Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field with 5:32 left in the first quarter with an apparent left ankle injury during Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game against host Louisville. The freshman was sacked at the Panthers' 49-yard line by Louisville's Ashton Gillotte, who rolled on the quarterback's ankle. Holstein was in a walking boot as he was helped to the cart. Holstein missed last week's game against Clemson after suffering a head injury in the loss to Virginia two weeks ago. Holstein was 3-for-5 passing for 51 yards and an interception before exiting. Nate Yarnell, who threw for 350 yards in the loss to Clemson, replaced Holstein. --Field Level Media'Byah toh main Raghav Chadha naal karangi': Parineeti reveals how Google helped her to find real-life Chamkila
Jaland Lowe, Pitt charge past LSU in second half to move to 6-0
Israeli strikes without warning in central Beirut kill at least 15 as diplomats push for cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 15 people and injured dozens in central Beirut as the once-rare strikes in the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without Israeli warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but describe the disputed issues that remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli bombardment has killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. Storm dumps record rain in Northern California, while US Northeast deals with winter storms HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — A major storm continues to drop heavy snow and record rain in California, causing small landslides and flooding some streets. Meanwhile on the opposite coast blizzard or winter storm warnings were in effect Saturday for areas spanning from the Northeast to central Appalachia. The storm on the West Coast arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, before moving through Northern California. Forecasters predicted that both coasts would begin to see a reprieve from the storms as the system in the northeast moves into eastern Canada and the one in the West heads south. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. These Peruvian women left the Amazon, but their homeland still inspires their songs and crafts LIMA, Peru (AP) — Many Shipibo-Konibo craftswomen migrated from their Indigenous communities in the Amazon to Peru's capital, Lima, in the past few decades. Their ancestors' legacy remains present through their songs and techniques, and some of them have managed to make a living out of their crafts. Textiles, jewelry and paintings convey the culture, worldview and beliefs from the lands where they were born. Doctor at the heart of Turkey's newborn baby deaths case says he was a 'trusted' physician ISTANBUL (AP) — The Turkish doctor at the center of an alleged fraud scheme that led to the deaths of 10 babies says he was a “trusted” physician. Dr. Firat Sari is one of 47 people on trial accused of transferring newborn babies to neonatal units of private hospitals, where they were allegedly kept for prolonged and sometimes unnecessary treatments in order to receive social security payments. Sari said patients were referred to him because people trusted him and he did not bribe anyone involved with Turkey’s emergency medical phone line. Sari, said to be the plot’s ringleader, faces up to 583 years in prison. Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience. One expert traveler suggests making a list a week before you go of things you need to do and pack. Cross off each item as you complete it during the week. Another tip is to carry your comfort zone with you. That could mean noise-canceling headphones, playlists meant to soothe airport travelers, entertainment and snacks from home. Carry a change of clothes and a phone charger in case of delays. Stay hydrated. Leave extra time. And know your airline's rules. Downloading the airline's app can help with that.
Education, political officials worry about education as Trump appoints education secretary
Friday, December 20, 2024 Raleigh celebrates the opening of Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown , the first Tempo by Hilton in North Carolina and only the fourth worldwide. Paired with Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown , this dual-brand hotel introduces 261 thoughtfully designed guestrooms to the city’s thriving downtown. Owned by CN Hotels and managed by McKibbon Hospitality, the property offers prime access to key attractions like the Raleigh Convention Center , Warehouse District , and Red Hat Amphitheater . Tempo offers sleek, modern spaces for travelers on the go, while Homewood Suites provides comfortable, extended-stay accommodations. This innovative addition highlights Raleigh’s growth as a destination, offering modern hospitality in the heart of the City of Oaks. “We are thrilled to officially open our doors and begin welcoming guests to Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown,” said Karan Patel , vice president of CN Hotels . “Tempo is one of Hilton’s newest and most innovative brands and will provide travelers to Raleigh with a distinctive and unique lifestyle lodging option while Homewood Suites is known for its home-away-from-home experience, perfect for extended stay guests. Our sophisticated spaces paired with our unbeatable downtown location and versatile food & beverage offerings were all curated with Raleigh’s visitors and residents in mind. We look forward to contributing to the city’s continued growth and serving as the backdrop for memorable experiences through these properties.” Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown is thoughtfully designed to align with the rhythm of modern travelers’ lives, offering a seamless blend of comfort, wellness, and sustainability. Guests can maintain their health routines with a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness-focused guestrooms featuring Peloton bikes, yoga mats, resistance bands, Theragun Elite, and Therabody Wave Rollers. Every detail in the hotel’s 127 spacious rooms has been curated to elevate the guest experience, from spa-inspired showers and amenities to well-lit Get-Ready Zones, perfect for organizing, working, or kick-starting the day. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability shines through its innovative Hydration Bar, prominently located in the lobby, offering guests Still, Sparkling, and Alkaline-filtered water. Accessible hydration stations on each floor make it easy to refill reusable bottles. In partnership with Planet Water Foundation and Klean Kanteen, guests can purchase reusable water bottles, with $2 from each sale supporting water-insecure communities. Furthering its impact, Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown, in collaboration with the Hilton Global Foundation, will help fund a fourth AquaTower water filtration system, bringing clean, safe water to a community of up to 1,800 people. By blending purposeful amenities with thoughtful design, the hotel is redefining what it means to stay with impact in Raleigh. “Tempo by Hilton is redefining the lifestyle hotel experience, and we’re proud to introduce our first property in North Carolina with Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown,” said Kevin Morgan, brand leader, Tempo by Hilton . “From thoughtfully curated wellness-focused amenities to our signature Hydration Bar, every detail is designed to support the rhythm of life and enhance the stay for today’s modern traveler in the heart of Raleigh’s vibrant downtown.” The pet-friendly Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown offers 134 spacious, apartment-style suites designed for extended stays. Each suite includes separate living and sleeping areas, along with fully equipped kitchens, providing all the comforts of home. Guests can enjoy thoughtful amenities such as a daily complimentary breakfast featuring the brand’s signature breakfast tacos and a lively evening reception every Wednesday, complete with free drinks and bites. For those prioritizing wellness, the shared 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness center ensures staying active is effortless. Perfect for corporate events or special celebrations, the dual-brand property also boasts over 3,300 square feet of flexible meeting space , equipped with enhanced AV technology to accommodate any occasion seamlessly. “At Homewood Suites by Hilton, we’re dedicated to creating spacious, welcoming accommodations where guests can unwind and feel at home, whether staying for a night or an extended trip,” said Rick Colling, brand leader, Homewood Suites by Hilton . “This dual-branded project represents an exciting step forward for our brand, blending homelike comforts with elevated amenities that connect travelers to the center of activity in Raleigh.” Catering to hotel guests and residents working and visiting downtown, Moonsong Bar + Cafe is located on the lobby level of the building, serving sophisticated, clean and natural food options. From the signature avocado smash and energizing smoothies to fresh bowls, wraps and sandwiches, the café is the brainchild of Australian coffee concept Bluestone Lane and offers a diverse and clean menu specializing in options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free preferences. Smoothies, gourmet coffee creations, spirited or free-spirited craft cocktails are made to order with ample space for guests to work, create, connect and unwind. Inspired by Raleigh’s moniker, the City of Oaks, Urban Oak is poised to become the Triangle area’s tallest rooftop bar and lounge. Located on the 13th floor, this sophisticated venue offers a stunning blend of natural elements and urban vibes, reflecting Raleigh’s storied history and dynamic future. Scheduled to open early next year, Urban Oak will feature elevated tapas , innovative craft cocktails , and a vibrant atmosphere with live music and DJ performances. With breathtaking views of downtown Raleigh, it promises to be a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike, redefining the city’s nightlife scene.
