game. That was between South Africa and Mexico. In the game, Siphiwe Tshabalala scored a thunderbolt to put South Africa 1-0 against Mexico. The Mexicans equalised with 12 minutes left, but Tshabalala’s goal was one of football history's most inspirational moments . 16 Red Bull Arena What ChatGPT says: A modern stadium in the heart of Germany, Red Bull Arena has become one of the most promising venues in European football due to RB Leipzig’s rapid rise in the Bundesliga and their increasing presence in European competitions. The stadium hosted several games in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. This included Argentina’s thrilling extra-time win over Mexico, in which Maxi Rodriguez scored a stunning volley that lives long in the memory. It again played host in Euro 2024 . It created the right setting for Turkey’s smash-and-grab win over Ralf Rangnick’s Austria in the second round of the tournament. 15 Veltins-Arena Here is what ChatGPT says about the home of Schalke 04: Known for its retractable roof and amazing atmosphere, the Veltins-Arena is one of the most modern stadiums in Germany. Schalke's intense fan base makes it one of the most electric venues in world football. The stadium opened in 2001 and was the venue for Wayne Rooney ’s red card in England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal in 2006. It hosted England games again 18 years later at Euro 2024, this time for England’s wins over Serbia and Slovakia. In the latter game, Jude Bellingham scored a last-gasp overhead kick to take the game to extra time. From Jimmy Greaves to David Beckham to Wayne Rooney, who does ChatGPT rank as being the greatest English footballers of all time? 14 Krestovsky Stadium Here is what ChatGPT says about the home of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg: Known for its unique design and capacity, Krestovsky Stadium was one of the standout venues in the 2018 World Cup and continues to be a major fixture for both Russian football and European competitions. The stadium is located on Krestovsky Island in Saint Petersburg, at the mouth of the Gulf of Finland. As one of Russia’s finest stadiums and most modern stadiums, it was used in the 2018 World Cup. During that tournament, it was the venue for France’s 1-0 semi-final win over Belgium. Former Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti scored the only goal of the game. 13 Parc des Princes Here is what ChatGPT says about the home of Paris Saint Germain : One of the most historic stadiums in France, Parc des Princes is famous for its intimate yet intense atmosphere. It's the venue for PSG’s incredible rise in European football, especially in recent years. Opened in 1972, the Parc des Princes is steeped in football history. It hosted games in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2016. It has also hosted five European finals, with mixed emotions for English clubs. Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 there in the 1981 European Cup Final. While former Spurs midfielder Nayim scored in the last minute of extra time, from near the halfway line, to win the 1995 European Cup Winners’ Cup over Arsenal. 12 King Fahd International Stadium Here is what ChatGPT says about the home of the Saudi Arabian national team: One of the largest stadiums in the Middle East, King Fahd Stadium has hosted major international tournaments and finals, including the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup . The stadium was the venue for a series of European games in 2022. This involved firstly the Supercopa de Espana, which included an El Clasico fixture. Real Madrid beat Barcelona after extra time after a goal from Valverde gave Los Blancos a 3-2 win. That same year, it also saw the Supercoppa Italiana played there, with Inter beating AC Milan 3-0. 11 Ali Sami Yen Stadium Here is what ChatGPT says about the home of Galatasaray: Known for its passionate fan base, Ali Sami Yen Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in Europe, especially on European nights where Galatasaray has achieved major successes. The stadium (also known as Rams Park) opened in 2011. In the same year, it was reported to have recorded a noise level of 131.76 decibels, which was considered to be the world record for "loudest crowd roar at a sport stadium" in the Guinness World Records. Since moving in, Galatasaray have won the Turkish Super Lig six times in the first ten years of being at their new home. 10 Estadio Azteca Here is what ChatGPT says: One of the most legendary stadiums in world football, Estadio Azteca has hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986). It's known for iconic moments like Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and his "Goal of the Century." The stadium has captured some of the most iconic moments in football. Firstly, the wonderful Brazil side, led by Pele, dismantled Italy 4-1 in the 1970 World Cup Final. Then, as ChatGPT mentioned, Diego Maradona ’s memorable performance against England in the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup. In that game, Maradona made people wonder how he was so good at football , along with what he was prepared to do to win a game. Britain has been blessed with some incredible football venues over the years and ChatGPT has now named the best of the best 9 Signal Iduna Park What ChatGPT says: Known for its incredible atmosphere, particularly the famous “Yellow Wall” in the South Stand. Signal Iduna Park has been the stage for some of the most intense Bundesliga matches and Champions League nights. Also known as Westfalenstadion, Signal Iduna Park is Germany’s largest football stadium. Home to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund , it has always been able to generate fantastic atmospheres for club games and for internationals too. England supporters have very happy memories of it. It is where Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored a last-minute England winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 . 8 Velodrome What ChatGPT says: The Velodrome is known for its passionate, vocal supporters, and has been the site of numerous legendary matches, including on Olympic de Marseille’s run to UEFA Champions League victory in 1993. It was also the venue for France’s Euro 2016 semi-final win over Germany. Antoine Griezmann scored both France’s goals on an emotional night for the home side. This was the first time they’d beaten Germany in a competitive match since 1958. This after losing to them in the semis of the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. The stadium can become like a twelfth man, whipping up an intense atmosphere. 7 Allianz Arena What ChatGPT says: Famous for its exterior of illuminated panels, the Allianz Arena is one of the most modern and visually striking stadiums in world football. It’s witnessed Bayern Munich’s European dominance and numerous Bundesliga titles. Bayern Munich ’s former ground, the Olympiastadion, was a wonderful stadium in its own right. The Allianz Arena is far more compact, with fans far closer to the pitch. England’s Owen Hargreaves scored the first league goal there in 2005. It hosted the 2012 Champions League final. In that match, Chelsea shocked Bayern Munich, by beating them at their own ground in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. 6 San Siro What ChatGPT says : Known for its massive tiers and intimidating atmosphere, the San Siro is home to Italy’s two most successful clubs. It has hosted numerous iconic Champions League matches and Italian derbies. Home to Milanese rivals, AC Milan and Internazionale , San Siro is named after the district it is situated in. Originally opened in 1926, the stadium has a rich history. It’s been the venue of several other iconic games. This includes Cameroon’s 1-0 win over World Cup holders Argentina in 1990. It has also hosted several Champions League finals, including Real Madrid’s penalty shoot-out win over city rivals Atletico in 2016. 5 Wembley What ChatGPT says: The iconic national stadium of England, Wembley has hosted countless important matches, including World Cup finals and European club finals. Its arch is a symbol of football greatness. The old Wembley hosted the 1966 World Cup final, in which England beat West Germany 4-2. The stadium was rebuilt in 2007 and is now considered one of Britain’s most beautiful stadiums . It very nearly became the setting for another historic moment for England in 2021, during the delayed Euro 2020. But in the end, England lost the final at Wembley in a sudden death penalty shoot-out against Italy . 4 Anfield What ChatGPT has to say of Liverpool ’s home ground : Famous for its incredible atmosphere, particularly the “You'll Never Walk Alone” anthem. Anfield has seen great teams and players, with its European triumphs and unforgettable nights making it legendary. In some games, Anfield’s Kop End has felt like a twelfth Liverpool player, generating so much noise and passion it could practically suck the ball in. Originally built in 1894, the ground is practically a football heritage site. The stadium has seemed to get the best out of some players. Former club captain Steven Gerrard had some inspired performances at the ground over the years, particularly in cup competitions . Chat GPT has named the 20 greatest footballers of all time, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona. 3 Santiago Bernabeu What ChatGPT has to say of the home of Real Madrid : One of the most prestigious football arenas globally, home to the most successful club in European competition. The Bernabeu has hosted many European Cup and Champions League finals, making it synonymous with footballing excellence. In recent years, the Bernabeu has been something of a fortress for Real Madrid. This is a stadium fit for superstar footballers and where such great players as Zinedine Zidane , Cristiano Ronaldo and Di Stefano have performed in the white jersey of Real Madrid. It can certainly be a daunting place for visiting teams to play. 2 Nou Camp Here is what ChatGPT says about the home of Barcelona : Another iconic stadium that stands as the home to one of the most successful clubs in history. The sheer size and history of the Nou Camp make it one of the most revered football venues in the world. The Nou Camp has been the venue for many special games. From the era of Johan Cruyff’s management, to the free-scoring days of Lionel Messi . For Manchester United fans, it holds very special memories too. It was where they were losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in injury time in the Champions League Final before late goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave United a famous win. 1 Maracana What ChatGPT has to say of the mecca of Brazilian football : One of the most iconic stadiums in the world, hosting the 1950 World Cup final and the 2014 World Cup final. Its electric atmosphere has seen legendary players like Pele , Zico, and Romario grace its pitch. Despite winning the World Cup five times, Brazil have never done so in their own home country. Therefore, the Maracana has not been able to savour the ultimate glory. Originally opened in 1950, the ground was most recently renovated in 2013. The very mention of the stadium’s name conjures up the image of the attractive, free-flowing football of Brazil’s glorious past.Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save BEIRUT — Israel's military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut's southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city's largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Bulldozers remove the rubble of a destroyed building Monday that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Foreign ministers from the world’s leading industrialized nations also expressed cautious optimism Monday about possible progress on a ceasefire. People are also reading... Margaret Atwood OSU event altered over threats Tree farm fiasco has Corvallis homelessness under microscope The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County Commentary: Gulbranson shows he should be starter in thrilling win over Cougars Albany's Joel Dahl pleads guilty to sex crime involving minor Strike over: Benton County, union reach tentative deal Philomath woman suspected in Eugene Airport bomb scare American flag thrown by driver fleeing Benton County deputies Sweet Home man sentenced for crash that injured his daughter Bomb cyclone, flood risk in Benton County this week In trying to flee, suspect accused of driving over Albany police officer OSU women's basketball: Ferreira brings versatility to the Beavers' lineup OSU football: Game notes for the Beavers' win over Washington State Head-on crash on Highway 228 kills 1, injures 2 UPDATED: Feds halt drawdown at Green Peter Reservoir after local cities complain “Knock on wood,” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said as he opened the Group of Seven meeting outside Rome. “We are perhaps close to a ceasefire in Lebanon," he said. "Let's hope it's true and that there's no backing down at the last-minute.” A ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon was foremost on the agenda of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, outside Rome, that gathered ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the last G7 encounter of the Biden administration. For the first time, the G7 ministers were joined by their counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Secretary General of the Arab League. Thick smoke, flames and debris erupt Monday from an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, massive explosions lit up Lebanon's skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon's Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been civilians, and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel claims to have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon's Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Destroyed buildings stand Monday in the area of a village in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding ceasefire negotiations. The country's deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because "we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire." Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country's ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were "close to a deal." "It can happen within days," he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. A member of the Israeli security forces inspects an impact site Sunday after a rocket fired from Lebanon hit an area in Rinatya, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. "Nothing is done until everything is done," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been largely sidelined in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing U.N. peacekeeping force. Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel demands the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government says such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country's sovereignty. Shoppers say they want eco-friendly products, so why aren't they buying them? Shoppers say they want eco-friendly products, so why aren't they buying them? On paper, being more sustainable and eco-friendly while shopping sounds great—so why don't more people do it? There is growing consumer consciousness about the environmental impact of where people choose to shop and the sustainability of the products they buy. According to McKinsey, over 60% of individuals surveyed in 2020 said they would be willing to pay more for a product that is packaged in an eco-friendly way. Since 2019, products marketed as being environmentally sustainable have seen a 28% growth in revenue compared to 20% for products with no such marketing, a 2023 McKinsey and NielsenIQ report found. Much of this is thanks to the preferences and attitudes of Gen Z, who, on average, care more than their older counterparts about being informed shoppers. The younger generation also has more social justice and environmental awareness altogether. Shoppers are willing to spend around 9.7% more on a product they know is sourced or manufactured sustainably, with 46% saying they would do so explicitly because they want to reduce their environmental footprint, according to a 2024 PwC report. Sustainable practices consumers look for from companies include production methods, packaging, and water conservation. But despite the growing consciousness around being more environmentally responsible, consumer actions don't always align with their values. In psychology, this is defined as the "say-do gap": the phenomenon wherein people openly express concern and intention around an issue, but fail to take tangible action to make a change. According to the Harvard Business Review in 2019, most consumers (65%) say they want to buy from brands that promote sustainability, but only 1 in 4 follow through. So why don't people actually shop sustainably, despite how much they express a preference for eco-friendly products—and how can we close the gap? The RealReal examined reports from the Harvard Business Review and other sources to explore why some shoppers want to buy sustainably but struggle to follow through. This lack of action isn't due to a lack of caring—in many cases, it's hard to know how to be a sustainable consumer and other factors are often outside of shoppers' control. But the more people shop sustainably, the easier and more accessible that market will be for everyone—making it much easier for folks to buy aligned with their values. Barriers to sustainable shopping There are many obstacles preventing shoppers from upholding eco-friendly habits as much as they may want to—but not all of these barriers are necessarily real, or accurately understood. Shopping sustainably simply isn't convenient or accessible for many. Those who live in apartment buildings are 50% less likely to recycle , according to Ipsos. Reasons for this can vary from lack of space to buildings being excluded altogether because of recycling contamination issues. Many believe that sustainable products are too expensive or of a lower quality. The former is often true, which does create a hurdle for many: The manufacturing processes and materials for sustainable products are pricey. For instance, organic cotton requires an intensive production process free of certain chemicals or pesticides; by definition, true eco-friendly products can't be mass-produced, further upping their price tag. Using recycled materials for packaging, or obtaining an eco certification, can also be expensive. However, although the narrative of eco-friendly products being more expensive is true, there is often more of an effort to use better quality materials that last longer than their noneco-friendly counterparts. This could end up saving consumers money in the long run: By paying more upfront, they can get more wear out of sustainable fashion, for instance. There is also undeniable political rhetoric surrounding eco-friendly products—however, despite many Conservative politicians decrying sustainable products, members of all generations are increasingly choosing to prioritize shopping sustainably regardless of their political affiliation, according to research from NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business . This finding shows a trend toward seeing sustainability as a nonpartisan subject everyone can benefit from, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum. Some might think eco-friendly clothing, in particular, is not fashion-forward; after all, many of the top clothing retailers in the world partake in fast fashion. However, brands are increasingly being recognized as 'cool' and 'trendy' for supporting environmentally ethical practices, particularly as younger generations prioritize sustainability, as noted before. Many increasingly popular online stores are taking advantage of this paradigm shift by offering secondhand shopping options that are not only fashionable, but also more affordable, like ThredUp or Poshmark. Additionally, many legacy large-name brands are hopping on the sustainability movement and are gaining appreciation from loyal customers. Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly program partners with third-party certification bodies to make it easier for shoppers to identify eco-friendly products as they browse the website. H&M's newly launched H&M Rewear program debuts a resale platform that allows the resale of all clothing brands—not just their own. Similarly, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows shoppers to trade in and buy used gear and clothing. The federal government is also working to close this gap. The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice program is attempting to make sustainable shopping easier for consumers and companies alike. It includes a directory of certified products, a list of safer chemicals to look out for on labels, a "Safer Choice" label that products can earn to denote they are eco-friendly, and resources for manufacturers looking to adopt more sustainable practices. Most of all, though, the biggest way shoppers can shift toward sustainable shopping is through their behaviors and attitudes amongst their peers and communities. Studies show that humans largely care what others think of their actions; the more shoppers make environmentally conscious shopping the norm, the more others will follow suit. From an economic perspective, the more consumers shop eco-friendly, the more affordable and accessible these products will become, too: Sustainable products are currently more expensive because they are not in high demand. Once demand rises, production rates and prices can lower, making these products more accessible for all. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Tahj Brooks shines in final home game as Texas Tech routs West Virginia 52-15Titans vs. Commanders Predictions & Picks: Odds, Moneyline, Spread – Week 13 Published 3:37 pm Saturday, November 30, 2024 By Data Skrive Based on our computer model, the Washington Commanders will defeat the Tennessee Titans when they play at Commanders Field on Sunday, Dec. 1 (at 1 p.m. ET). We have a complete breakdown, regarding the point spread, total and final score, available below. Looking for NFL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live. The Commanders are putting up 370.5 yards per game offensively this season (sixth in NFL), and they are allowing 334.6 yards per game (16th) on defense. The Titans’ defensive unit has been leading the charge for the team, as they rank second-best in the NFL with 276.4 total yards allowed per contest. In terms of offense, they are accumulating 302.1 total yards per game, which ranks 25th. BetMGM is one of the most trusted Sportsbooks in the nation. Start with as little as $1 and place your bets today . Titans vs. Commanders Predictions and Picks Ready to make your pick? Head to BetMGM using our link and start betting today. Titans Betting Info Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply) Commanders Betting Info Rep your favorite NFL players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Titans vs. Commanders 2024 Scoring Insights Catch every NFL touchdown with NFL RedZone on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

