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hg777 The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved a supplementary estimate of Rs. 219,373 million to be presented to Parliament to cover essential expenditures and manage the remaining financial obligations for 2024. “The supplementary estimate allows for adjustments within the approved expenditure framework, ensuring that overall expenditure limits and the maximum Government debt ceiling are not exceeded,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he said this resolution will now proceed to Parliament for approval enabling the Government to allocate the necessary resources for identified functions during the remaining period of the fiscal year, which include; i. To provide Rs. 130,000 million to the Department of Public Enterprise to pay the interest subsidy to be given to the banks as to the debt restructuring of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation transferred to the balance sheet of the Government of Sri Lanka. ii. To provide Rs. 18,000 million to the Department of Treasury Operations to account for the exchange loss arising on the outstanding balance of the dollar accounts held by the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury due to the strengthening of the rupee against the dollar. iii. To provide Rs. 32,641 million to the Department of Development Finance to reimburse the payment of additional interest incurred by the banks in granting special interest rates for senior citizens. iv. To provide Rs. 9,829 million to the Department of Education to account for the value of the school uniform fabric given as a grant from the Government of China. v. To provide Rs. 8,331 million to the Sri Lankan Air Force to account for the value of 02 airplanes received by the Sri Lankan Air Force from the United States of America as a grant and to pay the taxes. vi. To provide Rs. 1,400 million to the Department of Pensions to pay the increased pensioners allowances. vii. To provide Rs. 3,213 million to the Ministry of Finance to reimburse the payments made by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to the financial/legal consultants with relevant to the debt restructuring process. viii. To provide Rs. 1,533 million to the Department of National Budget to give additional provisions to the Ministry of Fisheries to account for the urgent aid received as a grant from the Government of China for providing assistance to the small scale fishing community in the northern and eastern provinces. ix. To provide Rs. 10,826 million to the Department of National Budget to account for the value of stock of fuel received as a grant from the Government of Japan for the requirement of health sector and to provide an additional allocation to the Ministry of Health for the payment of customs duty of Rs. 5,225.5 million. x. To provide Rs. 1,800 million to the Department of National Budget to provide additional provision to the Ministry of Education to increase the daily per pupil allowance from Rs.85 to Rs. 110 for school nourishment program. xi.To provide Rs. 400 million to the Department of National Budget to provide additional provision to the Ministry of Defence for compensation for restoration of properties damaged due to natural disasters. xii. To provide Rs. 1,400 million to the Department of National Budget to provide additional provision to the Department of Prison as to increase in the number of inmates in the prison and the increase in food prices.

Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball will miss at least 2 weeks with a left calf strain

Since Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in 2022, state regulators have used a lottery system to award 96 microbusiness licenses — a program sold to voters as a way to help victims of the War on Drugs get a toehold in the burgeoning cannabis industry (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent). Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation announced new proposed rules Monday afternoon for its marijuana microbusiness program designed to combat predatory practices during the application process. The division published a draft of the rules on its website and is asking for public feedback before it submits the proposal to the Secretary of State’s office on January 6. “These revisions are intended to ensure microbusiness licenses are issued to eligible individuals... and to address the trend of predatory arrangements in microbusiness licensing,” the division said in a press release announcing the proposed changes. “Specifically, these draft rule revisions should mitigate the ongoing efforts of ineligible entities to acquire licenses by taking advantage of eligible individuals.” Missouri cannabis leader accused of using ‘predatory’ contracts to win social-equity licenses Since Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in 2022, state regulators have used a lottery system to award 96 microbusiness licenses — a program sold to voters as a way to help victims of the War on Drugs get a toehold in the burgeoning cannabis industry. But of the 96 licenses issued so far, 41 have been either revoked or are currently at risk of being revoked. Another three are under investigation. A majority of those 44 licenses are connected to groups or individuals who flooded the lottery by recruiting people to submit applications and then offering them contracts that limited their profit and control of the business. In June, four legal experts reviewed such a contract The Independent had obtained and concluded it was unfair