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Why District Finance Commissions matter4 things we learned from Jaylen Brown’s Men’s Health cover profile

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A lopsided, shutout loss has left the beat-up New Orleans Saints limping into the final two games of a lost season — and into a rather cloudy future beyond that. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi figured that a visit to playoff-bound Green Bay would be a tall order for his injury-riddled squad, whose prominent missing players included starters at quarterback, running back and receiver. And when New Orleans' mostly healthy defensive front struggled against a Packers ground game led by running back Josh Jacobs, the rout was on. Nothing "stuck out on film other than a lack of execution and lack of playmaking,” Rizzi said Tuesday after reviewing video of Monday night's . “We played against a playoff team, at their place, that has very few holes on their team,” Rizzi added. “It was a little bit of a perfect storm." Rizzi, a special teams coordinator who has made no secret that he sees his eight-game interim stint as an opportunity to further his head-coaching ambitions, has two more games left in what has been an up-and-down audition. The Saints are 3-3 on his watch, which includes one of New Orleans' most lopsided losses since the turn of the century. With the playoffs unattainable, and with a lot of reserves pressed into service, the final two weeks will serve primarily as a player-evaluation period heading into the offseason, when there are bound to be myriad changes on the roster and perhaps the coaching staff. Rizzi said the Saints, realistically, have been in evaluation mode “for the last month or so,” but added that there maybe be additional young or practice-squad players getting longer looks in the final two games. “My big thing this week is to see how we can respond,” Rizzi said. “We’re going to find out a lot about a lot of people.” Of the Saints' four punts, three were inside the Green Bay 20 and New Orleans did not allow a single punt return yard. The punt team might have been the only unit that executed its job (even the kickoff unit allowed a 38-yard return). The Saints had trouble protecting the quarterback (three sacks) and protecting the football (two turnovers). They couldn't run the ball (67 yards). They couldn't stop the run (188 yards allowed). They couldn't pass the ball consistently (129 yards) or stop the pass when they needed to. As former Saints coach Jim Mora once said, they couldn't do “ .” Although and was responsible for both New Orleans turnovers, he had enough highlights — including a jumping, first-down pass on third-and-long — to keep him penciled in as the starter if the injured Derek Carr remains unable to play, Rizzi said. “It was definitely a performance where we got to take the good with the bad,” Rizzi said. “We've got to get rid of those negative plays.” New Orleans native Foster Moreau has emerged as one of the Saints' most reliable offensive players. The sixth-year NFL tight end made two catches for a team-high 33 yards on Monday night, giving him 25 catches for 335 yards this season. His four TDs receiving entering the game remain tied for the team lead. Rizzi was riding high after two wins to start his interim term as head coach, but Monday night's ugly loss is the club's third in four games and took a lot of luster off his candidacy for a longer-term appointment. Center Erik McCoy left the game with an elbow injury, while guard Lucas Patrick hurt his knee in the closing minutes. Rizzi said McCoy won't need surgery but could miss the rest of the season. The coach said Patrick needs more tests but is not expected to play again this season. While the chances of Carr (non-throwing, left hand) or top running back Alvin Kamara (groin) playing again this season appear slim, the Saints have declined to rule that out. Rizzi said Carr is getting closer to being able to play and wants the opportunity to go against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Rizzi said Kamara “is working his tail off to try to come back” this season. “Alvin told me this morning, in my office, that he really would like to play again,” Rizzi said. 24 — The number of years since the Saints suffered a more lopsided shutout loss, 38-0 against San Francisco in 2002. The Saints' home finale against lowly Las Vegas will be an anticlimactic affair bound to generate a level of fan interest similar to, if not less than, a preseason game. But the game will be important to the current regime, which needs victories in each of the club's final two games to avoid the franchise's worst record since it was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and went 3-13. AP NFL:At Manmohan Singh’s last rites, BJP in limelight, Congress complains of being put in shadowsBeyoncé Trolls Netflix Over Streaming Concerns Before NFL Performance

