treasures of aztec 3
Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10Two presidents have been impeached in a month and their replacement is under pressure. The political crisis in South Korea is deepening. Two presidents have been impeached within weeks, and their stand-in replacement has come under immediate pressure. The instability is creating serious concern internationally. So what has gone wrong – and what’s next? Presenter: James Bays Guests: Youngshik Bong – Research fellow at Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studies Jeeyang Rhee Baum – Adjunct fellow in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School In-Bum Chun – Retired South Korean army lieutenant-general
NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Former commissioner for Information in Ogun State and longstanding coordinator of the popular Ojude Oba festival, Prof. Fassy Yusuf, tells AYOOLA OLASUPO about his leadership experience, how cultural preservation and promotion can foster societal growth and forthcoming 70th birthday celebration As a former commissioner, how did your experience in governance shape your understanding and approach to cultural preservation and promotion in Ogun State? As the coordinator of the Ojude Oba festival for the past 20 years and a former Ogun State commissioner for Culture, Sports, and Social Welfare, I have leveraged my extensive experience to promote cultural awareness and unity. During my tenure, I facilitated a cultural renaissance across the state, making it seamless to oversee the festival’s growth. We transitioned the festival from the palace forecourt to the annex, now named the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre. This role has deepened my appreciation of our culture as a powerful tool for tourism and societal cohesion, showcasing our uniqueness to the world. Ojude Oba exemplifies religious tolerance and harmony, uniting Muslims, Christians, and Iseese worshippers in celebration. It is a vibrant spectacle that underscores togetherness. We continue to raise the bar, aiming for an even greater festival in 2025, surpassing the achievements of 2024. How did your influence affect the celebration of Ojude Oba? Normally, we look at the people we want to invite. We know our sponsors and every year, we attract a new sponsor because we have raised the bar, and Kabiyesi has succeeded in lifting the festival to new heights. Our people think of innovations each year to ensure that the festival is seen as a symbol of unity, cohesion, and what the totality of Ijebu stands for. We also liaise with sponsors and look for special guests to honour. We have been expressing the state government’s interest since I joined, and of course, you will recall that it was when we started raising the bar that we also witnessed the re-emergence of the legbelegbe or age grade. They have injected flavour and friendship into the festival, attracting significant development to the town and other Ijebu towns and villages. As a highly recognised event, what strategies have you and your team employed to sustain the relevance of Ojude Oba over the years? Every year after the festival, we take stock. We (organisers) receive feedback and assess how to project into the future. We don’t take things for granted, and we ensure that we improve our activities every year because we try to be proactive. We associate with the various components of the community so that they know what we are doing and can also tell us what we should do. It is society-driven. If the visitors are unhappy with what they see, the festival will not grow. Don’t forget that sponsors have their criteria for ensuring success; if we haven’t succeeded, they will not return. We thank God. How has the festival been receiving much attention, especially from the youths in recent times? That is because of the type of advocacy we do and the publicity we create. Don’t forget that I’m also a journalist, PR expert, and marketing professional. So, it’s not difficult for me to attract my colleagues. We organise press conferences, sensitise the media, get our sponsors to speak, and start the arrangements in earnest. We thank God we have a monarch who has seen it all. Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona (GCON), the monarch, has been on the stool since April 2, 1960; that’s about 65 years ago and he is still waxing strong. How do your sponsors benefit from the festival? If they’re not benefiting, will they throw their money into the lagoon? No! They have done some auditing and compared their participation in the festival to the gains they accrue, whether in terms of return on investment, sales returns, or image, which cannot be quantified, but sales can. That is why we continue to have more sponsors every year because they know there’s something to gain. What legacy has your continued involvement in promoting cultural heritage left behind on cultural leadership? A people without culture will go into extinction, and a people without tradition cannot survive. Appreciating, developing, embracing, and growing our culture is the best way to thrive. My involvement has been beneficial to my society and some extent, to the country. When people read about Ojude Oba, they know the festival belongs to the people of Ijebu. The benefits and publicity don’t stay with Ijebu alone; they spread to the entire country. When they read about the country, they attribute it to the country and narrow it down to the community. It’s a win-win situation for developing your country, state, or community’s culture. What is your view about the recurring religious disputes between the Iseese worshippers and other religions in the country? Religious conflicts are unnecessary. Almighty Allah says in the Quran, ‘Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion’. If Allah had wished, He could have made everyone Muslim, but in His wisdom, He created diverse religions. Christianity and Islam are Abrahamic religions, that share roots in the teachings of Abraham. Christianity originated in Jerusalem, part of modern Israel and Palestine, while Abraham’s journey was linked to Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on our ancestors who lived before these religions, one must ask: would they go to hell? Ultimately, no one knows heaven’s workings. Worshipping the Creator, whatever one chooses is what matters. For instance, the Iseese people worship their Creator in their way. In Ijebuland, the saying, ‘Esin o le fa’ja’ (religion cannot cause acrimony) highlights the importance of harmony. Nigerians must realise that religion is personal and should not be a cause for division. The Bible says, ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’, without distinction of faith. Similarly, Allah teaches acceptance: ‘If it is my wish, I will make everyone Muslim or Christian.’ Religion should unite, not divide, fostering mutual respect and peace. You’re clocking 70 years soon; how do you feel about that? I must express my gratitude to my Creator, who has kept me this far. He has made me who I am. I may not have had it all, but comparatively, I’m grateful for all I have achieved. I thank Almighty God that it has not been too bad. He has been kind to me because the environment has been kind to me. As the late sage Obafemi Awolowo would say, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. It cannot be like this forever. The world itself is a passing phase. The world is like a stage, and we are all actors. We are just here to play our parts. So, I am playing my little part, and when the time comes, I pray I live to be old. I pray to reach 80, 90 years, and whatever age God decides, but as long as I have good health, I will continue to thank God. At 70, some people want to retire and focus on their grandchildren, but you seem strong enough to be involved in state development. What is the secret behind your energy at this age? Related News Did police fail to stop only one robbery in Lagos since 2007? FG plans crackdown on cultism, bullying in schools Police foil robbery, arrest 12 suspects in Delta One thing I have discovered is that life should not allow you to be complacent, despondent, or withdrawn. Lack of activity is a negative thing that will not help you grow intellectually, spiritually, or physically. If you don’t exercise your brain, it will become rustic and demented. But if you strive to keep your body and mind active, it benefits your brain, mind, muscles, and more. You won’t become despondent or rusty. The body requires nourishment, energising, and fuelling. You can only fuel your body if you stay active. What advice would you give to youths who also pray for long life? Nigerian youths are often criticised for being mentally, intellectually, and spiritually lazy. While this doesn’t apply to all, many seem fixated on quick, effortless wealth, regardless of its sustainability. Some young people engage in harmful behaviours, quarrelling and even resorting to violence, which neither contributes to personal growth nor nation-building. Unlike in developed countries, where youths are exposed to volunteer jobs and taught the value of hard work from a young age, many Nigerian youths lack this ethic. They often misuse technology, turning it into tools for cybercrime instead of productive endeavours. In developed societies, dignity in labour is emphasised; earning and education require effort. Conversely, many Nigerian youths prioritise materialism over hard work, evident in their possession of expensive gadgets their families cannot afford, raising questions about their sources of income. The issue extends to young women engaging in prostitution to keep up appearances, while young men often join cults, commit cybercrimes, or resort to armed robbery. This reflects a broader societal dysfunction, marked by leadership and followership paralysis. Who should be blamed for the decadence in society? Yes. It’s a societal issue. Families must also take responsibility for the values their children inherit. This isn’t only a question of government policy or leadership; it is about the collective moral compass of the society. When the family fails to teach core values such as hard work, humility, and integrity, the youth are left to wander without direction. Government policies, alongside proper family structures and societal values, must work in tandem to guide the younger generation towards more productive and responsible lives. Why are most state governments against local government autonomy? I was in government before, and I believe the Federal Government has no business interfering in local government affairs. These are functions of state governments, which should create and manage local governments to suit their developmental goals. For example, when Bola Tinubu expanded Lagos 20 local governments to 57 LCDAs, former President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld allocations to those local governments. This issue arises from the country’s poorly structured federal arrangements, where the constitution is often ignored, and successive governments exploit the system. To move forward, Nigeria must embrace true federalism and strictly follow constitutional provisions. However, resistance to change persists. Some benefit from the current system, others fear uncertainty, and some lack understanding of potential reforms. Nonetheless, change is inevitable and crucial for progress. State governments must allow local governments to grow within constitutional limits. We must clarify these issues. If Local Government Service Commissions exist, to whom will they report; state governments or local chairmen? Availability of reliable infrastructure is one of the factors that can attract investors to the country. Why do you think there are many bad roads in Ogun State? The state of roads in Ogun varies depending on the area. For example, the Lagos-Sagamu and Sagamu-Abeokuta roads are in good condition. However, Ogun State’s role as a gateway state, connecting Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, to other regions, leads to heavy vehicular traffic. Virtually all vehicles leaving Lagos pass through Ogun, whether via Epe, Badagry, or the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. This problem is largely due to the neglect of the railway system. In the past, railways were used to transport heavy goods such as iron ore and cement. Today, trailers and tankers dominate the roads, which are often asphalted rather than made of durable concrete. These heavy vehicles damage the roads, especially when breakdowns or fires occur, creating potholes. Rebuilding and promoting rail transport will ease pressure on roads, reducing damage and associated repair costs. Coastal areas like Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Delta face additional challenges due to marshy terrain and heavy rainfall, making road construction more expensive compared to the northern regions. Moreover, government funds are often limited, complicating infrastructure development. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive planning, better allocation of resources, and a revitalised rail network to support transportation needs. Is it that successive administrations have not paid much attention to this aspect? Well, I think they will tell you they are trying their best. It’s obvious due to the availability of funds and other factors. For example, when Ibikunle Amosun was in office, his focus was on bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. I’m not in a position to assess or pass judgment on them, but I believe it depends on their focus. “They will tell you that some of these roads, which expose them to ridicule or criticism, are not state roads but federal roads. If they attempt to reconstruct or rehabilitate these roads, the Federal Government may not reimburse them. In contrast, perhaps at the federal level, money has been allocated for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of these roads. However, due to bureaucracy, the funds are not released on time. So, they blame the state. We need to understand the dynamics of some of these things before we can pass judgment. What is your view on the recently proposed tax reform bill? As I said earlier, it is difficult to implement change within the polity. Some people, who had been benefiting from the old system, would not want change. For example, we have been told that the higher you earn, the more tax you pay. Again, we need a lot of sensitisation in this country. Our people are not in the habit of paying taxes. In some countries, especially in the Western world, you can pay as much as 60 per cent of your salary in taxes. What is tied to this is that if you fail to pay your taxes abroad, you will go to jail. How many people have been jailed in this country for not paying taxes? People take it for granted, yet this is where governments get money to provide amenities and take care of their responsibilities. But when we don’t want to pay our taxes and still expect governments to provide so many things, then there is a paradox. It is paradoxical. How do we get to El Dorado without making fundamental changes? So, it is up to Tinubu’s administration to take some of these steps.Thomas Sorber collected 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks to pace Georgetown to an 83-53 win against shorthanded Coppin State on Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. The Hoyas pulled away from the Eagles with a 21-2 run early in the second half. Georgetown held Coppin State to 22 percent shooting in the second half and 18 percent from behind the arc. Georgetown (11-2) is off to its best start since the 2011-12 season. Drew Fielder recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds while Malik Mack had 15 points and 11 assists for the Hoyas. Georgetown played without its leading scorer Jayden Epps, who missed the game with a lower-body injury. Toby Nnadozie scored 22 points and Julius Ellerbe III added 12 to go along with six steals for the Eagles (1-13). The Hoyas' decisive second-half run started with Caleb Williams' steal that led to a Fielder lay up as Georgetown took 49-37 lead. Moments later, Fielder's turnaround in the lane put the Hoyas up 56-37. Sorber's jam with 6:36 left gave Georgetown a 67-41 advantage. The pesky Eagles rattled off a 7-0 run but got no closer than 19 points the rest of the game. The Eagles played without three of their top four scorers but forced 14 Georgetown turnovers in the first half and hit 5-of-8 3-pointers. Ellerbe corralled a loose ball near half court and distributed it to Nnadozie who converted a contested layup to pull CSU within 12-11. But the Hoyas held a 24-10 rebounding edge in the first half as Sorber and Fielder were a force inside the paint. The Hoyas created separation as Sorber worked the high-low game with a catch in the lane and a left finger roll for a 25-15 Hoyas' lead with 8:40 left in the first half. Zahree Harrison's 3-pointer kept the dogged visitors close and capped a 5-0 run that cut the Georgetown lead to 25-20. Nnadozie closed the first half with a 3-pointer and the Hoyas held a 37-30 lead. --Field Level Media
‘We’re trying to keep Sarah’s spirit alive’, Kimberley Walsh on Girls Aloud’s ‘gut-wrenching’ tour & the band’s futureNovember 30 - While Cleveland heads into Sunday's home matchup with the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics sporting the league's best record, the Cavaliers also come in trying to avoid a three-game losing streak. Cleveland had its 15-game winning streak to open the season interrupted in its last meeting with Boston, a 120-117 win for the host Celtics on Nov. 19. The Cavaliers recovered with a pair of wins over Toronto and New Orleans, but fell in meetings with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday and Friday. A 20-point, 22-assist game from Trae Young on Wednesday powered Atlanta to 135 points, the most Cleveland has allowed this season. The Hawks followed the 11-point win in Cleveland with a 16-point rout of the Cavaliers on Friday in Atlanta. The consecutive losses dropped Cleveland to 17-3, tied with Boston for the NBA's best mark in the loss column. The Cavaliers maintain the league's best winning percentage at .850 but are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak since last April. "Our defensive engagement was good," Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said, contrasting Friday's loss with Wednesday's. "(But) our offense kind of tanked. It's hard to be mad at our guys. They've been phenomenal offensively." The Cavaliers ranked No. 20 in points per game a season ago with 112.6. In their first season under Atkinson as coach, they lead the NBA in scoring at 122.4. Friday's contest was Cleveland's lowest-scoring output of the season despite 29 points from Darius Garland and 24 from Evan Mobley. Donovan Mitchell managed less than half of his season average (24.1) with 12, while 14.5-point per game scorer Jarrett Allen managed just six. The Cavaliers look to get back on track against a Celtics team riding a seven-game winning streak. The Celtics, averaging the NBA's second-highest point-per-game output