and potentially predatory. All four agreed state cannabis regulators should reject any license application connected to the contract because it violates the constitutional mandate requiring licenses to be “majority owned and operated” by the eligible applicant. In order to prevent numerous revocations, the division is proposing to adjust when its extensive application-review period occurs. Among the changes include a requirement that the designated contact for a microbusiness applicant must be an eligible individual contributing to the majority ownership of the microbusiness license. Additionally, any entity who was the designated contact for a license that was previously revoked for failure to comply with the ownership and operation requirements will no longer be allowed to be involved in any capacity in a future microbusiness application. All microbusiness applications in which such former designated contact has any involvement would be denied. “Majority owned and operated” would be defined as the eligible individuals who are listed as having majority ownership must have a level of operational control that would be expected of an owner. Eligible individuals must have the power to order or direct the management, managers, and policies of the license, enter into agreements on behalf of the license, and otherwise make decisions for the business. “A purported owner with little to no knowledge, control, agency or decision-making authority in an application or license does not meet the intent or meaning of the” constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana and created the microbusiness program, the division said in its press release. Applicants would also be required to take an online training course that addresses predatory practices, and eligible individuals would have to submit the application themselves and communicate directly with the state rather than through a consultant who often acts as the “designated contact.” While the new rules may delay the full rollout of the program, Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis NAACP, believes it’s necessary. “It’s a very simple question with a simple answer for me,” Pruitt told The Independent in October. “Or would you rather continue to try to catch everybody who’s speeding?” The state issued its first round of 48 microbusiness licenses last year. These applicants were picked out of a lottery of 1,600 submissions, and then the division verified they met the basic qualifications — which includes having a low income, a nonviolent marijuana charge on their record, being a disabled veteran or living in a low-income ZIP code. But getting the license is currently just the beginning of the verification process. The licensees must then pass through a rigorous 60-day investigation into all financial and operating agreements to make sure the license will continue to be majority owned and operated by an eligible person, as the state constitution requires. After the investigations last year, the division ended up issuing 11 notices of pending revocation. The licensees had a few months to respond to the division’s concerns, but ultimately all six licenses connected to cannabis investor Michael Halow were revoked — along with two connected to a Michigan-based group — because they couldn’t prove the business would be run by an eligible person. The revocations were the division’s attempt to prevent what some legal experts have called “fronts,” or arrangements where the profits and ownership weren’t going to people that regulators had certified were eligible. Missouri cannabis microbusiness ‘mentor’ connected to licenses under state investigation In July, the division awarded another 57 microbusiness licenses. But after the 60-day investigation that ended earlier this month, regulators sent out 32 notices of pending revocation. Half of the 32 pending revocation letters went to licensees connected to Halow. By law, the state must award a total of 144 licenses to disadvantaged business owners, over the course of three lotteries. The state has already conducted two lotteries, but there’s not a definitive deadline to conduct the final round and meet the goal. Last year, The Independent reported on a Michigan-based company called Canna Zoned was recruiting people on Craigslist to enter Missouri’s social equity license lottery using contracts forcing them to eventually relinquish all control — and profits. The company landed two dispensary licenses last October and both were revoked earlier this year, though the company is appealing that decision. A hearing will be held for these licenses in March. Despite those revocations, Canna Zoned was awarded another license through the July lottery, and once again received a notice of pending revocation in October. Cannabis consultant John Payne also received six notices of pending revocation in October for licenses where he serves as the designated contact. Payne led the campaign to legalize recreational cannabis in 2022 and is connected to nearly 500 applications and 12 licenses since the program’s inception. Cannabis regulators concerned about predatory practices in Missouri’s social equity program But Payne has come under fire this year after The Independent revealed that for some applicants he’d recruited eligible Missourians and had them sign a 47-page contract that would ultimately give him and his partners 90.1% of profits and majority control of the business. Despite only owning a fraction of the business, under state law the applicants would bear the lion’s share of the regulatory scrutiny. If they ever