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p777 slot Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen recently took to social media to reveal his engagement with actress Hailee Steinfeld. Allen has been one of the biggest stars of the 2024 NFL season, putting together an MVP-caliber campaign with 2,543 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 316 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. While he's led the Bills to a 9-2 record and the team is riding a six-game win streak, attention turned to Allen's personal life ahead of Week 13. He posted the photo of himself proposing to Steinfeld before the Week 13 slate, seemingly proposing to the actress on Nov. 22, during the Bills' bye week. The photo, posted on Instagram, received a like from an unlikely individual, Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift liked Hailee Steinfeld and Josh’s engagement post on Instagram! pic.twitter.com/tzocDbASvm Swift dropped a like on the post, which is extremely rare in her case. A couple of Taylor Swift fan pages pointed out the reaction on social media, given the rarity. The last time Swift was seen reacting to a post of this sort was Jason Kelce's wife Kylie Kelce announcing her pregnancy , which fans mentioned was her first like on Instagram in the past couple of months. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Allen and Steinfeld's relationship reportedly was confirmed by People magazine in May 2023. They went "Instagram official" in July 2024 and would ultimately be engaged in November 2024. Aside from Swift reacting to the updated relationship, the couple also received a few comments from other notable names. "Congratulations!!!" commented Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. "congrats," posted the NFL with a hand heart emoji. "LET'S GOOOOOO!!" commented the Buffalo Bills with a red and blue heart. "That's our quarterback," posted the Toronto Blue Jays. Related: Taylor Swift's Outfit for Chiefs-Raiders Game Catches Attention Related: Brittany Mahomes' Outfit for Chiefs-Raiders Turned Heads on Friday

The USA might find itself outflanked In early August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched an unprecedented cross-border offensive into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the most significant foreign incursion into Russian territory since the Second World War. The response of Russian President Vladimir Putin to this development was particularly revealing. In the aftermath of the offensive, Putin directed his rhetoric against the USA and Europe, asserting that the West was waging war against Russia through Ukrainian proxies. Despite this assertive rhetoric, Putin refrained from initiating an immediate military counteroffensive, opting instead to maintain the focus of Russian forces on operations in eastern Ukraine. Even three months later, with Ukrainian forces still present in Kursk, Moscow chose to deploy North Korean troops to assist in reclaiming the region, marking the first instance in over a century that Russia permitted foreign troops on its soil. These actions underscore Putin’s unwavering commitment to the war in Ukraine and his broader antagonism towards the West, nearly three years after the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. While the conflict serves as an imperial endeavour aimed at dismantling Ukrainian sovereignty, Putin’s ultimate objectives extend to revising the post-Cold War European order, diminishing US influence, and establishing a new international framework that amplifies Russia’s global stature. Although these ambitions are longstanding, the war has intensified Putin’s resolve and narrowed his strategic alternatives, propelling Russia into deeper isolation while transforming its society, economy, and foreign policy to sustain confrontation with the West. The evolving dynamics suggest that the conflict is far from resolution, with the prospect of escalation remaining high. The incoming Trump Administration’s overtures toward normalizing relations with Moscow are unlikely to mitigate these tensions. Limited Western military support to Ukraine has impeded Kyiv’s capacity to decisively counter Russian aggression, potentially emboldening Moscow to pursue further destabilization efforts once it has replenished its military capacity. This trajectory raises the spectre of continued Russian subversion across Europe and reinforces Moscow’s alignment with states antagonistic to Western interests, such as Iran and North Korea. To address this growing challenge, the USA and Europe must prioritize containment measures against Russia. Delaying such efforts could result in greater strategic costs in the future. Washington, despite its focus on competition with China, cannot afford to downplay the Russian threat, which has significant implications for European security and transatlantic stability. Strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position, enhancing NATO’s defensive capabilities, and encouraging European states to bolster their own defense frameworks are critical steps in mitigating Russia’s destabilizing influence. Domestically, Putin has consolidated power through extensive economic and societal reorganization. Russia’s defense budget for 2025 is projected to reach unprecedented levels, exceeding six percent of GDP. This militarization has reshaped Russia’s economy into a war-oriented structure, with increased production in defence industries and significant financial incentives for military service. These developments align with Putin’s ideological