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kijiji download LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal are building momentum again after their bad patch but must maintain their resurgent form, manager Mikel Arteta said after his side's 5-2 demolition of West Ham United on Saturday. The victory lifted Arsenal back to second place in the Premier league and confirmed they have engaged top gear again after a run of four winless league games before this month's international break. Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, skipper Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were all on target in a frenetic seven-goal first half at the London Stadium as Arsenal moved to 25 points, six behind Liverpool who host troubled champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. "Yeah, we've got some momentum. I think we have some flow back, a real determination, winning consecutive matches against three opponents is great," Arteta, who side beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 last Saturday and then followed up by beating Sporting 5-1 away in the Champions League, told reporters. "We're going to enjoy tonight and watch a beautiful game of football tomorrow. We are in a great moment right now. "But in football be on your toes and prepare the best way possible," added the Spaniard whose side host Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday. The return to fitness of captain Odegaard after a long lay-off with an ankle injury has been a major boost for Arsenal, while Saka looked rejuvenated after sitting out the last England camp with a niggling injury. As well as his penalty, Saka added two more assists on Saturday, taking his tally for the season to 10 in 13 games, four more than the next best total of Mohamed Salah. "Incredible. Because it is the hardest thing to do in football, so a player who can believe in those moments can impact the scoreline in that way, you know, the value of that is tremendous," Arteta said of Saka. Saka was unplayable at times in the first half especially with Arsenal toying with their London rivals. "Today was a top performance from us and we scored a lot of goals - we are playing good football right now and we want to continue like this," he said. "We are back to our best form. We look fluid and dynamic we are all enjoying it right now. "It has been a top week for us. We have built a lot of momentum and we want to go on to the next few games." (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 people, including kids

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THINGS you don’t expect to see of a Friday morning in Wales: Rob Brydon “raw-dogging” a red pepper, James Corden being serenaded by a trumpet and Ruth Jones sipping a warm, fake white wine. But, on Barry Island, anything goes. 6 Clemmie Moodie on set with James Corden and Ruth Jones Credit: Supplied 6 The Gavin and Stacey cast line up for the show's last instalment Credit: BBC 6 Nessa, Smithy and Gavin in a scene from the final show Credit: BBC Ahead of its hugely anticipated Christmas Day return, I have been invited down for an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at Gavin & Stacey. Millions of viewers are expected to tune in to the last show of the cult BBC One comedy drama, a series that made household names of its ridiculously talented writers, James and Ruth. “We’ve thrown absolutely everything at this to try to make it be as satisfactory as it can be for a big audience,” James says. “We started writing 20 years ago and it’s nuts, inconceivable, that it means more to people now than it did 20 years ago. READ MORE ON GAVIN AND STACEY TURN THE PAGE Gavin and Stacey's Joanna Page reveals new role worlds away from BBC comedy WHAT'S OCCURING? Gavin and Stacey’s Joanna Page lands new TV gig days before final episode “I still feel pressure — there’s pressure all the time because you don’t want to let anybody down. “I think it’s the closest you could get to being called up to the England team in terms of something meaning a lot to a lot of people. “You are representing your country right now in a sense, you know? “And so, it’s a lot . . . but we’ve really tried our absolute best.” Most read in News TV A GOOD SPORT BBC star QUITS show after seven years - admitting morning alarms ‘are brutal’ SCREEN TIME STV reveals Hogmanay lineup including Lorraine Kelly and Still Game OFF THE AIR 'Gutted to hear this', fans cry as BBC Scotland series axed after 19 years BRAVE STAR Hollyoaks’ Ali Bastian issues health update to fans amid breast cancer battle Thrillingly though, I have been cast as an extra. But, alas, a stringent NDA code-named “Toffee” means I am not allowed to give away any spoilers or, should I stumble upon a major plot twist, reveal it. I take my role very seriously: Sitting in a beer garden, nursing a zero per cent wine opposite Ruth. I’m in the background (very background) of “scene 32”. Hotel changes name to 'What's Occur-Inn' for last Gavin and Stacey episode Coquettishly, I keep flicking my hair, smiling and laughing unnecessarily, and generally trying to steal the scene. This could be my big break. “I wouldn’t over-think it,” a cameraman later tells me. “We’ll be lucky if we get your shoulder in.” Oh. Still, I am sort of, if you squint, part of Gavin & Stacey folklore now and soon get “papped” by the 100 or so watching fans monitoring uber-Stan account Barrybados — an Instagram fanzine tracking the cast and crew’s every moment. Earlier in the week, 500 of them had gathered on Barry’s Trinity Street, chanting “Oggy, Oggy, Oggy!” on their last day of filming there. Barry Island has done more for Welsh tourism than any PR agency ever could. Genuine chemistry There is also a Premier League football twist to this episode, with one club such a fan of the show, they gifted the cast first team replica shirts (“Toffee” forbids me from saying anything else). For the 0.2 per cent of the population who haven’t seen the show, let’s recap. Gavin & Stacey, centred around the lives of two families: One in Billericay, Essex, the other in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, with Mat Horne and Joanna Page playing the title characters. James, 46, and Ruth, 58, star as Smithy and Nessa, the pair’s best friends, who have a love/hate relationship. Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb star as Gavin’s parents, Pam and Mick, Melanie Walters plays Stacey’s mother Gwen, and Rob Brydon plays Stacey’s uncle Bryn. Imbued with warmth, gentle humour and characters with genuine chemistry, what started life as a BBC Three show quickly garnered a word-of-mouth following, eventually reaching BBC One primetime. 6 Smithy, Pam and Bryn enjoy one last dance Credit: BBC 6 Joanna Page plays Stacey, one of the title characters Credit: BBC The last episode, on December 25, 2019, was the most viewed non-sporting event of the decade, and was left on a cliff-hanger when Nessa proposed to Smithy in the street. Of course, on screen, Ruth is loud-mouthed, larger-than-life and heavily tattooed. Frankly, she is not someone you’d want to bump into on a cold, dark night in winter. Off it, she is softly spoken, incredibly warm and down to earth. Although she is not filming on the day I’m there, she is busy behind the camera, directing proceedings between takes. Her average day sees her arrive on set at 6.30am and spend an hour and a half in make-up, which largely consists of getting her giant Welsh dragon tattoo inked on. Between takes, a team of make-up artists, watching from a small marquee, rush on to set to touch up hair and make-up. Nessa is a chain smoker — so Ruth, a non-smoker, is given honey and rose petal herbal cigarettes to puff away on. Filming finishes around 7pm, and includes an hour’s break for lunch in trailers on an industrial estate nearby. These are long days. I’m blessed with the fact that Nessa is a very static character Ruth Jones Says Ruth, sipping from her pretend drink: “I’m quite old now and I’m quite tired, and the days are pretty full-on. In series one, Nessa was wearing boots, like I am now. But they had a heel, quite a high heel on them, and quite a narrow stiletto heel. “I look at them and think, ‘How the hell did I ever wear these?’