
The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”Cuddled up with her daughter, husband and cat Betty as they counted down the days to Christmas , Bryony Thomas tried hard to raise a smile for the camera. Her little girl Eleni, then just eight, was fizzing with excitement about Santa’s imminent arrival – while Bryony and husband Tom were trying to come to terms with the news that the devoted mum had pancreatic cancer. “Looking back at that picture now, it feels pretty surreal,” says Bryony, of Stroud in Gloucestershire. “You can see the innocent joy in Eleni’s eyes, while Tom and I are trying to keep it together.” Just days before the family posed for their annual Christmas snap, doctors had broken the news. “The statistics were terrifying,” says Bryony. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all the 20 common cancers, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK, while more than half of those with the disease die within three months of diagnosis. At just 41, Bryony had made several trips to GPs and hospitals in the years before her diagnosis, desperate to root out the cause of her extreme fatigue. She’d been tested for everything from sleep apnoea and poor thyroid function to coeliac disease and anaemia, spending almost £5,000 on therapy, holistic treatments and private tests to find out the cause of her symptoms. It wasn’t until December 2019 – when she noticed changes to her poo and urine and her skin began to turn yellow – that she finally got an answer. “When the doctor came in to break the news, there were two nurses with him,” recalls Bryony. “One was wearing the purple Macmillan uniform so I knew it was cancer. While Tom and I were deeply shocked it was pancreatic cancer, which we knew was the one you don’t want to get, we weren’t all that surprised. We had known there had to be something behind my symptoms.” While fewer than 7 per cent of people with the disease in the UK will survive beyond five years, according to Pancreatic Cancer UK, Bryony is one of the lucky ones – meaning this Christmas will be truly special. “December 19 marked five years since my diagnosis so I’m really hoping I can finally start to breathe again in the months ahead,” says the 46-year-old. “Christmas in 2019 was a blur as we got our heads around what was happening. If I’m honest, having read the statistics I was quite accepting this was how I’d go. But with extraordinary care from the medical team who looked after me once I’d been diagnosed, I’ve been one of the lucky ones. “After so long, the chances of it coming back are considered to be significantly reduced. It’s just terribly disappointing I’m an outlier. People with this disease deserve more than just hope.” Before her diagnosis, Bryony had seen eight GPs about her symptoms. Theories varied, but a common suggestion was she was exhausted as a result of being a busy working mum. Then, in early December 2019, she struggled to get out of bed after a visit from friends and could barely eat for a week. “Within a few days, my pee was fluorescent yellow,” recalls Bryony, who runs a marketing consultancy company. “The day after that, it was like stewed tea. I took a sample to the GP and was sent home with antibiotics for a suspected urinary tract infection.” By that weekend Bryony’s poos had changed colour and she noticed her skin was slightly yellow. She was sent for blood tests and a day later, when her jaundiced appearance was more pronounced, referred to hospital. “I delayed it for a few hours because Eleni had a Christmas show with her dance group,” she recalls. “I couldn’t miss it.” Later that day she received her diagnosis. “I went home with Christmas just around the corner and we did our best to keep things normal for Eleni,” says Bryony. “Opening stockings was heartbreaking, and as she jumped into our bed on Christmas morning I really thought it could be our last together. We managed to go to the panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, and even though I was desperately jaundiced and exhausted, I kept going for her.” On December 27 2019, Bryony answered the phone to discover medics had decided to operate. “I remember getting the call at exactly 5.27pm,” she recalls. “Only one in 10 people with a diagnosis manage to have surgery, which is the only curative treatment for the disease, so I knew I was one of the lucky ones. “I had a 14-hour operation on January 2, 2020, a fortnight after my diagnosis. Six weeks later, chemo began. They found a 3.2cm tumour and the cancer had spread into three lymph nodes and impacted a major vein, so things weren’t easy, particularly as the last few months of my chemo happened during Covid. “But my treatment, and my surgeon in particular, were wonderful.” Now, having passed five years since her diagnosis, Bryony has joined Pancreatic Cancer UK’s More Than Hope campaign to push for more breakthroughs, more support and more survivors. She will run the London Marathon in April 2025 in an effort to raise £2million to fund research into a pioneering diagnostic test for the disease. “From my experience and what I’ve learned about pancreatic cancer, early detection will make a huge difference to patient outcomes,” says Bryony. “I feel blessed to still be here, and to be looking forward to another Christmas Day and another visit to the panto with Tom and Eleni, who is now 13. But I want that for everyone else too, which is why more funding for research and greater awareness of the disease is so important. Everyone should have the same chance to live that I’ve had.” Bryony Thomas is a lead voice for Pancreatic Cancer UK’s More Than Hope campaign. Find out more here .
