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go777 login app Mums and babies dying during childbirth has increased for the first time in a decade, a shock report shows. Lord Darzi, who recently completed a landmark review of the NHS as a whole, looked at rates of women dying during or shortly after pregnancy , and babies dying within 28 days of being born. His latest report found rates of neonatal deaths - babies born at 20 weeks or after, but who die before they are 28-days-old - and maternal deaths - women who die while pregnant or up to six weeks after due to issues linked to pregnancy - increased for the first time in 10 years and are continuing to rise. It comes after a string of major maternity scandals at struggling NHS trusts at which poor care was linked to hundreds of baby deaths and many more being left brain damaged. Lord Darzi is co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London which conducted the review. He said: "Our latest report on patient safety in England reveals alarming declines. The deterioration in maternity care, in particular, requires immediate action. Our analysis highlights a troubling increase in neonatal and maternal deaths, with black women disproportionately affected." Between 2013 and 2020, the neonatal death rate fell by 17%, from 1.7 to 1.3 per 1,000 live births. But it rose to 1.5 per 1,000 live births in 2022, an increase of 15.4%. Maternal deaths were described as "steady" between 2011 and 2013 and 2017 and 2019, although between 2017 and 2019 and 2020 to 2022, the rate increased from 8.8 to 13.4 deaths per 100,000. The report described the figure as "a statistically significant increase of 52.3%". It also pointed to an uneven spread of the impacts of unsafe care, which are "greater in the North than the South". Lord Darzi added: "The NHS is now falling behind leading nations in patient safety. We urgently need to address these issues to repair the health service, and provide high-quality care for all patients and their families." James Titcombe, chief executive of the charity Patient Safety Watch, said: "These findings and recommendations must contribute to urgent and meaningful discussion about the changes needed, so that when we revisit the data in two years, we see these troubling trends reversed and tangible progress in reducing the devastating impact of healthcare harm on patients, families, and healthcare professionals." A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Patient safety is paramount, and all women and their babies deserve safe, high-quality care. We are working to introduce a culture of transparency in our health service and will never turn a blind eye to failure. We are committed to driving up standards in healthcare through our Plan for Change, and we will tackle the shocking inequalities that exist across the country. We will also work closely with NHS England to train thousands more midwives to better support women throughout their pregnancy and beyond."

Bank OZK ( NASDAQ:OZK – Get Free Report ) and First Financial Bankshares ( NASDAQ:FFIN – Get Free Report ) are both mid-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, risk, dividends and earnings. Dividends Bank OZK pays an annual dividend of $1.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. First Financial Bankshares pays an annual dividend of $0.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Bank OZK pays out 27.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Financial Bankshares pays out 49.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Bank OZK has increased its dividend for 28 consecutive years and First Financial Bankshares has increased its dividend for 13 consecutive years. Bank OZK is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations for Bank OZK and First Financial Bankshares, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Volatility and Risk Bank OZK has a beta of 1.16, meaning that its stock price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First Financial Bankshares has a beta of 0.78, meaning that its stock price is 22% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 86.2% of Bank OZK shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.8% of First Financial Bankshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 6.7% of Bank OZK shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.2% of First Financial Bankshares shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Bank OZK and First Financial Bankshares’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Bank OZK and First Financial Bankshares”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Bank OZK has higher revenue and earnings than First Financial Bankshares. Bank OZK is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Financial Bankshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Bank OZK beats First Financial Bankshares on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Bank OZK ( Get Free Report ) Bank OZK provides various retail and commercial banking services for individuals and businesses in the United States. The company offers deposit services, including non-interest bearing checking, interest bearing transaction, business sweep, savings, money market, individual retirement, and other accounts, as well as time and reciprocal deposits. It also provides trust and wealth services, such as personal trusts, custodial accounts, investment management accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as corporate trust services, including trustee, paying agent and registered transfer agent services, and other related services. In addition, the company offers treasury management services comprising automated clearing house, wire transfer, transaction reporting, wholesale lockbox, remote deposit capture, automated credit line transfer, reconciliation, positive pay, commercial card, and other services, as well as zero balance and investment sweep accounts. Further, it provides real estate, consumer, small business, indirect recreational vehicle and marine, equipment, agricultural, commercial and industrial, government guaranteed, lines of credit, homebuilder, and affordable housing loans; lender and structured, business aviation, and subscription