PITTSBURGH — Clairton entered Saturday’s WPIAL Class A championship game against Fort Cherry having allowed 21 points in 13 games. The Rangers matched that total to win back-to-back WPIAL titles following a 21-20 victory at Acrisure Stadium. Fort Cherry improved to 14-0 this season and won the second district title in program history. The Rangers join McDonald (1951 and ’52) and Chartiers-Houston (1971 and ’72) as the only teams in Washington County to win two straight WPIAL championships. “I think that we knew coming into this game that we have a pretty potent offense,” Fort Cherry coach Tanner Garry said. “We were aware of what they had done all year, and we looked at it as a challenge. We preached to our team all week that we have to play a full fourth quarters.” Fort Cherry will play District 9 champion Port Allegany (13-0) in the state semifinals. The Rangers advanced to the state final last year, and are definitely battle tested heading into next week’s game, which will be played either Friday or Saturday. “On the defensive line, they (Clairton) were strong,” Fort Cherry senior lineman Joey Klose said. “They were the second seed and 13-0 for a reason. It was the first time all year I was on the ground a couple of times. “Nobody thought we could do it, and we did it, and that’s huge for the underdog mentality for me. McDonald and Fort Cherry picked us.” The Bears’ season ends at 13-1, but not without playing in an instant classic in search of the program’s 15th WPIAL title. “I just told my kids in the locker room, ‘They have nothing to hang their heads about,'” said Clairton coach Wayne Wade. “We gave it all we had. We were a little banged up the last couple of weeks. It kind of made us play a different way tonight. I guess it got the best of us. I just want to thank our school administration, and everybody that has supported this year.” The Bears held Fort Cherry quarterback and Penn State recruit Matt Sieg in check, but the junior was able to rush for two scores and threw the game-tying touchdown pass to Ryan Huey with 2:34 left in the fourth quarter on fourth-and-five. Sieg used his athleticism to avoid being sacked on the pass to Huey, as he found his teammate in the flat. The sophomore was wide open and raced down the right side of the field into the end zone. “I just back pedaled, looked to my right, and a credit to Ryan, he was open,” Sieg said. “This result is a testament to everybody. We have put in a lot of hard work, and my parents really pushed me when I was growing up.” Nik Massey connected on the third of three extra points, which was the game winner. Garry was ecstatic with the result of the play, but admitted it wasn’t something he drew up. “That one is called, ‘Run around in a circle and find someone,'” said Garry. “It was a bad call by me. Our idea was to try and give them a similar look on what we had just converted the fourth down on. “Matt was actually supposed to keep that one. It was supposed to be a fake reverse, but he turned around and made a play. Ryan did a great job staying alive on the play. It was a very impressive play all the way around.” Huey had a 360-degree turn of emotions in one play, as he fumbled before scoring the biggest touchdown of his life. The Rangers converted on two fourth-down conversions earlier in the drive when Huey caught a 20-yard pass on a reverse from Shane Cornali with four yards to go that took the ball to the Clairton 29-yard line. “My teammates were telling me all day to remain focused and stay the athlete that I am,” Huey said. “It felt like it was in slow motion coming down. It was a great feeling getting into the end zone.” The Rangers went 82 yards on 13 plays on their game-winning drive that took 4:56 off the clock. Huey caught two passes for 33 yards and Cornali pulled in four receptions for 65 yards. Evan Rogers had one catch for 44 yards. Massey not only made three PATs, but he also pulled in one reception for 34 yards. Massey’s contributions were not lost on Garry, as kicking in Class A football can be a tossup. Clairton attempted two-point conversions on its three touchdowns, and went 1-for-2. “We start every single practice by kicking 10 extra points, and we count it out all the way up to 10,” Garry said. “It’s Matt’s (Sieg) job to constantly hound Nik (Massey) and just try and get in his head so he’s not mentally weak. I’ll be honest, most days, Matt kind of wins that exchange, but Nik has built up a whole lot of confidence, and for him to make those extra points today was huge.” Sieg was 8 of 15 for 161 yards with one touchdown. He rushed for 87 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns. The Bears couldn’t utilize their passing game with quarterback Jeff Thompson unable to throw, but still used their speed to take a 6-0 lead with 2:58 left in the first period when Mike Ruffin raced 79 yards for a touchdown. “The last few weeks we just grinded out some games against some good football teams without being able to throw,” Wade said. “That shows the heart of a champion of our team to lose our quarterback, and not really have a backup guy.” Fort Cherry responded on its next possession and Sieg scored from four yards out to finish a four-play, 62-yard drive, and the Rangers had a 7-6 advantage with 1:46 remaining in the first quarter. Sieg powered through from one-yard out with 19 seconds left in the second quarter, and Fort Cherry took a 14-6 lead into halftime. Drahcir Jones’ 58-yard run and Ruffin’s three yarder gave Clairton a 20-14 lead after three quarters. Ruffin’s two-point conversion run tied