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d2d roulette Tiger Woods not playing Hero World Challenge; final field announcedWhat’s Happening is a free service of Columbia Gorge News and may be edited for length. Notices run as space allows. Send to kelsiec@gorgenews.com . Community Events Nov. 25 — Unity in Community Interfaith Celebration, 7 p.m. at Bethel UCC, 480 E Jewett Blvd., White Salmon. Connection time and dessert potluck. All welcome. Fundraiser for Mt. Adams Ministerial Association Emergency Fund. Nov. 26 — Wasco Co. Code Compliance Ordinance Updates Community Meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Planning-Public Works Conference Room, 2705 E. Second St., The Dalles, or attend virtually at wascocounty-org.zoom.us/j/81468033181 . Read drafted changes, provide feedback, ask questions and give suggestions to the code compliance officer. Submit questions to tedp@co.wasco.or.us . Nov. 27 – Village Fair, 4 – 7 p.m., at the Skamania Lodge, 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way in Stevenson. Features the wares of local merchants and artisans. Live music, with refreshments available. Nov. 27 – Gift of Music, 5 -7 p.m., at the Skamania Lodge, 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way in Stevenson. Featuring Shely Rudolph. Nov. 27 – Christmas Tree Lighting, 5:30 – 6 p.m., in the Gorge Room at Skamania Lodge, 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way in Stevenson. Refreshments available. Nov. 28 — Turkey Trot Fun Run, 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Mark Hatfield Visitor’s Center on the (west) Hood River side of the Twin Tunnel trail. For admission prices, more info and to register online, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/twin-tunnels-turkey-trot-fun-run-tickets-1039902364967 . Nov. 28 — Third Annual Turkey Twerk Out, 9:30 a.m. at NK Studios, 417 W. Stuben St., Bingen. Special Thanksgiving dance fitness class. All fitness levels welcome; bring water. Preregister at NKStudiosbingen.as.me/turkey. Nov. 28 — Free Community Thanksgiving, noon to 2 p.m. at Riverside Community Church, UCC, 317 State St., Hood River. Nov. 28 — Thanksgiving Potluck, 1-4 p.m. at 56826 Wamic Market Road, Wamic. Community event. Nov. 29 — Trout Lake Holiday Market, 4-7 p.m. at the Trout Lake Hall. Nov. 29 — Starlight Parade: Toyland on Parade, 6-8 p.m. downtown The Dalles. Begins at W Sixth and Webber streets and ends at The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce. Hot cocoa and the annual community tree lighting to follow. Nov. 29 — A Native Perspective During the Thanksgiving Season, 7 p.m. at the Balch Hotel, 40 SE Heimrich St., Dufur. Free, but donations for speaker are encouraged. With Delson Suppah Sr., Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs. More info at balchhotel.com/events . Nov. 29 & 30 – Gift of Music, 6 – 8 p.m., in the Gorge Room at Skamania Lodge, 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way in Stevenson. Featuring John Nilsen. Nov. 29 – Jan. 3 – Skamania Lodge Holiday Light Walk, 4:30 – 9 p.m, at the Skamania Lodge, 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way in Stevenson. A lighted holiday walk through the meadow and under the Douglas firs in the Tree House Village. Nov. 30 – Sound of Movement, 7 p.m. at Riverside Community Church, 317 State Street in Hood River. Solo piano concert by White Salmon based pianist/composer Mitchell Jett Spencer. Dec 1 — Lyle Lions Club Meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lyle Lions Community Center, corner of Fifth and Highway 14. First and third Monday. Dec. 4 — Criminal Records Expungement Clinic, 3-6 p.m. at 601 Cascade Ave., Hood River. Free legal assistance to apply to set aside Oregon criminal records. Clinics are every first Wednesday. No appointment necessary. For more information, email lynnmarie.crider@gmail.com . Dec. 4 — Veterans Social Group, 6 p.m. to closing at Hood River Elks Lodge No. 1507, 304 Cascade Ave., Hood River. Dinner, drink to all veterans at no charge; active duty, Reservist, National Guard and veterans all welcome. Dec. 5 — Criminal Records Expungement Clinic, 2-5 p.m. at The Dalles Public Library, 722 Court St., The Dalles. Free legal assistance to apply to set aside Oregon criminal records. Clinics are every first Thursday. No appointment necessary. For more information, email lynnmarie.crider@gmail.com . Dec. 5 – Hood River Adult Grief Group, 4:30-5:30pm. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays, November 2024-February 2025. Registration required. To register or for more information, contact Haley at Providence Hospice of the Gorge at 541-387-6449 Dec. 5 — NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of the Gorge, 6:15-7:45 p.m. at Dalles-Wasco County Library meeting room. For info, call Barbara at 541-980-7264. Dec. 6 — Hood River Holiday Tree Lighting, 5-45-6:15 p.m. at Overlook Memorial Park. Streets closed to vehicles 4-8 p.m. for shopping downtown. Dec. 6 — Free family Movie: A Muppets Christmas Carol, 6 p.m. at the Granada Theatre in The Dalles, 221 E Second St. Event by the Wasco County/The Dalles Public Library. Kids meals, sandwiches, popcorn, snacks, concessions and refreshments will be available for purchase. Dec. 6 — Festival of Trees, 6-9 p.m. at The Dalles Civic Auditorium. Hosted by Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Foundation; annual fundraiser. Tickets at mcmc.net/foundation/events/festival-of-trees . Dec. 6-8 — Dallesport Christmas Bazaar, Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dallesport Community Center. Raffle table, Christmas gift donation box for local schoolkids. Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 — A Christmas Story, 7 p.m. at The Bingen Theater. Matinee performances Dec. 8 and 15 at 1:30 p.m. Directed by Joe Garoutte; family friendly. Tickets at www.bigbritches.org . Dec. 6 – 8, Nativities in The Gorge, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday. Located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 650 Northwest Gropper Road in Stevenson. For more info, contact Dan Black at 360-975-2799 or dfblack8@gmail.com . Dec. 7 — Lyle Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 a.m. at Lyle Lions Community Center, corner of Fifth and Highway 14. Adults $10, children 6-12 $5, under 5 free. Eggs and omelets cooked to order and endless pancakes. Dec. 7 – Santa Breakfast 2024, 8 – 11 a.m., West Side Rockford Station, 4250 Barrat Drive in Hood River. Pancakes, Sausage and eggs, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children. Fund benefit the Leo Phillips Scholarship fund. Dec. 7 — Leos Club Can and Bottle Collection, 9 a.m. to noon at Rosauers, Hood River. Supports local nonprofits. Dec. 7 – St. Mark’s Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 400 11th Street in Hood River. Shop for a wide variety of giftable treasures. Proceeds go to support the church’s outreach ministries in the community. Dec. 7 — Fort Dalles Riders Annual Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fort Dalles Riders Club, 1023 Irvine St., The Dalles. Variety of vendors and goods. Dec. 7 –Christmas in the Gorge, 1 - 4 p.m., at the Columbia Gorge Museum, 990 SW Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson. For more info, contact (800)989-9178. www.columbiagorgemuseum.org . Dec. 7 — Youth Ornament Making Class, 2–4 p.m. at The Dalles Art Center, 220 E Fourth St., The Dalles. Students grades 2-8 will learn the art of glass fusing. Ornaments will be ready for pick-up by Dec. 14. To register, contact Ellen Potter at 541-296-4759. Dec. 7 – Holiday Ribbon Wreath Craft making, 2 p.m., at The Dalles Public Library, 722 Court Street Event is for ages 11 to over 18. Registration required. Dec. 7 – Mid Columbia Community Choir “A Star is Arising” Benefit Concert, 7 p.m. at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road, in Hood River. A free will donation to support WAGAP and Fish Food Bank will be accepted at the event. Dec. 8 – Mid Columbia Community Choir “A Star is Arising” Benefit Concert, 4 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 1280 W. Jewett Blvd in White Salmon. A free will donation to support WAGAP and Fish Food Bank will be accepted at the event. Dec. 9 — Monthly Grief Group, 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the White Salmon Pioneer Center, 501 NE Washington St. For anyone grieving a loss. More info at maggie@maggieconverse.com or 503-395-4738. Dec. 10 — Odell Garden Club Meeting, 10 a.m. at the Hood River County Fairgrounds Community Building. For more info, contact President Norma Curtis, 541-806-1019 or nlcurtis@hrecn.net . Meets second Tuesday of the month. Dec 10 — Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group, 5:30-630 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of the month. Email belinda.ballah@hoodrivercounty.gov for more info. Dec. 11 – Sense of Place 15th Anniversary Season presentation, 7p.m., at Columba Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River, or via livestream. “The Wolf Next Door: A Community Perspective on the Return of Wolves,” with Lara Volski, PhD Student of Human-Wildlife Interactions. Season 15 ticket information is available online at senseofplacegorge.org and via a monthly newsletter. Dec. 12 — High Prairie Bingo Night, 6-8 p.m. at 701 Struck Road (between Lyle and Centerville). Food and drinks for sale, cash prizes; minors must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over. Dec. 12 – Mid Columbia Community Choir “A Star is Arising” Benefit Concert, 7 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 1280 W. Jewett Blvd in White Salmon. A free will donation to support WAGAP and Fish Food Bank will be accepted at the event. Dec. 13 – CGOA Voic Community Choir Holiday Pops concert, 7 p.m., Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road in Hood River. Dec. 14 — WAAAM Second Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum, 1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River. Different theme each month; see old technology in action. Dec. 14 – Holiday Gift Workshop, 12 – 2 p.m. at The Dalles Public Library meeting room, 722 Court Street in The Dalles. Holiday gift related crafts. Event is all ages. Dec. 15. – CGOA Voci Community Choir Holiday Pops concert, 2 p.m. Old St. Peter’s Landmark, 405 Lincoln Street in The Dalles Dec. 15 — Lyle Lions Club Meeting, 6 p.m. at the Lyle Lions Community Center, corner of Fifth and Highway 14. First and third Monday. Dec. 15 – Patrick Lamb’s Charlie Brown Christmas, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at Hood River Middle School auditorium, 1602 May Street in Hood River. Admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/a-patrick-lamb-charlie-brown-christmas-tickets-1064480322299?aff=oddtdtcreator. Dec 17 — Mid-Columbia Car Club Meeting, 5 p.m. social / 6 p.m. meeting at Spooky’s Pizza, 3320 W. Sixth, The Dalles. Meets third Tuesday of the month. Dec 18 — Columbia Gorge Beekeepers Association Meeting, 6 p.m. at the Hood River Extension, 2990 Experiment Station Drive. All are welcome. Visitors may attend in person or via Zoom; info at admin@gorgebeekeepers.org . Dec. 19 – Hood River Adult Grief Group, 4:30-5:30pm. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays, November 2024-February 2025. Registration required. To register or for more information, contact Haley at Providence Hospice of the Gorge at 541-387-6449 Dec. 19 — Heritage Council Board Meeting, 5 p.m. at the History Museum of Hood River County, 300 E. Port Marina Way, Hood River. Public welcome to attend. New board members, volunteers needed. Third Thursday of the month. Thru Dec. 22 — Handmade for Holidays at Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River. Artists market; small art pieces of many types on display and for sale in the gallery. Ongoing First Monday — Adult Writers Group, 5:30-7 p.m. at The Dalles-Wasco County Library. Third Monday — Hands On Maker Monday, 3:30 p.m. at The Dalles Public