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For Elizabeth Crase, family is important. That’s why her work as Executive Artistic Director at the Orphan Girl Children’s Theatre fulfills her so much. Her husband, Fred, creates music for her productions on occasion. Her daughter has become active in the theater as well. And her students — they are family, too, she said. Elizabeth Crase sits for a portrait inside of the Orphan Girl Children's Theater on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. “It really is a huge part of my life. And I think a big part of what this becomes is like a family all on its own. So it's very easy for those two things to bleed together. We look at these families as part of ours and vice versa, I believe.” Josh Peck of Butte nominated Crase to be a Local Hero this year. He wrote in the nomination letter how important her work remains. Her dedication helping children is “unwavering.” “OGCT is more than just a theater – it's a safe harbor in the often overwhelming storm of being a school-age kid. In a world filled with challenges like self-discovery, peer conflicts, relationships, and temptations such as alcohol and drugs, OGCT offers a sanctuary where children can be themselves without fear of judgment,” Peck wrote. True to her family theme, Crase agreed. “It's really important that kids have a safe space, and a lot of these kids aren't necessarily the kids that are gonna be involved in sports or other things. Plenty of them are. We have a lot of volleyball players, we've got football players, we've got cheerleaders. But I would say, though, the larger percentage of our kids are more artistic and creative minded,” she said. Butte doesn’t have a lot of opportunities for kids, she said. “We have all of it because we have performing arts, we have visual arts, we have technology. If you're creative in any way, we're going to pull you in and plug you in, and you're going to feel like you're a part of the process,” Crase said. Kids at the theater take a sense of ownership. The theater’s current show, ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ is an example of that, she said. Elizabeth Crase sits for a portrait inside of the Orphan Girl Children's Theater on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. “I'm sure you can tell by the set,” she said, gesturing toward the stage. “Large mushrooms and checker board and roses. But this version of Alice is my own.” Crase conceptualized it, but the kids came into rehearsals with a blank slate. “I never handed them a script,” she said. She and the kids talked through Lewis Carroll's work, about the scenes, and she selected some music. “Really they created a lot of the work that is on stage in the show, and I think it really shows because there's an extra bit of excitement and energy on the stage. As a result, it's a little bit different every night,” she said. Peytan Campbell is a performer who’s shined under the bright lights Crase creates. “I mean it's incredible. I've always had some self doubt, self confidence issues, but Elizabeth is one of the people that really has helped me move forward and be able to do bigger roles and be able to stand in front of a crowd and communicate with them in a way that puts myself forward,” she said. Crase won't say it about herself, but she actually is one of the best people "I've ever met in my life," said Campbell, who is now the artistic assistant at the theater. “And she won't say it – she's glaring at me – about herself, but the love and kindness that she brings to the theater actually emanates. None of us would be able to do anything if she wasn't here. “She really is the glue that's holding every inch of this place together. We used to say that she was like our second mom, and I definitely feel like that because she's been there for me in times that I really needed her. She really is just one of the best humans I could possibly talk about.” Thomas Martinez is the managing editor of the Independent Record and the Montana Standard. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Managing Editor {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.19 games and counting: Mike London cherishes role in 126-year William & Mary-Richmond rivalrysuper ace bet 。

FUTA Governing Council Appoints Osadugba As New BursarEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. “I would do the same," Jefferson said. "It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off. That would be my game plan.” When the Vikings visit Chicago on Sunday, they're expecting the usual heavy dose of split-safety coverage designed to put a lid on the passing attack and force them to operate primarily underneath. “We see that every week: Teams just have different tendencies on film, and then when we go out on the field they play us totally different,” Jefferson said, later adding: “I don’t really feel like anyone else is getting played how I’m getting played.” Jefferson nonetheless is second in the NFL in receiving yards (912) behind Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase, his former college teammate at LSU. Last week, Jefferson set yet another all-time record by passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards over the first five seasons of a career. Holt logged 80 regular-season games and accumulated 6,784 yards for St. Louis. Jefferson has 6,811 yards — in just 70 games. “I want to go up against those single coverages. I want to go have my opportunities to catch a deep pass downfield, just one-on-one coverage, like a lot of these other receivers get," Jefferson said. "It’s definitely difficult going up against an extra person or an extra two people, but it is what it is and the concepts that we’re drawing up and the ways that we’re trying to get me open, it definitely helps.” With fellow tight end Josh Oliver ruled out of the game on Sunday because of a sprained ankle, T.J. Hockenson is certain to have his heaviest workload since returning from knee surgery four weeks ago. He's also certain that Jefferson will continue to see persistent double-teams. “It puts it on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that,” Hockenson said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has been forced to dig deeper into the vault of play designs and game plans to help keep quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense on track. O'Connell said after Minnesota's 12-7 win at Jacksonville, when Darnold threw three interceptions to precipitate a safer strategy down the stretch, that he superseded his play-calling role with the wisdom of a head coach to help win that game. "Not just the egomaniac of wanting to score points and constantly show everybody how smart we are. There was a mode that I think you have to go into sometimes to ensure a victory,” O'Connell said on his weekly show on KFAN radio. Taking what the defense gives is usually the shrewdest strategy. “You’ve got to really implement some new things and some things that maybe you didn’t come across during your early coaching years whether as a coordinator or position coach or even when you’re responsible for a small area of the game plan as a younger coach," O'Connell said. "You really have to kind of look outside the lens of always what you see on tape.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLDelaware judge reaffirms ruling that invalidated massive Tesla pay package for Elon Musk

