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Barcelona, which has already taken action to stop the spread of holiday rental apartments, is the latest Spanish city to see protests for cheaper housing. Backed by left-wing parties and unions, the demonstrators gathered in central Barcelona behind a giant banner declaring "Lower the rents". "Today a new political cycle starts concerning housing," Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for the Catalan Tenants Union, the main organiser, told reporters. "Investors must not be allowed to come to our cities and play with the apartments like a game of Monopoly," she added. The union would target "profiteers" who are taking "half of our salaries", Arcarazo said. The demonstrators demanded a 50 percent cut in rents, leases with an unlimited term and a ban on "speculative" sales of buildings. They threatened to start a rent strike. An estimated 22,000 people took part in a similar demonstration in Madrid on October 13. Campaigns have been launched in other cities. According to the Idealista specialised website, rental prices per square metre have risen 82 percent across Spain over the past decade. The average salary has gone up by 17 percent in that time, according to the national statistics institute. Facing pressure over a housing crisis, the government in 2023 passed legislation calling for more social housing, greater restrictions on rents in high demand areas and penalties for owners who do not occupy properties. But rents have continued to rise while the government has battled city and regional authorities to get some parts of the law applied. vid-vab/tw/jmSkattebo and Arizona State to the playoff after 45-19 win over Iowa State in Big 12 title game ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 newcomer Arizona State will represent the conference in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Cam Skattebo ran for 170 yards and two scores while adding a touchdown catch the 12th-ranked Sun Devils beat No. 16 Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship game. The Sun Devils with 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham are 11-2 after being the preseason pick to finish at the bottom of their new 16-team league. They have won six games in a row. Iowa State is 10-3, already the first 10-win season in the program's 133-year history. Boise State makes the College Football Playoff as Big 12's 1st-round bye chances dim INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The first big win in college football’s postseason goes to Boise State. The have Broncos captured the Mountain West Conference title and earned their spot in the sport’s first 12-team playoff. As for the losers, there was UNLV, which fell 21-7 to Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty and the Broncos in the conference title game. But more than that, it was the Big 12, which saw one path to a first-round bye in those playoffs blocked off by Jeanty and Company. Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn finished in the middle of the pack in a pair of lower-level downhill events as she competed for the first time in nearly six years. The 40-year-old Vonn is on the comeback trail after stepping away from the sport because of injuries. Vonn wasn't concerned with times and places in the races so much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races she had enough points to enter World Cup events. Man City drops more points after draw with Crystal Palace and Man United loses again Manchester City’s Premier League title defense has taken another blow after a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Four-time defending champion City ended a seven-game winless run on Wednesday by beating Nottingham Forest. But City has dropped more points on Saturday after the draw at Selhurst Park. It could have been worse for City after Palace led twice. Pep Guardiola’s team is fourth in the standings and eight points behind leader Liverpool. Liverpool has a game in hand after its derby with Everton was postponed due to a storm. Amber Glenn becomes first US woman in 14 years to win figure skating Grand Prix Final GRENOBLE, France (AP) — Amber Glenn has become the first American to win the women’s Grand Prix Final competition since Alissa Czisny 14 years ago. Glenn landed a triple axel on her way to a total score of 212.07 points to beat Japan's Mone Chiba and triple world champion Kaori Sakamoto. That continues a stunning breakout season at the age of 25 for Glenn. The U.S. could win two more titles later Saturday. Ilia Malinin leads the men’s event ahead of the free skate and Madison Chock and Evan Bates lead the ice dance. Norris takes pole for season-ending Abu Dhabi GP and Hamilton 18th in Mercedes farewell ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Lando Norris took pole position for the last Formula 1 race of the season alongside teammate Oscar Piastri to put McLaren on the verge of a first constructors’ title in 26 years. Norris’ last lap put him .209 of a second faster than Piastri, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. .020 further back. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton qualified 18th for his last race with Mercedes after a bizarre incident wrecked his final qualifying lap. A plastic pole marking the inside of a corner was knocked loose by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas and Hamilton drove over it. Big 12's Yormark brings up hard choices for fans before sparsely attended title game ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — College football fans are facing some hard choices in the expanded playoff system with some teams set to play away from home multiple times. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark raised that point before the sparsely attended title game between No. 12 Arizona State and 16th-ranked Iowa State. There were thousands of empty seats at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Yormark says he remains committed to having a Big 12 title game. Besides the issues of fans, there have been suggestions that some leagues might be better off without title games as it relates to playoff hopes. Everton vs. Liverpool postponed because of Storm Darragh. Other Premier League games remain on LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been postponed because of Storm Darragh's dangerous winds and heavy rain on the west coast. The Met office says parts of Wales have experienced wind gusts of over 90 mph. The four other Premier League games Saturday remained on as planned. Manchester United will host Nottingham Forest at 5:30 p.m. local time at Old Trafford. The remaining games start at 3 p.m. local time. Aston Villa hosts Southampton and urged fans to use extra time to get to Villa Park in Birmingham. In London, Brentford will host Newcastle, and Crystal Palace will host Manchester City. Ashton Jeanty lets his play do the talking for CFP-bound Boise State BOISE, Idaho (AP) — After Ashton Jeanty streaked through the middle of UNLV’s defense on his way to a 75-yard touchdown run Friday night in the Mountain West Conference title game, he didn’t strike the Heisman pose. He didn’t even lobby for it after the game, instead letting his play do the talking in No. 10 Boise State's 21-7 victory over No. 19 UNLV 21-7. Jeanty added another 209 yards — his sixth game over 200 yards this season — to push his total to 2,497 — just 132 yards short of passing Barry Sanders’ FBS season rushing record. The Broncos earned a spot in the College Football Playoff with the victory. No. 24 Army wins AAC championship in first attempt as Daily runs for 4 TDs in 35-14 win over Tulane WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Bryson Daily rushed for four touchdowns to tie the American Athletic Conference championship game record, and No. 24 Army completed a perfect first season in the league by beating Tulane 35-14. Kanye Udoh rushed for 158 yards, including a 72-yarder to set up a Daily TD, and a score. Daily added 126 yards on the ground for the Black Knights, who overwhelmed AAC opponents with their bruising, clock-eating rushing attack during their first around the league, then ran it to perfection in the championship game. Army moved to 11-1. Daily had runs of 5, 3, 4 and 7 yards.Direct interaction, innovative thinking necessary to survive in AI environment: IISc director
The 5 step plan Princess Andre, 17, is using to be the next Molly-Mae, and it’s setting her up to be a millionaire by 20The Ravens looked better defensively last week, but now Roquan Smith's injury is a concern
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It seems the Opposition politicians are hard at work these days, trying to whip up a storm over ‘Mahaviru Naa’ celebrations in the North—much like the recent Bay of Bengal depression, which after wreaking havoc here, conveniently blew its cyclonic rage straight into Tamil Nadu. But. the deep depression having intensified into cyclone Fengal over the Bay of Bengal petered out rather predictably before slamming into Indian shores last Monday. As the Indian Meteorology Department had forecast, it faded into a modest low-pressure area over Northern Tamil Nadu—hardly the devastating ending some might have anticipated from a cyclone. Prof. Abeysinghe Lasantha Sandika When a storm dumps enough rain to flood the country, you might think it would spark some collective empathy or at the very least, a serious conversation about disaster relief. But no—welcome to the South, where the political playbook dictates that the best response to agricultural devastation is a healthy dose of communal tension. After all, what is a few thousand hectares of rice and vegetables and crop cultivations going under water when there is ‘tense’ issue such as the ‘Mahaviru Naal’ in the North to milk for political theatrics? Simmer the communal hot pot Never mind the farmers, whose cultivations, including 64,000 hectares of paddy in the Northern and Eastern Provinces alone now resembling lakes going underwater. Forget the fact that these regions bore the brunt of nature’s fury and that over two million farmers in the country depend on rice farming to keep their families fed and the country afloat. Who cares about livelihoods when you can simmer the communal hot pot to cause nationwide discontent? And so, as the water recedes and farmers stare at their ruined fields, the political stage shifts to the tried-and-tested formula: whip up a little communal tension and fan the flames. You