want to walk away from the deal, they would be required to pay a nearly $1 million fee. In addition to the six notices of pending revocation, three current licenses connected to Payne are under investigation by state regulators. According to case documents for these three cases , the division questioned whether the eligible person who submitted the application will continue to be the majority owner and operator of the business. NAACP leaders in Missouri are calling these practices a “predatory attack” on the microbusiness program, which voters intended to allow marginalized or under-represented individuals to participate in the legal marijuana market. “If a Black license owner is not making the most money off the operation, then they’re being robbed of the opportunity to create generational wealth,” Pruitt said. “That’s what the microbusiness program is about. And that’s what’s being robbed.”Counting The Gains Of Tinubu’s Economic Renewal

Prince Harry and Queen Camilla have traded places. The Duke of Sussex, 41, is now the “outcast” of the British royal family, a “position” once held by his stepmother, 77 . Ahead, why the queen’s so much more than a “simple country woman.” Plus, how Harry’s comments about Queen Camilla were “the last straw” for King Charles III. Camilla’s now ‘seen with affection,’ not Harry Speaking on Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother? , a Channel 4 TV program broadcast in the U.K., journalist Petronella Wyatt, who is also a friend of the queen’s, discussed how the two royals have switched places. There once was a time—the King Charles and Princess Diana years—when Queen Camilla proved a controversial figure. Now, she’s someone who has received praise for taking on more duties amid the king and Kate Middleton’s respective cancer battles . Meanwhile, Harry, a once popular British royal, is now an “outcast.” “I think it’s very interesting to see how Harry’s position and Camilla’s position within the royal family has reversed,” Wyatt said (via Newsweek ). “Because Camilla used to be the hated and despised outcast. Now Harry’s the outcast and Camilla’s seen with affection as a sort of safe pair of hands.” Queen Camilla, Diana’s former private secretary Patrick Jephson shared, played a major role in her own reputational turnaround. “I think Camilla, far from being the simple country woman that we were sold is actually a very shrewd politically media savvy person,” he said. “We are told that the campaign to rehabilitate Camilla has been subtle. I don’t think it’s been subtle at all. It’s got all the subtlety of a sledgehammer,” he added, noting the people in King Charles’s office were “pretty cold-blooded in the way they used Harry [...] misrepresenting facts in order to portray his father and his mistress in a better light.” Harry speaking ill of Queen Camilla was the ‘last straw’ for King Charles In his 2023 Spare memoir, the queen was, much like Harry’s brother Prince William, someone who wasn’t portrayed kindly. Harry recalled wondering “if she’d be like all the wicked stepmothers in storybooks” before meeting her for the first time.” (She wasn’t, which he was grateful for.) Elsewhere, he described Queen Camilla as “the Other woman” and someone who “sacrificed” him on her “personal PR altar.” A source told the U.K.’s Mirror at the time of the book’s publication that King Charles didn’t hesitate after he learned what Harry had said about his stepmother. “It was the last straw,” the insider told the outlet per Express . “Harry was well aware how Camilla would be a red line for his father and he crossed with flagrant disregard anyway. The King felt without a doubt it crossed a line—it was the ultimate act of disrespect.” Camilla’s connection to Harry’s short visit with his father in February 2024 Remember back in February 2024 when Harry boarded a plane to London, England, soon after Buckingham Palace announced the king’s cancer diagnosis? He touched down, and went to Clarence House, where he met with his father. But Harry wasn’t there for long . Reports at the time clocked his visit at under an hour. In the aftermath, royal author Robert Jobson claimed Queen Camilla might’ve played a role in Harry’s short visit . “The queen was with the king,” Jobson said at the time. “Let’s be honest—he [Harry] wasn’t too complimentary about Queen Camilla in his book, Spare . He wasn’t very complimentary about her on Netflix [ Harry & Meghan ]. They don’t get on.” Since Harry and Meghan left royal life in 2020 and relocated to California, they only see other royals on rare occasions. Think Platinum Jubilee Weekend (June 2022), Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral (September 2022), and the coronation (May 2023), which Harry attended solo.Bristol's 21 lead Hampton past Loyola (MD) 76-68PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Bashir puts up 27, Monmouth knocks off Fairfield 88-74Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10