financing services; and mortgage and other lending products. Additionally, the company offers ATMs; telephone, online, and mobile banking services; credit and debit cards; safe deposit boxes; and other products and services. The company was formerly known as Bank of the Ozarks and changed its name to Bank OZK in July 2018. Bank OZK was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. About First Financial Bankshares ( Get Free Report ) First Financial Bankshares, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides commercial banking products and services in Texas. The company offers checking, savings and time deposits; automated teller machines, drive-in, and night deposit services; safe deposit facilities, remote deposit capture, internet banking, mobile banking, payroll cards, funds transfer, and performing other customary commercial banking services; securities brokerage services; and trust and wealth management services, including wealth management, estates administration, oil and gas management, testamentary trusts, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and agency accounts. It also provides commercial and industrial, municipal, agricultural, construction and development, farm, residential, and consumer auto and non-auto, as well as non-owner occupied and owner occupied commercial real estate loans. In addition, the company offers advisory and specialized services related to asset management, investing, purchasing, advertising, public relations, and technology services. First Financial Bankshares, Inc. was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Abilene, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Bank OZK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank OZK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Oscar Health director Elbert Robinson sells $426,250 in stock

NonePARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Macron's political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated PressBBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers demand 'justice' as Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec open semi-final

The person waiting for United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson calmly approached him outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel, video shows. The shooter raised a gun and fatally shot Thompson at close range. Even as the weapon appeared to jam, the shooter remained composed, standing over Thompson and firing again before walking away, leaving behind bullet casings inscribed with messages , multiple news outlets reported. The killer hasn't yet been identified by authorities and is still at large. Experts told USA TODAY these details provide investigators key clues about who the man is ‒ and how tough it will be to catch him. Could the killer be a paid assassin? There's some evidence to support that, said Michael Alcazar , a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. The more Alcazar sees video footage of the shooting, the more he believes the shooter may have been a professional. "It looks like this guy may have had some experience, and I'm sure investigators are entertaining the possibility," added Alcazar, a former detective with the New York City Police Department. "It definitely crossed my mind." He said the shooter's choice of what appears to be a bolt-action pistol indicates he had an objective: "If this guy wanted to assassinate someone, that's a very specific weapon that just needs one shot," Alcazar said. "If that's indeed the weapon (the weapon used in the shooting has not yet been recovered) and he specifically selected that, it shows confidence." Others aren't so sure. "I would lean toward not," said David Carter , a professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and director of the university's Intelligence program. "On the one hand, from the behavior I saw in videos of the shooting, it might indicate he was a paid professional. He seems collected, calm, he's not overtly rushing." But, added Carter, whose expertise is in violent crime control, counterterrorism and law enforcement intelligence, a professional would have made sure in advance that the weapon he planned to use was in proper working order and wouldn't jam, something which appeared to have happened. "A paid assassin would use a revolver, which is more reliable and has no cartridges, or he would pick up the cartridges," Carter said. Could revenge be a motive? The cartridges that were left behind, Carter observed, might also indicate a motive that leans more toward a personal grudge than a professional hit: Multiple outlets reported, citing police sources, that the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were etched into bullet casings recovered from the scene. "There is no reason someone who's a paid killer would do that," said Carter, "because that's evidence, and it's unique evidence." The shooter appears calm because, Carter speculated, "This is about revenge: 'I am thinking revenge, and I am basking in that revenge.'" How hard will it be to catch the shooter? Carter said investigators have their work cut out for them, since surveillance video, cell phone activity, facial recognition technology and other digital and electronic evidence, while helpful, will also be voluminous in a place like Midtown Manhattan and going through it all will be "tremendously labor-intensive." He said that while the shooter does seem to have experience with weapons, "that could be literally hundreds of thousands of people," including military and law enforcement personnel or veterans, hunters or gun hobbyists. The shooter seems to have taken steps to plan the attack and conceal his identity, Alcazar noted, using a fake ID, wearing a face mask and staying at a hostel, not renting a car but instead fleeing the scene first on foot and then on a bike. Carter and Alcazar both believe the shooter, whether a professional assassin or a person out for revenge or with some other motive, will be caught. "He seems to have been very meticulous," both in planning and in his escape, Alcazar said. "So when they're processing the scene and gathering surveillance and evidence, (law enforcement) will have to be just as meticulous."