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Hollywood star Matthew Rhys has said he is shocked at the severity of "stabbing" funding cuts to the arts scene in Wales. The Welsh actor said the sector was "absolutely not" receiving the support it needed to thrive, called its prospects "very bleak", and feared routes were closing for young people into artistic careers. Earlier this week to protect jobs, which they said was "widely welcomed" by the sector. The Welsh government said the arts made "a vital contribution... enriching our communities and inspiring future generations" and it will publish a draft budget for its overall spending next week. Speaking from set in New York where he is filming a Netflix series for next year, Rhys said left him "speechless". It means hundreds of children missing out on music lessons. Rhys, who grew up in Cardiff, is probably best known for his role in spy series The Americans, for which he won a Primetime Emmy, and he played the lead in the recent TV remake of Perry Mason. He is an honorary fellow at the college, where he occasionally goes back to speak to students, and said it was a visit there as a 16-year-old which put him on the path to acting. "If there's one thing I think Wales has always done well it's the nurturing of art in the youngsters of Wales," he said. "There's no downside to doing art of any kind in your youth. It only opens doors, broadens horizons and helps you, I believe, down the line. "And so to strip the primary funding, I think, is woeful." He said it was "galling" that the arts had historically been treated as second fiddle to more scientific industries. "It's a kind of blind ignorance that the arts are always, I think, treated as a second class subject to a degree. "What is worrying at the moment is how much the arts are being stabbed . "I don't believe institutions like these can survive, the way the government is currently treating them." College principal Helena Gaunt said closing the junior conservatoire was a "very difficult decision" which it felt forced to make due to lack of funds. She is calling for an increase in funding for the arts. "We say a lot that this is a cultural nation, and if we want to continue to be a really cultural nation we have to invest in that - and that includes the college," she said. Last year WNO had a 10% cut from its application for standstill funding from Arts Council Wales, while National Theatre Wales lost all its core funding. was cut by 10.5% this year. Tim Rhys-Evans, director of music at the college, said he frequently had conversations with students worried about their future. "We have a lot of conversations about the state that the arts world is in," said Mr Rhys-Evans. "Are there going to be jobs for them when they leave here? I tell them the world is always going to need creatives." He said if Wales did not have culture it would just be "a tiny blob" on the world map. "The difference that we have made to the international arts scene is something that we all need to be really proud of, and make damned sure it’s still going to be here in generations to come." Ms Gaunt said it was "essential" for the college - which turns 75 this year - and the arts sector more widely for levels of funding be be "rebuilt to former levels". She said: "Much more can be achieved and contributed to our societies by relatively modest increases in funding." The Welsh government said: “The arts sector makes a vital contribution to our social, cultural and economic fabric - enriching our communities and inspiring future generations. "Our draft budget for the next financial year will be published next week.”India Pays Tribute to Ambedkar: The Legacy of Equality and Justice

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Schieffelin has 18 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists as Clemson hands Penn State first loss 75-67DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate. President-elect Donald Trump promised during his reelection campaign that he would declassify all of the remaining government records surrounding the assassination if he returned to office. He made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bended to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. At this point, only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released, and those who have studied the records released so far say that even if the remaining files are declassified, the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations. “Anybody waiting for a smoking gun that’s going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed,” said Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which concludes that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Friday’s 61st anniversary is expected to be marked with a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, where Kennedy’s motorcade was passing through when he was fatally shot. And throughout this week there have been events marking the anniversary. Nov. 22, 1963 When Air Force One carrying Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas, they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they had gone to Texas on political fence-mending trip. But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Oswald and, two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate the assassination, concluded that Oswald acted alone and there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that hasn’t quelled a web of alternative theories over the decades. The collection In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had boasted that he’d allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released during President Joe Biden’s administration, some still remain unseen. The documents released over the last few years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington, said what’s been released so far has contributed to the understanding of the time period, giving “a great picture” of what was happening during the Cold War and the activities of the CIA. Withheld files Posner estimates that there are still about 3,000 to 4,000 documents in the collection that haven’t yet been fully released. Of those documents, some are still completely redacted while others just have small redactions, like someone’s Social Security number. There are about 500 documents where all the information is redacted, Posner said, and those include Oswald’s and Ruby’s tax returns. “If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history,” Posner said. Trump’s transition team hasn’t responded to questions this week about his plans when he takes office. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. A continued fascination From the start, there were those who believed there had to be more to the story than just Oswald acting alone, said Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the building where Oswald made his sniper’s perch. “People want to make sense of this and they want to find the solution that fits the crime,” said Fagin, who said that while there are lingering questions, law enforcement made “a pretty compelling case” against Oswald. Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said his interest in the assassination dates back to the event itself, when he was a child. “It just seemed so fantastical that one very disturbed individual could end up pulling off the crime of the century,” Sabato said. “But the more I studied it, the more I realized that is a very possible, maybe even probable in my view, hypothesis.” Advertisement AdvertisementRainbow-clad revelers hit Copacabana beach for Rio de Janeiro’s pride parade