The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest: Just minutes before the shooting, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the two items from a nearby Starbucks. Both the water bottle and protein bar wrapper were later recovered from a trash can in the vicinity of the killing, according to a police spokesperson. They’ve been sent to the city’s medical examiner for expedited fingerprint testing. As the suspect remained at large Thursday afternoon, New York police were sorting through a growing number of leads coming in through a public hotline. Many have been unfounded, including a tip from a commuter who claimed to have spotted the shooter on a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday evening. Police searched the train, but found no sign of the gunman. Members of the public have also provided police with several different names of people who bear a resemblance to the gunman — though they have yet to confirm the shooter’s identity. NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves urged anyone with information to contact the department “even if it seems trivial.” “We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together,” he said. Users’ reactions — and in many cases jokes — populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular. “I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isn’t covered under my healthcare plan,” one comment read on Instagram. “Thoughts and prior authorizations!” wrote another user. Images released by police of a person they say is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Both feature a black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semicircle. Matheus Taranto, a guest at the hostel who’s visiting from Brazil, says he saw police at the lodging Wednesday evening. He said an officer wouldn’t let him access a bathroom where he wanted to brush his teeth. “I asked why, he was like, no, nothing happened,” said Taranto, 24. He didn’t connect the dots with the shooting until later. In Minnesota, police in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, where Thompson lived, said Thursday they believe a bomb threat on Wednesday night was a hoax. Maple Grove police put out a statement Thursday saying a “suspected swatting investigation” was underway. The department said it received a report of a bomb threat directed at two addresses around 7 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office assisted, but investigators found no suspicions devices or other items. “The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax. No further comments will be made at this time,” the police statement said. Police reports provided to The Associated Press by the department show that officers made contact with family members at one of the homes and were told they had seen nothing suspicious and had received no direct threats. Back in Thompson’s home state of Minnesota, authorities were investigating a bomb threat that reportedly was made against his home Wednesday night, after his death. It was first reported by TMZ. City Prosecutor Andrew Draper confirmed to The Associated Press via email Thursday that he received an email Wednesday night “regarding a bomb threat. I reported it to the Maple Grove Police Department and do not have any additional information.” Maple Grove police officials did not immediately respond to requests for details Thursday. Local ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said: “ATF was made aware of the incident in Maple Grove last night, but no ATF resources were deployed. We are unable to confirm any further details.” A local FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information on the FBI’s involvement in the investigation. The words emblazoned on the ammunition used in the shooting – “deny,” “defend” and “depose” – were written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official. The official wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. — Jake Offenhartz As of Thursday morning, police were still searching for the shooter. They released new photos of a person they said is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The images match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, including its black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semi-circle. An employee at the hostel said police had visited but declined to provide further information. Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the lodging, said in an emailed statement that they are cooperating with the NYPD but can’t comment due to the active investigation. According to the official who spoke to AP about the ammunition messaging, investigators are running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the shooting, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded. Additionally, they’re looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan. Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens. UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS. Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs. Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits. In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer. Polls reflect those frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and insurance companies in particular. About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve “a lot of blame” for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February . Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. They’re similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. ▶ Read more about the messaging left behind by the shooter The New York Police Department released photos Thursday morning, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured. Police say the person is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. A Senate panel has been investigating how frequently three major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, deny care to patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It has also investigated the use of artificial intelligence in deny those claims. Medicare Advantage is the private version of Medicare, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee’s report released earlier this year found that as UnitedHealthcare relied more on its automated system to review claims denials increased for post-acute treatment, which includes nursing home or rehabilitation care. The insurer denied nearly a quarter of claims, a rate that doubled over just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022. Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives, says the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack. He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind. After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooter’s professionalism. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” Kenny said. The hostels were on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and police were following a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one of the residences, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the ongoing search. According to an employee of Kama Central Park, two detectives arrived at the hostel at 7 a.m. Thursday with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognized the man. They did not, the employee said, and the detectives left soon after. An employee at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police had visited the location Thursday, but declined to provide further information. — Jake Offenhartz New York Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday the shooter used a silencer — something he’d never encountered in his 22 years as a police officer. “In all of my years in law enforcement I have never seen a silencer before,” Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said in an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “And so that was really something that was shocking to us all.” The masked gunman used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny had said earlier. — Mike Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference. ▶ Read more about the key things to know about the fatal attackYet another billionaire is clambering to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s hyper-rich inner circle, the MAGA chief has claimed. Trump, who will take the hot seat on Jan. 20, 2025, has seen his popularity surge among Silicon Valley types after he was endorsed by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk . The number two, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , soon made a beeline for the big man too, after he was spotted dining with Musk and Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Now Bill Gates wants a slice, according to Trump. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the former CEO of Microsoft— whom Forbes says is the 16th richest in the world— personally asked for an audience with him. In a somewhat incoherent post, he said: “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.” Tom Cruise ’s first movie project after wrapping up the Mission: Impossible franchise next year with The Final Reckoning has been revealed. And it could land him back in the Oscar conversation. Warner Bros. announced Friday that Cruise will star in an untitled film from two-time Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu ( Birdman , The Revenant ), set to be released on Oct. 2, 2026. The logline reads: “The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.” Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed are among the other actors in the cast. The project is Iñárritu‘s first English-language film since 2015’s The Revenant , which won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar for Best Actor. Cruise has been nominated for three acting Oscars over the course of his long career—for Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia —but has never received a trophy at the ceremony. After all the chaos of the holiday season, you and your loved one deserve a little one-on-one time. For 2025, make the resolution to create unforgettable date nights with The Fantasy Box . The subscription box comes with everything you need to spice up your love life, like step-by-step scenarios for role-playing, lingerie, accessories, lube, and props. Each box has a unique theme and there are over 30 different themed fantasies to pick. The Ride ‘Em Cowgirl scenario brings you to the wild west. She is a flirty cowgirl in sexy denim shorts and cow print pasties, while he is a charming bartender with a paddle. Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring a more dominant and submissive dynamic. In the D is for Discipline box , she is the Mistress with drip candles and he is her toy in a satin blindfold and bondage collar. The Fantasy Box has created a quick quiz you can take to uncover you and your partner’s fantasies. After taking the quiz, you’ll be recommended three boxes. From there, you can buy any box you want directly. Don’t forget to use the code NEWYEAR at checkout to save $50 on your order. If you and your partner love it, try subscribing monthly or bi-monthly for only $99 the first month. Monthly subscriptions renew at $129 per box; bi-monthly at $139 per box. You’ll receive a new themed box, enjoy free shipping, and get up to 20% off at The Fantasy Box’s shop. Free Shipping Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. Entire stalls were engulfed by flames at the Bryant Park holiday market in Manhattan on Friday morning, videos show. A cause for the blaze is yet to be determined, but a spokesperson for FDNY told Gothamist it’s under investigation. The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. and nobody was injured, the spokesperson said, adding that the fire was between “six feet wide by 40 feet long” at its peak. Clips of the flames quickly went viral on social media and the market has been closed indefinitely. New York City Emergency Management advised people to avoid the area and warned there will be traffic delays while a probe is completed. It’s the second time this season a holiday market has gone up in flames in the city, coming a week-and-a-half after a fire ignited a swath of Herald Square’s festive shopping corridor. Eighteen shops—and their merchandise, ranging from shirts to glass ornaments—were reportedly razed by that blaze. Bryant Park Christmas Village is on fire 🔥 #whatisnewyork pic.twitter.com/031iZ2D6He Kevin O’Leary , of Shark Tank fame, says half of Canada is “interested” in merging with the U.S.—a longshot arrangement that topped Donald Trump ’s wishlist this Christmas. “Canadians over the holidays—the last two days—have been talking about this,” O’Leary told Fox Business. “They want to hear more.” The 70-year-old Montreal native said he’s headed to Mar-a-Lago to start a conversation that, at the least, may lead to his homeland and the U.S. striking a partnership agreement akin to the European Union. “So secure [the northern territories], give a common currency, figure out taxes across the board, get everything trading both ways, create a new, almost EU-like passport—I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested,” he said. O’Leary acknowledged there’d be “a lot of issues” with a merger, but suggested now’s the time to get a deal done with Trump returning to office as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s power is waning. O’Leary may not be the best barometer for what the average Canadian thinks, however. The businessman, worth an estimated $400 million , has ditched the great white north for sunny Miami Beach . He was also soundly rejected by voters when he ran for the leadership of the Canadian Conservative Party in 2017 and won just one percent of the vote. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Elon Musk has further stoked the flames of the MAGA H1-B civil war after he agreed with a post that called Americans too “retarded” to exclusively fill the U.S. tech workforce. The eye-popping endorsement came after a pro-Musk account on X summed up the right-wing divide on visas to skilled workers as such: “So basically the right split into two factions, tech right and right right, and the tech right is like ‘hey we need h-1b visa people to do the jobs,’ and the right right was like ‘no you need to hire Americans,’ and the tech right is like “but you guys are retarded,” and the right right is like ‘well you don’t train us,’ and the tech right is like ‘you can’t outtrain being retarded,’ and while all this was going on we learned some people *really* don’t like Indians.” Musk, a 53-year-old South African who’s recently enjoyed a spot inside the “America First” Trump’s inner circle, apparently thought that assessment was a fair one. He responded, “That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening.” Trump is yet to weigh in on the latest right-wing divide that pits his longtime loyalists against his new tech bro faction. That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening. Several aviation experts said they believe that a Russian defense system caused the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 people on Christmas Day, according to the Associated Press. The flight was headed from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but diverted course amid bad weather before crash landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident left 29 survivors, all of whom are injured, the AP reported. With investigations underway in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, officials in those countries have urged against speculation about the crash’s cause. Russia’s aviation authority has suggested, nevertheless, that a bird strike could have played a role. But aviation experts seem to disagree. Mark Zee, founder of the aviation safety organization OPSGroup, told the AP that based on images of the plane, he is “90-99%” sure it was struck by a missile. Independent Russian military expert Yan Matveyev agreed that the plane’s tail appeared to have been struck by shrapnel from a missile like the ones used by Russia’s defense system. Meanwhile, the UK aviation security firm Osprey Solutions reportedly cautioned its clients that “Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.” The man suspected of lighting a woman on fire in a Brooklyn subway car faces life without parole after he was charged with murder . Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been indicted on charges of murder in the first and second degree and arson, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. The horrific scene unfolded on an early morning F train stopped at the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. stop in south Brooklyn on Dec. 22. Zapeta is accused of igniting the woman’s clothes and “fanning the flames” with a shirt. “These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. It’s the most serious statute in New York state law and my office is very confident about the evidence in the case and to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” Gonzalez said. Zapeta, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 7. Chaos descended in South Korea ‘s parliament again after the man tasked with succeeding the country’s recently impeached president was also given the boot. Acting president, formerly the Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, was brought in two weeks after parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his failed bid to impose martial law on the country. But Han was accused Friday of dragging his heels in pushing through the Yoon impeachment after he refused to appoint three judges to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court that would vote on Yoon’s future. As a result, 192 lawmakers voted for Han’s impeachment. However, it was the decision to lower the threshold of required votes from 200 for Yoon’s removal to just 151 that caused lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party to swarm National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik. “Invalid!” and “Abuse of power!” were among the angry chants. The majority of the parliament in South Korea is from the opposition Democratic Party. Yoon is from the right-wing People Power Party, while Han is an independent. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken the reigns... for now. South Korea's parliament voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, prompting chaos as ruling party lawmakers protested the speaker’s decision to allow only 150 votes to pass the bill against Han, which meant no ruling party lawmakers’ votes were needed. pic.twitter.com/BgX9D8vrwh Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. The 92-year-old mother of a murder victim whose death spurred the conviction—later overturned—of a member of the Kennedy family, died Tuesday of complications from the flu, her son said. Dorthy Moxley fought nearly 50 years for justice after her teenage daughter, Martha, was found dead across the street from the family home of Michael Skakel, a cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Skakel was convicted of Martha’s murder in 2002 and freed in 2013 after a judge said he hadn’t received adequate representation. The Connecticut Supreme Court reinstated the conviction in 2016, only to order him freed two years later. A second trial never occurred, in part because some witnesses had died. “It was just incredible how much support we got from people that we knew and people that we didn’t know,” Moxley’s son, John, told the Associated Press . “My mother was always grateful and chose to focus on the communal spirit, if you will, rather than the law. My mother always said she believed in angels and the angels really came out to support her, to support us.” John added: “She was able to take that spirit of support and knowing how important it was to share that with others. And that gave her a lot of joy, knowing that she could help somebody else.” Kim Kardashian , who parlayed nepo-baby roots , a viral sex tape , and reality stardom into billionaire status has come close to admitting that rarest of things: failure. The 43-year-old mother of four is no longer helping manage SKKY Partners, the private equity firm she founded with a dealmaking hotshot in 2022. Instead, Axios reports, she will be a “senior operating adviser,” according to new documents filed with the Securities Exchange Commission. When she and Jay Sammons, who had worked for the Carlyle Group set up the fund, they said they wanted to raise $1 billion for investments. But Axios' analysis showed that its latest total raised is a fraction of that, at $121 million, and that so far it has done just one deal, for a hot sauce maker called Truff. Kardashian has not commented publicly on her loss of private equity executive status, while her mother, momager Kris Jenner, has been dropped from the filing documents entirely. Few celebrities have cracked private equity investing status; among those who have are Ryan Reynolds and Ashton Kutcher. Kardashian can console herself that the success of her Skims brand means her billionaire status is secure; earlier this month she opened a “flagship” store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, replacing a Versace store.Bill Clinton admitted to US hospital with a fever
