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Mary Fowler's stunning return as young Matildas make statement amid Sam Kerr concerns

Omar Abdullah conducts surprise visit of Kashmir’s premier healthcare institutionsENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Share Tweet Share Share Email The cryptocurrency market is buzzing as December 2024 nears its end. Filecoin (FIL) is catching investors’ attention with its disruptive potential in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, positioning itself as a key player in 2025. Meanwhile, Polygon (POL), despite facing a recent downward trend, is showing signs of a potential price rebound driven by innovative upgrades and increasing adoption. At the same time, Qubetics ($TICS) is making waves, crossing 376 million tokens sold and raising $7.8 million in its presale. Are these the best cryptos to buy in December 2024? Qubetics isn’t just another presale—it’s tackling real-world crypto challenges. Its innovative wallet simplifies complex crypto transactions, integrating with Apple Pay and Google Pay for seamless usability. Let’s dive into why Qubetics, Filecoin, and Polygon are capturing headlines and investor confidence. Qubetics ($TICS): Revolutionizing Everyday Crypto Transactions Qubetics is redefining how people interact with crypto. Imagine you’re a business owner wanting to accept cryptocurrency payments but dreading the volatility. That’s where Qubetics steps in. Its smart contract conversion mechanism instantly converts crypto payments into fiat at the point of sale, ensuring stability and eliminating risk. What sets Qubetics apart is its seamless user experience. The wallet integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay, making crypto payments as easy as swiping your phone. For global businesses, Qubetics’ cross-border payment feature slashes fees and reduces transaction times, providing a competitive edge. At the core of these innovations is Qubetics’ partnership with SWFT Blockchain. This collaboration enables advanced cross-chain functionality, allowing users to manage multiple assets and conduct lightning-fast transactions across blockchains. Enhanced security features ensure every transaction is encrypted and safe, whether you’re an experienced trader or a crypto newbie. Currently in its 14th presale stage, Qubetics has raised $7.8 million with over 376 million tokens sold to more than 11,800 holders. Tokens are priced at $0.0377, but with a 10% price increase in Stage 15 coming this weekend, there’s no time to waste. If you’re searching for the best cryptos to buy in December 2024, Qubetics should be high on your list. Filecoin (FIL): The Backbone of Decentralized Storage Filecoin is positioned to revolutionize DeFi by offering decentralized storage solutions that are secure, scalable, and efficient. Its ability to provide a decentralized backbone for applications, including NFTs, data backup, and content distribution, makes it a key player in the future of blockchain. Analysts are optimistic about Filecoin’s potential, projecting it to play a central role in the DeFi boom of 2025. Recent integrations with other blockchain projects and DeFi platforms have solidified its reputation as a reliable infrastructure provider. Whether it’s storing sensitive data or supporting decentralized apps, Filecoin continues to prove its versatility. For investors, Filecoin represents a unique opportunity to invest in a project that bridges blockchain technology with practical, real-world applications. Its innovative approach makes it one of the best cryptos to buy in December 2024, especially for those looking to capitalize on the growing demand for decentralized storage. Polygon (POL): A Potential Price Rebound in Sight Polygon has been a go-to solution for scalability in the Ethereum ecosystem, but recent price dips have left some investors cautious. However, don’t count Polygon out just yet. With ongoing network upgrades and increased adoption by decentralized apps and gaming platforms, analysts believe a rebound is on the horizon. Polygon’s Layer-2 scaling solutions continue to attract developers looking for efficient, low-cost transactions. Its partnerships with major enterprises and support for innovative Web3 projects keep it in the spotlight as a blockchain with long-term potential. For those willing to ride out the volatility, Polygon offers significant upside potential. Its role in the broader Ethereum ecosystem and its ability to address scalability issues make it one of the best cryptos to buy in December 2024, particularly for those seeking growth-oriented investments. Conclusion: A Trio of Winning Cryptos Qubetics, Filecoin, and Polygon each bring something unique to the crypto landscape. Qubetics is setting a new standard for usability and security with its innovative wallet, Filecoin is laying the groundwork for decentralized storage in DeFi, and Polygon is poised for a potential price rebound thanks to its scalability solutions. Based on the latest research, we recommend Qubetics ($TICS), Filecoin (FIL), and Polygon (POL) as the best cryptos to buy in December 2024. Don’t miss these opportunities—they won’t last forever! For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you BlockDAG Captures $172M in Rapid Presale Growth, Boosted by BDAG400, While Tron and SHIB Eye Stability Top Cryptos to Join for Short Term: BTFD Coin’s Festive Bonus Reignites the Market While BONK Burn Shocks the Scene and FLOKI Builds Big for 2024! 2025’s Hottest Cryptos: Qubetics $0.037 Tokens Poised for a $15 Surge, Hedera’s Institutional Boom, and Litecoin’s Unmatched Growth! Comments

