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golden 777 live US-Pakistan ties have historically been marked by distrust, intermittent strategic alliances and periods of relative indifference. President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration will take office next month but it's already sparked fresh speculation on how the Republican-led government may recalibrate the approach to Islamabad after years of indifference during Joe Biden's administration. Richard Grenell, Trump's newly appointed envoy for special missions, has been at the forefront of the rhetoric through his words of support for imprisoned former Prime Minister . Statements from Grenell, primarily on social media platform X, are causing a stir among Pakistan's governing elite. Privately, several leaders from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party told Middle East Eye that the expectation of potential support from the incoming Trump administration has put pressure on the Pakistani government and its military. "Several factors, including the persistent protests by party supporters and fears of external pressure from the incoming US administration, amplified by the efforts of the party's overseas chapter in the US, have compelled the government to initiate meaningful dialogue with us," said a PTI core committee member in the capital Islamabad, who requested anonymity to speak freely. On Monday, the first formal meeting between a government-appointed committee and PTI representatives took place in Islamabad, signalling a potential shift in the political deadlock. The stir was triggered by posts where Grenell criticised Pakistan's treatment of Khan, who was ousted in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence vote following a fallout with the country's influential military. On 26 November, Grenell "Release Imran Khan!" in response to a violent crackdown in Islamabad against PTI supporters demanding Khan's release. Khan's legal troubles, resulting in over a year of incarceration and a crackdown on his party supporters, remains a contentious issue in Pakistan's fragile democracy. Initially drawing limited attention, Grenell's statement gained momentum after Trump announced Grenell's role as special envoy for global missions on 15 December. PTI supporters amplified Grenell's message, deepening the debate over his influence. Geo News, a major Pakistani channel often aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, ignited further controversy by introducing Grenell's sexual orientation into the discussion. A headline on X read, "Trump appoints homosexual Richard Grenell as special envoy", prompting Grenell to reaffirm his stance on 16 December. He , "I'll say it again. Free Imran Khan", highlighting the traction his original tweet, viewed 12 million times, had received. Grenell's tweets were followed by a number of posts from lawmakers in the US, including Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna who filmed a video to elaborate on the former cricketer-turned-politician's plight. "This is bipartisan. We need to not recognise the rigged election in Pakistan and the new government. We need new elections in Pakistan and Imran Khan needs to be out of jail," Khanna said in a posted to X. On Monday, Grenell X's owner Elon Musk, to extend Starlink satellite internet services to Pakistan. His request touched a nerve there, given the lack of reliable internet access in a country grappling with censorship and a ban on X itself, largely tied to the crackdown on Khan's supporters, who wield outsized influence on social media platforms. Grenell, a seasoned foreign policy adviser, has held several critical roles during Trump's first administration, including US ambassador to Germany, Special Envoy for Serbia and Kosovo Peace Negotiations, and Acting Director of National Intelligence. His actions now place him at the centre of an evolving narrative on US-Pakistan dynamics and Islamabad's democratic trajectory. In Pakistan, a widespread belief persists that Washington holds significant sway over the country's political landscape and its fortunes. Historically, the US has played a critical role in shaping Pakistan's foreign and security policies, a notion frequently echoed by political analysts. That belief was amplified when Khan, after his ousting, accused the US of orchestrating his removal - a claim that resonated strongly with his supporters. Now, with Trump re-entering the political arena, many of Khan's followers are hopeful that American influence could extend to advocating for Khan's release from jail, further fuelling perceptions of US involvement in Pakistan's domestic affairs. Although the PTI leadership has not officially commented on Grenell's tweets supporting Khan, many leaders and analysts believe that remarks from a close confidant of Trump could signal a shift in Khan's fortunes after Trump assumes office on 20 January. Following Trump's victory in the US presidential election in Noember, a from Khan's official X account congratulated him, acknowledging the American people's will "held against all odds". The tweet added: "We hope he will push for peace, human rights, and democracy globally." Khan, currently in jail, has his official X account managed by party representatives. However, PTI leadership, including Khan's sister Aleema, has vehemently rejected the notion that the party is relying on Trump for Khan's release. "Are we slaves? Is Trump our Abba [father]? Are we a US colony?" Aleema responded sharply last month to journalists suggesting PTI leaders were pinning hopes on Trump's victory as a pathway for Khan's release. Aleema and other leaders said that the PTI is pursuing its struggle through state institutions, like the judiciary and parliament, while also exercising its right to peaceful protests. But the political climate grew more tense when, on Sunday, a military court sentenced 25 PTI activists to rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in the 9 May riots, which included attacks on military installations. The move drew a sharp response from the US State Department on Tuesday, expressing "deep concerns" over the use of military courts, citing concerns over their lack of judicial independence, transparency and due process. The role of Pakistan's diaspora in shaping political narratives has never been more evident, experts say. Recent tweets by Grenell highlight the growing prominence of this community in the context of Pakistan's ongoing political tensions. Grenell's social media activity aligns with the "battles of hopes" between Pakistan's military and the PTI, analysts suggest. 'PTI is working to instill hope in its supporters, suggesting that Khan's release could be facilitated after Trump takes office' "The military is actively trying to quash any hope among PTI supporters regarding Imran Khan's release, emphasising that he will face punishment for allegedly inciting last year's violence and corruption charges," Qamar Cheema, executive director at the Sanober Institute, an Islamabad-based think tank specialising in foreign affairs, told MEE. "Meanwhile, PTI is working to instill hope in its supporters, suggesting that Khan's release could be facilitated after Trump takes office." Grenell's social media activity has increasingly focused on Pakistan, sparking discussions about the influence of PTI supporters abroad. "His tweets are a testament to the connectivity and influence of Pakistan's diaspora, which predominantly aligns with PTI," said Fayaz Naich, a Pakistani journalist, currently based in Washington DC, who studies Pakistan-US ties extensively. Although Trump himself has refrained from commenting on Pakistan's internal affairs, Grenell's interactions with Pakistani diaspora bodies, such as the Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee, underscore the diaspora's growing political clout. Pakistani Americans have the greatest name for their PAC. "Grenell's tweets reflect his proximity to PTI supporters," said Ayesha Siddiqa, a Pakistani political analyst currently based in London. She pointed out that since 2001, the Pakistani diaspora in the US has evolved into a politically engaged and influential community. "Most of the diaspora are well-off professionals or entrepreneurs, part of the post-9/11 generation whose identity remains deeply tied to Pakistan," she noted. "This demographic has not only maintained strong connections with Pakistan but has also actively engaged in its political discourse." Grenell's recent tweets, while ostensibly personal, carry the implicit weight of his association with Trump, which could have a tangible impact on Pakistan's political landscape. Experts suggest these remarks hint at enduring complexities in US-Pakistan relations under the incoming administration, echoing the unpredictable nature of Trump's foreign policy during his first term. Trump's relationship with Pakistan was marked by volatility. In January 2018, he Pakistan of giving the US "nothing but lies and deceit" while harbouring "terrorists". However, ties improved after Khan's election in July that year, with both leaders finding common ground on Afghanistan peace talks. "Trump's foreign policy has always been transactional," said a senior official in Pakistan's foreign ministry, noting that Trump's stance softened when cooperation in Afghanistan served US interests. The official added that Grenell's tweets blur the lines between public posturing and actual policy, a hallmark of Trump-era diplomacy. Cheema suggested Grenell's tweets could be part of a broader public relations campaign. "Typically, serious concerns are communicated through formal statements, not informal tweets," he told MEE, emphasising that official statements from institutions like the US State Department or Department of Defense carry far more weight. "In Grenell's case, the series of tweets appears informal, reflecting a certain lack of seriousness," he said. Despite this, Siddiqa argued Grenell's comments should not be dismissed outright. She stated that Pakistan's global image is already under scrutiny, with recent concerns from the UK, US and European Union over the trials of PTI supporters in military courts reinforcing perceptions of undemocratic governance. As Grenell's tweets hint at potential shifts in US policy, experts agree that any future Trump administration would inherit a strained US-Pakistan relationship shaped by counterterrorism concerns, economic challenges and regional politics. Last week, the United States announced it was imposing new sanctions related to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme, including the state-owned defence agency that oversees the programme. But Pakistan's geopolitical relevance remains a topic of debate. While some argue its strategic importance has diminished after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, others point to its location bordering China, India, Iran and Afghanistan as evidence of its ongoing significance. Naich said that a Trump administration would likely focus on pressing foreign policy challenges, including China, the Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis. "Pakistan will remain relevant in US foreign affairs, largely due to its ties to China and Iran," he said.

