skygaming
Bokaro: Chief minister Hemant Soren on Saturday directed the Bokaro deputy commissioner to take immediate action against illegal sand mining after social media posts showed tractors openly transporting illegally mined sand on city roads. In a post on X, the CM said, "@BokaroDc stop this immediately. Take strict action against the culprits. Also, deputy commissioners of all other districts should also take cognisance and put a full stop to any such activity." The social media post highlighted that tractors are ferrying illegally mined sand daily and raised questions on the effectiveness of the district mining office 's claims of strict enforcement of illegal sand mining rules. While the office reported seizing 851 tonnes of illegally mined minerals, including coal and sand, impounding 78 vehicles ferrying them and filing 18 FIRS during the October-November period, the actions appeared to be inadequate given the large scale of illegal operations. A resident of the city's Sector 11, Bhagwan Sao, said, "Several dozens of tractors loaded with sand pass through our sector daily. They mine it unlawfully from the Damodar riverbed near Bathua village. Police and administration officials never take steps to stop them." According to the data provided by the mining office, 227 tonnes of illegal sand were seized compared to 514 tonnes of coal, highlighting the sand mafia's dominance in the district. Ajit Murmu, a local, pointed out on social media that the state's failure to issue sand mining tenders has resulted in significant revenue losses to the state exchequer with the illegal profits being shared between middlemen and corrupt administration officials. The mining office also reported collecting Rs 5,87,900 in fines but the amount seemed negligible compared to the quantity and value of the smuggled minerals. Critics view these penalties collected as mere "operational" costs for the smugglers rather than effective deterrents. According to the district mining officer's press release, "In October, 708 tonnes of minerals were seized while November recorded 143.9 tonnes." Residents, however, remained skeptical of these figures, given the continuous illegal mining activities visible across both rural and urban areas.Harrisburg meets moment, season with grit, falls to Pittsburgh Central Catholic in PIAA 6A semifinals
Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
It seems the Opposition politicians are hard at work these days, trying to whip up a storm over ‘Mahaviru Naa’ celebrations in the North—much like the recent Bay of Bengal depression, which after wreaking havoc here, conveniently blew its cyclonic rage straight into Tamil Nadu. But. the deep depression having intensified into cyclone Fengal over the Bay of Bengal petered out rather predictably before slamming into Indian shores last Monday. As the Indian Meteorology Department had forecast, it faded into a modest low-pressure area over Northern Tamil Nadu—hardly the devastating ending some might have anticipated from a cyclone. Prof. Abeysinghe Lasantha Sandika When a storm dumps enough rain to flood the country, you might think it would spark some collective empathy or at the very least, a serious conversation about disaster relief. But no—welcome to the South, where the political playbook dictates that the best response to agricultural devastation is a healthy dose of communal tension. After all, what is a few thousand hectares of rice and vegetables and crop cultivations going under water when there is ‘tense’ issue such as the ‘Mahaviru Naal’ in the North to milk for political theatrics? Simmer the communal hot pot Never mind the farmers, whose cultivations, including 64,000 hectares of paddy in the Northern and Eastern Provinces alone now resembling lakes going underwater. Forget the fact that these regions bore the brunt of nature’s fury and that over two million farmers in the country depend on rice farming to keep their families fed and the country afloat. Who cares about livelihoods when you can simmer the communal hot pot to cause nationwide discontent? And so, as the water recedes and farmers stare at their ruined fields, the political stage shifts to the tried-and-tested formula: whip up a little communal tension and fan the flames. You would have successfully diverted attention from an agricultural crisis to a convenient political spectacle. Or are we having a South-style master class in political misdirection? So here we are, wading through the aftermath of a devastating flood, while the political scriptwriters dream up their next act. The country has 2.3 million hectares of agricultural land, with 80 percent dedicated to non-plantation food crops such as rice, maize, vegetables, fruits and other crops, according to the Agriculture Department. The sector employs 28 percent of the country’s labour force, with small-scale farmers contributing the bulk of the agricultural output. It’s too early to quantify the full extent of crop damage or the economic fallout from the floods, but assessments are underway, according to Dr. Chamila Chandrasiri, Director of the Socio-Economic and Planning Centre at the Agriculture Department. “Give us a week or two to get the assessments rolling,” she stated, noting that water must first recede from the flood-affected paddy fields and farmlands. Only then will agricultural officers be able to compile a complete report on the affected farmers, farmlands and crop losses. Speculation, however, is rife. Critics argue that the National People’s Power Government may struggle to address the crisis, with murmurs of a looming food shortage due to flood-induced crop damage. Rumours also swirl about potential price spikes in rice, vegetables and fruit during the festive season and possibly well into next year. And if that’s not enough, a so-called ‘coconut mafia’ is reportedly emerging, threatening to hike prices alongside the notorious rice cartels. While these projections aren’t entirely baseless, they remain speculative. The Government has ramped up support for farmers, providing access to fertiliser and better agricultural inputs. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) has also initiated long-term strategies to promote climate-smart agriculture and ensure food security and resilience. HARTI Director and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abeysinghe Lasantha Sandika said they did not expect a flood-induced weather during this cultivation season. He said the relevant agenciesat no point of time forecast the kind of heavy rains that triggered floods. According to him the weather forecasters did not forecast the severity of the weather. The recent floods across Sri Lanka have left paddy fields and farmlands submerged, causing significant damage to crops and irrigation systems. While the Meteorology Department issued a heavy rain warning on November 19, HARTI’s Prof. Sandika believes such forecasts need to be communicated at least a month in advance to allow farmers to adapt their sowing schedules. Effort washed away Farmers had sown seeds on November 15, just days before the rains struck. “The entire effort was washed away,” said Prof. Sandika. Now, farmers face the costly task of re-cultivating, with seed paddy and fertiliser costs doubling. This burden extends to the Government, which must support the recovery effort through subsidies and aid. It is essential to study climate changes more closely and reassess when farmers should plant crops, instead of strictly conforming to traditional farming schedules Farmers now face the daunting task of restarting their cultivation processes and repeat the entire sowing procedure. This has effectively doubled their costs, creating additional financial strain not only to farmers but also for the Government, which has pledged to support recovery efforts. Prof. Sandika highlighted that activating the Government’s fertiliser subsidy program was a key step to alleviate the burden. He assured that measures to restart cultivation are already in motion, with the subsidy program set to play a pivotal role. Interestingly, the delayed activation of the subsidy program in certain areas has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since the initial crops in those regions were destroyed by floods, the program can now be implemented without the risk of losses on the prematurely ruined harvests. This timing allows the Government to focus its resources more effectively on supporting re-cultivation efforts. Paddy cultivation in low-lying areas of the Northern and Eastern Provinces has been among the hardest hit by the recent floods. Extensive damage has also been reported to paddy and vegetable fields in districts such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara and Jaffna, while fruit and vegetable farming in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts has suffered significant setbacks. The impact extends beyond farmers and their families, affecting urban populations, particularly in Colombo, who rely on rural agricultural produce. Vegetable prices have soared, forcing consumers in urban areas to pay significantly more for basic food items. Nutrient-rich sediment However, there is a silver lining amidst this crisis. According to Professor Sandika, receding flood waters often leave behind nutrient-rich sediment that can improve soil fertility. This natural enrichment can enhance soil productivity, though the benefits depend on factors such as the flood type, the affected region and the pre-existing soil condition. These nutrients deposited by floodwaters have agricultural importance. For example Nitrogen, which is an organic matter from decaying, plants and sediment, is essential for plant growth. Nitrogen is a critical component of chlorophyll, which is vital for photosynthesis. Then Phosperous- which aids in root development and improves flowering and fruiting. Phosphorus is crucial for energy transfer within plants. Also Potassium, micronutrients such as Zinc, Iron, Magnesium and Calcium are also found in this fertile sediment. They contribute to natural soil enrichment, and replenish nutrient-depleted lands, he said. This means once they re-start cultivation, there will be an increase in their crop yield. There will be marked improvement in food security. The floods’ aftermath presents an opportunity for improved agricultural yields in the future, provided the recovery and replanting efforts are managed effectively. This underscores the need for comprehensive support systems and climate-adaptive agricultural strategies. Prof. Sandika said as for crop damage, the Agriculture Department was working on it. Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation has carried out a rough assessment indicating that the floods have significantly damaged irrigation infrastructure, with repairs potentially costing over Rs. 6,000 million. In response to the immediate recovery needs of farmers, the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board will provide compensation through its insurance schemes. Compensation will be available for six key crops – paddy, maize, potato, soybean, onion, and chilli – with a maximum payout of Rs 40,000 per acre. However, many farmers are unlikely to receive full compensation, since their crops were lost shortly after sowing, meaning they could receive less than Rs. 16,000 per acre, depending on their specific insurance agreements. Prof. Sandika said that his personal view was that rice farmers should be compensated more and he is aware that the Government was taking steps to compensate vegetable farmers in the upcountry and the low country. Meanwhile, free seed paddy is to be distributed to farmers. Flood risk When asked about measures to mitigate future flood risks to paddy fields and farmlands, Prof. Sandika said the importance of developing a forewarning system was paramount. He said that even the monsoon patterns were shifting, making it crucial to adapt by adjusting the crop calendar to align with changing weather patterns. “We cannot change Mother Nature, but we must learn to adapt to it,” he said. He also pointed out that it is essential to study climate changes more closely and reassess when farmers should plant crops, instead of strictly conforming to traditional farming schedules such as the Yala and Maha seasons. This approach would help farmers move away from outdated methods and embrace more flexible, climate-resilient practices. To mitigate future climate risks, Prof. Sandika advocates the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the use of technology. While farmers traditionally rely on experience to determine planting schedules, he said that it’s time to shift to farming based on empirical evidence and research. This transition will allow farmers to make more informed decisions and better manage climate-related challenges. He also highlighted the vulnerability of farmers cultivating crops on open land, which are more prone to weather extremes. To address this, Prof. Sandika suggests identifying entrepreneurs and guiding them towards protective agricultural practices. Many young farmers in the country are already using modern technology such as net houses and greenhouses to cultivate crops, to protect crops from adverse weather, pests and disease. Some of them have become successful exporters. Net houses and greenhouse farming are forms of controlled-environment agriculture that optimise growth conditions, improve crop quality, and allow for off-season cultivation. These methods differ in design, materials, and functionality but share the goal of enhancing yields and providing a more resilient farming model in the face of climate change. HARTI is leading a program to promote climate-smart agriculture by supporting young, entrepreneurial farmers. In collaboration with the Government, HARTI helps aspiring farmers’ access loan schemes of up to Rs. 3 million to start greenhouse farming. This initiative is supported by global partners, including the World Bank, which backs climate-protected agricultural practices. Through specialised training programs, HARTI is guiding traditional farmers to embrace modern, resilient farming techniques. These efforts are intended to improve economic stability and the country’s food security. The training helps farmers transition from traditional methods to more sustainable, climate-smart practices. The program is a key opportunity for young farmers to develop skills, boost welfare and contribute to the country’s agricultural and economic growth. By providing guidance, resources, and financial support, HARTI is helping create a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who can tackle climate challenges and enhance food production systems.NoneSIR Keir Starmer’s big reset was more of a mission impossible yesterday as he swerved migration and benefits targets and diluted election promises. His Plan for Change speech — at the studios where Tom Cruise filmed the blockbuster spy thrillers — was ridiculed by Labour critics. The Prime Minister claimed his new 43-page policy brochure would “land on desks across Whitehall with the heavy thud of a gauntlet being thrown down”. But even some members of the Cabinet were left baffled by six new milestones unveiled as part of a reset to Sir Keir’s rocky first five months in power. They came on top of five previous missions the PM set for his government — that he said were built on three foundations, stemming from two priorities to grow the economy and secure borders. But nowhere in his heavily hyped speech at Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, Bucks , were any targets for getting down legal migration, stopping the Channel migrant boats or helping the 11million people out of work to find jobs. read more on politics Instead, Sir Keir urged voters to judge him on six milestones; INCREASING real term disposable income by the next election, which is already forecast to happen; CUTTING NHS waiting lists so that 92 per cent of patients get planned treatment within 18 months; VOWING a named police officer for every neighbourhood with the recruitment of 13,000 new officers; ENSURING three quarters of children start school ready to learn, up from the current two thirds; POWERING the UK with 95 per cent low-carbon energy by 2030; BUILDING 