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Energy Drink Firm Celsius Set to Energize Market Growth, Analyst Sees Significant Upside
The closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the and the to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.
BEIRUT — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels’ moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad’s erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists.” The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process.ED names Russian man behind 800 crore OctaFX scam
Despite commanding over 60% of India’s overall smartphone market, Chinese smartphone brands are finding it difficult to make a significant impact in the high-value premium segment (priced above $600/₹50,000). This market is still dominated by Apple and Samsung, which together control more than 94% of the share, with little room for competitors. Chinese brands, including OnePlus, Vivo, Oppo, Realme, and Xiaomi, have made strides in India’s mid-range and budget categories. However, their presence in the premium segment remains minimal, despite constant innovation and efforts to enhance after-sales services. According to IDC data for the third quarter of 2024, Apple and Samsung saw their combined share increase to over 94%, up from 90% a year earlier. In contrast, Chinese brands like OnePlus and Vivo have struggled. OnePlus saw its share drop from 3.4% to 2.4%, while Vivo’s share plummeted from 0.8% to just 0.2% during the same period. As the premium segment grew by 85% year on year, Chinese brands’ lack of traction has been noticeable. Industry analysts, including Upasana Joshi from IDC India, explain that the premium segment is still a two-horse race between Apple and Samsung, with Chinese brands unable to compete effectively at these price points. Despite their efforts, Chinese vendors are yet to win significant consumer loyalty in the above-$600 category, where the perception of premium quality remains closely tied to established players like Apple and Samsung. Several factors contribute to Chinese brands’ challenges in the premium segment: Despite these challenges, Chinese brands remain committed to competing in the premium segment. OnePlus, Vivo, and others are now focusing on technological differentiation and offering premium after-sales services, such as doorstep repairs, 24/7 customer support, and loyalty discounts. Sanyam Chaurasia, an analyst at Canalys, suggests that while initial interest is often high, Chinese brands need a long-term strategy to build brand loyalty and customer trust in the premium market. Offering financing options and luxurious packaging might attract customers, but sustained success will depend on long-term consumer satisfaction. Brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme have expanded their portfolios to include premium devices aimed at competing directly with flagship models from Apple and Samsung. However, despite these efforts, their market share has remained limited. Sudhin Mathur, Chief Operating Officer at Xiaomi India, acknowledges that although Xiaomi is unlikely to see immediate gains in the premium segment, the company will continue to push forward with industry-first offerings. Xiaomi’s average selling price (ASP) is around ₹18,000, while the industry ASP is climbing towards ₹24,000, reflecting the growing premiumisation trend in the market. Experts predict that over the next few years, Chinese brands will continue to chase the premium market more aggressively. This shift will involve not only enhancing the hardware but also focusing on experiential software features, ensuring a premium user experience. Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer at Xiaomi, mentioned that 2024 marked the first year with a full portfolio of flagship devices, which helped boost sales of Xiaomi’s lower-end products. While flagship phones may not yet be bestsellers, improvements in areas like camera quality are gradually improving customer satisfaction. Even in the $400-$600 range (₹30,000-₹50,000), Apple and Samsung continue to dominate. These brands hold over 45% of the market share in this segment, with previous-generation models being more popular than newer launches from Chinese competitors. Vivo, however, has emerged as the leader in this range, with a 20% market share, while OnePlus’ share has fallen from 37% in Q3 2023 to 14% in Q3 2024. While Chinese smartphone brands remain dominant in the budget and mid-range segments, their efforts to break into the premium market will require ongoing innovation and consumer trust-building. The road to success in the high-value segment will involve not only improving product offerings but also enhancing the brand experience to shift consumer perceptions and loyalty away from Apple and Samsung. ALSO READ : Technical Issue Temporarily Halts American Airlines Flights During Holiday SurgeToday's fortune: Dec. 25, 2024 Published: 25 Dec. 2024, 07:00 Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today’s prediction. Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 (Nov. 25 on the lunar calendar) Rat Wealth: average Health: average Love: jealous Lucky direction: east 1936: Aim for a balanced and moderate lifestyle. 1948: Too many responsibilities may lead to instability. 1960: Stay neutral in conflicts and maintain composure. 1972: Navigate tricky situations with care and fairness. 1984: Act promptly to stay ahead. 