Intel has announced it's second generation of discrete desktop graphics cards designed for PC gamers. The Xe2 architecture-based Battlemage Arc B580 and B570 , which were leaked last week , are targeted at the $200-300 price segment, competing with Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3050 and 4060 and AMD's Radeon RX 7600 and 7600 XT with a view to disrupting the low end of the market. Intel's Arc B580 graphics card What's new with the Intel Arc A580 and a 570? How fast are the Intel Arc A580 and a 570? Intel has released various performance claims for the new cards. The Arc B580 is on average 24% faster at 1440p than the previous similarly-priced Arc A750 and has up to 50% more performance per watt and more importantly offers 32% better performance per dollar than the competition - presumably the models listed above such as the RTX 4060, although Intel didn't mention any specific models from AMD or Nvidia. Intel's Arc B580 graphics card will be up to 24% faster than the previous generation on average, ... [+] beating the competition in performance per dollar according to Intel Save Up To 75% With The Best Black Friday Clothing Deals That Are Still Running 10 Unofficial Hoka Cyber Week Sales You Don’t Want To Miss How much will Intel Arc A580 and a 570 cost? The Arc B580 will cost $249 and B570 $219. This puts them into contention with some of the cheaper options from AMD and Nvidia such as the GeForce RTX 3050 and Radeon RX 7600. Based on Intel's claims, the new cards will be on average 24% faster at a similar price. Intel's Arc B580 graphics card How much memory do the Intel Arc A580 and a 570 have? The biggest headline features, though, are the memory options. The Arc 580 is equipped with a decent 12GB of memory - 50% more than its predecessors. The ARC B570 meanwhile This is significant as 8GB is widely viewed as not enough to deal with todays games, even at lower resolutions such as 1,920 x 1,080p and with comparatively low-end graphics cards. Nvidia certainly came in for critisizm with its cheaper RTX 4000-series cards such as the RTX 4060 Ti, which started at 8GB, while AMD's equivalents had larger amounts. The increased amounts of memory are likely add to the appeal in addition to Intel's claimed performance figures, even if the amounts are what would be expected for a graphics card in this price range to have launching right now. Of course, all eyes will be on Nvidia come January when it is expected to launch its RTX 5000 series. When will the Intel Arc A580 and a 570 be available? So far Intel has stated that add-in board partners Acer, ASRock, GUNNIR, ONIXX, MAXSUN and Sparkle will offer the Arc B580 from December 13th from $249, with Intel also offering a Limited Edition version too. The Arc B570 will be available from January 16th, 2025, starting at $219. Are the Intel Arc A580 and a 570 significant? Ultimately Intel is aiming to disrupt the most popular part of the market in terms of discrete graphics card sales - one currently dominated by Nvidia's RTX 4060 and 3060 cards. There has also been very little movement in terms of new releases at this price point with both AMD and Intel relying on older models to fill the gaps. Nvidia's for example, hasn't released an RTX 4050 - its product stack begins with the RTX 4060 8GB that cost over $300 when new. Nvidia's RTX 4060 graphics card will be a target for Intel's Battlemage models, even if it's about ... [+] to be replaced with Nvidia's RTX 5000 cards Intel hasn't had an easy time trying to break into the GPU market, though, with the unenviable task of optimizing drivers for hundreds of games to compete with AMD and Nvidia. the current situation based on recent tests by various tech review outlets is that there is still work to be done, but performance in much improved. Still, the release of a new graphics cards is encouraging and shows Intel's commitment to continue to push forwards and when graphics card prices show no signs of falling, additional options below $300 are very welcome.
PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation watching in silence and the world looking on, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.The Hershey Company is once again being courted for potential sale by a familiar suitor. Mondelez International Inc., maker of Ritz and Oreo, is mulling a takeover of the Derry Township-based confectioner and snack company, according to Bloomberg . The news site cited several sources familiar with the matter who didn’t want to be identified because they said discussions are private. The sources, according to Bloomberg, said discussions are in the early stages and “there’s uncertainty that discussions will lead to a deal.” Bloomberg said a deal could create a food industry giant with combined sales of $50 billion. In 2016, Chicago-based Mondelez unsuccessfully attempted a $23-billion cash and stock bid to take over Hershey. On Monday, Hershey shares rose as much as 19%, the biggest intraday gain in more than eight years, according to Bloomberg. Any sale would require a blessing by The Hershey Trust. Founded in 1905, it owns Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and controlling interest in the famed candy maker. Profits from the two businesses support the Derry Township boarding school for children from low-income families. Hershey Co. spokesman Todd Scott told PennLive the company doesn’t comment on speculation or rumor. Bloomberg said Mondelez and The Hershey Trust didn’t respond when reached for comment . A takeover would top this year’s biggest deal when snack maker Mars Inc. agreed in August to buy Kellanova for about $36 billion including debt, according to Bloomberg. Data by Bloomberg indicates Hershey has a value of about $46 billion including debt. Last week, speculation of a takeover was heightened following an “uncooked” alert by Betaville, a financial blog and division of the Financial Times. The “uncooked” alert are identified as: “This scuttlebutt has just come in and hasn’t been checked with all of Betaville’s well-informed RARE sources, let along formal journalistic channels (i.e. public relations execs, bankers, etc.). The rumor might be total codswallop, rubbish or nonsense ‚ but then again there may be something in it, so it’s worth airing on Betaville,” according to the site. At least one analyst last week said historically it would be difficult for the confectioner to sell. JPMorgan analyst Ken Goldman told Markets Insider stressed reasons, including several past failed takeover attempts, as to why a sale is unlikely. Aside from the previous Mondelez bid, Hershey considered a $12.5 billion cash and stock offer in 2002 from Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. But under the controlling Hershey Trust, under pressure from Milton Hershey School alumni, the community and even the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the company backed away from the deal. The same year reports surfaced Nestle SA and Cadbury Schweppes PLC were discussing a joint bid to buy Hershey. Goldman noted other reasons including Hershey’s dual-class stock structure, the Hershey Trust, and a law that gives the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office power over a sale. As of 2023, the Milton Hershey School Trust owned about 99.9% of all Class B shares of the company, giving the trust about 80% of voting control. A slate of reforms released by the Pennsylvania AG’s Office in 2016 changed how the trust is governed. The reforms established base pay for board members and rules related to how the trust and school buy or sell land and how trustees deal with conflicts of interest. The reforms also give the AG’s oversight to block a Hershey Co. sale if the it doesn’t make financial sense. In November, Hershey posted lower-than-estimated third-quarter results due to higher cocoa prices and weak consumer spending. It reported quarterly adjusted earnings per share of $2.34, with revenue falling by 1.4% to $2.9 billion. Bloomberg said Mondelez is “receptive to acquisitions” and wants to expand its snacks division. Stories by Sue GleiterWeavers: Protect indigenous textiles
By KEVIN FREKING WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate won’t hold votes on four of President Joe Biden’s appellate court nominees as part of a deal with Republicans to allow for speedier consideration of other judicial nominations and bring Biden within striking distance of the 234 total judicial confirmations that occurred during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term. Currently, the number of judges confirmed under Biden totals 221. Republicans forced numerous procedural votes this week and late-night sessions as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., attempted to move ahead in getting more of Biden’s nominees confirmed before Congress adjourns and Republicans take control of the chamber in January. A Senate Democratic leadership aide said Thursday a time agreement had been reached to allow for consideration of seven district court judges the week following Thanksgiving. Plus, another six district judges would be placed on the Senate executive calendar, making it possible for them to be considered on the Senate floor in December. Excluded from that list were four circuit judge nominations awaiting a floor vote: Adeel Abdullah Mangi of New Jersey, nominated for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals; Karla M. Campbell of Tennessee, nominated for the Sixth Circuit; Julia M. Lipez of Maine, First Circuit; and Ryan Young Park of North Carolina, Fourth Circuit. Mangi would have been the first Muslim American to serve as a federal appellate court judge if he had been confirmed. Mangi received law degrees from Oxford and Harvard. He works in a prestigious law firm and has secured significant legal victories. But his limited volunteer work with two outside groups has imperiled his nomination. He faced opposition from some Democrats as well. The confirmation battles over circuit court judges are generally much harder fights given their role in hearing appeals from district courts and often having the last word on legal matters. Schumer’s office said the four circuit nominees lacked the support to be confirmed, and that they received more than triple the amount of other judges moving forward as part of the agreement. Related Articles National Politics | Republicans rally around Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, as Gaetz withdraws for attorney general National Politics | Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations National Politics | Several of Trump’s Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct National Politics | Airline CEOs and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg fight over regulations even after election National Politics | Biden has become notably quiet after the 2024 election and Democrats’ loss Liberal groups in recent weeks have been pressuring Senate Democrats to do what it takes to get all of Biden’s judicial nominees confirmed before Trump takes office again. And some expressed disappointment with the deal. “Reports that there is a deal that would leave behind critical circuit court nominees are unacceptable. All of these nominees must be confirmed expeditiously before the end of the 118th Congress,” said Lena Zwarensteyn, an advisor at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “When senators return from the holiday break, Leader Schumer and senators must do whatever it takes — for as long as it takes — to confirm every single pending judicial nominee, including all circuit court nominees, to provide an important guardrail for our democracy. No matter what, this must get done,” Zwarensteyn said. Schumer has dedicated much of the Senate schedule to getting Biden’s judicial nominees confirmed. He called it a basic responsibility of the Senate. “We’ll take that responsibility very seriously between now and the end of the year,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.Intel Reveals $249 Arc A580 Video Card: Should Nvidia Be Worried?