Mhow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday made history by becoming the first Defence Minister to visit Mhow in 24 years, where he lauded the Indian Army’s training institutes for their outstanding contributions. Singh’s visit was a significant milestone, as he acknowledged the crucial role these institutes play in shaping the military strategies and warfare skills of Indian Army personnel. He was on a visit to the three Premier Training Institutes of the Indian Army – Army War College (AWC), Infantry School and Military College of Telecommunication and Engineering (MCTE) – in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers of the Indian Army. Singh was briefed by the Officiating Commandant on the establishment of the Advanced Incubation and Research Centre and the various MoUs towards enabling the absorption and transformation of technologies. He visited the Army Marksmanship Unit to witness their contribution towards national sports. Singh also visited the Infantry Museum, where he was briefed on the history of the Infantry as well as the induction of modernised equipment into the Infantry. Addressing the troops, he commended the courage and vigilance of the Indian Army personnel in safeguarding the borders and ensuring national security. “Your dedication and devotion to duty are an inspiration to all of us. It is due to your hard work and commitment that our country and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong,” he said. Singh called upon the Armed Forces to continue keeping a vigilant eye on the current geopolitical scenario, and always remain alert and ready to deal with any kind of threats. During his address at Mhow Military Station, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, ” Our jawans are not ordinary but very special. Whenever you want to do something you don’t calculate but instead you think that no matter what we need to do it. This dedication of yours inspires the entire citizens of this country...as the Defence Minister, I want to say that we will have to keep ourselves alert always...” He emphasised that there are times when India faces challenges on the borders as well as on the internal front, which makes it imperative for the soldiers to keep a close eye on the activities of the adversaries and take timely and effective steps against them. Singh asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government aims to make India a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047, and the Armed Forces will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. “You are the protectors of our borders and the forerunners in nation-building. I am sure that you will continue securing our borders with courage and dedication, and contribute to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said. Earlier, the Defence Minister visited the Bhim Janm Bhoomi, a memorial dedicated to Dr BR Ambedkar in Mhow, and paid homage to the Bharat Ratna and the architect of the Indian constitution at his birthplace. He described Dr BR Ambedkar as an epitome of selfless service, who dedicated his life to social equality and empowerment.
The Latest: State funeral for Jimmy Carter will be Jan. 9Gerry Dulac: Steelers defense failed to close out a win — again
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle out vs. Browns
The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. pic.twitter.com/LphMZog6np — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 22, 2024 The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”
National Alliance on Mental Illness Lorain County is closing 2024 with a list of accomplishments and a bright look ahead at 2025 with various projects. As a nonprofit supporting and advocating for mental illness, NAMI supports Lorain County residents and families of residents who may be struggling, said Greg Klima, executive director of NAMI Lorain County, in a news release. “What a year 2024 has been here at NAMI Lorain County,” Klima said. “I hope you have felt the excitement and experienced at least one of the many varied programs we have initiated to bring NAMI’s amazing message of hope and support to as many members of the Lorain County community as possible,” he said. Among its many accomplishments in 2024, NAMI: offered Signature Programs Familia-de-Familia and Bases y Fundamentos de NAMI for the first time; presented “Ending the Silence” in schools for the first time; started a Bereavement Support Group; and hosted an all-day Alternative Pathways to Wellness event. NAMI Lorain County also launched a mental health podcast and created a mental health book club, among many other feats, Klima said. “We did all of this while presenting a larger number of educational signature programs than ever before and continuing our Community Connection social and wellness events, which bring together people living with mental health conditions and the people who support them for socialization and fun,” he said. In 2025, NAMI Lorain County will focus on young adult/youth services and FaithNet and aims to hire a young adult services coordinator before the end of the year to focus on a variety of programs, Klima said. Programs include establishing NAMI on Campus: High School clubs and NAMI on Campus college clubs to support youth facing mental health issues, he said. FaithNet is a program focused on assembling faith leaders on a quarterly basis to learn about current mental health topics and to learn from each other about ministering to family members or congregants living with mental health conditions, Klima said. “We know that achieving these new plans while maintaining our current programming is an ambitious goal,” he said. “Every program that NAMI Lorain County offers to the residents of Lorain County is provided free of charge. “We need your help to get it done.” Individuals can contribute to NAMI Lorain County in a number of ways, including becoming a volunteer or donating financially, Klima said. “This can help make mental health matters a priority in other public policy decisions,” he said. “Help us change lives and build a supportive community of people who understand that mental health is physical health.” The mission of NAMI Lorain County is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness by providing them, their families and the public with education, support groups and advocacy in the public arena. And the vision of NAMI Lorain County is a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. For more information, call 440-240-8477 or visit nami-lc.org .