The crypto market is alive with action as Cosmos, VeChain, and BlockDAG each advance significantly. Cosmos (ATOM) showcases a robust 7.52% recovery, surging through critical resistance levels with a strong upward trend. VeChain’s VeBetter platform transforms sustainability, giving real economic benefits for eco-friendly choices through blockchain-based rewards. Amid these successes, BlockDAG claims the spotlight. Boasting a $152 million presale, advanced DAG-PoW technology, and an impressive 2240% ROI for early participants, BlockDAG (BDAG) is reshaping scalability and security in the blockchain sector. Its recent completion of mainnet development has attracted a significant uptick in BDAG coin acquisition by prominent crypto enthusiasts. Cosmos (ATOM) Demonstrates Strong Recovery Cosmos (ATOM) has rebounded impressively after a tough weekend, with prices dipping below $4, then closing at $3.97 on Sunday. By Tuesday, ATOM climbed with a strong 7.52% recovery, breaching the $4 mark and ending the day at $4.20. The bullish trend extended into Wednesday, with ATOM overcoming major resistance at the 20-day and 50-day SMAs, finishing at $4.51. Currently, ATOM is trading at $4.54, having peaked at $4.65 today. This positive momentum suggests ATOM’s potential to sustain its climb, especially if it can navigate through forthcoming resistance challenges. Its resilience and consistent performance position it as an attractive asset for growth in the dynamic crypto market. VeChain Converting Sustainability into Economic Benefits VeBetter Platform, the innovative part from VeChain, awards eco-friendly behavior through the transformation of actions into economic rewards, especially tokenized ones. Through such initiatives, one tends to close the gaps in achieving greater environmental impact results based on the individual activities accomplished like charging EVs or simply saving energy. They cumulatively lead the global movement towards sustainability. The basis of transparency and traceability VeBetter ensures that all contributions to the environment are accounted for and rewarded. The platform uses blockchain technology, assigning real value to sustainability efforts while aligning personal actions with global environmental objectives. BlockDAG Leads with Lightning-Fast Tech and Stunning Returns BlockDAG completed the mainnet development stage on November 14th, and it is at this moment in the auditing process. This project offers DAG-PoW hybrid technology that allows for instant, fast, and very scalable transactions. A rebuilt website and an active community had cemented BlockDAG's position as leader in the crypto market. Having secured over $152 million with 16.6 billion coins distributed, BlockDAG’s current price of $0.0234 provides an extraordinary 2240% ROI for early participants. This remarkable growth is fueled by advanced technology, a robust community, and steady presale achievements, positioning it as a market standout. The positive market trend further propels BlockDAG, making its bonus offer a crucial opportunity for those hesitating. With an ambitious $600 million presale goal and collaborations with top global partners, BlockDAG’s impact is undeniable. Market experts suggest BDAG coins might even climb beyond $20, identifying it as a crucial figure in the current market surge. Final Thoughts While Cosmos demonstrates recovery and VeChain advances eco-innovation, BlockDAG captures the spotlight with unparalleled expansion and promise. Its presale triumph, cutting-edge tech, and community backing distinguish it as a forward-looking venture. As the value of BlockDAG coins rises during the crypto presale , its adoption grows, positioning it as the prime candidate to redefine the crypto scene in 2024. For those searching for a blend of innovation and potential, BlockDAG represents not just a choice, but the gateway to leading the upcoming crypto revolution. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetwork Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets will be without point guard LaMelo Ball for at least two weeks because of a strained left calf. Ball felt discomfort in his calf after Wednesday night’s loss to the Miami Heat and did not play against the New York Knicks on Friday. The team said he will be reevaluated on Dec. 11, which is two weeks from the date of the original injury. Ball has been hot for the Hornets, averaging 40.3 points in his last four games. He is averaging a career-best 31.1 points and 4.7 3-pointers per game for the season, which ranks second in the NBA. He also is averaging 5.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 18 starts. Ball has had a history of injury problems, mostly to his ankles, since coming to the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Story continues below video The only Hornets player to ever receive a max contract extension, Ball has played in just 202 games with 182 starts in five seasons. The team also said guard Tre Mann’s lower back soreness has been diagnosed as a disk irritation. His absence from the lineup began on Nov. 23 against Milwaukee. He will continue his rehabilitation and be reevaluated in two weeks. “They are competitors and they want to be out there on the court to compete and hoop, but they also want to be out there for their teammates,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said prior to Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. "I just walked past ’Melo as I was coming in here to do media, and he’s like, ‘I’m going to take care of everything I need to do on this return to play program and I’m going to attack it with the right mindset.’ I have all the confidence in the world in our performance staff and in those guys.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