at 121.2, have bookended their streak with 139 points in a rout at Brooklyn on Nov. 13 and 138 points in a win Friday at Chicago. Jayson Tatum scored 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Boston's nine-point defeat of the Bulls. He is averaging 28.7 points, which includes his 33-point performance in the win over the Cavaliers. In Friday's NBA Cup win, Boston also got a huge performance off the bench from Payton Pritchard. His 29 points (19 in the fourth quarter) came on the heels of a 20-point outing in the Celtics' 126-94 home blowout of the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. "The key to him is he finds different ways to impact games. He's grown as a player over the course of his career," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said of Pritchard. "He's a complete player. I know it sounds weird, but he's one of the best three-level scorers I've seen for his size, and he's just a high-level competitor." At 15.6 points per game, Pritchard is one of five Celtics averaging more than 12 points along with Tatum, Jaylen Brown (24.7), Derrick White (18.3) and Jrue Holiday (12.1). --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
Harris puts up 24, Southern Miss defeats Milwaukee 66-65price extended its gains for the fourth consecutive day, clearing on its way to the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) as the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict augments demand for the safe-haven metal. The XAU/USD trades at $2,672 at around weekly highs, gaining over 0.80%. Fears that Russia launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on Ukraine heightened tensions in Eastern Europe. However, according to Reuters citing a Western official, they did not use an ICBM on Thursday. Consequently, the golden metal rose above the 50-day SMA, which is at $2,660, amid firm US Treasury yields and a bid . On the data front, last week's US Initial Jobless Claims hinted that the labor market remains strong, suggesting the (Fed) could achieve a soft landing. Other data was not encouraging, like the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, which plunged to -5.5 in November, beneath October’s 10.3 reading. Aside from this, Fed speakers crossed the wires. The New York Fed’s John Williams commented that the disinflationary process continues and added that the fed funds rate will be lower by the end of 2025. Chicago’s Fed Chairman Austan Goolsbee echoed some of his comments. He repeated what he has said lately, supporting lower interest rates, but he opened the door to slowing the pace of easing policy. Traders trimmed the chances for a 25 bps rate cut at the December meeting. The CME FedWatch Tool sees a 56% probability of lowering , down from a 58% chance two days ago. Ahead , the economic docket will feature Fed speakers and the University of Michigan (UoM) Consumer Sentiment data in the US. Daily digest market movers: Gold reaches a new weekly high amid escalation of Russia-Ukraine conflict Technical outlook: Gold price clears the 50-day SMA The uptrend in Gold prices is set to continue, with the non-yielding metal set to trade within the $2,660-$2,700 range. A breach of the latter will expose the November 7 high of $2,710, followed by the psychological $2,750 figure. Once those two levels are removed, up next lies the all-time peak at $2,790. Conversely, sellers will have the upper hand if the non-yielding metal drops below the 50-day SMA at $2,658. Once surpassed, up next would be $2,600, followed by the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $2,550. Bears could target the November 14 swing low of $2,536, followed by XAU/USD diving to $2,500. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has shifted to a bullish bias, indicating buyers are in charge. Gold FAQs Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
PM urges graduates to use knowledge for national prosperityA proposal to honor vice president-elect J.D. Vance at a city council meeting in tiny Middleton, Ohio, was disrupted when a dispute broke out this week after his mother made a plea to the city fathers to acknowledge his part in Donald Trump's 2024 election win. According to a report from WCOP, a local ABNC affiliate, Beverly Aikins, Vance’s mother, spoke to the city council on Thursday to request that her son get some type of honor for becoming vice president. The report notes she explained, "I am just here because I am JD Vance’s mother and as you know he is our new vice president-elect and he thinks of Middletown as his home. I still live here and his sister still lives in Middletown. He’s got two nieces who live here and I just think it would be nice if we could acknowledge that this is his hometown and put up some signs." ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Senate Dems consider whether Biden should ‘clear the slate’ and pardon Trump She then added, "He graduated from Middletown High School, he comes back here frequently to visit me and take me to dinner, and I humbly request that.” That, in turn, led to a debate, where, reportedly, her plea was not greeted with unanimous enthusiasm. As Lauren Pack of the Journal-News reported, "Councilman Paul Lolli said there are two issues concerning the JD Vance recognition — what wasn’t done by the city after the election through social media and what is going to be done going forward." Lolli proposed, "To me, our communication department should have done this weeks ago. I would like to ask the communications department to get something out by the end of the week. That is what a lot of people in Middletown are extremely upset about." That received pushback from Councilwoman Jennifer Carter who claimed, “I would think that we would wait and see what happens. (Kayla Harrison, Kyle Schwarber, etc.) proved themselves before we put those signs up.” After Lolli replied, "JD won,” Carter parried, "Let’s see what he does ... what’s the rush.” “What we are saying is the fact that the city won’t even recognize that a Middletonian has been elected as vice president that is a problem. I would say the same thing if it were an independent or a Democrat. We should be proud," Councilman Steve West II, offered to which Mayor Elizabeth Slamka added, “It is fair to recognize. That is in the works. I am not a political person. It can be very polarizing. But I think we can recognize.” You can read more here.