From Maui to the Caribbean, Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of college basketball

Indiana got what it wanted Tuesday night in a 97-71 rout of Sam Houston State -- a lopsided victory where its bench played well and it didn't have to go down to the wire. The Hoosiers will look for more of the same Friday night in Bloomington when they continue their homestand against nonconference foe Miami (Ohio). Four players scored in double figures for Indiana (6-2) against the Bearkats, including 18 from reserve Luke Goode. The Illinois transfer hit four 3-pointers in less than four minutes of the first half, enabling the Hoosiers to take a 34-12 lead. Led by Goode, Indiana's bench contributed a whopping 36 points. "I thought it was a total team effort on everybody's part," Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson said. "Helps when your bench come off and play the way they did. Goode was fantastic but everybody off the bench played well." Indiana also got an encouraging 19-point performance from point guard Myles Rice, who struggled a bit in the first seven games in terms of making shots and running the offense. Rice (11.1 ppg) is one of four double-figure scorers in an attack led by Mackenzie Mgbako (16.8). Meanwhile, the RedHawks (5-2) are coming off a 73-60 home win Monday against Air Force. Bellarmine transfer Peter Suder poured in a career-high 42 points on 17-of-21 shooting, the highest-scoring game in program history since Wally Szczerbiak scored 43 in 1999. Suder, who averaged 10.5 ppg as a sophomore last season, is up to 17.4 ppg this season. He's hitting 58.8 percent of his field goals while also chipping in 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals. "I always say players win games, man. Coaches lose games," Miami coach Travis Steele told the Journal-News. "Peter was phenomenal. It was just get out of the way and just let him go." Forward Kam Craft, who Steele landed out of high school when he was still coaching at Xavier, is the RedHawks' second-leading scorer at 14.1 ppg. The Hoosiers have won 22 of the previous 25 meetings, including an 86-56 rout two years ago in Indianapolis. --Field Level Mediabig fish casino mod apk 。

DALLAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ROME, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AleAnna, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “AleAnna” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in Italy’s energy landscape, announced the completion of the previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) between Swiftmerge Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: IVCP) (“Swiftmerge”), a special purpose acquisition company, and AleAnna Energy, LLC (“AleAnna Energy”). Concurrent with the completion of the Business Combination, Swiftmerge has changed its name to AleAnna, Inc. Commencing at the open of trading on December 16, 2024, the Class A shares of common stock and warrants of AleAnna are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbols “ANNA” and “ANNAW”, respectively. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Swiftmerge and was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (the “Shareholders Meeting”) of Swiftmerge’s shareholders on December 12, 2024. Former equity holders of AleAnna Energy rolled 100% of their equity interests into the combined company. Prior to the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2024, AleAnna Energy's equity holders contributed over $60 million in cash, bringing the company's total cumulative investment to nearly $175 million. This infusion of capital enabled the completion of the Longanesi Field tie-in and the acquisition of initial renewable natural gas (“RNG”) assets, both finalized in Q3 2024. Additionally, the investment covered expenses related to the business combination and provided funding for general corporate liquidity. As of the transaction close, AleAnna had approximately $28 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet and no debt. This disciplined approach to financial management has empowered AleAnna to allocate significant capital to innovative exploration and development projects while preserving financial flexibility. Long History In Developing Resources in Italy AleAnna has a distinguished history in Italy, having been a leader in energy exploration and development for over a decade. Since its founding in 2007, the company has been dedicated to unlocking the significant potential of Italy’s natural gas reserves through the application of cutting-edge seismic imaging and environmentally responsible practices. AleAnna holds one of the largest portfolios of exploration permits and production concessions in Italy, spanning over 2.3 million acres. By combining advanced technology with a deep respect for Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage, AleAnna is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s energy independence and economic growth, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in Italy’s energy future. Positioning itself as a leader in both onshore conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) production, AleAnna is at the forefront of building a secure and reliable domestic energy supply for Italy and the broader European market. The company stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025. Alongside this, additional gas discoveries at Gradizza and Trava, 13 development prospects in various permitting stages, and leases covering approximately 2.3 million net acres underscore AleAnna’s commitment to future exploration and development. AleAnna is also helping drive the European Union's clean energy transition through its innovative approach to RNG. Leveraging the strategic overlap between its conventional and renewable assets in the Po Valley, AleAnna is transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy. With three RNG facilities operational and over 100 additional opportunities identified, AleAnna is poised for significant expansion in this sector. Guided by a commitment to corporate responsibility and a vision for a sustainable future, AleAnna integrates conventional and renewable energy solutions to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint and advance its clean energy objectives. By delivering innovative energy solutions, AleAnna continues to shape Italy’s energy landscape and support the EU’s transition toward a greener future. Experienced Management And Board Of Directors The combined company will be led by William Dirks as Executive Director and Marco Brun as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a seasoned and highly skilled executive team. AleAnna’s leadership team brings extensive expertise gained from top-tier energy companies, including Shell, Eni, and Exxon. This seasoned group combines in-depth knowledge of energy technology, operations, and business development with well-established regulatory and industry networks in Italy. Their collective experience equips AleAnna to effectively navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape. The Board of Directors, which will include Graham van’t Hoff, William Dirks, Marco Brun, Duncan Palmer, and Curtis Hébert, collectively brings a wealth of experience spanning global energy markets, technical and operational expertise, European energy development, financial management, governance, and regulatory policy. This diverse set of skills and perspectives ensures comprehensive strategic oversight and positions AleAnna for sustained growth and success. With over 15 years of investment and operational experience in Italy, AleAnna has a competitive advantage in securing critical permits and approvals, positioning it ahead of its peers. The company’s approach integrates cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices with strategic capital allocation to maximize the value of its conventional and renewable natural gas (RNG) assets. AleAnna is dedicated to sustainable, low-cost growth while maintaining strict capital discipline. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value, AleAnna is well-positioned to lead the next phase of Italy’s energy transformation. Management Commentary Bill Dirks, Executive Director of AleAnna, commented, “Our investment in state-of-the-art subsurface technology has been a game-changer for AleAnna. By leveraging advanced seismic imaging and cutting-edge data analysis, we have achieved unparalleled accuracy in identifying and developing Italy’s natural gas resources. This technology not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our exploration and development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.” Marco Brun, AleAnna’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “We stand at a pivotal moment in AleAnna's journey. As we gear up for production at Longanesi and scale our renewable natural gas (RNG) operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving a sustainable energy future. This strategy not only delivers value to AleAnna shareholders but also plays a key role in reshaping the energy landscape for generations to come.” About AleAnna, Inc. AleAnna is an innovative energy company dedicated to unlocking Italy's extensive natural gas reserves and advancing renewable energy solutions to address the country's energy needs and support Europe's sustainability and energy security goals. With a vast portfolio encompassing over 2.3 million acres of potential resources and state-of-the-art technologies, AleAnna is poised to lead Italy's energy transition. Guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, AleAnna is shaping a sustainable and secure energy future. The company operates regional headquarters in Dallas, TX, and Rome, Italy, serving as strategic hubs for its global and local initiatives. Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, AleAnna’s future financial performance following the Business Combination, as well as AleAnna’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any statements made in connection herewith, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on AleAnna management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on current information about the outcome and timing of future events. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, AleAnna disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. AleAnna cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of AleAnna. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination and any transactions contemplated thereby, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AleAnna to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its management and key employees; AleAnna’s need for additional capital to execute its business plan and support its anticipated growth; costs related to the Business Combination; the risks associated with the growth of AleAnna’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; AleAnna’s ability to identify, develop and operate new projects; the reduction or elimination of government economic incentives to the natural gas market; delays in acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects; decline in public acceptance and support of renewable energy development and projects; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory and governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding the EU’s clean energy transition, including existing regulations and changes to regulations and policies that affect AleAnna’s operations; the ability to maintain the listing of AleAnna’s securities on a national securities exchange; and the effects of competition on AleAnna’s future business. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any statements made in connection in addition to these occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AleAnna does not know or that AleAnna currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact AleAnna’s expectations and projections can be found in filings it makes with the SEC, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Swiftmerge and AleAnna Energy with the SEC on November 21, 2024, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by AleAnna. SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Investor Relations Contact For AleAnna, Inc.: Bill Dirks wkdirks@aleannagroup.com

Max George shares major health update after his heart surgery as his ex fiancee Michelle Keegan reveals she is expecting her first childVikings win on walk-off field goal in overtime after blowing late lead, allowing onside kick recovery