narrative of an existential struggle against the West, which he uses to legitimize his regime and maintain public support. However, the reliance on repression and control over the information environment presents risks, as excessive suppression of dissent may destabilize his rule over time. Internationally, Russia has forged closer ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, driven by strategic necessity and shared opposition to Western dominance. These partnerships provide Moscow with critical economic and military support while amplifying its ability to challenge US interests globally. The Kremlin’s recalibrated foreign policy reflects a long-term strategy that extends beyond the current conflict in Ukraine, aiming to sustain Russia’s relevance in the multipolar international order. Militarily, Russia is poised for reconstruction and adaptation. Despite significant losses, its armed forces have demonstrated resilience and an ability to incorporate advanced technologies and tactics into their operations. Challenges persist, particularly in scaling production capacities for modern weaponry and addressing skilled labour shortages. However, Russia’s focus on expanding its military infrastructure and replenishing its resources signals a sustained commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture. For NATO and its allies, these developments necessitate heightened vigilance and strategic preparedness. Although NATO’s capabilities— particularly air superiority— are expected to shape future engagements, deficiencies in European defense readiness, such as limited munitions stockpiles, remain concerning. The duality of Russia’s military, characterized by advancements in some areas and reliance on outdated Soviet-era equipment in others, complicates Western efforts to anticipate and counter Russian aggression effectively. Russia’s trajectory under Putin’s leadership suggests a persistent and multifaceted challenge to Western security and global stability. The transformation of Russia’s domestic, economic, and military structures to support prolonged confrontation underscores the enduring nature of the threat it poses. The USA and its allies must adopt proactive measures to address this challenge, ensuring that future confrontations with Russia remain within manageable bounds. In recent years, Europe and the USA have faced immediate threats from unconventional actions orchestrated by Moscow, which has been actively engaging in measures that destabilize the region. Suspected Russian-backed actors have perpetrated incidents such as arson targeting arms depots in Germany and the United Kingdom, tampering with critical infrastructure in Finland, and fomenting migratory pressure on Poland and Finland through Belarus. Further incidents include targeting rail networks in the Czech Republic and Sweden, assassinating a military defector in Spain, and plotting against key European defence industry figures. These acts are part of the Kremlin’s strategy to deter European governments and citizens from supporting Ukraine by demonstrating Russia’s capacity for retaliation. However, Moscow’s objectives extend beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine. Its broader aim is to weaken the West, undermine transatlantic unity, and diminish Europe’s ability to counter Russian aggression. This strategy is reinforced through nuclear brinkmanship, as evidenced by revisions to Russian nuclear doctrine that lower the threshold for their use. Although Russia currently avoids direct confrontation with NATO due to its military limitations, it seeks to exploit divisions and test the alliance’s resolve, particularly if the USA is preoccupied with conflicts in the Indo-Pacific. Should Washington’s commitment to NATO appear to wane, Moscow may feel emboldened to challenge NATO’s eastern flank, risking further destabilization. Moscow’s actions reflect a dangerous propensity for risk-taking and miscalculation, exacerbated by its authoritarian governance structure, where decision-making is often influenced by sycophants. This tendency has already led to significant strategic errors, including the underestimation of Ukrainian resistance and Western resolve. While NATO is well-positioned to repel Russian aggression, the devastation witnessed in Ukraine underscores the imperative to deter Moscow preemptively. A future conflict, even if it concludes in a NATO victory, could result in catastrophic destruction for the affected nations. Globally, Russia continues to challenge Western influence. Despite sanctions and diplomatic isolation efforts following its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has maintained and expanded its partnerships, including hosting summits for BRICS nations, which highlight growing global resistance to Western dominance. Russia’s defiance has implications beyond Europe, as its actions embolden other states to question the consequences of aggression. While this may not directly precipitate Chinese actions in Taiwan, it provides a testing ground for Western resolve and capability. Moscow also actively supports actors opposed to Western interests. In Africa, Russian backing has facilitated military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leading to diminished Western influence in the region. Similarly, its support for the Houthi movement in Yemen exacerbates instability, disrupts international trade, and threatens US allies. These actions amplify the strategic challenges faced by the West, with Russia positioning itself as a critical enabler of anti-Western sentiment. Moreover, Russia’s