Lisa Carter, from Wallingford, completes an annual Christmas run to deliver gifts to rescued animals at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue and Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary. The gifts are collected by Ms Carter or dropped off at Blakes Pet Shop from people around Wallingford and further afield in Oxfordshire to be given to the lucky pets on Christmas morning. Ms Carter said: "My aim as always is to make sure no animal goes without, I do the run every year to collect food, beds and presents for the animals. "I can't thank every one enough for helping to make this happen again." Stephen Rockell, manager at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, said: "It's fantastic to get such kind donations from Lisa and everyone else who donates. "We use a lot of it to put into Christmas stockings for each dog, which we'll be giving them on Christmas Day with some toys and treats." He added: "A lot of the donations will last us until March or April next year, so we're talking a quarter of a year's worth of supplies donated in the two weeks up to Christmas. "It makes a huge difference to us as an independent charity, as we solely run off fundraising and donations. So it's fantastic." This year, the animal rescue run had enough donations to fill four cars with presents for the animals. Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get: Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our appPokemon Gold and Silver Celebrates Anniversary With New Merchandise

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They served in public office as legislators, judges, an ambassador, a U.S. congressman, the state’s attorney general and the mayor of Utah’s biggest city. They built businesses in trucking, playground equipment and software. One made motorcycles. Another crafted wooden toy cars to give to children around the world. They worked in the law, putting criminals behind bars. Two were barely out of the police academy when they died, too young. They were scientists and scholars. They were leaders in their faiths. They were artists, expressing themselves in music, painting, dance, theater and sculpture. They promoted the classics — whether Greek plays, silent movies or vinyl records — and new creative work. They wrote about history, faith and the environment. One wrote about television, delighting the readers of Utah’s two largest newspapers. Two were little known outside their small circles when they were alive — but their deaths, and the way their family and friends reacted, made them well-known in Utah and across the country. These 80 people, and seven animals, were notable Utahns who died in 2024. The people ranged from age 20 to 105, and they affected the lives of other Utahns in ways large and small — so we take the time and space here to remember them and what they left to us. Bené Arnold • As Ballet West’s first ballet mistress, Arnold worked closely with founder Willam Christensen to develop dancers in the company’s early days. She also taught for years in the University of Utah’s dance department, trained young dancers for Ballet West’s production of “The Nutcracker,” and in her later years danced “character” roles such as the evil sorceress Carabosse in “Sleeping Beauty.” Arnold died Jan. 25 at age 88 . Frank Arnold • An Ogden native, Arnold coached the Brigham Young University men’s basketball team from 1975 to 1983 — and, in 1981, took the Cougars, led by eventual NBA star (and current Utah Jazz executive) Danny Ainge, to the school’s only appearance in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. Arnold died June 8 at age 89 . Mark Atkinson • A legendary racer and machinist whose motto was “Ride Fast, Safety Last,” Atkinson was a veteran of the Bonneville Salt Flats and, in his shop in Mount Pleasant, designed and built two high-performance motorcycles, the “BMW Alpha” and the electric “Racer-X,” that are enshrined in the Haas Moto Museum in Dallas. Atkinson died May 6 at age 57 after a motorcycle accident in which he took a knock to the head, which led to a fall in his shop two days later. Dorothy Bale • After her husband, a retired dentist, died in his 60s, Dorothy Bale in 1994 applied for a job at the Arby’s in Millcreek, near the border with Holladay. She worked there for nearly 26 years — her 25th anniversary in January 2019 made national headlines — until health issues forced her to quit in December 2019 at age 95. Bale died Oct. 16 at age 100 . (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Dorothy Bale worked more than 25 years at the Arby's in Millcreek, retiring at 95. Bale died Oct. 16, 2024, at age 100. Peggy Boss Barney • Over a three-decade career in journalism, Barney did most of her work behind the scenes — in editor positions at Ogden’s Standard-Examiner from 1984 to 1995 and from 1995 to 2013 as a copy editor and night webmaster at The Salt Lake Tribune. Barney died Oct. 3 at age 66 in a Bountiful hospital after a long illness, her family said. Shannon Barnson • A larger-than-life figure in Utah’s fandom communities, Barnson — who lobbied for and was voted “Worst Utahn” by Salt Lake City Weekly readers in 2013 — was a charter panelist and resident “wild card” on the “Geek Show Podcast,” bartender and concert booker at the now-defunct Burt’s Tiki Lounge, and co-emcee of a popular pub trivia game that moved from Burt’s to Lucky 13 to Keys on Main over the past 13 years. Barnson died July 2 at age 52 in his sleep, according to friends. Bruce Bastian • As a computer science grad student at BYU, Bastian teamed with his professor, Alan Ashton, in 1979 to start the word processing software company WordPerfect — which became the fourth largest software maker by 1990, making both men rich. Bastian became a noted LGBTQ+ advocate, and channeled his fortune into the B.W. Bastian Foundation, supporting nonprofits in Utah’s art and LGBTQ+ communities (and, full disclosure, The Salt Lake Tribune). Bastian died June 16 at age 76 from pulmonary fibrosis. Peter Billings • A lawyer for 45 years with the Salt Lake City firm Fabian & Clendenin (later Fabian VanCott) and the firm’s president for 25, Billings chaired the Utah Democratic Party from 1989 to 1993, and served stints on the state’s liquor commission and the Utah Transit Authority board. Billings died June 29 at age 79 from prostate cancer. Justin Bingham • The CEO and co-founder of the Lindon-based software company Opiniion, Bingham was an “eternal optimist,” the firm’s other co-founder, Devin Shurtleff, said in a statement . Bingham was also an adventurer who had summited Mount Rainier and the Tetons, among other pursuits. Bingham died Oct. 5 at age 40 after falling 200 feet in a canyoneering accident at Zion National Park. Kent Briggs • After serving as chief of staff to Utah’s past two Democratic governors, Cal Rampton and Scott Matheson, Briggs founded a Denver-based think tank, the Center for the New West, and served 15 years as executive director of the nonpartisan Council of State Governments — becoming a national expert on Western states’ public policy. Briggs died April 19 at age 82 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Kevin Brophy • The Salt Lake City-born actor was known for playing the lead role in the short-lived 1977-78 TV series “Lucan” and the sadistic fraternity leader in the 1981 cult horror film “Hell Night.” Brophy died May 11 at age 70 at his home in California. Dave Buhler • A prominent Republican politician respected by both parties, Buhler served in the Utah Senate (1995-1999) and the Salt Lake City Council (2000-2007), as well as four years as director of the Utah Department of Commerce, a stint on Gov. Norm Bangerter’s staff, and as commissioner of higher education from 2010 to 2017. Buhler died July 16 at age 67 from natural causes, his family said. (Al Hartmann | Salt Lake Tribune) Dave Buhler, who served in the Utah Legislature, on the Salt Lake City Council and as Utah's commissioner of higher education from 2010 to 2017, died July 16, 2024, at age 67. Sue Buys • Buys and her husband, Richard, became owners of four small weekly newspapers in 1974 — The Wasatch Wave in Heber, the