1.5million homes by the end of this Parliament and fast-tracking planning decisions on 150 infrastructure projects. While promising sweeping NHS reforms, the new targets only focus on reducing waiting lists. Meanwhile a promise to secure the fastest growth in the G7 was downgraded to an aim and a key Net Zero goal to have a zero carbon electricity system by 2030 was also scaled back. Most read in The Sun While experts said the new target was more realistic, ministers insisted their new goal of 95 per cent clean energy by the end of the decade was not a climbdown. Yet in March Labour said: “By 2030, the UK will be the first major country in the world to run on 100 per cent clean and cheap power, with lower bills for all.” Adding to the confusion, the PM denied watering down policy, insisting “the clean energy pledge is today exactly what it was in the election; that has always been central to our mission”. None of the new milestones centred on soaring migration. Repeatedly pressed on why small boats or legal migration did not feature, the PM refused to put a target on securing the borders but said: “We are going to drive down migration, both legal and illegal.” Asked by The Sun he insisted his targets were a big risk as they were hard tasks and denied he was targeting only “low-hanging fruit”. The PM also vowed to rip up Whitehall red tape that has clobbered development projects and held back economic growth. The speech marked Sir Keir’s third attempt to define his government’s agenda after just 153 days in office. 'NO PLAN' And it came as Labour slumped to third behind the Tories and Reform in one opinion poll. While in opposition, Sir Keir laid out five missions but ahead of the election these were replaced with six first steps for change, focusing on economic stability and cracking down on antisocial behaviour. The PM said the new milestones are designed to show progress and give clearer direction. READ MORE SUN STORIES But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of having no plan to control migration numbers. She insisted: “This relaunch can’t hide the reality of a government that doesn’t know what it is doing.” By Harry Cole , Political Editor LIGHTS, camera... Inaction! Taking to the stage at Pinewood Studios - the home of Bond, Star Wars and Mission: Impossible - Sir Keir Starmer all but admitted he needed to up his act. No10 spinners were clever enough to avoid the “surely shome mistakes” headlines by swerving the Sean Connery Studio, but no PM wants to be having to explain the point of their government just 20 weeks in office. But sadly yesterday was a minestrone of milestones, missions, tepid baths, gauntlets, pillars, goals, foundations and first steps. Big issues were shelved, and parts of the speech sounded suspiciously like they had been written by AI or a graduate management consultant who had swallowed a thesaurus. Yet buried deep was an important concession. Sir Keir, always so quick to carp from the opposition side-lines as Captain Hindsight, admitted the Whitehall system itself must share some of the blame for the state Britain is in. Better late than never, PM... but its going to take more than this word soup to turn things around.
Nightbitch’s werewolf body-horror comedy needs more of The SubstanceA Camden County man was sentenced to over 21 years in prison for sex trafficking three girls from Philadelphia to New Jersey for commercial sex, officials with the U.S. District Attorney’s Office said Thursday. Semaj A. Gilmore, 34, of Camden previously pleaded guilty to charges of sex trafficking minors in May 2023. Gilmore was accused of transporting three girls at different times between September 2020 and April 2021 from Philadelphia to New Jersey to commit commercial sex acts at his direction. All three of the girls were under the age of 18 at the time of the incidents and Gilmore was required to register as a sex offender as a result of a previous conviction, according to authorities. Gilmore was arrested in April 2021 after an undercover agent contacted him through a phone number on an online advertisement solicited the missing Pennsylvania juvenile for sex, authorities said. The undercover agent, whom Gilmore believed was a minor as well, and Gilmore exchanged several messages and arranged to meet at a Mount Laurel motel, authorities said. At the motel, Gilmore waited in a car in the parking lot, and when he saw uniformed police enter the room where the undercover agent and underage girl were, he fled the scene, according to authorities. He was captured a short time later, authorities said. “Mr. Gilmore does not make excuses for his conduct and has accepted full responsibility for his actions,” his attorney Troy Archie said Thursday. Archie added that he argued for leniency from the court given Gilmore’s background growing up in and around poverty, his previous criminal history as a juvenile living in poverty and his previous addiction to illegal substances as an adolescent. Gilmore was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release after his prison term concludes. Stories by Matthew Enuco Ex-student among 7 charged with running Rutgers social media drug marketplace, cops say Woman used compromised email to steal $800K from N.J. business, authorities say N.J. grandparents were scammed. This guy admitted showing up to collect payments. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com . Follow Matt on X .
