piranha fish

piranha fish Trump asks Supreme Court to pause law that could ban TikTokPriyanka retains Wayanad LS seat for Congress with huge margin of 4.1lakh votesHouse approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors

HANNAH BETTS: Cosmetics expert reveals her beauty resolutions for 2025 UK beauty expert Hannah Betts reveals what she is focusing on for 2025 READ MORE: The 15 best beauty buys this year as chosen by YOU (and they start from just £1.22!) By HANNAH BETTS FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 20:45 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 20:45 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments We got there! Christmas has been skipped or staggered through, and New Year is honing into view. I hope you've had time to rest and zone out a bit, recharge and refuel. Now for a little light retooling. When I say I'm writing about New Year's resolutions, I'm not suggesting that there's an inadequate 2024 you to be reformed for 2025. We're adults and we're fine. However, January 1 does provide a useful focusing device for reappraising the things we do and tweaking them around the edges. And our beauty rituals are no exception. Here are the five things I'll be doing over the next few days, and you might want to, too. Relax The greatest gift I gave myself this Christmas was those earplugs one sees youngsters sporting to block an ever-demanding world. My Loop Switch 2s (£54.95, loopearplugs.com ) can be switched between 'quiet' (peace), 'experience' (decreasing concert volume) and 'engage' (lowering people's voices) modes. I now crave a Loop Dream set (£44.95) to keep beside my bed. I'll still hear my alarm, just not those morning planes that have been waking me with a stressed jolt. I'll slather myself in Nikura Sleep Essential Oil Blend (£5.99, nikura.com ) and use them with my Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask (from £52, drowsysleepco.com ) for the ultimate beauty sleep. Hannah Betts reveals what her beauty resolutions are ahead of 2025 Think Use this interlude to ponder, read and watch. Magazines will yield a wealth of ideas - even merely the advertising looks. While I highly recommend Lisa Eldridge's YouTube videos, you may be galvanised by a novel in which the heroine has a signature beauty gesture or a friend's party look for tomorrow night. Maybe you'd like to go into 2025 with a fresh hair colour, or foundation technique? Now is the time to fantasise. Look I was talking to a great British beauty the other day, and she told me that what she wants in a make-up artist is not fiddling about with different gimmicks, but someone who takes a long look at her face, then acts on those findings. Do the same. Is your mirror midlife eyesight-ready? I use the excellent Mirrorvana Double-sided with 10X/1X Magnification (£25, amazon.co.uk ). Restock Go through your cosmetics kit, axing anything that isn't working such as old make-up and balding brushes. Then clean the remaining blighters. Wash, sanitise and/or replace your cosmetics bag, too. Restock your cleanser, use up pots of old cream and streamline your kit to see you into spring. It's going to be cold – make sure your face is ready for this. And lay down some hand and hair nourishment, too. January 1 provides a useful focusing device for reappraising the things we do and tweaking them around the edges. And our beauty rituals are no exception (Stock Image) Plot January and February are a great time for winning little projects such as bolstering your eyebrows or growing your nails. You might wish to invest in silk pillowcases to be gentle on skin and hair. (I rely on stray eyeliner-proof black Bedsure Satin Pillowcases for Hair & Skin, £5.04 for two, amazon.co.uk ). You may commit to a beauty supplement, or yearn to whiten your smile (me, too – watch this space). I'll be 54 in March, meaning pigmentation is setting in, so I'll be looking into remedies. I also intend lifting my features with my hands using Deciniee Gua Sha Massagers (£12.89 for two, amazon.co.uk ) and the brilliant Mini Eye Cool Rollers (£4.99 each, amazon.co.uk ), which are exquisitely soothing. Perhaps you will resolve not to let your lips crack before resorting to balm, or conclude: 'Scent makes me feel alive. I shall wear it every day.' Small tweak, beautiful New Year. See you in 2025. RACE YOU TO IT! Nutriburst Enhanced Hydration + Beauty Electrolyte & Vitamin Formula Parched skin and brittle hair and nails are the price of festive dehydration brought on by booze, central heating and simply not drinking enough water. Stockpile Nutriburst Enhanced Hydration + Beauty Electrolyte & Vitamin Formula (from £9.49 for six sachets, amazon.co.uk) for New Year. £9.49 Shop MY ICON OF THE WEEK: Nicole Kidman The actress admits that she is 'pretty addicted' to By Terry's Baume de Rose Lip Care Make-up artist Kate Synnott used Beauty Pie to get Kidman, 57, glowing for her new thriller Babygirl. She prepped with Superluminous Skin Glow Filter Tinted Hyaluronic Complexion Brightener (members’ price £20, beautypie.com), followed by the Everyday Great Skin Hyaluronic Blur Concealer (£12.50) and Triple Beauty Luminising Highlighter Wand (£11). COSMETIC CRAVING Olixa Gummy Facial Cleanser Removing a party face in the wee small hours is a chore. What’s needed is Olixa Gummy Facial Cleanser (£28.50, olixabeauty.com), the bestseller from this natural skincare brand. Plant-based ingredients create an antioxidant-rich formula designed to refine tone, boost hydration and brighten the complexion. However, it’s the texture that stands out: xanthan gum lending glue-like grip. Work a dollop into dry skin, pressing and lifting to create suction. Wet fingertips and continue to massage until the cleanser turns milky, then rinse. Understandably cherished by make-up artists, one application eradicates every scrap of slap – no cloth required. Then, hit the sack in a state of virtue. £28.50 Shop PARTY PIECES Pat McGrath Eye Shadow Quad Sublime Blooms in Opalescent Orchid Pat McGrath Eye Shadow Quad Sublime Blooms in Opalescent Orchid (£55, patmcgrath.com) Floral fantasies for tomorrow night and into spring. £55 Shop Hildun Immortal Metallic Eyeliner in Silver Hildun Immortal Metallic Eyeliner in Silver (£16, hildunbeauty.co.uk) Glinting, mirror-like, metallic – go from desk-to-disco with a swipe of each lid. £16 Shop Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm (£34.40, boots.com) Sheer skin tint which gives a fresh, youthful sheen. £34.40 Shop Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara (£29, lisaeldridge.com) Flirtatious length and curl is so now. Kitten Lash is purr-fect. £29 Shop Dior Addict Lip Glow in 63 Pink Lilac Dior Addict Lip Glow in 63 Pink Lilac (£33, dior.com) Have the most kissable mouth for New Year’s Eve. Warm-toned women should pick 75. £33 Shop TikTok Chinese New Year Share or comment on this article: HANNAH BETTS: Cosmetics expert reveals her beauty resolutions for 2025 e-mail Add comment

