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jolibet apk Photo: Pixabay More funding is needed to assist those dealing with mental health issues, including in the North Okanagan. Through a first-of-its-kind report, the Canadian Mental Health Association provided an in-depth look at the mental health system in Canada and how people are faring in every province and territory. Among the findings of The State of Mental Health in Canada 2024 report is no jurisdiction is spending enough on mental health, in part because they’re not obliged to. “The report highlights that there needs to be significant investment in mental health services and strategies, particularly at a time when we know that a growing number of Canadians, including in the North Okanagan, are being impacted by mental health,” said Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon & District. “Here in the North Okanagan, we have made positive strides towards mental health for all. These actions have included preserving and improving critical affordable housing stock, providing employment services to people in recovery, and providing rights-based advice for those experiencing involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act. In the past year, we have also launched new peer support and counselling to young people in the community. “Our branch will continue to pivot and innovate to ensure that our programs are meeting North Okanagan residents where they are at on their mental-health journey. We will also continue to urge all levels of government to join us in ensuring access to mental health care.” CMHA is calling on the federal government to write mental health care into federal law. The federal government must also prioritize the mental health and well-being of Canadians by investing 12 per cent of health care spending in mental health, addictions, and substance use services. The report states provinces and territories are only spending an average of 6.3 per cent of their overall health budgets on mental health, which leaves Canada lagging behind many peer countries - 15 per cent in France, 11 per cent in Germany, nine per cent in the UK and Sweden. The report said the funding doesn’t even meet the level of spending called for in Canada’s own, stale-dated mental health strategy. The deep-dive report showcases 24 indicators of the state of mental health in Canada, from how much is being spent on care, to rates of suicide and levels of discrimination against people with mental health concerns — all broken down province and territory. The most recent statistics from the report show the mental health of Canadians is three times worse than before COVID-19 and millions of people can’t get the care they need. “The report tells us that people receive drastically different care depending on their home province or territory, and that people across Canada are doing worse in some places, particularly in the north and in rural parts of Canada, and distress is higher among Indigenous and racialized populations,” said Dr. Leyna Lowe, national senior research and policy analyst with CMHA National and the lead author of the report. However, the report also highlights promising innovations, like universal mental health care in Nova Scotia, significant investments in mental health promotion in B.C. and addictions treatment in Alberta. And through a series of actionable recommendations, this report gives decision makers a roadmap to better mental health care. For more information about the report, click here . To learn more about CMHA Vernon & District, visit their website .UCF, LSU face off with improved focus in mindDAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Nate Santos had 24 points in Dayton's 86-62 victory against Lehigh on Saturday. Santos shot 8 for 11 (6 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Flyers (8-2). Malachi Smith added 17 points while shooting 5 for 8 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line while they also had nine assists. Enoch Cheeks shot 5 for 7, including 4 for 6 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points. Keith Higgins Jr. led the Mountain Hawks (3-6) in scoring, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds. Joshua Ingram added nine points for Lehigh. Nasir Whitlock finished with nine points. Dayton took the lead with 18:32 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 41-25 at halftime, with Smith racking up 10 points. Santos scored 15 points in the second half to help lead the way as Dayton went on to secure a victory, outscoring Lehigh by eight points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

The future of unmanned air systems (i.e. drones ) is racing forward on all fronts. Emerging technology from near-peer adversaries and 5th-generation aircraft cost concerns have driven the US Air Force to push for new and better-unmanned platforms. The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper has been serving the US armed forces well and faithfully since its introduction in 2007. However, its age is beginning to show, and it is now in pursuit of a successor via the “MQ-Next” initiative. Some of the features being pursued include stealth qualities, modularity in payload types and autonomous operational capabilities. In a recent report by SlashGear , it was noted that should the designs currently in development pass muster, the new platform will offer capabilities that surpass the MQ-9 in both survivability and mission scope. While the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) abilities of the MQ-9 are still highly relevant and mission capable, rapidly growing threats from near-peers like the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) The MQ-9 manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) , is focused on meeting the Air Force’s needs for flexible architecture and scalable technologies. Observers from Air & Space Forces , note that the approach in development supports a future in which unmanned aircraft will operate more independently and increase combat effectiveness against sophisticated threats as well as survivability in the 5th-Gen battlespace. 