growing collaboration with China, Iran, and North Korea intensifies global instability. Military and technological exchanges between Moscow and Beijing erode US strategic advantages in the Indo-Pacific, while Russia’s support for Iran bolsters Tehran’s military and nuclear capabilities. Moscow’s partnership with Pyongyang, including technology transfers and military cooperation, risks escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Such alliances underscore a broader axis of authoritarian regimes opposing democratic norms and Western interests. Hopes that China might temper Russia’s destabilizing actions have proven unfounded. Instead, Beijing appears to benefit from the disorder created by Moscow, leveraging it to pursue its ambitions. The consolidation of ties between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea reflects deeper strategic interests rather than transactional alignments stemming from the Ukraine war. Concessions to Russia would likely embolden this bloc, further undermining Western influence. The enduring threat posed by Moscow requires sustained vigilance. Although Russia is a declining power, its capacity for disruption remains significant. For the USA and its allies, a comprehensive strategy to deter Russia is essential, encompassing strengthened European defence capabilities and increased transatlantic cooperation. By investing in the resilience of NATO and addressing immediate security challenges, the West can prevent Russia from exploiting vulnerabilities. Failure to act decisively risks higher costs in the future, as Moscow’s opportunistic aggression remains a persistent challenge to global stability. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

This year came in like a drunk on a weeklong bender — and left like a glue-sniffing drunk on a yearlong bender. In other words, what the hell just happened in 2024? A Kennedy joined forces with a Republican . The Dems switched candidates four months before the election. MAGA ruled MSG , and the far left’s heartthrob is a rich white kid who assassinated a CEO in Midtown Manhattan. Joe Rogan became a presidential kingmaker while Donald Trump worked a shift at McDonald’s. It was tumultous and unpredictable. At least there’s Taylor Swift to bring us some consistency: She’s still getting richer, ruling the NFL discourse and influencing grown men to wear friendship bracelets . But in the shifting landscape, a semblance of sanity returned. Cancel culture, DEI, trans lunacy and group think receded — while free speech thrived. Politics and pop culture became almost indistinguishable from each other. Kamala Harris’ “brat” status and Trump’s stilted “YMCA” dance overtook everything (the latter was even the preferred celebration of athletes). But only one side was victorious. The pantsuit is now 0 and 2 in presidential elections after the drubbing that Kamala Harris took in November. (My prediction: The first female president will be a Republican in a skirt.) Harris was never up to snuff, despite what the Dems and the media in the KHive tried to sell us. Speaking of duds, the Democrat establishment was exposed as covering up Joe Biden’s cognitive decline while assuring us he was completing daily Iron Mans. Party leaders like Barack Obama lost influence and likability after peddling fascist fear porn and berating black men for supporting Trump over Harris. Can’t keep a good Trump down, or out of the White House . He was indicted four times and convicted by a Manhattan jury in the Stormy Daniels hush money case — and still emerged stronger and bigger in 2024. He built a new working-class coalition, tapped into the dissatisfaction with Biden’s policies and, with the help of Elon Musk, led a great political realignment. Trump’s victory meant brutal defeat for Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who managed a conviction of the soon-to-be 47th President only to see it stuck in limbo. As are Bragg’s fortunes after subway Samaritan Daniel Penny was, thankfully, acquitted earlier this month. It felt like bros ruled politics in 2024 — but the ladies got it done in sports. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark dazzled — winning Rookie of the Year, making the playoffs and boosting WNBA attendance by whopping figures. As a result, the league is winning bigly, even if folks like Washington Mystics co-owner Sheila Johnson are loath to give Clark credit. At the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles made a triumphant comeback and Katie Ledecky became the first female swimmer to win gold at four different games. Meanwhile, Aussie competitor Raygun , with her intersectional approach to her “sport,” broke breakdancing — and our tolerance for nonsense. Gloves-off comedy roared in 2024. Netflix’s outrageous “The Roast of Tom Brady,” which saw the one-time golden boy take stronger hits than he did in 23 NFL seasons, slaughtered every sacred cow . It also launched Tony Hinchcliffe and Nikki Glaser into another stratosphere. Shane Gillis became comedy’s Lazarus, hosting “Saturday Night Live” five years after getting canned from the show. He’s also reviving Bud Lite in its post Dylan Mulvaney era. Unfortunately, the phrase “freak off” is now in our vernacular thanks to hip-hop’s all-powerful Sean “Diddy” Combs, whose spectacular downfall is due to his alleged sexual proclivities. Good old sex appeal reigned. After a years-long apology tour for, um, selling lingerie, Victoria’s Secret once again staged a fashion show with scantily clad Angels. “SNL” host Sydney Sweeney’s boobs caused a cultural