Summit County Bee, The Payson Chronicle and The Park Record in Park City. They eventually sold the Chronicle and The Park Record, but their family continues to operate The Wasatch Wave and a related printing business . Buys died Nov. 4 at age 79 from pancreatic cancer. Chris Cannon • A staunch conservative, Cannon represented Utah’s 3rd District in the U.S. House for five terms, from 1997 to 2009. He was one of the House members to argue, unsuccessfully, for President Bill Clinton’s conviction at his 1998 U.S. Senate impeachment trial. He was known for his expertise in technology policy in the nascent days of the internet. Before his House stint, Cannon and brother Joe launched Geneva Steel in the mid-1980s; it closed in 2001. Cannon died May 8 at age 73 . Richard Carling • Carling served 23 years in the Utah Legislature starting in 1967 and is credited with helping launch the Utah Highway Patrol Honorary Colonels Association, a support organization for the state’s law enforcement agency. After a health scare at age 39 on the floor of the Utah Senate, Carling took up long-distance running — and eventually ran in 175 marathons, including the Boston Marathon 39 times, the St. George Marathon 45 times and the Deseret News Marathon 40 times. Carling died April 30 at age 86 , his family confirmed. Morrie Carlson • As part of a 45-year career in broadcasting that took him to Cincinnati and Detroit, Carlson hosted a radio show on Salt Lake City’s KSL for three hours every weekday from 1979 to 1989. Carlson died April 29 at age 87 in his Salt Lake City home. R. Don Cash • From 1985 to his retirement in 2005, Cash was president and CEO of Questar Corp., Utah’s natural gas utility (later called Dominion Energy and, as of this year, Enbridge Gas). Cash also sat on many corporate boards, including as a trustee for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, which staged the 2002 Winter Olympics. Cash died Aug. 25 at age 82 in Lubbock, Texas, where he bought a ranch when he retired. Chimeegui • A male snow leopard born at Utah’s Hogle Zoo in 2012, Chimeegui (chim-a-gwee) in June sired two healthy cubs with Babs, a 4-year-old brought to Utah from Toledo, Ohio, as part of a species survival plan. (The cubs, Pavlova and Bhutan, were introduced to visitors in October.) Chimeegui was humanely euthanized Aug. 17 at age 12 after an illness. Frances Darger • Darger played violin with the Utah Symphony for seven decades, starting in 1942 and retiring in 2012, as the organization went from a part-time orchestra to a fully professional one. (She skipped a year, when she and her sisters tried for Hollywood fame.) Darger died July 30 at age 99 of natural causes. (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Violinist Frances Darger, seen at Abravanel Hall in 2012, died July 30, 2024, at age 99. Darger played with the Utah Symphony for 69 years. Gerald “Skip” Daynes • Running his family’s Salt Lake City business, Daynes Music, Daynes built the company into the largest dealer of Steinway pianos west of New York. He also was a strong supporter of the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, Ballet West, the Moab Music Festival and the University of Utah School of Music — which, because of him, is fully equipped with Steinways. Daynes died June 28 at age 85 . Stephen G. Denkers • A member by marriage of the prominent Eccles family, Denkers made a career at the family business, First Security Bank, for more than two decades, retiring in 1980. He was deeply involved in Utah philanthropy, as a founding member of the Willard L. Eccles Foundation (named for his father-in-law) and the Stephen G. and Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation. Denkers died July 16 at age 89 in Ogden. Erika Diarte-Carr • Diarte-Carr, a single mom in Ogden, made national headlines when, after she was diagnosed with a rare lung cancer, she launched a GoFundMe campaign in September to raise $5,000 for her funeral and to support her two children, ages 5 and 7. The campaign went viral and raised more than $1.2 million. Diarte-Carr died Oct. 11 at age 30 , her family reported on Facebook. Mike Dmitrich • Representing Price in the Utah Legislature for 40 years, Dmitrich served as minority leader in the House and Senate, and was praised for his ability to work across party lines. He was the last Democrat south of Salt Lake County to be elected to the Legislature. When he retired in 2008, his fellow lawmakers renamed state Highway 6 in his honor. Dmitrich died Sept. 30 at age 87 . Gene England • England and his brother, Bill, led the Utah trucking company their father, C.R. England, started in 1920 — and grew the company from the 1960s to the 1990s, while advocating for truck drivers and the industry, before passing the company down to their children and now grandchildren. Gene England died Nov. 13 at age 105 in Salt Lake City. Steve Foote • As South Salt Lake’s fire chief from 1998 to 2011, Foote oversaw the department’s growth, including the building of a third fire station. During his tenure, the department also handled its only six-alarm fire in 2004 and a chemical leak in 2005 that took two weeks to clean up. Foote died Dec. 9 at age 64 from an infection he suffered on a trip to Canada. Carol Foster • Foster, a national expert in pediatric endocrinology, spent the last 16 years of her 44-year medical career in Salt Lake City, as a tenured professor at the University of Utah and caring for patients at three area hospitals before her retirement in 2021. Foster died June 22 at age 71 from a malignant brain tumor. Ed Fraughton • The Utah sculptor specialized in figures of the American West, starting with a series of historical portraits for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1967, as well as works commemorating the Mormon Battalion — one of which, a 12-foot bronze of a soldier, stands at the highest point of San Diego’s Presidio Park. His works in Salt Lake City include an 8-foot bronze of Parley Pratt in Sugar House and a bust of Margaret Thatcher in the International Peace Gardens in Jordan Park. Fraughton died June 2 at age 85 of a rare blood cancer. David Gardner • From 1973 to 1983, Gardner served as the 10th president of the University of Utah, and is credited with raising academic standards and boosting the U.’s status as a research institution. He also chaired a U.S. Department of Education commission that wrote the landmark 1983 report “A Nation at Risk,” launching a national effort to reform public schools. Gardner, for whom the U.’s Gardner Hall is named, died Jan. 2 at age 90 at his home in Park City. Ken Gardner • A star for the University of Utah basketball team in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gardner remains one of only four players in school history to average more than 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. After playing professionally in France and on the Utah Stars for its final season in 1976, he launched into a career at Delta Air Lines. In 2020, at age 71, Gardner — after surviving colon cancer and a heart transplant (the donor was a BYU football player) — was told to leave his home after falling three days behind on rent in a case that spotlighted the deficiencies of a COVID-19-era moratorium on evictions. Gardner died May 16 at age 74 at home. (Salt Lake Tribune File Photo) Ken Gardner, a star for the University of Utah basketball team in the late '60s and early '70s, died May 16, 2024, at age 74. George • One of Hogle Zoo’s longest residents, George was one of the oldest southern white rhinos in human care, zoo officials said. He had been slowing down in his older years and was diagnosed with cancer in his rear left leg in early 2024. In November, the zoo’s health team discovered new masses in the back half of his body. George was humanely euthanized Dec. 18, at age 48 . Jan Graham • The only woman ever to be elected to statewide office in Utah on her own, Graham served two terms as attorney general from 1993 to 2001, leading the state’s efforts to sue tobacco companies, advocating for domestic violence resources and expanding the state’s Children’s Justice Centers. Graham was the last Democrat