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday directed all departments to gear up for winter adversity and called for efficient functioning of vital installations, immediate redressal of weather-related challenges. In order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted delivery of essential services and functioning of vital installations across the Kashmir Division, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting here at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of various departments to address challenges posed by harsh winter conditions, particularly in the snow-bound zones of Kashmir Valley and Jammu Division. The Chief Minister conducted a department-wise review of the winter preparedness measures of all line departments. He emphasized the need for a robust mechanism to minimize public inconvenience during severe weather conditions. The Chief Minister also engaged with Deputy Commissioners to assess district-level preparedness and urged them to prioritize timely and effective responses to weather-related challenges. Chief Minister Abdullah stressed the importance of keeping men and machinery in a state of readiness to ensure the routine functioning of essential installations. He directed departments to prioritize uninterrupted trade, transport, and essential supplies while addressing disruptions caused by snow, waterlogging, or power outages. On snow clearance, he was briefed that a sufficient number of hi-tech snow clearance machines have been deployed by the R&B Department, SMC, MED, BRO, and NHAI, with additional machines on standby to handle heavy snowfall. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah instructed the concerned authorities to focus on clearing key routes, including inter-district highways and roads leading to hospitals, power grids, water supply systems, and fire and emergency services. The meeting was informed that adequate stocks of ration, petrol, diesel, and LPG are available to meet the needs of residents for several months. Additional provisions have been made to ensure timely distribution across districts. The Chief Minister directed for establishment of joint control rooms in all districts to handle winter-related complaints promptly. He stressed the importance of a swift response system to minimize public inconvenience and ensure seamless delivery of essential services. Reviewing the health sector’s readiness, the Chief Minister directed the Health Department to ensure adequate stocks of medicines, oxygen cylinders, and emergency supplies across all hospitals. He also emphasized maintaining functional central heating systems in healthcare facilities and ensuring the deployment of medical personnel in snowbound areas. Instructions were given for providing transport service to expecting mothers in remote and far-flung areas. Highlighting the criticality of uninterrupted power supply during winter, the Chief Minister instructed KPDCL engineers to prioritize the restoration of electricity, particularly for essential installations. He called for timely replacement of damaged transformers and urged for protection of field staff with proper safety gear to prevent accidents during repair work. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of maintaining road connectivity and efficient traffic management. He directed agencies to deploy sufficient manpower and equipment for snow clearance on national highways, main roads, and internal routes, ensuring minimal disruption to public movement. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah concluded the meeting by urging all departments to work in coordination and take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of harsh winter conditions. He reiterated his commitment to minimizing public inconvenience and ensuring the effective delivery of essential services throughout the region. He directed the PHE Department to deploy sufficient water tankers in affected areas to prevent water scarcity during the extreme weather conditions. Additionally, he instructed the Forest Department to ensure an adequate supply of firewood in snowbound areas is available. The Chief Minister also underscored the significance of coordination among line departments and directed for round the clock operationalisation of District Control Rooms to maintain and update records of vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women in snow-blocked areas. He emphasized that such cases should be promptly relocated to maternity centers well ahead of their delivery dates. For regions with possibility of road block, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to ensure helicopter services are put in place for such areas which remain cut off. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that all preparedness plans should be practical and actionable, ensuring their effectiveness when put to the test. He called for seamless interdepartmental coordination and directed Deputy Commissioners to maintain regular communication with field officers to address emerging challenges swiftly. Omar reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of the people. He assured people that the administration is fully prepared to tackle the challenges of the harsh winter and deliver essential services effectively. Among others, the meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra via video conferencing. Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir attended the meeting in person.