None

With 3:56 left in last Sunday’s game against the 49ers, the late-afternoon sun falling on Levi’s Stadium seemed a fitting metaphor for the Seahawks’ season. Seattle had just turned the ball over on downs when Zach Charbonnet’s fourth-and-one plunge at the 49ers' 37-yard line went nowhere. That followed a Geno Smith sneak on a third-and-one that was also ruled — much to the disagreement of many on the Seahawks sideline — to have gone nowhere. A couple 49ers first downs and the game would be over. Seattle’s season might have gone with it. Instead, a third-down stop and as efficient of a game-winning drive led by Smith as you’ll ever see, and the light returned. That sequence of events pulled Seattle from being two games back of two other teams in the NFC West — and essentially three back of the 49ers — to tied with the Rams and 49ers at 5-5 and just a game behind 6-4 Arizona. “We were trying to turn our season around," Smith said afterward. Now the task: to take proper advantage of that statistically unlikely turn of events. A script writer could hardly have crafted the story better to now have Arizona coming to Seattle for a 1:25 p.m. game on Sunday at Lumen Field that could move the Seahawks back into first place in the NFC West. As the Seahawks and Cardinals are kicking off, the 49ers will do the same at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. But the 49ers will do so without quarterback Brock Purdy and star pass rusher Nick Bosa, each ruled out due to injury. The losses of those two players propelled the betting line to flip from San Francisco favored by 2.5 when it opened to the Packers favored by as much as six on Saturday afternoon — the first time the 49ers have been an underdog since the 2022 season. Then in the night game, the Rams host an Eagles team that has won six in a row and is listed as a three-point favorite. So, to make it simple, a win by Seattle and losses by the 49ers and Rams and the Seahawks will be in first place in the NFC West by the end of the day, holding the tiebreaker for the moment on Arizona. What a swing that final 3 minutes and 56 seconds may have made in Seattle’s season, and in creating an NFC West race that appears as wide open this late in the season as it’s been in years. Coach Mike Macdonald this week didn’t shy away from stating how pivotal each week going forward figures to be with each team in the division now having had their bye and seven games remaining. “Put it this way, look, we've earned the opportunity to be fighting for the lead in the division going into the homestretch," Macdonald said. “So, that's the way we're treating it. It's very much like a playoff mindset for us at this point. (We) can't afford to drop games. You want to have the right to play for these really important games in December and January. You've got to be able to execute and put yourself in that situation. It's basically a December football game." Smith spoke similarly. “Anybody can go get this division the last seven games of the season," he said. “So, really it's going feel like playoff games, every single one. The division games are going to feel like you won two games because they're going to matter that much." Sunday’s game may loom even more critical for Seattle and Arizona since the two teams play again in Glendale on Dec. 8. Given that the Cardinals already also have wins over the Rams and 49ers, a win Sunday and possibly moving two games in front of everyone else in the division would put the Cardinals in a pretty firm driver’s seat. But a Seattle win, and the Seahawks may go to Arizona in two weeks with a chance to take control of the division, especially if Seattle can beat a downtrodden Jets team in New York on Dec. 1. Macdonald and Smith speaking candidly of the stakes at hand Sunday, though, stood in contrast to the Cardinals’ approach this week. “I’m not really looking at it that way," Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray said this week when asked how it feels to play a late-November game with so much on the line. “I’m just taking it one game at a time. I know that the guys are as well, so I think that's the message that we're preaching. No game's bigger than the other. The one that we've got right now is the biggest one. We have to win it." On paper, though, the game projects as the most important for Arizona since earning its last playoff spot following the 2021 season. Arizona has won four in a row to move into first — matching its win total for all of last season when the Cardinals went 4-13 in the first season for coach Jonathan Gannon and with Murray held to eight games while recovering from an ACL injury suffered on Dec. 12, 2022. The Cardinals winning only eight games in the 2022 and 2023 seasons combined, the coaching inexperience of Gannon and some uncertainty about whether Murray could reclaim his pre-injury form had most preseason prognosticators picking Arizona last in the NFC West. But the return of Murray full-time, another good season from veteran running back James Conner and the addition of first-round pick receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has led to an improved offense. And the Arizona defense finally seems to be taking on the personality of Gannon, who got the job after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Eagles team that got to the Super Bowl following the 2022 season, particularly in keeping teams out of the end zone; the Cardinals are ninth in the NFL in red-zone defense, allowing TDs on just 17 of 35 drives inside the 20. But the Seahawks finally beating the 49ers for the first time since 2021 a week ago, and doing so after a chaotic week that included the surprising retirement of center Connor Williams, has them feeling like anything is possible. Step one, though, is winning Sunday and snapping a four-game home losing