eruption and proved that a nice set of girls are back. And Jeremy Allen White stripped to his Calvins for billboards, harkening to the golden era of undies ads with Marky Mark Wahlberg. Haliey Welch, otherwise known as “Hawk Tuah girl,” was on her way to total domination. The 21-year-old factory worker rose to international prominence the old-fashioned way: by drunkenly making a fellatio joke. She launched a podcast — then attached her name to a meme coin that tanked and led to accusations of a scam. She went into hiding and now says she’s cooperating with lawyers . Welch remains a cautionary tale about instant viral fame. Last year, Spotify parted with “f–king gifters” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This year, they delivered another bomb with “Polo” — leaving their $100 million Netlfix deal looking more precarious . Hunter Biden scored big with a pardon , but the sun has set on the Biden family’s decades-long power grip. Hey, at least Jill Biden can still call herself “Dr.” Going into 2025, there remains a sense of optimism that we’re headed in the right direction. Now if we can only figure out what’s going on with drones causing sky gridlock over Jersey.THE Southeast Asia (SEA) region is quickly emerging as a global powerhouse in AI. According to recent forecasts from IDC, AI and generative AI spending across APAC and including SEA is expected to hit an astounding $110 billion by 2028, expanding at an annual rate of 24 percent. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will need time to adapt without Bukayo Saka after their win over Ipswich - as the Gunners boss reveals the forward could be out for 'more than two months' Arsenal beat Ipswich on Friday courtesy of a first-half strike from Kai Havertz Mikel Arteta revealed Bukayo Saka is set for an extended spell on the sidelines LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford By HENRY CLARK Published: 23:25, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 23:26, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments Arsenal 's hard-fought victory over Ipswich was marred by manager Mikel Arteta confirming that Bukayo Saka has undergone a ‘procedure’ on his injured hamstring and is expected to miss more than two months of action. Saka suffered the blow during last weekend's 5-1 win at Crystal Palace , with Mail Sport reporting earlier this week that the attacker could be ruled out until March. Asked for the latest on Saka's fitness, Arteta said: ‘I would prefer to leave that with the doctor but I can confirm he (Saka) had a procedure and he will be out for many, many weeks. ‘I think it will be more than two months, I don’t know exactly how much.’ Pressed on a timescale for Saka’s recovery, the Spaniard said: ‘I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much.’ Arsenal weren’t at their fluid best at the Emirates on Friday with Kai Havertz ’s first-half goal all the hosts had to show for their dominance. Arteta admitted he was frustrated by his side’s failure to put the game to bed. Arsenal moved to second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich on Friday Mikel Arteta revealed post-match that Bukayo Saka has undergone a 'procedure' following his recent injury Saka suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last week and will be out for 'more than two months' according to Arteta ‘Very happy with the victory, the clean sheet and big parts of the game,’ said Arteta. ‘It was a really difficult opposition. ‘We had some big openings in the second half when we were being more aggressive. We should have scored more.’ Matchwinner Havertz, meanwhile, said that the responsibility will be on him and his team-mates to step up to the plate and fill the void left by Saka. He told Amazon Prime: ‘Everyone has to step up because we know Bukayo Saka is a very important player for us. But we have to adapt. I try to help the team, it was a different role for me today.' Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was left disappointed that his side were unable to make one of their few second-half opportunities count. He said: ‘We grew into the game well and turned a bit of momentum at the end of the first half and got into some good positions in the second half. ‘There were a few situations late in the game where we could have shown more belief but we were too hesitant.’ Share or comment on this article: Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will need time to adapt without Bukayo Saka after their win over Ipswich - as the Gunners boss reveals the forward could be out for 'more than two months' e-mail Add comment

Dodgers' Ohtani wins 3rd MVP, 1st in NL; Yankees' Judge earns 2nd AL honour in 3 seasons

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Stocks dropped Friday led by a decline in mega-cap tech firms. The 10-year Treasury yield jumped above 4.6%. Still, equities ended the holiday-shortened week in the green. US stocks sank on Friday as technology firms led a broad-sweeping decline across each major index. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.49% while the S&P 500 lost 1.11%. The Dow Jones shed 333 points to end the day. "I think what you see today is a lack of faith," UBS senior portfolio manager Alan Rechtschaffen told CNBC , citing uncertainty around trade and productivity. A sell-off in government bonds is also weighing on equity appetite, with the 10-year Treasury yield now trading above 4.6%. Bond traders may be adjusting to expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates next year, and are monitoring how the Trump administration responds to rising fiscal deficits. Despite Friday's sharp decline, indexes remained in the green for the holiday week. Investors may still be holding out for stocks to rally into the year-end, as is typical during the last five trading days of the year. While gains have been made during the holiday-shortened week, it could bode ill if the so-called Santa Claus rally fails to manifest. "When Santa doesn't show up and stocks are lower over this period, the S&P 500 has generated an average January and forward annual return of -0.02% and 5.0%, respectively," Adam Turnquist chief, technical strategist for LPL Financial, wrote this week. Here's where US indexes stood shortly after the 4:00 p.m. closing bell on Friday: S&P 500 : 5,970.84 ( -1.11%) Dow Jones Industrial Average : 4 2,992.21 ( -0.77%) Nasdaq composite : 19,722.03 ( -1.49%) Here's what else is happening: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is buying up shares of internet domain provider VeriSign. Apple stock has 26% upside as its AI strategy unlocks a 'new era' of growth, Wedbush says. De Beers builds up the largest diamond stockpile since the 2008 crisis as demand slumps, report says. Why not to worry about overstretched stock valuations in 2025 , according to one strategist.

Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceAs the 2024 showbiz calendar winds up, we are taking stock of each genre today. These include music, visual arts (painting, sculpture, and photography), film and television, theatre, fashion, literary arts, and spoken word. This annual stock-take is critical to establish which artists excelled and those who need to up their game in 2025. With the demand for Zimbabwean art collections rising overseas, we certainly need to elevate our standards if we are to maintain the dominance shown in other genres, especially visual arts. The same dominance should also be exhibited on home turf. Without fear or favour, research has shown that the young “Turks” of showbiz, especially in music, excelled beyond expectations. Music, which commands a huge following, was dominated by youthful musicians who showed consistency throughout the year. Killer T’s track “Kana Ndanyura” can easily pass as the song of the year. It remains a hit at parties, weddings, clubs, and even in some church gatherings like picnics. He represented the Zimdancehall genre with pride and aplomb. Consistent Zimdancehall chanter, Sylvester “Freeman” Chizanga, had a successful season, which saw him holding a fully attended HKD Music Festival at Alex Sports Club in Harare. Master H was the best find of 2024, as the youngster has been performing well. Master H He participated in major festivals including the Castle Tankard, OK Grand Challenge, and Chibuku Road to Fame after-party, among other events. His work ethic has made him a favourite of many. There was also Nisha Ts, who did well for the greater part of the year. Born Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa and raised in Chegutu, she defied the odds of a poor background that could have hindered her progress. She advanced on merit, which is why she remains a favourite among many. Her benefactor, Tinashe Mutarisi, has also helped her realize her potential in this particular genre. She has managed to put the sponsorship to good use, much to the delight of her fans. With sound management, she is destined for the stars. In Zim Hip Hop, it’s hard to ignore the impact of Holy, Saintfloew, Voltz JT, and Bagga, among other rappers. They left their mark each time on stage whether controversial or not but the good thing is that, it is expected in the genre. In gospel world , the old guard in the genre, led by Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Shuvai Wutawunashe, Pastor Charles Charamba, and his wife Olivia, Carol Mujokoro, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle and Prince Mafukidze among others shocked many as they bounced back on stage as they did their best to revive the genre at the Gospel Legends Night held at the Harare International Conference Centre early this month. Hosted by United Kingdom based Zimbabwean award winning songstress Eleana Makombe, the inaugural event was a success and it was applauded by many locals for such initiative. Eleana and John Makombe The new crop of gospel musicians, including Minister Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Ellard, Sharon Cherayi, Elenaa Makombe, and Everton Mlalazi, had a successful year. However, the script was not the same for both seasoned and upcoming sungura musicians. There was nothing to write home about this year, as the majority pursuing sungura failed to produce hits. It appears that they need to recharge their waning vocal batteries. Of course, sungura has stood the test of time, but artists in this genre can do better. Major successes were recorded by visual artists who had a year to remember. Many of these artists toured the world and showcased the unique essence of Zimbabwean art on a global scale. Visual art, which encompasses various mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, installation, and digital arts, is a significant industry internationally. The sad reality is that locals are yet to embrace it despite its impact overseas. A change of mindset is needed to ensure that local entrepreneurs, corporates, and individuals buy our art first. With most visual artists relying on international buyers, credit goes to arts regulatory chiefs, curators, and artists working closely with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Victoria Falls. NGZ executive