elected to statewide office, and the last Utah A.G. not to leave office under a cloud of scandal. Graham died Jan. 29 at age 74 from ovarian cancer. E. Hunter Hale • A filmmaker since childhood, Hale for decades programmed silent films at the Organ Loft in South Salt Lake — where movie buffs enjoyed the works of Chaplin, Keaton and more, with live accompaniment on the mighty Wurlitzer organ. Among Hale’s accomplishments was overseeing a DVD release of the 1923 cult film “Trapped by the Mormons.” Hale died Sept. 22, at age 86 , from complications from liver cancer. Michael Harp • A second-generation firefighter, Harp served for 27 years in the Salt Lake City Fire Department, rising to the rank of captain. He was a member of Utah Task Force 1, part of a national response network called to assist where emergencies happen; notably, he was deployed to ground zero in New York after the 9/11 attacks. Harp died June 27 at age 54 in a rafting accident during a private permitted trip on the Green River in the Colorado side of Dinosaur National Monument. Richard Hendrickson • Hendrickson was president and CEO of Lifetime Products, a Clearfield-based company that makes outdoor furniture and playground equipment, sheds and sporting goods. Hendrickson died July 6 at age 57 in a car accident in Ogden Canyon, when a bulldozer slipped off a tow truck and hit his family’s SUV; his daughter, Sally, was also killed in the accident. Cliff Hokanson • As owner and executive vice president of Ogden-based HHI Corp., founded by his father, Hokanson oversaw a defense contractor that performed construction work and manufacturing for Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground and other military facilities. Hokanson died July 6 at age 53 from injuries suffered in an ATV accident in Spanish Fork Canyon. Marilyn Holt • An icon in Utah’s theater scene, Holt acted in 120 theater productions, directed 30, appeared in movies, and was a faculty member at the University of Utah theater department for 30 years — including nine as its chair. Holt died Feb. 24 at age 96 in Salt Lake City from dementia and age, her family reported. Taberon Honie • Honie was convicted in the brutal 1998 killing of Claudia Benn, his ex-girlfriend’s mother — and spent 25 years on Utah’s death row. Honie was executed by lethal injection Aug 8 at age 48 in the Utah State Correctional Facility, the first person in Utah in 14 years to receive the death penalty. Topher Horman • In 2007, Horman launched the Fear No Film Festival — a short-film competition and curated screening series held in June as part of the Utah Arts Festival — and was its director through 2019. He also was a video editor and creative producer for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and spearheaded the EVE WinterFest in the Salt Palace on New Year’s Eve from 2010 to 2017. Horman died May 11 at age 52 in Los Angeles, where he had lived since January 2024. (Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune) Topher Horman, seen here in 2015 overseeing the EVE WinterFest New Year's Eve celebration at the Salt Palace, died May 11, 2024. Clay Hughes • A name synonymous with boxing in southern Utah, Hughes trained many young fighters and oversaw the sport at the Washington County Fair, on whose board he served for 39 years. The Southern Utah Boxing Club that he ran was to be renamed in his honor, FOX 13 reported . Hughes died Nov. 19 at age 63 . Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye • A scholar of global religions, Inouye found parallels between other faiths and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which she was raised in California. The marathon-running writer and historian also movingly discussed her faith in the face of a colon cancer diagnosis she received when she was 37. Inouye died April 23 at age 44 of cancer. JoAnn Barney Ipson • A fixture in southern Utah’s trucking industry, Ipson was operations manager and director of payroll for DATS Trucking and Overland Petroleum in St. George for more than 30 years. She also was married for 59 years to Don Ipson, a Utah state senator. JoAnn Ipson died Nov. 27 at age 77 in Washington, Utah, after a long illness. Glenn Iwasaki • In 1992, Iwasaki was the second minority judge appointed to Utah’s 3rd District Court, a post he held until his retirement in 2011. The Utah State Bar named him “Judge of the Year” in 2008. He also taught as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney School of Law. Iwasaki died Nov. 6 at age 78 . Patricia Johanson • The New York artist was famous for ambitious projects that incorporated the environment around them — including “The Draw at Sugar House,” begun in 2003, which turned a walkway under an eight-lane highway in Salt Lake City’s Sugar House neighborhood into a miniature canyon and linked to a 30-foot “Sego Lily” sculptural dam. Johanson died Oct. 16 at age 84 at her home in Buskirk, N.Y. K9 Bruce • A bloodhound with the Salt Lake City police, K9 Bruce and his handler were responsible for 31 captures of violent offenders, fugitives and missing persons, according to SLCPD. K9 Bruce died March 17 at age 3 from a medical condition previously unknown to his handler or the department. Ardeth Greene Kapp • As president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Young Women from 1978 to 1992, Kapp established many of the lesson plans that teenage girls in the church used for decades — and though she never had children, she “mothered” hundreds of thousands of girls in her charge. Kapp died March 30 at age 93 . (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Ardeth Greene Kapp, who served as The Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Young Women president from 1984 to 1992, died March 30, 2024, at age 93. Steve Klauke • For three decades, until his retirement in September 2023, Klauke was “the voice of the Bees,” delivering unflappable play-by-play broadcasts of every strikeout and base hit of Salt Lake City’s minor league baseball team. Klauke also called games for the Utah Jazz and Weber State University’s teams. Klauke died June 11 at age 69 after being hit by a car while on a walk. Tom Korologos • A reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune (where he’s credited with coining the phrase “The Greatest Snow on Earth” to describe Utah ski conditions) and other papers in the late 1950s and early ′60s, Korologos entered the political sphere in 1962 as Utah Sen. Wallace F. Bennett’s chief of staff, a position he held for nine years. He followed that with White House jobs under Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, leading a Washington lobbying firm he co-founded, helping Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush with Senate confirmations, aiding U.S. efforts in Iraq in 2003, and serving from 2004 to 2007 as the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. Korologos died July 26 at age 91 from heart complications at his home in the nation’s capital. Dennis Lund • A fixture in Kanab’s “Little Hollywood,” Lund went from working as a bellhop at the Parry Lodge in the 1950s to working on movie sets during Kanab’s “Golden Age of Movies” — as an extra, a set driver, a location manager and even (in the movie “Rough Night in Jericho”) a stunt double for Dean Martin. He also for many years owned and operated Denny’s Wigwam, a curio shop that looked like an old-time Western movie set. Lund died Oct. 25 at age 81 . Emaloni Takitoa Lutui • A Salt Lake County sheriff’s deputy just 18 days out of the academy, Lutui “bravely sacrificed his life,” the department said, when he saved a woman after they both fell through the ice at Settlement Canyon Reservoir in Tooele County. Lutui died Jan. 29 at age 20 . Dolly Makoff • A fixture of Park City’s growth era, Makoff opened a bookstore, named Dolly’s, in 1973 and sold it in 1984. It has maintained her name and its status as a landmark on Old Main Street ever since. Makoff also was instrumental in launching a literary gathering that evolved into the Writers at Work Conference. Makoff died June 12 at age 93 of cancer. Marbella Martinez • After graduating from the police academy, Martinez was sworn in as a deputy