AP News Summary at 2:01 p.m. ESTA guided tour into one family’s history in Williamsburg
Ibex Ltd sees $2.97 million in stock sales by PineBridge entities
Georgina Rodriguez steals show at Globe Soccer Awards in bold outfit and has amazing reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s winCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Known across the globe as the stuck astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams hit the six-month mark in space Thursday with two more to go. The pair rocketed into orbit on June 5, the first to ride Boeing's new Starliner crew capsule on what was supposed to be a weeklong test flight. They arrived at the International Space Station the next day, only after overcoming a cascade of thruster failures and helium leaks. NASA deemed the capsule too risky for a return flight, so it will be February before their long and trying mission comes to a close. While NASA managers bristle at calling them stuck or stranded, the two retired Navy captains shrug off the description of their plight. They insist they're fine and accepting of their fate. Wilmore views it as a detour of sorts: "We're just on a different path." "I like everything about being up here," Williams told students Wednesday from an elementary school named for her in Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. "Just living in space is super fun." Both astronauts lived up there before, so they quickly became full-fledged members of the crew, helping with science experiments and chores like fixing a broken toilet, vacuuming the air vents and watering the plants. Williams took over as station commander in September. "Mindset does go a long way," Wilmore said in response to a question from Nashville first graders in October. He's from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. "I don't look at these situations in life as being downers." Boeing flew its Starliner capsule home empty in September, and NASA moved Wilmore and Williams to a SpaceX flight not due back until late February. Two other astronauts were bumped to make room and to keep to a six-month schedule for crew rotations. Like other station crews, Wilmore and Williams trained for spacewalks and any unexpected situations that might arise. "When the crews go up, they know they could be there for up to a year," NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said. NASA astronaut Frank Rubio found that out the hard way when the Russian Space Agency had to rush up a replacement capsule for him and two cosmonauts in 2023, pushing their six-month mission to just past a year. Boeing said this week that input from Wilmore and Williams was "invaluable" in the ongoing inquiry of what went wrong. The company said it is preparing for Starliner's next flight but declined to comment on when it might launch again. NASA also has high praise for the pair. "Whether it was luck or whether it was selection, they were great folks to have for this mission," NASA's chief health and medical officer, Dr. JD Polk, said during an interview with The Associated Press. On top of everything else, Williams, 59, had to deal with "rumors," as she calls them, of serious weight loss. She insists her weight is the same as it was on launch day, which Polk confirms. During Wednesday's student chat, Williams said she didn't have much of an appetite when she first arrived in space. But now she's "super hungry" and eating three meals a day plus snacks, while logging the required two hours of daily exercise. Williams, a distance runner, uses the space station treadmill to support races in her home state. She competed in Cape Cod's 7-mile Falmouth Road Race in August. She ran the 2007 Boston Marathon up there as well. She has a New England Patriots shirt with her for game days, as well as a Red Sox spring training shirt. "Hopefully I'll be home before that happens — but you never know," she said in November. Husband Michael Williams, a retired federal marshal and former Navy aviator, is caring for their dogs back home in Houston. As for Wilmore, 61, he's missing his younger daughter's senior year in high school and his older daughter's theater productions in college. "We can't deny that being unexpectedly separated, especially during the holidays when the entire family gets together, brings increased yearnings to share the time and events together," his wife, Deanna Wilmore, told the AP in a text this week. Her husband "has it worse than us" since he's confined to the space station and can only connect via video for short periods. "We are certainly looking forward to February!!" she wrote.By LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