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulation of the recent Edo State governorship election, describing it as a “rape of democracy.” The governors, in a meeting held at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, Plateau State on Saturday and chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, issued a resolution that called for urgent reforms to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria. The meeting was attended by key figures from across the party, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BOT), the National Assembly Forum, Former Governors’ Forum, Former Ministers’ Forum, and other prominent party leaders. In a communique released after the meeting, they strongly condemned the alleged Edo election manipulation in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, winning the majority of lawful votes. The governors urged the judiciary to act decisively to protect Nigerian democracy, calling for legal interventions to reverse any electoral outcomes that were the result of “institutional sabotage.” They also called on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s electoral laws to prevent such manipulation in the future, urging a reform of the electoral system to ensure that the will of the people is upheld. “The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with conscience that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo,” the PDP governors said. “The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people,” the communique added. It revealed that the governors are still examining the documents in Ondo Elections governorship election “where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes.” The Forum expressed deep concerns about what it described as “seeming divisions” within the party. However, it reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining unity and cohesion within the PDP, stating its determination to uphold the party’s role as the best platform for democratic governance in Nigeria. The governors also acknowledged the internal challenges faced by the party, including leadership disputes and ongoing litigations. The PDP governors agreed to postpone the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for the same date, in solidarity with their colleague who recently lost his wife. The Forum advised the NWC to convene the NEC by the first week of February 2025, following a period of consultations with key stakeholders. The resolution was made with a focus on addressing the party’s existential issues and ensuring that the party presents a united front going into the 2025 general elections. “Between November and February, we will address the existential problems confronting the Party, with a deliberate timeline of activities to resolve leadership issues and ongoing litigations,” the Forum noted. The PDP governors also expressed serious concern over the economic hardship Nigerians are currently facing, which they attributed to the policies of the APC-led federal government. The Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians. “The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” the communique read. “We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review these policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and to provide hope for a better future.” Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, the Forum reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to the country’s development. The governors promised to continue implementing policies that would help alleviate economic hardship and promote national progress. They also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Plateau State for hosting the meeting, highlighting the state’s visible progress in areas such as social services, tourism, and transportation. “We commend the Government of Plateau State for its visible and laudable transformation in social services, tourism, and transportation,” the statement said. “We believe this progress gives Nigerians hope for a brighter future under the leadership of the PDP after 2027.” The Forum expressed empathy for Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State, who had recently lost his wife, extending its condolences to him and his family, praying for strength and fortitude during this difficult time. The Forum also extended its condolences to Plateau and Jigawa States over recent tragedies. The PDP governors expressed their sympathies for the devastating fire at the Katako Market in Plateau, which destroyed millions of Naira worth of property. The PDP governors commiserated with Jigawa State following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed many lives and left several others injured. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowNestled along two converging rivers, with the Blue Ridge Mountains’ precipitous cliffs offering a backdrop, Harpers Ferry has long been praised for its rugged natural beauty. The town named for millwright Robert Harper in 1747 soon became one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite retreats, and today, the mound of Harpers shale on which he stood to survey the water gap below is a popular destination along the Appalachian Trail. George Washington chose Harpers Ferry for a new national armory in 1796. It turned what had been a somewhat sleepy hamlet into a prosperous industrial village. Yet this easternmost town in West Virginia didn’t gain national fame until the Civil War. It was here, in 1859, that abolitionist John Brown and his small group of men seized the armory in hopes of starting an uprising in the South against slavery. If you love history, it lives on at Harpers Ferry, which became a national historic park in 1963. It focuses not just on John Brown’s raid and the Civil War but also shines a light on African American history, industry, transportation and natural heritage. And if you find joy in hiking, cycling, mountaineering or paddling, you will find lots to do in and around this picturesque town on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. There also are numerous shops and restaurants, including in nearby Bolivar, if eating, drinking and shopping are high on your to-do list. Walking around charming Lower Town gives the feeling of stepping back in time. One of the most visited historic sites is the only armory building to escape destruction during the Civil War: John Brown’s Fort, where the abolitionist and several followers barricaded themselves during the final hours of their doomed raid. In 1891, it was dismantled and transported to Chicago for the World’s Fair. Other buildings reach even further into the past. When Harper established a ferry across the Potomac River in 1761, it made the town a starting point for settlers moving into the Shenandoah Valley and farther west. They included members of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, who in 1803 made preparations here for their historic exploration of the western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase. Harpers Ferry became a ghost town by the 1950s and was reconstructed by the Park Service in the ’60s as a “multileveled interpretive proving ground.” Wearing