Ghana counted ballots on Saturday after a tight election with the ruling party's Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia trying to shake off anger over economic woes and rebuff a challenge by opposition party candidate ex-president John Mahama. Ghana's struggling economy dominated the election, after the west Africa gold and cacao producer went through a debt default, high inflation and negotiations for a $3 billion IMF bailout. Voters were choosing a successor to Bawumia's boss, President Nana Akufo-Addo, who steps down after serving the maximum of two four-year terms. They will also elect the country's new parliament. Voting was mostly calm, but one person was shot dead and four people arrested at a polling station in Nyankpala in the country's northern region, police and local media said. After polls closed at 1700 GMT, election teams immediately began tallying ballots under the watch of agents from political parties before sending them to collation centres. Preliminary results are expected early Sunday, with full presidential results scheduled by Tuesday. "Everyone is complaining prices are high. So I want a change, I want a good president who will bring in changes," Abdullah Mohammed, a student said after voting in Accra's Nima district. With a history of political stability, Ghana's two main parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992. Touting the slogan "Break the 8" -- a reference to going past the usual two terms in power -- the NPP hopes Bawumia can lead them to an unprecedented third term. But he struggled to break away from criticism of Akufo-Addo's economic record. "I think we have done a lot of work with our message to the people and the message has been well received," Bawumia said after voting in his northern home Walewale. A UK-educated economist and former central banker, he points to an economy turning a corner and the government's continued plans for digitalisation to ease business, as well as free education and health programmes. But though inflation slowed from more than 50 percent to around 23 percent, and other macro-economic indicators are stabilising, the economic pain was still a clear election issue. Many Ghanaians still say they struggle with the cost of living, scarce jobs and a depreciated cedi currency. Frustration over the economy has opened the way for a comeback challenge from Mahama, who was president from 2012 to 2017 but has since failed twice in presidential bids. The NDC flag-bearer says he will "reset" Ghana and introduce a "24-hour economy", extending industrial hours to create jobs, and also renegotiate parts of the IMF deal. "Other elections have not been as obvious," Mahama said voting in his northern hometown. "With this one, everybody can tell the direction because of the abysmal performance of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government." Some analysts gave him an edge because of voter dismay with NPP, but the former president faced criticism from those who remember financial woes and massive power cuts during his time in office. Shoe saleswoman Esther Adobea said the economic situation hurt, but she was willing to give Bawumia a chance to make things better. "I can see he can handle the country for us. Our economy is not good, but he can do better," she said. Both major candidates are from the north of the country -- traditionally an NDC stronghold, but now more fragmented -- making the region a key battleground. While the economy was key, Ghana also faces an increasing risk of spillover in its northern regions from jihadist conflicts in Niger and Burkina Faso, where military juntas rule. The spread of illegal gold mining also became an election issue. Akufo-Addo promised to stop illegal mining, but it has expanded, poisoning riverways and impacting cacao farmlands -- a major source of export income. bur-pma/jmHere's the Smartest Way to Invest in the S&P 500 in December

COLUMBIA — Excitement was high as state and local lawmakers gathered Nov. 15 for the unveiling of the first Scout Motors vehicles to be made at the Volkswagen subsidiary’s $2 billion electric vehicle assembly plant north of Columbia. Scout Motors executives came to South Carolina Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, to show off the first vehicles — the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup —... The automaker gave the public its first glimpse of the vehicles — the Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup — in a ceremony held near Nashville late last month. The recent event in downtown Columbia served as something of a homecoming. State legislators took turns climbing behind the wheel of the dark blue truck and red clay-colored SUV, taking cellphone photos of one another. Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach, takes a snapshot of Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, behind the wheel of a Scout Traveller SUV during a... Then on Nov.16, the company rolled the vehicles out on the field of Williams-Brice Stadium before some 80,000 fans gathered to watch the South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Missouri Tigers. Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Meanwhile, about 20 miles to the north at the assembly plant site in the Columbia suburb of Blythewood, roughly 3 million square feet of manufacturing space is at least partly up. That includes the buildings that will house the paint shop, body shop and main assembly. The goal is to have the buildings completed in the first three months of next year and then start installing equipment. The project is supported by $1.3 billion in taxpayer funding, which will cover the cost of road improvements, a new interstate interchange and rail spur, and site work. That included drilling 300,000 holes and filling them with stone to create underground pillars that will stabilize the soil and hold the weight of the factory. The fifth annual "Transportation Electrification in the Southeast" report highlights growth in EV market, manufacturing investments, jobs, and charging infrastructure in the region. Scout so far employs about 250 people in South Carolina, spokesman Jamie Lovegrove said. Those numbers will likely double over the next year as the company continues to push toward production at the end of 2026 or early 2027. When at full capacity, Scout is expected to employ 4,000 people. The state’s environmental protection agency has found more problems at the Scout Motors project site north of Columbia, less than a year after the huge project ran into trouble over land-clearing work that had affected wetlands and streams. Following reports this spring of a muddy, silt-clouded creek and pond in the area, state inspectors discovered that dams and basins intended to keep ... “And I want to be clear, as people talk about jobs,” said Scout CEO Scott Keogh. Unlike other jobs that don’t pay livable wages, “These are real jobs,” he said. Keogh, in his presentation, touted figures showing Scout factory floor workers will earn 40% more disposable income compared to the rest of the general working population in northeast Richland and the surrounding rural counties. And they’ll have benefits: Health care, child care, and retirement funds. Sixteen products advance in the 3rd Annual Manufacturing Madness contest presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. The winner will earn the title of “Coolest Thing Made in SC.” “It’s about the transformation of the Midlands of South Carolina,” said Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla. “We’re here to celebrate the generational aspect, how it’s going to be generational for the employees and families that will be impacted by the jobs that are created.” Keogh also told legislators that Scout’s suppliers, some of which will be located on the assembly plant site, will likely bring an additional 5,000 jobs. “A big portion” of those will be filled by South Carolinians, he said. And the automaker said it has taken steps to “future proof” the factory. Beyond building all-electric vehicles with 350 miles of battery range, the plant will also make plug-in hybrids with both a battery and a gas engine that extends the range of travel to 500 miles between refueling. This comes as the U.S. market has been slower than anticipated in warming up to electric vehicles. The rate of new electric vehicle registration growth in the U.S. has plateaued and even pulled back month over month. Still, that doesn’t mean the vehicles aren’t on the rise, according to an analysis by S&P Global. As of Jan. 1, 2024, electric vehicles and hybrids made up 12.5 million of the more than 286 million passenger vehicles in the United States, a number that has doubled since the start of 2020. By July 2024, 1.6 million of the 1.8 million additional vehicles on the road in that six-month span were driven by alternative fuels, mostly hybrids, the national investment firm reported. “People said the adoption curve is going to be direct and linear. I think something as big as a car and as complicated as a car, it’s not direct and linear. It moves in waves,” Keogh said. “I think this gives you that safety valve as you run. We’ll follow that adoption curve. But if you look at what’s happening with hybrids combined with EVs, that’s going to be the future of the market. And we’ve got one platform that can go both ways.” “If there’s a shift, we’re not going to get stuck in this plant with this future technology,” Keogh added. Keogh also told reporters that Scout is not reliant on the continuation of the $7,500 consumer income tax credit on electric vehicles should the incoming Trump administration not seek to extend the incentive. Without the credit, the vehicles will sell for about $60,000. Scout’s first marketing campaign to reintroduce the brand nationally gives a shoutout to South Carolina. The TV commercial, airing since the Nashville ceremony, features a father and daughter in the last Scout before the brand was retired by International Harvester in the 1980s. Its scenes were also used in Friday’s unveiling in Columbia. The ad starts with the father, a Scout worker in Indiana, driving home with the vehicle. The daughter helps him work on the vehicle and learns to drive it, then heads off to college sporting a University of South Carolina bumper sticker. It concludes with the daughter calling her father from her workplace in the new Scout development center, saying “You’re going to want to see this.” That was the moment that Scout employes pulled the black fabric off the vehicles parked in Columbia. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Night Editor/Obits {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.None