London police make 500 arrests using facial recognition techFate Therapeutics Reports New Employee Inducement Award Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a first-in-class pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases, today announced that on December 2, 2024 the Company granted restricted stock units (RSUs) representing 18,600 shares of its common stock to one newly-hired non-executive employee. The grant was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated Inducement Equity Plan as an inducement material to the new employee entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The RSUs will vest over four years, with 25% of the shares underlying each RSU award vesting on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to the employee being continuously employed by the Company through each vesting date. About Fate Therapeutics, Inc. Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a first-in-class pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Using its proprietary iPSC product platform, the Company has established a leadership position in creating multiplexed-engineered iPSC lines and in the manufacture and clinical development of off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived cell products. The Company’s pipeline includes iPSC-derived natural killer (NK) cell and T-cell product candidates, which are selectively designed, incorporate novel synthetic controls of cell function, and are intended to deliver multiple therapeutic mechanisms to patients. Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.fatetherapeutics.com . Contact: Christina Tartaglia Precision AQ 212.362.1200 christina.tartaglia@precisionaq.com
“One of the major problems we have faced in Nigeria as a filmmaking industry has been funding,” said Ini Edo, star and co-producer of Nigerian Netflix series Shanty Town . “So, the success of [ Shanty Town ] really made people in the private sector start to realize that this can actually be a commercial success, and this is a business worth investing in and...we can actually get global acceptability.” Stepping into Deadline’s Red Sea Studio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Nollywood star said that the experience of making Shanty Town , which is now Netflix Africa’s most watched Nigerian drama on the streamer, was “pretty intense...and something, perhaps for us, that had never been done before.” The series, which was co-produced with Chichi Nworah, also stars Chidi Mokeme, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Sola Sobowale, Nancy Isime, Shaffy Bellow and Ali Nuhu and more. It follows a group of courtesans attempts to escape the grasp of a notorious kingpin, but political corruption and blood ties make freedom a near-impossible goal. It ended up sitting in the Top 10 in 8 countries, including the UK. “I think the originality of the story was a driving factor and also, we did a lot of upscaling with the technical quality of the [series],” she said. “We took very special interest in the cinematography, the sound, the scoring and it was a story that resonated a lot with the times that we filmed it. It did also touch on a lot of social vices and what we’re dealing with presently in the continent as Africans and even the world at large.” Edo continued: “The subject of the story is something that a lot of other countries could relate to because those were the ills that were happening in society at the time and are still happening. It just really shed light on the underworld as much as you’re trying to drive the original narrative of the Nigerian story.” She admits the project has caused “investors to open up some more” in the industry and said that Nigeria’s government is “taking us more seriously and has started paying attention to the industry.” Edo also talked about her latest projects, which includes upcoming Christmas comedy One Night Guests so for more on that news, check out the full interview above.EARLY in her prime ministership, during a row over the EEC budget, Margaret Thatcher overheard a European official say: “Britain is back”. The remark pleased her as much as any she could remember. Sir Keir Starmer echoed those words in his speech at London’s Guildhall on Monday. But, coming from him, they sounded limp, even laughable. In the early 1980s, Britain was back, because Thatcher was undoing the legacy of a Starmer-style government. She was cutting taxes, spending and borrowing, and making Britain more competitive. read more on opinion The PM is doing the opposite. We are not seen today as “coming back”. In Europe , we are treated as a rebel province, to be brought to heel. Elsewhere, we are viewed as a police state, where violent criminals are released to make room for people who have said unpleasant things online. Most read in The Sun One of the reasons the world sees us this way is because of the social media platform X/Twitter. Starmer bizarrely picked a fight with X’s owner, Elon Musk , in the aftermath of the Southport riots. But the more we learn about what was repressed in the aftermath of the fatal stabbings of three young girls, the more Musk looks vindicated. Musk is now a key figure in the US administration, and the US is our strongest ally. “The best hope for the world and the surest way to serve our mutual national interest has come from our two nations working together,” said the PM. Quite. The US is also by far our biggest trading partner — larger than our second, third and fourth biggest partners combined. Relations with America, in short, are crucial to both our security and our prosperity. But Labour has a problem. As well as picking a fight with Musk, its leaders have called the thin-skinned Donald Trump every name under the sun over the years. He is “a racist, misogynistic self- confessed groper’ ( Ed Miliband ), “an odious, sad, little man” ( Wes Streeting ), “a neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath’ ( David Lammy ). 