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bmw55 casino slot login CHRISTINA Hendry was among those to pay tribute to Alex Salmond at the former first minister's memorial service on Saturday. Hendry described her "Uncle Alex" as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond To the world, he was a political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner. To us he was a dearly loved husband, brother and uncle. Uncle Alex was born on Hogmanay 1954 to Mary and Robert Salmond of Linlithgow, the second of 4 children- Margaret, Alex, Gail and Bob. I was always told about their happy childhoods on the council housing scheme where they grew up. Uncle Alex was born in the family home on Preston Road and being born within the sound of bells of St Michaels made him a ‘Black Bitch’. On the night he was born his dad and Uncle were out celebrating both his birth, and Hogmanay. They were wearing green party hats, but as it had rained the dye ran and they arrived home with green faces. Not a great look for Hearts fans! It was a football household, and growing up the family supported both Heart of Midlothian and Linlithgow Rose. Supporting 2 teams that played in maroon certainly saved money on football scarves, as Uncle Alex always said. He continued to support football throughout his life and we were recently reminded of the story, where the night before his Higher History exam Uncle Alex travelled to Wolverhampton to watch Hearts in the second leg of the final of the 1971 Texaco cup. Hearts won the game but lost the final on aggregate. Uncle Alex studied on the bus, just making it back in time for his exam but still managed to get an A. READ MORE: Kenny MacAskill's full tribute to Alex Salmond at Edinburgh memorial Funnily enough I do not recall hearing this story until I was well past the exam stage of my life. The household was also proudly Scottish, and Auntie Margaret remembers Alex listening avidly to his Granda Salmond telling tales of Scottish history, particularly when it concerned Linlithgow. This love for history, and for Scotland, continued throughout his life. He went on to study Economics and Medieval history at St Andrews University. He then began a job as an assistant economist with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Edinburgh. He met Moira McGlashan and they were married in May 1981. They had a wonderful 43 years of marriage. They gained the titles of Auntie Moira and Uncle Alex, firstly to Auntie Margaret’s children Neil and Ian, then to my sister Karen, me and my brother Mark. In 1985 Uncle Alex sought selection for the seat of Banff and Buchan, in the North East of Scotland. This was handy as his older sister Margaret had married a farmer from Longside, his younger sister Gail was engaged to a Fraserburgh Loon (my father) and his younger brother Bob helped run the student nationalists at Aberdeen University. Uncle Alex fought many a successful election in the North East and my sister and I have happy memories as children at Turiff show, where he was the one asking us to go on the rides with him. He was the top man in Scotland but always made time for his family. My sister, Karen, was born the day after Margaret Thatcher’s resignation in 1990, but my mum still remembers Uncle Alex and Auntie Moira visiting the new baby. He, of course, ignored the hospital visiting times and walked in saying “This is the first time that the Tories caused Labour to gain another vote for the SNP ”. READ MORE : I went to Alex Salmond's memorial service - this is what it was like In his early days of politics, Neil remembers him staying at the Longside farm and bringing bags of sweeties. My cousin Ian has memories playing golf together following the 2014 Ryder cup. I was only 12 when Uncle Alex became First Minister and remember he made a point of visiting my 1 st year art class, as he had been on an official visit nearby, much to the bemusement of my classmates. My brother Mark’s birthday is on 19th September, and in 2014 the day after the independence referendum Uncle Alex phoned to say ‘Happy Birthday’, and apologised for forgetting to post the card as he’d been busy. Then he said – by the way I’m resigning in 10 minutes! Another part of Uncle Alex’s life was his singing talent. In his younger years he was a lead boy soprano. My mum, Gail, was taken to St Michael’s Church in Linlithgow age 4 to see a performance and remembers saying proudly, “that’s my big brother”. Something she has said many more times in the decades that followed. As his family we always felt loved, no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful. We were more than happy to join him on his political journey, standing alongside those who stood by him. In the past 3 and a half years we have had great fun with him in the Alba party. We saw a passion rekindled. Last year my mum and I took part in his fringe show with Tasmina and David Davis, “The Ayes Have it”. We were clerks of the court. Possibly because the one person who would not be afraid to ring the bell to stop Uncle Alex speaking was his wee sister. But I’ll be honest, we were likely more generous with his time, sorry David. On the 10 year anniversary of the referendum, at a sold out event at the Imax in Glasgow, Uncle Alex was on top form. He had a way of bringing different people together and letting their voices be heard. And the truly magical thing about Uncle Alex was the fact that everybody gathered here today is