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Reiterates Commitment to Investing in America to Lower Grocery Prices, Raise Associate Wages, and Support Local Communities Highlights Resilience of Value Creation Model and Strong Momentum to Drive Long-term, Sustainable Growth Board of Directors Authorizes $7.5B Share Repurchase Program including $5B Accelerated Share Repurchase CINCINNATI , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today terminated its merger agreement with Albertsons after the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction to block the proposed merger. After reviewing options, the company determined it is no longer in its best interests to pursue the merger. "Kroger is moving forward from a position of strength. Our go-to-market strategy provides exceptional value and unique omnichannel experiences to our customers which powers our value creation model. We look forward to accelerating our flywheel to grow our alternative profit businesses and generate increased cash flows. The strength of our balance sheet and sustainability of our model allows us to pursue a variety of growth opportunities, including further investment in our store network through new stores and remodels, which will be an important part of our 8 – 11% TSR model over time," said Rodney McMullen , Kroger's Chairman and CEO. America's Grocer is Committed to Lowering Grocery Prices & Investing in Associates "Kroger has an extraordinary track record of investing in America," said McMullen. "We are at our best when we serve others – our customers, associates, and communities – and we take seriously our responsibility to provide great value by consistently lowering prices and offering more choices. When we do this, more customers shop with us and buy more groceries, which allows us to reinvest in even lower prices, a better shopping experience and higher wages. We know this model works because we've been doing it successfully for many years, and this is exactly what we will continue to do." Kroger's ongoing investments in America include: "I appreciate our associates who remained focused on taking care of our customers, communities and each other throughout the merger process," added McMullen. Share Repurchase Program Including Accelerated Share Repurchases Now that Kroger has terminated the merger agreement, the company is ready to deploy its capacity. With its strengthened balance sheet, Kroger will resume share repurchases after a more than two-year pause. Since announcing the merger, Kroger used its strong free cash flow and debt financing to build meaningful balance sheet capacity while maintaining its investment-grade rating. Kroger's Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $7.5 billion of common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces Kroger's existing $1 billion authorization which was approved in September 2022 . Kroger intends to enter an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreement for the repurchase of approximately $5 billion of common stock. "Our strong balance sheet and free cash flows position us to deliver on our commitment to grow the business and return capital to shareholders, maintaining capacity to invest in lower prices and higher associate wages," McMullen said. Kroger expects to continue to generate strong free cash flow and remains committed to its capital allocation priorities including maintaining its current investment grade debt rating, investing in the business to drive long-term sustainable net earnings growth, and returning excess free cash flow to shareholders via share repurchases and a growing dividend over time, subject to board approval. Looking forward, Kroger plans to host an Investor Day event in late spring of 2025 to share an update on its strategic priorities, future growth prospects and long-term financial outlook. Merger Debt Redemption In connection with the termination of the merger agreement, Kroger will begin the process of redeeming the $4.7 billion of its senior notes issued on August 27, 2024 , that include a special mandatory redemption provision in accordance with their terms. The notes will be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the special mandatory redemption date. Termination of Exchange Offers In connection with the termination of the merger agreement, Kroger has also elected to terminate its previously announced offers to exchange (collectively, the "Exchange Offers") any and all outstanding notes (the "ACI Notes") issued by Albertsons Companies, Inc., New Albertsons, L.P., Safeway Inc., Albertson's LLC, Albertsons Safeway LLC and American Stores Company, LLC (collectively, the "ACI Issuing Entities"), for up to $7,441,608,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes to be issued by Kroger and cash. Kroger has also elected to terminate the related solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitation" and, together with the Exchange Offer, the "Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation") on behalf of the ACI Issuing Entities to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the ACI Notes (the "ACI Indentures"). As a result of the Exchange Offer being terminated, the total consideration, including any consent fee, will not be paid or become payable to holders of the ACI Notes who have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their ACI Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer, and the ACI Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders. As a result of the Consent Solicitation being terminated, the proposed amendments to the ACI Indentures and the supplemental indentures previously entered into reflecting such proposed amendments will not become operative. About the Exchange Offers Global Bondholder Services Corporation served as exchange agent and information agent for the now terminated Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. You should direct questions and requests for assistance to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (855) 654-2015 (toll-free) or (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers), or by email at contact@gbsc-usa.com . About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are, across our family of companies nearly 414,000 associates who serve over eleven million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" about Kroger's financial position and the future performance of the company. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "achieve," "committed," "confidence," "continue," "deliver," "expect," "future," "guidance," "model," "outlook," "strategy," "target," "trends," "well-positioned," and variations of such words and similar phrases. Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following: Kroger's ability to achieve sales, earnings, incremental FIFO operating profit, and adjusted free cash flow goals may be affected by: the termination of the merger agreement and our proposed transaction with Albertsons and related divestiture plan; labor negotiations; potential work stoppages; changes in the unemployment rate; pressures in the labor market; changes in government-funded benefit programs; changes in the types and numbers of businesses that compete with Kroger; pricing and promotional activities of existing and new competitors, and the aggressiveness of that competition; Kroger's response to these actions; the state of the economy, including interest rates, the inflationary, disinflationary and/or deflationary trends and such trends in certain commodities, products and/or operating costs; the geopolitical environment including wars and conflicts; unstable political situations and social unrest; changes in tariffs; the effect that fuel costs have on consumer spending; volatility of fuel margins; manufacturing commodity costs; supply constraints; diesel fuel costs related to Kroger's logistics operations; trends in consumer spending; the extent to which Kroger's customers exercise caution in their purchasing in response to economic conditions; the uncertainty of economic growth or recession; stock repurchases; changes in the regulatory environment in which Kroger operates, along with changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies; Kroger's ability to retain pharmacy sales from third party payors; consolidation in the healthcare industry, including pharmacy benefit managers; Kroger's ability to negotiate modifications to multi-employer pension plans; natural disasters or adverse weather conditions; the effect of public health crises or other significant catastrophic events; the potential costs and risks associated with potential cyber-attacks or data security breaches; the success of Kroger's future growth plans; the ability to execute our growth strategy and value creation model, including continued cost savings, growth of our alternative profit businesses, and our ability to better serve our customers and to generate customer loyalty and sustainable growth through our strategic pillars of fresh, our brands, personalization, and seamless; the successful integration of merged companies and new strategic collaborations; and the risks relating to or arising from our proposed nationwide opioid litigation settlement, including our ability to finalize and effectuate the settlement, the scope and coverage of the ultimate settlement and the expected financial or other impacts that could result from the settlement. Our ability to achieve these goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. Our ability to execute our financial strategy may be affected by our ability to generate cash flow. Kroger assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein unless required by applicable law. Please refer to Kroger's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-reiterates-its-commitment-to-lower-prices-and-initiates-new-7-5b-share-buyback-program-302329493.html SOURCE The Kroger Co.A northwest Las Vegas pickleball complex in development was singled out this week by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who listed the project in a yearly report in which he chastises what he considers wasteful spending. The city is developing the 30-court complex at Wayne Bunker Park through a $12 million grant from the Bureau of Land Management, which also is providing a few acres of federal land for the park’s expansion. “There’s irony in a city synonymous with high-stakes gambling investing $12 million American tax dollars in pickleball — a sport often associated with retirees looking for a low-stakes, leisurely pastime,” Paul, R-Ken., wrote in his 2024 “Festivus Report” released this month. “In short, you’ve been pickled!” It’s the tenth year Rand has produced the report, which takes its theme from Festivus, a Dec. 23 secular holiday popularized by the TV show “Seinfeld” that includes an “airing of grievances.” Paul modifies the idea to share his “airing of (spending) grievance.” Construction of the courts in Ward 4 is slated to begin next year, according to the city. “The BLM sets these grant funds aside for outdoor recreational projects to benefit communities,” a city spokesperson wrote to the Las Vegas Review-Journal Tuesday. “The pickleball complex at Wayne Bunker Park is an outdoor recreational facility and meets the requirements.” In 2023, the City Council voted to accept the BLM grant with pushback from several residents who’d raised issues related to the noise created by the growing and popular racket sport. “We do need more pickleball. We just don’t need it 50 feet from my house, to where I’m going to be exposed to this 24/7,” said resident Steven Priedel at the time. The city said that the grant was awarded through a competitive process that pitted Las Vegas with other Nevada jurisdictions, adding that the funds were raised though the sale of public lands that go toward public projects. “The 2024 Festivus Waste Report shines a spotlight on a grant that’s bouncing its way into the hearts of pickleball enthusiasts everywhere: the grand vision of a 30-court regional pickleball complex in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Paul wrote. “Apparently, Las Vegas has more pickleball players than Elvis impersonators, and these racket-wielding enthusiasts are running out of places to play.” Local governments are racing to keep up with building courts to keep up with public demand. Other projects criticized The pickleball complex was one of more than 30 items listed in Paul’s report. Also highlighted were: $8 million of pandemic-related dollars allegedly stolen by a man who bought an island, more than $15 million in funding for the Internal Revenue Service and more than $15 billion “to push Americans toward electric vehicles they don’t want.” Paul placed blame on rising national debt on “everyone.” He added: “This year, members of both political parties in Congress voted for massive spending bills, filled with subsidies from underperforming industries, continued military aid to Ukraine, and controversial climate initiatives.” Paul said that the debt had surpassed $36 trillion. “No matter how much money the government has wasted, politicians keep demanding even more,” Paul wrote. He complimented billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency, an unofficial government-aligned agency established for the upcoming President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. “I’ve been fighting government waste like DOGE before DOGE was cool,” Paul wrote. “And I will continue my fight against government waste this holiday season.” Paul noted that Las Vegas officials and enthusiasts are aiming to bring pickleball tournaments to the city. “Move over ‘World Series of Poker,’ there’s a new game in town,” Paul wrote.

