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JERUSALEM — The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold. The ceasefire announced Tuesday is a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting sparked by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Israel said it will attack if Hezbollah breaks the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire calls for an initial two-month halt to fighting and requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops are to return to their side of the border. An international panel led by the United States will monitor compliance. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. Wednesday, a day after Israel carried out its most intense wave of airstrikes in Beirut since the start of the conflict that in recent weeks turned into all-out war. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. The ceasefire does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Rescuers and residents search for victims Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut, Lebanon. Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. Residents fled. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah is required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. Israeli security officers and army soldiers inspect the site Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024, where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Sira Thienou scored 16 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals and No. 18 Mississippi coasted to an 89-24 win over Alabama State on Saturday. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala both added 12 points and Kennedy Todd-Williams had 11 for the Rebels (5-2), who had a breather after losing to No. 2 UConn by 13 in the Bahamas. Kaitlyn Bryant had seven points to lead the Hornets (2-5), who shot 19% with 33 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-25. Alabama State was 1 of 8 with 11 turnovers in the first quarter, falling behind 24-4. The Hornets were 2 of 11 with seven giveaways in the second quarter when they were outscored 33-6 to trail 57-10 at the half. The Rebels shot 58% with 28 points off turnovers. They scored the first 16 points of the game and the first 24 points of the second quarter. Ole Miss had the last five points of the third quarter and the first seven of the fourth to get the lead to 82-22. The Hornets went 1 of 10 in the final 10 minutes with 10 turnovers. It was Mississippi's third win against teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference with one more to play. The Rebels play at NC State on Thursday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballTrump threatens sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, ChinaDiscerning Pressure Washing and Soft Washing With Knox Prowash 12-27-2024 10:18 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Knoxville, TN - Pressure washing [ https://www.knoxprowash.com/pressure-washing-company-in-knoxville-tn/ ] and soft washing are both techniques used to clean the exterior surfaces of properties. So, the question is, what is the difference between these two surface cleaning methods? Furthermore, how can one decide which technique is the best choice for the project? Knox Prowash [ https://www.knoxprowash.com/pressure-washing-company-in-knoxville-tn/ ] shares knowledge below to help shed light on the situation. Read below, learn the differences between these two concepts, and determine which one is the best choice for your property's exterior surfaces. When Pressure Washing is an Appropriate Choice Pressure washing is the process of cleaning exterior surfaces with pressurized water. "Pressure washing" is often used as a broad term, referring to projects involving a wide range of water pressure measurements. For example, when pressure washing wood, a force equalling 800 PSI may be used; on the other hand, when pressure washing concrete, up to 2500 PSI might be involved. Despite the large difference in PSI, the method used to clean the surface is called "pressure washing" in both of these scenarios. The most important thing to keep in mind when preparing to pressure wash a surface is to make note of the material in question. Knowledge regarding how much PSI to use for each material is crucial. If one does not know how much water pressure to use, a quick web search should clear the air. When to Opt For Soft Washing Instead Certain materials and structures have to be washed with a very, very low amount of PSI. For example, vinyl and plastic cannot withstand full-force pressure washing. Similarly, many home exteriors and roofs cannot be pressure washed, either. This is where the similar yet distinct technique known as soft washing enters the scene. To soft wash a property's delicate surfaces, the amount of PSI used must be adjusted to 150-300 PSI. This turns a potentially harmful procedure into something gentle enough for even the most sensitive structures and materials. If one is unsure whether to pressure wash or soft wash a specific structure or material, it is recommended to perform further web research. Professional Pressure Washing and Soft Washing While some property owners choose to clean their own exterior surfaces, many others choose to avoid the DIY process entirely. To do this, they reach out to professional pressure washing and soft washing businesses such as Knox Prowash. This locally owned and operated company can determine the best technique for each specific project ahead of time. Then, Knox Prowash's professionals will remove all dirt and debris from the surfaces in question. Professional pressure washing and soft washing comes at a price. Knox Prowash determines this price on a project-by-project basis. What you will pay for the company's services is decided by the overall size of the area that needs to be washed. There are no hidden fees; all costs are disclosed upfront. About Knox Prowash Knox Prowash is proud to serve residential and commercial clients in the Knoxville, TN [ https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfrVFTYQJ3BufiqY9 ] community. Whether customers need pressure washing services or soft washing services, the company's professional team completes the work at an efficient pace, as well as for a reasonable price. Knox Prowash's goal is to improve the visual appearance of the area's properties so that Knoxville can be a cleaner and more welcoming place. For more information about Knox Prowash, visit their website [ https://www.knoxprowash.com/pressure-washing-company-in-knoxville-tn/ ] or call (865) 214-6610. Media Contact Company Name: Knox Prowash Contact Person: Bryce Flynn Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=discerning-pressure-washing-and-soft-washing-with-knox-prowash ] Phone: (865) 214-6610 City: Knoxville State: Tennessee Country: United States Website: https://www.knoxprowash.com/ This release was published on openPR.