Looking after my skin has always been a bit of an afterthought. While I wear SPF every day, make sure to cleanse and moisturise my face in the morning and evening, and splash out on the odd mask or toner, I had never gotten any kind of treatments beyond the very occasional cleansing facial. The world of lasers and peels is all new to me, but as the calendar flipped over onto my 30th birthday in the spring of this year, I realised that I should probably start taking proper care of my skin as it enters its third decade. In the past two years or so, I have noticed my face changing. Fine lines are settling in around my eyes and stretching across my forehead, and the freckles I love are becoming more prominent and splotchy in some areas. Read more: Una Healy nails festive fashion in the perfect Christmas dress on the Late Late Show Read more: Dublin woman's t-shirt business she started in her bedroom is now a sell-out success While I try my best not to resent the evidence of my emotions or the sun kissing my face, I do want to keep my skin looking nice and dewy for as long as I can, and I am starting to want to move away from heavier makeup looks and would love my skin to be in a place where I feel comfortable with just a light touch of concealer here and there. After hiding my teenage face under a thick layer of mousse foundation and pan stick, and the face of my 20s under the high glam 2010s makeup trends inspired by very contoured and highlighted celebrities, I am trying to embrace my natural looks with a lighter makeup bag - saving dramatic makeup for nights on the town rather than day to day. Thinking about what my primary concerns were, and what led me to slathering on the concealer, I realised that my textured skin and areas of discolouration were probably my biggest issues, along with some scarring around my chin. Armed with this knowledge, I delved into a new world of facial treatments. I wanted something that would have long term effects, but with some big events taking place over the year, I also wanted to see some immediate improvements too. Thérapie Clinic is a brand I was familiar with, having had some corrective lip filler in their South William Street clinic after dealing with some overfilling and asymmetry from other practitioners a number of years ago, and the professionalism and compassion that I experienced from their highly-trained therapists and medical professionals made it an easy pick to return to. After they opened their new - and biggest - clinic in Galway in February 2024, I decided to check it out. They are not stingey when it comes to the range of treatments available - cosmetic injections, advanced skin treatments, medical-grade laser hair removal, body sculpting treatments and loads more - so I made an appointment for a consultation. Heading into the clinic, I immediately noticed how shiny and new it is - having grown up in Galway and seeing the Edward Square location transform into many different iterations over the years as businesses come and go, it was incredible to see how perfectly it has been converted into a state of the art clinic. After being shown the downstairs waiting area, it was time for my consultation, which was thorough and very exploratory. I didn't know exactly what treatment I wanted at the time, I only knew what issues I wanted to address, and I was patiently guided through the various options by my practitioner, who was transparent about the pricing, downtime periods and comfort levels of each of the potential treatments. She also performed a thorough check of my skin using one of their Thérascan facial skin analyser machines, which was a pretty futuristic feeling experience. You place your face in the machine, and it clinically measures the surface and subsurface of the skin using RGB visible light, PL polarised light, and UV spectrum imaging technology to assess the areas that are dry, damaged, textured, pigmented, or where fine lines may be more prone to developing. I knew I had some sun damage, but the machine was able to pinpoint the areas I really needed to take care of better. After looking at my skin maps, we decided that the best course of action for me would be the Clear & Brilliant treatment, which would give an overall address of my issues and ticked a lot of the boxes in regards what I was looking for. It also has a reported roster of celebrity fans such as Khloé Kardashian, Drew Barrymore, Hailey Bieber and more, so that's quite an endorsement. The treatment involves lasers of pulsating light which make thousands of microscopic injuries that trigger the skin's natural healing process. My practitioner explained that this process boosts the production of elastin, collagen and cellular repair, all of which work to replace damaged skin with healthy tissue. It's a two-in-one job, using two different wavelengths to address different issues. While one works to even out skin tone and enhance skin radiance, the other burrows deep beneath the skin's surface, improving texture including fine lines, wrinkles, pore size and scars. I was in, and signed up for three to four sessions. While results can be seen after just one session, multiple will be needed to see very visible and long term results, was my understanding. Packages or single treatments are available, with each session costing from €165.83 to €195.00. Results are visible from two weeks after the initial treatment, but within four to six weeks skin looks and feels newer, healthier and younger with improved tone, texture and radiance, and as a bonus, there isn't a huge amount of downtime, which also made me opt for it. After about 45 minutes of chatting - really, I was made to feel like I could have been there all day with my questions and there would have been no issue, they were happy to explain every little thing - I was away, with an information packet in my hands so I could read about my treatment before the first session or get in touch if I needed anything. I was apprehensive heading into my first treatment. I