August 7, 1941 - December 15, 2024 In loving memory ~ Carol, a resident of Campbell River, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Carol was born August 07, 1941, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where she spent her formative years, before meeting Phillip and starting a family. Carol spent many years working at Pacific Regeneration Technologies where she enjoyed spending time outdoors with her colleagues whom she fondly remembered. Carol was a loving wife to Phillip, mother to Wayne, Rick (Shawn), and Mark, grandmother to Mike (Victoria) and Allan (Kelsey), and Great grandmother to Keegan, Rayna, Saul, Mac and Lily. She was a straight shooter who will long be remembered for her wit, fun loving outlook and particular sense of humor.Quebec Premier François Legault will attend the inauguration and reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Quebec Premier François Legault will attend the inauguration and reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Quebec Premier François Legault will attend the inauguration and reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday. The historic church was renovated and rebuilt after being ravaged by a fire in April 2019. The premier’s office announced Thursday that Legault’s trip will be a short one — he will return to the province on Sunday. Many other heads of state and dignitaries are expected at the reopening ceremony, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not scheduled to attend. The event will highlight the restoration of the architectural gem and symbol of Paris. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Legault thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for the invitation, which he said was a sign of the deep historic and cultural ties “between our two nations.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Advertisement The Free Press acknowledges the financial support it receives from , which makes our coverage of religion possible.
Notable quotes by Jimmy Carter
The Yomiuri Shimbun 7:00 JST, December 30, 2024 Websites that allow users create sexually explicit deepfake images using generative AI received more than 18 million visits from Japan over a year, a survey by The Yomiuri Shimbun has found. That makes Japan the third-largest country in the world for such traffic after the United States and India. It is becoming increasingly common both in Japan and abroad for people to create explicit deepfakes of others and then spread the images via social media, and websites that let users create such images are believed to play a major role in the problem. One expert has called for rules and regulations to prevent harm in Japan. In the survey, The Yomiuri Shimbun identified 41 websites that say they let users create fake sexual images. Visits to the sites were also examined by country for the year from December 2023 to November 2024, using a tool provided by digital analysis firm Similarweb Ltd. The United States saw the most traffic at about 59.73 million visits, followed by India at around 24.57 million visits, Japan at about 18.43 million visits, Russia at about 17.59 million visits and Germany at around 16.86 million visits. From Japan, about 410,000 people accessed the websites each month on average, with 80% of users visiting via a smartphone. The websites allow users to upload images of people and alter the images to remove people’s clothes. Instructions on the websites are mostly given in English and Russian, with some sites offering Japanese. More than half the websites are believed to have been launched this year. With the rise of these sites, there has been a similar rise in the creation of fake and unauthorized images, as well as videos, and the sharing of this content online. There were confirmed to be 95,820 deepfake videos online in 2023, or 5.5 times more videos than in 2019, and 98% of these were sexual videos, according to a survey by U.S. security firm Security Hero. As deepfakes have become more common, other countries have moved to draft new laws. “To prevent people from easily creating fake sexual images, Japan also needs to consider laws and regulations, as well as provide instruction on information literacy to keep people from making such harmful images,” said Ichiro Sato, a professor specializing in information science at the National Institute of Informatics.French ResultsBTTR Stock Alert: Halper Sadeh LLC is Investigating Whether the Merger of Better Choice Company Inc. is Fair to Shareholders