1996: Embrace your unique qualities. Ox Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: north 1937: You may encounter cheerful and surprising moments. 1949: Positive events might uplift your home environment. 1961: Financial opportunities could come your way. 1973: Gains may outweigh losses. 1985: Efforts are likely to yield favorable results. 1997: Beneficial or profitable activities may arise. Tiger Wealth: fair Health: good Love: romantic Lucky direction: east 1938: A desire to show love and care fills your heart. 1950: Cherish the loved ones who are close to you. 1962: Appreciate your partner. 1974: People or things might resonate deeply with you. 1986: Enjoy meaningful conversations with loved ones. 1998: Recharge your emotional energy with heartfelt moments. Rabbit Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: southwest 1939: Feel rejuvenated, forget about age or time. 1951: A refreshing, cheerful day awaits. 1963: Take action — the doors will open. 1975: Dreams have the potential to come true. 1987: Expect favorable financial connections. 1999: A glimmer of hope may arise in career or studies. Dragon Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: conflicted Lucky direction: north 1940: There are unnecessary concerns about the world. 1952: Avoid acting out of emotion or obligation. 1964: When in doubt, seek solace in reflection or prayer. 1976: Hold back from saying something you might regret. 1988: Don’t let minor irritations disrupt your day. 2000: Avoid wandering out late without purpose. Snake Wealth: spending Health: average Love: social Lucky direction: north 1941: Be cautious of overly friendly individuals. 1953: Explore spiritual or classic teachings for wisdom. 1965: Relationships often serve practical needs. 1977: You may hear news about relatives. 1989: Balance cost-effectiveness with personal preferences. 2001: Avoid unnecessary meetings or gatherings. Horse Wealth: average Health: cautious Love: strained Lucky direction: west 1942: People’s lives share more similarities than differences. 1954: What’s frustrating to see might be intriguing in absence. 1966: Don’t dwell on past mistakes or regrets. 1978: Spend the day resting at home for peace of mind. 1990: Sometimes taking a small loss is better in the long run. 2002: Recognize the difference between dreams and reality. Sheep Wealth: fair Health: good Love: happy Lucky direction: east 1943: Letting go of old burdens creates room for new blessings. 1955: Prayer or reflection may soothe your mind. 1967: Happiness begins with a positive mindset. 1979: Today is the best day — embrace it fully. 1991: Both your body and spirit may feel renewed with joy. 2003: Small, certain joys await you today. Monkey Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1944: Let your children handle their affairs independently. 1956: Revisit nostalgic childhood memories. 1968: You may give or receive a meaningful gift. 1980: Prioritize practicality over extravagance in gift-giving. 1992: A well-placed compliment can inspire greatness. 2004: Extend or receive help — kindness is reciprocated. Rooster Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1945: You might receive filial gratitude or enjoy treats. 1957: Giving generously may bring future blessings. 1969: Mutual support fosters better living. 1981: Take time off work to focus on family. 1993: Choose warm, comfortable attire over style. 2005: Music can bring joy — listen to your favorite tunes. Dog Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: west 1946: It’s okay to boast about your children or achievements. 1958: Take pride in the life you’ve built. 1970: You may find joy in unexpected ways today. 1982: Send heartfelt messages or calls to loved ones. 1994: Enjoy quality time with friends or a romantic date. 2006: Approach challenges with self-confidence. Pig Wealth: excellent Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: north 1935: Small streams create mighty rivers. 1947: Family gatherings bring warmth and connection. 1959: A bustling household indicates positive energy. 1971: Great things require collective effort. 1983: Today may feel filled with happiness and contentment. 1995: Heartfelt connections will foster harmony. 2007: Build strong relationships.Tenant advocates suffered a big defeat this fall when California voters decided against expanding cities’ ability to limit rent increases. But a state law set to take effect Jan. 1 will give renters facing eviction a little more breathing room. The law doubles the time tenants have to respond after receiving an eviction notice from five business days to ten. Lawyers who work with renters say that what may seem like a minor procedural change could make a big difference in allowing people to stay in their homes. RELATED: California’s housing crisis worse, not better, over 30 years Tenants who are served an eviction notice and don’t respond in writing within the legal timeframe can lose their case by default, potentially incurring financial penalties and a black mark on their record that affects their future ability to obtain housing. That’s true even if a tenant has a valid legal defense – for example, if their landlord increased the rent above state limits or refused to fix problems like lack of heat or broken door locks. About 40% of California tenants lose their cases this way, researchers have estimated . “Five days has never been enough for a tenant to find legal assistance and try to decipher