the game at 14-14 with 10:57 left in the third quarter. Ruffin gained 162 yards on 14 carries and Jones rushed for 90 yards on 10 carries. Teammate Deon Pompey added 59 yards on eight attempts. Darren Pinson led the Bears in tackles with 10, including one for loss. Clairton’s Jaece Booker had an interception. Blake Sweder led Fort Cherry’s defense with 12 tackles, including one for loss. Teammate Tyler Wolfe made 10 stops (3.5 for a loss). The Bears were penalized 11 times for 90 yards, while the Rangers were called for infractions seven times for 45 yards. “We probably had six or seven holding penalties called against us, and they were at big moments in the game,” Wade said. “I don’t want to get in trouble with that kind of stuff. I just wanted to point that out because that type of thing in a championship game shouldn’t happen.”
Fresh robotic hell On a scale of one to 10, just how desperate do you think Kim Kardashian is for attention? Judging by the billionaire's weirdly sexual photoshoot with a robot, the answer may be an 11. The entrepreneur and influencer, who is a big Tesla fan, recently posed with the company's Optimus bot in a Tesla Cybercab (a self-driving taxi) for a series of photos which might be described as avant-garde if you're being polite, and dystopian thirst traps if you're not. She also posted some rather less sultry videos of her interacting with the humanoid robot. The photoshoot has ignited something of a debate online about whether Kardashian is deliberately aligning herself with Elon Musk, who runs Tesla, and outing herself as a Trump supporter. Which is a bit of a stretch really as I'm not sure that – with the exception of an admirable stint working on criminal justice reform – Kardashian has ever pretended to be a leftist. Kardashian is a billionaire who has been sued for unfair labor practices and who announced, back in 2018, that she has "nothing bad to say" about Trump. Her Tesla-themed photoshoot was hardly a radical new direction for her. It is, however, a sign of the "autonomous everything" direction in which we're headed. The world's most famous influencer cozying up to a robot in a self-driving taxi is yet another example of how AI-powered autonomous technology is slowly marching into our lives. When it comes to Tesla's Optimus robot, of course, the operative word here is slowly. The robot, which isn't available for sale to the general public yet, may look flashy but it isn't clear just how sophisticated it actually is yet. The Optimus robots were a major part of Tesla's Cybercab reveal in October, serving drinks to the crowd and even chatting with them – as it turns out, however, these "cutting-edge" robots were actually being remotely controlled by humans. Which is a step up, I suppose, from when Musk unveiled plans for a "Tesla Bot" in 2021 by... Arwa MahdawiWho are the favorites to win Golden Globes? | Streamed & Screened podcastNone
VANCOUVER - A confidence agreement between British Columbia’s New Democrats and the provincial Green Party stabilizes David Eby’s bare-majority government, while putting Green election promises on the legislative agenda. The agreement announced Friday outlines the basis on which the Greens’ two-member caucus will provide confidence to Eby’s party, which won election with 47 seats in B.C.‘s 93-seat legislature in October’s provincial election. The deal features key elements of the Greens’ election platform, including a commitment to growing a community health centre model for primary care and expanding public coverage of psychology services at a cost of $50 million. Deputy premier Niki Sharma said the framework focuses on areas of agreement between the two parties, while recognizing their positions won’t always align. The balance struck is “a way to keep government stable for four years ... without erasing the distinct identity that we both have as political parties,” she said Friday. The seven-page agreement says the house leaders of the NDP and the Greens “agree to establish a relationship of trust based on good faith and no surprises.” While set to last four years, it is subject to annual agreement at each parties discretion. It was important to the Greens throughout the negotiations to be able to disagree with government positions, Sharma told a news conference. “I know that we’ll have differences of opinions moving forward, but the fact that we can show a pathway where two political parties in a time of great polarization can come together for British Columbians, I think is a profound thing.” The October election saw two new Green members win seats, lawyer Rob Botterell, representing Saanich North and the Islands, and geological engineer Jeremy Valeriote in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, while the B.C. Conservatives won 44 seats. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad said after the election that he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its “destructive policies.” When he was asked about the agreement on Friday, Rustad said he has always assumed the Greens would back the NDP. Eby is “fooling himself” if he thinks having the support of the Green Party is going to make it easier to pass legislation, Rustad said in an interview. “We are going to make it very difficult for him to move anything through the legislature that is continuing the destruction of British Columbia,” he said. “A week can be a long time in politics, so we’ll see what January brings. I don’t want to say anything further at this point.” The stability of Eby’s government had appeared shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she was temporarily stepping away due to a cancer diagnosis, though she said she intended to participate in important votes. Eby said in a statement Friday that the agreement with the Greens will “strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians.” While his party and the Greens are distinct and won’t always agree, the premier said they have “many shared values.” He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they will work together on, including health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. “We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people,” Eby said. Additional policy commitments outlined in the deal that reflect the Green platform include expanding access to housing aid for elderly renters and building 30,000 more units of non-market housing than the government had pledged. The agreement also commits to a review of B.C.‘s forests to “address concerns around sustainability, jobs, environmental protection an the future of the industry.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024.TEHRAN – The Europeans’ confrontational strategy toward Iran is a high-stakes gamble they cannot win. Not only is this approach failing to achieve its objectives, but it's also pushing Iran towards drastic measures, including a potential withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a course of action initially opposed by many within Iran's leadership. Having initially condemned Donald Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA and outwardly pledged support for Iran, Europe has dramatically shifted course in recent years, adopting an increasingly hostile stance towards Tehran. This shift culminated on November 21, 2024, with the passage of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censure resolution against Iran, drafted by the European Troika (UK, France, and Germany) – the remaining JCPOA signatories alongside Iran, Russia, and China. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a deal inked in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries. It limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the termination of sanctions. The deal has been in shambles since 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington and re-instated sanctions against Iran under the “maximum pressure” campaign. Europeans stayed part of the deal despite not being able to take the sting out of the re-imposed U.S. sanctions. Tehran kept complying with all its JCPOA obligations for some time after the U.S. exit, but began to scale back on some of them in 2020 when Europe joined Washington in strong-arming Iran. Thursday's IAEA Board of Governors resolution marked the fifth time Iran has been censured for alleged JCPOA “non-compliance”. These resolutions consistently demand greater cooperation and access for UN inspectors, yet they completely ignore the West's failure to uphold its own commitments under the agreement. Iran now faces significantly more sanctions than before the JCPOA, suffering a severely damaged economy despite the agreement's promise of economic growth. The latest anti-Iran IAEA resolution was passed despite Iran having agreed to cap its stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium and accept new inspectors as a preemptive move. While it lacks immediate bite, the resolution is widely seen as a crucial stepping stone towards the activation of the "snap-back" mechanism – a nuclear option set to expire a decade after the JCPOA's inking. This mechanism, enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, grants the P5+1 the power to reinstate crippling UN sanctions on Iran should they deem it non-compliant. Tehran has no equivalent mechanism to enforce Western compliance with the JCPOA. Under such circumstances, more and more Iranians are questioning the benefits of continued engagements with the IAEA. While the country’s authorities have announced new measures in response to the latest hostile move by Europe, including the deployment of new advanced centrifuges and expansion of uranium enrichment capacity, an originally unpopular opinion is rapidly gaining traction among the masses: leaving the NPT. "We're pressured into signing agreements then pressured when we comply and even pressured when the other side violates the deal," remarked an Iranian office worker in his early 30s. "If we're going to face pressure regardless of our actions, what's the point of cooperating? People’s economic woes have only worsened over the years; the Western sanctions are inescapable. But leaving the NPT, and exploring other options, might at least guarantee our security against Western aggression and its proxy, Israel." Growing Iranian skepticism towards full cooperation with the IAEA fueled by the West's intransigence has also penetrated the top brass within Iran’s leadership. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi's stark warning, delivered in a special news interview on November 21, makes this brutally clear. “If the snapback mechanism is triggered, Iran will withdraw from the NPT,” Gharibabadi said adding that the decision was already communicated to Europeans during the late President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration. Europe may currently be basking in the perceived success of its dual strategy—ignoring its JCPOA commitments while simultaneously pressuring Iran. But they could very soon find themselves at a point of no return, where negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have been derailed forever.
HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four , including , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said.
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Daily Horoscope for 24 November 2024: Uncover how the Virgo Moon and Venus in Capricorn align to influence Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and all zodiac signs today. Mumbai : The universe is abuzz with vibrant energy today as the Moon settles into meticulous Virgo, casting its discerning light overall zodiac signs. This placement encourages practicality, organisation, and a focus on details, making it an ideal time to refine your routines and attend to the smaller things in life that often go unnoticed. Virgo’s energy is all about analysing and finding efficiency, so expect a day of introspection and clarity. Adding a touch of magic to this lunar influence, the Moon forms a harmonious trine with Venus in steadfast Capricorn. This celestial dance blends Virgo’s meticulousness with Capricorn’s ambition and Venus’s charm, fostering harmonious relationships, disciplined creativity, and a grounded sense of beauty. Whether it’s in love, career, or personal growth, today offers a golden opportunity to blend practicality with grace. Let’s dive into what this cosmic alignment means for each zodiac sign! Aries Horoscope Today Aries, with the Moon in your sixth house, today is perfect for decluttering your life—physically and emotionally. You might feel a strong urge to streamline your daily routines or sort through lingering issues. This Virgo influence sharpens your focus and inspires you to tackle tasks with precision, making it an ideal day to check off that to-do list. Health takes centre stage too; perhaps it’s time to start that fitness routine or focus on nourishing your body. With Venus in Capricorn gracing your tenth house, professional matters are highlighted. You’re radiating charm in the workplace, making collaboration a breeze. This is a fantastic day to showcase your leadership skills or initiate projects requiring creativity and discipline. Balance is the key—find joy in the structure, and let your natural fire blend seamlessly with Venusian harmony. Taurus Horoscope Today Taurus, the Moon in Virgo lights up your fifth house of joy, creativity, and romance. You may find yourself drawn to creative pursuits or spending quality time with loved ones. Virgo’s analytical nature encourages you to refine your hobbies or even discover new ones. If you’re single, today’s energy is ripe for meaningful conversations with potential romantic partners. Venus, your ruling planet, in Capricorn forms a powerful trine, blessing your ninth house of adventure and higher learning. It’s a great day to explore new philosophies or plan future travels. Combine your love for comfort with Capricorn’s adventurous streak—perhaps a spontaneous trip to a favourite café or researching an educational opportunity will satisfy this cosmic calling. Gemini Horoscope Today Gemini, the Moon’s presence in Virgo activates your fourth house of home and family. Today, your focus turns inward, urging you to nurture your emotional foundation. It’s an ideal time to tidy up your living space or spend meaningful moments with loved ones. This grounding energy might inspire introspection—journal your thoughts or engage in heart-to-heart conversations. Small acts of care at home can bring immense satisfaction. Meanwhile, Venus in Capricorn casts its influence on your eighth house of shared resources and transformation. Financial partnerships may benefit from a touch of charm and diplomacy. If you’re navigating emotional depths, this alignment helps you bring balance and grace to the process. Trust your intuition—it’s sharp, and it will guide you toward meaningful breakthroughs. Cancer Horoscope Today Cancer, with the Moon in Virgo energising your third house of communication, today is all about expressing yourself with clarity and intention. You might find yourself engrossed in stimulating conversations or tackling a writing project. This is a wonderful day to reconnect with siblings or neighbours, as the Virgo Moon fosters meaningful exchanges and practical solutions. Venus in Capricorn illuminates your seventh house of partnerships, adding a dose of sweetness to your relationships. Whether in romance or business, you’ll notice harmony and mutual respect blooming. Use this supportive energy to strengthen bonds or resolve lingering tensions. A kind word or gesture will go a long way in nurturing trust and affection. Leo Horoscope Today Leo, the Moon in Virgo shines a spotlight on your second house of finances and self-worth. Today is perfect for taking stock of your resources and planning your budget. Virgo’s energy lends itself to careful analysis, so you may find yourself inspired to organise your expenses or explore new income opportunities. It’s also a great day to reflect on what