The city of El Dorado is currently grappling with severe flooding, as confirmed in a Facebook post by El Dorado Police Department . The department has warned residents about deep waters and the lack of barriers to secure flood-prone streets. The ongoing storm, showing no signs of abating, has caused power outages in parts of the city and prompted an urgent plea for residents to stay indoors. There's concrete concern regarding area’s infrastructure under the relentless assault of the storm. "Okay guys, the flooding is getting real. We’re running out of barriers to block streets! Some of these areas are DEEP! Electricity is out in some parts of town," the El Dorado Police Department detailed. The department used their social media platform to admonish residents, stating, "This storm is not letting up soon, so stay home and be safe. If you HAVE to go somewhere, remember: turn around, don’t drown!!" This message underlines the seriousness of the situation and the potential risk to individuals who may underestimate the hazard. As El Dorado faces the challenges of severe flooding, the police department has turned to social media as a crucial tool for sharing real-time updates and safety advice with the public. In a recent Facebook post, the department assured residents of further updates in the post's comments section, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the community informed as the situation evolves. This responsive and interactive approach to crisis communication highlights the importance of engagement in maintaining public safety during emergency events.
Investors that are on the lookout for big returns may want to check out these ASX 200 shares in this article. That's because analysts believe that they are buys and could rise between 30% and 60% over the next 12 months. Here's what you need to know about them: ( ) Analysts at Bell Potter see a lot of value in this ASX 200 share. Light & Wonder is a leading global cross platform games company. The broker notes that "whilst the loss of future Dragon Train revenues is disappointing, our Buy thesis remains predicated on LNW's cross-platform strategy and leading scale producing a portfolio of high-performing games in both land-based and digital markets. As a result, we expect improvement in product quality to strengthen LNW's competitive advantage, supporting higher ROIC." Bell Potter has a buy rating and $180.00 price target on the company's shares. This implies potential upside of almost 30% for investors over the next 12 months. Another ASX 200 share that could deliver big returns for investors in 2025 is Megaport. It is a leading global provider of elastic interconnection services that Morgans rates highly. The broker believes that the company's strong form can continue over the coming years thanks to the artificial intelligence ( ) megatrend. Morgans notes that "it is uniquely placed to help business move data globally and benefit from the growth of data related to both cloud computing and AI." The broker currently has an add rating and $12.50 price target on its shares. This suggest that upside of over 60% is possible from current levels. ( ) Finally, the team at Goldman Sachs thinks that Web Travel Group could be an undervalued ASX 200 share with potential to rise strongly. It is the business to business travel company behind the WebBeds business. Commenting on its bullish view of the stock, the broker said: "WEB is the second largest Hotel Bed wholesaler globally with BARMM regional headquarters —File photo MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court en banc has denied the motions for partial reconsideration filed by the government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Office of the Solicitor General and other groups seeking to reverse the ruling that excluded Sulu from the BARMM. “The decision is final and immediately executory. No further pleadings will be entertained,” Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting said at a press briefing on Tuesday after the high court’s session. A member of the parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the interim governing body of the BARMM that earlier petitioned the Supreme Court seeking to reverse its September ruling separating Sulu from the region, said they were deeply saddened by the denial of their motion for reconsideration. READ: BARMM to sustain services in Sulu despite split Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, the BARMM health minister and member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, said the high court ruling on the exit of Sulu was “a very sad page of the Bangsamoro history.” READ: SC: Sulu not part of BARMM “This is the lesson of a lifetime. Be mindful of what you wish for, we may regret it sooner or later,” he said, in a veiled swipe at Sulu politicians who spearheaded the petition against the province’s inclusion in the BARMM after its voters rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) during the plebiscite in January 2019. In its decision issued on Sept. 9, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the BOL