director Raphael Chikukwa has done his best to promote this art form. Besides the NGZ headquarters in Harare, other galleries like Dzimbahwe Arts and Cultural Heritage Hub, Nhaka Art Gallery, Mbare Art Space, Chapungu Sculpture Village, and the Swiss-Zim Heritage Gallery in Domboshava have been churning out top creatives. Individuals like Dominic Benhura and David Ngwerume also need no introduction. Zimbabwe’s participation at the 60th International Exhibition of Biennale in Italy was good news to the sector. Often referred to as the “World Cup of Arts,” this prestigious event featured Zimbabwean artists such as Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Victor Nyakauru, Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza, and Kombo Chapfika. Their participation exemplifies Zimbabwe’s growing presence on the international art stage. Moffat Takadiwa The legacy of Zimbabwean artists at the Venice Biennale includes luminaries like Portia Zvavahera, Virginia Chihota, Misheck Masamvu, Calvin Dondo, and many others. Their ability to captivate audiences both at home and abroad highlights the country’s rich artistic heritage and the potential for future growth in the global art market. The continued efforts to promote local art appreciation will be crucial in ensuring that Zimbabwean artists receive the recognition and support they deserve. In theatre, credit goes to Daves Guzha, Peter Churu, Jasen Mphepo, and Malawi-based producer and director Stanley Mambo, who is doing well at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe. Daniel Maposa and Silvanos Mudzvova are some of the top acts who have ensured that theatre maintains its dominance. The same can be said of United Kingdom theatre practitioners who are still in touch with fellow directors in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, Guzha, Churu, and Mphepo have been holding shows in Harare venues like Theatre in the Park, Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, and Reps Theatre. Mudzvova and Maposa have been conducting a series of workshops to equip creatives in this genre. Their efforts were meant to ensure that creatives monetise their work and embrace technology, especially the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Stand-up comedians including Doc Vikela, King Kandoro (real name Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni), Nigel “Tha Sleek Pasto” Maritinyu, and Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira have also shown their potential despite challenges such as a shortage of venues. Like theatre, comedy relies on a live audience and a serene environment where creatives can easily express themselves. In fashion, we have seen the potential that the sector has, although it needs funding, proper regulation, and unity. This was the case when the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe (FCoZ) issued a statement distancing themselves from the organisation and management of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2024, which did not live up to expectations. The Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2024 was marred by chaos, with FCoZ’s name being dragged into the mess. FCoZ set the record straight and pledged their commitment towards fostering a vibrant and inclusive fashion industry. Zimbabwean fashion designers have continued to show both locally and internationally, and it takes sacrifices from organizations like FCoZ to regulate the sector. Some fashion enthusiasts also expressed their disappointment in the manner the industry is being run. The refreshing news from the sector was Sakhile Dube’s national dress, designed by Ivhu Tribe Brand, named “The Soaring Eagle,” which she donned at the Miss Universe finals held in Mexico recently The world now knows Zimbabwe’s capacity in this sector, where we have plenty of talented fashion designers. In modelling, Zimbabwe was well represented by Sakhile at Miss Universe, made it into the top 30. Although she missed out on the crown, she performed admirably at the global contest. Sakhile is not the only one who managed to raise the country flag high, there was also model Amanda Peresu-Moyo who won the Miss Intercontinental Africa title at a pageant held at the Sunrise Remal Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Amanda, was in the top five, following the success of Tendai Hunda, who won the same title in 2015. After finishing in the top eight last year at Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Amanda expressed joy over her new crown. On to the dance floor, dancer Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21) of Denmark won the 2024 edition, becoming the first Dane ever to land the crown. People’s favorite and Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina was voted first runner-up, and the second runner-up is Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran. The top five finalists at the beauty pageant included Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez. In film and television, Zimbabwe has shown a lot of potential despite the lack of funding crippling the sector. However, the recent launch of the five-year blueprint strategy for Film and Television by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, has brought relief to the sector. A billion-dollar industry globally, Zimbabwe, which boasts some of the best brains in the sector including Stephen Chigorimbo, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, and Nakai Tsuro, can thrive with proper funding. The birth of new awards for this sector, like