streak. “These games are going to be so electric," Smith said. “I can't wait to be in the stadium on Sunday. It's going to be so fun. We're looking forward to the fans being there and just going crazy." Seahawks activate Jenkins, elevate two others The Seahawks made an expected move Saturday, activating safety Rayshawn Jenkins off injured reserve, filling an opening Seattle had on its 53-man roster. Macdonald said Friday that Jenkins — who had been sidelined with a hand injury — is expected to play against the Cardinals. Seattle also elevated tight end Tyler Mabry and linebacker Patrick O’Connell off the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Mabry adds depth at the tight end spot with Brady Russell (foot) ruled out and Noah Fant (going) questionable. O’Connell, a second-year player from Montana, played 10 snaps on special teams last week against the 49ers and will likely fill a similar role against the Cardinals. This is the third elevation for O’Connell, the most that is allowed.

Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasuresJosh Norris scores late power-play goal in the Senators' 3-1 victory over the WildNEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Ja'Kair Sanchez's 15 points helped Wagner defeat NJIT 50-43 on Saturday night. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Ja'Kair Sanchez's 15 points helped Wagner defeat NJIT 50-43 on Saturday night. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Ja’Kair Sanchez’s 15 points helped Wagner defeat NJIT 50-43 on Saturday night. Sanchez added five rebounds for the Seahawks (6-4). Zae Blake scored 11 points, going 5 of 11 (1 for 4 from 3-point range). R.J. Greene shot 2 of 9 from the field and 2 for 4 from the free-throw line to finish with six points, while adding seven rebounds. The Highlanders (2-11) were led by Sebastian Robinson, who recorded 14 points and two steals. Tim Moore Jr. added 11 points, 10 rebounds and two steals for NJIT. Tariq Francis finished with six points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Advertisement

Countess Spencer reveals 'challenging' house move update amid divorce

A New Tradition: Flag football round 1 goes to Blue DevilsTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) will present at Citi's 2024 Global Healthcare Conference at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday , Dec. 5, 2024. Peter Griffith , executive vice president and chief financial officer at Amgen, Jay Bradner , executive vice president of Research and Development and chief scientific officer at Amgen, and Susan Sweeney , executive vice president of Obesity and Related Conditions at Amgen, will participate in a fireside chat at the conference. The webcast will be broadcast over the internet simultaneously and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the general public. The webcast, as with other selected presentations regarding developments in Amgen's business given by management at certain investor and medical conferences, can be found on Amgen's website, www.amgen.com , under Investors. Information regarding presentation times, webcast availability and webcast links are noted on Amgen's Investor Relations Events Calendar. The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event. About Amgen Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases. In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions . Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average ® , and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index ® , which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2023, Amgen was named one of "America's Greatest Workplaces" by Newsweek, one of "America's Climate Leaders" by USA Today and one of the "World's Best Companies" by TIME. For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Threads . Amgen Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including any statements on the outcome, benefits and synergies of collaborations, or potential collaborations, with any other company (including BeiGene, Ltd. or Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.), the performance of Otezla ® (apremilast) (including anticipated Otezla sales growth and the timing of non-GAAP EPS accretion), our acquisitions of Teneobio, Inc., ChemoCentryx, Inc., or Horizon Therapeutics plc (including the prospective performance and outlook of Horizon's business, performance and opportunities, any potential strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities expected as a result of such acquisition, and any projected impacts from the Horizon acquisition on our acquisition-related expenses going forward), as well as estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes, effects of pandemics or other widespread health problems on our business, outcomes, progress, and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Our results may be affected by our ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing our products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of our products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, our research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. We or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products, including our devices, after they are on the market. Our business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, our business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. If we fail to meet the compliance obligations in the corporate integrity agreement between us and the U.S. government, we could become subject to significant sanctions. Further, while we routinely obtain patents for our products and technology, the protection offered by our patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors, or we may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. We perform a substantial amount of our commercial manufacturing activities at a few key facilities, including in Puerto Rico , and also depend on third parties for a portion of our manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of our current products and product candidate development. An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as COVID-19, and the public and governmental effort to mitigate against the spread of such disease, could have a significant adverse effect on the supply of materials for our manufacturing activities, the distribution of our products, the commercialization of our product candidates, and our clinical trial operations, and any such events may have a material adverse effect on our product development, product sales, business and results of operations. We rely on collaborations with third parties for the development of some of our product candidates and for the commercialization and sales of some of our commercial products. In addition, we compete with other companies with respect to many of our marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Discovery or identification of new product candidates or development of new indications for existing products cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate or development of a new indication for an existing product will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for our products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of our distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with us. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of our products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on our business and results of operations. Our efforts to collaborate with or acquire other companies, products or technology, and to integrate the operations of companies or to support the products or technology we have acquired, may not be successful. There can be no guarantee that we will be able to realize any of the strategic benefits, synergies or opportunities arising from the Horizon acquisition, and such benefits, synergies or opportunities may take longer to realize than expected. We may not be able to successfully integrate Horizon, and such integration may take longer, be more difficult or cost more than expected. A breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach of our information technology systems could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems and our data. Our stock price is volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Our business and operations may be negatively affected by the failure, or perceived failure, of achieving our environmental, social and governance objectives. The effects of global climate change and related natural disasters could negatively affect our business and operations. Global economic conditions may magnify certain risks that affect our business. Our business performance could affect or limit the ability of our Board of Directors to declare a dividend or our ability to pay a dividend or repurchase our common stock. We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Elissa Snook , 609-251-1407 (media) Justin Claeys , 805-313-9775 (investors) View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amgen-to-present-at-citis-2024-global-healthcare-conference-302319891.html SOURCE AmgenThe health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Friday hospitals have only two days' fuel left before they must restrict services, after the UN warned aid delivery to the war-devastated territory is being crippled. The warning came a day after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant more than a year into the Gaza war. The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war. Gaza medics said an overnight Israeli raid on Beit Lahia and nearby Jabalia resulted in dozens killed or missing. Marwan al-Hams, director of Gaza's field hospitals, told reporters all hospitals in the Palestinian territory "will stop working or reduce their services within 48 hours due to the occupation's (Israel's) obstruction of fuel entry". World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday he was "deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of 80 patients, including 8 in the intensive care unit" at Kamal Adwan hospital, one of just two partly operating in northern Gaza. Late Thursday, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Muhannad Hadi, said: "The delivery of critical aid across Gaza, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, is grinding to a halt." He said that for more than six weeks Israeli authorities "have been banning commercial imports" while "a surge in armed looting" has targeted aid convoys. - 'Absurd and false' - Vowing to stop Hamas from regrouping, Israel on October 6 began an air and ground operation in Jabalia and then expanded it to Beit Lahia. Gaza's health ministry says the operation has killed thousands. The UN says more than 100,000 have been displaced from the area, and an official told the Security Council last week that people "are effectively starving". Issuing the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, the Hague-based ICC said there were "reasonable grounds" to believe they bore "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and crimes against humanity including over "the lack of food, water, electricity and fuel, and specific medical supplies". A furious Netanyahu said: "Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and accusations made against it." He said the judges were "driven by anti-Semitic hatred of Israel". On Friday, he thanked his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban for his show of "moral clarity" in inviting him to visit in defiance of the ICC warrant, which Orban branded "political". Hungary currently holds the rotating EU presidency. US President Joe Biden, whose country is Israel's top military supplier, called the warrants against Israeli leaders "outrageous", but other world leaders supported the court. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Netanyahu would be arrested if he set foot in the country. Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed efforts towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, the White House said. - Warrant for Hamas chief - The ICC also issued a warrant for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, saying it had grounds to suspect him of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the attacks on Israel that sparked the war, and including "sexual and gender-based violence" against hostages. Israel said it killed Deif in July, but Hamas has not confirmed his death. On Thursday, a UN representative said an Israeli raid on Palmyra in Syria this week was "likely the deadliest" by Israel on the country so far. On Friday, a war monitor said the strikes killed 92 pro-Iran fighters. Israel again bombed Gaza on Friday. In Gaza City, just south of Jabalia, one man who said he took his cousins to hospital after a strike urged "the world... to put an end" to the war. Belal, who gave only his first name, said 10 members of his family had been killed. At least 44,056 people have been killed in Gaza during more than 13 months of war, most of them civilians, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable. Hamas triggered the war with the deadliest attack in Israeli history, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. The war expanded to Lebanon in late September when Israel escalated air strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah and later sent ground troops into southern Lebanon, after nearly a year of tit-for-tat cross-border exchanges which Hezbollah said were in support of Hamas. Lebanon says more than 3,580 people have been killed in the country, most of them since late September. Israeli strikes again targeted Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold and south Lebanon on Friday, the official National News Agency said. Thousands of UN peacekeepers are based in southern Lebanon and have reported coming under attack numerous times, blaming both Israel and "non-state" actors. On Friday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Hezbollah was probably behind a rocket attack that lightly wounded four Italian peacekeepers. bur-ami/srm/kir

None

The Commissioners of Women Affairs from the seven states of the northwest zone have demanded for gender inclusion in peace and security policy framework in the region. The commissioners made the demand in Kaduna during their roundtable meeting organised by Northwest Governors’ Coordination Desk supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the theme, “Harnessing Women’s Voices for Lasting Peace.” The commissioners acknowledged the disproportionate impact of insecurity on women and recognised their active participation in peacebuilding efforts. In a communique issued at the end of the meeting signed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Kaduna State, Hajia Rabi Salisu Ibrahim, they demanded the inclusion of Women Affairs Commissioners in security councils. They noted that allowing them to take part in security, peace process and decision making would ensure that women’s voices are effectively represented. “We are committed to collaborating across various sectors to promote sustainable development and empowerment as a resilience-mechanism to strengthen peace and security,” they stated. They called for the full implementation of existing legal frameworks related to gender as well as the establishment of legal frameworks in areas where they do not yet exist to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups. They also called for the need to integrate gender considerations across all facets of policies and processes related to peace, security and development and ensure that women’s perspectives are included in all planning and decision-making processes. The commissioners pledged to support the Northwest Governors’ Coordination Desk in designing, developing and implementing a regional strategic framework on peace, security and development. Earlier in his speech, the coordinator, Northwest Governors’ Coordination Desk, Jibril Hamza, explained that women were not only victims of conflict but also agents of change uniquely positioned to bridge divides, rebuild communities and drive sustainable development. He said, “Today, we gather with the shared vision of amplifying women’s voices and leveraging their participation to address the pressing challenges of insecurity, social cohesion and development in the Northwest region.” The meeting had in attendance the Women Affairs commissioners from Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Kimberly Guilfoyle puts on a brave face to accept Donald Trump's Greece ambassador nomination after Don Jr.'s betrayalThe concept of smart homes has taken the world by storm, and India is no exception. With advancements in technology and an increasing demand for convenience, the market for smart home devices has grown exponentially. In 2025, these devices are smarter, more intuitive, and deeply integrated with our daily lives, offering solutions for security, entertainment, energy management, and more. In this blog, we explore the top 10 best smart home devices in India, helping you choose the perfect additions to make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient. Why Smart Home Devices Are Essential in 2025 Smart home devices are no longer luxuries but necessities in modern living. These gadgets simplify everyday tasks, enhance home security, and provide greater control over your surroundings. By integrating technologies like AI, IoT, and voice assistants, they empower users to create personalized and connected living spaces. The Indian market has seen a surge in smart home adoption, driven by affordable devices, better internet connectivity, and the growing importance of home automation. Top 10 Smart Home Devices in India 2025 1. Amazon Echo Show 15 The Amazon Echo Show 15 is more than a smart speaker—it’s a central hub for your smart home. With a large touchscreen, it allows you to control connected devices, watch videos, check your schedule, and even monitor your smart cameras. Alexa integration makes it intuitive and user-friendly. 2. Google Nest Hub Max A perfect combination of a smart display and home hub, the Google Nest Hub Max offers seamless control of your smart devices. It comes with a built-in camera for video calls and advanced gesture control, making it a must-have for home automation. 3. Philips Hue Smart Lighting Lighting is a key component of any smart home, and Philips Hue leads the pack. These lights can be customized to match your mood or schedule, offering millions of color options and compatibility with major smart assistants. 4. Xiaomi Mi Smart Security Camera Affordable yet feature-rich, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Security Camera offers 360-degree coverage, night vision, and AI motion detection. It’s perfect for enhancing home security without breaking the bank. 5. Samsung SmartThings Hub Samsung’s SmartThings Hub is an all-in-one solution for connecting and controlling smart devices from different brands. Its user-friendly app and compatibility with a wide range of devices make it a top pick for building a connected home ecosystem. 6. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Combining air purification with heating and cooling, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool is a smart device that improves indoor air quality while keeping you comfortable. It comes with app control and real-time air quality monitoring. 7. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P Keeping your home clean has never been easier with the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P. This smart cleaning device offers precision mapping, powerful suction, and mopping functionality, all controlled via a smartphone app. 8. August Smart Lock Pro Enhance your home’s security with the August Smart Lock Pro. This device allows you to lock and unlock your doors remotely, monitor activity, and integrate seamlessly with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. 9. Wipro Smart Plug The Wipro Smart Plug is a cost-effective way to make your home smarter. It allows you to control appliances remotely, set schedules, and monitor energy consumption. This small but powerful device is perfect for automating everyday tasks. 10. Hikvision Video Doorbell The Hikvision Video Doorbell enhances your home’s security by providing real-time video feeds and two-way communication. Its motion detection and smartphone alerts ensure you never miss a visitor, even when you’re away. How to Choose the Right Smart Home Devices When investing in smart home devices, consider the following factors: 1. Compatibility Ensure the device is compatible with your existing ecosystem, whether it’s Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. 2. Ease of Use Opt for devices with intuitive apps and easy setup processes to avoid frustration. 3. Security Features With connected devices, security is paramount. Look for features like end-to-end encryption and regular firmware updates. 4. Scalability Choose devices that can grow with your needs, allowing you to expand your smart home network over time. 5. Price vs. Features Evaluate the features offered against the price to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Trends Shaping Smart Home Technology in 2025 The future of smart home devices lies in enhanced connectivity, personalization, and sustainability. Here are some key trends: 1. AI Integration Artificial intelligence is making smart devices more intuitive, enabling them to learn user preferences and automate tasks seamlessly. 2. Energy Efficiency With rising energy costs, devices that help monitor and reduce consumption are becoming increasingly popular. 3. Sustainability Eco-friendly smart devices made from sustainable materials are gaining traction as consumers become more environmentally conscious. 4. Interconnectivity Smart devices are now better at communicating with one another, creating unified ecosystems that work together effortlessly. 5. Health Monitoring Smart home devices are expanding into health monitoring, offering features like air quality analysis, sleep tracking, and fitness integration. The Future of Smart Homes in India India’s smart home market is set to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness and the availability of affordable technology. Urban centers are leading this transformation, with homeowners embracing automation to enhance their quality of life. As more players enter the market, competition will drive innovation, resulting in devices that are more affordable, feature-rich, and accessible to the average consumer. Conclusion Smart home devices are transforming the way we live, offering unmatched convenience, efficiency, and security. The top 10 smart home devices listed above represent the best of what 2025 has to offer in India, catering to various needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s security, automate daily tasks, or simply enjoy a more connected living experience, these devices are worth considering. By embracing smart technology, you’re not just upgrading your home; you’re investing in a lifestyle that’s future-ready, sustainable, and tailored to your needs. Make the smart choice today and experience the wonders of a truly connected home!

LOST IN NEW YORK ON THE SUBWAY — And what that means is, you’re on an E train because you stood on the wrong platform for C train you wanted, and there it goes, goodbye, and here you are, boarding the E train — vaguely aware of it — for the sake of doing something other than just waiting 12 minutes for the train you want. We can get into tangles that way. We can also end up in a better spot than we’d planned. During Nebraska’s 2024 season, it seemed like, more than once, NU sought more trouble than it had already caused by waiting for Matt Rhule’s initial staff to win big. Offensive gaffes cost the Huskers in 2023, while special teams blew up in Nebraska’s face in 2024. The offensive issues lingered, too; backs and receivers didn’t execute with purpose or precision. Rhule moved briskly to address the first issue by hiring, midseason, a new offensive coordinator. Dana Holgorsen was a good risk — given his Air Raid background, an odd pairing for the Big Ten — who paid off. NU went 2-2 in his four games calling plays, quarterback Dylan Raiola played more crisply, and when the Huskers absolutely needed the offense to come through, it did, triggering on-field confetti and postgame cigars. “I was fired up for our offense,” Rhule said. “It was the first time the offense took the ball and said enough is enough and went down the field.” The coach was full of rhetorical gems Saturday, and it’s credit to him that he could treat the Pinstripe Bowl win as something more than barely escaping defeat. Rhule has a gift for making three hours on a football field larger than the final score, and his tribute to Rahmir Johnson — who won MVP honors and rushed for 60 yards — gave a glimpse into why Rhule recruits transfers and high school players well. “I hope he wears his pads home on the subway and goes to his apartment, takes that MVP trophy and takes it out tonight somewhere,” Rhule said. Couldn’t have written it better. Rhule’s a football romantic in an age of social media-fueled, hard-bitten realists. He lives the journey of each season, which, at roller coaster Nebraska, can take a toll of his own. NU notched its first winning season since 2016 — what everyone wanted — and now, almost naturally, fans want to know how Rhule will rectify copious special teams debacles. He promises an “overhaul.” Sounds good. That unit needs one as Rhule and the Huskers aim to make a big jump in 2025. The plotting for that, as Rhule knows, begins now. Don’t count on the rest of the Big Ten standing still. Someone is going to be 2025’s version of 2024 Indiana. The expectation among many fans, fair or not, is that Rhule, in Year 3 of his tenure and Year 2 of Dylan Raiola’s career, will develop a team capable of 10 or 11 wins. The Leap Year is now upon us. Nebraska’s outgoing seniors, with some help from Raiola, Jacory Barney and a few others, produced a competitive 12-13 record over Rhule’s first two seasons, even if NU, with its 3-10 record in one-score games, still seems to be “Chasing 3” headed into the offseason. But Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford, Bryce Benhart, Rahmir Johnson, John Bullock, Javin Wright, Ben Scott and Co. are gone now. So are four of the coaches off Rhule’s first staff — it could be more by the end of January. NU will need new player leadership and a renewed assistant-coach-player dynamic, all in a revenue-sharing era where it’s going to be fairly obvious — because it’s coming from the school itself — who’s getting paid more. Raiola will rightly get financial priority. So will the line of scrimmage, if you listen to what Rhule likes to emphasize. “We believe that the game is won primarily at the line of scrimmage,” Rhule said. “You have to be able to run the ball, stop the run. You have to be able to protect and affect the passer.” Rhule, now coach and de facto general manager, will be tasked with molding a tough team that’s also, despite all the changes, together. He already has Raiola in the fold and will need him as a locker room culture guy; Raiola has to take captain-level ownership of the whole team, pronto. No. 15 seems up for the task, too. Defensively, Rhule will have to meld an innovative mind — new coordinator John Butler — with old hand Phil Snow, coordinator-level defensive backs coach Addison Williams and two defensive line coaches coming from vastly different ends of the sport, as Phil Simpson spent years in the prep ranks while Terry Bradden has been coaching for the Kansas City Chiefs. These are compelling parts, particularly Butler, who folks around the program see as brilliant. Can they make a great staff? And will Rhule take more of the special teams load? Rhule wants that unit to be a playmaking group, and sometimes a big play is made, like the fake punt pass from Brian Buschini to Gifford. Sometimes the other team makes the play. I’ve long been lukewarm on criticism of special teams coaches — the HC sets the tone there. When Bo Pelini wanted to fix his punt return unit after a rough 2013 season, he took the job himself, taught the schemes, and got results. Likewise, Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz watched Nebraska punk the Hawkeyes’ punt unit in the 2014 game and over time developed the nation’s best special teams unit. He coaches to it, as well. In 2022, Scott Frost had a special teams coordinator, Bill Busch. Who took the hit for the onside kick in Ireland? Frost did. As he should’ve. Rhule can hire and fire whoever he pleases there. The successes and failures are his. Rhule will get a bit of time to reflect on 2024, but not much. So many variables crop up during a season that nine months are spent planning for every contingency — including waiting for the wrong train, or even getting on it. Nebraska ended this season the way it began: With its promise and its flaws in a 12-round fight. By that mucky afternoon in Yankee Stadium, potential won out by a bit. In 2025, Rhule, his coaches, players and NU fans expect that potential to win by a lot. NU’s moved into its new football palace. Its quarterback has a base of knowledge and year’s worth of tape from which to learn. The defense seems to have more four-star generals — including Rhule — than any time in Husker history. If Nebraska can fix special teams — if — well... Rhule and those seniors built the bridge to 2025. Now, the Leap Year is upon us. On with the Rewind. Defensive tackle Ty Robinson: A beast in his final game, with a sack, two tackles for loss, four hurries and a couple devastating blocks on key Husker running plays. He’ll be hard to replace, even if there’s a guy who has the physical tools to do it, Missouri transfer Williams Nwaneri. Running back Rahmir Johnson: A smaller back who always ran with the heart and the style of a big one, Johnson played the game fearlessly at Nebraska. He’s a poet, too, and, one day, he should have one heck of a poem about this season, and Saturday afternoon. Linebacker Vincent Shavers: Five tackles — two for loss — and the feeling that he was literally everywhere on the field, all at once. Pencil him in as a starting middle linebacker. Who plays next to him? John Bullock and Javin Wright, both of whom had strong games, just finished their Nebraska careers. Tight ends Thomas Fidone and Luke Lindenmeyer: Key pieces of the game, with Fidone grabbing five catches in 31 snaps and Lindenmeyer playing 49 snaps. Holgorsen’s made clear that, if you’re playing tight end in this offense, you’re blocking, a lot. Even if Fidone were to go to the NFL — he could, and potentially be a third day NFL Draft pick — Nebraska is in decent shape at the position. Edge rusher MJ Sherman: Starting with the Ohio State game — and perhaps excluding the UCLA game — the Georgia transfer really cranked up his level of play on the edge. He made the fourth down stop late in the second quarter against BC and six total pressures against the Eagles, according to Pro Football Focus. Receiver Jahmal Banks: Four catches, 89 yards, good blocking, and tough grabs in miserable playing conditions. He finished the season with 44 catches for 587 yards and three touchdowns. If you’re ranking NU transfer receivers, he’s behind Trey Palmer and Samori Toure, but ahead of the others. Quarterback Dylan Raiola: College football social media has become too much of a joyless dirge. Online criticism for Raiola’s celebration around Yankee Stadium seemed off-base. Do we not want to see people happy? He’s poised for a big Year 2 if he keeps working on his footwork — cut down on the fadeaway throws — and runs a little more. Cornerback Donovan Jones: Hello, Omaha North! The former Viking played exceedingly well in NU’s defensive backfield, given he was tasked with doing it for the first time. It was stunning to see Jones, who redshirted and played three snaps against UTEP, suddenly leaping the depth chart over Blye Hill, Jeremiah Charles and more. His work in practice clearly caught Butler’s eye. Left tackle Gunnar Gottula: The future’s bright for him after a strong game against Boston College’s pass rush. Nebraska needs one or two tackles out of the portal and some good injury news on either Turner Corcoran or Teddy Prochazka. Boston College quarterback Grayson James: Earned praised from Rhule for his play against a tough Nebraska pass rush. James threw several third down darts and scrambled for a few first downs, too. Without the benefit of a run game, he kept BC competitive. Yankee Stadium — with one exception: This stadium, wedged into the hard-edged Bronx cityscape, is a stunner. First class, fortress-like design, authoritative-but-helpful stadium workers, good food (for the media and the masses). It’s an exceedingly impressive venue — that did not have turf suited for a December football game in the rain. The grass didn’t kick up in tufts, like I once saw at Notre Dame, but sat below the thinnest film of water that turned the playing surface into a Slip ‘N Slide. People watching on TV could compare what they saw in the Pinstripe Bowl with a much more lush-seeming grass at Fenway Park, and note the difference. 226.3: Passing yards per game for Dylan Raiola in four games under Holgorsen’s leadership. That’s nine more yards per game than he averaged for the entire season, and 12 more yards per game than he averaged under former offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield. Raiola completed 71.4% of his passes with Holgorsen, 67.2% for the whole season and 64.9% with Satterfield. The numbers, to some degree, speak for themselves. 18: Catches by the tight ends over the last four games of the season. That’s six by Thomas Fidone, five by the now-transferred Nate Boerkircher, four from Luke Lindenmeyer, two from Carter Nelson and one from Heinrich Haarberg, who has now moved to the position. The backs had 28 catches over those final four games under Holgorsen. NU’s staff feels like it’ll have more and better receiver options in 2025 — coaches are particularly excited for Kentucky transfer Dane Key — but the tight end and back numbers show Holgorsen’s interest in a high completion rate getting yards after the catch. 30: Sacks for the season, which is down two from 2024, when the Huskers appeared better at rushing from depth (Luke Reimer was still on the team) and former defensive coordinator Tony White was a tad more aggressive. We saw that aggression from new defensive coordinator John Butler Saturday, and it paid off with three sacks and John Bullock’s forced fumble, which set up NU’s last touchdown. Because of transfer portal departures, Nebraska lacked its usual edge rushing prowess, but coaches hope portal additions Dasan McCullough and Jaylen George help clear that up. 40.7: Opponents’ fourth down conversion rate. That currently ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 15th nationally, and NU’s fourth down defense played the largest role in wins over Rutgers (2 of 6 on fourth down) and Boston College (0 of 4). Colorado, which turned out to be Nebraska’s best win of the year, only converted 1 of 3 in the Huskers 28-10 victory back in September. 4-10: Nebraska’s record, under Rhule, when it loses the in-game battle in turnover margin. NU finished 3-7 in 2023 — with wins over Illinois, Northwestern and Purdue — and 1-3 this season, with losses to Indiana, UCLA and Iowa and the win, at season’s end, over Boston College. For the season, Nebraska finished -2 in turnover margin, its best figure since 2019, when the Huskers finished at 0. Raiola threw 12 interceptions — down four from 2023 — and, more importantly, Nebraska lost just seven fumbles, down from 15 in 2023. Under Rhule, the Huskers are 6-1 when they win the turnover battle, 2-2 when they break even and 4-10 when they lose it. After each game, I ask fans for their feedback on NU’s play. Selected and edited responses follow. Fred Wedemeyer: “Defense was outstanding, offense was pretty good other than a few mistakes, but wow, is there any other program in the country with worse special teams?” Jay Hoffman: “A cathartic Husker bowl win for a team that has been through a lot. I was in the stands and saw several fans noticeably emotional and immensely appreciative watching Johnson win the MVP. We can worry about special teams next week. Time to pop the bubbly and celebrate.” Michael Messerly: “Moving forward bowl games need to stop being played at baseball stadiums. The playing surface at Yankee stadium is atrocious.” Travis Hawkinson: “Loved what I saw from younger players. Wish we had one more year of (Jahmal) Banks. That would truly give us some great WRs. He really looked way better under Holgorsen than he did under(Marcus) Satterfield.” Cincinnati football — Nebraska’s first opponent in 2025 — is a program still making the leap from Group of Five conference power to a Big 12 team. Since joining its new league, UC Is 8-16 overall and 4-14 in league games. This includes a five-game losing streak to end the 2024 season and put coach Scott Satterfield, finishing his second year with the Bearcats, on a seat just as hot as the one Luke Fickell, Cincinnati’s former coach, sits on at Wisconsin. Defense is the issue; UC allowed 6.67 yards per play last season and 6.07 yards per play in 2024. On offense, Cincinnati returns quarterback Brendan Sorsby — previously at Indiana — after he threw 18 touchdown passes in 2024. He’s a keeper, as is tight end Joe Royer, who spent three years as a Ohio State backup before coming to Cincy and breaking Travis Kelce’s single-season tight ends reception record with 50 grabs for 521 yards and three scores. The Bearcats will open a new football practice facility this summer, and obviously didn’t want to turn down the financial opportunity afforded to them by playing in Arrowhead Stadium, where Nebraska will have 50,000 fans — at least. A satisfied Husker fan base settles in for a winter of Fred Hoiberg’s basketball team — Brice Williams is a sneaky possible Big Ten player of the year candidate — and portal watchin’ for that needed offensive lineman. NU football returns to offseason workouts in late January with genuine momentum. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Lucy in the sky with diamonds via night tourismStake, Predict, and Race: This Web3 Gaming Platform Combines AI with Meme Culture