for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office in January 2024, working as a corrections officer. Tooele police say Martinez was killed July 31 at age 25, and her body was found in her Tooele home the next day; her father, who fled the country, has been charged with slaying and stalking, it was reported on Sept. 7 . (Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office) Marbella Martinez, left, is given her badge as a Salt Lake County Sheriff's deputy in January 2024. Martinez, who worked as a corrections officer, was killed in her Tooele home on July 31, 2024, in what police there called a "suspicious" death. Karen Mayne • A Democrat representing the Salt Lake Valley’s west side in the Utah Senate for 15 years, Mayne championed blue-collar workers and union representation. (She was a member of the American Federation of Teachers.) Mayne, who succeeded her late husband, Ed, in the Senate, retired from her Capitol Hill post in January 2023 when her cancer diagnosis worsened. She died Aug 15 at age 78 . Gerri Meyer • With her husband, Darrell (who died in 2023), Gerri Meyer in 1965 founded the Hanging Room Gallery in Park City, later renamed the Meyer Gallery on Old Main Street. It has been owned since 1997 by their daughter, Susan, and specializes in work by artists of the Intermountain West. Meyer also helped launch an art show in 1963 in the “Blue Church,” which six years later was moved outdoors and became the first edition of what’s now the Park City Kimball Arts Festival . Meyer died April 16 at age 84 . Richard Murray • The Salt Lake City-born artist was best known for his much-collected paintings of animals — domestic and wild — combining a sharp eye for detail and proportion with an impressionistic style. Murray died May 14 at age 75 at his home in Richland, Oregon, where he had lived since 2002. Ted Nagata • Nagata, who as a child during World War II was incarcerated with his family at the Topaz internment camp, became an acclaimed graphic designer in Utah, designing logos for Salt Lake County, Ken Garff Automotive, the 2002 Winter Olympics bid and, most famously, the blue-and-green wing icon that has represented Snowbird Ski Resort for decades. Nagata died July 24 at age 88 . David K. Nelson • Called an “unsung hero” of Utah’s LGBTQ+ community, Nelson — the founder of Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats — is credited with writing some of the state’s first hate-crimes legislation and the first anti-discrimination ordinance of its kind in Utah (passed in Salt Lake County in 1992). Nelson died June 11 at age 62 in Salt Lake City, of Lewy body dysmorphia. (Ben Williams) David K. Nelson, an LGBTQ+ activist credited with writing Utah's first hate-crimes legislation, is seen here in 1993. Nelson died June 11, 2024, at age 62, in Salt Lake City. Ralph Okerlund • In a 40-year political career, Okerlund rose from Monroe’s City Council to its mayor, followed by three terms on Sevier County Commission, then being elected to the Utah State Senate in 2008 — a seat he held until retiring in 2020, when he was majority leader. Okerlund died Oct. 10 at age 72 . 1K • The first wild-fledged California condor in Zion National Park, the bird — nicknamed “1k” because he was the 1,000th to hatch in the history of the California Condor Recovery Program since it started in 1982 — was a fan favorite and a symbol of the success of bringing back the endangered species. The bird, found dead in a juniper tree, is believed to have died in March , just short of his fifth birthday. A necropsy showed that 1K died from lead poisoning, an official for The Peregrine Fund announced in August. Douglas D. Palmer • For 40 years, from the early 1960s to 2000, Palmer was a reporter and editor for the Deseret News and the Church News. Palmer, a longtime Draper resident, died Aug. 26 at age 89 in Colorado Springs. Petenka • The second-oldest Pallas’ cat in captivity, Petenka was brought to Utah’s Hogle Zoo in 2015 as part of a breeding program to perpetuate the endangered Mongolian species. He bred with Hal (pronounced “ha-roo”), the zoo’s female Pallas’ cat, producing two litters of five kittens each. Petenka died Sept. 8 at age 13 after experiencing seizures. Ane Grethe Ballif Peterson • In 1974, Peterson co-founded Exponent II , a scholarly journal examining the intersection of feminism and the Latter-day Saint faith. She directed the University of Utah’s Tanner Lectures on Human Values for 17 years (her husband, Chase Peterson, was the university’s president part of that time), established the Children’s Justice Center program and helped raise money to keep glass artist Dale Chihuly’s “Olympic Tower” permanently in the lobby of Abravanel Hall. Peterson died April 15 at age 92 in Salt Lake City. (Courtesy photo) Community activist and scholar Grethe Peterson died April 15 at age 92 in Salt Lake City. Denis Phillips • A fixture of Utah’s visual art scene for more than 60 years, Phillips was a prolific and versatile painter adept in landscapes and abstracts — and, with his wife, Bonnie, owned and operated Salt Lake City’s Phillips Gallery , which has showcased and nurtured generations of Utah artists. Phillips died Feb. 21 at age 85 , according to the gallery. Scott D. Pierce • For 34 years, from 1990 until the week he died, Pierce wrote about television — first for the Deseret News, and for the past 14 years at The Salt Lake Tribune — informing readers about entertaining shows and talking about the serious issues even reality shows could cover. He also wrote general features and early morning breaking news, all in concise and conversational language, while mentoring young reporters. Pierce died May 24 at age 64 . Pilar Pobil • The self-taught Spanish-born painter made Utah her home but incorporated the vibrant colors of her native land and of Mexico into her work. She also became an icon in Utah’s arts community, mentoring young artists through her annual garden events and her foundation. Pobil died Nov. 13 at age 98 in Salt Lake City. Pyrite • A golden-haired palomino stallion, Pyrite was part of the Onaqui wild-horse herd in a Bureau of Land Management-operated area about 60 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Pyrite’s body was found Nov. 10 at age 5 south of the Dugway Proving Ground. He was believed to have been shot between Nov. 3 and 8 . The Wild Beauty Foundation, a wild-horse advocacy group, called it a “senseless killing” and, by Nov. 22, had amassed pledges for a $30,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. Julia Reagan • Julia Reagan was married for 58 years to Bill Reagan, founder of Reagan Outdoor Advertising, and was matriarch to the Reagan family. She was involved with numerous community groups. After she died, the company put her name and photo on billboards across its network to memorialize her. Reagan died June 12 at age 81 in Salt Lake City. Ruby Ream • In 1976, Ruby married Paul Ream, founder of Ream’s Food Stores, and together they grew the company into a chain of seven stores in northern Utah. Ruby took over the business when Paul died in 2007. Ruby Ream died Aug. 20 at age 91 after a long illness, her family said. Golden Richards • A Salt Lake City native, Richards was a receiver and punt returner for BYU’s football team for three seasons, from 1969 to 1971, before transferring to Hawaii for the 1972 season. He then played seven seasons in the NFL, five of them with the Dallas Cowboys, for whom he famously caught a touchdown pass off a trick play in Super Bowl XII in 1978. Richards, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, died Feb. 23 at age 73 from congestive heart failure at his home in Murray. Catherine “Kasha” Rigby • A hard-charging, aggressive skier called “the pioneer of extreme telemarking,” the Utah-based Rigby skied first ascents in such places as Lebanon, India and Mongolia. She also appeared in a 2001 Warren Miller movie and the third season of the NatGeo series “Ultimate Survival Alaska.” Rigby died Feb. 13 at age 54 from injuries suffered when hitting a tree during an avalanche at a resort in Kosovo. (Mary McIntyre) Utah resident Catherine "Kasha" Rigby, 54, died in an avalanche in Kosovo on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. She was known as "the pioneer of extreme telemarking." Thomas Rogers • A playwright and BYU professor, Rogers wrote the plays “Hübener,” about a German Latter-day Saint teen who in 1941 and 1942 wrote pamphlets warning about Hitler’s evils, and “Fire in the Bones,” about John D. Lee, the only person executed for taking part in the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. Rogers died June 24 at age 91 . Ryder • A male black-footed cat — a member of a species native to Africa, considered one of the world’s deadliest cats — who had lived at Utah’s Hogle Zoo since 2021, Ryder was brought from San Diego Zoo Safari Park as a part of a breeding recommendation by a group dedicated to the species’ survival. Ryder was euthanized on July 22 at age 4 after being treated for advanced kidney disease. Andre Seldon Jr. • After playing two seasons at Michigan and two at New Mexico State, Seldon joined Utah State’s football team in the offseason and was expected to play as a cornerback for the Aggies in the 2024 season. Seldon died July 20 at age 22 in an apparent drowning after a cliff-jumping accident at Porcupine Reservoir in Cache County. Jyl Shuler • Shuler was hired in 1988 as the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s first development director, and held that post for 29 years, raising money for the Cedar City festival. Shuler is credited with instrumental work in raising millions to build the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts. Shuler died July 13 at age 70 , the festival announced. R. Gail Stahle • Coming from a newspaper family, Stahle was publisher of the Davis County Clipper — the paper his grandfather started in 1891 — from 1989 until its closure in 2020 . In 1972, he launched the Color Country Spectrum (now simply The Spectrum , owned by the Gannett newspaper chain) in St. George. In 2008, he started the weekly Iron County Today in Cedar City, running it until its sale in 2023. Stahle died March 30 at age 88 in St. George. Jim Stiles • Inspired by reading Edward Abbey’s “Desert Solitaire” to move to Moab, Stiles in 1989 founded the Canyon Country Zephyr, a newspaper that covered news in Moab and broader questions on the environment and social issues, publishing a variety of voices (including, in its inaugural issue, one of Abbey’s last essays). In 2007, he wrote “Brave New West: Morphing Moab at the Speed of Greed.” Stiles died March 11 at age 74 in Coldwater, Kansas, where he had lived since 2011. Randy Stinson • Stinson founded Randy’s Records, Salt Lake City’s enduring home for music on vinyl, in October 1978, and ran the store for 40 years — watching the popularity of LPs decline and rebound in a retro revival. When Stinson retired in 2018, he handed ownership of the store to his son, Sam. Stinson died Dec. 14 at age 83 , according to his family. (Jeremy Harmon | The Salt Lake Tribune) Randy Stinson among his stock of LPs in the back of Randy's Records in 2018, when the Salt Lake City store marked 40 years in business. Stinson died Dec. 14, 2024, at age 83, according to his family. Eileen Hallet Stone • An author, oral historian and social activist, Hallet Stone often chronicled Utah’s minority populations. She wrote seven books — including “A Homeland in the West: Utah Jews Remember” (2002) and “Selling Sex in Utah: A History of Vice” (2023) — and the “Living History” column in The Tribune from 2005 to 2016. Hallet Stone died April 25 at age 80 in her Salt Lake City home. Van Summerill • A lifelong fan of Ogden’s Peery’s Egyptian Theatre — where he worked as a ticket taker and other jobs in his youth — Summerill is credited with forming the group that spent 12 years raising money and building awareness for the theater’s restoration. The effort resulted in the iconic theater’s 1997 reopening. Summerill died March 17 at age 81 after having Parkinson’s disease for several years. Karen Suzuki-Okabe • In three decades of public service, Suzuki-Okabe was deputy mayor of Salt Lake County from 2004 to 2008 , and before that was executive director of the state’s Department of Human Resources Management under both Gov. Scott Matheson, a Democrat, and as the only Democrat in Republican Gov. Mike Leavitt’s Cabinet. Suzuki-Okabe died Sept. 19 at age 76 in Salt Lake City. David Sundwall • A primary care physician who saw patients into his 80s, Sundwall was director of the Utah Department of Health from 2005 to 2011, under Govs. Jon Huntsman and Gary Herbert. He also served in Washington, D.C., as U.S. assistant surgeon general and worked for Sen. Orrin Hatch on health policy. Recently, he commented on health issues in op-eds in The Tribune, praising health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in 2023, endorsing the use of psychedelics to treat mental health disorders. Sundwall died April 8 at age 82 in Salt Lake City. James Svendsen • In 1971, Svendsen founded the Classical Greek Theatre Festival of Utah, in which drama students perform the canon of Greek plays. The event, the oldest of its kind in the country, began at the University of Utah and now is housed at Westminster University. Both schools offer scholarships in his name. Svendsen died April 8 at age 81 . Alton Thacker • Thacker launched the nonprofit Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids in 1996, with a goal of getting toys into the hands of children who never had one. From the foundation’s founding, Thacker (who retired in 2022) and volunteers have made more than 1.5 million wooden toy cars and distributed them in developing countries. Thacker died Nov. 26 at age 89 , the foundation announced. Darl Thomas • Working with metal, Thomas created public art works familiar across Utah , including the 20-foot-tall “Plane and Sphere” in front of the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City, “The Power Station” TRAX stop on Salt Lake City’s North Temple, “16 Triangles” in front of Sandy’s Mountain America Expo Center and the 19-foot-high bronze ATK Space Systems Memorial Sculpture in Corinne. Thomas died June 5 at age 74 at home in Salt Lake City. Raymond Uno • Uno was the first member of an ethnic minority to serve as a judge in Utah. Born in Ogden and held as a child during World War II in Wyoming’s Heart Mountain internment camp, Uno was also a civil rights advocate in the 1960s and active in Utah’s Japanese American community. Uno died March 8 at age 93 at Salt Lake City’s George H. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. (Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) Judge Raymond S. Uno, seen here in 2018, died March 8, 2024, at age 93. Frederick L. Wenger • Wenger was the only rabbi in Utah when he took charge of Salt Lake City’s Congregation Kol Ami in 1987, tasked with merging a Conservative congregation with a Reform one. Before his retirement in 2003, Wenger led an expansion of Kol Ami’s synagogue and the remodeling of the old Fort Douglas Country Club into the Jewish Community Center. Wenger died Nov. 6 at age 84 . Ted Wilson • Describing himself an “eternal optimist,” Wilson was Salt Lake City’s mayor from 1976 to 1985, overseeing airport expansion and the city’s response to downtown flooding in 1983. The Democrat, an accomplished mountaineer and a leader on environmental issues, ran against Sen. Orrin Hatch in 1982 and narrowly lost a bid for governor to Norm Bangerter in 1988. His daughter, Jenny Wilson, is Salt Lake County’s current mayor. (Disclosure: His widow, Holly Mullen, is a former Tribune metro columnist and editor.) Wilson died April 11 at age 84 from congestive heart failure and Parkinson’s disease. David Yocom • As a deputy district attorney, Yocom led the 1976 prosecution of Ted Bundy for aggravated kidnapping — the first time the serial killer was convicted of a crime. He was a special prosecutor who, in 1978, put Ervil LeBaron in prison for ordering the murder of polygamist leader Rulon Allred. As Salt Lake County’s district attorney from 1986 to 1994, and again from 1998 to 2006, Yocom oversaw such high-profile cases as bomber Mark Hofmann and murderer Mark Hacking. Yocom died Jan. 19 at age 85 .

NEW YORK (AP) — A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames made an initial court appearance Tuesday and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time.” Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta said Sunday that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be" while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta's court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he didn’t know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognized him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the U.S. illegally. In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” that would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day. Overall, according to authorities, crime is down in the transit system this year when compared to last year — major felonies declined 6% between January and November of this year and in 2023, data compiled by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority show. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five in the same period last year. Earlier this month, a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny in the death of an agitated subway rider that the former Marine placed in a chokehold last year. The case became a flashpoint in ongoing debates over safety, homelessness and mental illness on the system. Policing the subway is also difficult, given the vast network of trains constantly moving between the system’s 472 stations, with each stop containing multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. On Sunday, police at the station where the woman burned to death were patrolling a different area and responded after seeing and smelling smoke, authorities said.Rescue animals treated to huge donation from Wallingford residentsDrones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. What does it take to become a drone pilot? To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Are drones allowed to fly at night? Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Are drones a hazard? Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Will drone rules get tougher? Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.

Pisces Daily Horoscope Today, Dec 30, 2024 predicts new responsibilitiesBy JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump extends unprecedented invites to China’s Xi and other world leaders for his inauguration National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”Peacock’s ‘Hysteria!’ set in Michigan during 1980s satanic panic

BancFirst Co. (NASDAQ:BANF) Plans $0.46 Quarterly DividendBy JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”

3 Unstoppable Vanguard ETFs to Buy Even if There's a Stock Market Sell-Off in 2025

Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systemsBy JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump extends unprecedented invites to China’s Xi and other world leaders for his inauguration National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”None

With the broader stock market indexes hovering around all-time highs, some investors may fear that a sell-off is creeping on the horizon in 2025. After all, equity prices have outpaced earnings growth, leading to a relatively expensive market . Valuation concerns could lead to a pullback in stock prices in 2025, but that doesn't mean investors should sell out of their positions or stop putting new capital to work in the market. However, folks should take great care to ensure they are investing in quality companies that can justify their valuations with earnings growth over time rather than chasing hot stocks to make a quick buck. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be excellent ways to invest in the market while maintaining diversification. Investment management firm Vanguard offers several low-cost ETFs that target various themes and stock market sectors. Here's why the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF ( VIG -0.71% ) , Vanguard Communications ETF ( VOX -1.12% ) , and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF ( VOO -1.04% ) stand out as great buys now. Boost your passive income from dividend-growing companies The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF focuses on companies that are well positioned to continue raising their dividends for years to come. Top holdings include Apple , Broadcom , JPMorgan Chase , and Microsoft . Apple and Microsoft have yields under 1%, but they have track records for raising their dividends, as well as repurchasing stock. Many of the top holdings in the ETF are well-known industry-leading companies. The fund's focus on earnings growth makes it an excellent choice for investors interested in quality rather than high-yield stocks at bargain-bin prices. Granted, many of the fund's top holdings are hovering around all-time highs and have seen their valuations expand. But the fund is well diversified, with just a 30.7% concentration in the top 10 holdings and no individual holding making up more than 5% of the fund. The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF sports a yield of 1.7% -- which isn't high-yield territory , but it is better than the 1.2% yield from the S&P 500 . The communications sector offers a rare mix of growth and value The Vanguard Communications ETF mirrors the performance of the communications sector. The fund has been one of the best-performing Vanguard ETFs year to date -- up over 35%. And yet it is still a great value because many top communications stocks have impeccable earnings and cash flow growth. Meta Platforms , Alphabet , and Netflix are typically viewed as tech companies, but they are actually classified under the communications sector and dominate the Vanguard Communications ETF with a 52.4% combined weighting. The top 10 holdings in the fund, which include legacy media companies Walt Disney and Comcast , as well as telecom companies Verizon Communications , T-Mobile , and AT&T , make up 69.8% of the fund. The fund's heavy concentration in a handful of names means it is not very diversified and, therefore, only worth buying if you have high conviction in the top holdings -- especially Meta and Alphabet. Even though they are both hovering around all-time highs, Meta and Alphabet stand out as solid growth stocks to buy in 2025. As you can see in the following chart, both companies have reasonable forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios , especially compared to other megacap growth stocks. TSLA PE Ratio (Forward) data by YCharts Granted, forward P/E ratios should be taken with some skepticism, given that they are based on analyst consensus estimates for the next 12 months of earnings, which could vary wildly based on external factors, macroeconomic conditions, or company decision-making. But still, the fact that Meta and Alphabet are less expensive than other megacap growth stocks despite running up so much over the last couple of years makes them appealing choices for investors concerned with the valuations of tech-focused companies. Given that Meta and Alphabet depend on advertising revenue, it's worth understanding that their earnings could take a hit during a general economic downturn. However, folks who believe platforms like Alphabet-owned Google and YouTube or Meta-owned Instagram will continue growing their market share of the advertising industry should consider buying and holding the Vanguard Communications ETF through periods of volatility. A plug-and-play tool for putting your hard-earned savings to work With $1.37 trillion in net assets, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is one of the largest S&P 500 index funds on the market. The fund sports an expense ratio of just 0.03%, or $3 for every $10,000 invested. By comparison, the Vanguard Communications ETF has an expense ratio of 0.1% and the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF has an expense ratio of 0.06%. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF mirrors the performance of the S&P 500, which has become more top-heavy in recent years as the largest companies have grown progressively more valuable and outpaced the gains of the rest of the index. The top 10 holdings in the S&P 500, which are Apple, Nvidia , Microsoft, Amazon , Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Tesla , Berkshire Hathaway , Broadcom, and JPMorgan Chase, now make up a whopping 36.2% of the entire index. While some investors may feel like there are better ways to put capital to work than buying top growth stocks around all-time highs, it's important to understand that valuations can become reasonable over time so long as the companies grow earnings. For the most part, today's top growth stocks are growing profits and have long runways for future earnings growth . So, while top growth stocks may look expensive right now and could produce lousy returns in the short term, they should still be excellent long-term investments . Therefore, folks with ultra-long investment time horizons should still consider investing in an S&P 500 index fund. Three ETFs centered around industry-leading companies The Vanguard Appreciation ETF, Vanguard Communications ETF, and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF are all hovering around all-time highs. But they could still be worth buying even if there is a sell-off in 2025 because all three funds focus on industry-leading, quality businesses. Even the best companies can see an earnings slowdown during an economic downturn. However, leading companies have many advantages during a downturn that can allow them to take market share, buy out companies cheaply, or continue to invest in research and development when competitors struggle to get by. No one knows what the market will do in 2025, but investing in quality companies -- or ETFs holding quality companies -- is a recipe for long-term wealth building. So despite big gains in recent years, long-term investors should still consider buying the Vanguard Appreciation ETF, Vanguard Communications ETF, and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, even if there is a market sell-off in 2025.SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EVDANCE, a trusted name in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, is proud to announce its 5th anniversary and the successful completion of a significant brand upgrade. To celebrate this milestone, EVDANCE is launching an exciting Mega Sale, offering exclusive deals to its valued customers. Exclusive Anniversary Offers From December 10 to December 31, EVDANCE invites all EV enthusiasts to visit its enhanced website at https://evdances.com/ and take advantage of the following special promotions: These exclusive deals reflect EVDANCE’s gratitude for the trust and support it has received over the past five years. Pick one of these three amazing discounts—the one that gives you the best value. Products Designed for Real-Life Scenarios EVDANCE is committed to delivering innovative products that address the everyday needs of EV owners, enhancing convenience and reliability. As it celebrates five years of innovation, the brand continues to meet real-world needs with products like portable chargers, durable extension cables, and versatile adapters, enhancing every EV charging experience. Portable EV Chargers: Lightweight and compact, these chargers are designed for ultimate convenience, allowing you to charge your EV wherever an outlet is available—be it at home or on the road. With IP66-rated protection against water, dust, and cold, these chargers perform reliably in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F. Advanced safety features and fast charging capabilities ensure your EV is always ready to hit the road. Extension Cables: Built with high-strength TPE and silver-plated copper, EVDANCE’s IP66-rated extension cables deliver exceptional durability and performance. Perfect for scenarios where outlets are far from parking spots or when navigating shared charging stations, these cables ensure seamless charging without constant vehicle rearrangements—ideal for road trips or multi-EV households. Adapters: EVDANCE’s Tesla-to-J1772 and J1772-to-Tesla adapters ensure compatibility across diverse EV models, making them essential for families with multiple electric vehicles or those charging at public stations. Made from high flame-resistant PC material, these adapters are built to endure over 10,000 plug-in/out cycles, offering long-lasting reliability. The secure locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnections, ensuring a safe charging process. With an IP65 weatherproof rating, they operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F, delivering consistent performance in extreme conditions. 5 Years of Excellence: EVDANCE’s Commitment to EV Charging Innovation Since its founding in 2019, EVDANCE has been dedicated to developing reliable, high-quality, and innovative EV charging solutions. Its focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction has earned the trust of EV owners in over 40 countries. This global reach reflects EVDANCE’s mission to support sustainable mobility through advanced technology. Brand Upgrade: A Milestone for the Future EVDANCE’s 5th anniversary celebrates five years of relentless innovation and a transformative brand upgrade, designed to meet the evolving needs of its growing customer base. Guided by a mission to make EV charging seamless, efficient, and accessible, the brand introduces an enhanced website( https://evdances.com ) with improved navigation, detailed product information, and a more intuitive shopping experience—making it easier than ever for customers to discover cutting-edge solutions. This milestone reflects EVDANCE’s dedication to staying ahead in the rapidly advancing EV market while continuing its focus on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With these improvements, the brand reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainable mobility for a greener future. About EVDANCE Founded in 2019 by a team of visionary engineers and environmental enthusiasts, EVDANCE was born out of a passion for solving the challenges of EV charging. Frustrated with the limitations of existing infrastructure, the team set out to create innovative, intelligent, and reliable solutions that elevate the EV ownership experience. Since its inception, EVDANCE has remained at the forefront of EV charging technology, delivering fast and efficient solutions designed with sustainability in mind. By using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technology, the company aligns its products with a broader mission to protect the environment. As EVDANCE continues to grow, it works closely with communities, businesses, and organizations to expand EV infrastructure, empowering a global shift toward sustainable mobility. Guided by the vision of "Electric Vehicle Quick Charge," EVDANCE is committed to driving progress in the EV industry and helping customers embrace a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit: https://evdances.com/ Media Contact: Wumi at marketing@evdances.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfe05f92-c1b0-4a74-ad3b-17c9ecb97440

Lauren Sanchez is ready for a white Christmas. The media personality and author looked stunning for her latest holiday dinner following her recent birthday celebration with her closest friends and family members. Lauren has been sharing her excitement about her upcoming wedding with Jeff Bezos , this time in a white look. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez end rumors of $600 million lavish wedding celebration Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez meet with Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago Lauren Sanchez looked glamorous in strapless gown and opera gloves at Katy Perry's birthday in Switzerland Lauren wore a festive ensemble consisting of a fuzzy white maxi dress, seemingly from Kylie Jenner's fashion brand in collaboration with Entire Studios, featuring thin straps and a low back detail. She paired the look with black pointed-toe boots and stunning diamond jewelry, including a cross necklace and matching earrings. Lauren was all smiles, taking to social media to share a mirror selfie. She showed off her look which accentuated her curves, and rocked a glamorous makeup look, including a glossy pink lip. She styled her brunette hair in loose waves and posed for the photo. Details about their wedding: While Lauren and Jeff have yet to unveil all the details about their wedding plans, they recently denied rumors about spending $600 million on her wedding party. “You know the saying, ‘don’t believe everything you read’? Well, it’s never been more relevant than it is now,” he recently said. The response comes after The Sun reported that they were planning an opulent wedding in Aspen. “They are preparing for a winter wonderland wedding in Aspen this Christmas,” a source told the publication.“They are planning an extravagant ceremony and are sparing no expense in creating a white Christmas party,” the insider added. However, Lauren recently shared how thrilled she is to be walking down the aisle, and has been taking inspiration for her wedding dress. "I’m really excited, thinking about the dress. I have to say, I have a Pinterest—I’m like every other bride, so I have a Pinterest board," she said on the Today show.

Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systemsHow co-writing a book threatened the Carters’ marriage