from a different walk of life. Not all of you shared his views, not all of you shared his politics, but you could all appreciate his fierce intellect, his sharp wit, his generosity of spirit, and his true love for Scotland and all things Scottish. Right up until the end he was fighting to save Scotland’s only oil refinery, working to reverse cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, and championing Scotland on the international stage. He always said he was proud of us, but we were proud of him every single day. The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex; for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. A great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. As a family it is a loss we will never get over. A loss of someone to ring up, whether it be for a betting tip for the big race or with a problem that you knew he could solve. For us it’s a loss of his stories round the dinner table of family tales and Scottish history. A loss of his ever optimistic view and his will to power on. But as a family, we will endeavour to continue his life’s work and the things left unfinished. He instilled in us a strength and it is with that strength that we will continue. Continue his legacy and continue his ambition for the independence of our nation. It seems only fitting that for a man with such an appreciation for Scottish arts and culture, that we should finish with words of our national poet Robert Burns. An honest man here lies at rest, As e’er God with His image blest: The friend of man, the friend of truth; The friend of age, and guide of youth: Few harts like his, with virtue warm’d, Few heeds with knowledge so inform’d: If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is nane, he made the best of this.

By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. The origin story is Hollywood-esque It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Is the origin story humbug? Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” A rare addition to Santa’s story NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.

The New York Mets were long known to be looking for starting pitchers, but what if the answer to their problem hasn't been a starter in years? After an impressive 2024 season in which they made it all the way to the National League Championship Series, the Mets must quickly rebuild their rotation, as Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and José Quintana have all hit free agency. While any of those pitchers could be back in Queens, the Mets have also been busy on other fronts. They signed former Milwaukee Brewers starter Frankie Montas on Wednesday to a two-year, $34 million deal, one which signals that the going rate for pitching this winter could be steep. However, if the Mets want to turn the tables on the league--and the New York Yankees in particular, they could hop on board with the new trend of grabbing a long-time reliever and converting him into a starter. On Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets had shown interest in two-time All-Star reliever Clay Holmes of the Yankees. Holmes, who lost the closer role with the American League champs this past season, last started a game in 2018. "(Holmes') sinker is viewed as a dominant pitch. Plus, (he) has a track record of durability as a reliever. The righty has appeared in the eighth-most games in the majors the last four seasons combined plus another 19 postseason games, including relieving in 13 of the Yankees’ 14 postseason games in 2024," Sherman said. "The Mets appear to be staying out of the high-end rotation market... and trying to replicate the success they had on shorter deals last year with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. To that end, they have an agreement for two years at $34 million with Frankie Montas. Holmes would fall into this realm of requiring just a two- or three-year deal." In 2024, Holmes had a dominant April and May, propelling him to an All-Star selection, but wound up leading the majors in blown saves with 13. However, he gave up loads of weak contact, another reason to suggest he could wind up succeeding in a starter's role. The Mets may have to do something creative like this if they want to get to the next level in 2025. If Holmes follows the path of Seth Lugo or Reynaldo López, New York could reap enormous benefits at a reasonable price. More MLB: Mets surprisingly sign hurler with 4.84 ERA to lucrative $34 million dealWorkday Announces Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Financial Results

AP Business SummaryBrief at 1:39 p.m. ESTCan Love Survive Money Issues? Dr. Rachna’s Life-Changing Advice For Financial Disputes In Your Relationship Recommended Playlist Breakup Recovery: How To Not Wallow In Misery And Love Yourself Infidelity In Marriage: Causes & Solutions with Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh How to Handle Money and Sex Without Losing Control: Sadhguru Speaks Suman Indori On Location: Suman Plans To Leave The House; Devika Shows 'Fake' Concern? Why Traditional Marriages Are Being Replaced By New Love Models Sadhguru Speaks: Love Marriage vs Arranged – What’s The Right Choice? How To Overcome Digital Dating Anxiety: Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh Explains Causes And Easy Solutions Glimpses from a Christmas carnival held in the city Anna Sedokova’s Tumultuous Journey Through Love and Loss: All About Janis Timma's Ex-Wife Rekindling