Number of seats: 4 Seats filled: 0 4pm: Rathdown is still counting in a quiet Ballinteer Community School. Conversation has turned to speculation over when the first count can be expected – a fairly inexact science. 2.20pm: There is a sense of calm before the storm as the count chugs steadily onwards in Rathdown, with Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond expected to top the poll. It is a conclusion foreseen since ballot boxes were first opened this morning, with the real race beginning once transfers enter the state of play after the first count later today. His running mate Maeve O’Connell is well placed to take the second seat. The count continues in Ballinteer Community School as Rathdown looks to elect four TDs. 1pm: Counters have taken a break here in the hall of Ballinteer Community School, with party supporters making peace with the results of their tallies before the official outcome of the first count rolls in later this afternoon. The electorate in Rathdown has often dealt the blows of what can only be described as a mild ‘curse of the minister’ in elections past, with sitting Media minister Catherine Martin likely to now face an uphill battle for the final seat in this four-seater with a sixth-place finish in the tallies with 8pc of first preferences. Transport minister Shane Ross lost his seat in Rathdown four years ago, while former justice minister Alan Shatter also lost his seat here in 2016. It remains to be seen whether Ms Martin will be the latest casualty of this ‘curse’, having been the one to benefit from Mr Shatter’s loss eight years ago when she was first elected to the Dáil. 12pm: We are close to a full tally in Rathdown, with 99pc of the boxes open and a clear trend emerging for Fine Gael based on first preferences. Junior minister Neale Richmond looks likely to take 20pc, now followed by his running mate Maeve O’Connell on 13pc. It shows signs of two seats for Fine Gael here once our first count is completed and transfers are taken into account. Fianna Fáil candidate Shay Brennan is on 12pc, followed by both independent Michael Fleming and Social Democrats candidate Sineád Gibney on 9pc. Catherine Martin is still in the race with 8pc of first preferences based on these tallies, but she could face an uphill battle for the final seat and be more reliant on transfers than anticipated. Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey is on 7pc, followed by Labour’s Lettie McCarthy on 6pc. Catherine Martin (Brian Lawless/PA) Tallies indicate first major wins and casualties in tight race 11.10am: Tallies are showing it will be a tight race in Rathdown as first preferences are keeping multiple candidates in with a fighting chance of a seat, including Green Party minister Catherine Martin. With 66pc of the boxes opened, Neale Richmond continues to lead based on tallies with 21pc of the first preference vote share. He is followed by Fianna Fáil candidate Shay Brennan on 12pc, who is closely followed by independent Michael Fleming on 10pc and Social Democrat Sineád Gibney, Green Party minister Catherine Martin and Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey all on 9pc. Fine Gael councillor Maeve O’Connell has an 8pc share of first preferences based on these tallies and she will be expected to benefit from the transfers of her running mate on the ticket, Mr Richmond. Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter, who is running as an independent, does not appear to be fulfilling the disruptive role he was initially cast in when he announced his candidacy. Based on first preference tallies, Mr Shatter is performing at around 4pc. Transfers will be the key to victory in Rathdown. 10.25am: Initial tallies are being calculated as parties and supporters keep a close eye on the counting here. Tally people have told each other it is “early days” when others have optimistically pointed to strong first preference showings for their candidates in boxes across the constituency. Although just 24pc of the boxes have been opened, initial tallies show Fine Gael minister Neale Richmond leading the pack with around 21pc of first preferences, followed by Fianna Fáil councillor Shay Brennan with 14.3pc, Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney on 10pc, Green Party minister Catherine Martin on 9.8pc and Sinn Féin candidate Shaun Tracey on 9.2pc. Turnout is around 59pc based on these initial tallies. There are candidates here which will do better in some parts of the constituency over others. A local election poll topper like independent Michael Fleming is a prime example of this, who appears to be polling well in his own local electoral area of Glencullen-Sandyford. It remains to be seen whether his local success can translate across the constituency. Counting begins in Ballinteer Community School. 9am: Boxes have been opened in Rathdown The ballot boxes have now been opened in Ballinteer Community School, where the constituency of Rathdown will soon return four seats to the Dáil. There are just two incumbent candidates seeking re-election in Green Party minister Catherine Martin and Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond after Fine Gael’s Josepha Madigan left politics and an additional seat was added to the constituency. Tally people have received their instructions and will be keeping a close eye on first preference votes throughout the morning to see which way the wind has blown in Rathdown. While both incumbents have been considered safe throughout the election campaign, the remaining two seats will make for an interesting contest. Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter has run in this election as an independent, while Fianna Fáil councillor Shay Brennan will be looking to make a gain for the party in this constituency alongside his running mate Elaine Dunne. Local councillor Michael Fleming, who was elected to the local council in June with more than double the necessary quota of votes, has been among the favourites to pick up the new fourth seat in Rathdown. Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney, the former chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission who raised her profile in the European elections earlier this summer, and the Labour Party’s well-tested local poll topper Lettie McCarthy also cannot be ruled out. It all remains to play for in Rathdown as counting begins and the early tallying gets underway.In a world where visuals have become a fundamental part of communication, stands out as one of the most popular graphic design platforms globally. Known for its intuitive design tools, Canva has democratized the design process, making it accessible to individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises alike. Whether you’re a professional graphic designer or a complete beginner, Canva offers the tools you need to create stunning designs quickly and easily. This article will explore Canva’s features, how it benefits different users, and how it has transformed the world of design. Founded in 2012 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams, started as an online platform designed to simplify the graphic design process. The company’s mission is to provide users with an easy-to-use platform that allows them to create high-quality designs without the need for advanced design skills. Today, Canva has evolved into a comprehensive design tool used by over 60 million people worldwide, from individuals creating social media posts to large corporations designing marketing campaigns. Canva’s user-friendly interface, extensive template library, and customizable design elements make it a powerful tool for everyone, regardless of their level of design experience. Canva is a game-changer for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have access to expensive design software or in-house design teams. Here’s how Canva can help businesses succeed: While Canva is widely popular, it does face competition from other design tools. Here’s how Canva compares to its main competitors: As Canva continues to grow and innovate, several exciting developments are on the horizon: Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or casual user looking to create beautiful designs, offers the perfect solution for your needs. With its user-friendly interface, vast template library, and powerful design tools, Canva has revolutionized the way people approach graphic design. By providing a platform that is both accessible and affordable, Canva has empowered millions of users to create professional-grade designs without the steep learning curve of traditional design software. As Canva continues to grow and innovate, it will undoubtedly remain a leader in the graphic design space, helping users from all walks of life create stunning visuals with ease.Saka and Ødegaard’s special relationship has Arsenal humming | Barney Ronay
Romania's far-right candidate Calin Georgescu on Saturday urged voters to go to polling stations despite the country's top court having scrapped the presidential elections over alleged irregularities amid claims of Russian interference. The court's shock ruling, coming just before the presidential run-off which had been due Sunday, opens the way for a new electoral process starting from scratch in the EU and NATO member state bordering war-torn Ukraine. The annulment follows a spate of intelligence documents declassified by the presidency this week detailing allegations against Georgescu and Russia, including claims of "massive" social media promotion and cyberattacks. Georgescu -- who unexpectedly topped last month's first round of voting -- called for voters on Sunday "to wait to be welcomed, to wait for democracy to win through their power", said a statement from his team. "Mr. Calin Georgescu believes that voting is an earned right," said the statement. "That is why he believes that Romanians have the right to be in front of the polling stations tomorrow." Georgescu himself would go to a polling station near Bucharest at 0600 GMT, said his team. Earlier Saturday, police raided three houses in Brasov city in central Romania as part of the investigation "in connection with crimes of voter corruption, money laundering, computer forgery". Among the houses searched was that of businessman Bogdan Peschir, a TikTok user who according to the declassified documents allegedly paid $381,000 to those involved in the promotion of Georgescu, Romanian media reported. Peschir has compared his support for Georgescu to the world's richest man Elon Musk's backing of US president-elect Donald Trump. Little-known outsider Georgescu, a 62-year-old former senior civil servant, was favourite to win the second round on Sunday against centrist pro-EU mayor Elena Lasconi, 52, according to several polls. But the constitutional court on Friday unanimously decided to annul the entire electoral process as it was "marred... by multiple irregularities and violations of electoral legislation". President Klaus Iohannis said on Saturday that he had discussed with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and they agreed on the "need to strengthen the security of social media". The European Commission announced earlier this week that it had stepped up monitoring TikTok after Romania's authorities alleged "preferential treatment" of Georgescu on the platform -- a claim the company has denied. Following the court's decision, the United States said it had faith in Romania's institutions and called for a "peaceful democratic process". Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., on X branded the vote's cancellation an "attempt at rigging the outcome" and "denying the will of the people". Georgescu called it "a formalised coup d'etat" and said democracy was "under attack". His team on Saturday declined to comment on the raids, saying they "will not comment or provide answers until we have exact data". Georgescu and another far-right party, the AUR, have said they plan to appeal the decision to stop the voting to the High Court of Cassation and Justice. A past admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Georgescu, an EU and NATO sceptic, in recent days had reframed himself as "ultra pro-Trump," vowing to put Romania "on the world map" and cut aid for neighbouring Ukraine. In an interview with US broadcaster Sky News on Saturday, Georgescu said there were no links between him and Russia. Political scientist Costin Ciobanu told AFP that the annulment has "further polarised Romanian society". With trust in institutions and the ruling class already low, the vote's cancellation poses a "major danger that Romanians will think that it doesn't matter how they vote", Ciobanu added. Elsewhere in the EU, Austria annulled presidential elections in 2016 because of procedural irregularities. In Romania, a new government is expected to set another date for the presidential vote. In last weekend's legislative elections, the ruling Social Democrats came top. But far-right parties made big gains, securing an unprecedented third of the ballots on mounting anger over soaring inflation and fears over Russia's war in Ukraine. In a joint appeal on Wednesday, the Social Democrats and three other pro-EU parties -- together making up an absolute majority in parliament -- signed an agreement to form a coalition, promising "stability". bur-jza/jj
Oh for heavens’s sake, get a room. Actually don’t. This is, on reflection, a global spectator sport. But show a little restraint. People are watching. Including, it seemed for much of the first half at the London Stadium, the entire West Ham defence. There were times during those 49 wild minutes when Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard seemed to be playing pretty much in the same pocket of air, like a pair of hummingbirds, beautifully conjoined. Footballers who work together like this are often said to have an understanding or a relationship. This was the real thing. You complete me. No, seriously. Just look at the numbers. This was Ødegaard’s third start in eight days since slipping back into the team just before the international break. There had been so much talk about what his return might mean, with all due caution about overloading one player with superhero problem‐solving powers. But the team really has bloomed under his hand, or in Saka’s case rebloomed, bloomed a little more. By the break here Arsenal were running at 13 goals in their last two and a half games, nine of them assisted or scored by Saka and Ødegaard, with Saka’s personal tally three goals and four assists. Ødegaard’s return hasn’t just been a boost. This has been a homecoming. It’s the end of The Railway Children out there. Daddy’s back, walking out of the steam in his tweed coat and homburg hat. And everything’s going to be different now. At least, it is against this West Ham defence. For long periods in that first half the home team simply didn’t apply any resistance to this process, reduced to the football equivalent of one of those paper‐thin wasabi seaweed crackers, all branding and plastic, a little colouring and sheen, but basically not really there. By half-time Saka and Ødegaard had taken 60 touches between them, just under a third of West Ham’s total from one to 11. Those are all touches near your goal, by the best players in the opposition team, often in space, allowed to dream and twirl and basically dance in each other’s eyeline. Around this Arsenal and West Ham dished up a genuinely crazy game of football. It took 10 minutes to open the scoring. Pablo Sanz, West Ham’s designated set-piece sidekick, had appeared next to Julen Lopetegui for Arsenal’s first corner, matching up the Arteta‐Tover double act. As the ball was sent fizzing into the back of the West Ham net Sanz just turned and walked back, shoulders hunched, and it really is a long way in this ground, the walk of set‐piece shame. The delivery from Saka was a flat, hard skimmer. Arsenal had lumped the back post with the usual knot of black shirts, kettling West Ham in their own area. There was the familiar phalanx advance as the ball came in, all blocks and closed lanes, players there just to eat up space while Gabriel, the running back in this scrimmage, goes hunting for the ball. His marker Michail Antonio was still pressing through the crowd like a flustered shopper as the ball was headed past Lukasz Fabianski. The London Stadium had been at its cavernous best at kick-off, a vast hanger of cold, white light, still weirdly angled, as though someone has just jammed this giant Lego structure down on its base and crunched it about until it sticks. At which point, enter: the madness. By half-time the scoreline read West Ham 2-5 Arsenal, as it would stay to the end, five of those goals in the space of 13 minutes. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Arsenal’s second was the high point of the Ødegaard-Saka fever, a goal so elegant it felt almost sarcastic. Saka started and ended the key combination, cutting inside down one of those wormholes that is somehow invisible to every opponent, laying the ball back to Ødegaard, then carrying on because he knows now what happens when you do this. The pass back into Saka’s path was a thing of beauty, floated like a soap bubble through the damp Stratford air, and also through the human props posing as West Ham defenders. Saka took the ball on his thigh then laid it sideways to Leandro Trossard to score. Six minutes later it was Saka again, this time slaloming through the claret flags and winning a penalty kick that he then presented to Ødegaard, not actually down on one knee in the restaurant but almost. Ødegaard duly buried it. That made it a 34-minute hat‐trick of goal involvements for Saka, which presumably means he gets to take home the pump that blew up the match ball. Arsenal’s fourth two minutes later was more fine play but also a little sickly because it involved West Ham just standing and watching Trossard’s perfect pass over the top for Kai Havertz. Even training cones have some kind of presence. This was frankly a disgrace to the cone. West Ham pulled a couple of goals back. Saka put away a penalty right on half-time after Fabianski decided to deal with another inswinging corner by punching Gabriel in the head. Go for the high ball, but it’s not a free hit. This isn’t purge night. And that was pretty much that, prelude to a languid postcoital cheroot of a second half. Ground may have been lost in the meantime. But this felt like the full resumption of a beautiful friendship.
Limited again, 49ers QB Brock Purdy still fighting sore shoulder
NBK Launches November Health Campaign to Support Employee Wellness and Raise AwarenessAll products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. ‘Tis the season for hard-hitting action on the gridiron! The NFL has two marquee games on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, featuring four AFC powerhouses, and a pair of powerhouse divas. See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news For the first game, the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the reigning Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey opening the show. And for the second game, the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) battle the Houston Texans (9-6) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with a much-anticipated halftime show from Beyoncé. The Chiefs vs. Steelers game broadcasts live, with kick-off at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, while Ravens vs. Texans starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Coverage with a pre-game show for NFL on Christmas Day has a start time of 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT. Both games can be found on Netflix . This is the first time the streaming service hosts live NFL games and the only way to watch the NFL on Christmas Day is with a subscription to Netflix. The games aren’t broadcasting nationally on NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC, ESPN or NFL Network. However, if you live in the metro areas of Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or Houston, the games air on your local CBS affiliate — or Paramount+ for subscribers only. Sign up for a seven-day free trial to watch NFL on Christmas Day for free, if you live in the TV markets of the NFL teams playing on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Moreover, you can also watch NFL on Christmas Day games on NFL+ starting at $6.99 per month month for the standard subscription, or $14.99 per month for NLF+ Premium . With NFL+ , fans can watch or listen to games live and on-demand, plus enjoy recaps and more. Want to stream the NFL on Christmas Day online for free? While Netflix doesn’t offer a free trial to watch the games, you can still livestream it for free when you sign up for Verizon . Sign up for Verizon and get free Netflix and Max for an entire year , as a benefit with the service. Once the 12 months is finished, you can either cancel, or keep the commercial-supported versions of both streaming services for just $10 per month altogether. That’s an over 40% discount on Netflix and Max. Meanwhile, T-Mobile offers Netflix for free when you sign up for most of the Go5G plans — either the Go5G Next, Go5G Plus or Magenta Max plans. During the double-header, there’s a number of performances throughout the NFL on Christmas Day. The day of NFL games starts with Mariah Carey performing “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” while the Voices of Service quartet performs the National Anthem before the Chiefs vs. Steelers game. Additionally, pop group Pentatonix sings the national anthem before the Ravens vs. Texans game, while Grammy Award-winning recording artist Beyoncé performs during the game’s halftime show . While she’s not scheduled to perform, it’s likely that Taylor Swift could make an appearance at the Chiefs vs. Steelers game since she’s dating star tight end Travis Kelce. Want to attend the Christmas game in person? There are still last-minute tickets to the NFL games available via Vivid Seats (get $20 off purchases of $200 and over with code BB2024 ) and StubHub . Prices vary depending on the city and seats available. Moreover, you can save $150 off when you spend $500 with promo code BILLBOARD150 , or $300 off when you spend $1,000 with promo code BILLBOARD300 at TicketNetwork.com . Starting at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, while Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Both games livestream on Netflix. Sign up for Verizon , or T-Mobile to watch the games for free. Want more? For more product recommendations , check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals , studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories .
- Previous: treasures of aztec 2 ค่าย ไหน
- Next: treasures of aztec casino