Former President Jimmy Carter was remembered for his leadership and commitment to public service following his death. Carter died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100 Jimmy Carter Tributes President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden: Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Donald and Melania Trump: I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers. Bill and Hillary Clinton: Hillary and I mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end. Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/1Ejol6yjav — Angel Ureña (@angelurena) December 29, 2024 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: President Carter's faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most. U.S. Sen. Jon Osoff (D-GA): Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family U.S. Sen. Rafael Warnock (D-GA): President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service. U.S. Sen. John Thun (R-SD): President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country – as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side. House Speaker Mike Johnson Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.Will ‘Yellowstone’ Fulfill ‘1883’ Prophecy & 6 More Burning Questions We Need Answered

Trump's 2024 Campaign & Elon Musk's Success: Digital Marketing Parallels by FlyX Marketing Founder Albert Valiakhmetov 11-22-2024 11:36 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: US China Brand, LLC Modern Political Campaigns Showcase Revolutionary Marketing Strategies for Business Growth - Commenting Albert Valiakhmetov, Founder of FlyX Marketing Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/cfe5dd7a2b8fcf59abb8066f97654df9.jpg In today's digital landscape, where competition is fierce and attention spans are limited, figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump demonstrate how strategic marketing-whether for a product or a presidential campaign-can redefine engagement. Albert Valiakhmetov, founder of FlyX Marketing, draws intriguing parallels between these strategies and effective brand advertising. Mirroring the tactics used in marketing to influence, engage, and ultimately, build loyalty. As Valiakhmetov observes, " The news that Donald Trump became president reminds us of how much presidential elections resemble classic marketing campaigns. " Both political and advertising campaigns share the fundamental aim of creating a connection with their audience-whether to win votes or attract loyal customers. https://flyxmarketing.com/ " Political campaigns today, especially those as influential as Trump's recent run, highlight marketing principles at their peak effectiveness, " Valiakhmetov explains. " By implementing similar strategies in business, FlyX Marketing has seen up to 200% growth for clients across various sectors. " Campaign strategies such as precision targeting, cross-platform message consistency, and emotionally resonant content have become crucial in both spheres, emphasizing the power of digital influence. Mastering Modern Influence for Brands Key insights from FlyX Marketing stem from current political campaign techniques that have reshaped their approach: - Advanced Social Media Strategy: Like political messaging or Elon Musk's provocative use of platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to engage audiences, brand campaigns thrive on tailored approaches to maximize reach. - Precision Demographic Targeting: As political campaigns focus on voter bases, FlyX Marketing connects brands with core demographics, leading to higher engagement. - Cross-Platform Message Integration: Ensuring a unified message across digital platforms is as crucial in business as it is in politics. From Ballot Box to Brand Building " What's compelling about recent political strategies, such as those used in Trump's and Harris's campaigns, is their intelligent use of digital platforms. Similarly, Elon Musk's ability to spark viral conversations demonstrates the value of cross-platform engagement, a principle FlyX Marketing adopts to revolutionize brand connections. ", Valiakhmetov notes. " In marketing, the goal is to influence purchasing behavior, while political propaganda seeks to steer public opinion, " Valiakhmetov explains, pointing to the similar foundations of both fields. Emotional Connection: Building Brand Loyalty Through Human Insight One of the standout elements of FlyX Marketing's strategy is creating a deep emotional connection with audiences, drawing on the same principles political campaigns use to sway public sentiment. Just as Trump's messaging struck a chord with voters on issues like economic stability, FlyX's campaigns emphasize brand stories that appeal to core human needs, offering customers relatable themes and solutions to everyday challenges. Digital Innovation at Work with FlyX Marketing FlyX Marketing takes inspiration from the efficiency seen in political campaigns by incorporating cutting-edge technology and data analytics to craft campaigns that resonate deeply. It embraces innovation akin to Elon Musk's ventures, utilizing cutting-edge tools like AI-driven analytics and real-time optimization to craft campaigns that deeply resonate with audiences. Key tools include: - AI-Driven Analytics: Predictive models track engagement and fine-tune content, ensuring maximum relevance. - Real-Time Optimization: Rapid adjustments increase reach and engagement with audiences. - Strategic Audience Segmentation: Building personalized experiences ensures each demographic feels addressed. - Platform-Specific Messaging: Tailored content for each channel optimizes overall campaign performance. Here are FlyX Marketing's full suite of services [ https://flyxmarketing.com/#services ], designed to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing and AI-driven solutions. From advanced data analytics to strategic execution, each service is tailored to maximize growth and drive results. " The recent campaigns by Trump and Harris provide insight into the evolution of digital communication, " observes Valiakhmetov. " These strategies not only shape public opinion but demonstrate best practices in audience engagement for businesses looking to make a real impact." Revolutionizing Marketing with Campaign Insights FlyX Marketing's modern approach combines the following elements, proven to drive substantial results for clients: - Viral Content Development: Creating shareable, high-impact content that aligns with brand goals. - Data-Driven Strategy: Guiding marketing decisions with real-time data to optimize campaigns. - Emotional Connection Building: Connecting on a personal level, similar to political storytelling. - Platform-Specific Optimization: Adjusting strategies to maximize