the complaint filed against them, find out what kind of defenses they have, fill out the paperwork and make it to court,” Lorraine López, a senior attorney with the Western Center on Law and Poverty, told CalMatters earlier this fall. Related Articles Housing | Los Angeles City Council finalizes Measure ULA programs and expands funding Housing | California rent hikes: Where are the biggest increases in November? Housing | 20%-plus of US spends entire paychecks on rent, poll says Housing | Why US sued to stop landlords colluding on rents Housing | Rent inflation won’t cool until 2026, Cleveland Fed says Access to legal services varies widely across California . San Francisco guarantees legal representation to any tenant facing eviction, and in other cities like Oakland and Los Angeles, robust networks of pro-bono lawyers help renters file responses. But Californians who live in so-called “legal deserts” – often in rural areas – must travel many miles to meet with an attorney. Tenants with lawyers are less likely to get locked out of their homes , some studies have shown – though fewer than 5% of renters in eviction cases nationwide have legal help , compared with more than 80% of landlords, the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel estimates. Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra , a San Jose Democrat, the new law also offers something for landlords, who generally like eviction cases to move faster. It limits the amount of time tenant lawyers can take to file certain motions alleging errors in a landlord’s complaint. Landlord representatives said lawyers would use those motions to drag out cases unnecessarily. The change convinced the state’s largest landlord lobby, the California Apartment Association, to remain neutral on the law while legislators debated it. Some local property owner groups still opposed the law. “The longer these things take, the more expensive it is (for landlords) and the more rent is lost,” said Daniel Bornstein, an attorney who represents property owners. Lea esta historia en Español
Why This Streaming Giant Could Be December's Best Stock Pick, Backed By 20 Years Of DataArtem Chigvintsev breaks social media silence months after divorce from Nikki Garcia
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Asked if there was any special meaning to playing on Christmas for a second straight season, Lamar Jackson paused for several seconds before answering. That said it all. “I mean, it is,” he finally replied, trying to be diplomatic. “That means we're good, but at the same time, I do want to celebrate at home sometimes with my family now. I don't want to be playing on Christmas all the time — not all the time.” That sentiment seemed common among the Baltimore Ravens players this week as they prepared for their second consecutive Christmas road game. Jackson and his teammates will face the Houston Texans on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the Kansas City Chiefs play at Pittsburgh. Games on Christmas aren't new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL's longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately, however, the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. There were three last year on a Monday, and this week there are two. The four teams in action this Wednesday all played this past Saturday, giving them a little more time to prepare. But each is still wrapping up a stretch of three games in 11 games. And for Baltimore and Kansas City — the teams spending the holiday on the road — this means a bit of a scramble to find time to celebrate with loved ones. “Santa hasn’t come yet, but as far as my family, we traded gifts (over the weekend),” Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “(His wife) Brittany’s a champ because I’m not there to help build the toys my family got, and the kids have opened up every single one of them.” The Chiefs are playing on Christmas for a second year in a row, although they were at home last season. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley said there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum's house. Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. “I already celebrated Christmas with my family this past week," Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. "It’s more about the thought of calling people Christmas morning and just going out there and being able to go out in front of my whole family and do what I love. That’s how I’ll celebrate.” The Ravens also have celebrated a bit as a group already. “We actually had a team dinner last night here, which was really neat. And our chefs were incredible (with) what they put out there, so that was fun,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "And we are going to have the ability for family members from the Houston area to come over for the team snack after we do a walkthrough (Tuesday) night.” Don't expect Christmas games to go away any time soon. Netflix agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Playing on the holiday certainly gives teams a chance to be in the spotlight, although the Chiefs and Ravens already get plenty of that. The Ravens-Texans game features a halftime performance by Beyoncé. “Wasn't there a time when somebody was out peeking outside the locker room door during the Super Bowl or something like that? Was there some story on that?” Harbaugh said. “He got in trouble for it? There will be big trouble. I like Beyoncé, though. I can't say I'm a huge Beyoncé fan, but I think I like her.” (Harbaugh was referring to Bengals kicker Evan McPherson during the Super Bowl in 2022 when he watched Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar perform at halftime in Los Angeles.) Jackson, seemingly unaware of Harbaugh's attempt to lay down the law about the halftime show, arrived at the microphone immediately after the coach. “I'm going to go out there and watch,” the star quarterback said. “First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it's at our game — that's dope. I'm going to go out and watch. Sorry Harbaugh, sorry fellas.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Noah Trister, The Associated PressLindsey Vonn takes another step in comeback at age 40, competes in a pair of downhills