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From burn marks on her leg to teachers spotting bruises – 15 missed chances to save murdered Sara SharifHello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Tuesday. says a deal over an ongoing pay dispute with workers at distribution centres is no closer to being resolved as more and more shelves are stripped bare. The supermarket says the strike has so far cost them $50 million. The White House has defended Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, sparing him a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions. The outgoing president previously stressed he would not make such a move. A factory at the centre of the methanol poisoning investigations in Laos has been shut down. Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day. In a rare move away from Labor's careful approach to China matters, Senator Raff Ciccone has called on other countries to take a stand against China, while hailing former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial 2022 Taiwan visit. Senator Ciccone, who is head of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, was speaking at a Melbourne event with Douglas Hsu, Taiwan's top diplomat in Australia where he was reassured there are plenty of people who reject China's advances to reunite the sovereign island with the mainland. "I genuinely believe that if there are enough of us to provide a deterrent to countries like China then I think Taiwan and its people can rest assured and sleep very well at night," Senator Ciccone said, according to the ABC. "With the growing support of like-minded countries including Australia, Taiwan is well positioned to write its own success story." He praised Pelosi for defying China's warnings not to visit Taipei, a move which Foreign Minister Penny Wong carefully navigated and declined to endorse. "The Chinese went berserk about it but, you know, quite frankly good on [Nancy Pelosi] for actually standing up [for] what she believes in. It's good to see America ... making a stance." China has long warned countries like Australia to stay out of what it describes as "internal matters". Woolworths says ongoing strikes at distribution centres has cost the supermarket giant $50 million in sales. And that number is expected to grow without an agreement being struck with workers seeing better conditions and pay. “Until the industrial action is resolved, a further impact to sales is expected. The full financial impact at this stage is unknown. It will be dependent on the duration and extent of the ongoing industrial action across the affected sites and the time taken to rebuild inventory ahead of the Christmas trading period,” Woolworths said in a statement to the ASX. While the cost is significant, it is worth remembering just months ago Woolworths announced a $1.7bn profit and a special dividend of 40 cents per share for shareholders. How's this for a way to celebrate 50 years married. A Logan couple has scooped $2.3 million from the Keno 10 Spot jackpot last night on their golden jubilee wedding anniversary. “We went [to the hotel] to treat ourselves to a celebratory lunch and a game of Keno. We always play the same numbers, which are our birthdates," the winning wife told lottery officials. “I’m absolutely speechless. We’re over the moon!” Well summer has just started and temperatures are already surging. The Pilbara community of Paraburdoo is set to reach 46C in the coming days, very close to its December record. It comes the same year the town set its highest ever temperature, recording 48.1C in January. With summer temperatures consistently nearing 50C, Shire of Ashburton president Audra Smith told the ABC it "is a concern because with what's happening with global warming". Read more about the sweltering conditions . Parents are being urged to keep an eye on their car keys after the NRMA revealed the majority of its callouts for help came from keys being locked inside vehicles with their keys. NRMA patrols received 1846 calls about children or pets being locked in a car in the past 12 months. NRMA Road Safety Expert Dimitra Vlahomitros said the temperature inside a hot car could almost double the temperature outside and it would not take long for children or pets to be in serious danger. “Whether you’re packing the car full of groceries or packing the car for a holiday, make sure you know where your keys are and don’t leave your keys with children to play with while loading up the car,” Ms Vlahomitros said. “Many people believe cars with modern technology don’t allow you to lock the keys inside the car, but that’s just not the case, particularly if there’s a young child using the keys as a toy. “We know life gets busy in the lead up to Christmas but it’s important to be extra vigilant when getting in and out of the car with young children.” Woolworths appears to be losing patience over a near two-week strike at several distribution centres and have reached out to the Fair Work Commission in the hope they can intervene. The supermarket giant wants to ban United Workers Union members blocking entrances to a distribution centre in suburban Melbourne and three other sites, with workers striking for better conditions and pay. Plans to bring in staff on Monday never eventuated, but picketers at the Dandenong South site turned away logistics trucks trying to enter. Woolworths Group has filed an urgent application with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday. "The application comes after the UWU refused to give any assurance of safe passage for team members seeking to return to work at our Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre (MSRDC) yesterday and this morning," Woolworths said in a statement on Tuesday morning. The application to Fair Work alleges a breach of the Good Faith Bargaining requirements in the Fair Work Act. Woolworth says the majority of staff at the Dandenong South site are not members of the union, and want to return to work and get paid. - With AAP While most likely elated, a man in Victoria is probably thinking what could have been after he was one number away from winning a truly mammoth lottery jackpot. While the 28-year-old won close to A$1 million on Saturday's USA Mega Lotto draw, he was one number away from scooping the top prize of A$789 million. I'm sure he'll be doing just fine with his A$950,000 though. The factory that produces the vodka at the centre of the Laos methanol poisoning