1 Stealth design Low observability and minimal footprint The MQ-Next proposal address the ever-shifting landscape of the global defense realm. As all conventional military forces have made improvements to detection, targeting and air-defense technology over the past decade, the air that the MQ-9 flies in has changed dramatically. A key design feature will be low-observability, not only from radar detection systems but also thermal and acoustic signatures need to be mitigated to the greatest extent possible on the battlefield of 2024. A report by Breaking Defense notes that General Atomics is developing a hybrid-electric engine to support a stealthier MQ-Next drone design with reduced vulnerability to detection. One of the many innovative new concepts that will be present in the final iteration of the MQ-Next research and development program. Design features like tailored exhaust configurations that minimize thermal output, radar absorbent materials and aerodynamics that reduce the radar cross section (RCS) will be used as well, of course. Refinements to existing tech and the introduction of new ideas are the path to improving survivability and effectiveness. It will take a great deal of forward-thinking and careful engineering to craft the right MQ-Next that will fulfill missions in areas previously unimaginable for unmanned systems. 2 Modular payload Integration for expanded missions One of the core concepts behind the MQ-Next program’s goals is maximal mission versatility. The USAF is encouraging platforms that are capable of rapid reconfiguration between mission-set load-outs. Whether that be ISR, electronic warfare (EW) or precision-strike - the next generation of UAVs has to be able to do them all, and do them fast. Meta Defense remarked that emerging concepts suggest the platform will be able rapidly change roles by exchanging modular sensors and weapons systems. This requirement is informed by experience gained from years of MQ-9 deployments, where the needs on missions often changed, unpredictably. MQ-Next will feature uniform interfaces, enabling ground teams to interchange payload elements without many modifications. This will allow one airframe to serve many roles instead of depending on different variants. MQ-Next is expected to be a cost-efficient solution that will simplify logistics and enhance surveillance and targeting capabilities. 3 Autonomy Artificial intelligence integration MQ-Next imagines a future in which unmanned systems depend less on constant remote control and more on integrated intelligence. These autonomous abilities might include algorithms for sensor fusion, machine learning models for target classification, and functions for route optimization that facilitate independent decision-making. According to The National Interest , the Air Force is exploring multiple concepts that could yield a new platform to replace the MQ-9 by the end of the decade. Autonomous capabilities enable the aircraft to traverse contested airspace with restricted communications while ensuring situational awareness and reacting to new threats. These developments create opportunities for mission tasks that include cooperative swarms of unmanned vehicles coordinating their actions without overwhelming human operators. The outcome might be an aerial fleet functioning at speeds and accuracy levels previously deemed impossible, guaranteeing data continuity and mission achievement even if command connections weaken. Perhaps well over a dozen advanced US drones have been shot down or otherwise lost over Yemen, underscoring their vulnerability. 4 Agile development Rapid upgrade cycles A central aspect of MQ-Next planning includes agile procurement strategies and modular building concepts that allow for the rapid integration of new technology. A report from SlashGear observed that modular architectures will facilitate continuous technology refreshes over the lifecycle of the aircraft, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge. Moving away from conventional, protracted procurement methods, the Air Force aims for a platform suitable for continuous enhancements. Hardware and software improvements would be implemented as soon as they are ready, instead of delaying for complete redesigns. This approach boosts long-term value by avoiding obsolescence and facilitating prompt reactions to new threats. Initiatives might include enhanced sensors, advanced propulsion technologies, and aerodynamic adjustments. The MQ-47 is a groundbreaking drone, combining advanced AI, stealth features, and enhanced avionics, posed to transform modern air warfare. 