Library. With OSU Extension and 4-H. For kids, teens and adults. Projects like leatherworking, sewing, candle making, cake decorating and more. Mondays – Cascade Singers Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 101 West 10th Street in The Dalles. Mondays — Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association Voci Community Choir Rehearsals, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hood River Valley High School. All welcome. Questions to info@gorgeorchestra.org . Monday thru Friday — NU-2-U Shop Open, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1112 W. Ninth St., The Dalles. Shop is a nonprofit store that supports the Mid-Columbia Senior Center. More information at 541-296-4788. Monday & Wednesday — Senior Meals, noon at The Pioneer Center, White Salmon. Doors open at 8 a.m. Suggested donation for seniors 60 and over is $3.50, all others $6.50. All welcome. Monday, Wednesday and Friday — Strong Women, 10-11 a.m. at the Cascade Locks City Hall. Monday thru Friday — Klickitat Senior Services Telephone Support, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Goldendale, 509-773-3757; White Salmon, 509-493-3068; or Toll Free, 1- 800-447-7858. Staff will direct callers to available resources, assist with online benefit applications and issues with Social Security and Medicare. Seniors can also call for essential grocery delivery, prescription pickup or food bank needs. Tuesday — Senior Meals, noon at the Lyle Lions Community Center. Doors open at 10 a.m. Suggested donation for seniors 60 and over is $3.50, all others $6.50. All welcome. Tuesdays — Senior Meals, 11 a.m. at Mt. Hood Town Hall, 6575 Mount Hood Highway, Mt. Hood-Parkdale. Meals served at noon. In conjunction with Hood River Valley Adult Center; suggested $5 donation. Tuesdays — White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Club, noon to 1 p.m. Learn more at www.whitesalmon-bingenrotary.org , www.facebook.com/whitesalmonbingenrotaryclub , or email rotary.club.323@gmail.com . Tuesdays — Overeater’s Anonymous, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ninth and State streets, Hood River. For more info contact Rebecca at 510-861-2212. Tuesdays — Harmony of the Gorge, 6-8 p.m. at Providence Down Manor, Hood River. Please check the website for rehearsal details at www.harmonyofthegorge.com ; info at 541-490-2481. Tuesdays — Al-Anon Meeting, 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 400 11th St., Hood River. Tuesdays — Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association Sinfonietta Rehearsals, 7-9 p.m. at Hood River Valley High School (music room). All welcome. Questions to info@gorgeorchestra.org . Tuesday & Thursday — Senior Meals, noon at the Goldendale Community Center. Doors open at 8 a.m. Suggested donation for seniors 60 and over is $3.50, all others $6.50. All welcome. Tuesdays thru Fridays — Senior Chair Yoga, 9:15 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, fourth floor, The Dalles. Cost is $4 per class. Contact debra.lutje@gmail.com for info. Wednesdays — Fitness Classes: Mat Pilates, 8:30 a.m. at Lutheran Church, Bingen; Barre 5 p.m. at Mt. View Grange, White Salmon. Loyalty, drop in rates available. ACE certified, longtime local fitness instructor. Call Caroline Elliott, 509-637-3162, for info. Wednesdays — Radio Tierra Storytime, 9:30 a.m. on Radio Tierra 95.1 FM; songs, stories and announcements for all kiddos who haven’t begun school. Wednesdays — The Dalles Rotary Club, noon at Spooky’s; visitors welcome. Wednesdays — Writing Group, 3-4 p.m. at the Hood River County Library, Columbia Room. Second Wednesday — Dufur Recreation District Meeting, 7 p.m. at Dufur City Hall. Visit website www.dufurcitypark.org for agenda and virtual attendance information. Thursdays — Hood River Art Club, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the FISH Food Bank Community Room, 1130 Tucker Road, Hood River. For more information contact Kori Walsh at Heronbird@aol.com . Thursdays — Hood