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X. “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Lindsey Vonn reacts after her run at a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday in Copper Mountain, Colo. Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. Lindsey Vonn competes in a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort on Saturday in Copper Mountain, Colo. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’" Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Get local news delivered to your inbox!Hockey Night in Canada: Canadiens vs. Capitals on Sportsnet
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COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X. “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’"New law could help California renters facing eviction stay in their homes
The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral rang on Saturday evening in Paris for the first time since a fire devastated the Paris landmark in 2019. Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich began the ceremony by knocking three times on the cathedral's door with his staff, called a crozier, which was made from one of the burned beams of the cathedral's roof. The ceremony to mark the cathedral's return to religious services was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and hundreds of dignitaries, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump , first lady Jill Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the U.K.'s Prince William. The cathedral's restoration and return to service after five years has been a success for Macron, who has had recent political difficulties . Copyright 2024 NPRFighters opposed to President Assad's rule are gaining ground in Syria. Who are these rebels, and what do they want?
LYNCHBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024-- BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) is pleased to announce an award from the U.S. Department of Energy for cleanup operations at the West Valley Demonstration Project in West Valley, New York. The Phase 1B contract was awarded to West Valley Cleanup Alliance, LLC (WVCA), which is a joint venture led by BWXT Technical Services Group, Inc. and includes Jacobs Technology, Inc. and Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. WVCA also includes teaming subcontractors Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. and North Wind Portage, Inc. The IDIQ contract has a 10-year ordering period with a maximum value of up to $3.0 billion that can be performed for up to 15 years. Under the contract, WVCA will continue the current cleanup mission to include, but not be limited to, the demolition of remaining near- and below-grade components of the main plant process building; additional facility deactivation and demolition; contaminated soils remediation and disposition; waste management and legacy waste disposition; safeguards and security; environmental monitoring; surveillance and maintenance; and program support activities. “BWXT has played an important role in D&D at West Valley since August 2011 as a member of the current cleanup contractor. Having personally worked at the site several years ago, I’m especially pleased to continue our collaboration with the customer and the community on this important effort,” said Heatherly Dukes, president of BWXT Technical Services Group. “While we have made significant progress, there remains more to do under this phase of the project, and we’re looking forward to continuing the successful cleanup in the years to come.” The West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) is an approximately 150-acre area located 35 miles south of Buffalo, New York. The site is owned by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and is home to the only commercial spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to operate in the United States. Operating from 1963 to 1972, the site processed 640 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel and generated over 600,000 gallons of liquid high-level waste. In 1980, Congress passed the WVDP Act, which required the Department of Energy to conduct a high-level waste management demonstration project at the site and transport it to a federal repository for disposal. Forward Looking Statements BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the performance, timing, impact and value, to the extent contract value can be viewed as an indicator of future revenues, of the cleanup contract at the West Valley Demonstration Project, future work at the West Valley Demonstration Project, and the award or exercise of any contract options or orders. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, modification or termination of the cleanup contract and delays. If one or more of these or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see BWXT’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BWXT cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law. About BWXT At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With approximately 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. In addition, BWXT joint ventures provide management and operations at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202964228/en/ CONTACT: Media Contact Suzy Sterner Chief Corporate Affairs Officer 202-428-6905ssterner@bwxt.comInvestor Contact Chase Jacobson Vice President, Investor Relations 980.365.4300investors@bwxt.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA NEW YORK VIRGINIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ENERGY NUCLEAR SOURCE: BWX Technologies, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/02/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/02/2024 04:32 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202964228/en
ROME — Roman drivers finally got some relief Monday when, after 450 days of traffic chaos and unprintable curses, a ribbon-cutting ceremony heralded the opening of an underpass along the Tiber River near the Vatican that immediately cleared traffic from what is now Rome’s largest pedestrian area. The new underpass is part of the makeover Rome is undergoing as it readies for the 32 million visitors the Vatican expects in 2025 for the Roman Catholic Church Jubilee — a year of faith, penance and forgiveness of sins that takes place every quarter-century. Romans have conflicting feelings about the jubilee, which began Tuesday evening when Pope Francis solemnly opened the Holy Door in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica and passed through, followed by the first of the pilgrims. “It’s a miracle” that so many public works have been completed, said Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri. “It’s been an ordeal,” said Martina Battista, 23, a medical student in Rome who was evicted from her apartment because her landlord wanted to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast for the jubilee. Gualtieri said that the jubilee was a great opportunity to refurbish Rome and turn it into a greener, more inclusive city, with hundreds of projects planned. But if Gualtieri and Vatican officials have spent the better part of December at a flurry of inaugurations of spruced-up monuments, repaved streets and new pedestrian piazzas — the upside of the holy year — the surge in pilgrims is expected to take a toll. Construction sites for jubilee works have left key parts of Rome bruised by detours, leading to interminable traffic jams and very grumpy citizens. Rome has already been struggling to balance the needs of its 2.75 million residents with serving the more than 21 million tourists who passed through this year. The impact has been highest on the housing market, especially in the historic center, where many landlords have switched from multiyear leases to more profitable short rentals via platforms like Airbnb. Transportation, prices for basic goods and even garbage collection have also been affected, critics say. Battista said her frantic search for another place not far from the city center took five months. She now pays double what she did before. Not so long ago, Rome stood out among Western Europe’s capitals as relatively affordable. But with the jubilee looming, rental prices increased up to 20% in a year in some areas, and the stock of available rentals dropped by up to 35%, according to Idealista, an online real estate platform. “It’s been really difficult,” Battista said. On Rome’s upscale Via del Corso, as tourists shopped amid the marble and Christmas lights, Anwar Hossain, 33, was selling miniature Colosseums and plastic Roman soldiers at a kiosk. Originally from Bangladesh, he has been living in Rome for about 14 years, but now, for the first time, he is afraid he will end up on the street. His landlord has refused to renew his lease for his home in the Prati neighborhood, close to the Vatican, and he has been unable to find a new one. “The jubilee ruined many families like mine,” he said. For many Romans, already priced out of the center and exasperated with the hordes of tourists stalking flashy new limoncello and tiramisu stores, the imminent jubilee seems a last blow to a city many struggle to recognize. In the Piazza Navona neighborhood, many streets are named for the professions that once concentrated there: Baullari for suitcase makers; Cappellari for hats; Sediari for chairs. Now the area is a hub of souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants thronged by tourists who form long lines as they wait to photograph themselves eating pasta al cacio e pepe, a popular Roman dish. Rome has been beloved by visitors for centuries for its art and monuments and also its promise of a la dolce vita lifestyle. But the recent surge in visitors, and preparations for still more, is altering the city’s feel. “It’s not the city that changes the tourist, it is the tourist who changes the city, that is the paradox,” said Michele Campisi, the national president of the heritage group Italia Nostra. The city government is aware of the challenges the jubilee poses, but the mayor said it was