5 Lessons learned MQ-9 Reaper’s legacy According to the fact sheet of the US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper , the MQ-9 can also be disassembled and loaded into a single container for deployment worldwide, illustrating a logistical agility that future platforms must maintain or exceed. MQ-9 Specs: • Wingspan: 66 ft/20 m • Length: 36 ft/11 m • Height: 12.5 ft/3.8 m • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 10,500 lbs/4,762 kg • Payload Capacity: 3,750 lbs/1,701 kg • Endurance: 14 hours fully loaded • Maximum Altitude: 50,000 ft/15,240 m • Speed: 240 KTAS/444 kmh Developers, including those at General Atomics, stand prepared to refine and enhance previously fielded concepts. The Air Force intends to strengthen unmanned capabilities while simplifying maintenance and deployment procedures. MQ-Next represents a comprehensive attempt to improve upon unmanned reconnaissance and strike systems by incorporating stealth, modular payloads, autonomy, and flexible architecture. According to TWZ ’s report on another competing design, Northrop Grumman 's plan to replace the MQ-9 Reaper with stealthy, autonomous drones could usher in a new era of unmanned aerial operations. This era imagines aircraft that can be deployed globally at a moment's notice, change roles freely, and respond to new challenges without significant redesign. While the Air Force hones specifications and assesses prototypes, the MQ-9’s legacy guides choices intended to ensure that MQ-Next surpasses earlier constraints, ultimately offering a solution meant for a complicated and uncertain future.The 68th Convocation ceremony of the Defence Services Academy was held yesterday at the Convocation Hall of the Academy in PyinOoLwin Station. Commandant of the Defence Services Academy Maj-Gen Soe Myat Htut, Rector Brig-Gen Thein Lwin and members of the dean of faculties attended the ceremony. The commandant, rector and members of the dean of faculties first entered the Convocation Hall and took their seats at the designated places while the National Anthem was played and the Convocation ceremony was opened. The rector announced the holding of the convocation and pledged to abide by the code of conduct for graduates. The rector then presented certificates to 308 bachelor’s degrees – 47 graduates in arts, eight graduates of commerce, 15 graduates in economics, 132 science graduates, 54 graduates of computer science and 52 graduates of computer technology, respectively. The rector also allowed the graduates to wear uniforms corresponding to degrees and signed the Convocation Record Book. Afterwards, the rector delivered the convocation speech and concluded the ceremony. DSA has conferred first degrees on 34,303 graduates from the first convocation up to the 68th. — MNA/KZLNewly Obtained Photos Show Joe Biden Introducing Hunter to Xi Jinping

Current State of Affairs I doubt anyone with a basic understanding of economics would dispute negative economic growth for this calendar year. We cannot simply take the official accounts and take the balance of trade surplus as an accurate indicator of the economy. With severe restrictions on imports, this current account is always likely to be in surplus. Yet imports continued to flow in like a tidal wave across a large number of porous borders. Without considering these unofficial statistics, we will not be able to judge the economy correctly and we would be misinterpreting the economic signals on most fronts. With the dearth of credible economic statistics being publicize, it does not help but accentuate the bombardment of negative news coming out via fake news circles encamped within the perimeters of Chiang Mai, Thailand. How would we be able to take the correct remedy, if we do not know of genuine facts and figures? Yet, we are still dragging each other down, oblivious to the fact that other countries, especially those neighbouring us, are treating us like dirt. We cursed and swore at our leaders online, attacked Myanmar’s own brands, businesses and companies if there was the slightest hint of them supporting our own government and Tamadaw and shoved our competitors into the trench vengefully for even the slightest of mistakes. Myopic, as blind as a bat, tunnel vision would come to our minds. Do they not know that our destiny is all tied by the same red passport that we have to hold when we get out of this land? Nonetheless, the majority seem to have fallen into the trap of those instigators who want the country to fail and the economy wrecked because these campaigners no longer share our destiny. Holding passports of the Western countries (US, UK, Australia, etc.) they called for upheaval and continuing revolution, bestowing distrust among our nationals and promoting the mass murders of one another. Without unity on the inside, we will always be the lowest of the rock-bottom class people in view of other countries. I do not want to dwell much on the Tatmadaw fronts. Reading the ‘Lashio Incident’ would probably help you better understand the circumstances. Murphy’s Law Worst things always happen at the worst possible times! That’s what the Murphy’s Law said. Even you can convince yourself easily; on the day you have left the umbrella at home, there will be a downpour. When you are eating KFC with your fingers, there will be an itch on your body that you cannot possibly reach or scratch. Sounded familiar? When the country is feeling despondent on the economic, security and military fronts, suddenly, once in a century flood will extensively inundate our farmlands and homes. The impact is going to last beyond this year. The standard of living has already gone down due to kyat depreciation and excessive inflation. What more could we possibly suffer? Notwithstanding, the recovery efforts are going to be long and arduous. Families are already in desperate need of help. NNCP terrorist groups claimed they were all for the people, and then they all vanished from sight once the floods came in. Donations they collected are all for themselves only. There is even a news report of them shooting at Tatmadaw soldiers on the flood rescue missions. I don’t know if Kipling would be able