investigations has been shut down. Six tourists, including Australian women Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, died after they drank spirits in the backpacker town of Vang Vieng last month. It comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updates its travel warning advice to urge Australians not to drink Tiger vodka or whisky saying its sale had been banned in the Southeast Asian country. The ABC understands the owner of the factory has been arrested, while three more people connected to the Nana Backpackers Hostel, where the deceased stayed, have been arrested, taking the tally up to 11 from the hostel. No charges have been laid. The RSPCA in South Australia says its had a difficult start to its busiest period of the year. Fifty kelpies were surrender from a single property last week with extensive resources were used to treat the dogs and find them homes. RSPCA says an investigation into the dogs is ongoing. It marks the start of the busy festive period where the RSPCA expects 2,000 animals from the state to come into their care over the summer. US President-elect Donald Trump says there will be "hell to pay" in the Middle East if hostages held in the Gaza Strip are not released prior to his January 20 inauguration. During their deadly 2023 attack on Israel, Hamas-led militants captured more than 250 people, according to Israeli tallies, including dual Israeli-American nationals. Around half of the 101 foreign and Israeli hostages still held incommunicado in Gaza are believed to be alive. Making his most explicit comments on the fate of the hostages since his election in November, Trump said on social media: "(If) the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity." Trump added: "Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America." Hamas has called for an end to the war and total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any deal to release remaining hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will go on until Hamas is eradicated and poses no more threat to Israel. A manhunt continues in Victoria after a man and woman were found with fatal gunshot wounds at a home on the Mornington Peninsula early Monday morning. Police said yesterday they were "very concerned" about the gunman responsible and urged the public not to approach the man if identified. Police believe a man and a woman arrived at the Rye home and became involved in an altercation with those inside. Emergency services found a 29-year-old occupant of the home seriously injured, while the woman who is believed to have arrived at the home also suffering gunshot wounds. They both died at the scene. Police believe the other man to arrive at the property fled the scene. They believe the shooting was "targeted". The White House has moved to defend Joe Biden's bombshell decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden and possibly spare him a prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions. The outgoing president previously stressed he would not make such a move. There was a wave of criticism after the decision, led by President-elect Donald Trump who called such a move an "abuse and miscarriage of justice". Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has now addressed reporters to explain the decision. She said Biden had deliberated over the decision over the weekend during a family Thanksgiving break. "He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that the raw politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice," she said, adding Biden felt his son had been "singled out". A deal between striking Woolworths workers and the supermarket giant is no closer, with defiant employees at several distribution continuing to down tools as more and more shelves sit bare in stores. “As long as they continue to block access to our site, our customers will continue to face shortages on shelves in Victoria," Woolworths said as part of their latest statement. “We call on the union to do the right thing and let us re-open this site.” Workers are protesting against "unrealistic performance expectations" which they claim lead to frequent injuries, demanding better wages, and an agreement that workers at different sites are paid the same amount. A unionist on the picket line said the industrial action would “intensify” unless their demands were met. - With wiresBrown re-appropriates $350K in lapses for education, children's safety, animal welfare, other support services

QB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching seasonAP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:23 p.m. EST

Gold Prices: The tension in the Middle East has only taken new twists and turns over the past 1-year. From Israel's all-out war against Hamas to the exchange of direct ballistic airstrikes with Iran and ground invasion in Lebanon, the latest nerve-wracking situation for the oil-hub Middle East would be Syrian rebels overthrowing over 2-decades of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The latest development has intensified in Syria with alliances and rivalries in the region. Additionally, Israel has bombed the majority of military bases in Syria, with the presence of US military personnel rising in the region. It's not just Israel, and the US, even countries like Russia, Iran, Turkey and Iraq are also involved in the regional puzzle in Syria. Following the high geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, gold prices in the souk markets of countries like Oman, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have skyrocketed, even outperforming gold prices in India in the past 1-year, How will the tensions in Syria impact gold? Let's find out! Gold Prices In India Gold prices in India are currently at Rs 77,350 for 24K of 10 grams, which is higher by 21.8% in a year. Gold prices were merely at Rs 63,490 per 10 grams last year on December 25. Gold Prices In Middle East However, gold prices in the Middle East have outperformed gold prices in India. 24K of 10 grams of gold in Kuwait has surged by nearly 26%, while gold prices in Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have soared by 26% to 27%. A massive surge has been seen in 27.23%. Notably, in Indian rupees, gold prices are cheaper in these Middle East countries than compared to India. 