River Toastmasters Club, 6:30-8 a.m. via Zoom and in-person at Bette’s Place, downtown Hood River. Drop in or email HRToastmasters@proton.me for link. Improve public speaking, listening and leadership skills. Thursdays — Take Pounds Off Sensible (TOPS) Support Group, 8:30 a.m. weigh-in and 9 a.m. meeting at Zion Church, 10th and Union, The Dalles. First meeting is free. Thursdays — Family Storytime, 10:30 a.m. at the Hood River Library. Free, open to all ages. Thursdays — Recovery Café, 1-6 p.m. at the White Salmon Grange. Dinner served; recovery circle 5-6 p.m. All welcome. Thursdays — The Dalles Kiwanis Club Meetings, noon at Spooky’s; visitors welcome. For more information go to www.thedalleskiwanis.org/ or The-Dalles-Kiwanis-Club on Facebook. Thursdays — Thursday Night Bingo, 5:30 p.m. at Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1112 W. Ninth St., The Dalles. Doors open 4 p.m. Must be 18 or over. $10 minimum buy-in. Third Thursday — West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the White Salmon Fire Station at 119 NE Church St. Thursday, Friday and Saturday — Hood River Valley Adult Center Thrift Shop, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels. Third Fridays - Community Game Day, 1 p.m. at the Lyle Lions Community Center, Fifth and Highway 14. Play scrabble, cribbage or bring your own favorite. Coffee and cookies will be offered. Fridays — Community Playgroup, 10-11:30 a.m. at Hood River Early Childhood Center (formerly Pine Grove Elementary). Free, follows school calendar. For children 0-5 and their parents. For info call 541-386-4919. Fridays — Storytime in Cascade Locks and Parkdale, 10:30 a.m. at the library branches in those communities. Includes parent playgroups. Fridays — Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, 1 p.m. at the United Methodist church in White Salmon, 341 N. Main Ave. Hosted by Baha’is of White Salmon. Explore spiritual identity and what it means to be human. For more information, contact White Salmon Bahá’ís at 509-637-3311. Fridays — Fun Friday, 3-4:30 p.m. at The Dalles Library. For kids 5-10 in the John and Jean Thomas Children’s Wing. Arts, crafts, games; each week is different and always fun. Saturdays — Makerspace, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hood River Library and Crafty Saturdays at the Cascade Locks and Parkdale library branches (same times). Free, for children. Saturdays — Grief Share, 10 a.m. to noon at Tucker Road Baptist Church, 1455 Tucker Road, Hood River. All welcome. Info at 541-386-1049. Saturdays — Chess Lessons, 1 p.m. at The Dalles Library. Free, for all ages and skill levels, beginners to advanced. Register at wascocountylibrary.com/events . Saturdays – Teen Programs, 2 p.m. at the Hood River Co. Library, 502 State St. Pick one or all that look fun and be creative, volunteer, play games, discuss books and eat snacks. Open to ages 12-18. For more info, contact Teen Librarian Rachel or go to hoodriverlibrary.org . Saturdays — Bingo, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1112 W. Ninth, The Dalles. Doors open 4 p.m.; new players should arrive by 5 p.m. Ages 8-18 must be accompanied by legal guardian. Minimum buy-in $6. Cash prizes, dinner concessions. Saturdays — Bingo, 6 p.m. at the Hood River Elks, Third and Cascade. Elks/Knights of Columbus scholarship fundraiser supports scholarships and charities. Progressive blackout prize, dinner available for purchase; 18 and older. Saturdays — Hood River Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fifth and Columbia parking lot, across from Full Sail Brewing. Sundays — Pickup Basketball, 1 p.m. at the Horizon Christian gym, Hood River. Players 18 and older, $3/visit. Sundays — Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association Jazz Collective Rehearsals, 4-6 p.m. at WAAAM. All welcome. Questions to info@gorgeorchestra.org . Sundays — Cascade Singers Rehearsal, 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran, The Dalles (10th and Union streets).