'SECURITY AND PROSPERITY' Trump often lets his foreign policy be steered by whether other leaders have (in one of his stock phrases) “said nice things about me”. When he looks at Starmer, he sees a human rights lawyer who restricts free speech, kneels for BLM and is behind in the opinion polls. Not a great place to start. But whatever his views about Starmer, Trump likes Britain. He boasts of being half-Scottish (his mother emigrated from the Hebrides in 1930) and loves to show visitors pictures of himself with the Royal Family. Indeed, he is arguably more pro-British than Starmer is. It is hard to imagine him handing away the Elgin Marbles, let alone the Chagos Islands. Trump is letting it be known that Britain can exempt itself from the ten to 20 per cent tariff that he plans to impose on everyone else, not least the EU, who he describes as a “foe” on trade. All we have to do is to enter into trade talks. We should be pursuing a trade deal with the Americans anyway. They buy a quarter of everything we export. Had it not been for the protectionism of the EU, which controlled our trade policy until Brexit, we would have signed a deal decades ago. Trump started negotiating one with us in his first term, but Joe Biden — under pressure from Brussels and Dublin — iced it. Will Labour be big enough to restart talks? We already have a comprehensive zero-tariff deal with the EU. What possible argument could there be against getting one with the US, too? The trouble is that when Trump offered his deal the first time around, Labour wanted to rejoin the EU, and so opposed it on several fake grounds. It pretended that Trump wanted to buy the NHS — even though he made clear that he would not want the NHS even if it were handed to him “on a silver platter”. 'FRIENDS AND SPONSORS' It claimed that Trump wanted to make us eat “chlorinated chicken”. Setting aside the obvious point that no one can be forced to buy anything, there is more chlorine in a bag of washed British salad than on the carcass of an American chicken. Starmer is under pressure to suffer in solidarity with the EU — despite the fact it shows us no love — rather than explain getting a deal with Trump past his MPs. In his speech, the PM correctly said that both Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee had seen Britain as an ally of both the US and Europe. But neither man ever saw Britain as a member of any kind of European bloc. Both thought we should look on from the outside as friends and sponsors. Starmer is no Attlee, and certainly no Churchill. But he does have the chance to secure the US trade deal that his predecessors have been after for half a century. Read More on The US Sun Let’s hope he puts country before party. Lord Hannan of Kingsclere is the Conservative Party International Secretary.
Aston Villa denied last-gasp winner in Juventus stalemate
Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40
NORTHWEST VERMONT — Republican Vermont Reps. Chris Mattos of Milton and Pat Brennan of Colchester were voted into State Senate seats last month, among six other Republicans new to the chamber, rendering the Democratic supermajority a thing of the past. Republicans unseated four incumbents and scored another two open seats vacated by long-serving Democrats. The GOP nearly doubled its representation in the upper chamber, from seven seats last session to 13 in the next. Democrats and Progressives, who held 23 seats before and just 17 now, will no longer have the two-thirds majority necessary to override gubernatorial vetoes. The Democratic party also lost its supermajority this election cycle in the Vermont House. Brennan and Mattos are excited about their wins, as well as hope about the renewed potential to accomplish some of their legislative goals, with the shift in their party’s favor that’s taken place in Montpelier in the wake of this election cycle. “I think the tone is going to set itself,” Brennan said. “I don't think I'll have to set it. I think the voters set the tone when they chose their senators and representatives at the polls this year. I think it's going to be a tone of collaboration... We'll hopefully get along, and I don't see why we wouldn't.” Brennan, represented Colchester in the House for 21 years before winning the Grand Isle District senate seat previously held by the late former Senator Dick Mazza (D). In a contentious race, Brennan beat Democrat Andy Julow by 725 votes . “When there was a supermajority, there was no need for collaboration,” he said. “The other team there just did what they wanted and we weren't involved a whole lot, other than saying ‘No, we kind of don't like that bill, it's not good for my people at home.’ That’s where you get ‘the party of no.’” Brennan believes it’s not that the Republicans are actually the party of no, but that their suggestions and ideas weren’t listened to in the past. He hopes all parties will be able to come together now, not to push their “own agendas” but to do “what’s good for Vermont.” Brennan thinks he was voted into office as a state senator because the people wanted a change, largely to do with the growing tax burden, but also because of the reputation he’s built up among constituents in his district as a state representative for decades already. “I think everybody agrees, or 90% of the population might agree, the supermajority was not a good thing for anyone, especially the taxpayer,” Brennan said. “The supermajority had their chance to make some changes and didn't do that. So the pressure’s on now. People are looking at the new legislature, the new make-up, to make things right.” Mattos said he’d be lying if he said he wasn't surprised at the upset that happened in Vermont this election. On Nov. 5, Mattos beat incumbent Senator Irene Wrenner (D), to represent Chittenden-North, a district that includes parts of Milton, Essex Town, Westford and Fairfax. “I knew we were going to pick up some seats, but not to the number that we did, so I was very happy,” he said. Mattos credits the swing to voters’ frustrations about rising property taxes, and the potential expenses of the Clean Heat Standard — a Vermont law passed last year committing the state to reducing its greenhouse gas output, which has sparked debate around its potential costliness once put into practice, despite advocates’ assurance it can be done affordably — as well as an increase in Department of Motor Vehicles’ fees that was not even requested by that department. “I think Vermonters were just tapped out with all the different fees and taxes that have increased over the past couple of years,” Mattos said. “So they definitely voted with their pocketbooks this election. It showed across the state.” When asked what parts of the budget they would look to pare down in order to see that taxpayer burden reduced, both Mattos and Brennan named the public education fund first and foremost. Mattos in particular worked on the education committee his first three years in the Vermont House, and has been on the ways and means committee for the past four. Now that he’ll be in the Senate, figuring out education finance remains his biggest priority — particularly now that the number of members of each party in the chamber are “more balanced.” “We're really going to have a seat at the table to get our ideas out there,” Mattos said. “Over the past years, the majority definitely said, ‘We can do whatever we want, we don't need your support.’ And they definitely, definitely showed it.” Mattos said while on ways and means, legislators had a draft of a bill brought up and had a meeting with leadership advocates the next day, and the day after that the bill had become a study on education finance — which, he said, in the next 24 hours, was halted by the opposing party. “So, I’m hoping that doesn't happen anymore,” Mattos said. “There are backstops in both bodies. I’m hopeful that the majority will listen to our ideas that we have, because I think we do have some good ideas out there.” Mattos believes it’s a huge issue that the current education funding system allows no way for individual school boards to know how their budget will affect their town’s tax rate, because of how dependent local property taxes are on what all other school districts choose to do. He said it’s problematic that historically low-spending districts are expected to “subsidize” higher-spending districts, or for higher-spending districts to get tax rate “discounts.” “We need to have a system that's more predictable for the school boards when they're crafting their budgets and determining where they want to spend their money and how much they want to spend,” he said, referencing the three budget votes in his own town of Milton this past year. “When it gets down to it, when we do a budget re-vote, and voters want to see substantial decreases in the tax rate, it really takes a lot of money to cut to get to something that can pass,” he said. “It's really an all-state model, and it's all these towns voting on their local budgets.” Mattos’ proposition is having a standard spending rate to cover the essentials mandated by the state of every district. This way, individual school districts wouldn’t be to blame for their baseline needed expenditures, and anything beyond that can be voted on by the taxpayer, with local taxation being more closely tied to what the local district is spending than it currently is. When asked about funding deferred maintenance — a problem that has gone on for decades in many districts due to the costly nature of making essential facility repairs — Mattos pointed to the number of added hires that have been made in many districts, and the growing size of school staffs despite declining student enrollments as a place to look to cut down on expenditures, freeing up funds to address deferred maintenance in that way. Mattos also acknowledged that private health insurance rates have risen drastically. “It's going to take a lot of money to do all those things, and we need to work within the budget of the state to be able to get there — and not raise new taxes, not raise new fees,” he said. Brennan agreed education funding is number one on his list of things to look at in an effort to render Vermont a more affordable state, as he said he heard out of almost every door he knocked on whilst campaigning that property taxes are too high. “I don't know how people survive, and actually a lot of them don't,” Brennan said. “A lot of people are packing their bags and moving out of state. So that's where we start: We need a total restructuring of how we fund education.” Brennan said he looks forward to considering the recommendations of studies on education funding, and to considering Gov. Phil Scott’s ideas on the matter moving forward, to provide some taxpayer relief via trims to aspects of education that currently may be out of balance. “I expect there to be probably two or three bills to address that, maybe more,” Brennan said. Otherwise, Brennan is concerned with revisiting a true reform of Act 250 in an effort to keep housing more affordable, as well as digging into what can be done for Vermonters’ healthcare. In addition, he expects to see and support a number of bills to strengthen public safety and address the drug epidemic, by getting “a little tougher on crime.” Mattos agreed about the need for further reform Act 250, specifically to make the laws more predictable and less risky for developers to engage with, and hopefully speeding up the development of housing statewide, whilst still protecting the natural beauty of the state. “Gov. Scott's adage, is we need more taxpayers, not more taxes,” Mattos said. “The housing thing is another initiative of mine, because that's what I do in my professional life. I'm a licensed realtor and have a property management and excavation business, so I see it every day.” Mattos favors a mix of housing types, for short- and long-term rental apartment complexes, various sizes and styles available to home-owners on different incomes, and senior living facilities for those who can’t keep up with their large homes but want to stay in the community. He said there’s lots of education out there for first-time home buyers as well as great incentives with down payment assistance from local credit unions, but that he would also favor governmental assistance for first-time home buyers to incentivize completing a homeownership course — say, a $1,000 credit at closing for young Vermonters who don’t want to rent forever. “With the rents being what they are, it's really cumbersome for people to be able to save up money while being able to afford rent,” Mattos said. “So if we increase our housing stock and take pressure off the vacancy rate that's so low that it's very hard to find an apartment, we could make some strides there by being able to get more affordable housing out there.” Mattos’ other concerns are the expenses that could come with the Clean Heat Standard. Instead, he wants to focus more on funding infrastructure-based climate resiliency in the wake of recent flooding events. Though only just elected to their first terms, Brennan and Mattos said they hope to continue serving in their respective senatorial seats well beyond this initial term, and to make Vermont better and more affordable while in office. “I’m not sure we've earned their trust yet,” Brennan said. “That's something that we have to do when we start the session. They're frustrated and they wanted change, and they voted for change. The trust comes now when we get to Montpelier and we actually have to produce.” “I am going to earn their trust and make every effort I can and vote