would have successfully diverted attention from an agricultural crisis to a convenient political spectacle. Or are we having a South-style master class in political misdirection? So here we are, wading through the aftermath of a devastating flood, while the political scriptwriters dream up their next act. The country has 2.3 million hectares of agricultural land, with 80 percent dedicated to non-plantation food crops such as rice, maize, vegetables, fruits and other crops, according to the Agriculture Department. The sector employs 28 percent of the country’s labour force, with small-scale farmers contributing the bulk of the agricultural output. It’s too early to quantify the full extent of crop damage or the economic fallout from the floods, but assessments are underway, according to Dr. Chamila Chandrasiri, Director of the Socio-Economic and Planning Centre at the Agriculture Department. “Give us a week or two to get the assessments rolling,” she stated, noting that water must first recede from the flood-affected paddy fields and farmlands. Only then will agricultural officers be able to compile a complete report on the affected farmers, farmlands and crop losses. Speculation, however, is rife. Critics argue that the National People’s Power Government may struggle to address the crisis, with murmurs of a looming food shortage due to flood-induced crop damage. Rumours also swirl about potential price spikes in rice, vegetables and fruit during the festive season and possibly well into next year. And if that’s not enough, a so-called ‘coconut mafia’ is reportedly emerging, threatening to hike prices alongside the notorious rice cartels. While these projections aren’t entirely baseless, they remain speculative. The Government has ramped up support for farmers, providing access to fertiliser and better agricultural inputs. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) has also initiated long-term strategies to promote climate-smart agriculture and ensure food security and resilience. HARTI Director and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abeysinghe Lasantha Sandika said they did not expect a flood-induced weather during this cultivation season. He said the relevant agenciesat no point of time forecast the kind of heavy rains that triggered floods. According to him the weather forecasters did not forecast the severity of the weather. The recent floods across Sri Lanka have left paddy fields and farmlands submerged, causing significant damage to crops and irrigation systems. While the Meteorology Department issued a heavy rain warning on November 19, HARTI’s Prof. Sandika believes such forecasts need to be communicated at least a month in advance to allow farmers to adapt their sowing schedules. Effort washed away Farmers had sown seeds on November 15, just days before the rains struck. “The entire effort was washed away,” said Prof. Sandika. Now, farmers face the costly task of re-cultivating, with seed paddy and fertiliser costs doubling. This burden extends to the Government, which must support the recovery effort through subsidies and aid. It is essential to study climate changes more closely and reassess when farmers should plant crops, instead of strictly conforming to traditional farming schedules Farmers now face the daunting task of restarting their cultivation processes and repeat the entire sowing procedure. This has effectively doubled their costs, creating additional financial strain not only to farmers but also for the Government, which has pledged to support recovery efforts. Prof. Sandika highlighted that activating the Government’s fertiliser subsidy program was a key step to alleviate the burden. He assured that measures to restart cultivation are already in motion, with the subsidy program set to play a pivotal role. Interestingly, the delayed activation of the subsidy program in certain areas has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Since the initial crops in those regions were destroyed by floods, the program can now be implemented without the risk of losses on the prematurely ruined harvests. This timing allows the Government to focus its resources more effectively on supporting re-cultivation efforts. Paddy cultivation in low-lying areas of the Northern and Eastern Provinces has been among the hardest hit by the recent floods. Extensive damage has also been reported to paddy and vegetable fields in districts such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara and Jaffna, while fruit and vegetable farming in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts has suffered significant setbacks. The impact extends beyond farmers and their families, affecting urban populations, particularly in Colombo, who rely on rural agricultural produce. Vegetable prices have soared, forcing consumers in urban areas to pay significantly more for basic food items. Nutrient-rich sediment However, there is a silver lining amidst this crisis. According to Professor Sandika, receding flood waters often leave behind nutrient-rich sediment that can improve soil fertility. This natural enrichment can enhance soil productivity, though the benefits depend on factors such as the flood type, the affected region and the pre-existing soil condition. These