was aware that the treatment might be uncomfortable, and I had never had an advanced skin treatment before, so I really did not know what to expect. After being brought to the treatment room, I was made very comfortable, with a soft blanket over me as I lay back and had my face cleansed before a numbing cream was applied liberally. I aired my fears, and they were completely acknowledged, and I was offered a number of things to help me feel more comfortable, from extra numbing cream to a cooling fan and stress ball. After the cream did its thing and I was thoroughly desensitised, I was goggled and the work began, with plenty of communication about what was happening, what area she would be moving on to next, and what sensations I could experience. For the most part, it was mildly uncomfortable, though I did fell a little bit of pain on the borders of my face, such as near my hairline and along my jaw, plus the upper lip was spicy! However, I had imagined it as much more painful in my head, and was able to sit through it just fine, with great communication really helping the process. The entire treatment took around 40 minutes, and afterwards, my face and neck was covered with a cooling sheet mask to take down some of the hot feeling that began to creep through once the numbing cream wore off. After ten minutes of lying there marinating and recuperating, I was ready to sit up and head home. My practitioner let me know what to expect from the coming hours, a heated sensation, and from the coming days, which was some potential redness (spoiler alert, I was lobster red after each treatment, but not everyone has as colourful a reaction as me) and then a "sandpaper" like texture to the skin, as the micro-injuries healed, leaving brand new shiny skin in their wake. Leaving the clinic, I had a new recovery information packet given to me, with lots of personalised advice hand-jotted on it. I looked like I had been sunbathing with sunglasses on and zero SPF, but there was no pain, just a very warm feeling to my face. I had been advised to avoid makeup for 24 hours - I went without makeup for 2-3 days after each treatment just in case, such is the benefit of working from home - and slathered my skin in a fragrance free light moisturiser throughout the evening. The following morning, I was still mildly pink, and already the sandpaper feeling was beginning to form, prompting more moisturiser slathering and a heavy layer of SPF when I left the house to walk the dog. By day two after my treatment, there were no visible signs, just a slightly dry feeling that was easily healed up with moisturiser. As the weeks went by, I noticed a slight improvement in the appearance of sunspots and freckles, particularly around my mouth and forehead, and thought that a patch of textured skin between my eyebrows was looking a little better. The second treatment was where things really took off. I headed into the clinic again a little apprehensive after experiencing some pain during the first when the laser pulsated over my upper lip and near the borders of my face. I was also nervous as I knew we would be going up a level in intensity with the laser and I, being a creature of comfort, did not want to have any pain. After explaining this when I lay down in the treatment chair, I got an extra dose of the numbing cream in those areas, and once the treatment started, I had no pain at all, it was much less sensitive and I was able to relax through it, though my little cooling fan was definitely a big help. I also had a good chat with my practitioner where we walked through my skincare routine and every single product I used, and she gave me a full, bespoke skincare rundown of advice on what I should be using for my skin and for my skincare goals, a huge bonus! Once we were finished, I was immediately bright red, and remained as such for two full days, and the sandpaper feeling extended two days past that, so upping the intensity was definitely felt after the treatment, rather than during, but there was no discomfort at all. I had planned my appointments during weeks where I had nothing on, so it was fine for me to be quite red for a short while. I made the mistake of meeting a friend for a drink right after the treatment, and I noticed people were looking at me as they passed by because of my redness, but that's my fault for committing to some public socialisation immediately after! Luckily I am not one to care too much about glances from strangers, and after heading home, I treated my red face with the same light moisturiser and went to bed. I saw the most visible results between the second and third treatments, as the days and weeks passed by I could really see a huge difference in the texture across my nose, a lightening of my sun damage, especially on my chin and cheeks, and an overall evening out of my complexion, which you can see in these pictures that were taken before both treatments, six weeks apart. My only downside to the aftermath of treatment two was that I had a coldsore outbreak after it, which is a risk that comes with laser face treatments if you already have the virus, which I have dealt with since I was a child. Treatments that involve heat, such as laser therapy and steam facials, can trigger the virus that lies dormant in the body, and anything that stresses the skin can trigger an immune response, making it easier for the virus to emerge. I expected to have a break out at some stage during this process, as I even get them when I have a bit of sunburn on my face. If you have a coldsore outbreak, you need to wait