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani police arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in the capital to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison, a security officer said Sunday. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year and has over 150 criminal cases against him. But he remains popular and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated. Shahid Nawaz, a security officer in eastern Punjab province, said police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off Islamabad with shipping containers and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with PTI strongholds in Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Tit-for-tat teargas shelling between the police and the PTI was reported on the highway bordering Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” The government and Interior Ministry posted the announcement on the social media platform X, which is banned in Pakistan. They did not specify the areas, nor did they say how long the suspension would be in place. “Internet and mobile services will continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country,” the posts said. Meanwhile, telecom company Nayatel sent out emails offering customers “a reliable landline service” as a workaround in the areas suffering suspended cellphone service. Khan's supporters rely heavily on social media to demand his release and use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said Khan's wife Bushra Bibi was traveling to Islamabad in a convoy led by the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur. “She cannot leave the party workers on their own,” said Akram. There was a festive mood in Peshawar, with PTI members dancing, drumming and holding up pictures of Khan as cars set off for Islamabad. The government is imposing social media platform bans and targeting VPN services , according to internet advocacy group Netblocks. On Sunday, the group said live metrics showed problems with WhatsApp that were affecting media sharing on the app. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for Americans in the capital, encouraging them to avoid large gatherings and warning that even “peaceful gatherings can turn violent.” Last month, authorities suspended the cellphone service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to thwart a pro-Khan rally. The shutdown disrupted communications and affected everyday services such as banking, ride-hailing and food delivery. The latest crackdown comes on the eve of a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko . Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said authorities have sealed off Islamabad's Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and is the destination for Khan's supporters. “Anyone reaching it will be arrested,” Naqvi told a press conference. He said the security measures were in place to protect residents and property, blaming the PTI for inconveniencing people and businesses. He added that protesters were planning to take the same route as the Belarusian delegation, but that the government had headed off this scenario. Naqvi denied cellphone services were suspended and said only mobile data was affected. Associated Press writers Riaz Khan in Peshawar and Asim Tanveer in Multan contributed to this report.By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.Whenever Renate Rutkovskis gets behind the driver's seat to embark on a road trip , she's transported back in time to when she was a kid, sitting in the backseat of her parents' car with her headphones plugged into her Walkman and watching the world go by. Born and raised in California's Bay Area, Rutkovskis grew up taking frequent road trips to her family's cabin in Tahoe. As an adult, she continues the tradition on her own as a solo traveler going on almost monthly road trips. "It's always had a special place in my heart," she told USA TODAY. "I love being on the road." In her Subaru sedan, Rutkovskis explores the West Coast, from Los Angeles, to see friends, Mammoth for ski trips, and the coastline in Monterey. Usually staying in Airbnbs, she also enjoys the flexibility of stopping in little towns along the way. "Being in the car, I listen to music, I zone out and not have to hear the noise of discussion or news," Rutkovskis said. "I have this very uninterrupted time to be with my thoughts and with my surroundings, which I really enjoy and cherish." Rutkovskis isn't the only traveler finding solace in the easygoing trips reminiscent of her childhood, such as road-tripping or camping. From exhausting news cycles to always being attached to our phones, 72% of travelers say a "desire for simpler times" is influencing their travels, according to a new 2025 trends report by Campspot. Of the 2,594 survey respondents, 94% see trips like camping as a form of stress relief. Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies "It’s just comforting. It’s a way to escape to simpler and happier times," Jeff Bettin, Campspot’s vice president of commercial strategy and performance, told USA TODAY. "There’s a real sense of people wanting to connect with things that feel authentic and familiar in a world that seems pretty chaotic." What should I prepare for a family trip? The Bucket List Family knows better than most. A digital detox The survey found that 82% of respondents feel like camping offers a retreat from being "overwhelmed by modern life." Often immersing travelers in nature, camping and road-tripping provide the digital detox many seek. "People need a break from the everyday, and road trips and camping give them just that space to unplug, breathe and focus on being present," said Bettin, adding that Gen Z and Millennials are the demographics feeling the most burnout from technology. Rutkovskis nearly always seeks out nature on her trips, often hiking or skiing in scenic landscapes like the Eastern Sierras. "The mountains are where I’m most drawn to, and generally, there’s not service out there," she said. "I like being out in the force, in nature, and not being connected to anyone. That ability to be present is so healing and so self-soothing." For some campers, getting off their phones is done more intentionally. Elisa and Lance Bubak go on camping road trips in their RV with their nine-year-old and nine-month-old sons about once a month, choosing not to pack tablets or Kindles and leaving their phones behind in the camper."I love watching my boys engage in nature... (camping for us is) a play-outside kind of thing," Elisa Bubak told USA TODAY. Connecting with family Many campers use these types of trips as an opportunity to spend quality time with their family, free from distractions. With two small kids and a husband who works as a police officer, daily life for the Bubaks "feels like you're go, go, go," Elisa Bubak said. Like the 80% of survey respondents, the Bubaks find their camping road trips as a chance to slow down and reconnect as a family. "It's a really wonderful experience as a family, it’s been very bonding," she said. Both Elisa and Lance grew up camping with their families and seek to instill the tradition in their children. Each year, she and her family pile into their RV camper and meet up with her parents in their own RV camper at Avila Beach in Pismo, California. While there, the multi-generational family goes on hikes together, hangs out at the beach, flies kites, and lets the kids run around and play. "We look forward to it every year, waking up and looking right at the ocean," she said. "We find it so peaceful. Your worries kind of dissipate when you're staring at the sunset." She said she loves watching her sons enjoy the little things, like marveling at new flowers they discover. "It reinvigorates you," she said. "It fills our cup."

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Zenless Zone Zero update 1.4 launches December 18, as developer HoYoverse announced in a reveal stream earlier today. The patch is headlined by new S-tier Agents Miyabi and Harumasa, with the latter being free to all players, as well as more sweeping changes to the prevalence of the divisive TV mode puzzle-lite minigame. Miyabi is a Frost Anomaly Agent who wields a katana, while Harumasa is an Electric Agent who has both a bow and a blade. To obtain Harumasa for free, you'll just need to reach Inter-Knot level eight after update 1.4 launches. Beyond a free S-tier Agent, version 1.4 has been billed as a thoroughly above-average update, with main story stages redesigned up to chapter three, exploration mode adding the option to roam around as or with their Agents, and combat making a fundamental change by making ultimate-powering Decibels unique to each character instead of shared across the team. In an interview with GamesRadar+ , three developers from the Zenless Zone Zero team discussed the challenge of balancing TV mode with player tastes. The intermission-type game mode has elicited split opinions since launch, and while TV mode isn't disappearing entirely, with this story overhaul the folks who'd rather get on with the rest of the game have largely gotten their wish. "From the early stages of development, we envisioned Zenless Zone Zero as a game designed for long-term operation. Like any living entity, the game will grow and evolve with the support of its players," producer Zhenyu Li, Game Designer X, and Game Designer Y said in a joint response. "The TV mode has been one of the most frequently discussed features based on player feedback, which is why it has undergone significant changes from Version 1.0 to the current Version 1.4. For us, player feedback is a crucial driving force behind the game's long-term growth. We are neither surprised by nor dismissive of any feedback. Instead, we sincerely appreciate all feedback and are always eager to listen to what every player has to say." Update 1.4 is coming to PS5, PC, mobile, and PS5 Pro, with the premium version of the console additionally folding in "enhanced performance and ray-tracing technology for an upgraded visual experience." These games like Genshin Impact are perfect for anyone looking for something new to jump into.

‘History has to come to life’: Washington Crossing hosts annual historic reenactmentPARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Macron's political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated Press