nutrients deposited by floodwaters have agricultural importance. For example Nitrogen, which is an organic matter from decaying, plants and sediment, is essential for plant growth. Nitrogen is a critical component of chlorophyll, which is vital for photosynthesis. Then Phosperous- which aids in root development and improves flowering and fruiting. Phosphorus is crucial for energy transfer within plants. Also Potassium, micronutrients such as Zinc, Iron, Magnesium and Calcium are also found in this fertile sediment. They contribute to natural soil enrichment, and replenish nutrient-depleted lands, he said. This means once they re-start cultivation, there will be an increase in their crop yield. There will be marked improvement in food security. The floods’ aftermath presents an opportunity for improved agricultural yields in the future, provided the recovery and replanting efforts are managed effectively. This underscores the need for comprehensive support systems and climate-adaptive agricultural strategies. Prof. Sandika said as for crop damage, the Agriculture Department was working on it. Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation has carried out a rough assessment indicating that the floods have significantly damaged irrigation infrastructure, with repairs potentially costing over Rs. 6,000 million. In response to the immediate recovery needs of farmers, the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board will provide compensation through its insurance schemes. Compensation will be available for six key crops – paddy, maize, potato, soybean, onion, and chilli – with a maximum payout of Rs 40,000 per acre. However, many farmers are unlikely to receive full compensation, since their crops were lost shortly after sowing, meaning they could receive less than Rs. 16,000 per acre, depending on their specific insurance agreements. Prof. Sandika said that his personal view was that rice farmers should be compensated more and he is aware that the Government was taking steps to compensate vegetable farmers in the upcountry and the low country. Meanwhile, free seed paddy is to be distributed to farmers. Flood risk When asked about measures to mitigate future flood risks to paddy fields and farmlands, Prof. Sandika said the importance of developing a forewarning system was paramount. He said that even the monsoon patterns were shifting, making it crucial to adapt by adjusting the crop calendar to align with changing weather patterns. “We cannot change Mother Nature, but we must learn to adapt to it,” he said. He also pointed out that it is essential to study climate changes more closely and reassess when farmers should plant crops, instead of strictly conforming to traditional farming schedules such as the Yala and Maha seasons. This approach would help farmers move away from outdated methods and embrace more flexible, climate-resilient practices. To mitigate future climate risks, Prof. Sandika advocates the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the use of technology. While farmers traditionally rely on experience to determine planting schedules, he said that it’s time to shift to farming based on empirical evidence and research. This transition will allow farmers to make more informed decisions and better manage climate-related challenges. He also highlighted the vulnerability of farmers cultivating crops on open land, which are more prone to weather extremes. To address this, Prof. Sandika suggests identifying entrepreneurs and guiding them towards protective agricultural practices. Many young farmers in the country are already using modern technology such as net houses and greenhouses to cultivate crops, to protect crops from adverse weather, pests and disease. Some of them have become successful exporters. Net houses and greenhouse farming are forms of controlled-environment agriculture that optimise growth conditions, improve crop quality, and allow for off-season cultivation. These methods differ in design, materials, and functionality but share the goal of enhancing yields and providing a more resilient farming model in the face of climate change. HARTI is leading a program to promote climate-smart agriculture by supporting young, entrepreneurial farmers. In collaboration with the Government, HARTI helps aspiring farmers’ access loan schemes of up to Rs. 3 million to start greenhouse farming. This initiative is supported by global partners, including the World Bank, which backs climate-protected agricultural practices. Through specialised training programs, HARTI is guiding traditional farmers to embrace modern, resilient farming techniques. These efforts are intended to improve economic stability and the country’s food security. The training helps farmers transition from traditional methods to more sustainable, climate-smart practices. The program is a key opportunity for young farmers to develop skills, boost welfare and contribute to the country’s agricultural and economic growth. By providing guidance, resources, and financial support, HARTI is helping create a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs who can tackle climate challenges and enhance food production systems.None
NoneATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in Miami