until your coldsore is fully healed before proceeding with the next treatment. I was practically skipping into the clinic for my third treatment, quite delighted with the very visible results I had noticed since the second appointment. I wasn't the only one who noticed either, once my coldsore had cleared up, I started getting compliments on my skin semi-regularly, and people even reached out to me on social media to say my skin was looking well. I let my practitioner know about the coldsore outbreak, and she examined the area, and decided to avoid that patch of skin during this treatment just in case it was still a little sensitive after healing. She got to work as usual, remembering my extra helping of numbing cream for the upper lip and facial borders. I feel my skin was starting to get used to the sensation of the treatment at this stage too, as the laser pulses did not carry the same mild sting. When it came to downtime, I had one day of redness and two of the sandpaper sensation, and immediately in the week that followed I was seeing a further reduction in my sunspots and lightening of my freckles, as well as a much improved skin texture. I needed to wear makeup a few days after the facial, and it went on beautifully. I had recently purchased a much lighter CC cream type of product - Sculpted by Aimee Tint and Glow - which showed my natural skin and I felt very confident in it, happy to have moved away from a foundation for the first time. Overall, the Clear & Brilliant treatment has dramatically improved my overall skin tone and texture, and reduced the appearance of freckles and sunspots. I feel the wrinkles between my eyebrows appear reduced, and as a bonus, my skin feels more balanced overall, and I have seen a reduction in dry patches and breakouts of spots.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words are a worrying sign of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. An Israeli strike in Gaza kills World Central Kitchen workers. Israel says 1 was an Oct. 7 attacker DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in the Gaza Strip on Saturday killed five people including employees of World Central Kitchen. The charity says it is “urgently seeking more details” after Israel’s military said it targeted a WCK worker who had been part of the Hamas attack that sparked the war. The charity in an email says it is “heartbroken” by the airstrike and that it had no knowledge anyone in the car had alleged ties to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, saying it is “working with incomplete information.” It says it is pausing operations in Gaza. Lebanese fishermen hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. Protesters gather for third night of demonstrations after Georgia announces suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Protesters have gathered across Georgia in a third straight night of demonstrations against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union. The third night of protests were held Saturday. More than 100 demonstrators were arrested as crowds clashed with police Friday night. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country’s parliament building. The violence follows the ruling Georgian Dream party's disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election. It was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Heavy snow blankets parts of the US during busy holiday travel weekend BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snowfall of the season is threatening to bury towns in upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania as the hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend winds down. Numbing cold and heavy snow could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. A state of emergency was declared for parts of New York, making it problematic for scores of Thanksgiving travelers trying to return home. This week’s blast of frigid Arctic air also brought bitterly cold temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average to the Northern Plains. Cold air was expected to move over the eastern third of the U.S. by Monday, the weather service said, with temperatures about 10 degrees below average.6,800 MW in 1,000 Punjab govt buildings shifted to renewable energy, says minister AroraWASHINGTON − was hospitalized in Washington “for testing and observation after developing a fever,” his deputy chief of staff announced Monday. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Angel Ureña, Clinton’s aide, The former president, 78, was hospitalized at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Clinton served as president from 1993 to 2001 and has had a series of health issues since leaving the White House. In 2021, he for a urological infection that later developed into a blood infection known as sepsis. He underwent after experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains in 2004. He also had surgery for a partially collapsed lung in 2005 and had two in one of his coronary arteries in 2010. During his two terms at the White House, Clinton was fitted with a hearing aid and struggled with weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. By the end of his presidency, Clinton was given a prescription to lower his cholesterol and underwent surgery to remove a However, Clinton has spoken publicly about and making other changes to improve his health. He hit the campaign trail for this year, speaking at events in key swing states. He joked about his during a speech at the Democratic National Convention in August in Chicago.