Georgia QB Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injuryWASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he's tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he's daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump's attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country's top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump's other picks might exceed his party's willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he's denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump's election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn't pursued federal background checks for Trump's personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they've been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth's lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn't the only hurdle for Kennedy; he's spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there's grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale." “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke," Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, investors seek reliable guides to navigate their investment decisions. 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For those whose Christmas day gift to family and friends is not subjecting them to one’s own cooking, here are some local and chain restaurants that will be serving meals this Dec. 25. Some of these are such establishments as Waffle House, IHOP and Denny’s, which make being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, something of a point of pride. A number of hotel restaurants will also be providing service to guests and visitors. Other restaurants that will be open on Christmas include: The Chalkboard , 1324 S. Main St., in the Ambassador Hotel, will offer its annual Christmas Buffet, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 25. Cost is $65 adults, $35 children. The restaurant will also be open for dinner. Reservations are strongly encouraged. thechalkboardkitchen.com . Stutts House of Barbecue , 2021 E. Apache St., will be serving a Christmas dinner featuring turkey, prime rib and quail, with all the fixings, as well as its regular menu of pit barbecue, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. stuttshouseofbarbecue.com People are also reading... Muskogee board rejects Matt Hennesy's return as Roughers' head football coach The 12 best new restaurants of 2024 Berry Tramel: Barry Switzer's 1980s players salute their lion-in-winter coach. Read their letter OU linebacker Kobie McKinzie on fiancée Kinzie Hansen: 'She's the Alpha of my family' Berry Tramel: Another OU-Navy game and another historically inept Sooner offense Tulsa school board votes to proceed with Jennettie Marshall, E’Lena Ashley lawsuit Four northeastern Oklahoma educators' teaching certificates suspended Loren Montgomery: An inside look at Bixby's record-setting football coach Where to eat on Christmas Day in Tulsa area OU releases depth chart for Armed Forces Bowl vs. Navy; Here are notable changes Mike Gundy appears headed for complete turnover among coaching staff Judge denies Ryan Walters' motion to dismiss defamation suit Muskogee board set to vote on Wagoner's Dale Condict as head football coach Bible, Christianity feature heavily in proposed social studies standards for students Sink your teeth into 20 of Tulsa's best sandwiches Texas de Brazil , 7021 S. Memorial Drive, in Woodland Hills Mall, will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to serve its regular menu of fire-grilled meats carved at your table, as well as offering a fully stocked salad bar. texasdebrazil.com Won Korean BBQ & Hot Pot , 7407 S. Memorial Drive, will be serving its regular menu from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. wonqpotok.com India Palace , 6963 S. Lewis Ave., will be open regular hours Christmas Day, serving its full menu of authentic Indian foods. theindiapalacetulsa.com Mandarin Taste , 9107 S. Sheridan Road, will be open regular hours on Christmas. mandarintastetulsaok.tulsa Black Bear Diner , 9026 E. 71st St., will be serving a Christmas dinner beginning at 11 a.m., featuring a choice of turkey, ham or prime rib, served with a choice of soup or salad, along with cornbread muffin, red-skinned mashed potatoes and gravy, house-made cornbread stuffing, Italian green beans and a slice of pumpkin pie. blackbeardiner.com Kirin Asian and Sushi Cuisine , 8041 S. Mingo Road, will be open regular hours on Christmas Day. kirintulsa.com Red Lobster , 4525 E. 51st St. and 6728 S. Memorial Drive, will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day. redlobster.com Apple Barrel Cafe, 9701 E. 61st St., 734 W. 23rd St., and 14002 E. 116th St. North in Owasso, will be open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24-25. The Bixby location, 15225 S. Memorial Drive, will open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24 only. applebarrelcafe.com The New Royal Dragon , 6528 E. 101st St., will be open regular hours on Christmas Day. newroyaldragonok.com Hooters , 8108 E. 61st St., will be open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Christmas Eve, and 4 p.m.-midnight Christmas Day. hooters.com Saltgrass Steak House , 4550 E. Skelly Drive, will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas Day offering its regular menu. saltgrass.com . Main Street Tavern , 200 S. Main St., Broken Arrow, will be open on Christmas Day beginning at 4 p.m., with full bar service and a limited food menu. scarpa-rc.comCelebrity-inspired Thanksgiving recipes, plus last-minute holiday meal ideas