impact on each channel. - Message Amplification: Reaching larger audiences with clarity and precision. The Future of Marketing in a Politically-Driven Landscape Looking forward, marketing experts can expect to see even greater integration of political strategies within brand advertising and by industry disruptors like Elon Musk, as all these industries increasingly rely on digital and data-driven tools to make impactful decisions. According to Valiakhmetov, the future of branding will likely mirror these trends, further blurring the lines between marketing and political campaigning. Choosing a marketing partner like FlyX Marketing ensures brands are not only prepared for these shifts but are also leading the way. With a proven track record in delivering customized, high-growth campaigns, FlyX continues to set new standards for success, making this era an exciting one for both brands and political strategists alike. More information about services, consultations, and insights can be found on the FlyX Marketing website [ https://flyxmarketing.com/ ] or by contacting business@flyxmarketing.com [mailto:business@flyxmarketing.com]. Media Contact Company Name: Flyx Marketing Contact Person: Nick Agamian Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=trumps-2024-campaign-elon-musks-success-digital-marketing-parallels-by-flyx-marketing-founder-albert-valiakhmetov ] City: Athens State: Attiki Country: Greece Website: https://flyxmarketing.com/ This release was published on openPR.Ventive Hospitality IPO Listing Today: Will It Be A Lackluster Debut? What GMP Indicates

Former President Jimmy Carter , the 39th president of the United States and a tireless advocate for peace and human rights, has passed away at the age of 100, his office confirmed on Sunday. Carter , who had been under hospice care since February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, became the first U.S. president to reach the age of 100. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter , died just weeks earlier, on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter ’s milestone 100th birthday in October 2024 was marked by widespread tributes, including a message from President Joe Biden. In a video shared with CBS News, Biden praised Carter as a moral force for the nation and the world, calling him a voice of courage and compassion and a cherished friend to him and his family. Born in Georgia, Carter was elected president in 1976 as a Democrat, defeating the incumbent Republican Gerald Ford in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, which persisted for 444 days and contributed to his loss in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan. Despite leaving office with relatively low popularity, Carter ’s post-presidency efforts earned him widespread admiration, leading many to view him as one of the most impactful former presidents. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his global human rights work, Carter spent decades advocating for peaceful conflict resolution, democratic principles, and social justice. In 1982, he and Rosalynn established the Carter Center at Emory University in Atlanta. Through the center, the Carters traveled to developing nations to monitor elections, strengthen democratic institutions, and campaign for human rights. They also led efforts to eradicate diseases and provided critical support for victims of oppression. Carter was also known for his hands-on involvement with Habitat for Humanity, where he and Rosalynn could often be found building homes for underserved families. His dedication to public service after his presidency transformed his reputation, with many referring to him as " America’s greatest ex-president. " Carter , who became the oldest living former president after George H.W. Bush’s death in 2018, was also the first U.S. president born in a hospital. At 56, he left the White House relatively young, allowing him to dedicate over four decades to humanitarian work, which became the hallmark of his legacy.NEW DELHI, Dec 25 : In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative to mark the “Good Governance Day”, commemorating 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative, which is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the tools and knowledge required for effective governance and participatory planning. Speaking at the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that governance reforms must begin at the grassroots to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change as well as to fill up the capacity gaps. The “Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi” initiative focuses on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through innovative tools and capacity-building frameworks. Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance service delivery” said the Minister. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that this program aligns with the government’s broader mission to decentralize governance and foster participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. The initiative is expected to create scalable models of citizen-centric governance, enabling PRIs to drive equitable and sustainable development across rural India. Marking Good Governance Day Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a series of other transformative initiatives as well aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. These initiatives, rooted in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, underscore the government’s commitment to inclusive and accountable administration. The first initiative unveiled by Dr. Jitendra Singh was the launch of a new dashboard on the iGOTKarmayogi platform, along with the milestone introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. The enhanced dashboard is designed to empower ministries, departments, and state administrators with advanced tools to monitor user registrations, course completions, and overall progress in capacity-building efforts. With customizable views and robust data filtration capabilities, the dashboard provides detailed insights to improve decision-making and optimize training initiatives. Additionally, the