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NoneCross country: Niwot’s Hunter Robbie is the Daily Camera boys runner of the yearCIAN Healy became Ireland’s most-capped player with his 134th appearance against Australia in Dublin on Saturday. The Leinster prop was presented the history-making cap by IRFU President Declan Madden after the 22-19 win at Aviva Stadium. The Belvedere college man broke the long-standing recording for that was previously held by Brian O'Driscoll . Ireland's win was the third of their Autumn Nations Series 2024 in their last game of the calendar year - the win always marked the IRFU's 150th anniversary. Andy Farrell's men came back in the second half after a disjointed opening period that saw them trail by eight points at the break with Healy coming from the bench to break BOD's record. And after the game before Ireland were presented with the Lansdowne Cup for the narrow win, 37-year-old Healy was officially presented with the record cap. Speaking after the game , Healy simply said: "This is a moment I'll cherish." The loose-head prop's family were on the pitch for the emotional moment as the hugged and kissed him after the momentous achievement. His two children could be seen running around the pitch with their dad and his wife Laura Healy-Smith . Their first son, Beau, was born in January 2021, and is already taking after his old man with a rugby ball. Their second son, Russell , was born in September 2022. His first Ireland cap against the Wallabies in November 2009. 'Church' made his Six Nations bow the following year, and has gone on to win the Championship five times, as well as the 2018 and 2023 Grand Slams. Healy earned his first cap for Leinster at the age of 22 before going on to break the massive total of caps set by rugby legend O'Driscoll. In the 17 years that have followed, he has won four Champions Cups, seven United Rugby Championships, and one European Challenge Cup with his club Leinster. In September, meanwhile, Healy surpassed Devin Toner as Leinster's all-time appearance maker with 281 caps.
US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north on Friday and forced many of the staff and patients outside. Then they had to remove their clothes in winter weather. It was the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Parts of it were set on fire. Staff say it has been hit multiple times in the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel's military says Hamas uses the hospital as a base. It did not provide evidence, and hospital officials have denied it. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have said weapons fire may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The statements from Rashad Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Friday raised pressure on Russia. Officials in Moscow have said a drone attack was underway in the region that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was destined for but have not addressed statements from aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defenses responding to a Ukrainian attack. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Chechnya on Wednesday when it crashed, killing 38 people and leaving all 29 survivors injured. Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case ATLANTA (AP) — A judge has ruled that the Georgia state Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. It's part of a inquiry into whether Willis has engaged in misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram is giving Willis the chance to contest whether lawmakers’ demands are overly broad before Willis responds. A Republican-led committee was formed earlier this year and sent subpoenas to Willis in August seeking to compel her to testify during its September meeting and to produce scores of documents. Willis argued that the committee didn’t have the power to subpoena her. In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom. Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals' Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex. State officials say the company's leaders kept using so-called “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks. The federal complaint alleges Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates polluted the air and water around 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland with chemicals that have been linked to certain cancers, reproductive issues and high cholesterol. They’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. The company stopped using the harmful chemicals in 2014 and says it’s working with state regulators on testing and cleanup efforts. Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on state charges. A prosecutor announced Sebastian Zapeta’s indictment at a court hearing Friday. The development comes days after Zapeta’s arrest and subsequent police questioning in which they say he identified himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit. The indictment will be under seal until Jan. 7. He remains jailed. Federal immigration officials say the 33-year-old Zapeta is from Guatemala and entered the U.S. illegally. Authorities are continuing to work to identify the victim. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is chasing the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin entered the season 42 goals short of breaking a record that long seemed unapproachable. He is set to play again Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing more than a month with a broken left fibula. Ovechkin was on pace to get to 895 sometime in February before getting injured. At 868, he his 27 goals away from passing Gretzky.
Eagles try to clinch NFC East title with Hurts' head injury looming large
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