to say the same phrase now, if he were alive: “I love the Burman with the blind favouritism born of first impression. When I die, I will be a Burman”. What an irony, considering how things are now. Getting the Inflation Wrong CBM and MOF stated the last FY inflation officially at 27 per cent. When the price of the eggs, e.g., has gone up from around K100 the year before to nearly K500 now, you know the figure is a hogwash. With the US dollar rates going up nearly 300 per cent within the last three years, you know for sure, that the imported inflation is somewhere around that figure. (Fret not, inflation in the UK, from 2019 to 2022 was six times the average figure of the previous ten years) Electricity bills are going up from September 2024 onwards. The diesel and petrol are heading north all the time. These two costs would be passed on to the prices of locally produced goods and services. The danger here is that inflation is becoming unanchored; with no third party or credible confirmation on inflation figures, the headline figure becomes flexible without any targeted number by CBM or the MOF. This long period of inflation would lead to both individuals and companies, expecting more price rises in the future. Researchers from the Western world have proven that an unexpected 1 per cent increase in CPI or RPI (Consumer/Retail Price Index) produces a 0.7 per cent rise in inflationary expectations for the future and the fact that the unexpected increase continued to exert influence over future pricing decisions. Once this expectation has set in, it would become even more difficult to control inflation. A dire warning for the CBM/MOF perhaps, but getting the truth out, setting the targets and garnering support, especially from the business community would be an excellent start. Else, the future looks grim. Pulse of the Foreign Believers One Singapore businessman who has been operating in Myanmar for the past thirty years complained of having to fund the operations out of his savings and having no new products to sell to customers because of the ban on imports. One Indian businessman who is a major exporter of beans and pulses as well as the owner of several restaurants, whines of the same issue. He has made Myanmar his home since his father’s time. Now, his moans have become meows and he decided to spend more of this time back in India and elsewhere. One Frenchman, who is a permanent resident of Myanmar, has deserted Myanmar after his 20-year-old travel and tour businesses had to remain shut, due to the absence of any inbound European tourists into Myanmar. To rub salt into his wounds, his boutique hotel in Inlay which he wanted to put up for sale, was devastated so much by recent floods that he is back in Myanmar to clean up and repair the damages. An irony perhaps, for someone who loves Myanmar much. The ‘last to arrive and the first to leave’ Japanese are still trying to find buyers for their factories in Thilawa and around Yangon, to abandon Myanmar. Koreans are also moaning in distress, complaining incessantly of incurring losses year after year and difficult economic environment, especially on the import and money transfer fronts. The Chinese want certainty in the political situation and the scarcity of information is making all of them nervous, especially those credible ones by government news agencies. Bringing the Confidence Back A good proportion of investments and consumption in a country depends on the confidence that businesses and people have in that country and its economy. So, what’s the recipe to increase confidence across the board? (1) Communication: We need the top leaders and ministers from the government to talk about the State of the Union at least every month. Many like me believe in the current leaders and trust that they are doing their best for the country. With a little bit of top-down communication, these followers cannot help but feel motivated about the need to move in the same direction as the government and help accomplish its policies. Best of all, they could help persuade others who lean towards the dark side to get themselves back to the mainstream, thereby reducing terrorism and destructive behaviours along the way. (2) Moral leadership: If you look at Facebook and TikTok right now, Myanmar pages are full of impoliteness, impertinence, impudence and insolence, highlighting the lack of moral guidance and leadership from elderly statesmen and alike. Akin to Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong giving moral guidance for the civil service and general population, we also need moral leaders who cared enough about the social apathy and lack of concern about the deterioration of moral values and standards, across the board. We need those who are not chicken out to talk about these degrading moral principles in public and media. (3) We need timelines and specific actions: Instead of using wishy-washy phrases such as the government is doing what is necessary, the ministry is doing the needful, the department is carrying out the essentials, would it not be a change for the better, if timelines and specific actions are included. Instead of just saying we will try to bring peace in Mandalay, e.g., would it not be building more confidence if the public heard that the Mandalay Region would be free of terrorists by the end of the year, by hook or by crook? Or something equivalent perhaps. With such confidence being built up, businessmen or people with savings would no longer be buying gold and USD. Foreign investors would not be thinking of turning their back on Myanmar. The general population would be more supportive of the