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slots 999 Seven people have been arrested and charged in connection to an alleged social media drug ring at Rutgers University, New Jersey officials announced this week. Called “Operation RU Pharm,” officials said it uncovered a “closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University students to sell and purchase drugs,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone . The press release also said that the operation led to the seizure of a large amount of drugs such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, and Xanax. Apart from these, other items seized included a firearm and “a large amount of U.S. currency.” Seven people face charges relating to the investigation, with charges of various degrees of possession and distribution of controlled substances. USA TODAY has reached out to Rutgers University for comment. Prosecutors that a social media network was set up by an alumnus of Rutgers University to facilitate the sale and distribution of narcotics. “Narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community. Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases,” the statement said. According to prosecutors, 23-year-old Anudeep Revuri faces charges of first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network, second-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution, and third-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution. The other six people charged were identified by officials as Joshua Duffy, 20; Zachary Petersen, 22; Catherine Tierney, 23; David Nudelman, 20; Donovin Williams, 20; and Noa Lisimachio, 21. They face charges of various degrees of possession and distribution of controlled substances.

Social Don't miss out on the headlines from Social. Followed categories will be added to My News. Within 24 hours of landing in Australia juggernaut streaming sensation IShowSpeed had to be rescued after a failed flip into Sydney Harbor, had his hat stolen by an overeager fan and then pulled off a theft of his own. So all in all just another day at the office for the 19-year-old American who has built a following of more than 33 million on YouTube with his wild stunts and access to some of the most famous people in the world. Known as Speed for short, the Ohio native born Darren Jason Watkins Jr has raced Paris Olympics 100m champion Noah Lyle in a 50m sprint, jumped over the top of a speeding Lamborghini, appeared on WWE and met the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama - all in the past few months. He began his tour of Australia and New Zealand in Sydney on Thursday and was immediately swarmed by young fans of his headline-grabbing approach to life. A young woman turns her back on Speed. Wearing a custom Socceroos jersey with his name on the back, Speed ventured to the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and then down to Bondi and drew a large crowd, with some parents travelling for hours on public transport with their kids to get a brush with fame. But not everyone was eager to meet him. Speed tried what the kids these days call his “rizz” on a young woman at the beach but was brutally denied as she turned her back and showed no interest in having a chat. And that wasn’t his only mishap. Speed blows up at a young fan who stole his hat. Picture: X One overeager fan snatched a hat Speed was gifted and attempted to escape with it, but the streamer noticed immediately and chased him down and berated him. “What the f*** wrong with you bro, this a gift! Don’t steal my hat,” he said. Speed grabs a young fan and steals his Portugal jersey. Picture: X Speed live streams a backflip into Sydney Harbor. Picture: X Speed, a huge Ronaldo fan, had a very different approach after noticing a young fan wearing a Portugal jersey. The Aussie kid offered to swap, but after he removed the top, Speed snatched it and took off. “Give me your f***ing shirt,” he said as he walked off. “Give me your f***ing shirt, bro.” He was able to escape the crowds and find a secluded spot on Sydney Harbor for his next stunt - a backflip into the water near Watson’s Bay. But his attempt went awry as he over-rotated and landed flat on his back, emerging from the water calling for help. “Help! Help! Ah, that s*** hurt,” he said, as another swimmer moved towards him to help him out of the water. He later revealed he’d lost an earring in the dive and offered a $1000 reward for anyone who could find it for him. Streamers and video content creators like Speed, Logan Paul, KSI and MrBeast have amassed huge following in recent years. More Coverage ‘Absolute zoo’: Country set to be ‘overrun’ Jason Murphy Porn star’s ‘disturbing’ sex act horrifies Rebekah Scanlan Originally published as Global YouTube star IShowSpeed brutally denied by Bondi baddie Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Social ‘Control’: Musk’s chilling warning to Aussies The billionaire owner of X Elon Musk has called out the Albanese government’s new social media to stop young teenagers accessing social media. Read more Social List of apps to be banned for teens A full list of apps that teens will be banned from under new laws has been released. Read moreWashington, Dec 24 (AP) American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into overdrive and winter weather is threatening more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after a national ground stop order was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. There were 1,447 delays for flights entering or leaving the US early in the day, with 28 cancellations. Snow was falling early in New York and Dallas-Fort Worth International, which is American Airlines' main hub, was getting hit with rain. Dallas-Fort Worth had the most delays, followed by Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, New York, Chicago and Miami. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travellers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have “interline agreements” that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a cancelled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travellers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That's because finding a last-minute flight on another airline yourself tends to be very expensive. Just before 7 am Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the US at the airline's request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions travelling for the holiday. American said in an email that the problem Tuesday morning was caused by a vendor technology issue that “impacted systems needed to release flights.” The groundings couldn't come at a worse time for the millions of travellers expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Friday and Sunday, and on December 26, December 27 and December 29. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90 per cent of Americans travelling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. “Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was USD 3.04 a gallon, down from USD 3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30 per cent longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. Boston, New York City, Seattle and Washington, D.C., are the metropolitan areas primed for the greatest delays, according to the company. (AP) GSP (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

France celebrated the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral on Saturday at a special church service that featured a standing ovation for the firefighters who saved the 12th-century landmark from destruction during a 2019 blaze. A two-hour service attended by incoming US president Donald Trump among other world leaders began with the archbishop of Paris knocking on the doors of the cathedral three times. "Notre Dame, model of faith, open your doors to bring together the far-flung children of God in joy," archbishop Laurent Ulrich commanded, banging with a wooden staff crafted from a roof beam that survived the inferno five years ago. Trump could be seen sitting on the front row as guest of honour next to French President Emmanuel Macron, with invitees marvelling at the freshly cleaned walls, new furniture and state-of-the-art lighting installed as part of the overhaul. In a short speech, Macron expressed the "gratitude of the French nation" for the restoration work, achieved at frenzied speed over the last five years. France had "rediscovered what great nations can do -- achieve the impossible", he said. One of the most moving moments came when firefighters in their protective gear walked through the congregation to thunderous applause as the word "Merci" ("Thank you") was beamed on the intricate facade and famous belltowers of the Gothic masterpiece. Small crowds of Parisians and tourists braved wet weather and high winds outside to witness the renaissance of a monument, which came close to collapsing due to the intensity of the inferno that toppled its roof and spire. "I find it really beautiful, even more so now that the spire has been restored," Marie Jean, a 27-year-old dentist from southwest France, told AFP outside. The reconstruction effort cost around 700 million euros ($750 million), financed from donations, with the re-opening achieved within a five-year deadline despite predictions it could take decades. Workers had to overcome problems with lead pollution, the Covid-19 epidemic, and the army general overseeing the project falling to his death while hiking in the Pyrenees last year. Saturday's service featured classical music, the cathedral's choir as well as the "re-awakening" of the 8,000-pipe organ which is considered the voice and soul of the cathedral. A televised public concert planned outside featuring Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang and possibly US singer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams had to be pre-recorded on Friday night because of the stormy weather. Held up as an example of French creativity and resilience by Macron, Notre Dame's renaissance so soon after the fire comes at a difficult time for the country. The sense of national accomplishment in restoring a symbol of Paris has been undercut by political turmoil that has left France without a proper government since last week when prime minister Michel Barnier lost a confidence vote. Macron is hoping the re-opening might provide a fleeting sense of national pride and unity -- as the Paris Olympics did in July and August. He scored a major coup by attracting Trump along with around 40 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who was given a round of applause as he entered Notre Dame. Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the presidential palace shortly before the ceremony, with future US military support for Ukraine's war effort against Russia's invasion expected to have been discussed. Trump has vowed to end the nearly three-year Ukraine war when he takes office on January 20, sparking fears in Kyiv that he will force Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia. "It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for talks with Macron. One surprising absentee on Saturday was Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church. He sent a message addressed to the French people and weighed into a row about whether the place of worship and tourist attraction should remain free to enter. The "immense" numbers set to visit Notre Dame should be welcomed "generously and free of charge", he said, clearly opposing a proposition from the French culture ministry to charge for entry. The exact cause of the 2019 blaze has never been identified despite a forensic investigation by prosecutors, who believe an accident such as an electrical fault was the most likely reason. On Sunday, the first mass with 170 bishops and more than 100 Paris priests will take place at 10:30 am (0930 GMT), followed by a second service in the evening at 6:30 pm which will be open to the public. adp-sjw/jj

By David E. Sanger and Lisa Friedman, New York Times Service Over the past two days, President-elect Donald Trump has made clear that he has designs for American territorial expansion, declaring that the United States has both security concerns and commercial interests that can best be addressed by bringing the Panama Canal and Greenland under American control or outright ownership. Trump’s tone has had none of the trolling jocularity that surrounded his repeated suggestions in recent weeks that Canada should become America’s “51st state,” including his social media references to the country’s beleaguered prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau.” Instead, while naming a new ambassador to Denmark — which controls Greenland’s foreign and defense affairs — Trump made clear on Sunday that his first-term offer to buy the landmass could, in the coming term, become a deal the Danes cannot refuse. He appears to covet Greenland both for its strategic location at a time when the melting of Arctic ice is opening new commercial and naval competition and for its reserves of rare earth minerals needed for advanced technology. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World,” Trump wrote on social media, “the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” On Saturday evening, he had accused Panama of price-gouging American ships traversing the canal, and suggested that unless that changed, he would abandon the Jimmy Carter-era treaty that returned all control of the canal zone to Panama. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous,” he wrote, just before an increase in the charges scheduled for Jan. 1. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will immediately stop.” He went on to express worry that the canal could fall into the “wrong hands,” an apparent reference to China, the second-largest user of the canal. A Hong Kong-based firm controls two ports near the canal, but China has no control over the canal itself. Not surprisingly, the government of Greenland immediately rejected Trump’s demands, as it did in 2019, when he first floated the idea. “Greenland is ours,” Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said in a statement. “We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom.” The Danish prime minister’s office was more circumspect, writing in a statement that the government was “looking forward to working with the new administration” and offering no further comment on Trump’s remarks. After Trump brought up the Panama Canal again in a speech on Sunday, Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, said in a video that “every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zones is part of Panama, and it will continue to be.” He added: “Our country’s sovereignty and independence are not negotiable.” But the president-elect’s statements — and the not-so-subtle threats behind them — were another reminder that his version of “America First” is not an isolationist creed. His aggressive interpretation of the phrase evokes the expansionism, or colonialism, of President Theodore Roosevelt, who cemented control of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. And it reflects the instincts of a real estate developer who suddenly has the power of the world’s largest military to back up his negotiating strategy. Trump has often suggested that he does not always see the sovereignty of other nations’ borders as sacrosanct. When Russia invaded Ukraine, his first response was not a condemnation of the blatant land grab, but rather the observation that President Vladimir Putin’s move was an act of “genius.” Even now, as Trump seeks a deal to end the war in Ukraine, he has never said that the country’s borders must be restored, a key demand of the United States and NATO — he has only promised a “deal” to end the fighting. In the cases of Greenland and Panama, both commercial and national security interests are at play. Trump’s desire for Greenland was made explicit in the first term, when a wealthy New York friend of his, Ronald S. Lauder, the New York cosmetics heir, put the idea in his head. In the Trump White House in 2019, the National Security Council was suddenly delving into the details of how the United States would pull off a land acquisition of that size. Trump kept pressing the point with Denmark, which consistently rebuffed him. Trump was not the first president to make the case: Harry S. Truman wanted to buy Greenland after World War II, as part of a Cold War strategy for boxing out Soviet forces. Trump can make a parallel argument, especially as Russia, China and the United States jockey for control of Arctic routes for commercial shipping and naval assets. Arctic experts did not dismiss Trump’s Greenland bid as a joke. “Not that many people are laughing about it now,” said Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defense College in Denmark who focuses on Arctic security. Jacobsen noted that the reaction in Denmark to Trump’s latest bid had been one of fury (one Danish politician called it “an unusually strange way to be an ally”). But, he said, Greenlanders — who have long sought independence — may seek to use Trump’s interest as an opportunity to further strengthen economic ties with the United States. Since 2009, Greenland has had the right to declare its independence, but the vast territory of about 56,000 people is still heavily dependent on Denmark and has never chosen to pursue that path. Trump’s interest could give Greenland an opening for more U.S. investments, including in tourism or rare earth mining, he said. “Was it crazy when the U.S. acquired Alaska? Was it crazy when the U.S. built the Panama Canal?” asked Sherri Goodman, a former Pentagon official and a senior fellow with the Wilson Center Polar Institute, a Washington-based think tank. Goodman, whose book “Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security” centers in part on the Arctic, said the United States did have a strong interest in ensuring that China in particular does not develop a strong presence in Greenland. China’s ambitions in the Arctic have grown, and in 2018 it laid out plans to build infrastructure and develop shipping lanes opened by climate change. Goodman said the United States should continue to prevent China from gaining a foothold in the doorstep to North America, but said Greenlanders must decide their own fate. “We want to have all those territories proximate to our own mainland territory to protect us and also to prevent an adversary from using it to our strategic disadvantage,” Goodman said. “On the other hand, there is international law and international order and sovereignty, and Greenland is still a part of Denmark.” When it comes to Panama, Trump may also hold a distant personal grudge. In 2018, Panamanian police officers ousted the Trump Organization from the Trump International Hotel in Panama City after a protracted legal battle between the president-elect’s family and the majority owner of the property. The Trump name subsequently came down. The company had held a contract to manage the property. David L. Goldwyn, who served at the State Department under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, noted that Greenland has tremendous undeveloped natural resources, including more than 43 of the 50 so-called critical rare earth elements used to make electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean technology. “Certainly if Greenland chose to develop these resources, it would provide a significant alternative to China, although it is China’s capacity to process those minerals which gives it its current advantage,” he said. But Goldwyn said that in addition to Denmark’s sovereignty, Trump might find that Greenland’s Indigenous communities do not want mining and resource extraction as much as he does. “It is highly unlikely resource extraction could be forced on an unwilling population,” he said. “A more fruitful path might be to collaborate with the Danish government and Greenland’s population on ways to safely and sustainably develop those resources.” This article originally appeared in The New York Times . Extra News Alerts Get breaking updates as they happen. Be civil. Be kind.EAM Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Blinken review advancement of US-India partnership

Why Russia's Commercial Airlines Are Going Retro For AircraftSika AG ( OTCMKTS:SXYAY – Get Free Report ) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,700 shares, an increase of 161.1% from the November 30th total of 1,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 232,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Sika Stock Down 1.4 % SXYAY stock opened at $23.97 on Friday. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is $26.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.85. Sika has a fifty-two week low of $23.40 and a fifty-two week high of $33.52. About Sika ( Get Free Report ) Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sika Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sika and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 8:49 p.m. EST( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Lafayette, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lafayette, Colorado - Encore Data Products has announced an expansion of its sales team, aiming to strengthen customer relationships and provide more personalized service. As a respected supplier of Audio and technology products to schools, libraries, and businesses, Encore Data Products is enhancing its customer engagement with this strategic move. This sales team growth is intended to help Encore Data Products better address the changing needs of its diverse clientele. The expansion underscores the company's commitment to customer satisfaction by building a knowledgeable support system. Effective communication and dedicated service are keys to strong client relationships, and the company is focused on these goals. "By growing our sales team, we are not only improving our capacity to understand and cater to our customers' specific needs, but we are also dedicated to providing exceptional service," said a spokesperson from Encore Data Products. "This expansion allows us to interact with our clients on a more personal level, ensuring they receive the support and solutions they require." Encore Data Products is known for offering a wide range of audio and technology solutions. They provide an extensive variety of products, including all kinds of headphones suited for schools, AV technology, clean and healthy supplies, and AV accessories. With such a diverse offering, they can meet the needs of educational and professional settings. Further details about their extensive products range and services can be found on their corporate website. For instance, their headphone collection is vast, accommodating different educational stages. From economical options to high-end models with noise-canceling technology and built-in microphones, the variety is designed to support both virtual and distance learning. More information on their selection can be found at this link: . The spokesperson added, "Expanding our sales team shows our ongoing commitment to excellent customer service. We understand that our clients have varying needs, and by increasing our team, we can offer more personalized assistance and expert advice, which are essential in supporting both educational and professional goals." The decision to grow the sales team aligns with Encore Data Products' values, focusing on outstanding customer care and a commitment to education. By bolstering its sales force, the company intends to give clients a more responsive and tailored experience, especially for those seeking detailed product guidance. This strategic move also highlights the expected increase in demand for audio-visual solutions across different sectors. As businesses and schools continue to embrace new technology, the need for dependable, high-quality AV products is becoming increasingly important. Encore Data Products is committed to meeting these needs efficiently and effectively. Encore Data Products has always prioritized customer care by providing thorough product information and expert recommendations suited to specific client needs. Their extensive inventory, from budget-friendly school headphones to advanced AV systems, makes them a valuable partner for institutions looking for reliable audio-visual solutions. By expanding its sales team, Encore Data Products aims to enhance customer engagement and meet the unique needs of its clients more effectively. This growth strengthens their position as a leading provider of technology products, dedicated to supporting educational and business environments with quality service and products. The company encourages its clients and partners to experience the improved customer interactions that the expanded sales team will bring. They want to ensure that purchasing decisions are informed and efficient, supported throughout the process. With this strategic move, Encore Data Products aims to maintain its high level of service and expertise, reinforcing its role in providing important educational and business technology solutions. Recent News: Encore Data Products to Showcase Innovative Education Tech Solutions at FETC 2025 ### For more information about Encore Data Products, contact the company here: Encore Data Products Media Relations 866-926-1669 ... 1729 Majestic Drive, Suite 5 Lafayette, Colorado 80026 MENAFN26122024004107003653ID1109033412 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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Mhow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday made history by becoming the first Defence Minister to visit Mhow in 24 years, where he lauded the Indian Army’s training institutes for their outstanding contributions. Singh’s visit was a significant milestone, as he acknowledged the crucial role these institutes play in shaping the military strategies and warfare skills of Indian Army personnel. He was on a visit to the three Premier Training Institutes of the Indian Army – Army War College (AWC), Infantry School and Military College of Telecommunication and Engineering (MCTE) – in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers of the Indian Army. Singh was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of the Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling the absorption and transformation of technologies. He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports. Singh also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of the Infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the Infantry. Addressing the troops, he commended the courage and vigilance of the Indian Army personnel in safeguarding the borders and ensuring national security. “Your dedication and devotion to duty are an inspiration to all of us. It is due to your hard work and commitment that our country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong,” he said. Singh called upon the Armed Forces to continue keeping a vigilant eye on the current geopolitical scenario, and always remain alert and ready to deal with any kind of threats. During his address at Mhow Military Station, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, ” Our jawans are not ordinary but very special. Whenever you want to do something you don’t calculate but instead you think that no matter what we need to do it. This dedication of yours inspires the entire citizens of this country...as the Defence Minister, I want to say that we will have to keep ourselves alert always...” He emphasised that there are times when India faces challenges on the borders as well as on the internal front, which makes it imperative for the soldiers to keep a close eye on the activities of the adversaries and take timely and effective steps against them. Singh asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government aims to make India a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047, and the Armed Forces will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. “You are the protectors of our borders and the forerunners in nation-building. I am sure that you will continue securing our borders with courage and dedication, and contribute to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said. Earlier, the Defence Minister visited the Bhim Janm Bhoomi, a memorial dedicated to Dr BR Ambedkar in Mhow, and paid homage to the Bharat Ratna and the architect of the Indian constitution at his birthplace. He described Dr BR Ambedkar as an epitome of selfless service, who dedicated his life to social equality and empowerment.CLOSING HIGHERTo all the players, coaches and administrators, the following opinions are mine and mine alone. It’s ALWAYS business – and NEVER personal. So, if I name you, shame you, offend you or slap you on the back and put your name up in lights, just accept it for what it is and move on. Watch every game of every round this NBL Season LIVE on ESPN, via Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. CAIRNS (defeated by Melbourne) HOOYAH – With his best statistical game of the season, Tanner Groves scored nearly a third of Cairns’ total. 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks is what your team needs from you night after night. HARDEN UP – Being outrebounded by 27 is one way to keep this losing streak going. Your desperation ain’t desperate enough. MELBOURNE (defeated Cairns) HOOYAH – You were efficient in a game that lacked a lot of efficiency, Jack White, with 14 points at 62% and 8 rebounds. HARDEN UP – 75 total shots, and over half were 3’s. I wouldn’t have an issue if you were making them, but 7/38 from 3-point land is not up to standard. BRISBANE (defeated by Illawarra & Tasmania) HOOYAH – Copy & Paste. Casey Prather is still at it. Against Illawarra you dropped 28 points at 61%, going 4/5 from 3-point land. HARDEN UP – You picked the wrong time to turn in a 7-point performance, Keandre Cook. Down an import in James Batemon, 1/6 FG vs Illawarra cannot be on the menu moving forward. ILLAWARRA (defeated Brisbane) HOOYAH – I can’t go past your double-double, Sam Froling. 15 points and 12 rebounds is grown man’s business. HARDEN UP – It’s your fouling ways, Darius Days. That’s what’s preventing you from staying on the floor long enough to showcase your talents. Respectfully, stop hacking! You’re way better than 5 points and 2 rebounds. ADELAIDE (defeated by Perth) HOOYAH – In your first game back from a hamstring injury, you showed some spirit, DJ Vasiljevic. 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in 25 ‘restricted’ minutes. HARDEN UP – All of you can cop this one – AGAIN! Another embarrassing home loss. The wheels have fallen off and your car is now unroadworthy - I’m scared to look under the bonnet. You owe it to yourselves and your loyal supporters. Please, don’t go out like this. PERTH (defeated Adelaide) HOOYAH – Dylan Windler, you were sensational all over the floor. A former 1st round NBA draft pick, you showed all your class with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. HARDEN UP – In a good road win, where your defence vastly improved, you gave up 48 PIP (Points in the Paint). Tighten that up to get a lock on a playoff position. TASMANIA – (defeated Brisbane) HOOYAH – Anthony Drmic, you came into the game averaging just under 7 points and finished with a season-high 19 at 61%, and some of your trademark hard-nosed D. HARDEN UP – You sent Brisbane to the foul line 31 times, that’s way too high. And blaming the refs is frowned upon, keep an eye on that. March on. NBL HOOYAH – To the referees (they’re people too) who put out multiple spot fires across the round - even putting themselves in harm’s way to de-escalate volatile situations. You don’t get enough credit for the tough job you do. HARDEN UP – I’m gonna keep banging on about this jersey mess. First we had teams playing on Xmas Day without Xmas themed jerseys, now we have the Hawks wearing Xmas jerseys after Xmas Day! I know the Hawks like to wear jerseys that bring them luck and it’s a superstition thing, but it can get confusing.

With a new year ahead and the holiday fanfare behind, this is a great time to set money goals, especially if you recently spent a lot on gifts and travel and want to get your finances in shape. You’d be in good company, too — according to a January 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center, of the 30% of Americans who made at least one New Year’s resolution, 61% had a goal that was money-related. Right now, you may be highly motivated to solve every single one of your money issues in the next few months, but daily life is guaranteed to get in the way. Your financial to-do list, once so full of promise, can eventually get stuffed in the back of a drawer while you manage more pressing matters. The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions go unfulfilled. So how can you improve your odds of success? It comes down to accepting that you won’t have the time or energy to complete every task to perfection. Creating a system where you can prioritize, plan ahead and hold yourself accountable can help. Many start by setting a goal to trim frivolous costs, which can certainly be helpful, but there are other ways to make a big difference. Taylor Schult — a certified financial planner and founder of Define Financial, an advisory firm in San Diego — recommends starting with a few overlooked financial tasks. Freezing your credit is a quick, easy way to guard yourself against identity theft. It’s free to do, and you can temporarily lift the freeze when you’re applying for a loan or credit card. Schulte also suggests looking into umbrella insurance , which offers additional coverage beyond what your auto, homeowners and other insurance policies provide. This coverage can spare you from massive out-of-pocket costs in the event you get sued. Basic estate planning, including creating a will, is another thing to put high on your list. Putting off this task can create a major headache for your loved ones if something happens to you unexpectedly. “I know it’s a pain point and it’s often kicked down the road,” Schulte says. Paying attention to your spending is always important, but don’t neglect taking steps to protect your money, yourself and your loved ones. So many money goals are born out of social pressure. You “should” want to save up to own a home, even if you’re happily renting. You “should” sacrifice short-term needs and wants to stash away as much as possible for retirement, even though it leaves you feeling deprived. But money goals should be tied to the things that matter most to you. If they aren’t, you’ll quickly lose interest. “If you don’t know what goals to choose, go back to your values and have them guide the goals you set,” says Eric Roberge, a certified financial planner and founder of Beyond Your Hammock, a financial advisory firm in Boston. You can combine goal-setting with a little planning, so expenses are less likely to creep up on you throughout the year. Think about what expected costs will be coming up in the next six to 12 months, like recurring bills, vacations, anticipated home or car repairs, and other expenses. This approach allows you to set money aside each month to put toward planned costs, as well as longer-term goals. Forgetting your goals can be far too easy, so to make something stick, write it down . It can be as simple as a handwritten list you keep on the fridge, or online calendar reminders that will nudge you every so often. For time-sensitive goals, set deadlines. One tactic is to make multiple lists based on what you need to complete within the next week, month or three months. As time passes and you check off items, you can update the list. Enlist others’ help, too. Weekly or monthly household money meetings are useful if you’re completing financial tasks as a group. Or share your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can serve as an accountability partner. Looping in loved ones can help keep you on track. “We don’t mind letting ourselves down,” Schulte says. “But we hate to let other people down.” It’s easy to get stuck in decision-making mode when trying to pick a high-yield savings account, credit card or possible investments, but eventually, you need to make a good-enough choice . Taking action now can have more of a positive effect on your life than waiting until you’ve painstakingly considered each option. Roberge says that though he’d prefer to optimize every financial decision, he doesn’t because if he did, he wouldn’t get things done. “Everything in moderation is one of the things that I live by,” he says. “Going to extremes in any one thing, at the detriment of other things that are important, doesn’t work long-term.” More From NerdWallet Boost Your Credit Card Rewards This Holiday With a Few Extra Clicks Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity? Sara Rathner writes for NerdWallet. Email: srathner@nerdwallet.com . Twitter: @sarakrathner. The article Got Money Goals for the New Year? Stay on Track With These Tips originally appeared on NerdWallet.