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A man convicted as an accomplice to a 2007 murder asked a judge Monday afternoon to have the remaining seven years of his sentence suspended. Michael Soto, 35, appeared in court wearing a green prison jumpsuit and smiled at his mother, sister and two friends at the beginning of the hearing. He was found guilty of giving a handgun to a friend who shot and killed Aaron Kar on Jan. 2, 2007. He was originally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was 17 at the time of the crime. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a life without parole sentence for someone under the age of 18 violated constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. A judge resentenced him in 2019 to 25 years to life after a hearing. The New Hampshire Supreme Court later ruled the decision could be applied retroactively. Prosecutor Benjamin Agati objected to giving Soto any relief from the sentence, which had been reduced about five years ago in 2019. “The defendant has not taken responsibility for loading the gun, wiping down the gun, handing it to Roscoe White and then disposing of the gun afterward,” White said. Soto’s lawyers, Charles Bookman and Ghazi Al-Marayati, filed a nine-page request for the suspension back in July. They mentioned he earned his GED in 2013 and is in group sessions on post-traumatic stress disorder, socialization, social skills and coping mindfully. Soto told Judge Daniel Will during a brief statement that he is truly sorry about what he did. “The prosecutor said I didn’t take responsibility, but back then, I was just a child. I was a juvenile,” he said. “I didn’t trust nobody.” He said he took responsibility in 2019 during resentencing and continues to do so. “I am really just looking for you to just have faith in me and to give me an opportunity to show the man that I became now that I strive every day to be a better version of myself.” Soto received mental health counseling during a stay at a prison in Kansas in 2015 where he reported many years of childhood abuse and trauma. “This is really about a 17-year-old and now a man in his 30s,” Bookman said. “We have someone who has gone through a process. He had a difficult upbringing.” Soto has conducted everything offered at the prison and he continues to improve himself, his attorneys said. Earlier this year, he took a course called “Dealing with Feelings” at the prison, according to court documents. “When we look to the future, things look very good for Mr. Soto to be a productive member of society,” Bookman said. Most of Soto’s rehabilitation efforts were brought up during the 2019 sentencing, Agati said. “We are encouraged by the work that he has done and we think that will reflect once it gets to his parole hearing,” Agati said. “He will get to live the years of life that Aaron never gets to have.” Agati said Kar family members object to the request for early release. Judge Will took the request under advisement. jphelps@unionleader.comTexas A&M-Corpus Christi defeats Stephen F. Austin 67-48Semiconductor Market in Military & Aerospace to Grow by USD 3.02 Billion (2024-2028), Aircraft Modernization Driving Growth, AI Transforming Market Trends - Technavio

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CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. People are also reading... MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!If you're on the go and need a simple way to charge your phone, look no further than this Black Friday deal on the 5,000-mAh EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank. For the next 10 hours, the device is $30 off on the EcoFlow website, bringing the original price of $70 down to $40. You can also get the same deal on Amazon , which is great if you have a Prime membership. This power bank's Qi2 15-watt wireless charging technology allows it to charge two times faster than Qi1 7.5-watt charging. It also has a built-in cable, so you don't have to worry about carrying extra cords. The included 30-watt cable allows you to recharge the power bank from 0% to 70% in less than 33 minutes, which is handy when you're in a rush. For wireless charging, it is compatible with the iPhone 11 and later, while wired charging allows it to work with the iPhone 8 and later; Samsung S8 and later; MacBook Pro and Air; the iPad Pro, Mini and Air; and the Apple Watch and Apple AirPods. As a reference, it can charge an iPhone 15 Pro to 50% in less than 42 minutes. It can also hold enough power to charge that same phone 1.1 times. Thanks to its lightweight, sleek design, the power bank is easy to carry around wherever you go. It has a built-in kickstand so that you can use it hands-free while allowing it to double as a desktop stand for your smartphone. It also comes with a two-year warranty. Why this deal matters This is the lowest price we've seen on the 5,000-mAh EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank on both the EcoFlow website and Amazon. However, on EcoFlow's site, this price will last for only the next 10 hours until its Black Friday flash sale ends. There, the brand offers free shipping (except to Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska). We don't know for sure, but it's possible the deal will last longer on Amazon, where you can also get free shipping if you're an Amazon Prime member. To continue taking advantage of these low prices, especially if you're shopping for holiday gifts , check out the best Black Friday deals .NEW DELHI—Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, was cremated after a state funeral on Saturday as politicians and the public mourned his death. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday morning to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Abhishek Bishnoi, a party leader, said Singh’s death was big loss for the country. “He used to speak little, but his talent and his actions spoke louder than his words,” he said. Later, Singh’s body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. Government officials, politicians and family members paid their last respects to Singh, whose casket was adorned with flowers and wrapped in the Indian flag. Security personnel honored him with a ceremonial gun salute. Indian President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called Singh one of the country’s “most distinguished leaders,” and several Cabinet ministers participated in the funeral ceremony. Singh’s body was then transferred to a pyre and cremated as religious hymns played. Authorities declared a seven-day mourning period and canceled all cultural and entertainment events during that time. Government buildings across India are flying the national flag at half-staff. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years and leader of the Congress party in Parliament’s upper house, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to be prime minister in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress party’s crushing defeat in 2014 national elections by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. Singh was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hurt his coalition government, with Communist allies withdrawing their support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. US President Joe Biden in a condolence statement called Singh a true statesman and a dedicated public servant who “charted pathbreaking progress that will continue to strengthen our nations—and the world—for generations to come.” “The unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India today would not have been possible without the prime minister’s strategic vision and political courage,” Biden said. Image credits: AP

Ashlon Jackson scores career-best 30 points to lead No. 13 Duke past No. 9 Kansas 73-62

Altria Group ( MO 0.72% ) has emerged as a surprising stock market winner in 2024, propelled by an impressive earnings rebound. At the time of this writing, its shares had surged by 41% this year to their highest level since 2019. There's a lot for investors to like about this tobacco giant, including the stock's 7% dividend yield as a compelling income opportunity. That being said, are there enough positives in the outlook to keep the rally going? Let's discuss whether Altria stock is a buy, sell, or hold in 2025. The case to buy or hold Altria stock The tobacco industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Even as smoking rates continue to decline worldwide, consumers are increasingly turning to smoke-free alternatives. These include electronic cigarettes and oral tobacco, seen as less-harmful replacements, which are proving to be highly popular. Altria, the leading U.S. cigarette manufacturer known for iconic brands like Marlboro and Parliament, appears to be successfully navigating these shifting market dynamics by diversifying into smoke-free products. In the company's third quarter (for the period ended Sept. 30), the story was the 7.8% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share (EPS), through a better than expected top-line figure and efforts at cost controls. Altria's NJOY e-cigarette brand posted a 16% climb in shipment volume for the consumable device cartridges, which allowed the company to capture a 6.2% retail market share, up from 3.2% in the third quarter of 2023. The other standout is ON! nicotine pouches posting a 46% volume increase. On the cigarette side, Altria managed to balance lower sales volumes with higher pricing, particularly in the premium category, supporting company-wide cash flows. For the full year 2024, management is targeting adjusted EPS in a range of $5.07 to $5.15, representing growth of 2.5% to 4% from 2023. That's great news for investors when thinking about the sustainability of the $1.02 per share quarterly dividend. The company is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its annual payout for the past 55 years, with management reaffirming a commitment to continue that streak through at least 2028. Investors who are confident in Altria's ability to remain profitable and execute a long-term strategy have a good reason to buy or hold the stock today. MO dividend yield , data by YCharts. The case to sell Altria stock It's important to examine Altria's outlook critically to understand what could go wrong with the investment idea. The main challenge the company faces likely comes down to the intensely competitive industry environment. While ON! nicotine pouches contribute to growth, they struggle to match the success of ZYN from Philip Morris International . The category market share of 19.1% for ON! fell by 3.8 percentage points from last year, in contrast to ZYN's dominant 73% market position. There's also a question surrounding Altria's NJOY brand positioning and how the category will evolve given that consumers have many alternative technologies to choose from. For instance, Philip Morris plans to launch its Iqos Iluma heat-not-burn tobacco product across the United States late next year, which could potentially erode NJOY's market share if users decide to make the switch. All of this exists against a backdrop of complex federal and state-level regulations, adding another layer of risk that could undermine Altria's growth prospects. Investors skeptical of the company's relevance over the next decade may want to consider exiting their positions or reducing exposure. The decision: I'm bullish For all the uncertainties investors need to balance, my takeaway is that Altria's business is alive and well heading into 2025. The growth from the smoke-free products portfolio provides a financial runway while opening new doors of strategic flexibility. What I like about the stock as a buy right now is its attractive valuation. Besides the high-yield dividend, shares are trading at just 11 times the consensus 2024 EPS as a forward price-to-earnings ratio ( P/E ). That is well below Philip Morris' forward P/E of 19. My interpretation is that the stock is undervalued reletive to its bigger competitor. Ultimately, Altria stock offers excellent value that can work for investors within a diversified portfolio.