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You’re not the only one who might be embarrassed of your Spotify Wrapped results. This U.S. representative admitted to faking his. U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer (D., N.J.) joined the tried and true tradition of sharing his Spotify Wrapped results — the music streaming platform’s annual deep dive into users’ listening habits — on social media last week. “No surprises here,” Gottheimer, who announced his candidacy for New Jersey governor last month , wrote, revealing that his five top songs were Bruce Springsteen hits, with “Thunder Road” as his No. 1. “Fun fact: My first ever concert was at Meadowlands to see The Boss!” But, as first pointed out by the New Jersey Monitor , the seemingly innocuous post wasn’t completely honest. A closer look revealed inconsistencies with the font, spacing, and resolution in Gottheimer’s post compared to legit Wrapped results. Gottheimer admitted the results were fudged when asked by NJ.com columnist Jeremy Schneider. His reasoning? The congressman says he shares his Spotify account with his kids. “This would be my Spotify Wrapped if I didn’t share my account with my 12- and 15-year-old kids,” he said. “While it’s Springsteen all day for me — don’t get me wrong, I still love listening to Taylor Swift!” Spotify Wrapped is unflinchingly honest over how it presents its findings. And while there are loopholes, there’s not an overtly easy way for users to omit their potentially mockable listening habits. This rings especially true for users like Gottheimer, who share their account with their kids, a common scarlet letter when it comes time for Wrapped season. There are ways to get ahead of it. Users can exclude certain playlists from their taste profile to keep songs within it from influencing their data. But it sounds like Gottheimer didn’t get the memo in time. Despite manipulating his results, the New Jersey native says his fandom for the Boss is legit. He walked out to “Glory Days” when he announced his gubernatorial run last month and said he’d catch “a Springsteen show every chance he could get” on his campaign website . He was also spotted in the crowd earlier this year for Springsteen’s Sea. Here. Now Festival performance in Asbury Park. Still, Schneider with NJ.com says the faked results — along with Gottheimer’s admission — could be seen by some as a pandering attempt to “strengthen his Springsteen-fan, every-man status among would-be voters.” “After all,” the columnist added, “riding hard for the Boss is one of the easiest ways to score points in New Jersey” and a tradition among past Jersey governors to celebrate the musician. The Inquirer reached out to Gottheimer to see if he’d share his real results. A spokesperson shared a tweet from Gottheimer on Wednesday where he said the results were meant to be a joke. As for his Springsteen creds, the congressman wrote, “just ask my dog named Rosalita!” and included a photo of his pup. After initially declining to share his full results, a spokesperson emailed The Inquirer the congressman’s Wrapped summary Wednesday afternoon. The Boss is indeed in the No. 1 slot for top artists, and Springsteen’s “She’s the One” was Gottheimer’s third most listened-to song of the year. His No. 2 artist for the year was Billy Joel with Joel’s “Turn the Lights Back On” also coming in as Gottheimer’s No. 1 most listened-to song. As he mentioned in his original acknowledgment, Taylor Swift also earned a spot on his Wrapped along with Drake and Travis Scott. ©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Global Bid Management Software Market Set For 10.0% Growth, Reaching $1.50 Billion By 2028

Nasdaq surges above 20,000 after US inflation data matches estimatesNone

Regency Centers Co. (NASDAQ:REGCO) Short Interest UpdatePhoto: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds to a question from the opposition during Question Period, Dec. 11, 2024 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Billionaire Elon Musk called Canada's prime minister an "insufferable tool" on his social media platform today. Musk's comments were in response to Justin Trudeau likening Kamala Harris's defeat in the U.S. presidential election to an attack on women's rights and progress. This afternoon, Trudeau met with provincial and territorial premiers to discuss Canada's approach to negotiations with the U.S. Canada is facing a threat of a 25 per cent tariff hike from incoming president Donald Trump, who defeated Harris in the November election. Earlier this week, Trump taunted Trudeau on social media, referring to the prime minister as the governor of what he called the "Great State of Canada." The post was an apparent reference to a joke Trump cracked at his dinner with Trudeau at his Mar-a-Lago estate nearly two weeks ago, where the president-elect teased that Canada could join the U.S. as its 51st state. Speaking on Tuesday night at an event hosted by the Equal Voice Foundation — an organization dedicated to improving gender representation in Canadian politics — Trudeau said there are regressive forces fighting against women's progress. "It shouldn't be that way. It wasn't supposed to be that way. We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult sometimes, march towards progress," Trudeau said, adding he is a proud feminist and will always be an ally. "And yet, just a few weeks ago, the United States voted for a second time to not elect its first woman president. Everywhere, women's rights and women's progress is under attack. Overtly, and subtly." In a post on X on Wednesday, Musk responded to a clip of Trudeau's remarks, saying, "He’s such an insufferable tool. Won't be in power for much longer." He’s such an insufferable tool. Won’t be in power for much longer. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 11, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes got back to climbing on Wednesday after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve . The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to break its first two-day losing streak in nearly a month and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lagged the market with a dip of 99 points, or 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a nearly 99% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it began lowering rates in September from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times this year , with the latest coming last week. The biggest boosts for the index on Wednesday came from Nvidia and other Big Tech stocks. Their massive growth has made them Wall Street’s biggest stars for years, though other kinds of stocks have recently been catching up somewhat amid hopes for the broader U.S. economy. Tesla jumped 5.9% to finish above $420 at $424.77. It’s a level that Elon Musk made famous in a 2018 tweet when he said he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Stitch Fix soared 44.3% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. GE Vernova rallied 5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. The energy company that spun out of General Electric said it would pay a 25 cent dividend every three months, and it approved a plan to send up to another $6 billion to its shareholders by buying back its own stock. On the losing end of Wall Street, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment tumbled 20.1% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. Albertsons fell 1.5% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 1%. A day earlier, judges in separate cases in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement with Kroger, Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. Macy’s slipped 0.8% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 49.28 points to 6,084.19. The Dow dipped 99.27 to 44,148.56, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 347.65 to 20,034.89. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, edged up to 4.15% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an annual planning meeting in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following last week’s political turmoil where its president briefly declared martial law. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.

Pardon as act of parenting, not politics, the better pitch | READER COMMENTARYNone

ASHEBORO — Randolph Community College’s Office of Financial Assistance and Engagement will host a festive FAFSA event on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 4-7 p.m. in the Continuing Education and Industrial Center, 413 Industrial Park Ave., Asheboro, rooms 106 and 108. This holiday-themed event is designed to help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and prepare for their college journey. Attendees will receive personalized assistance from RCC’s financial aid experts to complete their FAFSA, a crucial step in securing financial aid. Whether or not attendees plan to enroll at RCC, the team is ready to help navigate the process. In addition, attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a certificate for a free RCC class. Attendees are encouraged to bring all necessary documents, including Social Security numbers, tax information and records of untaxed income, to ensure a smooth application process. For more information or to register, call RCC’s Office of Financial Assistance and Engagement at 336-633-0200 or visit visit.randolph.edu/event/randolph.events.774539 . RCC’s winter term begins on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and the college is currently registering students for spring and summer 2025. This is an ideal opportunity for prospective and returning students to take the next step in their educational journey. To register for spring or summer 2025, call 336-633-0200 or visit randolph.edu/register .More Backstage Details on Ryan Nemeth’s Complaint Against AEW, Incident With CM PunkMontreal's abandoned Empress Theatre to rise from the ashes as mixed-use development, city says

Cordemex: The rise and fall of the henequen giant of YucatánA VoIP quality test measures the performance of your network connection. The test simulates a set number of calls on your network and uses key metrics to determine how calls would sound in different situations. It can help you understand whether your connection is strong enough before implementing a VoIP system and alert you to potential post deployment issues as well. Mean opinion score (MOS) is an industry standard metric for VoIP call quality — it’s a simple 1-5 rating system with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Anything above a 4 is sufficient and scores below 3.5 should be considered unacceptable. Below that range, users are more likely to experience mic echo, dropped calls, choppy or robotic sounds, and cutting out. This guide covers everything you need to know to perform VoIP tests and tweak settings to optimize for MOS. What a VoIP quality test measures Before we dive into how to run a VoIP quality test, it’s important to understand what metrics you’ll get back and what they mean. Every VoIP test is different, but most measure things like: Upload and download speed — Measures how fast data packets can move through your network. In general, the higher the speed, the better the quality. Bandwidth — The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted across your network. It directly impacts the number of simultaneous calls you can have before quality takes a nose dive. Jitter — Variations between sent and received data packets. If these variations are significant, users might miss entire words or sentences during the call. Latency (or ping) — Measures the delay from one caller to another. High latency is often caused by network congestion and results in echoing. Packet loss — Refers to data packets that never reach their final destination. If it exceeds 1%, calls will likely have choppy audio and other distortions. Many will also let you simulate calls with different VoIP codecs . This is a parameter that defines how much compression happens during a call. More compression makes packets smaller, resulting in faster transmissions and reduced network congestion. But too much compression can lower audio quality to the point it’s unrecognizable. The key is finding a good balance that works for your team. Lastly, some of the better VoIP quality tests calculate your MOS by factoring in all of these elements and metrics. It’s also worth noting that some tools let you run tests for different numbers of simultaneous calls, and you may even be able to change the origin location of the call. As you adjust different parameters and variables, you may get a different MOS. For example, you might have a perfect score right next to your router but a lower score if you’re on the other side of the building. SEE: Learn how to optimize your VoIP network . How to run a VoIP quality test There are dozens of tools that let you test VoIP quality. To keep it simple, I’ll show you how to do it in just a few minutes for free, and what to use if you’re a developer or need more granular insights. Free online VoIP quality tests Many business phone providers have their own online VoIP quality tests you can use for free. They’re very easy and quick, making them perfect if you’re not quite sure what’s going on and just need a simple way to tell if your network is stable enough. Most measure latency, jitter, upload speed, and download speed. Some (but not all) also measure packet loss and calculate your MOS. RingCentral’s quality of service test is one of the best free options I’ve seen. The best part about this test is that it gives you MOS. It also measures packet loss, latency, and jitter in your audit summary. Another standout of RingCentral’s test is the ability to adjust your codec. You can also test up to 50 simultaneous calls and run the test for up to five minutes — the longer you test, the better chance you have of finding an issue. Once the test is finished, it does a good job of explaining what all the numbers mean and whether or not your connection passes. It’s also about as easy as it gets to run. All you have to do is select your preferred number of concurrent calls, adjust the duration, and tweak the codec if you want. While RingCentral’s is one of the most detailed free options, there are others you can use to validate your results if you’d like. There are other VoIP quality tests on the market that you can use, and it might be a good idea to try multiple to see if you get consistent results across the board. Here are some others worth checking out: Nextiva’s test — Simple option for testing up to 200 simultaneous calls. Ooma’s test — Easy way to check latency, jitter, upload, and download speed. 8×8’s test — Similar to Ooma, but lets you change the host. Overall, RingCentral’s is the most detailed, but these other free VoIP quality tests can give you more data points to ensure accuracy. SEE: Learn more about our favorite VoIP providers: RingCentral review | Nextiva review | Ooma review | 8×8 review . Network monitoring software (paid with a free trial) Network monitoring software is typically used by IT network administrators to ensure their network is running smoothly. It’s also useful for identifying issues with various components (routers, servers, firewalls, switches, etc.). You can also use them for testing VoIP network quality, and they provide far more detailed information than any of the free tools out there. SolarWinds VoIP network quality manager is one of the best. Instead of one-off tests every now and then, it runs continuously in the background. Although SolarWinds isn’t free, there is a 30-day free trial. You can test your network for a full month to see how its performance changes over time. From there, you can decide if you want to keep using it. Beyond basic VoIP quality stats, it also provides WAN performance metrics. It also provides contextual information related to performance issues. For example, you can see the specific IP addresses of devices that are causing jitter, latency, or packet loss. This will help you determine if call quality issues are related to hardware on your network or something else. The software does a whole lot more than that, but it’s a great alternative if you need real-time data or more data points to understand and improve your MOS.