. “And now, 17 years later, I’m just having to get my orthotics, so I’ve got a much lower heel. “But also I’m blessed with the fact that Nessa is a very static character. There’s a sort-of bovine elegance to her, I feel, and she moves with great authority, but she doesn’t move fast. “So that’s quite good for me.” You see? Ruth: Very, very funny on and off screen. It is also her birthday, and mid-afternoon the cast interrupt an indoor pub scene for James to present her with a giant cake. Rob gives her some flowers and everyone sings a raucous version of Happy Birthday. Ruth gives a brilliant speech, thanking everyone for being “so wonderful”, and ending it: “Right, let’s all go out tonight and have an orgy later!” “God,” quips Rob, nodding pointedly at me. Fiercely loyal “That’s just what the BBC needs — to be embroiled in yet another sex scandal.” At this point, Rob casually picks up a red pepper and starts loudly and methodically munching on it, stalk and all. “You’ll doubtless be fascinated to hear I also like celery,” he adds, looking at my notebook. It’s clear the cast are good pals. After chatting to James over a canteen aubergine gratin (he has to wash his fork and give it to me when I drop mine down the back of his sofa) the cast gather round as someone plays a mini trumpet. Ruth and James met 25 years ago on the set of ITV drama Fat Friends and have remained, well, real friends ever since. Like any nice baby, Gavin & Stacey was conceived in the Crowne Plaza in Leeds, James reveals (Blue Plaque incoming). They wrote their first episode in a London hotel near Selfridges, on the morning of a This Morning appearance to promote Fat Friends. Ruth, awarded an MBE for services to entertainment in 2014, has enjoyed roles on stage and TV, including Stella, ever since. She has also become a Sunday Times best-selling author and is about to publish her fourth novel. She remains modest, though, insisting she is rarely recognised in real life. “There’s usually places that are more Nessa receptive than others: Marks and Spencer Culverhouse Cross is quite a specific one,” she says. Because I’m not on social media at all, I can’t contact people the normal way really Ruth Jones Her best mate, meanwhile, has gone on to have a meteoric rise to fame, culminating in award-winning roles in Broadway and on the West End, as well as his own smash-hit chat show Stateside, where he attracted the great and good of Hollywood. And Prince Harry. Indeed, the finale is getting the Hollywood treatment. It is made by production company Fulwell 73, the firm behind James’ chat show and some of the world’s starriest movies, music videos and documentaries, and Tidy, Ruth’s own company. Despite rumours that James and co-star Mat don’t get on — the pair were once best friends — it is clear there is no animosity whatsoever. They laugh between takes and are staying in the same five-star Cardiff hotel during my time in Wales . Certainly, Ruth and James’ friendship is stronger than ever. Ruth, being brilliant, is fiercely loyal to her best mate and she has even been known to contact people who have been unkind. She explains: “Honestly, because I’m not on social media at all, I can’t contact people the normal way really. But I have written to people — one a Guardian writer — who was mean about James. I won’t have it.” 'Didn't sit right' We all need a Ruth in our corner. After Gavin & Stacey’s return was mooted earlier this year, there was talk of it being snapped up by Netflix. So how close was the Corporation to losing arguably the greatest jewel in its crown? James says: “Yeah, I think it felt like that probably was something that could have been there. This show is a very special thing, an extraordinary thing, and I’m just really excited for people to see it James Corden “But I also think it would be very harsh on the place that gave us its first chance, you know? “We did think for a moment, though not for very long, about possibly doing a film. “And then we just thought, I don’t know if these are characters you want to see on a big screen. “I think they are people that belong in the corner of your living room on Christmas Day. Read more on the Scottish Sun WARMING UP Scots set for 21C swing as temperature rise to bring an end to sub zero freeze HOT BUY Shoppers race to Primark for fleecy £14 hoodie will keep you cosy on frosty days “So, all that other stuff, the idea of taking it anywhere else, the idea of doing anything else, it didn’t sit right. “This show is a very special thing, an extraordinary thing, and I’m just really excited for people to see it.” 6 The Sun's Clemmie Moodie behind the scenes during filming Credit: SuppliedFMC Corporation announces election of Anthony DiSilvestro to Board of DirectorsIsrael approves proposed ceasefire with HezbollahHow Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes

Recreational Boats Market to Grow by USD 6.28 Billion (2024-2028) Rising Boating Activities Driving Revenue, Report on AI-Driven Market Transformation - TechnavioAnother Washington Commanders game is in the books, and with it is another touchdown to superstar WR Terry McLaurin. That's right. McLaurin, with his franchise record-breaking 12th score of the season, has officially evolved out of the regular old "star" label. He's a superstar. Sunday's 36-33 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles was the fourth consecutive game in which McLaurin has found the end zone. He has six touchdowns in that span . In fact, the last time McLaurin was held scoreless was in Washington's first tilt against the Eagles this season on Nov. 14, when he caught only one pass for 10 yards. Out to make a statement against rookie DB Quinyon Mitchell in the return trip to D.C., "Scary Terry" caught five balls for 60 yards and the score. In total, McLaurin's 12 touchdown catches this season has nearly doubled his previous career-best of seven from back in his rookie year of 2019. He has also eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season for the fifth-straight year , and could feasibly surpass his high of 1,191 yards from the 2022 season. McLaurin trails only Ja'Marr Chase (16) in touchdown catches in 2024, and ranks 10th in the NFL in receiving yards. Throughout his career he has been considered an upper-echelon receiver, but has never quite cracked the "elite" tier, primarily due to a lack of quality quarterback play. Prior to this season, his most consistent rapport was with Taylor Heinicke. There's no doubt about it now: McLaurin is elite. The amount of receivers in the league who are definitively better than him can be counted on one hand, and it's time the rest of the NFL acknowledges what Washington has always known.Former President Bill Clinton, 78, discharged from hospital after battling flu

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the SenateHeavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flightsIowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is cautioning Iowans to be aware of sweepstakes scams after helping a central Iowa couple save more than $16,000 from a scamming attempt. Sweepstakes scams are when scammers use the promise of a prize to get someone’s money or personal information. These scams typically take place over the phone where scammers usually ask individuals to pay money or provide personal and financial account information to receive prize, which is actually nonexistent. Last month, Bird’s office helped the couple after a scammer called the 72-year-old husband, telling him he won a Publishers Clearing House prize of $3.5 million, plus $5,000 a week for life, according to a release put out by the office on Monday. People are also reading... Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird speaks during a town hall campaign event for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on May 17, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. He was instructed to pay $16,340.18 in upfront fees and taxes, leading him to mail a cashier's check to a Miami address provided by the scammer. The man’s wife and daughter learned what happened and contacted their son-in-law, who was at a training for Iowa county attorneys, the release said. The son-in-law spoke with an investigator from the Iowa Attorney General’s office about the scam and they were able to intercept the package and return it to the couple after working with a local postal inspector. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” Bird said in the release. “I am so glad that we saved this Iowa couple their $16,000. Sweepstakes scams are evil and manipulative. And con artists will do everything they can to exploit Iowans’ emotions, like the excitement of hitting the jackpot, in order to steal from you.” Bird encourages Iowans to call her office at 1-888-777-4590 if they or someone they know is suspicious of a sweepstakes scam. Here are ways to spot a sweepstakes scam, according to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office: New money scams are popping up: Here are the ones to look out for New money scams are popping up: Here are the ones to look out for Financial scams are an unfortunate reality of life for consumers. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported $530.4 million (CND) in financial fraud losses in 2022, a 170.2% increase in just one year. And the situation in the U.S. is even bleaker, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting Americans lost more than $10 billion (USD) from financial fraud in 2023. While some scams are obvious, others can be rather convincing. It doesn't help that scams are constantly evolving, and new types of fraud are invented daily. A quick slip-up, and you could be giving away some of your vital information. To protect yourself, Money.ca shares tips to think like a thief and stay current with the most common scams. Facebook Scams While Facebook is a great place to connect with people, it's almost become a prime hunting ground for thieves. One common scam involves fraudsters who set up a group or fan page that looks identical to an authentic brand. For example, it could be an airline or a popular retailer. They'll then advertise a contest where all you need to do is enter your personal information or bank details for your chance to win. As soon as any "brand" starts asking for specific information about you, red flags should be going off. It's okay to give your name and email, but if they're asking for your government ID numbers, bank account, or copies of your ID, it's probably a scam. Note that there are other scams on Facebook, including account cloning, where someone poses as a relative or friend and asks for financial help. There are also romance scams where the end game is getting you to send them money. If something doesn't seem right, don't be afraid to call the brands or your friends in person to see if what they're advertising or asking for is legit. AI Scams Artificial intelligence, or AI, is seemingly everywhere nowadays, so it's only fitting that AI is now making its way into consumer financial scams. Fraudsters are using AI for a whole host of scams, including deepfakes, a process in which scammers employ AI to create convincing voice clones, making it difficult for victims to distinguish between real and fake emergency situations. But the threat of AI scams also extends to phishing attacks, with fraudsters using AI bots to create sophisticated emails, text messages, and social media accounts. These bots are highly personalized and can bypass traditional spam filters, increasing the likelihood of users falling for the scam. Online Shopping Scams Online shopping scams have become a prevalent issue in today's digital age. Scammers have honed their skills and are now specifically targeting online shoppers, who are particularly vulnerable to fraud. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers creating fake websites and launching social media campaigns to deceive unsuspecting consumers. What makes these scams even more dangerous is that they often impersonate well-known brands, luring shoppers with unbelievably low prices that are simply too tempting to resist. What makes these scams even more dangerous is that they often impersonate well-known brands, luring shoppers with unbelievably low prices that are simply too tempting to resist. Because of this, it's important to be cautious when encountering too-good-to-be-true offers, especially when shopping online , as they can have devastating financial consequences. Revenue and Tax Scams Tax scams are a very common form of fraud that prays on a collective fear of the tax man. These scams come in many forms, but follow one basic pattern: Someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency or the Internal Revenue Service will call or email and claim you owe back taxes. If you don't pay immediately, you'll be arrested or deported. The claim seems far-fetched, but it targets seniors or new immigrants who may not know any better. You'll know it's a scam when they ask you to pay by gift cards or Bitcoin. They'll also tell you that you'll be arrested or deported right away if you say anything to anyone. Just hang up if you ever get one of these calls. Tax authorities will never call you with aggressive language or threats. They'll also never ask for immediate payment. If you're not sure if a call you received is fraudulent, call the agency directly and ask them if an agent has been trying to contact you. Package Delivery Scams Package delivery scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent times. Individuals are receiving fake messages, supposedly from reputable companies such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or the post office, regarding upcoming or missed deliveries. These scams aim to deceive you into clicking on links that direct them to fraudulent sign-in pages or websites infected with malware. It is crucial to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountering such messages. Rental Scams With the cost of rent rising in many parts of the country, many people are looking to cut back on their living expenses. Thieves know that and are starting to exploit people by putting up fraudulent ads about apartments or rooms for rent on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. The price will usually be a touch below market price, which will drive up interest. These listings will look legit as there will be plenty of pictures, but once you reach out, you'll know that it's a scam as they won't do a face-to-face showing. While it's easy for locals to verify if the rental available is real or not, fraudsters target people who don't live in the area, but need affordable housing. Also, note that this scam doesn't apply to just monthly rentals. The same scam has been used for short-term rentals in popular tourist destinations. The fraudster will demand the first and last month's rent via wire or e-transfer. Once you've made the deposit, you'll never hear from them again. To avoid this scam, always view the property in person and verify the person is the owner. The easiest way to do this is to ask to see a property tax bill with their name on it. You could even check with the city's public records to verify ownership. Fake Employment Scams Many job postings online look legit, but are clearly fake. One of the most common job scams involves working from home. Your new employer will send you a cheque. You'll use part of that money to set up your home office. The rest of the money will be sent back to your employer via e-transfer. The cheque will seem legit at first since some of the funds become available right away. However, the cheque will eventually bounce after a week or two. While you could return any items you purchased, there's no chance of recovering the funds you sent via e-transfer. So although you're clearly a victim of fraud, your financial institution won't be returning any money to you. Protect Yourself From Financial Scams Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new scams, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Remember, being proactive and cautious is key to protecting yourself from financial scams. Stay vigilant and follow these guidelines to safeguard your personal and financial information. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Call for defining ‘disability’ to help include disabled persons Former federal health minister Dr Zafar Mirza, who is professor of population and health practices at the Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, on Saturday said if we want to mainstream inclusivity for disabled persons, we need to define disability. Dr Mirza was speaking at the seminar organised by The Circle: Caring for Children at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. Titled ‘Innovating for Inclusion: Shaping a World for All Abilities’, the seminar was arranged in connection with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The ex-minister said that the theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “innovating for inclusiveness”. He stressed that societies that do not take care of their vulnerable people cannot progress. He said that 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities. The word “significant” is very important, he added, and asked what “significant disability” is and what “not significant disability” is. He then explained that if those wearing glasses lose them, they would be considered disabled. “If we remove the word ‘significant’, probably the entire world’s population would be disabled,” he said, adding that medical practitioners are yet to define what constitutes normal human beings. He also said that disability is important for people who suffer from it, rather than how we judge the word. He pointed out that if we cannot define a normal human being, there is some degree of ability or disability in all humans. When we cross certain thresholds, we get into a significant disability, he added. The professor said that in order to mainstream the concept of disability, the precondition is to understand the disability in its broadest meaning. Sadaf Mateen, co-founder and CEO of The Circle: Caring for Children, and a speech-language pathologist specialising in working with children, stressed the need for gainful occupations for differently abled individuals. Sadaf emphasised the importance of children finding meaningful roles in society. “After the diagnosis of a differently abled child, their journey toward employment becomes crucial.” She highlighted that parents’ biggest concerns often revolve around how their children would communicate and understand the world around them. “This becomes the biggest challenge,” she noted. She explained that language comprises three main components: code, meaningful ideas, and shared ideas. She said communication between people speaking different languages often lacks meaning. “Communication is the sharing of ideas,” she said, adding that spoken words are not the sole mode of communication. She discussed alternative communication methods, and the purpose of interventions, which she described as essential for fostering social appropriateness in differently abled children. She cautioned against focusing solely on “fixing” the child, as this