Manhattan police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione , suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while carrying a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Here's the latest: But Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks says it won’t be a substantial barrier to returning Mangione to New York. He noted that defendants contest extradition “all the time,” including in simple retail theft cases. Dickey, his defense lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. Mangione will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon. He has 14 days to challenge the detention. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor’s warrant out of New York. Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was quieted by his lawyer. Luigi Mangione, 26, has also been denied bail at a brief court hearing in western Pennsylvania. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision. That’s with some intervention from owner Elon Musk. The account, which hasn’t posted since June, was briefly suspended by X. But after a user inquired about it in a post Monday, Musk responded “This happened without my knowledge. Looking into it.” The account was later reinstated. Other social media companies such as Meta have removed his accounts. According to X rules, the platform removes “any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, as well as any accounts glorifying the perpetrator(s), or dedicated to sharing manifestos and/or third party links where related content is hosted.” Mangione is not accused of perpetrating a terrorist or mass attack — he has been charged with murder — and his account doesn’t appear to share any writings about the case. He shouted something that was partly unintelligible, but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” He’s there for an arraignment on local charges stemming from his arrest Monday. He was dressed in an orange jumpsuit as officers led him from a vehicle into the courthouse. Local defense lawyer Thomas Dickey is expected to represent the 26-year-old at a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Blair County Courthouse. Dickey declined comment before the hearing. Mangione could have the Pennsylvania charges read aloud to him and may be asked to enter a plea. They include possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. In New York, he was charged late Monday with murder in the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. A felony warrant filed in New York cites Altoona Officer Christy Wasser as saying she found the writings along with a semi-automatic pistol and an apparent silencer. The filing echoes earlier statements from NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny who said Mangione had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America.” Mangione is now charged in Pennsylvania with being a fugitive of justice. A customer at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested said one of his friends had commented beforehand that the man looked like the suspect wanted for the shooting in New York City. “It started out almost a little bit like a joke, my one friend thought he looked like the shooter,” said the customer, who declined to give his full name, on Tuesday. “It wasn’t really a joke, but we laughed about it,” he added. The warrant on murder and other charges is a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. In court papers made public Tuesday, a New York City police detective reiterated key findings in the investigation he said tied Mangione to the killing, including surveillance footage and a fake ID he used to check into a Manhattan hostel on Nov. 24. Police officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found that ID when they arrested Mangione on Monday. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and ski cap. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. Mangione’s cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione, announced Tuesday morning that he’s postponing a fundraiser planned later this week at the Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore, which was purchased by the Mangione family in 1986. “Because of the nature of this terrible situation involving my Cousin I do not believe it is appropriate to hold my fundraising event scheduled for this Thursday at Hayfields,” Nino Mangione said in a social media post. “I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. My family and I are heartbroken and ask that you remember the family of Mr. Thompson in your prayers. Thank you.” Officers used New York City’s muscular surveillance system . Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door to door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later , those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian’s instincts. A customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos New York police had publicized. He remains jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late Monday evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. It’s unclear whether Luigi Nicholas Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday’s arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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DETROIT — A Muslim Democrat kicked out of a rally featuring Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at the Royal Oak Musical Theatre last month sued the entertainment venue Thursday in federal court. The lawsuit by Ahmed Ghanim of Ferndale accuses venue officials of discrimination based on race and religion, denial of public accommodation in violation