truly adds value to your life—materially and emotionally. Venus in Capricorn graces your sixth house of work and wellness, bringing a touch of harmony to your daily routines. At work, your charm and efficiency are likely to impress colleagues or superiors. When it comes to health, this is an excellent time to refine your habits—think meal prep, yoga, or a calming walk. Embrace the blend of beauty and discipline to achieve lasting balance. Virgo Horoscope Today Virgo, the Moon in your sign enhances your natural strengths, making you feel confident, productive, and attuned to your surroundings. It’s a day to prioritise yourself—focus on your goals, appearance, or well-being. This lunar energy sharpens your analytical skills and helps you shine in tasks requiring attention to detail. Don’t shy away from the spotlight; let your inner light guide you. Venus in Capricorn brings charm to your fifth house of creativity and romance. This is a fantastic time to indulge in artistic endeavours, rekindle passion in relationships, or enjoy playful activities. The Moon’s trine with Venus encourages you to balance diligence with joy, so embrace moments of fun and love—they will rejuvenate your soul. Libra Horoscope Today Libra, the Moon in Virgo nestles into your twelfth house of introspection, encouraging you to slow down and reflect. Today is about recharging your spiritual batteries. Meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying solitude can help you find peace and clarity. Let go of what no longer serves you; this is an opportunity for inner healing and renewal. With Venus in Capricorn lighting up your fourth house of home, there’s a comforting emphasis on family and domestic harmony. You might feel inspired to redecorate or create a warm atmosphere at home. This alignment also enhances emotional connections with loved ones—reach out and nurture these bonds. Your diplomatic nature shines in bringing peace to your environment. Scorpio Horoscope Today Scorpio, the Moon in Virgo activates your eleventh house of social networks and aspirations. Today is ideal for connecting with friends or collaborating on group projects. Your sharp insights and analytical approach can guide collective efforts, making you a valuable team player. This is also a good time to revisit your long-term goals and ensure they align with your current desires. Venus in Capricorn influences your third house of communication, making your words magnetic and persuasive. This is a great day for negotiations, writing, or any activity where clear expression is vital. You may also find charm in casual conversations or discover new opportunities through networking. Trust your intuition—it’s working overtime for your benefit. Sagittarius Horoscope Today Sagittarius, the Moon in Virgo lights up your tenth house of career and public image, making today a productive day for professional pursuits. Your methodical approach will impress higher-ups, and you may find opportunities to showcase your expertise. This is a great time to strategise your next career move or polish your online presence. Venus in Capricorn enhances your second house of finances, bringing a touch of luxury and stability. You might feel inspired to invest in something long-term or indulge in a well-deserved treat. Use this energy wisely to enhance your resources while maintaining a balance between practicality and pleasure. Capricorn Horoscope Today Capricorn, with the Moon in Virgo energising your ninth house of higher learning and adventure, you’re feeling curious and inspired. Today is perfect for exploring new philosophies, signing up for a course, or planning your next big trip. The practical Virgo Moon helps ground your ideas into actionable steps, making this an excellent time for intellectual pursuits. Venus in your sign amplifies your charm and magnetism, drawing admiration wherever you go. This is a day to focus on self-care and personal goals. Whether it’s your professional image or romantic aspirations, you’re radiating confidence and grace. Use this energy to set intentions and let your inner light shine. Aquarius Horoscope Today Aquarius, the Moon in Virgo activates your eighth house of transformation and shared resources. You may find yourself drawn to deep introspection or meaningful conversations. Financial matters, particularly those involving partnerships, are also in focus. This is a good time to revisit joint investments or address unresolved issues with grace and practicality. Venus in Capricorn influences your twelfth house of retreat and spirituality, urging you to find beauty in solitude. Artistic pursuits, meditation, or quiet reflection can bring a sense of fulfilment. Embrace this opportunity to recharge and reconnect with your inner self—it will prepare you for the demands ahead. Pisces Horoscope Today Pisces, the Moon in Virgo lights up your seventh house of partnerships, encouraging harmony and cooperation. Whether in personal or professional relationships, today is about collaboration and mutual respect. Virgo’s energy brings a practical touch to your interactions, helping you resolve conflicts or strengthen bonds with thoughtful gestures. Venus in Capricorn highlights your eleventh house of friendships and aspirations, making it a great day to connect with like-minded individuals. Social engagements or collaborative projects are likely to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. Lean into this supportive energy to turn your dreams into reality with the help of your network. ( Disclaimer : The horoscope predictions provided are for general informational purposes and should not be considered professional advice. News9 Live does not take responsibility for any decisions made based on these predictions. ) Click for more latest Astrology news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. AK Singh, an astrologer with over 5 years of experience, offers Vastu tips, daily horoscope predictions, Lal Kitab remedies, tarot card readings, and numerology services. For inquiries, contact him at frolicstars99@gmail.com.
Ukrainian girls’ team finds hockey haven at Wickenheiser festival CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. Canadian Press Nov 27, 2024 3:30 PM Nov 27, 2024 3:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary, including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required army escort for a portion of it, the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser’s annual girls’ hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight different cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. “They all have a personal story of something awful happening,” said Wickenheiser. “We give them a week of peace and joy here, and I hope they can carry that with them. “We know full well they’re going back to difficult circumstances. It’s tough that way.” Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls’ team WHC Panthers once skated. “It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena,” said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. Ukraine’s Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv’s Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Seredenko says the Wings’ arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. “It’s not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine, of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can’t stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them,” she said. “So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team.” Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer , is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games. She’s had teams from India, Mexico and the Czech Republic attend over the last decade and a half, but never a team that ran the Ukrainians’ gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team’s travel. “We care about women and children’s health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it’s a symbol of a healthy girl,” said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. “That’s a healthy kid that’s able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they’re in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world.” The Wings aren’t the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men’s team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year’s world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls’ team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament,” Seredenko said. “They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada.” ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Alberta News Alberta's pledge to take over ownership of emissions data 'irresponsible': Guilbeault Nov 27, 2024 3:28 PM Bail denied for woman accused in child's drowning death at Alberta lake Nov 27, 2024 3:19 PM Industry not consulted on Alberta's plan to challenge federal emissions cap Nov 27, 2024 2:02 PMMotion Control Software In Robotics Market in 2024: Intelligent Automation Platforms In Enhancing Robotic PerformanceMarket Watch: The ‘Trump Bump’ – how long can it last?
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Manoj Chaurasia is a senior political journalist having experience of working for top national and international media in a career spanning over 25 years. He loves writing political, offbeat and human-interest stories. Read More 9 reasons to eat beetroot daily How to grow Kiwi from seeds in the balcony garden 10 street foods to enjoy in Jaipur Sitaphal benefits: 10 reasons to have custard apple 10 foods that are typically loved in Mumbai How to make perfect street style Bhel Puri at home 10 golden rules families should have for happier homes 10 most delicious ways to cook Palak (spinach) Japanese mom turns simple dishes into adorable food art How to make delicious Soybean Pulao at home