introduction of the 1600th course on the platform underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and comprehensive learning ecosystem. These courses, curated in collaboration with government and private ecosystem partners, aim to equip officials with the skills and knowledge needed to address dynamic challenges in governance. Together, these developments represent a significant stride toward building a capable, future-ready civil service aligned with the vision of Mission Karmayogi. The second was the launch of the Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative. The third initiative, the launch of CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024, provides a comprehensive review of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System(CPGRAMS). As the world’s largest citizen interface platform, CPGRAMS has redefined grievance redressal by integrating advanced technologies, multilingual support, and comprehensive tracking mechanisms. The report showcases key achievements, including the resolution of over 25 lakh grievances annually and the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI). By fostering transparency, accountability, and best practices, CPGRAMS has significantly improved public service delivery and government responsiveness, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of governance reforms. The fourth initiative, the Single Simplified Pension Application Form, revolutionizes pension processing for retiring officials. Combining nine separate forms into one streamlined digital format, the new system ensures end-to-end digitization through the integration of e-HRMS with Bhavishya. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the initiative’s benefits, including real-time tracking of pension applications, Aadhaar-based e-signatures, and seamless verification through e-Service Books. This innovation reduces processing time and costs, ensuring timely disbursement of pensions while enhancing user experience through a pensioner-friendly interface. Another significant initiative launched during the event was the Compendium of Pension Related Instructions, 2024, a comprehensive document consolidating all updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. This compendium serves as a single-window reference for pensioners and administrative personnel, eliminating ambiguities and ensuring clarity in pension-related processes. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s vision to simplify and streamline pension systems, making them more accessible and user-friendly. By integrating the latest amendments, including digital innovations and procedural reforms, the compendium is expected to enhance the ease of living for pensioners and promote efficient pension administration across the country. Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on the progress made in governance reforms under the Modi administration since 2014, focusing on inclusive and participatory governance as a cornerstone of the government’s approach. He remarked that Good Governance Day, institutionalized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to initiatives that directly impact citizens’ lives. The Minister pointed to several governance milestones achieved in recent years. Among these, he highlighted the liberalization of childcare leave and the extension of maternity benefits to women delivering stillborn babies, which he described as measures that promote equity and address long-standing societal issues. He further noted the success of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), which has revolutionized grievance redressal in India. Since 2014, the number of grievances addressed annually has grown from 2 lakh to over 25 lakh, reflecting increased public trust in the system. Technology has played a transformative role in modernizing governance, Dr. Jitendra Singh said. He highlighted the introduction of face recognition technology for digital life certificates for pensioners, a significant step in simplifying processes for elderly citizens. Recalling the hardships faced by pensioners in the past, he shared how the government has moved from paper-based to biometric and now to face recognition technology, ensuring ease and accessibility for all. Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the need to dismantle outdated practices in governance. He recounted personal experiences with bureaucratic inefficiencies, particularly in pension processing, and stressed the importance of adopting a corporate-like approach to enhance productivity in government systems. He advocated for a single-page pension form and the elimination of redundant paperwork, which he termed as a waste of time and resources. The Minister lauded the Capacity Building Commission for its efforts in integrating private-sector efficiency into public administration. He noted that this corporate-style work culture has significantly improved service delivery and productivity within government departments. Reflecting on India’s journey towards its centenary as an independent nation in 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined the need to prepare for a future where citizens can independently manage governance processes with minimal reliance on bureaucratic systems. He shared his experience of introducing AI-driven mobile health clinics in rural areas, highlighting how technology not only facilitates governance but also captivates and engages communities. Dr. Jitendra Singh also paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision for good governance inspired the institutionalization of this day. He stated that each year, the government strives to introduce new initiatives that add value to governance and reflect its dynamic and evolving nature. Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked that initiatives like ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ exemplify the government’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and technological innovation. By empowering panchayats and ensuring participatory governance, the government aims to lay the foundation for a future-ready India where citizens are active partners in shaping their destinies.