government’s actions. More people would start re-investing and hiring people. These confidence-building exercises alone would be a much-needed uplift to the economy, without costing anything to the State. When would be the right time for youth? The current Thai Prime Minister is 38. Singapore’s Prime Minister is 48. Last year, when Cambodia’s Ambassador to Myanmar left the country, he was 34. The new Ambassador is 39 years old. I believe you be hard-pressed to find any ambassadors or ministers of Myanmar below the ripe old age of 60. The majority of them have been on this earth for more than six decades. Being older may equate to being wiser with better judgement, but it also means that they would be unwilling to make changes, slow in decision making, ‘cheugy’ in technology and reluctant to upset the status quo. Worst of all, they are likely to be ‘yes’ men and avoid publicity, challenges and controversies. Even in a recent election in a statutory board (council), the people wanting to occupy the top posts are 73 and 71 years old. Both of them are competing with another 50-year-old, whom they deemed to be young to take on the responsibility. Opportunity for youth only exists in books and words in Myanmar perhaps. Would it not be better if the youth were given a chance to face challenges while being guided by the experience? Would it not be preferable for the country to generate youthful and contemporary ideas from the qualified youth (around 50 years old)? Probably I have to repeat the phrase of the day from Trump – Well, we have concepts of a plan (to promote youths)!

Those who know President Javier Milei well say that handing over the more than 129 companies in which their is some form of state involvement to private ownership is a priority. Because of this, the government is working on the documents required to open air cargo company Intercargo to privatization bids. They hope to have them ready before the end of the year, official sources told Herald sister publication Ámbito . Intercargo is the cargo company currently providing ramp-operation services and passenger transportation in 21 major airports in Argentina. It handles aircraft towing, ground signaling before takeoff and landing, moving passengers to and from an aircraft, baggage handling, supplying drinking water and power, as well as bathroom cleaning, among other functions. Authorities are studying what is the best model to transfer this service to private owners. An international tender process is expected, and one of the possibilities is that the entire company will be sold. However, it is more likely that it will be split up, with bids depending on how lucrative each business unit is. Official data from the first semester of 2024 shows that Intercargo had 1,580 employees. According to fact-checking site Chequeado, last year the company had a financial surplus of AR$1,2 billion (approximately US$1,1 million at the MEP rate) and of AR$9,6 billion (US$8,9 million) by the end of June 2024. The case of Aerolíneas Argentinas The flag carrier is one of the most difficult to privatize, according to government officials. Although unions agreed to cut workers’ benefits, critics say that unions merely “managed to make it through the summer” with what they say are “marginal concessions that do not solve the basic problem.” Likewise, unions continue fighting privatization and make a point of showing their struggle to passengers. In the buses that carry them to the aircraft, for instance, there are posters criticizing Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger amid appeals to “national sovereignty by defending Aerolíneas Argentinas.” However, Milei is determined that the airline be privatized. One of the problems is that uncertainty about the future of the company is likely to affect its results. In Uruguay, for example, the sale of Aerolíneas Argentinas tickets “totally collapsed” due to the company conflicts. The Uruguayan Association of Travel Agencies (Audavi, for its Spanish initials) advises its customers not to buy tickets in the midst of the current uncertainty. Utility company AYSA Water provider Argentine Water and Sanitation (AYSA, for its Spanish initials) is another company that the government intends to transfer to private hands in the near future. “There are people interested in taking over the operation,” official sources told Ámbito . They pointed out that the problem is more “political than economic,” given that AYSA provides services in the Buenos Aires suburbs, where Kirchnerism has a strong political presence. In any case, they indicated that President Milei intends to resolve the situation because “it is not fair that all Argentines subsidize consumers in Greater Buenos Aires.”Opinion: From Awe to Oct. 7, a San Diego Digital Artist Explores the Meaning of Israel in Imagery