not their choice to have millions more people come to the city. “The jubilee is not a policy choice, it’s been around since 1300,” Gualtieri said in an interview. “It exists, so the question becomes how do you handle it.” In the months leading up to the jubilee, Monica Lucarelli, the city official responsible for commerce, set up a board with representatives of the hotel, restaurant and retail trade associations, tasked with monitoring any “excessive” increase in prices linked to the celebration. “We want them to raise awareness among their members not to exploit” the influx of tourists “in an incorrect way,” Lucarelli said. Still, she added, Italy is “a free-market economy” and little can be done against transgressors unless laws are broken. Besides, Rome remains “one of Europe’s least expensive capitals,” she said. Earlier this year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Vatican official in charge of the jubilee, admitted that Romans might be “suffering a little,” but he said the result would be a more livable city. And a more ecologically sound one too. Walking down the avenue leading to the Vatican on Monday, Fisichella said that after two years of preparations, “the moment” had come. “Rome is ready to welcome the pilgrims,” he said.
Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc (OTCMKTS:SPXSF) Short Interest Update
By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
COPS are frantically hunting for a deputy head teacher who has gone missing. Leonard McKague, 62 - the longest-serving member of staff at St Aidan’s High School in Wishaw, Lanarkshire - vanished on Saturday afternoon. 1 Leonard McKague was last seen on Saturday afternoon He was last seen about 2pm on Strathaven Road, Strathaven, Lanarkshire and has not been in contact with his family since then. He is described as being 5ft 6 inches in height, slim build, short, fair, thinning hair . When last seen he was wearing jeans and a navy blue jumper. Leonard has access to a red Jeep registration SA71 YPC which he is believed to be driving . read more scottish news SNOW ALERT Exact date major snow blizzards to hit Scotland as grim New Year warning issued 'CHILLING' Seven paedos preyed on Celtic Boys Club starlets in nightmare two-year period Inspector David Connor, from Police Scotland , said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Leonard’s welfare and are keen to trace him as soon as possible. “I would appeal to anyone who may have seen Leonard or has any has information regarding his whereabouts to contact us. I would also appeal directly to Leonard himself, if you see this appeal, please let us know you are safe.” Leonard is listed on LinkedIn as Faculty Head of Computing, Business , Design & Vocational Technology at the well-known school. The school celebrated its 60th anniversary last year with Mr McKague honoured as its longest-serving teacher. Most read in The Scottish Sun IN FOR THE KEL Championship side make ex-Celtic starlet No1 target in new boss hunt SNOW ALERT Exact date major snow blizzards to hit Scotland as grim New Year warning issued STAR BOSS I always knew I was good enough for Celtic - the move's not as BIG as I expected JET DISASTER Moment 'bird strikes plane' before fireball crash leaving 179 dead Former pupils of the school include snooker world champion John Higgins and Scotland footballers Joe Jordan and Stephen O’Donnell.Elon Musk backs Germany's far-right party ahead of upcoming electionsENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. "We've seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year," Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. "I think the sky's the limit," Elway said, "and that's just going to continue to get better and better." In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos' GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. "You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don't and it's so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean's really good at that," Elway said. "I think the combination of Bo's maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. "But also Vance Joseph's done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure's not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time." Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix's repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for "what they're doing offensively and how they're breaking Bo into the NFL because it's a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks." Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. "He's a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It's just awesome that I'm even in that situation." Hall of Fame Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called "way, way overdue." Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Sanders & Hunter Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders "both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix, and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros — but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: "He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." Hand condition It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren's contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he'll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was "I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football."
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