Harry and Meghan’s polo docuseries to highlight ‘grit behind the glamour’

Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5 as violence spiralsFIFA 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.

Easter Sunday is four months away, falling on April 20 in 2025 but some supermarkets already have seasonal stock out on their shelves. Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns have already been spotted for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. As reported by Sky News , Gary Evans, 66, from Margate, shared a picture of Creme Eggs on display at his local Morrisons on Boxing Day. "I just think it's crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... [there's] something quite frantic about it," he said. Meanwhile, Joseph Robinson, saw themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening (December 27). He said: "It's funny as they've not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they're already stocking for Easter. "I wish that supermarkets weren't so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period." 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Jesus hasn’t even been born yet". Another added: "I’m a very liberal person but seeing Morrisons selling #Easter eggs right after #Christmas is where I draw the line". In an alternative view, marketing consultant Andrew Wallis, 54, admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. However, he added it also illustrates "forward-thinking" from big businesses. Recommended reading: He explained: "It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early. "My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it's also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. "Some might feel it's too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy."BY MELISSA GOLDIN Social media users are misrepresenting a report released Thursday by the Justice Department inspector general’s office, falsely claiming that it’s proof the FBI orchestrated the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Related Articles National News | Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings National News | OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartment National News | Judge rejects an attempt by Trump campaign lawyer to invalidate guilty plea in Georgia election case National News | Texas’ abortion pill lawsuit against New York doctor marks new challenge to interstate telemedicine National News | US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan, officials say The watchdog report examined a number of areas, including whether major intelligence failures preceded the riot and whether the FBI in some way provoked the violence. Claims spreading online focus on the report’s finding that 26 FBI informants were in Washington for election-related protests on Jan. 6, including three who had been tasked with traveling to the city to report on others who were potentially planning to attend the events. Although 17 of those informants either entered the Capitol or a restricted area around the building during the riot, none of the 26 total informants were authorized to do so by the bureau, according to the report. Nor were they authorized to otherwise break the law or encourage others to do so. Here’s a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: A December 2024 report released by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General is proof that the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was a setup by the FBI. THE FACTS: That’s false. The report found that no undercover FBI employees were at the riot on Jan. 6 and that none of the bureau’s informants were authorized to participate. Informants, also known as confidential human sources, work with the FBI to provide information, but are not on the bureau’s payroll. Undercover agents are employed by the FBI. According to the report, 26 informants were in Washington on Jan. 6 in connection with the day’s events. FBI field offices only informed the Washington Field Office or FBI headquarters of five informants that were to be in the field on Jan. 6. Of the total 26 informants, four entered the Capitol during the riot and an additional 13 entered a restricted area around the Capitol. But none were authorized to do so by the FBI, nor were they given permission to break other laws or encourage others to do the same. The remaining nine informants did not engage in any illegal activities. None of the 17 informants who entered the Capitol or surrounding restricted area have been prosecuted, the report says. A footnote states that after reviewing a draft of the report, the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington said that it “generally has not charged those individuals whose only crime on January 6, 2021 was to enter restricted grounds surrounding the Capitol, which has resulted in the Office declining to charge hundreds of individuals; and we have treated the CHSs consistent with this approach.” The assistant special agent in charge of the Washington Field Office’s counterterrorism division told the inspector general’s office that he “denied a request from an FBI office to have an undercover employee engage in investigative activity on January 6.” He, along with then-Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Steven D’Antuono, said that FBI policy prohibits undercover employees at First Amendment-protected events without investigative authority. Many social media users drew false conclusions from the report’s findings. “JANUARY 6th WAS A SETUP!” reads one X post that had received more than 11,400 likes and shares as of Friday. “New inspector general report shows that 26 FBI/DOJ confidential sources were in the crowd on January 6th, and some of them went into the Capitol and restricted areas. Is it a coincidence that Wray put in his resignation notice yesterday? TREASON!” The mention of Wray’s resignation refers to FBI Director Christopher Wray’s announcement Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. Other users highlighted the fact that there were 26 FBI informants in Washington on Jan. 6, but omitted key information about the findings of the report. These claims echo a fringe conspiracy theory advanced by some Republicans in Congress that the FBI played a role in instigating the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when rioters determined to overturn Republican Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden stormed the Capitol in a violent clash with police. The report knocks that theory down. Wray called such theories “ludicrous” at a congressional hearing last year. Asked for comment on the false claims spreading online, Stephanie Logan, a spokesperson for the inspector general’s office, pointed The Associated Press to a press release about the report. In addition to its findings about the the FBI’s involvement on Jan. 6, the report said that the FBI, in an action its now-deputy director described as a “basic step that was missed,” failed to canvass informants across all 56 of its field offices for any relevant intelligence ahead of time. That was a step, the report concluded, “that could have helped the FBI and its law enforcement partners with their preparations in advance of January 6.” However, it did credit the bureau for preparing for the possibility of violence and for trying to identify known “domestic terrorism subjects” who planned to come to Washington that day. The FBI said in a letter responding to the report that it accepts the inspection general’s recommendation “regarding potential process improvements for future events.”

Central kicker Nathan Zimmer (41) boots the extra point in the first quarter of the Division I non select regional game against West Ouachita on Friday, November 22, 2024 in Central, Louisiana. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save BUNKIE VS. DUNHAM Division III select 7 p.m. at Parkview Baptist RECORDS: No. 5 Bunkie 12-0; No. 1 Dunham 12-0 LAST WEEK: Bunkie beat Jewel Sumner 14-12; Dunham beat Lafayette Christian 34-30 PLAYERS TO WATCH: BUNKIE: QB Dillon Compton, LB Luke Normand, WR Kyle Johnson, RB Zion Lee; DUNHAM: QB Elijah Haven, DL Elliot Trahan, WR Jarvis Washington, OL Joshua Beychok. NOTEWORTHY: Bunkie is in the semifinals for the first time since 1988 ... Dunham seeks its second Prep Classic berth in three years ... Haven has passed for 2,455 yards and 32 TDs, along with 601 rushing yards and 16 TDs ... Trahan has 68.5 tackles with 12.5 sacks/tackles for loss ... Johnson, a Houston signee, has 900 yards receiving for Bunkie. CATHOLIC VS. KARR Division I select 7 p.m. at Morris Jeff Stadium RECORDS: No. 4 Catholic 11-0; No. 1 Karr 11-0 LAST WEEK: Catholic beat Rummel 14-7; Karr beat St. Thomas More 42-14 PLAYERS TO WATCH: CATHOLIC: DB Jacob Bradford, OL Erv Smith, WR-KR Cohen LeBlanc, LB Max Maurer; KARR: DL Corey Adams, WR TaRon Francis, A Aiden Hall, DL Richard Anderson. NOTEWORTHY: Catholic is the defending Division I select champion ... Karr seeks its first title since 2019 when the Cougars were the Class 4A champions ... Catholic’s Bradford signed with LSU on Wednesday ... Catholic QB Baylor Graves has 1,386 passing yards and completed 72 percent of his passes ... Francis is one two LSU signees for Karr. CECILIA AT PLAQUEMINE Division II nonselect 7 p.m. at PHS’ Canova Stadium RECORDS: No. 18 Cecilia 10-3 at No. 6 Plaquemine 12-1 LAST WEEK: Cecilia beat North DeSoto 57-40; Plaquemine beat Opelousas 35-22 PLAYERS TO WATCH: CECILIA: QB Diesel Solari, DB/WR Brent Gordon, RB Braylon Calaias; PLAQUEMINE: RB Tyrese Mosby, DL Paul Smith, QB Nico Victorian, WR John Walker. NOTEWORTHY: Cecilia was the Division III nonselect runner-up a year ago ... It's Plaquemine’s first semifinal berth in 10 years ...Solari is a returning all-state player for CHS ... Mosby has 2,350 rushing yards and 37 TDs, while Victorian has passed for 1,994 yards and 27 TDs for the Green Devils. CENTRAL AT NEVILLE Division I nonselect 7 p.m. at Neville-Monroe RECORDS: No. 4 Central 11-1; No. 1 Neville 11-1. LAST WEEK: Central beat West Monroe 21-7; Neville beat Chalmette 31-7 PLAYERS TO WATCH: CENTRAL: DL DK Mays, QB Jackson Firmin, DB Steven Ranel, OL Graham Harris, LV KD Mays; NEVILLE: QB Parker Robinson, RB Jaylon Nichols, DB Jayden Reed, WR Trendon Dumas. NOTEWORTHY: The teams meet in the playoffs for the second straight year ... In 2023, the No. 18 Wildcats upset No. 2 Neville 17-16 in the regional round ... Central’s last semifinal berth was in 2008 ... ... Robinson has passed for 2,169 yards and 18 TDs, while Nichols has 1,158 rushing yards and 22 TDs for Neville ... Central's Firmin, a Nicholls signee, has passed for 1,428 yards, nine TDs. MADISON PREP VS. SHAW Division II select 7 p.m. at Joe Zimmerman Stadium RECORDS: No. 5 Madison Prep 9-3; No. 2 Archbishop Shaw 10-2 LAST WEEK: Madison Prep beat Istrouma 13-6; Shaw beat Kennedy 21-14 PLAYERS TO WATCH: MADISON: QB Tylan Johnson, RB Alfred McKnight, LB Calvin Spears, OL Robric Walker; SHAW: RB Jasper Parker, QB Mason Wilson, LB Rontrae Carter. NOTEWORTHY: MPA seeks its first finals berth since winning the Class 3A title in 2020 ... Shaw is led by Parker, who signed with Michigan, as did Eagle WR Jacob Washington on Wednesday ... The Chargers have a triple threat with QB Johnson (2,259 passing yards, 28 TDs), McKnight (1,354 yards, 20 TDs) and WR Keyon Robinson (1,116 receiving yards, 12 TDs). OUACHITA CHRISTIAN VS. ASCENSION CATHOLIC Division IV select 7 p.m. at Boutte Stadium RECORDS: No. 11 Ouachita Christian 12-1; No. 2 Ascension Catholic 11-0 LAST WEEK: Ouachita Christian beat Covenant Christian 30-16; Ascension Catholic beat Riverside Academy 40-35 PLAYERS TO WATCH: OUACHITA CHRISTIAN: QB Luke Vidrine, RB Makin Lenard, DL Cooper Russell ASCENSION CATHOLIC: RB Chad Elzy Jr., LB Mace Melancon, DL Josh Barber, OL Austin Paine. NOTEWORTHY: ACHS seeks its first title-game berth since 2018 ... OCS plays in a Baton Rouge-area semifinal for the second straight year, the Eagles lost to Southern Lab in 2023 ... ACHS’ Elzy has rushed for 1,977 yards, 35 TDs and averages 10.7 yards per carry ... Camille LeBoeuf adds 1.125 passing yards for ACHS... Luke Vidrine leads OCS with 2,244 passing yards and 25 TDs ... Makin Lenard has 1,443 yards rushing, 24 TDs. UNION PARISH AT ST. JAMES Division III nonselect 7 p.m. at SJHS RECORDS: No. 5 Union 9-4; No. 1 St. James 9-2 LAST WEEK: Union beat Kinder 44-14; St. James beat Pine 26-7 PLAYERS TO WATCH: UNION: RB Derrick Dew, QB Braxton Patterson, LB Tyquereis Wilson, WR Chase Meeking; ST. JAMES: WR Jakias Villanueva, DB Jarrell Williams, QB Jujuan Jackson, LB Nolan Zenon. NOTEWORTHY: Union beat St. James 36-35 in the Division III nonselect final a year ago ... Jackson, a freshman, has 1,515 passing yards and 20 TDs for SJHS, while RB Kani King-Young has 918 rushing yards with 11 TDs ... WR Villanueva has 69 catches for 872 yards and 12 TDs.Former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick has been offered the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina, sources said. A few days after he confirmed having "a couple of good conversations" with North Carolina Chancellor Lee Roberts about the Tar Heels' head-coaching job, multiple sources told WRAL that he was offered the job. Belichick reportedly has a long list of demands for UNC, including a 400-page document calling for a new coaching and recruitment staff. He also demanded his son, Stephen Belichick, be next in line to serve as head coach after him. As for Belichick's salary, analysts have said he could command up to $12 million a year. This week on ESPN's “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick said he had spent the 11 months since his departure from the Patriots taking a “longer look” at college football throughout the season as opposed to during the spring lead-up to the draft as a pro coach. Belichick would replace Mack Brown, UNC's all-time winningest coach and College Football Hall of Famer, who was fired in November. Brown's last game was a Nov. 30 loss to rival N.C. State. Belichick, 72, who had decades of success in the NFL, has never worked at the college level but his father was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953-55. He and the Patriots announced a mutual parting of ways in January , following the end of a disappointing season. Jerod Mayo replaced Belichick as the Patriots head coach the next day. Belichick became head coach of the Patriots on Jan. 27, 2000, less than two weeks after he resigned as head coach of the New York Jets on the day of what was supposed to be his introductory press conference. He had a 296-133 record in 24 seasons as New England’s head coach between the regular season and postseason. When including the five seasons he was head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1991-95), he has a total record of 333-178. His 31 postseason wins, all but one of which came with the Patriots, are the most by a head coach in NFL history, and he is only the third coach to win 300 or more regular-season games. Belichick trails only Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318) on the all-time regular-season wins list, and Shula is the only one ahead of Belichick on the combined wins list (347). Rumors have linked Belichick to the pursuit of other NFL jobs, including the Atlanta Falcons in January, but no job materialized this season and the ex-coach instead signed a deal with ESPN.