24K gold prices in Kuwait are at Rs 72,380 per 10 grams, while the price is at Rs 73,430 in Oman. Further, 24K/10 grams is at Rs 74,060 in Qatar, at Rs 73,260 in Saudi Arabia, and at Rs 73,380 in UAE. Syria Civil War Explained: The Syrian civil war is an ongoing multi-sided conflict in Syria involving various state-sponsored and non-state actors. In March 2011, popular discontent with the rule of Bashar al-Assad triggered large-scale protests and pro-democracy rallies across Syria, as part of the wider Arab Spring protests in the region, as per Wikipedia. However, in November 2024, heavy fighting renewed with a major rebel offensive in the northwest led by Tahrir al-Sham and supported by allied groups in the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, which led to the seizure of major regions of Syria such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. By the end of December 8th, 2024 the rebels took over Syria's capital, Damascus. Due to this, the Assad regime collapsed, with al-Assad fleeing to Moscow. On the same day, Israel launched an invasion of Syria's Quneitra Governorate, aiming to seize the UN buffer zone in the Golan Heights. While the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to be in conflict. Currently, the situation in Syria is highly sensitive and volatile, with different armed groups and opposition forces internally and externally, directly involved in the regional conflict. How Tension In Syria Will Impact Gold Prices? Also, a host of other factors will play major role in sentiment for gold in 2025. Prithviraj Kothari, Managing Director of RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited (RSBL) said, gold prices have been greatly impacted by the recent escalation in the Middle East, especially with regard to Syrian rebels and broader regional conflicts. Geopolitical unrest frequently helps gold since it is a safe-haven investment. After Syrian revolutionaries took control of the capital, Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad and his family fled to Russia in quest of safety. Going ahead, he added, Currency fluctuations, interest rate regimes, and worldwide economic conditions are just a few of the many variables that affect gold prices. The general mood of the market and how these other elements interact will determine how the Syrian war affects gold prices. Syria's condition is extremely unstable and changing. The way the dispute develops and how it impacts larger international markets will determine the real effect on gold prices. Meanwhile, the World Gold Council lists a host of factors that could prompt investors to look for gold as an asset. WGC's 2025 outlook report said, Trump starts his second term in late January but the US stock market is already banking on a pro-business agenda with a near 7% increase since early November. A more business-friendly fiscal policy combined with an America-first agenda is likely to improve sentiment among domestic investors and consumers. This will likely favour risk-on trades in the first few months of the year. Furthermore, WGC's note said, the question, however, is whether these policies will also result in inflationary pressures and disruptions to supply chains. In addition, concerns about European sovereign debt are once again mounting, not to mention continued geopolitical instability, particularly in light of the events in South Korea and Syria in early December. In all of this, WGC's note said, this could prompt investors to look for hedges, such as gold, to counter risk. Data from WGC pointed out that spot gold increased by more than 28% y-t-d in US dollars, trading 22% higher on average this year than during 2023; its performance across currencies was equally strong. Gold reached 40 new record highs y-t-d and total gold demand in the third quarter surpassed US$100 billion for the first time. Lastly, WGC suggests that, if the economy were to perform according to consensus in 2025, gold may continue to trade in a similar range to that seen in the last part of the year, with the potential for some upside.Revival Gold Announces AGM Results and Transition in Exploration Leadership

Michigan hung with No. 4 USC for much of Sunday night’s game before a cold spell doomed the visitors in a 78-58 loss. Michigan played without leading scorer Syla Swords, held out with a lower leg injury sustained in the first half of Michigan’s previous game, Dec. 20 at Akron. Swords, the star freshman guard, needed to be helped off the court that afternoon but eventually returned to the bench. A team spokesperson didn’t have any update beyond that when reached by email during Sunday’s game. Swords was in Los Angeles and on the bench, in street clothes, for Sunday’s game. USC super sophomore JuJu Watkins scored 31 points, making 13 of 14 free throws, to wear down the No. 23 Wolverines (10-3, 1-1). Michigan trailed by just one with a little more than two minutes left in the third quarter but missed 11 straight shots and lost contact. Watkins took over and, with a few minutes left, the lead had ballooned to 27. USC improved to 12-1 (2-0) in a game that ended after midnight back in Ann Arbor. It doesn’t get any easier for the Wolverines on this Los Angeles trip. They’ll face No. 1 UCLA on Wednesday (5 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network). Jordan Hobbs led Michigan with 19 points, though just five after halftime. Greta Kampschroeder added 14 points. Olivia Olson, held scoreless in the first half, finished with 11. Without Swords, Michigan used a more traditional starting lineup, going with Yulia Grabovskaia at center with the four guards who’ve started all year. The Trojans scored 10 straight to close the first quarter and open the second, grabbing a 19-11 lead. Hobbs scored 14 straight for Michigan to keep the visitors close. Michigan trailed 34-31 at half and grabbed the lead early in the third quarter. Midway through the third quarter, USC had an open 3 that would have pushed its lead to eight. Instead, Michigan went the other way. Brooke Quarles-Daniels missed two layups in succession before finally converting through a foul. Her free throw cut USC’s lead to 43-41. As Watkins continued to draw fouls, Michigan hung around. Olson’s and-one cut Michigan’s deficit to one with 2:24 left in the third. That’s when the wheels started to come off for the Wolverines. Watkins made 10 free throws in the quarter, helping USC to a 57-47 lead entering the fourth. After the Olson bucket, Michigan missed 11 straight shots, getting nothing but a single free throw until Hobbs’ jumper with 5:40 left. The cold spell turned a one-possession game into a blowout.

Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch

NINGDE, China , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 24th, CATL officially launched the CATL Bedrock Chassis, the world's first ultra-safe skateboard chassis. With its outstanding performance of withstanding 120 km/h frontal impact without catching fire or exploding, CATL's Bedrock Chassis sets a new standard for intelligent chassis safety, providing comprehensive protection across all scenarios and speed ranges. Lead the industry with the most stringent safety tests With the battery-centered design, CATL's Bedrock Chassis utilizes Cell-to-Chassis integration technology, which directly integrates the battery cells into the chassis, allowing for a shared structural design between them. And based on the decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, the Bedrock Chassis is capable of absorbing 85% of the vehicle's collision energy (compared to around 60% absorbed by traditional chassis). Through various technological breakthroughs, the Bedrock Chassis successfully passed the world's first "highest speed + strongest impact" dual extreme safety test. This achievement enables the chassis to pass the 120 km/h frontal central pole impact test without catching fire, exploding or thermal runway, redefining the benchmark for safety in the industry. Currently, the speed for frontal impact safety test in the commonly used C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) is 56km/h, which, when experiencing a frontal impact at this speed, generates collision energy equivalent to falling from 12-meter-high building. In comparison, a frontal impact at 120km/h is equivalent to falling from a 56-meter-high building, generating a collision energy 4.6 times that of collision at 56km/h. In more stringent frontal pole crash tests, which simulate crashes with non-standard objects such as power poles, large trees, or animals, the impact area is only 1/6 of that in a full-width frontal impact, exponentially increasing impact pressure. At a speed of 120km/h, the impact pressure on the chassis per unit area in a frontal central pole impact is 21 times that of the 56 km/h full-width frontal impact in C-NCAP testing. Due to the extremely high crash speed and intensity, there has been no previous instance of any new energy vehicle daring to challenge a 120km/h frontal pole impact test. With this extreme challenge, CATL's Bedrock Chassis has blazed a fresh trail for the industry. Open the era of ultra-safe transportation through three technological breakthroughs CATL's Bedrock Chassis has delved deep into the realm of structure and material innovation, leveraging three technological breakthroughs to provide unparalleled protection in all scenarios and speed ranges, ensuring rock-solid safety for the entire vehicle. The CATL Bedrock Chassis introduces a revolutionary three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise shell structure, where the body and energy unit framework are integrated, deeply coupled to provide the energy unit with indestructible protection. And its aircraft carrier-grade arresting structure disperses impact forces across multiple pathways during a crash, gradually decelerating the vehicle and significantly reducing the depth and speed at which obstacles intrude the cabin. The utilization of submarine-grade hot-formed steel with a strength of 2000MPa, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a strength of 600MPa, and multiple barrier structures further enhance the chassis' rigidity, making it virtually impervious. Moreover, the CATL Bedrock Chassis incorporates an ultra-safe battery cell design, NP technology, and a high-ductility energy-absorbing insulation film, leading the industry in a groundbreaking manner. In terms of high-voltage disconnection, it achieves instantaneous disconnection of high voltage circuit within 0.01 seconds of impact and completes the discharge of residual high-voltage energy in the vehicle within 0.2 seconds, setting a new industry record. Notably, the battery cells have undergone highly demanding tests, including high-speed sled impact tests at 60 km/h, 90-degree bending tests, and breakthrough sawing tests, the battery did not catch fire or explode across all three tests. These tests, all industry-firsts by CATL, have elevated the safety standards of battery cells to new heights. Unlocking the era of customization, and activating a trillion-yuan market The launch of the Bedrock Chassis not only redefines the standard for intelligent chassis safety but also activates a trillion-yuan market. It greatly accelerates the shift towards modular, personalized, and intelligent automotive design. Addressing the common pain points of high investment, long development cycles, and accelerated product iteration in the industry, the Bedrock Chassis incorporates three core characteristics: internal integration, decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, and external openness. With a rich array of toolkits and solution packages, it offers a scalable software and hardware architecture and standardized interfaces, enabling flexible configurations for different vehicle models and scenarios. This allows the realization of a "one chassis architecture, multiple vehicle models" concept and significantly improves development efficiency and shortens the R&D cycle. The time required for mass production of a vehicle is reduced from the traditional 36 months or longer to 12 to 18 months. Furthermore, the Bedrock Chassis breaks the limits of safety and modeling, and expands design flexibility through the design of decoupling of the chassis from the upper body. The fourth-generation Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology and inverted battery cell technology enhance the utilization of chassis space while reducing the risk of chassis scraping. Additionally, in terms of intelligence, the chassis supports mechanical decoupling, software decoupling and EE decoupling, enabling L3 to L4 intelligent driving capabilities. It provides high adaptability interfaces and promotes collaborative intelligent applications. At the launch ceremony, AVATR, the first automaker to use Bedrock Chassis, and CAIT-SH, CATL's skateboard chassis arm, signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on CATL's Bedrock Chassis to create a safer, higher-quality travel experience for users. Safety is a never-ending journey. In the future, CATL will continue to break technological barriers through continuous innovation, and work with partners to build a safe ecosystem for EV batteries and vehicles, safeguarding the safety of users. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catl-launches-the-bedrock-chassis-that-withstands-120-kmh-impact-without-catching-fire-or-exploding-302338927.html SOURCE Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL)

Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch

House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsEver wanted to bring your dog with you aboard a cruise ship? Do you have a business focused on dogs and their families? If you answered yes to either question, you’ll be excited to learn that what’s being called the first-ever dog-friendly cruise is being planned aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander out of the Port of Tampa in November 2025. And business opportunities await. Cruise ships famously don’t allow dogs other than service animals. Organizers of this cruise anticipate selecting from a long line of hopefuls. A “waitlist for all dog parents who have dreamt of bringing their furry friends along for their vacations will open soon,” a news release says. Organizers are calling for 250 dogs, “their owners and their closest humans” to become “inaugural ambassadors” for the cruise, which they promise will offer “unique experiences and activities including gifts and samples from top vendors, dog shows and trainings, guest speakers, costume contests, parades, and more.” The event is being staged by two organizations — Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando. The website cruisetails.com seeks sponsors and investors in hopes of turning the cruise into a recurring event. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for companies seeking brand visibility “across a passionate pet-loving audience,” the site says. And participants must sign photo waivers, the website says, adding, “We anticipate the fun will be all over social media and even in the press. In fact, the 250 chosen will undoubtedly be asked by sponsors to try products and post about them.” Cruise Tails was formed by Steve Matzke, a Bradenton-based entrepreneur listed on LinkedIn as beginning his career this month as an “independent consultant.” Matzke spent four years prior to that as senior director of external relations for the American Accounting Association, and 12 years before that as director of faculty and university initiatives for the American Institute of CPAs, his LinkedIn profile shows. Expedia Cruises of West Orlando was founded in 2019 by Dawn von Graff, an avid traveler who has taken more than 75 cruises and visited more than 80 countries, and her husband. She owned a computer networking firm, worked as an international tour manager, and was a top salesperson for Marriott before forming Expedia Cruises of West Orlando as a full-service travel agency. Details including dates, prices and itineraries have not yet been released. According to the website, organizers hope to select the inaugural 250 dogs based partly on how the dogs perform in a “video talent singing contest” as well as “a variety of criteria” to be announced “over the next few weeks.” The bigger the dog’s entourage, the better chance it will have to be chosen, the website says. “Preference will be given to dogs in a group which includes one dog cabin traveling with two or more associated cabins of friends or family without dogs,” it says. A spokeswoman for Margaritaville at Sea says the organizers are chartering the Islander, and the cruise will not be available for booking to the general public. Each dog will have “private relief stations” on their cabin balconies, and when dogs don’t make it to the relief station, each will have its own “pet butler” to ensure “their cabin and the boat remain in top condition,” a Cruise Tails spokeswoman said. Participants must agree to follow protocols on board, including keeping their dogs in permitted areas and making sure they are up to date with appropriate vaccinations. Dogs will not be allowed in dining areas, the ship’s casino, pool decks, lounges or music venues, according to the news release. Organizers will also be looking for workers and vendors. “We’re going to need dog walkers, pet butlers, and so much more,” the website says. And “if you have a proven skill like pet massage, grooming and pet walking or if you make custom dog costumes, have a unique dog product you would like to promote or are a well-known dog expert, we would love to chat with you.” Calls for pet handlers and vendors will be posted “in the next few months,” the site says. Whether the event turns into the profitable industry that its organizers hope for will undoubtedly depend on how the first one unfolds. A spokeswoman did not immediately have answers to such questions of what will happen to dogs that get aggressive with humans or other dogs? Will owners be required to purchase additional insurance to cover any possibilities? Will food be provided and how will feedings be handled? Contributors on Reddit.com posted mixed reactions to the announcement on Monday. “Cruises are already floating petri dishes. This doesn’t seem like a very good idea,” said one. “Now all decks are poop decks,” said another. A couple of posters worried about dogs going overboard. One said, “sounds awesome if you like dogs,” while another chimed in, “Better than a gorilla-friendly cruise, I suppose.” Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans’ starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday. Moss started ’ bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in. I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.” Moss, who was born in Los Angeles and went to high school in the San Fernando Valley, signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed with the Trojans after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year’s Holiday Bowl. Moss completed 64.4% of his passes this season for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. After a spectacular 378-yard performance to beat LSU in the Trojans’ season opener, Moss didn’t play poorly as a starter, but he also wasn’t a difference-maker while USC stumbled to a 4-5 record. Moss threw seven interceptions in his final five starts before losing the job to Maiava. The Trojans went 1-4 in that stretch under Moss, who plays as a more traditional pocket passer while Maiava has the mobility usually favored for quarterbacks in Riley’s spread offense. “Looking towards the future, I’m unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader, and to achieving this at the next level,” Moss wrote. Moss has already graduated from USC, putting him in the portal as a graduate student. USC (6-6) is headed to a lower-tier bowl game again to finish this season, its third under Riley. ___ AP college football: and