comfortable shoes? National Park Service rangers lead free tours detailing the history of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Or take a self-guided Black heritage walking tour that includes 34 stops. Lower Town also includes an industry museum, a 19th-century “landscape” that will fascinate the kids, and both Civil War and Black history museums. And if you climb the rocky set of 44 steps that were carved into the hillside in 1810 behind the museums, you can take in a view of the city below from the stone patio of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. West Virginia is famous for its variety of outdoor activities on both land and water, and Harpers Ferry does not disappoint. The Appalachian Trail, one of America’s most famous footpaths, passes through Lower Town, and visitors can trek or bike the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath that runs along the banks of the Potomac River. (You’ll find maps at the Visitors Center.) If you don’t mind breaking a sweat and have a few hours, a moderately strenuous but rewarding hike follows the Maryland Heights trailhead to Overlook Cliff. The climb is both steep (1,154 feet uphill) and long (a 4.5-mile loop). But when you get to the top, the view of Harpers Ferry below is bucket- list spectacular. Less challenging (but not accessible to those with physical limitations) is the hike up the Stone Steps to St. Peter’s church, past the ruins of St. John’s Episcopal Church, to Jefferson Rock. You’re not allowed to climb onto the Harpers shale slab that gave Jefferson such pleasure, but you’ll share his terrific view. Continue up the hill a little farther, and you’ll hit the Appalachian Trail on your way to Camp Hill, the 32-acre site that once housed Storer College and is now owned by the Park Service. Harpers Ferry is considered the halfway point of the trail, and during the season, weary-looking hikers are a common sight around town and on the towpath across the Potomac. Many stop at the trail’s hikers’ lounge on Washington Street to rest or take a picture on its front porch. So far in 2024, visitor-center rep Dave Tarasevich has counted more than 1,240 northbound hikers. “It’s one of the few places where the trail goes through town, literally,” he said. Water sports, including fishing, are also popular here. Some people canoe and kayak through October; there’s also white water rafting in season. You also can go horseback riding. After all that walking and history learning, you’re going to want to unwind with some good food and drink. While you won’t find big-city gourmet eats, you can get a pretty good meal at several places around town. I had a tasty salad made with microfarm hemp hearts, greens, tomatoes and avocado on the patio at The Rabbit Hole and a pretty good burger at Coach House Bar and Grill. For coffee, fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches, head to Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee. If you don’t eat meat, West Virginia’s very first vegan restaurant — Kelley Farm Kitchen in Bolivar — has got you covered with salads, Impossible burgers, hoagies and ramen bowls. Some places are dog-friendly, including my favorite spot for pizza and a beer — Harpers Ferry Brewing in neighboring Purcellville, Virginia. Perched on the side of a mountain next to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, it offers an awesome view along with local craft brews and live music on weekends through November. Just know that everything in this small town, even the brewery, shutters pretty early. The only life downtown after dark is The Barn of Harpers Ferry, a music venue and bar that offers live music every night Wednesday through Saturday. Want to take a piece of West Virginia home with you? In boutiques along High Street and Public Way, you’ll find everything from original art and distinctive jewelry crafted by regional hands to old-fashioned candy and confections, antiques and hokey souvenirs. Lodging options include bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, a hostel and locally and nationally owned motels. For a guide on where to eat, seasonal events and other attractions, visit wherealmostheavenbegins.com .NORTH POLE, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the North Pole bells ring with activity in preparation for Santa Claus' annual journey, Verizon Frontline is once again stepping in to ensure children worldwide can track the magic on December 24th. For the 22nd consecutive year, Verizon has partnered with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to provide reliable connectivity for the renowned NORAD Tracks Santa initiative. This year, Verizon's robust network will again support the program's toll-free hotline, enabling children to discover Santa's location as he travels the globe. The effort includes leveraging Verizon's C-Band spectrum to deliver high-performance 5G connectivity and redundant Wi-Fi, helping to ensure uninterrupted service for the hotline during its busiest time of year. "We're honored to continue this holiday tradition with NORAD, a partnership that has brought joy and wonder to families for more than two decades," said Maggie Hallbach, senior vice president, Public Sector at Verizon Business. "By combining innovative technology with holiday spirit, we help bring Santa's journey to life for children everywhere." Cutting-Edge Tools for Seamless Santa Tracking To bolster NORAD's operations, Verizon provides state-of-the-art equipment, including Cradlepoint routers, Wi-Fi jetpacks, and a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) solution, alongside Verizon Frontline mobile assets for onsite support. Additionally, Verizon's Consulting Services team maintains the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system , an advanced call management solution that helps the hotline manage the 130,000+ calls it receives on Christmas Eve. Santa's Helpers Making the NORAD Tracks Santa initiative possible involves the dedication of nearly 900 in-person and 200 virtual volunteers, including Verizon employees, military personnel, and other government, corporate and community partners. Together, they'll answer questions ranging from "Where is Santa now?" to "What are Santa's favorite cookies?" How to Track Santa Hotline: Call 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) starting at 6 a.m. EST on December 24. Save the number on your Verizon phone as "NORAD Call Center" for quick access. Online: Visit www.noradsanta.org for live updates, games, and interactive features, or check NORAD's social media channels for video footage from SantaCams. Mobile App: Download the NORAD Tracks Santa app on Apple or Google Play for a magical experience right at your fingertips. Verizon Communications Inc. ((NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores. VERIZON'S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news . News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/ . Media contact: Geoffrey Basye geoffrey.basye@verizon.com (202) 748-1882 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Safety is ‘at the core’ of TikTok, European executive says
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