but ruled that Sulu province is not part of the BARMM after the province voted against the law’s ratification. Enacted on July 27, 2018, the BOL established the BARMM as a political entity and defined its basic governmental structure. The creation of the region and its territorial boundaries took effect following a plebiscite, in which a majority of voters approved the law. The plebiscite was held on Jan. 21, 2019, covering areas of the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), along with Isabela City in Basilan and Cotabato City. Another plebiscite followed on Feb. 6, 2019, in Lanao del Norte, select municipalities in North Cotabato and other areas seeking voluntary inclusion in the BARMM. While the majority of ARMM voters ratified the law, Sulu rejected it. Despite this, the province was included in the BARMM, prompting them to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. “The Court ruled that the Bangsamoro Organic Law is constitutional because it does not establish BARMM as a separate state from the Philippines. The law does not grant BARMM the power to engage in foreign relations or its own sovereignty,” the high court said. The high tribunal’s decision came as a “shock” to several Bangsamoro leaders, with one lawmaker saying that Sulu’s exclusion endangered the foundation of autonomy in Muslim Mindanao. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . “With the departure of Sulu, the remaining provinces must now ask themselves whether the door has been opened for their own departure. The cracks in this collective struggle for autonomy may undo the decades of effort that brought us to this point. We all find ourselves back in square one,” Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong earlier said. —with a report from Edwin O. Fernandez
Luke Littler shows true colours with five-word message for Fallon SherrockIndia National Cricket Team vs Australia National Cricket Team Free Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast: The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is set for a fitting final day action with all three results still possible. Both India and Australia will be pressing for a win while a draw is on cards as well. However, hosts Australia sit slightly comfortably and have a bit of advantage all thanks to some resistance by lower order. Meanwhile for IND vs AUS 4th Test 2024 free live streaming and live telecast details you can scroll down. 'Captain Cry Baby' Australian Newspaper Targets Rohit Sharma With a Cheeky Back Page Image After His Outburst On Teammates During Day 4 of IND vs AUS 4th Test 2024. After India were bowled out for 369 in their first innings, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj made early inroads to leave Australia tottering at 91/6 at one stage. Marnus Labushchangne and captain Pat Cummins steadied the ship with a vital 57-run partnership. Siraj then removed Labuschagne for a well-made 70 to break the partnership. India then found two more quick wickets as Australia’s score read 173/9. However, number 10 and 11- Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland- stitched an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the last wicket to not just frustrate India but take the lead past 300-run mark as well. When play was called off, Australia's lead was worth 333 runs which appeared difficult to achieve at one stage. On day five, the home side will be looking to add some quick runs and set a target for the visitors. When is India vs Australia 4th Test 2024 Day 5? Know Date, Time and Venue The India national cricket team vs Australia national cricket team 4th Test 2024 is being played at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The final day or Day 5 of IND vs AUS 4th Test 2024 will begin at 04:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time) on December 30. Where to Watch Live Telecast of India vs Australia 4th Test 2024 Day 5? Star Sports Network holds the broadcast rights of India tour of Australia 2024-25 in India. The IND vs AUS 4th Test 2024 free live telecast is available on Star Sports 1 SD/HD in English commentary and with Hindi commentary on Star Sports 1 Hindi SD/HD TV channel. For the India vs Australia 2024 viewing option online, read below. Funny Memes Go Viral On Social Media After Rohit Sharma Makes In-Form Jasprit Bumrah Take Heavy Workload On Day 4 of IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test 2024. How to Watch Free Live Streaming Online of India vs Australia 4th Test 2024 Day 5? India vs Australia 4th Test 2024 live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app and website. Fans will have to subscribe to services to avail live streaming online of IND vs AUS 4th Test 2024 Day 5. Please note no IND vs AUS free live streaming online is available in India. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 02:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Roselyn Baker is not a firefighter anymore. That part of her life came to a screeching halt when she reported a complaint to her boss, the Monroe Rural Protection Fire District's chief, and was fired the same day, two hours later. Following her termination, nearly half of Monroe’s firefighters resigned . It’s been almost a year, and in that time, the district has racked up more than $8,000 in legal fees and paid Baker a $125,000 settlement after she filed a tort claim, alleging retaliation, wrongful termination and other misdeeds. The Fire District conducted an investigation , but the results were not released, with officials citing attorney-client privilege. People are also reading... Albany school support staff call for schools to close Jan. 6 As I See It: Why I really resigned from the Corvallis Planning Commission Unsafe left turn on Highway 20 in Linn County leads to fatal crash Two Albany residents killed in Linn County crash Samaritan Health Services CEO resigns Group wants to make Corvallis downtown more sophisticated Group wants to make Corvallis downtown more sophisticated Albany shelter faces federal lawsuit as whistleblower faces homelessness Family of hit-and-run victim seeks closure, clues that will lead to driver As I See It: The people of Benton County deserve leadership that promotes dialogue Christmas Eve hit-and-run causes domino effect in Albany Has a hard nonconference schedule prepared the Oregon State women's basketball team for the WCC? Corvallis high schoolers: We don't trust district to handle bias reports Albany man indicted in attempted murder case Oregon State celebrates Murphy's arrival while Washington State loses coach, quarterback The decision to close the investigation to the public was one made by the district's board of directors, according to Chief Chris Barnes. In the aftermath of the controversy, the district has updated its employee handbook and incorporated “relevant training” to prevent future incidents, Barnes said, adding staffing levels have returned normal. But for Baker, the actions signal a lack of accountability. “They sacrificed the integrity of the department to keep the people at the top,” she said. Earlier this year, several volunteer firefighters resigned from the Monroe Rural Fire Protection District following the termination of a staff firefighter after she had issued a complaint to Chief Barnes. The genesis of the complaint traces back to the January winter storm that blanketed the mid-Willamette Valley with a layer of ice . Barnes and Baker, who was an acting-in-capacity lieutenant, responded to a call at a Benton County home, according to a letter she wrote to Barnes. During the Jan. 16 incident, Baker put her portable radio on the back of her pants, attached to her duty belt and bent down to evaluate a patient. Wanting to call more medics to the scene, Barnes approached Baker from behind and grabbed her radio, yanking it several times before freeing it from her belt, the letter, dated Jan. 22, said. “The action of approaching me from behind and removing the radio from my belt made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I am more than capable of removing the portable radio from my belt in a timely manner if you are unable to find yours,” the letter says. Baker specifically asked Barnes not to touch her or her belt unless her life is under immediate threat or if she has given explicit permission. Within two hours of delivering her written complaint to Barnes, she was fired, according to the tort claim, filed two weeks later on Jan. 30. Tort claims against governmental agencies are often precursors to lawsuits. Copies of both the dated letter Baker brought to Barnes and her last check are included in the tort claim. After learning of the termination — one of only three paid positions at the district — five volunteer firefighters resigned and signed a letter sent to the board of directors, indicating they had no confidence in Chief Barnes' leadership. Resigned volunteer firefighters indicated they would return if an investigation were launched and Barnes were placed on administrative leave. They got half of what they wanted: An investigation was conducted, but Barnes was not placed on administrative leave. Shortly after the board's vote to conduct an investigation, the only remaining paid staff firefighter also resigned because of Baker’s termination. With the changes in staffing, some resigned firefighters expressed concerns about the district's ability to get to calls fast enough. However, Barnes maintained in an email that no call times were affected. Today, staffing is normal. Four paid positions, two part-time and two full-time, are filled, he said. Volunteers total 16, with two recruits finishing up at the academy, he added. The tort claim filed with the district describes battery, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, whistleblowing retaliation and wrongful termination at the hands of the fire chief. In response, Monroe Rural Fire Protection District has paid over $8,300 in attorney fees from January to July, according to invoices from Local Government Law Group obtained in a public records request. The first charge appears Jan. 23, a day after Baker’s termination. Barnes declined to comment about the settlement Baker received, but Baker said she