approach risks wasting critical developmental years. “A common misconception is that these children will only succeed once they start school or begin speaking.” Nida Khuhro, parliamentary secretary for the health & population welfare department of the Sindh government, and the chief guest at the seminar, spoke about the provincial administration’s efforts to support differently abled children. She highlighted several development schemes aimed at their welfare. “Inclusion should not just be a policy but a fundamental right,” Nida pointed out. She stressed that fostering inclusivity enriches society as a whole. Jang Group Managing Director Shahrukh Hasan, speaking on the role of media in mainstreaming inclusivity, said that we are in an increasingly interdependent world, so we need to work together for solutions. The media cannot provide solutions, but it can highlight problems and amplify solutions that experts such as those assembled at the seminar are providing. He referred to a massive campaign on mental health that the Geo-Jang group had launched in partnership with The British Asian Trust as an example of different stakeholders collaborating on a complex, nuanced subject with media as the platform of amplification. The seminar was also addressed by Richard Geary founder of Deaf Reach, an organisation that has done commendable work for providing education and mainstreaming to deaf children. Mariam Durrani of CareTech and Misbah Naqvi of NOWPDP spoke about the work being by their organisations. A panel discussion titled ‘Embracing Diversity: Strategies for Inclusive Growth’ was also held at the seminar. Ahmad Shah, President Arts Council of Pakistan, spoke about the common ground that art and culture can provide and how the Arts Council provided a platform to all, including the specially abled. Falak Sheikhani, Director Aster Schools, former First Lady Mrs Samina Alvi, and Naema Aftab of SOS villages also participated in the panel discussion. One of the highlights of the seminar was the flawless Qirat presented by a differently abled young boy and the well-researched introduction of Dr Zafar Mirza by an autistic child, both from The Circle - Caring for Children.European stocks bounced around Monday while US equities shook off early weakness to push higher as investors waited to see if a so-called Santa Claus rally sweeps over the market. Global stock markets had a tumultuous time last week, spiraling lower after the US Federal Reserve signaled fewer interest rate cuts than had been expected for 2025. But it ended on a positive note as traders welcomed below-forecast US inflation data that raised hopes about the health of the world's biggest economy. That helped Asian markets move higher on Monday, but the positive trend faltered in Europe and stumbled initially in the United States. "Another up leg in US yields not only put pressure on stock indices but also drove the greenback higher," said IG analyst Axel Rudolph. But after a sluggish start, US stocks rose progressively in a quiet session with analysts pointing to low pre-holiday trading volumes. "Stocks didn't really have any direction in the morning, then we got this tech rally that just sort of drifted higher all day," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Analysts view elevated Treasury bond yields as a threat to year-end gains in an historically strong period of the calendar. Known as a Santa Claus rally, there are various explanations for the phenomenon including seasonal optimism and end-of-year tax considerations. But there remains some trepidation among investors as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, pledging to cut taxes, slash regulations and impose tariffs on imports, which some economists warn could reignite inflation. "The initial response to the US election was positive as investors focused on the obvious tailwinds to profitability: lower corporate tax rates and less regulation," said Ronald Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard. "However, I expect much more dispersion within the equity market when the reality of a much-less-friendly trade environment sets in." In Europe, the FTSE 100 moved higher as the pound slid following data that showed that the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter, revised down from initial estimates of 0.1 percent growth. Official data out of Spain on Monday showed that the Spanish economy grew 0.8 percent in the third quarter as domestic consumption and exports increased, comfortably outstripping the European Union average. In company news, shares in crisis-hit German auto giant Volkswagen lost more than three percent on the back of news Friday that it plans to axe 35,000 jobs by 2030 in a drastic cost-cutting plan. Shares in Japanese auto giant Honda rose over three percent after it announced Monday an agreement to launch merger talks with struggling compatriot Nissan that could create the world's third largest automaker. New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 42,906.95 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 5,974.89 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.0 percent at 19,764.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,102.72 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,272.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,848.77 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,161.34 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,883.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 percent at 3,351.26 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0408 from $1.0430 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2531 from $1.2570 Dollar/yen: UP at 157.14 yen from 156.31 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.03 pence from 82.97 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $69.24 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.63 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc

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Aspiring congresswoman and controversial MAGA cheerleader Valentina Gomez has sparked outrage once again after posting a video in which she appears to simulate executing an immigrant . The 25-year-old, who tried and failed to be elected as the Missouri Secretary of State earlier this year , said in the disturbing clip that undocumented persons who committed violent crimes “deserve to be ended.” In the video, posted to X on Monday, Gomez is seen firing a handgun into the back of the head of a dummy tied to a chair with a black bag over its head. “It’s that simple, public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. They don’t deserve deportation, they deserve to be ended,” she says. The video has been flagged by X as potentially violating the platform’s rules against “violent speech,” but it had not been removed as of Tuesday. “Public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American.” Gomez captioned the video. It quickly sparked outrage from other social media users, with some branding the Colombian native as a “psychopath.” “What’s wrong with these people?” one wrote. “They’re unhinged, mentally ill, and sociopathic,” replied another. Critics even included the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro , who wrote: “She is not just an American fascist. She is Colombian. And being a migrant, what she wants is to unleash hatred against migrants. Most Americans are killed by Americans.” However, others seemed to agree with Gomez’s stance, including fellow MAGA firebrand and Trump acolyte Laura Loomer who posted. “Love this.” After X started restricting the video, Gomez claimed that she was “the biggest threat to the establishment because I call it like I see it.” “I give people hope, and I don’t need their money. Remember, nobody is coming to save us. Stay strapped,” she said. The sentiment of Gomez’s video echoes that of President-elect Donald Trump , who has previously called for expanding the death penalty to those people who have arrived in the country illegally who kill a citizen or police. Trump has railed against Joe Biden’s decision to pardon the majority of federal death row inmates. Gomez has frequently shared outrageous or shocking videos on her social media pages and has consequently been banned from Instagram. In previous clips she frequently used homophobic slurs, and in one video, set two LGBTQ-inclusive books on fire. She has characterized the literature as “grooming, indoctrinating and sexualizing.” During the 2024 election campaign she called Vice President Kamala Harris a “hoe” and “little b****”, used the word “f****t” to describe transgender people and described Democrats as “full of gay s***”, among other things. Her bold rhetoric ultimately did not play well with voters. Gomez gained only 7.4 per cent of the vote with finishing sixth out of eight candidates in the race for Missouri Secretary of State . Last week she announced that she was running for Congress in Texas and relocating to the state to challenge Republican congressman Dan Crenshaw’s seat. “I don’t fear pdfs, criminals, or the crooks in DC. I only fear God,” she wrote in a post announcing the move.