Romance: Secrets To A Happier Marriage With Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh Top Viral Videos AP Dhillon, Divine Set the Stage on Fire at Karan Aujla’s Mumbai Show | WATCH AP Dhillon surprised fans by joining Karan Aujla at his Mumbai concert, captivating the audience with his performance. Dhillon's statement, "music isn't a sport," garnered attention, particularly in light of his ongoing feud with Diljit Dosanjh. The concert also featured a collaboration with rapper Divine, and actor Vicky Kaushal graced the show, adding a touch of stardom. Witness the highlights of this unforgettable night and the unfolding drama in the Punjabi music scene. Sandhya Theatre Woman's Death Case: Cops Say Allu Arjun Ignored Their Warning AP Dhillon vs Diljit Dosanjh: Instagram Drama Heats Up as AP Drops Major Proof– Will Diljit Respond? Vicky Kaushal’s Emotional Tribute Moves Karan Aujla to Tears at Mumbai Concert | WATCH Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya & Abhishek Bachchan Turn Kids’ School Annual Day Into A Glamour Fest RIP Zakir Hussain: Celebrities Pay Tribute to the Tabla Maestro's Timeless Legacy | WATCH The world of music has lost a true legend. Zakir Hussain, the Tabla virtuoso who redefined Indian classical music, has passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void. In this emotional tribute, we explore the outpouring of love and admiration from celebrities, musicians, and fans worldwide who have celebrated his timeless legacy. From Bollywood icons to global music stars, everyone has shared heartfelt messages honoring his unparalleled contribution to the world of music. Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Takes Last Breath In US Hospital After Battling Heart Issues Liam Payne Case: Waiter Reveals New Details; Claims Declining Rolex Watch Offer Raj Kapoor's 100th Birth Anniversary Celebrated In Pakistan, Fans Cut Cake At Kapoor Haveli 'Pushpa 2' Fan Death Case: Allu Arjun Sent To 14 Days Judicial Custody Varun Dhawan Calls Out 'Unfair Blame' on Allu Arjun Over 'Pushpa 2' Tragedy Varun Dhawan has come out in support of Allu Arjun amid the actor's arrest in connection with the tragic stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere. At a promotional event for his upcoming film Baby John in Jaipur, Varun addressed the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and insisting that actors cannot bear full responsibility for such events. On December 13, Allu Arjun was arrested after the stampede at a Hyderabad event on December 4, which resulted in the death of a woman and left her son critically injured. Following the incident, the police registered a case against the Sandhya Theatre management, Allu Arjun, and his security team. In the wake of the tragedy, the actor announced a ₹25 lakh financial aid for the victim’s family. Allu Arjun has also filed a petition to quash the FIR and requested a stay on all proceedings, including his arrest. He was taken into custody on December 13 by a team from the Chikkadpally Police Station. 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Case: Allu Arjun in Custody for Woman’s Death Jennifer Lopez Sparks Rumours With 'Extra' Closeness To Staff Ranbir Kapoor's Special Gesture For PM Modi: Presents Him A Cherished Keepsake Of Raj Kapoor Taylor Swift Has The Cutest Reaction To Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's Engagement Announcement Diljit Singh's Chandigarh Concert Faces Strict Advisory: 'No Child On Stage, No Alcohol' Rule Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming concert in Chandigarh has sparked controversy, with the Chandigarh Child Rights Panel issuing an advisory imposing strict restrictions. The event, part of his Dil-Luminati India tour, is scheduled for December 14. The advisory prohibits the Punjabi star from performing songs that promote themes like alcohol, drugs, violence, or gun culture. Popular tracks such as Patiala Peg, 5 Taara, and Case have been specifically banned, with organisers also warned against rephrasing the lyrics to bypass restrictions. Ranbir Kapoor Says Kapoor Family Was Nervous Before Meeting PM Modi: 'Unhone Bohot Hi Friendly Nature...' Mohan Babu Assaults Media Amid Tensions At His Residence PM Modi Pens Special Message For Kareena Kapoor's Sons Jeh & Taimur: Kapoor's Invite PM Modi To RK Film Festival Michael Cole Dies At 84: Here's Everything You Want To Know About 'General Hospital' Actor Short Videos Priyanka Chopra's Hand Gestures Spark Curiosity SRK Avoids Fall During Wild Airport Scene Sonu Nigam Always Leaves Us In Awe With His Presence Hina Khan Stuns In A Pink Kashmiri Salwar Suit Kareena Kapoor's Birthday Bash: A Glimpse of Her Fabulous Gift and Cake Aditya Roy Kapur’s Drool-Worthy Transformation Wamiqa Gabbi's Bold Look Steals All the Spotlight Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Emotional Goodbye to Bappa with Final Aarti Jackie’s Ganpati Aarti Moment; You Won’t Believe What He Brings Along Siddhant & Raghav’s Bromance Related Articles New Year, New Love: Zodiac-based dating tips for 2025 Aries, Daily Horoscope Today, December 23, 2024: Energy levels are high Libra, Daily Horoscope Today, December 23, 2024: Get ready for a challenging day Love Horoscope Today, December 23, 2024: Singles should embrace social connections Aquarius, Daily Horoscope Today, December 23, 2024: Patience is key Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, December 22 to December 28, 2024: Weekend brings potential stress Gemini, Daily Horoscope Today, December 22, 2024: The day might feel hectic and leave you restless Aries, Daily Horoscope Today, December 22, 2024: Financial prospects look promising MORE FROM E TIMES

New initiative pairs agents with in-country Local Sponsors to enhance market-specific expertise and support eXp Realty Launches Local Sponsor Partnership Program to Strengthen Global Agent Success New initiative pairs agents with in-country Local Sponsors to enhance market-specific expertise and support The program addresses the need for in-country support by pairing eXp agents with experienced Local Sponsors in their respective markets. These Local Sponsors provide hands-on guidance to ensure agents successfully implement eXp Realty's cutting-edge tools and thrive in their local real estate landscapes. "Through the Local Sponsor Partnership Program, we're empowering our agents with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed in their local markets while growing globally,” said Glenn Sanford, Founder, Chairman and CEO, eXp World Holdings. "This program represents the essence of eXp Realty's commitment to agent success by providing a collaborative framework that drives innovation, growth and local expertise.” For agents with an international sponsor, the Local Sponsor Partnership Program ensures they receive personalized, in-country support to navigate their markets effectively. The program also opens opportunities for experienced eXp agents to become Local Sponsors, enabling them to lead locally and earn level-one revenue share earnings from their sponsee's transactions. "This is more than a program; it's a movement toward empowering agents with the tools and mentorship they need to lead locally and achieve unparalleled success globally,” Sanford added. With this new initiative, eXp Realty agents can now benefit from a robust support system that strengthens local leadership and fosters collaboration across global markets. About eXp World Holdings, Inc. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty ® , FrameVR.io and SUCCESS ® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 85,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, India, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including an innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by FrameVR.io technology, offering immersive 3D platforms that are deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS ® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS ® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication. For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com . Safe Harbor Statement The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future program availability, improvements in technology and related cost efficiencies. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in program availability, changes in technology offerings, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. Media Relations Contact: eXp World Holdings, Inc. [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: Denise Garcia [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89757d05-33ae-4c89-97a1-98158a5c984c

California lawmakers kicked off a special session of the state Legislature on Monday. The reason? To fund a $25 million war chest for anticipated legal battles with incoming President Donald Trump’s administration. As nearly 30 new state lawmakers were sworn into office at the state Capitol in Sacramento, legislative leaders gaveled in a special session called by that’s geared toward protecting undocumented immigrants, reproductive rights, climate policy and more from Trump’s second administration. The regular, two-year legislative session also began Monday, but the special session will allow for a speedier lawmaking process. Newsom has requested the funding for the state Department of Justice and other agencies, which are expected to file a flurry of lawsuits challenging Trump policies — as California Democrats did during the president’s first term. The governor’s ask was introduced in bills Monday by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, an Encino Democrat who chairs the body’s budget committee. “We will work with the incoming administration and we want President Trump to succeed in serving all Americans,” Newsom said in a statement. “But when there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action.” Newsom expects to sign the legislation before Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20, and top Democratic lawmakers are on board. They’ll do the bulk of that work in early January after a break, said Assemblymember Marc Berman, a Menlo Park Democrat. “Just like eight years ago, California must once again do everything we can to protect our 39 million residents and our economy,” he said in an email. “During both the special session and the regular session, we must double down on policies to defend reproductive freedom and autonomy, protect the environment, and invest in science and education.” Republicans, however, blasted the special session as a tone-deaf stunt to raise Newsom’s profile as a Trump foil. Politics observers say the Democratic governor almost surely will run for president in 2028, after his final term ends. “Instead of taking the hint that Californians are growing tired of Democrat incompetence, Newsom is doubling down on his extreme agenda and using his special session to ‘Trump-proof’ California with taxpayer dollars,” California GOP Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson said in an email. “It’s clear that Gavin Newsom’s 2028 presidential run is now underway, and Californians are simply pawns in his game.” The $25 million set aside for litigation would be a tiny fraction of California’s $288 billion 2024-25 operating budget. But approving that budget required a series of measures to , including dipping into reserves. It was unclear Monday whether funding legal wars with Trump would come at the expense of other programs. On the campaign trail, Trump slammed California as a den of crime, rampant inflation and homelessness, while taking shots at the Golden State’s top Democrats. He also pledged to use the military to conduct mass deportations of immigrants without proper documentation, . Democrats including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta say they’ll staunchly defend immigrants and will not cooperate with deportations. Bonta also announced Monday that lawmakers are sponsoring bills to ensure Californians can access medication abortions and empowering the attorney general to seek fines from local governments that restrict abortion providers. “I want to make it unequivocally clear: California will remain a safe haven for reproductive rights and access to abortion care, no matter who is in the White House,” Bonta , said in a statement. After Trump’s victory last month, Newsom and California Democrats quickly laid the groundwork to oppose the incoming Republican administration. It’s a reprise role. During Trump’s first term, California filed 122 lawsuits challenging his administration’s policies under Democratic Attorney General Xavier Becerra. That litigation cost the state $42 million, according to Newsom’s office, and netted some victories. In one case, California and New York successfully sued the U.S. Department of Energy in 2017 to allow energy efficiency standards to go into effect nationally, which were expected to save consumers $8.4 billion and prevent nearly 100 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Another victory won California $60 million in federal public safety grants, the governor’s office said. Once again, California’s stand-off with Trump is likely to be a major force in state politics for the next four years. But this time around, Newsom is stressing that he’s open to finding common ground with the former president. Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire say they’ll mostly be . In fact, Newsom and Rivas have made overtures to California voters since Republicans nationally swept the November elections, reclaiming the White House and Senate and holding the House of Representatives. He made gains throughout the state in part because of discontent over inflation and living costs. In response, and has said that Democrats need to focus more on the economy. A spokesperson for Rivas did not return a request for comment by press time. Nearly 30 new lawmakers were also sworn in at the Capitol on Monday. The new legislature includes . Democrats still have complete control on state government, with supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature and holds on all executive seats.

Whenever I pull a prank, which generally involves my grandchildren, whose maturity level is way above mine, I think outside the box. Whenever I pull a prank, which generally involves my grandchildren, whose maturity level is way above mine, I think outside the box. This is a wise strategy because I can’t fit inside the box. And even if I could, the air supply to my brain would be cut off and I’d be even more immature, which admittedly would make me a better prankster. Still, I proved to be a pretty good one when I pulled a birthday prank on my wife, Sue, with a box I didn’t have to think outside of. That’s because I got inspiration from the best prankster I have ever known: my longtime buddy Tim Lovelette. Sue, Tim and I were members of the notorious class of 1975 at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, where our shenanigans were even crazier than those in the 1978 frat-house comedy “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” Maybe we should sue for theft of intellectual property. Anyway, while Sue was an innocent bystander and I engaged in silly but mostly harmless pursuits that seldom involved actual schoolwork, Tim set the standard because his pranks not only were pulled on a daily basis, but sometimes involved live snakes. When Sue and I recently met up with Tim and his wife, Jane, whom we hadn’t seen in a long time, Tim excitedly told me about Prank-O, a company specializing in gift boxes for products that don’t exist. That’s why, like my head, the boxes are empty. “It’s American ingenuity at its finest,” Tim assured me. “You have to look into this.” I called Prank-O, which is headquartered in Minnesota, though not in a big-box store, and spoke with head honcho Ryan Walther. “I thought I had it made because I’m paid to write stuff that has no redeeming social value,” I told him. “But you pull pranks for a living. It sounds like a dream job.” “That’s why I do what I do,” said Ryan, who was one of the original partners in The Onion, the satirical news outlet that lives up to its name by making readers cry with laughter. “It has served me well in life.” His life as a prankster began as a kid, when he discovered the brilliance of the Pet Rock, a collectible toy made in 1975 by advertising executive Gary Dahl, who put small rocks inside cardboard boxes with air holes (for breathing, of course) and sold more than a million of them. “That guy was one of my heroes,” said Ryan, who went on to co-found Prank-O in 2009, when he and his business partner, Arik Nordby, fulfilled their dream of injecting laughter into the solemn ritual of gift-giving. Now 50, with a wife and four kids who are “bewildered” at what he does and parents who are “proud that their son is an empty-box baron,” Ryan has grown up (sort of) to run a company (pranko.com) whose amazing products include the Squirrel Hot Tub, the Noggin Net and the Dream Griddle. There’s also Roto Wipe (“Say goodbye to costly toilet-paper costs!”) and the Pasta Recycler (“Make used pasta almost like new again!”). “These products don’t actually exist?” I asked. “That’s right. We sell empty boxes for $8.99 each,” said Ryan, who went on “Shark Tank” in 2018 and got businessman and show judge Mark Cuban to offer $640,000 for a share in the company, although the deal fell through. “But you did prank him,” I pointed out. “Yes. The world needs laughter and we’re here to help,” said Ryan, adding that gift-givers can put real gifts in the empty boxes. One of his favorites is the Pasta Recycler, which I got for Sue as a birthday present. “What’s this?” she wondered after she unwrapped the box, which I filled with uncooked spaghetti because her real gift, a raincoat (isn’t it romantic?), wouldn’t fit. “My gift to you,” I cooed. “Happy birthday!” “Is this a prank?” Sue asked. “Yes!” I answered proudly. “Here’s another one,” she said. “We’re having pasta for dinner. And you can make it.” Jerry Zezima writes a humor column for Tribune News Service and is the author of seven books. His latest is “The Good Humor Man: Tales of Life, Laughter and, for Dessert, Ice Cream.” Reach him at [email protected] or via jerryzezima.blogspot.com .Concerns were formally raised by senior clinicians with management three months ago about the “intolerable” risk level within NHS Grampian. Last week, the health board, which covers Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, declared a “critical incident”, which saw some patients diverted to neighbouring areas, including Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. This was due to the demand at NHS Grampian’s flagship Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), which was later stood down on November 30. According to , a letter in August from members of the Medicine and Unscheduled Care (MUSC) leadership team warned that not enough was being done to meet the expected increase in demand over winter. It said: “Over the past 12 months multiple risks have been reported and recorded from all areas of the portfolio, both formally and informally. “Despite this, we are experiencing a deterioration in the performance against most measures and targets, and the quality of care we are able to deliver to patients. “We are increasingly concerned about the impact this sustained pressure and risk is having on our staff. We see regular evidence of individuals and teams who are experiencing harm from the required workload and inability to deliver effective care for patients with the resources available. ‘Continuous deterioration’ “We are aware that these concerns have been escalated previously and despite reassurances, this has not resulted in any significant improvement. “The current trajectory of performance and occupancy across MUSC in recent months suggests continuous deterioration. “There is no evidence to support any planned improvement work or capacity changes that will meet the impending increase in demand seen over October and sustained over winter period. In response, NHS Grampian said MUSC’s points had been considered and “enormous challenges” were being faced by its teams. It said it had to take the “significant step” on November 28 to declare a after sustained and continuing demands at ARI, which as well as Ninewells, saw some patients taken to Dr Gray’s in Elgin where “clinically appropriate”. Despite this, life-saving treatments still took place at the Foresterhill hospital, although some elective procedeures and appointments were cancelled, but not for cancer treatment and diagnostic tests. NHS Grampian interim chief executive Adam Coldwells told BBC Scotland he and another senior manager had considered the points raised in the letter and they had both written to and met its authors. He said: “Continuous discussion with, and hearing the challenges of all our colleagues, is an integral part of both understanding the issues and finding the right solution. “There are enormous challenges facing our teams, not only in medicine and unscheduled care, but in other parts of acute care, in community hospitals and working out in the community itself. The past week has shown those challenges play out in real time. ‘We continue to look at ways to improve’ “We continue to look at ways to improve flow within the footprint across the whole of health and social care in Grampian. In addition, our colleagues in Scottish Government have committed to support that work as necessary. “The hard work and dedication of our teams cannot be understated in such difficult times.” Speaking today, First Minister John Swinney said ministers were in discussions with NHS Grampian about the incident, who said they would be reviewing what happened last week.

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