accepted a $125,000 settlement in August. Before that, she was asked to come back to her position. Mid-Valley Media obtained the letter that was addressed to her lawyer. “After careful consideration, the district is willing to allow Ms. Baker to return to work immediately, in her same position without any loss of pay or benefits,” the Feb. 15 letter penned by Spencer Rockwell of Special Districts Insurance Services reads. “I have been asked by the district to assist them in this matter,” the letter says. At the time, the investigation was not yet complete looking into the allegations Baker made, the letter acknowledges. In February, the board of directors voted to investigate the allegations against Barnes. Mid-Valley Media attempted to obtain the records from Monroe Rural Protection Fire District, but the request was denied, based on an Oregon state law that exempts documents produced under attorney-client privilege. “The investigation was completed by a third-party and at the control and direction of the District’s legal counsel. The investigator issued a report to legal counsel. The report is an attorney-client privileged document, unconditionally exempt from disclosure, and not subject to an analysis of the public interest,” Mark Wolf of Local Government Law Group wrote in a letter to the Benton County District Attorney, to whom Mid-Valley Media appealed after its public records request was denied. When asked why the records were not released, Barnes said the decision to conduct the investigation the way it did was made by the board of directors. He couldn't speak to it. When asked what he thinks the public should know about the investigation, he gave the following reply by email: “That the board of directors fulfilled their obligation as elected officials, by investigating the matter and based on the findings of those results, made decisions that best suited the district and the public,” he said. When asked if any new trainings or changes were put in place to prevent future incidents, Barnes replied: “The board has adopted a revised and current employee handbook in collaboration with HR Answers, a Special District Association of Oregon affiliate. MRFPD has instituted additional training in relevant topics.” Inside a Corvallis coffee shop, Baker’s hands clasped over a to-go paper cup. She doesn't socialize much in Monroe anymore, she said. She doesn’t eat out at restaurants or even do much shopping there because she doesn’t want to run into anyone from the fire department. Monroe, a town of 763 according to the 2023 U.S. Census, is a place where people don’t ask very many questions, she said. She thought residents might come to the public meetings to see why firefighters were resigning. But they didn’t. On social media, some residents shared that they thought Baker was complaining because she got fired, she said. No one seemed to ask questions there either. “Some people had their minds set. People in Monroe don’t ask questions unless it benefits them or their agenda,” she said. Some of her interactions in the small town felt outright hostile. A former member of the Fire District called a local TV news station to show up to Baker's doorstep, without any warning. She knows who it was because she asked the newscaster who sent her the news tip, she said. “It felt like a direct attempt to humiliate me by invading my privacy,” she said. It’s been almost a year since the day Baker was terminated, but the details are still fresh in her mind. Baker purposely went to deliver her complaint with two other firefighters, who stood in earshot, she said. The chief had a track record of being defensive, and she didn’t want to be alone when she brought in the note. She remembers joking with her coworkers that she was going to get fired for raising a complaint, she said. Then she was. “I just wanted to keep my head down and do my job and maybe ask someone not to touch me, you know, that's it. That's it. I wasn’t even asking for him to get written up,” she said. When five volunteer firefighters resigned, saying they would return if Barnes was put on administrative leave, Baker thought that the board might grant their request. But they didn’t. Being a firefighter is a difficult job; you have to put faith and trust in your team, she said. You are being asked to put in time and effort and may even be risking fellow firefighters' lives at times. Instead, she felt like firefighters, including herself, were treated like they were disposable. “If you want people to actually care about the job they're doing and put in that time and effort, you take pride in it. You have to treat them right. You have to protect your employees,” she said. Watching it all unfold, Baker is now left with a feeling that is difficult to describe. “I feel like I got betrayed,” she said. It almost sounds too dramatic, she said, but it’s the only word that can really describe the heavy emotion, she said. Before events unfolded, she looks back at her time at Monroe Fire as rewarding. She wouldn’t go back and change that just because of what happened in the end, Baker said. At the same time, if