Biden: caída de Assad en Siria es ‘acto fundamental de justicia’, pero también ‘momento de riesgo’( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - Chairman of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) Musa Maaytah said on Monday that election Legitimacy depends on transparency, legal adherence, and public confidence in the results, which reinforce citizens' belief in the importance of their votes. Maaytah made these remarks during a meeting organised by the Arab Women Organisation (AWO), in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Jordanian National Commission for Women (JNCW), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. He stressed the importance of including all segments of society in the political process, underlining that empowering women is a crucial component of achieving democracy, development, and social justice. Maaytah also emphasised that Jordan continues to make significant strides in empowering women, with female representation in the 20th Parliament reaching 27 per cent, demonstrating the country's ongoing commitment to enhancing women's political participation. Secretary-General of the JNCW Maha Ali expressed pride in the increased representation of women in the Jordanian Parliament, which now stands at 19.6 per cent, the highest in the Kingdom's history. She also emphasised that this milestone reflects the Royal vision of supporting women's roles across various sectors. Ali also commended the IEC for its efforts to promote women's participation, particularly through the adoption of the definition of electoral violence against women and the establishment of mechanisms to address it. Director of the "WoMENA" programme at GIZ Annette Funke commended Jordan's progress in promoting gender equality within the electoral process. MENAFN02122024000028011005ID1108948991 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The biggest question facing the Baltimore Ravens right now has little to do with Lamar Jackson or even a defense that started the season poorly. It's about a kicking conundrum that has turned into a crisis. Can the Ravens make it to the Super Bowl with Justin Tucker? One of the more surprising subplots of this NFL season has been Tucker's decline from one of the greatest of all time to a week-in, week-out liability. Sunday's loss to Philadelphia might have been the nadir — he missed two field goals and an extra point in a game the Ravens ultimately lost 24-19 . “Points were at a premium in the game. They have been in a few of these games. Sometimes we haven't made the most of our opportunity to score points,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "We're racking our brains, talking to Justin, looking at what we're doing. I'm very confident that it's going to get fixed. I believe it will. It has to. “And he's the guy to get it fixed.” Harbaugh has given every indication that he's standing by Tucker, who is in his 13th season and is under contract through 2027. When he's at his best, he's the type of kicker that gives his team a clear advantage in close games, but this season he has missed eight field goals. Sunday showed that against a good defensive team, the Ravens (8-5) can't simply assume their excellent offense will pile up points. There almost certainly will be close games in the weeks to come. Tucker's ability to come through will be tested again, and it's hard for Baltimore to feel too confident at the moment. “When he was hitting, three or four years ago, hitting bombs, we were going 57, 58, 56 pretty regularly," Harbaugh said. “That's tightened up a little bit.” What's working The Ravens continue to do a good job stopping the run. Although Saquon Barkley did eventually surpass the 100-yard mark late in the game, Baltimore held the Eagles to 140 yards on the ground, well below their usual output. What needs help Even beyond Tucker's problems, Sunday wasn't a great showing by Baltimore's special teams. Tylan Wallace was shaky returning punts, and the Ravens had to start four drives inside their own 20 and two inside their own 10. “They had great bounces, and they downed right down in there,” Wallace said. "I’m pretty sure we’ll come back and talk about those and see what we can do to avoid those.” Stock up The Ravens' defense continued to show signs of improvement, holding Philadelphia to 252 total yards. “I think we’ve just locked in on some things, and we’re playing our deep coverages better, bottom line,” Harbaugh said. "You watch the coverage, you watch the guys’ spacing, positioning, eyes, the communication, the checks that get made, and you just keep chasing doing the right things. It’s not (that we) changed the defense. We’re just playing it a lot better.” Stock down Harbaugh was vague on receiver Diontae Johnson's situation. He was active Sunday but didn't play, and he has only one catch in four games since the Ravens acquired him in a trade from Carolina. “I’m going to have to wait just to clarify it,” Harbaugh said. "There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.” Injuries The Ravens were missing pass-rushing ace Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) on Sunday, and WR Rashod Bateman was dealing with knee soreness. Key stats Through his first 12 seasons, Tucker made field goals at a 90% clip. That's dropped to 70% this season. He had a 95% success rate from under 50 yards, and that's dipped to 83%. Next steps The Ravens have this week off before a Dec. 15 road game against the New York Giants. Then comes a home matchup with Pittsburgh that may determine whether Baltimore has any shot to win the AFC North. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Noah Trister, The Associated PressNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa's largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya's capital. Steve Collins, 74, was born and raised in western Kenya. By the age of 5, he was fascinated by butterflies and started building a collection that has grown to more than 4.2 million, representing hundreds of species. “My parents encouraged us to look for butterflies after visiting the Congo and were gifted a trapping net by some friends," Collins said. “By the time I was 15 years old, I was already visiting other countries like Nigeria to study more about butterflies.” During his 20-year career as an agronomist, Collins dedicated his free time to research. He established the African Butterfly Research Institute in 1997. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. On his 1.5 acres (0.6 hectare) of land, hundreds of indigenous trees and flowering bushes form a well-knit forest. Hundreds of butterflies dance from one flower to another, at times landing on Collins' hand. His collection is private, although it was initially open to the public when he ran it as an education center between 1998 and 2003. Collins has 1.2 million butterflies from across Africa delicately pinned in frames and stored in rows of shelves, with another 3 million in envelopes. “They need to be kept in dark spaces," he said. “The form of storage also ensures the dried butterflies are not eaten by other insects, parasites and predators. We also ensure we apply insecticides once a year to keep them safe.” Julian Bayliss, an ecologist specializing in Africa and a visiting professor at Oxford Brookes University, said he has collected butterflies for Collins over two decades. “There is a large part of that collection that is completely irreplaceable because a large part of Africa’s habitat is being destroyed,” Bayliss said. Africa is vulnerable to climate change, with periods of prolonged drought and serious flooding destroying forests and other butterfly habitats. Bayliss suggested digitizing the collection to make it accessible worldwide. Whoever takes it over "needs to be an institution that is well-founded, well-funded and secure,” he said. Scott Miller, an entomologist at the Smithsonian Institution, met Collins almost 30 years ago. He said such collections provide critical information that could show environmental changes over 60 years. “These physical specimens, you can actually keep going back to them to get new layers of information as you learn more or you get a different technology or you get different questions," he said. Collins is concerned that soon he will no longer be able to sustain his research. He said his most prized butterfly costs $8,000 — which he keeps from sight, concerned about possible theft — and hopes to sell the collection to an individual or research institution. The costs of running his institute are high. An annual budget posted in 2009 on the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa website was $200,000. Collins estimates that the specimens and other assets are worth $8 million. “This has been my hobby for decades, and I can’t put a price on what I have done so far. I’m currently seeking to ensure the species are in safe hands when I’m out of this world,” he said. Associated Press journalist Khaled Kazziha in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report.

Services are the new road to development

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday ordered the transport ministry to carry out an emergency safety inspection of the country’s airline operation system. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae neither confirmed nor denied reports that a bird strike was the cause of the crash. Song Kyung-hoon, Jeju Air’s head of the management support office, dismissed accusations that mechanical faults or inadequate safety preparations contributed to accident. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered the transport ministry to carry out an emergency safety inspection of the country's airline operation system, local news agency Yonhap reported Monday. Choi was speaking at a disaster control meeting in Seoul, after a Jeju Air flight crashed at the country's Muan International Airport on Sunday, leading to 179 fatalities with just two survivors, making it the deadliest air accident in South Korea. "The pilot declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert," said Joo Jong-wan, director of aviation policy division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Choi pledged that the government would "spare no effort" in supporting the bereaved families, and declared a seven-day mourning period for the country. At a press briefing on Sunday, Jeju Air's head of the management support office Song Kyung-hoon said the airline would support the victims and their families, and that the aircraft was covered by a $1 billion insurance, reported Yonhap. Addressing reports that a bird strike was the cause of the crash, Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae neither confirmed nor denied it. "Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies," Kim said in a Sunday statement . Song dismissed accusations that mechanical faults or inadequate safety preparations played a role in the crash. "This crash is not about any maintenance issues. There can be absolutely no compromise when it comes to maintaining aircraft," Song said. On Monday, a Jeju Air flight reportedly returned to Gimpo International Airport shortly after taking off because a similar issue with the plane's landing gear was detected. The accident comes at a politically fraught time for South Korea. Choi is the country's second acting president in a month. He assumed the role after acting President Han Duck-soon was impeached on Friday by lawmakers over his reluctance to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court looking into the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon was impeached a mere just weeks back , after imposing martial law for six hours at the start of the month for the first time since the military coup of 1979. Shares of Jeju Air hit an all-time low Monday, according to FactSet data, and were last down 8.53%. Other Korean airlines' stocks were volatile.