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Over the past two days, President-elect Donald Trump has made clear that he has designs for American territorial expansion, declaring that the United States has both security concerns and commercial interests that can best be addressed by bringing the Panama Canal and Greenland under American control or outright ownership. Trump’s tone has had none of the trolling jocularity that surrounded his repeated suggestions in recent weeks that Canada should become America’s “51st state,” including his social media references to the country’s beleaguered prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau.” Instead, while naming a new ambassador to Denmark — which controls Greenland’s foreign and defense affairs — Trump made clear on Sunday that his first-term offer to buy the landmass could, in the coming term, become a deal the Danes cannot refuse. He appears to covet Greenland both for its strategic location at a time when the melting of Arctic ice is opening new commercial and naval competition and for its reserves of rare earth minerals needed for advanced technology. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World,” Trump wrote on social media, “the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” On Saturday evening, he had accused Panama of price-gouging American ships traversing the canal, and suggested that unless that changed, he would abandon the Jimmy Carter-era treaty that returned all control of the canal zone to Panama. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” he wrote, just before an increase in the charges scheduled for Jan. 1. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will immediately stop.” He went on to express worry that the canal could fall into the “wrong hands,” an apparent reference to China, the second-largest user of the canal. A Hong Kong-based firm controls two ports near the canal, but China has no control over the canal itself. Not surprisingly, the government of Greenland immediately rejected Trump’s demands, as it did in 2019, when he first floated the idea. “Greenland is ours,” Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said in a statement. “We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.” The Danish prime minister’s office was more circumspect, writing in a statement that the government was “looking forward to working with the new administration” and offering no further comment on Trump’s remarks. After Trump brought up the Panama Canal again in a speech on Sunday, Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, said in a video that “every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zones is part of Panama, and it will continue to be.” He added: “Our country’s sovereignty and independence are not negotiable.” But the president-elect’s statements — and the not-so-subtle threats behind them — were another reminder that his version of “America First” is not an isolationist creed. His aggressive interpretation of the phrase evokes the expansionism, or colonialism, of President Theodore Roosevelt, who cemented control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. And it reflects the instincts of a real estate developer who suddenly has the power of the world’s largest military to back up his negotiating strategy. Trump has often suggested that he does not always see the sovereignty of other nations’ borders as sacrosanct. When Russia invaded Ukraine, his first response was not a condemnation of the blatant land grab, but rather the observation that President Vladimir Putin’s move was an act of “genius.” Even now, as Trump seeks a deal to end the war in Ukraine, he has never said that the country’s borders must be restored, a key demand of the United States and NATO — he has only promised a “deal” to end the fighting. In the cases of Greenland and Panama, both commercial and national security interests are at play. Trump’s desire for Greenland was made explicit in the first term, when a wealthy New York friend of his, Ronald S. Lauder, the New York cosmetics heir, put the idea in his head. In the Trump White House in 2019, the National Security Council was suddenly delving into the details of how the United States would pull off a land acquisition of that size. Trump kept pressing the point with Denmark, which consistently rebuffed him. Trump was not the first president to make the case: Harry S. Truman wanted to buy Greenland after World War II, as part of a Cold War strategy for boxing out Soviet forces. Trump can make a parallel argument, especially as Russia, China and the United States jockey for control of Arctic routes for commercial shipping and naval assets. Arctic experts did not dismiss Trump’s Greenland bid as a joke. “Not that many people are laughing about it now,” said Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defense College in Denmark who focuses on Arctic security. Jacobsen noted that the reaction in Denmark to Trump’s latest bid had been one of fury (one Danish politician called it “an unusually strange way to be an ally”). But, he said, Greenlanders — who have long sought independence — may seek to use Trump’s interest as an opportunity to further strengthen economic ties with the United States. Since 2009, Greenland has had the right to declare its independence, but the vast territory of about 56,000 people is still heavily dependent on Denmark and has never chosen to pursue that path. Trump’s interest could give Greenland an opening for more U.S. investments, including in tourism or rare earth mining, he said. “Was it crazy when the U.S. acquired Alaska? Was it crazy when the U.S. built the Panama Canal?” asked Sherri Goodman, a former Pentagon official and a senior fellow with the Wilson Center Polar Institute, a Washington-based think tank. Goodman, whose book “Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security” centers in part on the Arctic, said the United States did have a strong interest in ensuring that China in particular does not develop a strong presence in Greenland. China’s ambitions in the Arctic have grown, and in 2018 it laid out plans to build infrastructure and