for responsible bills to make Vermont better and to reduce the property tax burden on Vermonters,” he added. VTDigger has reported that a third of the monetary support funding GOP campaigns in some of Vermont’s most contentious races this year came from just 10 wealthy families , with major donors’ impact on the election dwarfing the contributions of those made by others — this year, this held true to a much more significant degree among Republicans than it did for Democrats. The Digger story referenced Mattos’ and Brennans’ races specifically, and quoted the Vermont Democratic Party’s executive director, Jim Dandeneau, as saying Democrats have worked for years to build a Vermont that works for everyone and not just the “wealthy few,” yet these wealthy few this year made a concerted effort to disproportionately fuel and promote said Republican races. “I think that's a misnomer,” Brennan told us in response. “I did receive a lot of money from wealthier people. I received a lot of money from middle class people, and I received $20 checks from people who really couldn't afford $20.” “The wealthier people gave what they could afford,” he added. “It wasn't that it was ‘big money.’ It was that people were concerned about the direction Vermont was headed. Some of that money wasn't all Republican, rich folk. It was Democrat, Republican, Independent.” Mattos said he is beholden to all the constituents in his district, and said he’s done that for the past seven years as a state representative and will continue to do that as a state senator. “I appreciate all the support that I received,” he said. “We have business owners largely in Chittenden County that were a little fed up and tired of the way Vermont was moving, so they wanted to donate, and they happened to donate to my campaign, and I appreciate that.” “I'm happy that I had the level of support that I did,” he added. “But at the end of the day, I represent the people who are in my district.” Brennan talks about himself as a steward of “common sense” governance, which as he sees it, means not passing legislation for the sake of passing legislation, but actually thinking about it and how it will impact the average citizen’s life and pocketbook. “And I consider myself an average citizen,” he said. “So it works out well.” “I'm not sure what Webster says ,” he added. “But to me, common sense is taking a look at an issue, putting the book aside, just just looking at an issue, thinking about the repercussions of a bill, both ways, who it affects, how it affects them, and saying: ‘Does this make sense?’” Brennan said he is a true Republican and votes with the party 90% of the time, but that simultaneously, he’s not married to the party, and hopes to carry on the late Dick Mazza’s legacy by honoring Mazza’s centrism and ability to collaborate across the aisle. “I would just like to urge constituents of all parties, even the ones who didn't vote for me, to contact me with concerns,” he said. “I take every call and concern very seriously, and we'll try to address them in the quickest and most responsible way I can.” Brennan can be reached at pbrennan@leg.state.vt.us or at 802-578-2763. “My door is always open,” Mattos said, as well. “My office is on Main Street in Milton, so I always have people stop by... And I'm just going to continue doing that and putting out my legislative updates and always fielding any phone calls, text messages and emails.” Mattos can be reached at cmattos@leg.state.vt.us or at 802-828-2228.Q&A: Jim Gaffigan might be getting slimmer, but his career’s only growingDemocrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjourns
Legendary Irish showband singer Dickie Rock has died at the age of 88. In a statement on Friday evening, his children Jason, John, Richard, Sarah Jane and Peter said they were "saddened to confirm that he passed away peacefully today." The statement added that they will "miss him very much." He was pre-deceased by his wife Judy in April of 2022. The statement continued: "They are now together again, and that is of some comfort to the family. "Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. "The family ask for privacy to grieve at this very sad time." Tánaiste Micheál Martin led the tributes to Mr Rock. In a post on social media, he wrote: "Saddened to learn of the passing of Dickie Rock, an iconic performer who charmed and entertained generations. The end of an era stretching from Eurovision and the Miami Showband in the 60s until modern times. "A gentleman loved by many. My condolences to his family and friends."The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed he is their person of interest in the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a father of two, last week in broad daylight in Manhattan in a case that laid bare deep frustration and anger with America's privatized medical system. News of his capture in Pennsylvania -- following a tip from a McDonald's worker --triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. No explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, its website says. A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. A former student who knew Mangione at the Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," this person said, asking that their name not be used. "Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said. Mangione went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on the online site goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out a string of bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione called Kaczynski "rightfully imprisoned," while also saying "'violence never solved anything' is a statement uttered by cowards and predators." According to CNN, handwritten documents recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nro/dw