the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), which cultural ambassadors like Tongayi Chirisa, Danai Gurira, and Chipo Chung support, is great news for the sector. Zimbabwe can also benefit from utilising the expertise of filmmakers like Joe Njagu, Eddie Sandifolo, and Charlene Furusa, who are dedicated to the sector. The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) roundtable held at Mbare Art Space from October 10-13 was also a game-changer for the sector. In literary arts, the sector has been lamenting the decline of the reading culture. However, some literary arts gurus reckon there is not enough reading material in certain communities, which should be made available first. On a sad note, 2024 was the year we lost historian Phathisa Nyathi after a long illness at the age of 73. Many are still reeling from the loss of the popular arts practitioner, famed for his research as a preservationist and his writing style. In summary, a collective mindset shift is vital for the arts sector to thrive and create more opportunities. ELECTIONS by their nature and at any level of society, are a delicate process often characterised by controversy, mudslinging, contestations and a lot of jockeying. Elections are emotional, too. The intensity of those characteristics also varies with the kind of interest, which the elections in question, would have generated and the players involved in those [...] Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub LED by three centurions, Zimbabwe broke records on Day Two of the historic Boxing Day Test against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Chevrons began Day Two on 363/4 and ended their innings on a mammoth 586 runs from 135.2 overs. The 586 runs scored over the five [...] Nqobile Tshili, Bulawayo Bureau VICTORIA Mudyanembwa, a brilliant young student from the rural heartland of Lukosi in Hwange District, who just earned a first class honours degree from the University of Zimbabwe in Pharmaceutical Chemistry as the top student in her year, is now moving to Oxford University for a post-graduate degree on the prestigious [...]

Credo shares surge after 64% jump in revenue, narrowed quarterly loss

‘El Corrido de Luigi Mangione’: Examining the Phenomenon of the Accused Shooter-Turned-Antihero Through Mexican MusicEDMONTON — Leaders of the Prairie provinces are urging Canada to act on American concerns over illegal cross-border traffic of people and drugs to stave off the looming threat of 25 per cent tariffs. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday that Canada must do better to address the concerns of its largest trading partner. Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump promised Monday to impose the tariffs on his first day in office in January. He said he would keep the tariffs in place until Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent drugs such as fentanyl from entering the U.S. Kinew said 25 per cent tariffs would mean a recession for his province and that Canada needs to show the new U.S. administration it's serious about security and tackling the drug crisis. He said it begins with Canada’s pledge to NATO allies to spend two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence by 2032. "First and foremost, (it’s about) hitting that target of two per cent spending on defence,” said Kinew. “That gets us in the game just to be taken seriously as a security partner with the U.S. If we don't do it, it's going to become a trade problem." In a video posted to social media, Alberta's premier said Canada needs to reach its pledged commitment on defence. "If their trade partners are looking to be free riders on American security interests, that's also going to harm the relationship," Smith said, adding, "You also have to take seriously the asylum seekers." Smith added in another post that the incoming Trump administration has "valid concerns related to illegal activities" at the border. The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, with $188 billion in bilateral trade in 2023. Last year, energy products accounted for more than 80 per cent of that trade, or about $134 billion. Smith said the vast majority of Alberta's energy exports to the U.S. are "delivered through secure and safe pipelines," which "do not in any way contribute to these illegal activities." In Saskatchewan, Moe said he understands Trump’s position on border security. “As Canadians, we can all benefit from additional border security stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants across our borders,” he said in a social media post. He said his province plans to use all levers at its disposal to stop the tariffs and will approach the U.S. directly. Moe added the proposed tariffs would hurt Saskatchewan’s export-based economy and drive up prices on both sides of the border. Speaking to CTV early Tuesday, Moe said his government would represent Saskatchewan interests alongside the federal government, fellow premiers "and on our own when necessary." "We have a strong relationship with a number of the administration that President Trump has appointed," Moe said. In 2023, Saskatchewan’s exports to the U.S. amounted to almost $27 billion after hitting a record high of $29 billion in 2022. Its top exports include crude oil, potash and canola. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has convened an emergency meeting for Wednesday with the country's premiers to discuss the tariffs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. — With files from Jeremy Simes in Regina and Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press