of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and, intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking an unspecified amount of damages. The lawsuit was filed one month after Ghanim was kicked out of an Oct. 21 rally featuring the Democratic nominee in Royal Oak. The incident unfolded as the Harris campaign strived to make inroads with the Muslim and Arab American community in Michigan amid anger over the Biden administration's support for Israel in its war against Hamas and its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. "Dr. Ghanim was left humiliated, confused, and distressed by the pretextual reason for his ejection from a public political event," his lawyer, Shereef Akeel, wrote in the lawsuit. "...defendants took this action against Dr. Ghanim because of his religion, race, and/or ethnicity." A lawyer for the theatre did not respond immediately Thursday to a request for comment. Republican Donald Trump won the presidential vote in the cities of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights in the presidential election on his way to winning Michigan after the former president courted voters in Metro Detroit's traditionally Democratic Arab American and Muslim communities. Ghanim, an activist who ran for U.S. House in the 11th District that covers parts of Oakland County, said that he had RSVP'd, cleared security and was sitting in the auditorium at the Royal Oak Musical Theatre responding to emails on his phone when a staffer with the venue approached him and asked him to follow her. At the theater's door, the staffer closed it behind him, and he was asked to leave or told he'd be put in the back of a police car. “I’m going to leave but I want to know why you are kicking me out...," Ghanim said during an encounter that he partially recorded. Ghanim said he questioned a Secret Service officer about why he was being removed, and the response was: "I'm not kicking you out. The venue is kicking you out," according to the lawsuit. "Dr. Ghanim was then informed by authorities present that if he did not leave, he would be arrested," Akeel wrote. A day after the incident, Ghanim said he still had not been provided an explanation for what happened and had heard from no one at the Harris campaign or with the Michigan Democratic Party. He felt targeted because he is Muslim, he said. "They kicked me out without — providing zero reasons provided to me. I didn't have anything. There is no provocation," Ghanim told The Detroit News. "I guess that’s how the Democratic Party deals with Muslims," he added. "They’re not important to them. ... Maybe the Democratic Party doesn't want people like me and my kind in the party." One day after the incident, the Harris campaign said it "regrets" what happened and said "he is welcome at future events." The Harris campaign said it was "swiftly" informed by Emgage Action, a Muslim voter group that had endorsed Harris, about the incident and had looked into it. "Our campaign regrets this action and its impact on Dr. Ghanim and the community, and he is welcome at future events," said Harris campaign Michigan senior adviser Chris Wyant. Ghanim originally is from Egypt and works in medical administration. He ran in the Democratic primary for Congress earlier this year, targeting three-term U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham, calling her a "poster child" for the pro-Israel lobby. Stevens defeated Ghanim by 74 percentage points. ©2024 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hyderabad: Tollywood is buzzing with excitement as Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala are set to marry on December 4. While there were rumors of a destination wedding, it’s now confirmed that the ceremony will take place at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. This family-owned studio is a historic site in the city, adding a personal touch to the big day. The wedding will be simple and intimate, unlike many other celebrity weddings. Naga Chaitanya’s father, actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, confirmed the venue and shared details of the celebration, which has made fans even more excited. Sobhita, known for her roles in films like Major and Ponniyin Selvan, will wear locally sourced sarees like Kanjivaram and Khadi, reflecting her love for tradition. A post shared by Chay Akkineni (@chayakkineni) After dating for two years, the couple got engaged in August 2024 in a private ceremony. Their wedding marks a new chapter in their love story. As one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings, Netflix is expected to cover the event. With its global reach, Netflix will bring the wedding to millions of fans worldwide. The guest list will include stars from Tollywood, Kollywood, and Bollywood, making it an event that will attract huge attention. Naga Chaitanya, known for movies like Majili and Love Story, has a growing fan base beyond Telugu-speaking audiences. Sobhita Dhulipala’s popularity in Hindi and Tamil films also ensures this wedding will be a major event for fans everywhere.Dear Eric: We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece’s families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading, playing cards or board games with us, like in the past, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? – Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977 (stay with me here; it relates). In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by a young Faye Dunaway by saying “she’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite (and often with the aid of) TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. And don’t be afraid to pick up a controller and ask him to show you the ropes. Stories by R. Eric Thomas Asking Eric: Ex is trying to manipulate divorce proceedings with suicide threats Asking Eric: My brothers expect gifts for their kids after missing my daughter’s birthday Asking Eric: My work supervisor failed to help me as promised Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? – Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm . That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. Ideally, it’s a conversation that you’ll both enjoy. Dear Eric: I’m not sure if the letter from “Invisible Dad ” about his wife buying trinkets for their adult kids and having more close conversations with them is related to my better half and myself. I think it could be but I can’t be sure so don’t want to ask him. I never really thought about it all the time, but assumed kids knew that gifts were from both of us. If this question does relate to us, and even if it doesn’t, I will be mindful of what I haven’t been mindful of. My heart is melting if he does really care that much about the kids. Thank you for listening. – Daily Reader Dear Reader: Thanks for your thoughtful note and your openness. Please also reconsider talking to your husband about the ways you interact with your kids. It could be really healing and productive. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com . Other advice columns Dear Abby: My friend says she’s divorcing deadbeat, but so far it’s all talk — and talk Today’s horoscope, Nov. 23, 2024: Truth is unchanging; beauty always changes Miss Manners: Once-close friend doesn’t want to talk to me anymore Dear Annie: I‘m 42. She’s 18. Is it OK for me to ask her out?
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VIVOTEK Wins Double Honors for Its Commitment to SustainabilityPublished 20:40 IST, November 24th 2024 NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said that Ladki Bahin scheme, women's participation in voting in large numbers, played a role in Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra. Mumbai: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the Ladki Bahin scheme, women's participation in voting in large numbers, played a role in Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra assembly polls. He said the election results, declared on Saturday, are not on the expected lines but he would revitalise the party. Responding to a query on his retirement from active politics, Pawar tersely said he and his party colleagues will decide. ‘Result Not on Expected Lines’ Speaking to reporters in Karad city in Satara district, Pawar acknowledged that the NCP led by his nephew and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar secured more seats than the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), adding "Everyone knows who founded the NCP". "The Ladki Bahin scheme and religious polarisation played a role. Women's participation in large numbers could be the reason for the Mahayuti sweep in Maharashtra. We will study the reasons for the debacle and take necessary steps," he said. Pawar asserted that the NCP (SP) would go to people by re-energising the new leadership. Responding to a query on EVMs, a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed doubts over the massive verdict in Mahayuti's favour, Pawar said he would speak about EVMs only if he has official data. Worst-Ever Poll Defeat For Sharad Pawar Pawar suffered the worst-ever defeat in his political career in Maharashtra polls with the NCP faction led by him winning only 10 seats in the 288-member House, while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP bagged 41. The Mahayuti scored a massive victory with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena led by Shinde 57, and NCP 41. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi was restricted to 46 seats. Pawar said the poll outcome he had witnessed in his public life was unprecedented. "The MVA coalition put in a lot of hard work but the desired results were not achieved even though people responded positively to MVA during campaigning," the NCP (SP) chief added. He said the MVA was more confident after achieving success in Lok Sabha elections, adding that more work needs to be done. When asked if he was jolted by the poll outcome, Pawar said, "The poll results were declared yesterday. Today I am in Karad. Those who were demoralised would have sat at home". He also said fielding his grandnephew Yugendra Pawar against Ajit Pawar on the home turf of Baramati wasn't a wrong decision as someone had to contest the elections. Ajit Pawar defeated Yugendra by a margin of over 1 lakh votes to win the eighth term in Baramati. "Ajit Pawar and Yugendra Pawar cannot be compared. We were aware of this fact," Sharad Pawar added. (With inputs from PTI) Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. 20:40 IST, November 24th 2024
GRASS LAKE, MI - Not everyone loves math as much as Lesley Choate does, but she thinks any student can learn to be comfortable with numbers in her classroom. Choate, 37, first fell in love with the field of mathematics while attending Bedford Public Schools in her hometown of Temperance. Her eighth-grade math teacher made the subject fun and engaging like no other teacher had before. Choate said she works hard to ensure her lessons are accessible even for so-called “math haters.” Following her graduation from Western Michigan University in 2011, Choate taught math for Kalamazoo Public Schools for three years before getting a job teaching academically at-risk students for the Pennfield School District in the Battle Creek area. By 2016, Choate had made the move to Grass Lake both personally and professionally. In addition to finding her way back into a math classroom, the move allowed her to live closer to the hometown of her husband - a Jackson County native - as well bringing her closer to her own family in Temperance. Now in her 13th year as an educator, Choate said she’s right where she wants to be teaching eighth grade math and algebra at Grass Lake Middle School. Choate sat down with MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot to talk about the trust and friendship she’s built with her peers and pupils at Grass Lake Community Schools, and the dedication she feels for making math a little easier for everyone. Jackson Citizen Patriot: Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you to get into the field of education? Lesley Choate : I don’t think there was a specific thing, but when I was growing up I did baton-twirling, and I would love to help the little kids - I did a bit of coaching in middle school and high school. I just knew that I loved teaching and helping. I know I wanted to help - I wanted to be a cheerleader for these kids. That’s pretty much what made me want to be a teacher. Also, when I was in eighth grade, I had a math teacher at Bedford, Mr. (Brad) Reed, who really made me start to love math. I was like “I can do this - this is fun!” I actually don’t remember much of my math education up until that point. When I got to that class and realized how much fun it was, that’s when I decided I wanted to teach math. JCP: Why was working in the field you’re in such a calling for you? Choate : I know mathematics can be tricky for some kids. “I’m not a math person” they’ll say. I don’t really belief in that - I wanted to make math approachable for everyone, so even if you feel like you aren’t a math person, I want to make you feel like you can do it and be successful at it. It might be a little hard, but I want to give kids the tools to be successful at it even if it wasn’t their favorite thing. Do I want them to love math? Absolutely, but I get it and not everyone loves math. I want them to at least enjoy it while they’re here and get something out of the class, and I think the kids usual respect that I’m accepting of them no matter what their love for math is. JCP: Is there a specific moment from your career that you would consider to be the most rewarding? Choate : I got my masters degree in educational technology, and I think that has set me up for success and has led to some very rewarding things. I’ve gotten to do educational conferences, and in my building I' kind of the go-to tech person, and I feel like that’s been the most rewarding thing because like I said, I just love helping and I love teaching, so that background has allowed me to do those things, and I find a lot of joy in doing that. JCP: The field of education has changed and evolved in several ways in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic - in what ways, if any, have you changed or evolved in your role in the past few years? Choate : Being on Zoom helped me get a true insight into these children’s lives. They’re going through things, and when you see them on Zoom, you see things like sibling in the background and all the life that they’re experiencing every day. COVID really helped me see the whole child and what they’re going through - that they’re not just a student, they’re all these other things as well. I think it also gave me a great opportunity to pull into my educational technology background and really get to play with the fun new technology that’s out there. Since COVID, I feel like we’ve made a lot of progress with how we can use technology in the classroom, because we were kind of forced to with COVID. JCP: What is your favorite part of your job? Choate : I have a couple, because I really do love my job. I love my co-workers and the team that I’m with. My principal is wonderful, and I love the kids. I love reading to them every day when they come in and just trying to cheer them up and showing that positivity and kindness, no matter what they give back to me. If they’re having a crappy day, I’m still going to be kind, because you don’t know what’s causing them to have a bad day. As cheesy as it sounds, my favorite part is being able to encourage students and lift them up. If you know a K-12 educator in Jackson or Washtenaw counties who might make a good subject for the weekly “Meet the Teacher” series, send an email with their contact information to mkukulka@mlive.com . If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free “ 3@3 Jackson ” daily newsletter.
Man charged with murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO had manifesto railing against health insuranceBEIJING , Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 22, 2024 , the " Global Gen Z Views on Beijing " event organized by China Daily New Media Center and 21st Century Media and Education officially launched. The event will spotlight three key themes: Beijing's cultural legacy, technological innovation, and environmental conservation. During the event, over 20 international influencers will visit notable sites including the Capital Museum and the Zhoukoudian Site Museum to explore the Beijing's rich history. They will also visit Beijing's leading tech enterprises and innovation hubs to experience the city's technological advancements. Additionally, the influencers will visit iconic locations such as the Yanqing Ecological Civilization Exhibition and the Beijing Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park, gaining a firsthand perspective on the integration of environmental conservation and industrial development in the city. Through dynamic and youthful storytelling, the event aims to showcase Beijing's rich cultural heritage and its achievements in sustainable, high-quality development to audiences worldwide. During the first day of the event, Veronica, an Italian exchange student at Tsinghua University, expressed her excitement, saying, "I am delighted to be part of this event. My deep interest in Chinese culture brought me to China for my studies, and I have gained a lot from this experience." This event serves not only as a cultural exploration but also as a key platform for sharing Beijing's historical and modern development with audiences worldwide. Through the influencers' firsthand experiences, Beijing's rich cultural heritage and contemporary achievements will be vividly showcased to worldwide audiences. This event offers an international stage for Beijing to highlight its unique appeal, while promoting cultural exchange and fostering global understanding. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-gen-z-views-on-beijing-a-journey-through-the-citys-culture-innovation-and-ecology-302314744.html SOURCE China DailyCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score, and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. NO. 4 PENN STATE 26, MINNESOTA 25: Drew Allar passed for 244 yards and a touchdown, rushed for a score and completed a late fourth-down conversion to help visiting Penn State fend off Minnesota and stay on track for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Tyler Warren had eight receptions for 102 yards for the Nittany Lions (10-1, 7-1), who dodged the upset on an afternoon when three other teams in the projected 12-team playoff were beaten. Dragan Kesich's third field goal of the game with 5:48 left brought the Gophers (6-5, 4-4) within one after they had first-and-goal from the 7. NO. 25 ILLINOIS 38, RUTGERS 31: Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending Illinois to a wild road victory over Rutgers. Illinois (8-3, 5-3) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched in a game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. IOWA 29, MARYLAND 13: Kaleb Johnson rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 35 carries, and Kamari Moulton scored on a 68-yard run in the fourth quarter to help Iowa outlast Maryland in College Park. Johnson scored from 2 yards out in the second quarter for his 21st rushing touchdown of the season, and the Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3) rebounded from their loss to UCLA in their previous game. Maryland (4-7, 1-7) needed to win its final two regular-season games to reach six wins and bowl eligibility, but the Terrapins were dominated in the first half and eventually fell behind 16-0. Drew Stevens made five field goals for Iowa, including kicks from 54 yards in the second quarter, then 50 and 49 in the third. MICHIGAN 50, NORTHWESTERN 6: Kalel Mullings ran for 92 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, leading Michigan to a home victory over Northwestern to make the defending national champions eligible for a bowl. The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4) needed the victory to secure a spot in the postseason because they will be heavy underdogs next week against rival and second-ranked Ohio State on the road. The Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) likely knock themselves out of contention for a bowl by losing for the fourth time in five games. NEBRASKA 44, WISCONSIN 25: Dylan Raiola threw for 293 yards and a touchdown, Dante Dowdell ran for three scores, and Nebraska beat Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5) at home to become eligible for a bowl for the first time since 2016. Nebraska (6-5, 3-5) stopped a four-game losing streak and beat the Badgers for the first time in 11 meetings. The Cornhuskers sprinted to the Wisconsin sideline as time ran out to claim the Freedom Trophy as students poured out of the stands onto the field to celebrate. The victory was the Cornhuskers' first in nine tries under second-year coach Matt Rhule when playing for bowl eligibility. LATE FRIDAY MICHIGAN STATE 24, PURDUE 17: Aidan Chiles threw for two scores in the first half to build a three-touchdown lead and Michigan State (5-6, 3-5) held on to beat Purdue (1-10, 0-8) at home. The Spartans are a win away from being eligible for a bowl with first-year coach Jonathan Smith and they play Rutgers at home in the final regular-season game. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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What Patrick Mahomes did to earn $15k fine from NFL — what his 'violent gesture' wasEra of cricket’s radio commentators has ended; golden memories linger onSaturday, November 23, 2024 In the picturesque landscapes of Guangxi Province, China, giant sinkholes, known as “tiankeng” or “heavenly pits,” have captivated the imagination of tourists and adventurers alike. These deep and mysterious caverns, home to rare and ancient ecosystems, are now a growing tourist draw. However, scientists and environmentalists are raising concerns about the long-term effects of tourism on these fragile and unique environments, urging for a balance between exploration and conservation. The story of China’s sinkholes begins with the unassuming limestone cliffs that dot the landscape of Guangxi. For centuries, these sinkholes were considered eerie, mystical places, avoided by locals who believed that demons and ghosts lurked in the fog that often shrouded the depths. It wasn’t until modern technology and curiosity led the way that these natural wonders were explored and revealed for the world to see. A Journey Back in Time: The Fascinating Ecosystems of China’s Sinkholes The sinkholes in Guangxi are some of the largest and most spectacular in the world, with depths and sizes that are staggering. One of the most notable discoveries occurred two years ago, when an ancient forest, untouched for millennia, was found deep inside one of these enormous pits. The trees inside the sinkhole reached up to 40 meters (130 feet) in height, a living testament to the untouched ecosystems that have thrived in isolation for thousands of years. The sinkholes are formed through a natural geological process, where underground rivers slowly dissolve the surrounding limestone rock, eventually creating a vast cavity. Over time, the earth above collapses, creating what we now know as a sinkhole. Some of these structures are more than 100 meters deep and over 300 meters wide. Inside these pits, time seems to stand still, preserving delicate plant and animal species that have evolved in complete isolation. For scientists, these sinkholes are like windows into the past, providing valuable insights into ecosystems that have remained unchanged for thousands of years. New species of plants and animals, previously unknown to science, have been discovered in the depths of these pits. These include rare orchids, white cave fish, and various species of spiders and snails, all of which have adapted to the unique conditions found in these subterranean environments. Tourism Boom Brings Economic Benefits but Environmental Concerns As the world learns more about the wonders of Guangxi’s sinkholes, tourism has begun to increase. Videos showcasing the sinkholes’ eerie beauty and their ancient forests have gone viral on Chinese social media, attracting adventurous travelers eager to experience these natural marvels for themselves. The influx of tourists has brought significant revenue to the local economy, particularly to the village of Ping’e, which sits near the sinkholes. Brother Fei, a local guide who has spent decades exploring the sinkholes, recalls how the area was once considered poor and isolated. “We started developing tourism, and it brought lots of benefits,” he says. “Highways were built, and the economy began to thrive.” This increase in tourism has improved the standard of living for many in Ping’e, and the village has now become a key stop for tourists visiting the sinkholes. However, the rapid rise of tourism in this delicate area has raised alarms among environmental scientists. The unique ecosystems that thrive within these sinkholes are extremely sensitive to human interference. The impact of large numbers of tourists, including pollution, habitat disruption, and the potential for overdevelopment, threatens to destroy the very wonders that have attracted so much attention. The Conflict Between Tourism and Conservation Dr. Lina Shen, a leading sinkhole researcher based in China, warns that overdevelopment could cause irreparable damage to the ecosystems within the sinkholes. “We should better protect such habitats,” she says. “Sinkholes are paradises for many rare and endangered plant species. We are continuing to make new discoveries, and it’s critical that we protect these unique environments.” The most significant concern is the development of infrastructure to support the growing number of tourists. One of the developments near the sinkholes includes the construction of what is claimed to be the highest viewing platform in the world. This platform allows tourists to peer 500 meters down into Dashiwei, the second-deepest sinkhole in the world. While such attractions provide spectacular views, they also pose risks to the surrounding ecosystems, disturbing the delicate balance that has existed in these areas for centuries. Dr. Shen advocates for a more sustainable approach to tourism, suggesting that appropriate pathways, drones for aerial photography, and remote observation tools could allow tourists to appreciate the sinkholes’ beauty without causing harm to the environment. By using modern technology, tourists could view these natural wonders from a distance, reducing the risk of disturbing fragile species and habitats. A Delicate Balance: The Future of China’s Sinkholes For local guides like Brother Fei, the balance between tourism and conservation is personal. Having grown up near the sinkholes, he has witnessed their transformation from mystical places of local legend to internationally recognized natural wonders. He believes in the importance of both protecting these sinkholes and ensuring that visitors have the opportunity to experience their grandeur. “We need to balance this joy with protecting this place,” says Fei, as he guides tourists through the lush forests inside the sinkhole. For many, the allure of these mysterious pits goes beyond the thrill of adventure. They are a symbol of nature’s resilience and the secrets the earth can still hold. As tourism continues to grow, it is crucial that local authorities and stakeholders collaborate with scientists to ensure that the sinkholes remain protected for future generations while still offering a unique experience to those who visit. Conclusion: Striking a Balance Between Exploration and Preservation The sinkholes of Guangxi are one of China’s most fascinating natural wonders, offering a rare glimpse into ancient ecosystems and providing invaluable scientific insights. However, as tourism increases, the challenge of protecting these delicate environments becomes ever more urgent. By striking a balance between tourism development and conservation efforts, China’s sinkholes can continue to serve as a source of economic growth and scientific discovery, while preserving their unique ecosystems for future generations.