Robert Lighthizer – a Washington veteran who served as Donald Trump's U.S. trade representative in his last term – is reportedly on the outs with the president-elect’s new transition team and may not join the administration at all, according to a new report. And that could come with a price for people who valued the economic policies that he successfully saw through in Trump’s first term, POLITICO reported. “It is a bitter blow to protectionists and a sign of the fluidity in Trump’s political camp that someone as respected and trusted as Lighthizer could be cast aside,” according to the report. “His exclusion from Trump’s Cabinet this time around gives the voices from Wall Street in the White House a much stronger hand in the incoming administration.” The revelation also calls into question Trump’s threats of imposing sharp new tariffs in his second term on imports from Mexico , Canada and China , the publication noted — Lighthizer was the architect of Trump’s first-term trade agenda and a key adviser of this year's campaign. ALSO READ: Will Trump back the FBI’s battle against domestic extremists? He won’t say. He reportedly sought the high-profile cabinet positions of Treasury or Commerce secretary and was unlikely to accept a lesser role along the lines of a potential “ trade czar.” “Lighthizer has been a champion of Trump for at least 15 years, and he’s been in the background, giving Trump ideas, and putting Trump in the spotlight. And I think he really felt like this was his turn to get rewarded,” one ex-Trump administration official close to Lighthizer told POLITICO. The official added that Lighthizer’s potential absence from the next administration means the tariff views of Trump’s picks to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments – Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick – will likely win out, the report said. “It appears like he’s being frozen out,” one person close to the Trump transition team who supports a pro-tariff agenda told POLITICO.Luis Suarez has put speculation over his future to bed, signing a new contract with Inter Miami. The Uruguayan's future was up in the air after Miami's shock exit from the MLS playoffs. The Herons had romped to the Supporters' Shield in the regular season after finishing well clear atop the Eastern Conference. But Lionel Messi and co.'s hopes of winning the MLS Cup came crashing down in the first round of the Eastern Conference finals. Inter Miami slumped to a huge upset defeat to Atlanta United in the best-of-three series. Javier Mascherano rejected David Beckham but Inter Miami chief now finally getting his way Tata Martino shows true colors with Lionel Messi farewell message At 37, Suarez's body is starting to let him down with persistent knee issues bringing his future with Inter into question, but he remains one of the most prolific strikers in MLS. The former Liverpool and Barcelona superstar scored 21 goals and added nine assists in 30 MLS games this season, and he will be part of Inter's championship push after putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract on Wednesday. “I’m very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fanbase, which for us is like family,” Suarez said in a statement. “We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy.” The news was welcomed by Inter Miami's president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí. He said: "In 2024, Luis brought to Inter Miami all of the elements that make him one of the greatest strikers of all time. "He performed at an elite level for us, and we’re excited to see that continue next season. Luis was not only our leading scorer this season but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated.” Suarez's contributions in the final third are sure to be a huge asset to new head coach Javier Mascherano, who was unveiled on Tuesday after the departure of Tata Martino following Miami's shock playoff exit. With Suarez, Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba on board for another season, their former Barca teammate Mascherano has a bedrock of immense talent and experience to build his team upon. “To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honor for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of," Mascherano said in a statement. "I was drawn to the organization’s undeniable ambition and the infrastructure it has to support it. “I’m looking forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the Club reach new heights and to give the fans more unforgettable moments.”
Aston Villa denied last-gasp winner in Juventus stalemateFinding the can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The place for a ladle is on the pot The , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm's smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. Houseplants don't get much easier than this The appropriately named is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.
Somerville upholds sanctuary city status, reaffirms itself as a ‘welcoming community’
Lucknow: Social welfare minister Asim Arun highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a ‘ Developed India ,' emphasising that progress depends on advancing expertise in key areas like forensic technology . He was speaking on the concluding day of the two-day international conference organised by the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) on the occasion of the 75th Constitution Day. Justice Rajeev Singh (Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench), Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun, and Chief Information Commissioner RK Vishwakarma were the chief guests ofthe event. In his address, Justice Singh emphasised the importance of societal continuity, likening it to a river. He noted that when a river dries up, its banks lose their existence, paralleling the decay of society in the face of rising crime. Sharing case studies, he urged attendees to draw from life experiences to foster societal growth and harmony. Asim Arun along with Justice Rajeev Singh (Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench), and chief information commissioner RK Vishwakarma were the chief guests of the event. In his address, Justice Singh emphasised the importance of societal continuity, likening it to a river. He noted that when a river dries up, its banks lose their existence, paralleling the decay of society in the face of rising crime. Sharing case studies, he urged attendees to draw from life experiences to foster societal growth and harmony. Meanwhile, Vishwakarma recounted the institute's journey from conceptualisation to realisation, crediting his experiences with international forensic labs for inspiring the creation of UPSIFS, which now addresses critical gaps in forensic infrastructure. He expressed optimism about the institute evolving into a full-fledged university and recounted significant cases of cybercrime resolution. Prominent national and international speakers, including experts from IIT Kanpur, the University of Kent (UK), and the University of Granada (Spain), addressed diverse topics such as DNA analysis, cybersecurity, and computational biology. A special performance by students, featuring the play ‘Bade Dhoke Hain Is