she had a daughter, she wouldn’t want her to be a firefighter directly because of her experience, she said. Looking for a fresh start, Baker enrolled in dental hygienist school. She hasn’t tried to apply to any firefighting jobs since. It feels like something she has in her “back pocket,” but for now the feelings are too fresh, and frankly she has become disillusioned. “There was no integrity, no accountability, she said, “ I lost faith in the system, and I didn’t want to risk it again.” Related stories: Why nearly half of Monroe's volunteer firefighters resigned Shayla Escudero Allegations against Monroe fire chief to be investigated Shayla Escudero Another Monroe firefighter resigns amid allegations against chief Shayla Escudero Shayla Escudero graduated University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Journalism. She covers Albany city hall and Linn County. She is passionate about telling people forward stories and shining a light on injustices. She can be reached at Shayla.Escudero@lee.net Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Reporter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Trump urged by GOP ally to clear path for House Speaker vote
STORES across the UK have confirmed they will cut their opening hours over the New Year to give staff an extra rest. Some high-street staples are closing their doors entirely while others are drawing the blinds earlier than usual. It's good to know when these timings are so you're well prepared and don't waste a day out. Traditionally, most shops are expected to close on New Year's Day , but in recent years retailers have started to change their opening hours. We recommend checking the opening hours of your local store as they aren't always the same across all branches. If you're unsure and can't find any information online, ask a staff member when you're next in. Read more from money Below are the stores that have confirmed closures on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day... Tesco Tesco is one of the major stores that will reduce it's opening hours but not close its doors entirely. But it's good to be prepared - especially if you're needing to stock up on any last-minute booze for New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, Tesco Extra stores and superstores will close at 7pm, with some exceptions on the Isle of Man. Most read in Money Meanwhile, the majority of Express stores will close at 10pm and some bigger branches will only stay open until 7pm. For New Year's Day , superstores will open from 8am to 6pm. Most Express stores are open from 8am to 10pm but some bigger ones may close earlier. Tesco advises customers check the opening hours of their local store before heading out. Sainsbury's Sainsbury's is also staying open for the New Year period but with shorter service hours. On New Year's Eve, supermarkets will be open from 10am to 7pm and convenience stores from 6am to 9pm. And on New Year's Day, supermarkets will be open from 8am to 8pm and convenience stores from 8am to 9pm. Petrol filling stations will open 30 minutes before and close 30 minutes after the main store on New Year's Day. However on New Year's Eve they will open an hour later. The supermarket will return to its usual operating hours on January 2. Check with your local Sainsbury's to be sure. M&S M&S is reducing its hours on New Year's Eve and completely closing its doors to the public on New Year's Day. The retailer told The Sun: "On New Year's Eve almost 400 of our stores will be open 9am-7pm but customers can check out the hours of their local store on the M&S app or website. "On New Year’s Day, our stores will be closed so colleagues can spend more time with loved ones. The size of your shop and whether it has a food hall may cause hours to vary, so check with your local. Asda Asda will be reducing its hours on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. On December 31 it will open at 7am and close at 7pm. While on January 1 it will open at 9am and close at 6pm. Times will vary between stores, however, so shoppers are advised to check the precise timings for their local stores. You can do this via Store Locator tool on Asda's website. Waitrose Waitrose has confirmed it will shut the majority of its stores on New Years Day with only a handful staying open. Those which remain open will continue operating via Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Check with your local Waitrose to find out if it is one of the branches opening on New Year's Day. New Year's Eve opening hours will also vary. However, stores will generally open at 8am and close at 7pm. Aldi Aldi has also confirmed it will close completely on January 1. It is also set to open at 8am on New Year's Eve and close to the public early at 6pm. These hours should be the same across the board so no need to check with your local. Morrisons Morrisons has revealed it will open at 7am on New Year's Eve, and close its doors early at 7pm for all stores in England and Wales. Those living in Scotland can enter stores from 6am. READ MORE SUN STORIES On New Year's Day all stores will open at 8am and close at 6pm. And on January 1 Morrisons will return to its regular operating hours - unless you live in Scotland, where it will open 9am to 6pm. MOST UK supermarkets have loyalty schemes so customers can build up points and save money while they shop. Here we round up what saving programmes you'll find at the big brands. Iceland: Unlike other stores, you don't collect points with the Iceland Bonus Card. Instead, you load it up with money and Iceland will give you £1 for every £20 you save. Lidl Plus : Lidl customers don't collect points when they shop, and are instead rewarded with personalised vouchers that gives them money off at the till. Morrisons: The My Morrisons: Make Good Things Happen replaces the More Card and rewards customers with personalised money off vouchers via the app. Sainsbury's: While Sainsbury's doesn't have a personal scheme, it does own the Nectar card which can also be used in Argos, eBay and other shops. You need 200 Nectar points to save up £1 to spend on your card. You need to spend at least £1 to get one Nectar point. Tesco: Tesco Clubcard has over 17million members in the UK alone. You use it each time you shop and build up points that can be turned into vouchers - 150 points gets you a £1.50 voucher. Here you need to spend £1 in Tesco to get one point. Waitrose: myWaitrose also doesn't allow you to collect points but instead you'll get access to free hot drinks, and discounts off certain brands in store. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk . Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and storiesCouple killed in hit & run on way to family dinner could have pushed daughter to safety as tragic new details emergeTwo Canadian Cabinet ministers left a meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Friday without assurances President-elect Donald Trump will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. The Canadians called the talks “productive” and said there would be further discussions but one official said the Americans remain fixated on the U.S. trade deficit with Canada. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened. “Minister LeBlanc and Minister Joly had a positive, productive meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Howard Lutnick and Doug Burgum, as a follow-up to the dinner between the Prime Minister and President Trump last month,” said Jean-Sébastien Comeau, a spokesman for LeBlanc. Comeau said both ministers outlined the measures in Canada's billion-dollar plan to increase security at the border and reiterated “the shared commitment to strengthen border security as well as combat the harm caused by fentanyl to save Canadian and American lives.” Comeau said Lutnick and Burgum agreed to relay the information to Trump. A senior Canadian official, however, said the Americans remain preoccupied on the U.S. trade deficit with Canada and want it to shrink. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Trump has made an issue of the U.S. trade deficit, erroneously calling it a subsidy. Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, has said the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year. But she noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and said there is a deficit when oil prices are high. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Alberta alone sends 4.3 million barrel s of oil per day to the U.S which tends to consume about 20 million barrels a day. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks. Joly will also have dinner with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday. Trump has been trolling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media in recent weeks by calling him the Governor of the 51st state. Trudeau has not directly responded, but did post a link Thursday to a six-minute video on YouTube from 2010 in which American NBC journalist Tom Brokaw “explains Canada to Americans.” “Some information about Canada for Americans” Trudeau wrote in the post on X. The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, the massive trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian military in World War 2 and Afghanistan. “In our darkest hours Canada has been with us,” Brokaw says in the video. “In the long history of sovereign neighbors there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada.” Trudeau has told Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs are vastly different at the U.S.’s two land borders. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time.
IWV Burros compete at Valley Youth Football League Super BowlStock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are closing lower as Wall Street ends a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 333 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.5%. The “Magnificent 7” stocks weighed on the market, led by declines in Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft. Even with the loss, the S&P 500 had a modest gain for the week and is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62%. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose.
Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squad
By Keiichiro Azuma / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent 2:00 JST, December 1, 2024 ZHUHAI, China — The latest model of a stealth fighter that China recently unveiled at an air show is believed to have the potential to be a strong rival of U.S. forces’ aircraft in the event of a military contingency in Taiwan. A J-35 fighter, which is China’s latest model of stealth fighter jets, was shown for the first time at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, dubbed Airshow China, that was held on Nov. 12-17 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. Military experts believe that a variant of the model will be developed so it can be used on an aircraft carrier, and there is concern that the new fighters will raise the Chinese military’s ability to obstruct the approach of U.S. forces if an armed conflict occurs in Taiwan. At the air show, Russia also showed off its latest stealth fighter, demonstrating cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. On Nov. 13, a gray aircraft appeared in the air over Zhuhai amid a steady rainfall, making deep, thunderous sounds. It was the Chinese air force’s J-35A. On Nov. 12, the opening day of the air show, the fighter was shown to the crowd for only about 10 seconds. On Nov. 13, the fighter flew for about two minutes for the invited guests to see, and it demonstrated a rapid, high-altitude ascent, like pulling a string. The J-35 model was developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd., a major state-owned company. It is the fifth-generation stealth fighter following the J-20 model. The shape of J-35’s body is very similar to that of the U.S. forces’ F-35 stealth fighter. It is obvious that China is conscious of the U.S. military. China Central Television emphasized that China “became the world’s second country that possesses two kinds of stealth fighters,” comparing itself to the United States, which has the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighter models. Some military experts think that a naval variant of the J-35 will be developed to use as a carrier-borne aircraft on the Fujian, the Chinese navy’s third aircraft carrier which began test sailing in May. China’s current carrier-borne fighter, the J-15 model, does not have stealth capabilities that make an aircraft difficult to be detected by radar. If realized, the J-35 would become the Chinese navy’s first carrier-borne stealth fighter. China’s military buildup could cause tension over security situations in East Asia. However, it is a policy of President Xi Jinping, who aims to build world-class armed forces ahead of the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army in 2027. According to Japan’s defense white papers and other sources, China’s fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, including the J-16 and J-20, numbered less than 700 in 2013, just after the Xi administration was launched. In 2024, the figure rose to 1,588, while Japan had 329 fighters. The then commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command voiced concern in March this year to the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Armed Services, saying that China’s air force will soon be the world’s largest. As J-35 fighters with stealth capabilities could slip through U.S. forces’ defense networks, the probability that they will be able to fire anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles against U.S. forces is thought to be higher. The greatest concern about the impact of the new fighter is against a U.S. response to a contingency in Taiwan. With the aircraft, China’s ability to implement its anti-access/area denial (A2AD) strategy will strengthen. A2AD refers to a plan to obstruct U.S. forces launched from its military bases in Hawaii and Guam from approaching Taiwan to help it. The A2AD strategy aims to deny U.S. forces from passing beyond the “first island chain” stretching between Japan’s Nansei Islands and the Philippines so that the U.S. military will be unable to conduct operations beyond the “second island chain” to the east of the first chain. During a Chinese military drill in October in the waters surrounding Taiwan, its carrier strike fleet deployed in the western Pacific east of Taiwan. Experts believe that the move simulated a predicted deployment of U.S. forces in the event of a military contingency in Taiwan. However, Moriki Aita of the National Institute for Defense Studies cast doubt on China’s descriptions about the J-35’s capabilities. “China’s insistence that its fighters’ capabilities are on the same level as those of F-22 and F-35 fighters is doubtful,” Aita said. In addition, contemporary air warfare is a battle of the combination of elements such as radars, satellites and air-defense missiles as a whole. Aita speculated that Chinese fighters’ capabilities in this context still have not reached the same level as those of U.S. forces. China’s stance is to make further progress in its military buildup, including developing new weapons. At this year’s air show, large stealth drones and others were exhibited for the first time. Experts believe that China intends to deploy the new weapons not only against Taiwan, but also in the South China Sea, where Beijing has made maritime advancements in a coercive way claiming territorial sovereignty. “Military activities around Japan will also become more active,” a military source said of the Chinese military’s moves. “Japan needs to deter such moves by cooperating with the United States, South Korea, Australia and other nearby countries.”