develop shipping lanes opened by climate change. Goodman said the United States should continue to prevent China from gaining a foothold in the doorstep to North America, but said Greenlanders must decide their own fate. “We want to have all those territories proximate to our own mainland territory to protect us and also to prevent an adversary from using it to our strategic disadvantage,” Goodman said. “On the other hand, there is international law and international order and sovereignty, and Greenland is still a part of Denmark.” When it comes to Panama, Trump may also hold a distant personal grudge. In 2018, Panamanian police officers ousted the Trump Organization from the Trump International Hotel in Panama City after a protracted legal battle between the president-elect’s family and the majority owner of the property. The Trump name subsequently came down. The company had held a contract to manage the property. David L. Goldwyn, who served at the State Department under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, noted that Greenland has tremendous undeveloped natural resources, including more than 43 of the 50 so-called critical rare earth elements used to make electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean technology. “Certainly if Greenland chose to develop these resources, it would provide a significant alternative to China, although it is China’s capacity to process those minerals which gives it its current advantage,” he said. But Goldwyn said that in addition to Denmark’s sovereignty, Trump might find that Greenland’s Indigenous communities do not want mining and resource extraction as much as he does. “It is highly unlikely resource extraction could be forced on an unwilling population,” he said. “A more fruitful path might be to collaborate with the Danish government and Greenland’s population on ways to safely and sustainably develop those resources.” This article originally appeared in The New York Times . © 2024 The New York Times CompanyBarry Keoghan Breaks His Silence On Relationship Backlash

When Susannah Morgan learned that an operation to remove a benign tumour in her neck could leave her with a crooked smile she was "frantic". The 45-year-old was advised to have it removed in case it turned cancerous but she was warned the surgery would also leave her with a dent in her neck and possible paralysis. Desperate to avoid being permanently disfigured, she researched alternatives and discovered a new technique using a hologram which could save her smile. Last month the mother-of-one, from Edinburgh, became the first person to undergo the pioneering operation in Scotland. She was initially told that, to remove the pleomorphic adenoma, surgeons would have to cut out her largest salivary gland, which contains the facial nerve. But the new hologram technique allows surgeons to pinpoint the exact location of the facial nerve, leaving less chance of it being severed. It also allows surgeons to open up the salivary gland, rather than remove it. Susannah paid to have a hi-tech MRI scan in London, which produced a hologram. It was then used by Iain Nixon, the surgeon who performed the operation, in Livingston, West Lothian, last month. "Iain has saved my smile, I'm so thankful to him" Susannah told BBC Scotland News. "I feel on top of the world, I'm on a high and it's giving me a real buzz." When she woke from surgery, Susannah's smile was crooked - but medics explained this was temporary because the facial nerve had to be moved to get to the tumour. "I cried when I saw my squint smile straight after the surgery so to think it could have been permanent if Iain hadn't used this pioneering technique doesn't bear thinking about," she said. "He had to lift the facial nerve, which is like a fine bit of spaghetti, to get to the tumour and because he had to man-handle it they say it gets bruised so that weakens it temporarily." She said if it had been cut by accident during the operation then she would have had permanent paralysis in her face. The new hologram technique made it less likely for the surgeon to have an accident. Susannah first went to the doctor at the end of November 2022 after finding a lump under her ear. However the training doctor thought it was just a salivary stone and she was told to eat sour sweets to get the salivary juices going. "It's such a rare thing I've got that a lot of GPs don't know about it and I had bloods taken and they were all fine so it was just dismissed. "I didn't think too much of it because I just thought it was a bit swollen and didn't think it was a tumour." But then it started growing and she could see it bulging out of her neck until it reached 3.5cm (1in) so she returned to the doctor a year later. "I was really shocked when I was told it was a tumour. I was relived to hear it was benign but he told me if I don't get it out it could turn cancerous." "Some people chose not to have surgery because it's really scary to have surgery on your facial nerve because there is a lot of risk to it." Mr Nixon, Susannah's surgeon, said people have six major saliva glands and Susannah's tumour was on the largest one under the ear. "This is pioneering technology and is allowing a more minimally invasive approach to tumour surgery which can be quite disfiguring and this heralds the possibility of surgery with a lower side effect profile as a result. "With a traditional operation you lift up the skin and you've got to be careful so that you don't damage the nerve because you know it must be close. "But if you know where it is before you start you can be much more confident and more targeted. "That is the advantage of this pioneering technology and it makes it even safer." He added that the operation had saved her smile and stopped her having a dent in her neck. "It is very exciting and I think this will become standard procedure in the future."

Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, a prosecutor said Tuesday at his arraignment on murder charges. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, was not required to enter a plea and did not speak at the hearing in Brooklyn criminal court. Zapeta, wearing a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt, will remain jailed and is due back in court on Friday. His lawyer did not ask for bail. Zapeta is charged with two counts of murder, accusing him of intentionally killing the woman and killing her while committing arson. He is also charged with one count of arson. The top charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence” and said it would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on an F train that was stopped at the Coney Island station. Police said Tuesday the victim's identification is still pending. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who may have been sleeping in the train, and set her clothing on fire with a lighter. Zapeta then fanned the flames with a shirt, engulfing her in fire, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said in court Tuesday. Zapeta then sat on a bench on the subway platform and watched, police said. According to Rottenberg, Zapeta told detectives that he didn’t know what happened but identified himself in images of the attack. Zapeta's lawyer, Ed Friedman, did not speak to reporters after the arraignment. Video on social media appears to show some people looking on from the platform and at least one police officer walking by while the woman is on fire inside the train. NYPD Transit Chief Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be" while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. “Officers who were on patrol on an upper level of that station smelled and saw smoke and went to investigate. What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. They eventually put the fire out, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Tisch said, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after teenagers recognized him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta was deported in 2018 but later reentered the U.S. illegally. The crime deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system, amplified by graphic video of the attack that ricocheted across social media. Overall, crime is down in the transit system compared to last year. Major felonies declined 6% between January and November compared to the same time period last year, according to data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five during the same period last year. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted former Marine Daniel Penny in the chokehold death last year of an agitated subway rider. The case became a flashpoint in debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is difficult, given the vast network of trains moving between 472 stations. Each stop contains multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms.Tonight’s episode of “Yellowstone” marks halfway to the finale. Season five, episode 11 will air at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, on Paramount Network. LIVE STREAM : Fans who do not have cable can watch the Paramount Network on Philo (free trial), fuboTV (free trial) and DirecTV Stream (free trial). It also is available on Sling with an add-on entertainment package. The episode is called “Three Fifty-Three.” The storyline is “Beth discusses the fate of the ranch with an unlikely ally. Kayce takes the investigation into his own hands. Jamie looks to advance his political agenda.” Season five is the last for the Taylor Sheridan show that up until now starred Kevin Costner as John Dutton, “who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States [in Montana]. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect – the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders – an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and vicious business rivalries.” “Yellowstone” debuted in June 2018 and has been a huge hit with viewers. The first part of the fifth and final season aired in the fall of 2022 with the midseason finale airing on Jan. 1, 2023. The second half of the final season was supposed to air in the fall of 2023 but was delayed because of the writer’s strike that year. In the debut of the second half of season five on Nov. 10, fans learned about the death of John Dutton, who was found sprawled on his bathroom floor in a pool of blood. The final three episodes will air on Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. The drama also stars Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton, Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Dave Annable as Lee Dutton, Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler, Danny Huston as Dan Jenkins, Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater and Kelsey Asbille as Monica. A sequel, “The Madison,” starring Michelle Pfeiffer, is expected to debut in 2025. Fans can watch the two spinoffs - “1883′′ and “1923′′ on Paramount+ . Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Sam Elliot start in “1883′′ while Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren starred in “1923.” The hit show "Yellowstone" returned on Nov. 10 and scored record ratings. Pictured, center, is Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton. Season five, episode 11 airs on Sunday, Nov. 24. Paramount Network What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 50,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a free seven-day trial. Channels include AMC, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and “Movies and More.” What is fuboTV? FuboTV is a streaming service that offers more than 100 live and on-demand channels and includes cloud DVR. FuboTV has a seven-day free trial. Channels include AMC, E!, HGTV, ESPN, NBC Sports, NFL Network, FS1, MSNBC, Food Network, Great American Living, Magnolia Network, Animal Planet, Bravo, FX, CMT, Comedy Central and Hallmark. The Pro plan is $79.99 a month, Elite is $99.99 a month and Deluxe is $109.99 a month. Add-ons include EPIX, Showtime and Starz. What is DirecTV Stream? DirecTV Stream provides access to more than 100 channels, hundreds of on-demand titles, the ability to stream through three devices at once, and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Channels include ABC, HGTV, Hallmark, Bravo, BET, Discovery, Food Network, AMC, Animal Planet, CMT, Comedy Central, FX, ID, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and PBS Kids. Subscription package prices start at $101.98 a month. The streaming service offers a five-day free trial. What is Paramount+? Paramount+ streaming service includes CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV and Smithsonian Channel along with sports and originals. The Paramount+ Essential Plan is $7.99 a month or $59.99 for a year. The Paramount+ with Showtime bundle is $12.99 a month or $119.99 a year. Paramount+ offers a seven-day free trial. What is Sling? Sling streaming service is $40 a month for the Orange (32 channels) or Blue (40 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $55 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. 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