In the last 10 days, Amir Fattal says he's been glued to the TV at his home in Oakville each night, watching for any updates out of Syria. When news broke that Syrian leader Bashar Assad had fled the country, Fattal said he felt like he was dreaming. "Today I woke up and as a Syrian, I feel like I'm free." Fattal, who came to Canada in 2016 after fleeing his home country four years earlier, is among Syrians across Ontario who are celebrating the end of the Assad family's 50-year iron rule after a rapid offensive by armed factions seized control of the country — a day many say they thought might never come. Amir Fattal came to Canada in 2016 after fleeing Syria four years earlier. Now that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's rule has come to an end, Fattal says he hopes to return to Syria to help with efforts to rebuild the country. (CBC) In Mississauga, a group of people came together overnight Saturday to rejoice. By Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered in the city's Celebration Square to mark the fall of their home country's former president. Among the crowd was Houssam Harwash, who came to Canada from Syria in 2018 after being arrested and thrown in a Syrian jail for 43 days. He said several of his close friends were killed during protests against the Assad regime. "I've been dreaming for this for the last 13, 14 years since the start of the revolution," he said Sunday. After witnessing so much violence, Harwash said he feels hopeful for the future of his country. "Right now, there's a good change and a good opportunity for us and to live free." Houssam Harwash came to Canada from Syria in 2018. He said the end of the Assad regime is a chance for positive change in his home country. (CBC) Marwah Kobieh, executive director of the Syrian Canadian Foundation said many Syrians had lost hope that they would ever see this day come. "We kind of just accepted the fact that we're just going to support Syrian refugees here in Canada or who have been scattered across the countries across the world," she said. Now, Kobieh said she hopes Syrian's new leadership will live up to its promises of a free state. "And we're hoping that all the Syrians who are scattered across the world can come back to Syria and just hold each other's hand and rebuild the country that have been really facing so much for half a century." THE LATEST Assad flees to Moscow after rebels take Syrian capital, Russian state media report World leaders, Trudeau hail 'fall of Assad's dictatorship' after rebels topple Syrian government The leader of Syria's biggest rebel faction, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is poised to chart the country's future. The former al-Qaeda commander cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the UN. Some analysts say what happens next depends largely on al-Golani and what type of leader he turns out to be. "It's a new chapter — that's a fact. What sort of chapter, whether this is a happy ending or a horror story, a new horror story, remains to be seen," said Randall Hansen, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto Hansen said the country's new leader now faces the daunting task of uniting a deeply divided country. "Much will depend on him and what they decide and how he behaves," he said. Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, Syria's biggest rebel faction, speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Sunday. (Omar Albam/The Associated Press) In Oakville, Fattal said he too worries about what will come next, but says for now, he's happy Syria at least has a chance for a new future. "I hope to see a free country with democratic system. I hope to see our country build again," he said. He hopes to return one day to help his home country rebuild — something he said wouldn't be possible without the safety, education and experience he found in Canada.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Casey Simmons scored 18 points as Yale beat Vermont 65-50 on Saturday. Simmons had eight rebounds and three steals for the Bulldogs (5-5). Nick Townsend scored 13 points while shooting 4 for 10 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and added six rebounds. Bez Mbeng had 11 points and went 4 of 11 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range). The Catamounts (5-6) were led by TJ Hurley, who recorded 21 points. Shamir Bogues added 12 points for Vermont. Ileri Ayo-Faleye finished with seven points and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Kinziger and Illinois State knock off UAB 84-83

‘Pour into others’: Royer’s Coffee and Pastries offers coffee filled with conversation and loveWhy investors don’t need to be nervous about a stretched stock market in 2025: Strategist

Chiefs offense hitting its stride with return of wide receiver Marquise Brown from injury KANSAS CITY, Mo. Dave Skretta, The Associated Press Dec 22, 2024 9:48 AM Dec 22, 2024 10:05 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy catches a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have not been whole on offense all season, the byproduct of injuries to Marquise Brown on the very first game of the preseason and a season-ending injury to fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice at the end of September. They are close to it now. And it showed on Saturday. Brown made his regular-season debut after recovering from shoulder surgery, and made his presence felt on the first offensive series against Houston. The Chiefs were driving downfield but faced fourth-and-2 at the Texans 30, and Brown came open across the field for a 13-yard reception, resulting in a first down and eventually leading to a Kansas City touchdown. Brown went on to catch five passes for 45 yards in a 27-19 victory that pushed the Chiefs closer to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. “I thought he did a great job,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “I missed him here and there on a couple of throws, but I thought he was getting open. He was winning against man coverage, which was huge.” In fact, as the Chiefs (14-1) prepare to visit Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, they now have a receiving group that can win against just about any coverage. Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy, who had seven catches for 65 yards and a score, have the game-breaking speed to beat man-to-man defenses. And three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins, along with four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, have the catch radius and veteran savvy to find the holes in any sort of zone. That makes the Chiefs offense as potent as it's been all season. “Kansas City made the plays. That’s why, you know, they’re at the top echelon of the NFL,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “They found ways to win, especially in situational football. they did a really good job on third down, staying on the field.” The Chiefs finished 7 of 13 on third down. They were 3 for 5 in the red zone and 2 for 2 in goal-to-go situations. That is the kind of efficiency they have had while winning the past two Super Bowls. “What can we do? The sky's the limit,” said Worthy, who has caught at least four passes in each of his past six games. “I feel like we're a hard team to beat. We just have to keep stacking.” What’s working The Chiefs defense, which had turned opponents over just 10 times in their first 13 games, has now created eight turnovers in the past two. That included two interceptions of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on Saturday. “They talked about breaking the seal last week,” said Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, who had no interceptions in his first 48 games but has now picked off a pass in each of his past two. “You get around defensive backs, they talk about how it will come in bunches. I'm seeing it play out, being in the right place at the right time.” What needs help After piling up five sacks last week against Cleveland, the Chiefs struggled to capture Stroud on Saturday. They only managed two sacks, one of which was a cornerback blitz in the closing minutes that forced Houston to punt the ball away; the Chiefs were able to run out the clock on offense without giving the Texans another chance with it. Stock up The Chiefs started All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney at tackle for the second straight week, trying to solve their problem protecting Mahomes' blind side. He played admirably against a good Houston pass rush, and that was even more important when the Chiefs had to juggle the offensive line again following right tackle Jawaan Taylor's knee strain. Stock down Running back Isiah Pacheco carried nine times for just 26 yards, and he was stuffed on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 early in the second half, forcing a turnover on downs. Meanwhile, Kareem Hunt gained 55 yards on 11 carries and caught two passes for 24 yards, showing more versatility and explosiveness out of the backfield. Injuries DT Chris Jones (calf strain) and RT Jawaan Taylor (knee strain) did not finish the game against the Texans. LB Jack Cochrane will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his ankle. Key number 14 — The Chiefs matched the franchise record for regular-season wins, set during the 2020 season and matched two years ago. They have two opportunities to break it with Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Denver in their regular-season finale. What’s next The Chiefs visit the Steelers on Christmas Day. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Dave Skretta, 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 Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) NFL Inactive Report Dec 22, 2024 8:51 AM Zach Ertz is playing for Commanders against the Eagles a week after being concussed Dec 22, 2024 8:51 AM Lamar Jackson and the Ravens draw even atop the AFC North, beating the 1st-place Steelers 34-17 Dec 21, 2024 8:38 PMRuhullah joins students protest against reservation Suhail Bhat SRINAGAR, Dec 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured a delegation of protesting students that the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to review the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir will submit its report within six months. The students are protesting against the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir implemented after the abrogation of Article 370. Following the meeting, Omar posted on X: “The beauty of democracy is the right to be heard & dialogue in a spirit of mutual cooperation. I have made certain requests and given assurances to the representatives of the Open Merit Students Association. This channel of communication will remain open without intermediaries.” “We met the Chief Minister and held discussions on the reservation issue for about 30 minutes. The crux of the discussion was that the Chief Minister has asked for six months for the Sub-Committee to complete its work,” one of the student leaders told reporters after meeting the Chief Minister at his residence. National Conference leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi earlier led a protest outside the residence of Omar to support the demand for “rationalisation” of reservations in Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters, carrying placards with slogans like “Justice for Open Merit” and “Eradicate Draconian Rule 17,” gathered outside the residences of the Chief Minister on Gupkar Road in Srinagar. Leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including Iltija Mufti and Waheed Parra, as well as Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator Sheikh Khursheed, also participated in the demonstration. During a passionate address to the gathering, Mehdi, who had recently raised the issue in Parliament, called on the Government to either adjust the reservation policy in accordance with the population proportions of reserved categories or implement the Supreme Court’s 50% cap on reservations. “I made a