big fish casino monthly vip bonus Former CCTV Renowned Host Transitions to Acting: New Challenges on StageIn conclusion, the fall of Bashar al-Assad marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict in Syria, but the power struggle between the U.S. and Israel over claiming credit for his ouster raises concerns about the future stability of the region. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together towards a peaceful transition and avoid further escalation of conflict and violence. Only by prioritizing the interests of the Syrian people can a lasting solution be achieved in the post-al-Assad era.

And in the case of Xiaohua and Xiang Zao, their bond only grows stronger with each haircut, each shared moment, and each expression of gratitude and friendship. In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and uncertain, their story is a gentle reminder that true beauty and strength can be found in the simplest of gestures and the deepest of friendships.

Gap raises annual sales target betting on steady holiday demandDespite the disappointment of not securing all 3 points, Munios maintained a positive outlook on the result. He believes that gaining a point against a top team like Manchester City is still a commendable achievement and a testament to the team's progress and development. The draw serves as a stepping stone for the team to build upon and continue pushing for success in future matches.

Pro Picks: Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry go head-to-head in matchup of top 2 rushing leadersFalse advertising in the healthcare sector is a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences. It undermines the credibility of the medical profession, erodes public trust in healthcare providers, and puts patients at risk of receiving substandard or unnecessary treatments. It is essential for regulatory authorities to crack down on such practices and hold accountable those who engage in fraudulent activities.Liu Dameili, whose real name is Liu Meimei, was a popular social media influencer with millions of followers on various platforms. Her posts often showcased her luxurious lifestyle, designer outfits, and flawless appearance, making her a sought-after brand ambassador for beauty and fashion products. However, her untimely death has shone a spotlight on the darker side of the beauty industry and the risks associated with cosmetic surgery.

In conclusion, the surprise announcement of a speech and press conference by the Bank of Japan has set the stage for a potentially pivotal moment in the country's monetary policy landscape. As market participants await Governor Kuroda's remarks and the central bank's official communication, all eyes are on Japan as the prospect of a rate hike looms large on the horizon. The impact of the BOJ's actions and statements in the coming days is sure to reverberate through financial markets and shape investor sentiments as the world watches closely for any developments in Japan's monetary policy direction.The morning session saw a strong opening for the SHCOMP, which surged higher in the initial moments of trading. Market sentiment was initially positive, fueled by a combination of domestic economic data releases and global market trends. However, as the morning progressed, the index faced heavy selling pressure, leading to a significant decline from its peak.

A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS. Who are they and why now?As we anticipate the release of "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," fans are already buzzing with excitement. The hype surrounding the game is palpable, with discussions and speculations running rampant online. From theories about new power-ups to debates over favorite levels, the Sonic community is alive with anticipation for what promises to be a memorable gaming experience.

The phenomenon of body memory in relation to weight gain and loss is a fascinating area of study that has the potential to revolutionize how we approach weight management and obesity prevention. Studies have shown that the body undergoes physiological and metabolic changes when a person gains weight, and even after losing the excess weight, these changes can persist, making it easier for the body to regain weight.Mo Salah backed and Liverpool questioned over ‘unbelievable’ contract situation

The prospect of a rate hike in Japan, if realized, could have significant implications for the domestic economy as well as global financial markets. A shift towards tighter monetary policy by the BOJ would signal confidence in the country's economic recovery and could impact a wide range of assets and sectors, from stocks and bonds to currencies and commodities.Mendocino County is pleased to announce CARE Court, or Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment, a program established in California to address the needs of individuals experiencing severe mental health issues that include psychosis and homelessness. The initiative is part of a broader collaborative effort between the Courts and Behavioral Health to provide additional support for people often most severely impacted by their mental health symptoms. The program is set to begin in Mendocino County on Dec. 1. The program aims to increase engagement in treatment for individuals struggling with diagnoses which include psychosis by supporting the individuals to overcome barriers to accessing mental health treatment, housing assistance, and other supportive services. The program is a voluntary civil court process which uses the formality of the court to monitor treatment engagement and connection. Those enrolled in the program work with a team — including mental health professionals and peer support specialists — to develop personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs. By providing better access to treatment and supportive services through a structured court monitoring process, CARE Court aims to improve outcomes for individuals struggling with some of the most severe mental health diagnoses. This program reflects a shift toward more compassionate and effective approaches to mental health challenges. For over a year County Behavioral Health teams, Superior Court, and Superior Court’s Self-Help Center have partnered to plan for the successful implementation of this legislation. The Mendocino County CARE Court is a new civil court process that will be collaborative in nature, whereby multiple agencies will work together to provide personalized treatment plans and community-based support services to those who qualify. The individual is a voluntary participant in the program, and has the right to request an advocate, to help them navigate and represent their preferences to the support team. Family members, healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement, and mental health professionals can refer individuals to the program through a formal petition available through the Court’s Self Help Center. Once the petition is filed, the individual will go through the necessary processes to determine eligibility for CARE Court, and if appropriate, they will be involved in creating a personalized care plan aimed at addressing their mental health needs. The program is designed to be inclusive and collaborative, seeking assistance from a variety of sources to help those in need. Petitions for CARE Court can be filed in person at the Mendocino County courthouse, and anywhere Self-Help Centers are located.

The village where the female master's graduate has been living is a quiet, picturesque settlement, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its pristine natural beauty, coupled with the simple way of life cherished by its inhabitants, creates a tranquil atmosphere that seems to be frozen in time. However, beneath this tranquil facade lies a tale shrouded in ambiguity and intrigue.Jeffrey Fleishman | (TNS) Los Angeles Times The national furor in recent years around banning books on race and gender in public schools is intensifying as President-elect Donald Trump threatens to shut down the Department of Education, emboldening conservatives to end “wokeness” in classrooms. Battles over books in school libraries have become emblematic of the country’s larger culture wars over race, historical revisionism and gender identity. A new report by PEN America found book bans increased by nearly 200% during the 2023-24 school year, including titles on sexuality, substance abuse, depression and other issues students face in an age of accelerating technologies, climate change, toxic politics and fears about the future. Book censorship has shaken and divided school boards, pitted parents against parents, and led to threats against teachers and librarians . It is part of an agenda driven by conservative parental rights groups and politicians who promote charter schools and voucher systems that could weaken public education. The issue goes to the heart not only of what students are taught but how federal and state education policies will affect the nation’s politics after one of the most consequential elections in its history. “It’s not just about taking a book off a shelf,” said Tasslyn Magnusson, an author and teacher from Wisconsin who tracks book censorship across the U.S. “It’s about power and who controls public education. It’s about what kind of America we were and are. We’re trying to define what family is and what America means. That comes down to the stories we tell.” She said she feared Trump’s return to the White House would further incite those calling for book bans: “I don’t have lots of hope. It could get a lot worse.” Over the last year, PEN counted more than 10,000 book bans nationwide that targeted 4,231 unique titles. Most were books dealing with gender, sexuality, race and LGBTQ+ storylines. The most banned title was Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes,” about a school shooting that included a short description of date rape. Florida and Iowa — both of which have strict regulations on what students can read — accounted for more than 8,200 bans in the 2023-24 school year. “This crisis is tragic for young people hungry to understand the world they live in and see their identities and experiences reflected in books,” Kasey Meehan, director of PEN’s Freedom to Read Program, said in a statement. “What students can read in schools provides the foundation for their lives.” Trump’s calls to close the Department of Education would need congressional approval, which appears unlikely. Although public schools are largely funded and governed by state and local institutions, the department helps pay to educate students with disabilities, provides about $18 billion in grants for K-12 schools in poor communities and oversees a civil rights branch to protect students from discrimination. But Trump’s election has inspired conservative parental groups, including Moms For Liberty and Parents Defending Education, to strengthen efforts to limit what they see as a liberal conspiracy to indoctrinate children with books and teachings that are perverse, amoral and pornographic. Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, has criticized schools that she says spend too much time on diversity and inclusion when only about one-third of U.S. children are reading at grade level: “We’re talking about public school libraries and content for kids,” Justice told NewsNation after Trump’s victory. “I think it’s very clear that there are certain things that are appropriate for kids, certain things that are appropriate for adults. We’re just getting back to commonsense America.” Trump’s threat to deny federal funding to schools that acknowledge transgender identities could affect curricula and the kinds of books school libraries stock. During his rally at Madison Square Garden in October, Trump — who has has accused schools of promoting sex change operations — said his administration would get “transgender insanity the hell out of our schools.” Vice President-elect JD Vance has accused Democrats of wanting to “put sexually explicit books in toddlers’ libraries.” Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, told Newsmax that she was excited about Trump’s calls to remake education and “clean up a lot of the mess” he has inherited from the Biden administration. Trump “has centered parental rights back in his platform, which is incredible. He has prioritized knowledge and skill, not identity politics,” she said. “American children deserve better, and it is time for change.” In nominating Linda McMahon to be his secretary of Education, Trump appears to be pushing for more conservative parental control over what is taught and read in classrooms. A former professional wrestling executive, McMahon chairs the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-connected organization that has criticized schools for teaching “racially divisive” theories, notably about slavery and a perspective about the nation’s founding it views as anti-American. “Today’s contentious debates over using classrooms for political activism rather than teaching a complete and accurate account of American history have reinvigorated calls for greater parental and citizen involvement in the curriculum approval process,” the institute’s website says. Culturally divisive issues, including race and LGBTQ+ themes, cost school districts an estimated $3.2 billion during the 2023-24 school year, according to a recent study called “The Costs of Conflict.” The survey — published by the Institute for Democracy, Education and Access at UCLA — found that battles over books and teaching about sexuality and other topics led to increased expenses for legal fees, replacing administrators and teachers who quit, and security, including off-duty plainclothes police officers. “Are we really going to spend our tax dollars on these kinds of things?” asked Magnusson. “After Trump was elected, I saw a bunch of middle-class white ladies like me who were saying, ‘This isn’t America.’ But maybe it is America.” One school superintendent in a Western state told the study’s researchers that his staff was often consumed with correcting misinformation and fulfilling public record requests mainly from hard-line parental rights activists attempting to exploit cultural war issues to discredit the district. “Our staff are spending enormous amounts of time just doing stupid stuff,” the superintendent said. “The fiscal costs to the district are enormous, but [so are] the cultural costs of not standing up to the extremists. If someone doesn’t, then the students and employees lose. ... It’s the worst it’s ever been.” The survey found that 29% of 467 school superintendents interviewed reported that teachers and other staff quit their profession or left their districts “due to culturally divisive conflict.” Censoring books in school libraries grew out of opposition to COVID-19 restrictions. A number of conservative parental groups, including Moms for Liberty, which invited Trump to speak at its national convention in August, turned their attention to lobbying against “liberal indoctrination.” Their protests against what they criticized as progressive teaching on sexuality and race were focused on increasing conservative parental control over a public education system that was struggling at teaching children reading and math. That strategy has led to a national, right-wing effort that is “redefining government power to restrict access to information in our schools,” said Stephana Ferrell, co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project. “This movement to protect the innocence of our children believes if children never read it in a book they won’t have to know about it and can go on to lead harmonious lives. But books teach us cautionary tales. They instruct us. You can’t protect innocence through ignorance.” School districts across the country have removed “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George Johnson, which are about gender identity and include graphic depictions of sex, along with titles by renowned writers such as Toni Morrison, Kurt Vonnegut, George Orwell, Maya Angelou and Flannery O’Connor. Related Articles National Politics | Somerville reaffirms sanctuary-city status; Massachusetts AG to fight Trump’s deportation plan National Politics | Trump promised mass deportations. Educators worry fear will keep immigrants’ kids from school National Politics | Trump team says Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal brokered by Biden is actually Trump’s win National Politics | Trump signs White House transition deal National Politics | How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes Surveys show that most Americans do not favor censorship. The Florida Freedom to Read Project and similar organizations around the country have called for thorough public reviews of challenged books to prevent one scene or passage from being taken out of context. Moderate and liberal parents groups over the last two years have also become more active in school board politics. They have supported school board candidates who have defeated those backed by Moms for Liberty in Texas, Florida and other states. “People say the pendulum will swing back,” said Ferrell. But, she said, conservatives want to “stop the pendulum from swinging back.” Picoult is accustomed to conservatives attempting to censor her. Her books have been banned in schools in more than 30 states. Published in 2007, “Nineteen Minutes” explores the lives of characters, including a girl who was raped, in a town leading up to a school shooting and its aftermath. “Having the most banned book in the country is not a badge of honor. It’s a call for alarm,” said Picoult, whose books have sold more than 40 million copies. “My book, and the 10,000 others that have been pulled off school library shelves this year, give kids a tool to deal with an increasingly divided and difficult world. These book banners aren’t helping children. They are harming them.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Despite facing strong opposition, Liverpool demonstrated resilience and tenacity throughout the match, holding their own against Manchester City's attacking prowess. Henderson's leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through the intense moments on the pitch, rallying his teammates to stay focused and composed under pressure.

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His team is coming off a fourth-quarter collapse in the Grey Cup, is getting rather long in the tooth and has the usual long list of free agents to deal with. But while Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters acknowledged he’s still dealing with a Cup hangover, he was drinking from a glass half-full in his season-ending session with the media on Tuesday. The reason for his optimism: he has more good players already under contract for next year, some of them young and only getting better. “So the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road, the team is in a free-fall downward,’ I don’t think is accurate,” Walters said. “We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point game with 10 minutes left... before things went downhill. “With the young guys we have under contract that contributed, I’m feeling probably better now than in years past in regards to the transition to youth heading into next season.” Walters pointed to the receiving corps, with rookies Ontaria Wilson, Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius – all with another year on their contracts – and the defensive line as areas that got an injection of promising youth this year. As for his aging vets, they all want to come back for another run at the 2025 Grey Cup, to be played in Winnipeg. The key ones already under contract include 36-year-old quarterback Zach Collaros, running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Nic Demski, defensive back Deatrick Nichols, centre Chris Kolankowski and kicker Sergio Castillo. Other mainstays, like D-lineman Willie Jefferson (33), O-linemen Stanley Bryant (38) and Pat Neufeld (35), have said they want to re-sign. Most of the rest could be up for grabs as free agents, come February. Some, like receiver Dalton Schoen, quarterback Chris Streveler and linebacker Adam Bighill, are coming off season-ending injuries, which may or may not affect their negotiating positions. “Nobody’s interested in taking pay cuts,” Walters said. “Every single agent and every single player at the very least would expect to come back for what they’ve made. Now, organizationally we may have a different view of, ‘At this point in your career we no longer see you at this price point, but we see you at this price point.’ And that’s when the fun starts, I guess.” The “fun” might include trying to re-sign a player or two before the calendar flips to 2025, using the dollars he managed to stay below the salary cap. “We’re going to carve out, to the cent, how much money we have just to use a signing bonus on somebody this year,” Walters said. It’s always a case of give and take: any raise Walters gives to one, he has to take away from another to stay within the cap. Someone like cornerback Tyrell Ford, among the league’s top ball hawks, is due for a significant pay bump. “When you’re a Canadian that’s starting at a traditional American position, your value is through the roof,” Walters said. “I expect him to be highly sought after in free agency, for sure, and deservedly so.” As another key part of the CFL’s stingiest secondary, fellow defensive back Evan Holm is another player in line for more. “Up here would be my No. 1 goal,” Holm told me as he cleaned out his locker last week. “And we have a baby due in March. Just seeing everyone else with their children around, the environment would be pretty fun. We’ll see.” As for the baby he’s nurtured for the last 10 years, Walters just wants to keep feeding the thing the same ingredients that have seen it develop into a perennial championship contender. Having the Grey Cup in their own back yard doesn’t change anything, the GM says. They’d be trying to get there if it was played in Timbuktu. “An organization shouldn’t say, ‘Because we’re hosting, we’re really going to give it our all this year.’ Because then the response from the players and coaches would be, ‘Well, why wouldn’t we do that every year?’” They’ve done it every year for the last five, usually by spending to the max. In a perfect world, Walters and O’Shea would also use next year to groom a successor to Collaros, while trying to get to another Grey Cup. But the CFL and its proliferation of one-year contracts is far from a perfect world. So they’ll wait to see what and who shakes from the quarterback tree. Arguably the biggest apple, Vernon Adams, went from B.C. to Calgary hours after Walters spoke to the media. “Can your young guys on your roster develop, or do you have to go out in free agency and potentially pay more for an experienced backup that you think can take over in the future?” Walters wondered aloud. “Those are challenging questions that we’ll have organizationally. But primary focus is putting a roster together to win the Grey Cup next year.” That work begins immediately. Even before the hangover fades completely. “You know, when you take a step back... of course, the last three final games were very frustrating,” Walters said of his team’s three-game Grey Cup losing streak. “And you can’t lump them all together. But going to five Grey Cups... we’ve got a good football team here. “I expect us to be good.” paul.friesen@kleinmedia.ca X: @friesensunmediaTrump's journey to the top of the world rankings has been nothing short of remarkable. Known for his attacking style of play and unrivaled potting ability, Trump has consistently impressed fans and critics alike with his performances on the snooker circuit. His relentless pursuit of perfection and hunger for success have propelled him to the summit of the sport, where he now stands as the undisputed king of snooker.On the other hand, Lazio will be no pushovers, as they have a strong squad led by the likes of Ciro Immobile, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Luis Alberto. Under the guidance of manager Simone Inzaghi, Lazio has been playing attractive and attacking football, posing a threat to any team they face. The battle in midfield between Inter's Arturo Vidal and Lazio's Milinkovic-Savic will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match.

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The meeting, which was held in an undisclosed location to ensure the safety and privacy of the participants, was expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and coordination among the three nations. With tensions running high in the region, especially in light of Russia's continued military aggression in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea, the need for a unified and strategic approach to address these challenges has never been more urgent.Consumers who prioritize authenticity and quality in their purchasing decisions may feel misled or disappointed if they discover that a product they believed to be imported is in fact manufactured in China. This discrepancy between perception and reality can erode trust in the brand and lead to a loss of credibility in the eyes of consumers.Furthermore, by actively engaging in conflict de-escalation mechanisms, the risk of unintended escalation and miscalculation can be significantly reduced. In an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and technological advancements, it is more crucial than ever to prioritize communication, transparency, and crisis management to prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control.

The practice of stockpiling essentials has further exacerbated existing shortages and price hikes in the region, leading to a scramble for basic necessities and heightened competition among residents. Local markets have reportedly witnessed a surge in demand for goods, with prices skyrocketing and supplies becoming increasingly scarce. This has further strained the already fragile social fabric of the community, creating tensions and divisions among individuals as they vie for resources in a climate of uncertainty.Ultimately, the question of whether Russian supermarket products claiming to be directly sourced from the origin are truly imported or made in China is a complex issue that requires greater transparency and accountability from manufacturers and retailers. As consumers become more informed and discerning in their purchasing decisions, the demand for authentic, high-quality products will continue to drive changes in the market, pushing companies to uphold the integrity of their supply chains and provide clear information to consumers.

Moreover, China's pursuit of progress is evident in its ambitious reform agenda and investment in innovation and technology. Through initiatives such as "Made in China 2025" and the Belt and Road Initiative, China is actively working towards transforming its economy into a more advanced and sustainable model. By prioritizing high-quality development over sheer growth figures, China is striving to enhance its competitiveness and adaptability in the global marketplace.Outside, the students and teachers of Maple Leaf High looked on, their hearts touched by the poignant scene unfolding before them. Here was a young man who had overcome obstacles and challenges with the help of a dedicated teacher, returning to express his gratitude and show her the fruits of her labor. It was a reminder of the power of mentorship, of the lasting impact that a caring teacher can have on a student's life.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to another all-time high. The Dow added 1% Monday to the record it set on Friday. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. Treasury yields eased in the bond market after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, to be his Treasury Secretary. Smaller companies can feel a big boost from easier borrowing costs, and the Russell 2000 index of small stocks jumped 1.5%, closing just shy of the record high it set three years ago. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street is set to break more records Monday as U.S. stocks rise to add to last week’s gains. The S&P 500 was 0.2% higher, as of 3 p.m. Eastern time, and sitting just below its all-time high set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 397 points, or 0.9%, to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite was 0.1% higher. Treasury yields also eased in the bond market amid what some analysts called a “Bessent bounce” after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants Scott Bessent , a hedge fund manager, to be his Treasury Secretary. Bessent has argued for reducing the U.S. government’s deficit, which is how much more it spends than it takes in through tax and other revenue. Such an approach could soothe worries on Wall Street that Trump’s policies may lead to a much bigger deficit, which in turn would put upward pressure on Treasury yields. After climbing above 4.44% immediately after Trump’s election, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell back to 4.26% Monday and down from 4.41% late Friday. That’s a notable move, and lower yields help make it cheaper for all kinds of companies and households to borrow money. They also give a boost to prices for stocks and other investments. That helped stocks of smaller companies lead the way, and the Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped 2%. It’s set to top its all-time high, which was set three years ago. Smaller companies can feel bigger boosts from lower borrowing costs because of the need of many to borrow to grow. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks the market’s expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do with overnight interest rates, also eased sharply. The Fed began cutting its main interest rate just a couple months ago from a two-decade high, hoping to keep the job market humming after bringing high inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. But immediately after Trump’s victory, traders had reduced bets for how many cuts the Fed may deliver next year. They were worried Trump's preference for lower tax rates and higher spending on the border would balloon the national debt. . A report coming on Wednesday could influence how much the Fed may cut rates. Economists expect it to show that an underlying inflation trend the Fed prefers to use accelerated to 2.8% last month from 2.7% in September. Higher inflation would make the Fed more reluctant to cut rates as deeply or as quickly as it would otherwise. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle expects that to slow by the end of next year to 2.4%, but he said inflation would be even lower if not for expected tariff increases on imports from China and autos favored by Trump. In the stock market, Bath & Body Works jumped 19.1% after delivering stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The seller of personal care products and home fragrances also raised its financial forecasts for the full year, even though it still sees a “volatile retail environment” and a shorter holiday shopping season this year. Much focus has been on how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. Last week, two major retailers sent mixed messages. Target tumbled after giving a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season. It followed Walmart , which gave a much more encouraging outlook. Another big retailer, Macy’s, said Monday its sales for the latest quarter were in line with its expectations, but it will delay the release of its full financial results. It found a single employee had intentionally hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses, and it needs more time to complete its investigation. Macy’s stock fell 2.9%. Among the market's leaders were several companies related to the housing industry. Monday's drop in Treasury yields could translate into easier mortgage rates, which could spur activity for housing. Builders FirstSource, a supplier or building materials, rose 6.2%. Homebuilders, D.R. Horton, PulteGroup and Lennar all rose at least 5.8%. In stock markets abroad, indexes moved modestly across much of Europe after finishing mixed in Asia. In the crypto market, bitcoin was trading around $96,800 after threatening to hit $100,000 late last week for the first time. ___ AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Stan Choe, The Associated PressThis unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety in public venues. As we await further details on the cause of the fainting incidents, it is crucial for both businesses and consumers alike to prioritize health and safety above all else.

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel has said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. ___ Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed.The game, which had been in development for several years, was set to be a groundbreaking title, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay on the PS4 platform. However, despite the initial excitement and ambition surrounding the project, it ultimately fell victim to a series of setbacks and internal struggles within the development team.The move to bolster gold holdings comes as central banks around the world are increasingly turning to the yellow metal as a safe haven asset amid market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Gold has long been considered a store of value and a hedge against inflation, making it an attractive investment choice for countries looking to enhance the stability and diversification of their reserves.Inter Allies Fall Narrowly to Okwawu United in Ho

Speculation had been rife for weeks regarding Real Madrid's pursuit of the coveted superstar, with rival clubs also vying for his signature. However, in a dramatic twist of events, it was the Spanish giants who emerged victorious in the race for his services, with the club's "president" personally intervening to seal the deal. The player's arrival is set to inject a fresh dose of excitement and quality into Real Madrid's lineup, as they look to reignite their quest for domestic and continental glory.

In conclusion, Lei Jun's unveiling of Xiaomi's first SUV model, the YU7, marks a significant milestone in the company's journey towards diversification and expansion. The name YU7, pronounced as Y-U-7, encapsulates Xiaomi's core values of youthfulness, unity, and progress, while also reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation and user-centric design. With the YU7, Xiaomi is poised to make a splash in the automotive market, setting a new benchmark for excellence and driving the future of mobility forward.

With this win, Towns and his team solidified their position as a contender in the Eastern Conference. Their consistent play and strong performances, especially from Towns, have propelled them to the upper echelon of the standings and put the rest of the league on notice.After Trump’s win, Black women are rethinking their role as America’s reliable political organizers

The hidden poem quickly went viral on social media, with fans and netizens praising Yang Shize for his ingenious response to the lingering rumors. Many admired the actor for his ability to navigate the complex world of celebrity gossip with such elegance and style, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.The meeting, which was held in an undisclosed location to ensure the safety and privacy of the participants, was expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and coordination among the three nations. With tensions running high in the region, especially in light of Russia's continued military aggression in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea, the need for a unified and strategic approach to address these challenges has never been more urgent.I hope this article captures the essence of the heartwarming scene you envisioned. If you have any specific details or preferences you'd like me to include or revise, feel free to let me know!

Joining John Doe with double nominations is the versatile actress, Jane Smith. With a career spanning genres and mediums, Jane Smith has captured audiences with her captivating performances. Nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy and Best Supporting Actress for her roles in the hit series "Between Us" and the film "Lost in Paradise," Jane Smith's talent and range are set to shine on the Golden Globe stage.LISBON, Portugal (AFP)— Mikel Arteta said Arsenal delivered a Champions League statement of intent with their 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. Arteta had demanded a dynamic display from his team ahead of their trip to the Jose Alvalade stadium and they responded in style. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard lifted the Gunners into seventh place in the revamped Champions League as they chase a place in the last 16. It was Arsenal’s biggest away win in the Champions League since Arsene Wenger’s men thrashed Inter Milan by the same scoreline in 2003. “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement,” Arteta said. “I felt really good energy and belief before the match. The first half was exceptional, you have to put it into practice. “We were really clever, really intelligent and really efficient. “After we conceded, we showed a lot of personality to bring the game back. Then we scored the fourth goal and that’s when the game changed again.” Ending Sporting’s 18-game unbeaten start to the season in all competitions, just weeks after the Portuguese champions had crushed Manchester City 4-1 in Lisbon, served notice that Arsenal are back on track following a damaging slump. The Gunners have fallen nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, but last weekend’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest was the first sign of a revival that gathered pace against Sporting. While Arsenal will still need a huge surge to win their first English title since 2004, Arteta can take heart from a dynamic display he rated as their best away-day in Europe since he took charge five years ago. “For sure, especially against opposition we played at their home, who have not lost a game in 18 months, so to play with the level, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased,” said Arteta. “The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I’m watching them live they are so good. “The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That’s the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief.” Urging Arsenal to replicate the passion and intensity they showed against Sporting as they look to win the Champions League for the first time, Arteta added: “When you play in this competition against these team you have to enjoy it. “What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose. If you want to be challenging for big trophies you have to be consistent.” Martin Odegaard didn’t get on the scoresheet but the Gunners captain — back to his best after a lengthy injury absence — was a key figure with his astute passing, high-tempo pressing and clever movement. Saka admitted Odegaard was sorely missed after the midfielder suffered an ankle problem on international duty with Norway in September. “He’s an unbelievable player. The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face,” Saka said. “You can see the chemistry we have. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.” Saka was equally significant in Arsenal’s rampage in Lisbon, linking with Odegaard time and again to torment the overwhelmed Sporting defence. “This is where we belong. We’ve shown the level we can play at,” Saka said. “Everyone was top, I’m really proud of all the boys.”