Raah Mein', educated attendees on cyber fraud prevention.Protest dies, conflict survives This action temporarily put down turmoil but did not resolve conflict ongoing since 2018 ISLAMABAD: A “do-or-die” protest launched by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) died down abruptly in the federal capital in the early hours of Wednesday (November 27), when former prime minister Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi decided to end the protest and return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after being overwhelmed by the tear gas thrown by the Rangers and security forces. This action temporarily put down the turmoil but did not resolve the conflict ongoing since 2018. Lack of recognition of the central role of political institutions in decision-making remains a core issue. On November 24, the PTI initiated a protest march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ostensibly to secure Imran Khan’s release from jail. However, the protest neither led to Imran’s release nor it could contain the establishment’s so-called central role in the country. These hopes were based on a misinterpretation and miscalculation of the situation, assuming that the establishment’s power could be diminished through direct confrontation or an ill-organised protest lacking objectivity. An abrupt decision by Bushra Bibi to give up dashed such hopes. On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, around 8 pm., PTI workers were trying to move a small container towards D-Chowk in the Blue Area when Islamabad Police and Rangers suddenly launched intense shelling on them. The workers abandoned the container and joined Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy, about 100 yards away. During this time, the container was unguarded for an hour before some unknown individuals set it on fire, which appeared to be a minor incident. Later, this incident played a key role in the decision by the de facto leader of PTI to end the protest. Bushra Bibi was supposed to stay in the same container that would protect her from police and Rangers’ shelling, allowing her to lead the protestors comfortably from inside. Responsible sources report that at around 11:30 p.m., Islamabad police were instructed to move to the exits of the protest site and be prepared for arrests. Prior to this, the streetlights in Blue Area, the center of the protest, had already been turned off and the markets around the protesting point closed. The police quickly reached their designated positions, and at around 11:45 p.m., the Rangers and security forces launched an operation. The federal government had already summoned the army under Article 245 of the Constitution on the night of November 24-25. The shelling by Rangers and security forces initially dispersed PTI workers. Bushra Bibi, who was in a safe vehicle, was so panicked by the shelling that she immediately decided to return to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A key reason for this might have been the loss of secure container she was supposed to move into. When Bushra Bibi announced her return from the vehicle, an eyewitness told this reporter that about 30 Pashtuns clung to her car, pleading with her not to leave, vowing to protect her with their lives. However, Bushra Bibi did not heed their requests. She had entered Islamabad a night earlier with supporters — said to be numbering 35,000 — from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Over 90 percent of her convoy was from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and she addressed only the Pashtuns in her speeches, encouraging them to make the protest successful to “the last breath because Pashtuns are honorable people.” People in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were already weary of attacks by the banned TTP and other terrorist organizations, holding the establishment accountable (rightly or wrongly) for them. In this context, Bushra Bibi’s call and Imran Khan’s charismatic appeal were nothing short of a movement for them. Surprisingly, there was no positive response from the people of Punjab or even Rawalpindi to Bushra Bibi’s call. At the same time, the participation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone is likely to remain an for Islamabad in the days to come. In response to Bushra Bibi’s calls for protests to release Imran Khan, party leaders were so confident they believed it would be possible within 24 hours of Bushra Bibi reaching D-Chowk. They expected a flood of supporters to accompany her, forcing the government and the establishment to negotiate on her terms, thereby resolving issues like Imran Khan’s release, restoring the stolen mandate, and reversing the 26th Constitutional Amendment. One reason for this confidence was that PTI had organized protests not only in Islamabad but also in the US. Earlier statements from various US Congress members and the US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted a sense of hope. Bushra Bibi’s participation in the protest was initially kept ambiguous, but when she emerged, she listened to no one, not even Ali Amin Gandapur — the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — who wanted to proceed with the protest methodically and cautiously. So far, this reporter has confirmed the deaths of about five people, with separate reports confirming the martyrdom of three Rangers, one FC, and one police officer in the protest. In last two days of protests about 816 were arrested from different locations.The immediate end of this crisis does not mean the fundamental conflict facing the state has been resolved. Establishing effective democracy, stability, and completely ending terrorism remain two of the most significant ongoing issues for the state. PTI may not head towards Islamabad again in the near future, but, God forbid, in case of any incident, any public movement could leverage these issues and return to Islamabad, including PTI, once it is reinvigorated.The NBA’s seven-game lineup on Saturday is not one to miss. The matchups include the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Looking for how to watch NBA basketball? All the games to watch on Saturday are here. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get access to games, live and on-demand, and more for the entire season and offseason. Watch ESPN originals, The Last Dance and more NBA content on ESPN+. Use our link to sign up for ESPN+ or the Disney bundle. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .