MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Balloting in Uruguay’s runoff election came to a close on Sunday, starting a countdown to the announcement of official results in a tight battle for the presidency between the conservative ruling coalition candidate and his left-wing challenger. Independent polling firms will start releasing so-called quick counts now that polls have closed, but the official results are not likely to be released for hours. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days, as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s center-left Broad Front coalition. Though polls show Uruguayans largely satisfied with the current government’s performance, complaints about sluggish growth, persistent violent crime and stagnant wages could add Uruguay to a long list of countries where frustrated voters have punished incumbents in elections around the world this year. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans went to the polls Sunday for a second round of voting to choose their next president , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month's vote . The staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party's candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou . The Broad Front oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. Orsi's Broad Front took 44% of the vote while Delgado's National Party won 27% in the first round of voting Oct. 27. But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.
CLEVELAND — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in a Major League Baseball game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler's staff in 2020, becoming the majors' first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt — the AL Manager of the Year. With Cleveland, the 34-year-old Nakken will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Her exact duties are still being determined. Nakken is the second on-field female coach hired by the Guardians, following Amanda Kamekona. BRIEFLY TRADE: The Kansas City Royals acquired second baseman Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds, adding a dependable leadoff hitter and middle infielder to play alongside star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. As part of the deal, the Royals also acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer while sending right-hander Brady Singer to Cincinnati. CUBS: Catcher Matt Thaiss has agreed to a one-year contract. Thaiss was acquired Wednesday from the Los Angeles Angels, who had designated him for assignment on Nov. 14. Thaiss, 29, has a .208 average with 22 homers and 79 RBIs in six major league seasons, all with the Angels. DODGERS: Right-hander Dustin May, sidelined by injuries since May 2023, agreed to a one-year contract. May has been limited to 20 starts since 2020. He is 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 34 starts and 12 relief appearances for the Dodgers over five seasons. ROCKIES: Left-hander Lucas Gilbreath agreed to a $785,000, one-year deal ahead of the deadline for teams to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man roster. He is 5-2 with a 4.36 ERA in 96 relief appearances and one start over three major league seasons. NATIONALS: Injured reliever Mason Thompson avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract. Thompson is 6-8 with a 4.53 ERA in 106 career relief appearances. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Mr Biden told African leaders the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long”. “But not anymore,” Mr Biden added. “Africa is the future.” Mr Biden used the third and final day of a visit to Angola – his long-awaited, first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president – to travel to the coastal city of Lobito and tour an Atlantic port terminal that’s part of the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment. Mr Biden described it as the largest US investment in a train project outside America. The US and allies are investing heavily in the project that will refurbish nearly 1,200 miles of train lines connecting to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in central Africa. The corridor, which likely will take years to complete, gives the US better access to cobalt, copper and other critical minerals in Congo and Zambia that are used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies that Mr Biden said would power the future. China is dominant in mining in Congo and Zambia. The US investment has strategic implications for US-China economic competition, which went up a notch this week as they traded blows over access to key materials and technologies. The African leaders who met with Mr Biden on Wednesday said the railway corridor offered their countries a much faster route for minerals and goods – and a convenient outlet to Western markets. “This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region,” said Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, whose country has more than 70% of the word’s cobalt. “This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.” The leaders said the corridor should spur private-sector investment and improve a myriad of related areas like roads, communication networks, agriculture and clean energy technologies. For the African countries, it could create a wave of new jobs for a burgeoning young population. Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the US – usually involving trucks via South Africa – would now take around 45 hours, Mr Biden said. He predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter. It’s “something that if done right will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come,” he said. The announcement of an additional $600 million took the U.S.’s investment in the Lobito Corridor to 4.0 billion dollars (£3.15 billion).
By Tunde Olusunle Rest assured of convivial reception whenever you stop by his address in Abuja or back home in Umulenso, Umuahia, Abia State. Kolanuts, bitter kola, *añara,* (egg plants), and *ose oji,* (groundnut and pepper paste), receive you as is standard *Igbo* cultural practice. You savour the best of beverages, subject to your choice. The finest of *Cognac XOs and VSOPs* were preferences in years past. Properly *aged whiskeys* have become more fashionable as we all age and manage our wellness parameters. Wine connoisseurs and subscribers to softer liquids will also have their fill. Undoubtedly, he is a man of style. His sitting room typically snowballs into a theatre of vibrant discourse and robust conversations. The subject could be anything: Economy, politics, international affairs, sports and more. Get set to engage this pseudo-encyclopaedia. You will be amazed at the sharpness of his memory, the width of his insights and the depth of his interventions. He makes sure to congratulate me whenever my favourite team in the English Premier League, (EPL), Arsenal, excels. He also sympathises with me when the outcome of a game is dampening and I wear a long face. He is that perspicacious. For his humongous attainments in life and the reverence he commands, Onyema Ugochukwu is a very humble, sober, maybe shy, temperate personality. He bestrode the corridors of the pristine *Daily Times of Nigeria Plc* with his towering frame. But he is a most amiable gentleman, an intuitive economist, a thorough-bred journalist, a painstaking administrator and thrifty personality. He is a diligent and loving husband, a caring and concerned father and a doting and grateful grandfather. He cherishes his quietude and abhors noise making. But he “loses” the battle when his grandchildren, predominantly boys for now, come visiting like they did on his recent 80th birthday. They wholly and effectively took over his house, spontaneously converting into a functional “amusement park!” But you could discern from his face the joy of grandfather-hood as he and his wife of 45 years, Joyce Ugochukwu, a veteran medical practitioner, try to moderate the energetic enthusiasm of the toddlers. Regular callers like us, those we call *ama’la* in Igbo, home boys that is, knew Ugochukwu would commemorate his ascent to the octogenarian hierarchies this year. I have been associated with him for about 35 years now since the charismatic media revolutionary, Yemi Ogunbiyi gave me a job in the Daily Times in 1990. I was adopted by both paragons and I have never been far from them. I have a fair idea of milestones close to their hearts. Ugochukwu’s Abuja home underwent a tangible makeover which he always complained to me upset his equilibrium while the process was on. Just in case he thought the lawn in front of his house where a number of family events took place in the past would suffice for his 80th, however, his children, select kinsmen and friends had other plans. Ugochukwu’s trajectory commands thanksgiving in every way. He was the third of seven children. Except for his immediate younger sister, Chinyere Achinivu, all the others are no longer with us. More touching is the fact that none of his siblings attained the age of 70, nay 80. There was therefore no shying away from celebrating the goodness of God. From New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Warri, family members, relatives, in-laws, friends, former colleagues were already streaming into Abuja days before the programme. Boisterousness and festivity enveloped the air, setting the stage for a memorable event. A thanksgiving service was held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Saturday November 9, 2024, the very date of Ugochukwu’s milestone and was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Flagbearer of Labour Party, (LP) during the 2023 elections, Peter Obi and former Permanent Secretary and Ambassador at various times, Godknows Igali and his wife, were also present. Obasanjo used the opportunity to pay tribute to Ugochukwu who was his Director of Publicity back in 1998, when he, Obasanjo, first dabbled into partisan politics. He acknowledged the name-calling Ugochukwu endured from his kinsmen at the time. They could not fathom why he chose to work for Obasanjo, when former Vice President Alex Ekwueme also from the Igbo country, was contesting the same election. He celebrated Ugochukwu for his multisectoral contributions to national development. He lauded him in particular for emplacing a sustainable road map for implementation by the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), as foundation Chairman, over two decades ago. *Rainbow Marquee and Event Centre* in Garki, Abuja was the venue of the reception. Days before, Ugochukwu was apprehensive about the cavernous size of the auditorium, noting it might just be half empty with the kind of restrictions placed on attendance. By the time he and his family joined his guests straight from church, however, Ugochukwu was astounded. He barely could believe what his “eyes were telling him.” The marquee was brimming and bustling. His guests by the way were not from the mass of those admonished by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to *eat wherever they found food!* Sometimes in life, we never know the depth of veneration we command in people’s hearts, until we are privileged to be honoured at events like Ugochukwu’s. What could have been more gratifying than having former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali and his wife Marian and former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, topping your guest list? Senator representing Ugochukwu’s Abia Central Zone, Austin Akobundu, who chaired the programme, and the Member Representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, were in attendance. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator for Abia South Zone, was represented by his wife, Florence Nwamaka, while former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Oko Chukwu Ude, also graced the occasion. So did former Health Minister, Professor Alphonsus Nwosu and his wife; former Senators representing Abia Central, Chris Adighije and Nkechi Nwogu, and running mate to Ugochukwu during his gubernatorial quest in 2006/2007, Chinwe Nwanganga and his wife. Other dignitaries at the event included Olusegun Runsewe, former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC); Nebolisa Emodi, retired Permanent Secretary, State House Administration and Reverend Benson Ezem, Chairman of *Cosmo Base Group* and his wife. Uba Agadaga, former Member of the National Assembly Service Commission, (NASC); Nonso Ogbunamiri, a Lagos-based *multipreneur;* Umeh Kalu, SAN, former Attorney-General, Abia State and Handel Okoli, also a renowned attorney and adviser in the Obasanjo/Atiku government, made it to the event. Segun Ilori, Legal Adviser, Green Energy Ltd, and Tivlumun Nyitse, Professor and former Chief of Staff in Benue State, honoured the programme. Emeritus Librarian, the septuagenarian Tunji Okegbola; adviser to the former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Nwosu and his wife; long-serving media adviser to Babatunde Fashola, SAN, former Lagos State Governor, who was also Works Minister, Hakeem Bello, topped the *Daily Times alumni* who celebrated their senior colleague. Paul Mumeh, media aide to former President of the Senate, David Mark; Joe Ibekwe, Convener of the FLED International Leadership Institute, and longtime Ugochukwu photographer, Tumo Ojelabi, all of them *Timesmen,* showed up for their former boss. From the NDDC family, “ancient and modern,” came former Managing Director who was also pioneer Special Adviser to the President on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Timi Alaibe. There was also the former NDDC Commissioner for Cross River State, Professor Eyong Nyong; the recently retired legal adviser to the Commission, Steve Igbomuaye and former protocol head, now multibillionaire entrepreneur, Julius Rone representing the old era. Incumbent Chairman of the Commission, Chiedu Ebie; Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, topped the present generation of the NDDC leadership. Not forgetting the Corporate Affairs Director of the organisation, Seledi Wakama. The NDDC solidarity was as remarkable in numbers as it was in goodwill. They supported the production of two books to commemorate the event. Obasanjo wrote the Foreword to one of the books, *Galvanising Development in the Niger Delta: Selected Engagements by Onyema Ugochukwu,* jointly edited by this writer and the eminent journalist, John Araka. The second publication, a dedicated anthology of tributes to Ugochukwu, titled *Testaments and Testimonials: Celebrating Onyema Ugochukwu at 80,* was edited by Tunde Olusunle. The work is an anthology of about 90 attestations to Ugochukwu, predominantly by professional colleagues, old and young. Hakeem Bello one of the contributors to the volume, fittingly describes it as a “collector’s item.” What better way to profile an anthology with contributors from the media like: Yemi Ogunbiyi; Dan Agbese; Tola Adeniyi; Felix Adenaike; Lade Bonuola; Olu Obafemi; Chidi Amuta; Godini Gabriel Darah; Ben Obi; Dare Babarinsa and Ayo Akinkuotu? Tributes from Solomon Odemwingie; Emma Agu; Lanre Idowu; Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Lanre Idowu; Ohi Alegbe; Nduka Nwosu; Gbenga Adefaye; Eniola Bello; Idang Alibi; Gboyega Okegbenro; Olusegun Adeniyi; Segun Ayobolu; Segun Ilori; Lizzy Ikem, Angela Agoawike and Martins Oloja also feature. Gbenga Ayeni; Tunde Rahman; Al Bishak; Salisu Na’inna Dambatta; Lawal Ogienagbon and Dan Akpovwa, equally celebrate Ugochukwu in this volume. Ugochukwu’s globality resonates from the pages of this book. You find a man who is Igbo by birth and origin, but pan-Nigerian in thought and outlook. Ugochukwu’s colleagues, friends and associates come from all over. Tunde Ipinmisho, an Emeritus Editor who served under Ugochukwu in *Daily Times* always remarks about Ugochukwu’s politeness and culturedness: “He tells you “thank you” for whatever you do for him, no matter how little,” Ipinmisho says. The *319-page* innovative assemblage of tributes, is indeed a treasure trove. The two books presented at the programme were published by the rising Ibadan-based *Kraft Books Ltd* and reviewed by Gbenga Ibileye, Professor of English at the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL). They were formally presented at the reception and handed over to guests for free, consistent with the desire of the honoree. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar noted at the event, that at the height of his famous acrimony with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ugochukwu refused to take sides. According to him, Ugochukwu was a conciliator who tried as much as he could, to mediate between both sides. He described Ugochukwu as an “extremely dedicated and passionate Nigerian, a credible and perfect gentleman.” Turning to Mrs Ugochukwu on the table they all sat, Atiku said: “Madam, you are very fortunate to have him.” He prayed for good health and many more years for Ugochukwu. Akobundu expressed utmost delight at the rare honour of chairing Ugochukwu’s landmark, a legend he defers to as *Dee,* (elder in Igbo) and leader.” The revelry flowed over to the home of the Ugochukwus, late into the night, with still a lot to savour. • Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), teaches Creative Writing at the University of Abuja
Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited ( OTCMKTS:NPSGY – Get Free Report ) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 800 shares, an increase of 60.0% from the November 30th total of 500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 8.0 days. Nippon Sheet Glass Stock Performance OTCMKTS:NPSGY opened at $2.00 on Friday. Nippon Sheet Glass has a one year low of $2.00 and a one year high of $2.50. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $2.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.56. About Nippon Sheet Glass ( Get Free Report ) Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nippon Sheet Glass Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nippon Sheet Glass and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Dior Conners hits game-winning 3 with a second left as Appalachian State tops William & Mary, 79-76NEW YORK — If you're planning on ringing in the new year quietly at home, you're not alone. A majority of U.S adults intend to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research . “As I’ve gotten older over the last few years, it’s like if I don’t make it to midnight, it’s not a big deal, you know?” says Carla Woods, 70, from Vinton, Iowa. Nearly 2 in 10 will be celebrating at a friend or family member’s home, and just 5% plan to go out to celebrate at a bar, restaurant or organized event, the poll found. But many U.S. adults will celebrate the new year in a different way — by making a resolution. More than half say they'll make at least one resolution for 2025. There's some optimism about the year ahead, although more than half aren't expecting a positive change. About 4 in 10 say 2025 will be a better year for them personally. About one-third don’t expect much of a difference between 2024 and 2025, and about one-quarter think 2025 will be a worse year than 2024. Kourtney Kershaw, a 32-year-old bartender in Chicago, often fields questions from customers and friends about upcoming events for New Year's Eve. She said this year is trending toward low-key. “A majority of who I’ve spoken to in my age range, they want to go out, but they don’t know what they’re going to do because they haven’t found anything or things are just really expensive,” she said. “Party packages or an entry fee are like a turnoff, especially with the climate of the world and how much things cost.” As expected, younger people are more interested in ringing in the new year at a bar or organized event — about 1 in 10 U.S. adults under 30 say they plan to do that. But about 3 in 10 older adults — 60 and above — say they won’t celebrate the beginning of 2025 at all. Anthony Tremblay, 35, from Pittsburgh, doesn't usually go out to toast the arrival of the new year, but this year he's got something special cooked up: He and his wife will be traveling through Ireland. “I don’t do anything too crazy for New Year’s, usually. So this is definitely a change,” he said. “I wanted to do something unique this year, so I did.” Woods will be working New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. She answers calls on The Iowa Warmline, a confidential, noncrisis listening line for people struggling with mental health or substance use issues. “Holidays are really hard for people, so I don’t mind working,” she said. “I’m passionate about it because I have mental health issues in the family and so being able to help people is rewarding to me.” Every New Year's also triggers the eternal debate about resolutions. A majority of U.S. adults say they intend to make a New Year’s resolution of some type, but millennials and Gen Z are especially likely to be on board — about two-thirds expect to do so, compared to about half of older adults. Women are also more likely than men to say they will set a goal for 2025. Tremblay hopes to lose some weight and focus more on self-care — more sleep, meditation and breathing exercises. “It’s probably a good year to focus on mental health,” he said. Many others agree. About 3 in 10 adults choose resolutions involving exercise or eating healthier. About one-quarter said they'll make a resolution involving losing weight and a similar number said they'll resolve to make changes about priorities of money or mental health. Woods' resolutions are to stay social and active. As a mental health counselor, she knows those are key to a happy 2025 and beyond: “Probably one of my biggest resolutions is trying to make sure I stay social, try to get out at least once a week — get out and either have coffee or do something with a friend. That’s not only for the physical but also for the mental health part.” Kershaw, the bartender, says weight loss and better health are the top resolutions she hears people make. “Mental health is the new one, but I think it’s high up there as well as with regular health,” she said. She prefers more goal-oriented resolutions and, this time, it's to do more traveling and see more of the world: “I don’t know if that’s really a resolution, but that’s a goal that I’m setting.” And how will she welcome the arrival of 2025? Usually, she takes the night off and stays home watching movies with plenty of snacks, but this year Kershaw has a different plan, maybe one of the most Chicago things you can do. This die-hard sports fan will be at Wrigley Field on Tuesday watching the Chicago Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues. “Hockey’s my favorite sport. So I will be watching hockey and bringing in the new year,” she said. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,251 adults was conducted Dec. 5-9, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. ___ Sanders reported from Washington.
Mr Biden told African leaders the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long”. “But not anymore,” Mr Biden added. “Africa is the future.” Mr Biden used the third and final day of a visit to Angola – his long-awaited, first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president – to travel to the coastal city of Lobito and tour an Atlantic port terminal that’s part of the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment. Mr Biden described it as the largest US investment in a train project outside America. The US and allies are investing heavily in the project that will refurbish nearly 1,200 miles of train lines connecting to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in central Africa. The corridor, which likely will take years to complete, gives the US better access to cobalt, copper and other critical minerals in Congo and Zambia that are used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies that Mr Biden said would power the future. China is dominant in mining in Congo and Zambia. The US investment has strategic implications for US-China economic competition, which went up a notch this week as they traded blows over access to key materials and technologies. The African leaders who met with Mr Biden on Wednesday said the railway corridor offered their countries a much faster route for minerals and goods – and a convenient outlet to Western markets. “This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region,” said Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, whose country has more than 70% of the word’s cobalt. “This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.” The leaders said the corridor should spur private-sector investment and improve a myriad of related areas like roads, communication networks, agriculture and clean energy technologies. For the African countries, it could create a wave of new jobs for a burgeoning young population. Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the US – usually involving trucks via South Africa – would now take around 45 hours, Mr Biden said. He predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter. It’s “something that if done right will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come,” he said. The announcement of an additional $600 million took the U.S.’s investment in the Lobito Corridor to 4.0 billion dollars (£3.15 billion).
AP News Summary at 1:47 p.m. ESTFirebrand Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is gloating about cuts she could help enable as part of Elon Musk’s government efficiency drive. MTG told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures what she has in store for her new subcommittee covering the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The subcommittee will operate under the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, headed by Rep James Comer of Kentucky, and will work alongside DOGE, led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy , ostensibly to cut government waste and spending when Donald Trump becomes president. Greene promised a “deep dive” into every government department and program, with one recommendation being to have leaders of so-called “ sanctuary cities ”, whose policies protect immigrants, explain why they deserve federal funding. “I’d like to talk to the governors of sanctuary states and the mayors of sanctuary cities and have them come before our committee and explain why they deserve federal dollars if they’re going to harbor illegal criminal aliens in their states and their cities,” she said. Asked by Bartiromo whether such cities and states would lose federal funding, she reiterated: “If they use their police officers and resources to harbor and protect illegal criminal aliens, then absolutely.” Greene specifically mentioned the death of Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student murdered while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in Athens in February. Her murderer was convicted and sentenced to life in prison this week. Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan illegal immigrant, was allowed to leave New York City in September 2023 and traveled to Georgia. In laying out other ways to slash the federal budget, Greene said: “The way to do that is to cut programs, contracts, employees, grant programs, you name it, that are failing the American people and not serving the American people’s interests.” She also proposed making good on Musk’s wish to defund NPR , claiming it “spread nothing but Democrat propaganda” — although the public radio broadcaster gets less than one percent of its funding from federal grants. Greene also promised to target grant programs that fund “sex apps in Malaysia” and “toilets in Africa” and to ask the Pentagon why they cannot find billions of dollars of funding each year and fail their audit. Asked about the possible suspension of government contracts and how that would impact private sector publicly traded companies, the congresswoman said that is where the subcommittee would work hand-in-hand with Musk and Ramaswamy to “look deeply at these contracts” to see if they still make sense. She claimed in many cases the cause and purpose of many contracts had expired and people should not have to pay for them but their budgets still get reauthorized. Greene also said they would target “waste, fraud and abuse” from government employees continuing to work remotely long after the Covid-19 pandemic and the many government buildings sitting empty.LYNSEY McLEAN has a matchday to-do list longer than an orangutan’s throw-in. And I’m pretty sure it doesn’t include grabbing a shovel and putting in a shift like a navvy. Advertisement 4 St Mirren general manager Lynsey McLean clearing the snow in Paisley 4 Volunteers chipped in to make sure the game went ahead Yet come half two, there was St Mirren ’s general manager, out with the stewards and turnstile operators and ball boys, putting her back into hoofing piles of snow off the pitch. Still in her day-job gear of short-sleeved top, skirt and boots , too. Why? Because there were thousands of her club’s fans standing outside the stadium, desperate for one of the biggest home games of the season to go ahead. Because 1,500 Dons diehards had braved the snow to make it a near sell-out. Advertisement read more football stories COLD BEERS SPFL side spotted going for a PINT after their bus got stuck in the snow MEGA OFFER Get £50 in free bets to spend on football when you stake £10 with Betfred Because two sets of players had sweated bullets all week for the chance to get out there and do their jobs . Because once you’re there, once you’ve braved the elements to get through the gates, being told, ‘It’s Aff’, is the worst feeling on earth . At which point, I’ll make my feelings on Saturday’s fiasco of a fixture list clear — EVERY game should’ve been ‘Aff’ at first light of a frozen Saturday morning. If the people who run our leagues gave a toss for the safety and comfort of supporters, players, club staff, emergency workers and more, they wouldn’t have asked any of them to travel on a day when the weather was foul and roads were a nightmare. Advertisement Most read in Sport TICKET TALKS Celtic ultras slam Hearts for sparking 'unnecessary division' among Hoops fans FAN ROW Roy Keane says 'I'll wait for you in car park' in confrontation with Ipswich fan RED HOT SCOT Scott McTominay hailed as Serie A's best midfielder by legend of rival club Breaking HIT AND RUN Car 'deliberately' ploughs into fans outside Premier League stadium after match Then again, if those people gave a toss for all of the above, one of them would surely have popped their head above the parapet to explain why instead they chose to leave us all at the mercy of the elements. A two-minute radio interview with Neil Doncaster , that would have done it. Tell us why all the risks people took were worth it. Celtic release 2024 Christmas advert as fans rave after three Hoops heroes make appearance Tell us why they allowed, for instance, Stenhousemuir to set out on a bus run to Cove that ended in a snowdrift just outside Perth . Tell us why Dundee United and Dunfermline were wrong to ask for more time to prepare after stressful journeys littered with holds-ups and accidents . Advertisement Tell us why, for the first time I can ever remember, referees were told to push kick-offs back as far as need be rather than making early calls. Maybe even just say well done to all those volunteers battling, many of them in vain, to try to get a ball kicked. You know, show a bit of leadership. Make the Lynsey McLeans of the world feel like they matter as much to the SPFL as their clubs do to them. Advertisement Sadly, though, even this most basic level of empathy seems beyond the pay grade of the SPFL’s invisible men . So all we’re left to presume is this, that on a day when they had sold two top-flight matches for live evening telly coverage, they were s***-scared to tell Celtic and Hibs it was OK for them to travel to Dundee and Edinburgh . 4 Snow around the pitch at Ibrox Credit: PA But not for Aberdeen to go to Paisley or Dundee United to Glasgow . Advertisement That’s my guess, and it might be miles off the mark. But what else is there to do but speculate when we’re run by a cabal who see absolutely no need to explain anything to anyone, to justify any decisions they ever make? Or, in this case, which they fail to make. See, that’s the bit Doncaster and his cronies don’t get, the fact that if you don’t explain yourself, the world will make its own mind up. Advertisement That lack of communication was the difference between us shaking our heads and laughing at the catalogue of ever-more bizarre events that mounted up, and us cursing them upside down for allowing it all to happen on Saturday. Ref Don Robertson ordering Dundee United players to stop warming up and get stripped for action at 3.45, even though they only reached Ibrox at 2.58. Dunfermline feeling the need to issue an angry statement after being given the same short shrift at Somerset Park . Then there was perhaps my favourite moment of the whole caper, news that even though Ross County against Motherwell WERE ready to start at three, VAR was down and there would be a 15-minute delay. Advertisement Throw in the fog at Dens, kick- off at Montrose v Annan going back two hours to 5pm, and much more besides. 4 Snow outside Tynecastle before Hearts' clash with Celtic Credit: Kenny Ramsay It’s clear that if ever there was a day for SPFL to be fully on-message and in tune with those at the sharp end, this was surely to hell it. So the fact that they hid behind the sofa as per? The fact they said and did hee-haw? Advertisement Well, it should remind us of two things. One, they are about as much use as a crispbread snow shovel. And two, that the ones who REALLY keep football going are the one who shifted the snow and hung around for the turnstiles to open, who drove the buses, and who kept the hot drinks coming. You can talk commercial deals all you like, call it a money-driven business all you like, shrug that TV rules the roost these days. Advertisement But without the volunteers, without the pie stall workers, without the bus drivers and, probably most of all, without the ones who buy the tickets , there’s simply nothing. We saw that in its most human form at Paisley on Saturday, where there literally would have been nothing had dozens of unpaid grafters not shifted a mountain of snow so ref John Beaton could start what turned out to be a tremendous, end-to-end battle. Read more on the Scottish Sun REST EASY Andy Murray flooded with messages as he shares heart-breaking family update COUGH UP Motorhome park owner shuts after guests leave without paying using shock trick That’s what this game of ours is all about. These are the real heroes. While the ones in the blazers? Just call them Storm Berks. Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Winston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrum
NoneOTTUMWA — There have been many times where the anticipation has been so great, it would have been easy for Indian Hills Community College President Matt Thompson to take his eye off the ball. Had he done that, though, no lessons would have been learned. As the college prepares for the fifth and final project early next year as part of its 2021 bond referendum for massive improvements to campuses in Ottumwa and Centerville, Thompson reflected on what has been and what's to come. "It can wear on you. The construction can be disruptive, but our students and staff and had a lot of patience," he said. "But these projects are a long-term opportunity to be more successful. All these have been for the long-term health of the college." A new student wellness center is the final project of that referendum, which passed with 73% of the vote in the college's 10-county region almost four years ago. By the time the wellness center is completed in the spring of 2026, it will have been almost five years since voters approved the measure. Many of the projects to date — the virtual classrooms, the criminal justice center on the North Campus, the performance and creative arts addition and the Irma W. Winslow Education Center in Centerville — were of major importance as far as furthering education. The wellness center, which will be a 25,500-square foot, $4.5 million building located on green space between Trustee Hall and the Bennett Student Services Center, is designed for all students on campus, rather than just the 385 student-athletes who use the college's facilities. "It's a real addition designed to recruit and retain students," Thompson said. "College is stressful, so it's a way to relax and unwind, and it can be used for both the athlete and the non-athlete. "It can serve all students and is designed to meet their needs." The center will have classroom space, weights and cardio equipment, and a student lounge. Also, a basketball court that can be transformed into pickleball courts. However, perhaps none of the projects has had a more lasting impact than the Irma W. Winslow Education Center, which is now about 1 1/2 terms into its existence and has been everything Thompson hoped and more. That building replaced a slew of individual buildings that had been around when the campus opened more than 50 years ago. Students were a bit nomadic during the construction phase, but have now found themselves a home. "The day we opened I was down there, and we had students walking the building for the first time, and they were FaceTiming students that had graduated, saying, 'Take a look at this,'" Thompson said. "It's really been well-received by students, and for the first time, our faculty and staff are under the same roof. "I was somewhere the other day and someone said, 'Yeah, we got to brunch in the cafeteria on Sunday after church. This is their facility, but it's rewarding for us all. We had high expectations for it, and it's exceeded them." Thompson believed that when construction was going on in Centerville, there would be a 10% drop in enrollment, "but we didn't see that." "Actually we were very strong in enrollment in those years, even though we had torn up the entire campus," he said. "And you're visiting campus and there's a big hole in the ground. What is this? Why would I go to school here? "But then this year, as the campus opened, we've had events. We had over 200 kids on campus for a construction tech day. That's the biggest we've ever had down there," Thompson said. "So people are curious, and they're walking on campus, and they're seeing what it looks like. They've known what it was before, and they're really impressed with what they see now." Though it will still be over a year before the student wellness center is complete, other smaller projects will be in the works, mainly updates to existing infrastructure. In time, the residence halls will be updated, but parking lots are expected to be improved next summer. "Unfortunately, we live in Iowa, and our winters can really cause havoc," Thompson said. "We're going to try to replace the rural health parking lot this coming summer, and then hopefully do some improvement to the advanced technology parking lot the following summer. "We always have projects, but the major ones that we went for absolutely set us up for success for a long time. You learn with every project, and you get better with every project. Moving forward, different stakeholders will be involved and that's been fantastic because that has helped refine projects in a way that has helped us save money in the long run."
Olympic great calls time on career'The Agency' gets green light for Season 2 following successful debut
Emerging tight end Noah Gray gives Mahomes and the Chiefs another option in passing gameReports: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold entering transfer portal