Egypt and Liberia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on aquaculture development, officials announced. The agreement, signed Monday by the Egyptian Lake Protection and Fish Resources Development Authority (LPRDA) and Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NFAA), aims to boost sustainable development and economic integration in the fisheries sector. The collaboration is part of a broader Egyptian effort to strengthen partnerships with African nations. Egyptian political leaders have actively promoted cooperation across the continent, addressing issues including peace and security, counter-terrorism, conflict resolution, and the economic impacts of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, as well as climate change and food security. This includes support for Agenda 2063, the African Union’s development plan. The LPRDA-NFAA MOU focuses on several key areas. These include improving governance in the aquaculture sector, combating illegal fishing practices, fostering aquaculture development, sharing expertise, strengthening scientific research, and promoting trade between Egypt and Liberia. Hussein Farahat, executive director of the LPRDA, welcomed the agreement. He highlighted the importance of the fisheries sector to Egypt’s food security and sustainable development goals, noting Egypt’s experience in lake and fisheries management. He expressed gratitude for the Liberian delegation’s visit and affirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting African cooperation in the fisheries sector through initiatives promoting sustainable development. He stressed Egypt’s capabilities in fishing and aquaculture given its location on the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Farhat added that Egypt is committed to providing technical and logistical support to African nations in fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing through training and consultations on sustainable resource management. Emma Catherine Metieh, director general of the NFAA, expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, noting its alignment with Liberia’s “ARREST” development agenda, which prioritizes agriculture, including aquaculture. She conveyed thanks from the Liberian president to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian people. Metieh also emphasised Liberia’s commitment to attracting investment in aquaculture by creating a favourable environment and providing incentives to investors. The signing ceremony was attended by several Egyptian officials, including Osama Mohammed Eissa from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, along with several LPRDA officials. The Liberian delegation included Zizi A.S.Kpadeh from the NFAA and Amal Amin Atiya from the Liberian Embassy. The LPRDA stated that this cooperation demonstrates Egypt’s dedication to strengthening African collaboration and sustainable development, contributing to economic integration and improved living standards for African citizens. The authority emphasised its belief in the importance of international cooperation to address shared challenges in the aquaculture sector.

Rs 25/Dividend, Last Date - November 29; Not Vedanta Or TCS, But This Penny Stock Has Highest Dividend YieldThe City of Boston, Boston Public Schools, and the owners of the NWSL expansion team BOS Nation FC have executed a lease agreement that will allow the team to utilize White Stadium as its home venue since its inaugural season in 2026, the three entities announced on Monday. The announcement, made by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP) and Boston Public Schools (BPS), will allow the team to play 20 games per year until 2036 at the venue, which will undergo 'the largest investment into BPS Athletics and White Stadium since it opened in 1949." The agreement also includes upgrades to the surrounding 530-acre Franklin Park area, while also expanding public access. Under the terms of the lease, NWSL games cannot take place more than two weekends in a four-week period, and no more than four weekend games per season can start before 5 p.m. The City of Boston and Boston Public Schools will retain ownership of the stadium and will have priority in stadium scheduling. Construction, more than half of which is being funded by BUPS, is expected to begin in January. There remains some opposition to the project, with local residents filing a lawsuit claiming that the project was rushed without adequate community input and violates the state constitution by transferring public land for a private use. "We are more confident than ever that Franklin Park will be protected from their scheme to turn this historic parkland into a colossal sports and entertainment complex." Renee Stacy Welsh, a member of the Franklin Park Defenders, which opposes the project, told the Associated Press. According to the Boston Globe, the City's portion of the renovation amounts to $91 million, pushing the overall cost to around $200m. "White Stadium is a generational opportunity to anchor citywide youth sports, revitalize community programming, and bolster our beloved, historic Franklin Park-all while creating a home for the City of Champions' newest professional team," Mayor Wu said. "I'm so grateful for all the community members, coaches, students, and park lovers who helped shape this project to reflect the community's dreams for the next generation." The lease is for 10 years, with BUPS paying $200,000 in annualized rent during the first season, prorated for the number of months the field will be operational. The second year will see BUPS pay $400,000 annualized rent, in monthly payments, and escalating by 3% each year afterwards. The City and BPS will share in some of the revenues generated by the stadium, including 10% of in-stadium advertising revenues (except field naming rights revenue), 10% of field naming rights revenue, 3% of concessions revenue. "This is an exciting moment for BPS and our student athletes who are so deserving of a world class facility to call home," superintendent of Boston Public Schools Mary Skipper said. "This major investment by the City and Boston Unity Soccer Partners will have direct and lasting benefits for BPS students who will have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can study, train and compete." BUPS will also direct money towards various community funds, including $500,000 in the first year towards the Annual Community Fund, with 3% increases in subsequent years. "We are incredibly proud that our team's home will be in the heart of the city through this generational public-private-community partnership to revitalize White Stadium," controlling owner of Boston Unity Soccer Partners Jennifer Epstein said. "This transformative milestone enables our club to deliver a lasting, year-round impact for Boston Public School student-athletes while uplifting the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses and providing a world-class facility for our home games. "A renewed White Stadium will honor its historic roots while providing an extraordinary fan experience and we are excited to take the pitch at this iconic venue for our inaugural season in 2026." BUSP will fund the construction of the West Grandstand, public restrooms, NWSL team spaces, scoreboard, stadium lighting, technology system, and the Grove area. The City will carry out construction of the East Grandstand, BPS student athletics spaces, the grass field, and the track. Boston Unity Soccer Partners will be responsible for ongoing operations and maintenance for the team's spaces and all the shared areas of the facility, including the field and track. Prior to demolition of White Stadium, BUSP will fund a $25 million Construction Escrow Account that is restricted exclusively to fund direct construction costs on the site and requires City approval of expenditures. The escrow account cannot be reduced below $10m until total project financing is secured.Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 Burt, the huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in the movie “Crocodile Dundee” and continued to impress visitors with his fiery temper and commanding presence, has died. Nick Perry, The Associated Press Dec 23, 2024 2:00 PM Dec 23, 2024 2:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - Actor Paul Hogan stands on the set of "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" on the Gold Coast, Australia Tuesday Aug. 29, 2000. (AP Photo/Steve Holland, File) Burt, the huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in the movie “Crocodile Dundee” and continued to impress visitors with his fiery temper and commanding presence, has died. Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia , said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor — an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years,” the aquarium wrote. A saltwater crocodile , Burt was estimated to be more than 5 meters (16 feet) long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 movie stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the movie goofed by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a “Cage of Death” which it says is the nation's only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honor Burt's legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park.” Nick Perry, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Scheifele notches hat trick as Jets top Maple Leafs 5-2 ahead of NHL's holiday break Dec 23, 2024 1:58 PM Harris Dickinson toys with ambiguity in ‘Babygirl,’ and keeps a secret from Nicole Kidman Dec 23, 2024 1:49 PM Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 Dec 23, 2024 1:30 PM Featured Flyer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is keeping elite company. The Japanese superstar caps 2024 by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, tying him with basketball great Michael Jordan. He trails only four-time winners Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and LeBron James. “I’m very honored,” Ohtani said through translator Matt Hidaka in an exclusive interview with the AP. ”Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again.” In balloting by 74 sports journalists from the AP and its members, Ohtani received 48 votes. He previously won the award in 2023 and 2021 , when he was with the Angels. “Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods,” he said. “I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States.” The AP honor has been given out since 1931. Golfer Babe Didrikson won six times, the most by a man or woman. Swimmer Léon Marchand of France, who won four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, was second with 10 votes in balloting announced Monday. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose victories this year included the Masters and an Olympic gold medal, was third with nine. The AP Female Athlete of the Year will be announced Tuesday. Moving from the beleaguered Los Angeles Angels to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League, led his new team to its eighth World Series championship and created Major League Baseball’s 50/50 club by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. Ohtani signed a then-record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Already a two-way superstar, he embellished his reputation even further despite not pitching all season while he rehabilitated from a second major right elbow surgery he had in September 2023. Ohtani went wild on offense, making every at-bat a must-see moment. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter batted a career-high .310 while easily surpassing his previous career highs in home runs and stolen bases. In September, he reached the previously unheard of 50/50 mark in a performance for the ages . Against the Miami Marlins in Florida, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with three homers, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases and 17 total bases. "It wouldn’t shock me if he went 60/60 and 20 wins a year from now,” Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019 during Ohtani’s second season in Anaheim, said recently. “This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball and there’s not a close second.” Ohtani said he knew the Dodgers' franchise record for most homers in a season was 49. His previous best was 46, set in 2021. "I kind of wanted to get over that bar,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised I was able to pass that record.” Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively during the regular season, and he stayed healthy until Game 2 of the World Series. He injured his left shoulder trying to steal second base against the New York Yankees and finished the Series playing hurt. He underwent surgery a few days after the Dodgers celebrated their championship in early November. "I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better,” he told the AP. “There’s no pain. There’s obviously still a little bit of tightness, but slowly but surely it’s getting better.” Ohtani recently received an updated rehab schedule, and he’s focused on the near-term. “It’s the small steps that I think are very important to get me to the ultimate goal, which is to just get back healthy,” he said. Ohtani is also throwing in the 70 mph range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. "I’m going to continue to ramp up slowly,” he said. The Dodgers’ rotation for next season is in flux, and Ohtani is waiting to see how it shakes out. Story continues below video "We may go with a five-man rotation with a bullpen (game), which is what we did a lot during this season or we may have a six-man rotation,” he said. “But it’s all about balancing out when we can get rest and recuperate. We’ll see where that takes us along the playoff chase. I’ve got to obviously pace myself, but again that situation will guide us to how we get there.” The Dodgers open the 2025 season in Japan, where Ohtani is even more closely watched . "My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start,” he said. “To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself.” Each time Ohtani comes to the plate or steps on the mound, there’s great pressure and expectation for him to perform spectacular feats. "I just go out there and try to stay within myself,” he said. “I can only control what I can control and that’s where you trust your teammates. The guys behind me, you trust they’re going to make the plays for you. I don’t really try to overthink it.” Ohtani generated big bucks for the Dodgers off the field, too. Fans traveled from Japan in droves to see him play around the U.S. At Dodger Stadium, they paid extra for tours of baseball’s third-oldest venue narrated by Japanese-speaking guides and to be on the field during pre-game batting practice. A majority of the fans bought Ohtani-branded merchandise, especially his No. 17 jersey. Ohtani’s presence also helped the Dodgers land a bevy of new Japanese sponsors. Because Ohtani prefers to speak Japanese and use an interpreter with the media, he is shrouded in a bit of mystique. Asked before his first postgame series if he was nervous, he dropped a one-word answer in English: “Nope,” which drew laughter. Japanese-born Dodgers manager Dave Roberts observed Ohtani’s behind-the-scenes interactions with his teammates, coaches and staff, and came away impressed. "I really do believe that as good of a ballplayer as he is, he’s a much better person. He’s very kind, considerate, he cares,” Roberts told the AP. “I’m just proud of any fame or glory or award that he receives because he just does it in such a respectful and humble way.” Ohtani relishes his privacy and rarely shares details about himself off the field. That’s why his February announcement via Instagram that he had wed Mamiko Tanaka , a former basketball player, stunned his new teammates and the rest of the world. The following month, after the Dodgers arrived in South Korea to open the season, he was enveloped in scandal when his longtime interpreter and friend , Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of using millions of dollars of Ohtani’s money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker. His new teammates rallied around Ohtani, who was found to have no part in the wrongdoing, and publicly it didn’t seem to affect him even if he was privately distressed by it. By June, the uproar had subsided. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to federal bank and tax fraud charges and admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The public got a glimpse of Ohtani’s softer side in August, when his dog Decoy delivered a first pitch to his owner on their shared bobblehead night. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje exchanged an endearing high-five with Ohtani at the plate. As a result, Decoy became a celebrity in his own right, with his breed (pronounced COY-ker-HUND-che) making the list of the most mispronounced words of 2024. He and Ohtani were mentioned during the telecast of last month’s National Dog Show, where the small Spaniel-type breed was among the competitors. "The number of the breed has kind of dwindled, so by him gaining a little bit of popularity hopefully that brings up the number of his breed,” Ohtani said. “I do feel like we were able to, in a small way, contribute to the popularity of the dog and I’m sure Decoy himself would be happy about that.” Ohtani will be looking to top himself next year while eyeing a repeat World Series title. "It’s almost like right now you can lock in the Most Valuable Player in the National League award because no one has that ability or talent,” Roberts said. "I’m just excited to see what ’25 has for Shohei Ohtani.” AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlbRodgers says he's undecided about playing next season, but Jets are his 'first option' if he returns Aaron Rodgers is still contemplating whether he wants to play football next season. And if he does return, he said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday that he prefers it to be with the New York Jets. The star quarterback, who turns 41 next Monday, denied a recent report that he wants to keep playing next year but not with the Jets. He said he needs to see how he feels physically and where the Jets stand with a new general manager and coach. He added that the Jets will also have to want him playing for them. That will all factor into his decision. Court rejects request to sideline San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that allows a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member to play in the Mountain West Conference tournament after complaints said she should be ineligible on grounds that she’s transgender. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that a U.S. Magistrate in Denver was correct in allowing her to play. The magistrate and the appeals court said the players and others who sued should have filed their complaint earlier, rather than waiting until less than two weeks before the tournament was to begin to seek an emergency injunction. Lewandowski joins Ronaldo and Messi in Champions League 100-goal club. Haaland nets 2 but City draws ROME (AP) — Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players in Champions League history with 100 or more goals. But Erling Haaland is on a faster pace than anyone after boosting his total to 46 goals at age 24. Lewandowski’s early penalty kick started Barcelona off to a 3-0 win over previously unbeaten Brest to move into second place in the new single-league format. Ronaldo leads the all-time scoring list with 140 goals and Messi is next with 129. Haaland scored a brace as City was held 3-3 by Feyenoord. Inter Milan beat Leipzig 1-0 to move atop the standings. Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0. Atalanta, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen also won. Traffic citations against Dolphins' Tyreek Hill dismissed after officers no-show at hearing MIAMI (AP) — Traffic citations issued to Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill after a September altercation with police have been dismissed after the charging officers didn’t attend a court hearing. Hill’s tickets for careless driving and failing to wear a seat belt were dismissed after the Miami-Dade Police officers failed to show up for a Monday hearing. The tickets were issued after Hill was stopped outside Hard Rock Stadium for allegedly speeding before the Dolphins' season opener on Sept. 8. The stop escalated and an officer pulled Hill from the car, forced him to the ground and handcuffed him. North Carolina football coach Mack Brown won't return for 2025 season North Carolina coach Mack Brown won’t return for the 2025 season. The school announced the move Tuesday with a statement from athletic director Bubba Cunningham. The school said Cunningham informed the 73-year-old College Football Hall of Fame member that there would be a coaching change. Brown is set to coach the regular-season finale on Saturday against rival N.C. State, though a decision hasn’t been made about whether Brown will coach a bowl game. Brown is in his second stint with the program and won a national championship at Texas. Lionel Messi has his new coach: Javier Mascherano's hiring by Inter Miami is now complete FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are together again, this time with Inter Miami. The former Barcelona and Argentina teammates have reunited, with Inter Miami announcing Tuesday that Mascherano’s hiring as the club’s new coach is complete. The sides struck a deal late last week for Mascherano to replace Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who stepped aside for personal reasons. Mascherano most recently was Argentina’s under-20 team coach. Mascherano says he was “drawn to the organization’s undeniable ambition." Will Utah State or Boise State forfeit vs. San Jose State in the Mountain West semifinals? LAS VEGAS (AP) — A team that previously boycotted at least one match against the San Jose State women’s volleyball team will be faced with another decision whether to play the school, this time in the Mountain West Conference semifinals with a shot at the NCAA Tournament on the line. Five schools forfeited matches in the regular season against San Jose State, which carried a No. 2 seed into the conference tournament in Las Vegas. Among those schools: No. 3 Utah State and No. 6 Boise State, who will face off Wednesday with the winner scheduled to play the Spartans in the semifinals on Friday. Saquon Barkley is the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: Analysis Saquon Barkley has become the Shohei Ohtani of the NFL. There’s no better home run hitter playing football right now. Barkley had touchdown runs of 72 and 70 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles in a 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. He now has five runs of 50-plus yards this season and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Barkley’s historic performance against the Rams — his 255 yards set a team record — captivated a national audience and turned him into a fan favorite for the AP NFL MVP award. NBA says Hawks violated player participation policy by sitting Trae Young for Cup game The NBA fined the Atlanta Hawks $100,000 after an investigation determined that guard Trae Young could have played in an NBA Cup game against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 12. The Hawks listed Young on their injury report that night as out because of tendinitis in his right Achilles. Atlanta wound up winning the game anyway, 117-116. The issue, the NBA said, was that the Hawks were in violation of the league’s player participation policy — which focuses primarily on what the league defines as star players, a group that Young would qualify for since he was an All-Star selection last season. Texas and Texas A&M reunite Saturday in SEC after bitter breakup tore apart a football tradition COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Texas and Texas A&M first met Texas on the football field in 1894 in a rivalry that would cut across the state and through families for generations. It would not last. In 2011, Texas A&M announced it was leaving Texas and the Big 12 behind to join the Southeastern Conference, determined to focus only on a bright future, not dwell on a sentimental past. Bitter finger pointing and hard feelings eventually gave way to shrugs of indifference and mutters of “good riddance." Then Texas joined the SEC this season. The No. 3 Longhorns and No. 20 Aggies finally meet again Saturday night in College Station with a berth in the SEC championship game on the line.City of Hamilton wins encampment court case as judge rules it's allowed to enforce tent ban in parks

Former Bulldog defensive coordinator Nick Toth isn’t returning to Fresno State and will remain at Air Force, where he oversees the defense. Toth wrote on : “Despite what is circulating on social media. I am fired up to be coaching at the United States Air Force Academy and have not taken another coaching job. Go Falcons!” Reports circulated Wednesday night that Toth would replace Fresno State defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. According to The Barkboard, new head coach Matt Entz is interviewing candidates for his staff, but nobody has been hired. Toth spent five seasons at Fresno State (2012-2016) under Tim DeRuyter, four of which were as defensive coordinator. Related Story: Josiah Freeman Enters Transfer Portal Fresno State junior wide receiver Josiah Freeman entered the transfer portal on Wednesday, making him the 16th Bulldog to signal their intentions to exit the program. Freeman wrote on : “Thank you, Red Wave, for an incredible journey. I’m grateful to the coaching staff for believing in me and giving a small-town kid a chance to chase his dreams.” Freeman spent three seasons at Fresno State (2022-2024) and was predicted to be a playmaker but was plagued with injuries. He only played four games in 2024, making eight catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Related Story: Phoenix Jackson Commits to Auburn Linebacker Phoenix Jackson said on Wednesday that he has left Fresno to join Auburn. He played four seasons at Fresno State, (2021-2024) recording 101 total tackles, five sacks, and three interceptions. Related Story: Cam Lockridge Declares for NFL Draft Senior cornerback Cam Lockridge declared to enter the 2025 NFL Draft on Tuesday. He has no remaining eligibility. He announced via : “First off, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play the sport I love. I want to thank my family for the support they provided throughout this journey. I’d like to thank Reedley College, the University of Hawai’i, and Fresno State for the opportunity to earn my degree as well display my talent on the field.” Lockridge concluded, “Finally, I’d like to thank my mother for giving me life. Without her, none of this would be possible. Even though God called her name, and she is no longer with us on earth, her presence is felt by many. She is my reason why I haven’t given up on my dream to play in the NFL.” This comes after he missed the last three regular season games after a series of disgruntled social media posts that the coaches called “personal stuff.” Lockridge was named to the All-Mountain West conference first team. He’s ranked No. 1 (MW) & No. 6 in the FBS in passes defended (7 passes broken up); No. 1 (MW) & No. 2 (FBS) in interceptions (5); and No. 7 (MW) in fumbles recovered.

Casey concedes U.S. Senate race in PennsylvaniaPrem ref makes UEFA, FIFA lists after 26 gamesThis month marks the twentieth anniversary of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution. When protests over a rigged presidential election first erupted in downtown Kyiv on November 22, 2004, few observers could have imagined that they were witnessing the opening act in a geopolitical drama that would eventually lead to the largest European conflict since World War II. And yet there can be little doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s desire to crush Ukraine first began to take shape two decades ago as he watched the Ukrainian people defy their own authoritarian rulers and demand a democratic future. For the past twenty years, there has been a tendency to view the Orange Revolution primarily as a political failure. This assessment is easy enough to understand. After all, while the revolution overturned a fraudulent presidential vote and brought reformist candidate Viktor Yushchenko to power, it did not lead to the kind of political transformation that the millions of Ukrainians who participated in the protest movement hoped for. Instead, Yushchenko spent much of his presidency squabbling with colleagues and compromising with opponents, before eventually losing the 2010 election to Orange Revolution villain Viktor Yanukovych. While the revolution clearly fell short of its lofty political goals, focusing exclusively on domestic Ukrainian politics is short-sighted. In order to appreciate the true historic significance of the Orange Revolution, it must viewed in a far broader context. Prior to the revolution, post-Soviet Russia had substantial influence in Ukraine, with Vladimir Putin topping polls as the most popular politician among Ukrainians. At the same time, the two countries were already quite distinct. The centralized power vertical in Russia created the conditions for hard authoritarianism. In contrast, the need to balance competing centers of influence and power in Ukraine gave rise to a softer authoritarianism. Putin’s heavy-handed promotion of Viktor Yanukovych ahead of the 2004 presidential election, and his subsequent push for a crackdown on protesters during the Orange Revolution, highlighted the growing differences between the two nations. This hastened Ukraine’s trajectory away from Russia, a pattern that continues to this day. As the world watches the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold, UkraineAlert delivers the best Atlantic Council expert insight and analysis on Ukraine twice a week directly to your inbox. Putin played a very prominent personal role in the Orange Revolution. Russian television, which was at the time widely watched in Ukraine, relentlessly pushed the candidacy of Viktor Yanukovych during the buildup to Ukraine’s presidential election. On the eve of the vote, Putin made the fateful decision to intervene directly. He traveled to Kyiv in late October 2004, where he was greeted with an impromptu military parade before appearing on national TV to lecture the Ukrainian public at length on the importance of backing his preferred presidential pick. It soon became clear that Putin had miscalculated disastrously. His open and unapologetic attempt to interfere in Ukraine’s internal affairs was widely interpreted as a grave insult and an indication of his contempt for Ukrainian statehood. This electrified public opinion and helped mobilize millions of previously apolitical Ukrainians. Weeks later, after a deeply flawed second round of voting, Ukrainians would respond to the attempted theft of their election by flooding into central Kyiv in huge numbers. It is no exaggeration to say that Putin’s act of supreme imperial hubris was one of the key causes of the Orange Revolution. This pattern has repeated itself throughout the past twenty years, with Putin’s efforts to impose his will on Ukraine consistently backfiring and pushing the two countries further apart. In 2013, he pressured his Ukrainian ally Yanukovych to abandon European integration and return the country to the Kremlin orbit, only for this to provoke a second revolution and the fall of the Yanukoych regime. Putin then opted for a military solution. He began the invasion of Ukraine in February 2014 with the seizure of Crimea, before sending forces into eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region weeks later. When it became obvious that this limited military intervention had merely succeeded in strengthening Ukraine’s resolve to exit the Russian sphere of influence entirely, Putin began plotting what would become the full-scale invasion of February 2022. Since the Orange Revolution, Putin’s quest to reconquer Ukraine has come to define his entire reign. In his single-minded pursuit of this goal, he has demonstrated a willingness to incur huge costs. In addition to the lives of the countless Russian soldiers killed or maimed while fighting in Ukraine, Putin has also sacrificed Russia’s economic prosperity, the country’s international standing, and its ties to the developed world. The historic shift in Putin’s worldview was already evident soon after the Orange Revolution. Within a few months of Ukraine’s people power uprising, he ordered work to begin on the development of what would become the Kremlin’s flagship RT English-language media platform. This was the first step in a process that has established the Putin regime as the undisputed global leader in the dissemination of anti-Western disinformation. In spring 2005, the Kremlin also backed a nationwide campaign encouraging Russians to display orange-and-black St. George’s ribbons in honor of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. With images of rebellious Ukrainians sporting orange ribbons still fresh in everyone’s minds, the loyalist symbolism of this counter-gesture was hard to miss. St. George’s ribbons have gone on to establish themselves at the heart of a fanatical victory cult as the Putin regime has sought to justify its own authoritarianism via ever more extravagant forms of WWII reverence. What began life as a reaction to the orange ribbons of Ukraine’s revolution has become the ultimate symbol of the entire Putin era. Why is Putin so obsessed with Ukraine, and what was it about the country’s Orange Revolution that triggered him so irreversibly? The answers to these questions lie in Putin’s imperialistic understanding of Russian identity and his formative political experiences as a KGB officer in Eastern Europe during the collapse of the Soviet Empire. Putin was in East Germany in 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell. He watched helplessly as the entire Soviet presence throughout the region crumbled amid a surge in pro-democracy protests. In his own account of this traumatic time, Putin claims that his stunned superiors informed him, “Moscow is silent.” This experience has haunted Putin and left him convinced that Moscow must never be “silent” again, especially when confronted by mass protest movements or attempts to shake off Kremlin control. Putin is particularly sensitive to modern Ukraine’s national awakening and its embrace of European democracy because he views the country as part of Russia’s imperial heartlands. If a democratic political culture can take root in a place as central to Russia’s national identity as Ukraine, this could prove contagious and serve as a catalyst for similar demands within Russia itself. Tellingly, Putin first began to indicate his opposition to Ukrainian independence soon after the Orange Revolution. In April 2005, he had recent events in Ukraine very much in mind when he branded the fall of the USSR “the greatest political catastrophe of the twentieth century.” This is apparent from some of the lesser quoted segments of his speech, which also referenced an “epidemic of disintegration” and bemoaned the fate of the “tens of millions of countrymen” who found themselves beyond the borders of Russia in 1991. At the time, Ukraine was home to by far the largest population of ethnic Russians in the former Soviet Union. Little has changed during the intervening twenty years. Today’s ongoing Russian invasion is a direct result of Putin’s firm conviction that the loss of Ukraine would pose an existential threat to Russia itself. It is therefore delusional to suggest that some kind of limited territorial settlement could end the current war and lead to a sustainable peace. Instead, any attempt to offer concessions will only result in a temporary pause in hostilities before Putin resumes his campaign to extinguish Ukrainian statehood. Vladimir Putin’s efforts to reassert Russian control over Ukraine date back to the 2004 Orange Revolution and have now escalated from political interference to the bloodiest European war for generations. He sees the destruction of the Ukrainian state as his historic mission and believes the fate of Russia hinges on his success. In such circumstances, talk of compromising with the Kremlin is futile. Instead, Peace will only be possible if Putin can be convinced that Ukrainian independence is irreversible. Peter Dickinson is editor of the Atlantic Council’s UkraineAlert service. Further reading The views expressed in UkraineAlert are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Atlantic Council, its staff, or its supporters.