commitment to the students that I would stand with them, and today we are here to demand justice. I am with them and will support them in taking this to its logical conclusion,” he said. He said, adding only be satisfied when the students’ concerns were fully addressed The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with the reservation policy introduced following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Students claimed that reducing the open merit quota to 40% or less violates Supreme Court directives. “It has led to an unfair distribution of medical seats,” an MBBS student said, adding that this year only 29% of seats were filled by students from the open merit category while the rest were distributed among the reserved categories. A five-member delegation, which was formed during the protest and represented students from Central, South, and North Kashmir, met with the Chief Minister to present their concerns and demands. After the meeting, a student representative briefed the media about the deliberations. “We spoke with him for half an hour, presenting all our queries and citing official data to suggest possible solutions. CM provided actionable points. For instance, he mentioned issues related to the 10% EWS quota and Rule 17, which fall within the Government’s domain and can be addressed immediately. He assured us that these matters would be resolved. He also mentioned that the Sub Committee will address other broader concerns in a time-bound manner, promising a resolution within six months. However, he clarified that six months is the upper limit, and decisions could happen sooner,” he said. The delegation also raised the issue of the 76.5% open category reservation. “He assured us that the Sub Committee would consult all stakeholders and ensure a fair and just solution,” the student representative said. However, the six-month time frame has drawn apprehension as major exams and recruitment cycles are ongoing. “Omar himself mentioned inclusivity but suggested that faster decisions are needed for the process to be meaningful. Regarding recruitment, no specific assurances were given,” the representative added. When asked if he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting between the students and the Chief Minister, Ruhullah said that his satisfaction was immaterial. “If the students are satisfied, I am satisfied. The good thing is that the process of the Sub Committee has been made time-bound. Earlier, it was open-ended,” Mehdi said. He also clarified that it was wrong to call the event a protest, describing it instead as “an assembly of people to discuss” the reservation policy. PDP leader and MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra called for urgently addressing the reservation policy issue. “We are not here for political mileage. The future of our youth cannot be neglected. With the alarming unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir and the absence of a robust private sector, public sector opportunities are crucial for our youth,” he said. PDP leader Iltija Mufti slammed the Government for its inaction. “It has been a month since the Cabinet Sub-Committee was formed, but there has been no progress. Hollow promises won’t suffice; the Government must act decisively,” she said. She urged the administration to demonstrate leadership during this crisis. “This is a test of governance. A fair and time-bound resolution to the reservation policy issue is what we expect,” she said. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq extended his support for the protesters in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The issue of reservations should be addressed with justice and fairness. The current policy undermines the interests of the general/open merit category. I appeal to the authorities to address their concerns immediately.”

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Yemen targets Israeli Ben Gurion AirportPhiladelphia's Joel Embiid scored 31 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in his return after missing seven games to spark the 76ers on Sunday in a 108-100 NBA victory at Chicago. Embiid had been sidelined by a left knee injury and personal reasons since a November 20 loss to Memphis, the Sixers going 4-3 in his absence. The 30-year-old Cameroonian-born big man, who wore a left knee brace, also added four assists and two blocked shots in 33 minutes in only his fifth game of the season. "He caught fire there," 76ers coach Nick Nurse said of Embiid. "Certainly he gave us a lot of confidence." Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey contributed his first career NBA triple-double with 25 points and career highs of 14 assists and 11 rebounds. "It was good," Maxey said. "The offense flowed really well. Pick and roll was really good. I was able to get everybody involved, get Joel going and get myself going too." "He turned on the jets and got to the rim at some pretty opportune times," Nurse said of Maxey. Embiid was a welcome court presence for the 76ers. "He creates so much space for us on the floor, gets the attention," said Maxey. "I didn't see one pick and roll double team for the first time in a long time." Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points. At New York, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Bucks over the Brooklyn Nets 118-113. Damian Lillard added 15 points and 11 assists while reserve Bobby Portis contributed 23 points and Gary Trent Jr. scored 20 off the Milwaukee bench. Germany's Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 34 points. js/mlm

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