Lake City, Colo., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At 2 pm ET on January 15, Green Builder Media will offer its latest webinar with Daran Wastchak, President of Learning Edge LLC. The class will provide a user-friendly look at the key elements of the latest version of the IECC released for 2024, with short detours into the new 2024 IRC, so attendees will leave feeling much more confident designing, building, and inspecting to the latest code requirements. In 90 minutes you'll learn: Click here to register for your seat at the event . About the Presenter Daran Wastchak is the President of Learning Edge, LLC, a firm that specializes in residential energy efficiency training and building science consulting. Daran was a key implementer of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR for Homes program for more than 20 years. He has helped solve warranty issues for hundreds of homes that did not properly heat or cool, had high utility bills, poor indoor air quality, and/or were uncomfortable. Daran has trained thousands of individuals on the basics of building science, energy efficiency for buildings, energy efficiency programs, and the international energy conservation codes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction and master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Administration and Policy from Arizona State University. About Green Builder Media Green Builder Media is North America’s leading media company focused on green building and sustainable living content. With a comprehensive suite of content marketing, digital, social, and print media options, high-profile demonstration projects, market intelligence, data services, and live events, Green Builder Media offers a blend of visionary and practical information covering a broad spectrum of topics, including decarbonization, electrification, smart home technologies, energy efficiency, intelligent water, indoor air quality, resilient housing, renewables, and clean transportation. Attachment Cati O'Keefe Green Builder Media 513-532-0185 cati.okeefe@greenbuildermedia.comDemocrat should return power to Congress, courts

Combining their passion for cooking and the Bears, these Chicago chefs take tailgating to a new levelLost in the manosphereLOGAN SQUARE — A Logan Square brewery at the center of a lengthy trademark dispute with Ravinia Festival is closing its neighborhood taproom next month and changing its name under a rebrand, the brewery announced Tuesday. Ravinia Brewing Company — now Steep Ravine Brewing Company — will host a farewell party Dec. 14 at its Logan Square taproom, 2601 W. Diversey Ave., though it will still use the space to brew beer, according to a press release. The name change to Steep Ravine Brewing stems from a legal settlement reached after Ravinia Festival, the Highland Park outdoor concert venue, sued Ravinia Brewing for trademark infringement . While the two organizations had coexisted under a 2018 agreement, the opening of the brewery’s Logan Square taproom in 2021 led to Ravinia Festival filing suit, alleging the brewery violated the agreement. The dispute at one point threatened Ravinia Brewing’s existence and prompted a community fundraising effort that raised over $20,000 for legal expenses. Steep Ravine Brewing Company will retain the brewery’s signature “Tree Guy” mascot and award-winning beer portfolio, the company said in the release. Steep Ravine is the name of the brewery’s flagship IPA, “magically packed with citrus piquancy, aromatic pine, and plenty of adventure,” a description of the beer on the Steep Ravine website reads. “This rebranding gave us the rare opportunity to reflect on who we are and what makes us special,” Jeff Hoobler, managing partner of Steep Ravine Brewing, said in the release. “By putting our ‘Tree Guy’ and our Highland Park heritage front and center, we’re staying true to our identity.” Ravinia Festival “provided assistance for the rebranding,” the release said. The Logan Square taproom closing party will feature special beer releases, a “curated menu” and a chance for the brewery’s fans “to reminisce about the incredible stories that shaped the taproom’s journey,” the release said. Steep Ravine also operates a taproom in suburban Highland Park, which will remain open. Limited-edition Steep Ravine Brewing Company cans are exclusively available at both taproom locations while supplies last. The brewery is working on new social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook. More information on current events and future updates can be found on Steep Ravine’s website . Get a free print! Help us reach our goal of 900 subscribers by Dec. 31 to sustain and expand our coverage and you’ll get a free neighborhood print. There are three ways to qualify: Purchase a new subscription , upgrade your current subscription or gift a subscription . Don’t wait — support Block Club and we’ll send you a print of your choice! Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast: Related

Reports claiming that security forces bombed Intine Village in Butalin Township, Sagaing Region, injuring two civilians, including an eight-year-old child, have been found false. According to officials, no such incident occurred. Security forces clarified that any action is based on thorough investigation and technological assessments, particularly when reports suggest insurgents hide in villages. They stated that terrorists often use drones and heavy weapons to threaten non-supportive communities. The false news, reportedly spread by malicious media, aims to distort public perception of security forces while covering up terrorists activities. Authorities confirmed the information was fabricated and lacked any basis. — MNA/KZL

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The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) — Trey Robinson had 20 points in Northern Kentucky’s 58-47 win over South Carolina State on Saturday. Robinson added five rebounds for the Norse (7-6). Sam Vinson scored 12 points and added five rebounds. Randall Pettus II shot 3 for 9, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc to finish with eight points. Colin McKenzie led the Bulldogs (6-8) in scoring, finishing with 13 points. Omar Croskey added eight points for South Carolina State. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .