is online gambling legal
UEFA Champions League: Liverpool beat Real Madrid at home; Aston Villa hold Juventus
SIMI VALLEY, California - The United States unveiled a $988 million aid package of new arms and equipment to Ukraine for its ongoing fight against Russia's invasion on Saturday. The package nearly halves the available $2.21 billion remaining in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative as the Biden administration works to commit to buying weapons from industry, rather than pulling from U.S. weapons stocks. The USAI funds will be put toward buying ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) made by Lockheed Martin as well as drones and spare parts to maintain artillery equipment, according to the Pentagon. Announcement of the package came on Saturday as the defense industry and policy makers meet at the annual Reagan National Defense Forum in California. The Biden administration has often used Presidential Drawdown Authority, which authorizes President Joe Biden to transfer excess articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency. The USAI funds are separate and will go to purchase new weapons from industry. The Biden administration still has about $6 billion of congressionally granted presidential drawdown authority, including funds authorized in 2024 and funds discovered by the Pentagon after overestimating the value of arms shipped to Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has committed more than $62 billion worth of security assistance to Ukraine. REUTERSApia, Samoa – 27 November 2024 – Lakapi Samoa has received $60,000 tala sponsorship from FedPac Group with direct funding of the Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s for the upcoming Oceania 7s 2024 in Honiara, Solomon Islands next month. This collaboration highlights FedPac Group’s commitment to empowering Samoan rugby teams as they prepare to compete on the regional stage. Their support will enable both teams to access critical resources, training, and preparation needed to perform at their best. The sponsorship was announced by Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota, Spokesperson for FedPac Group (Samoa) Limited. “We are honored to support Lakapi Samoa and their outstanding teams,” said Namulauulu. “The Oceania 7s presents an important opportunity for Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s to showcase their talent and dedication, and we are thrilled to contribute to their journey. We wish both teams every success as they set their sights on qualifying for the World Rugby Challenger Series 2025.” Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, General Manager of Lakapi Samoa’s High Performance, shared his appreciation. “This partnership with FedPac Group is a tremendous boost for Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s. Their generous support allows us to focus on delivering strong performances at the Oceania 7s, showcasing the talent and resilience of Samoan rugby.” FedPac Group’s investment underscores their belief in the unifying power of sport and the importance of promoting gender equality in rugby by supporting both men’s and women’s teams. With the fast approaching Oceania 7s, the partnership provides timely support to ensure both teams are well prepared to represent Samoa in the tournament as Samoan Sevens rugby rebuilds to achieve its past glory.Student movement unveils 45-member central executive committee
Democrats plan to elect new party leader just days after Trump's inauguration
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors moved Monday to dismiss the criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump that accused him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election and to abandon the classified documents case against him, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The decision by special counsel Jack Smith, who had fiercely sought to hold Trump criminally accountable for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election, represented the end of the federal effort against the former president following his election victory this month despite the election-related cases and multiple other unrelated criminal charges against him and is headed back to the White House. The decision, revealed in court filings, also amounts to a predictable but nonetheless stunning conclusion to criminal cases that had been seen as the most perilous of the multiple legal threats Trump has faced. It reflects the practical consequences of Trump’s victory, ensuring he enters office free from scrutiny over his hoarding of top secret documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon the prosecutions, in federal courts in Washington and Florida, was not a reflection of their view on the merits of the cases but rather a reflection of their commitment to longstanding department policy. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in Monday’s court filing in the election interference case. The decision was expected after Smith's team began assessing how to wind down both the 2020 election interference case and the separate classified documents case in the wake of Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department believes Trump can no longer be tried in accordance with longstanding policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump has cast both cases as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing the Republican as he vied to reclaim the White House. But it quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of using “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this story.ST. THOMAS, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 25, 2024-- Sensi Brands Inc., an innovative and market-leading Canadian cannabis producer, is excited to announce the launch of “Chillows by PotluckTM” , a THC-infused pouch that is placed between a consumer’s lip and gum area for smoke-free and spit-free consumption. A first to market product, Chillows introduces precise dosing and rapid onset, delivering THC effects within 10 to 15 minutes. This revolutionary and discreet mode of consumption is convenient, and reduces the stigma that may accompany traditional forms of cannabis use. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125444126/en/ Sensi Brands launches “Chillows by PotluckTM”, a first to market THC-infused pouch that is placed between a consumer’s lip and gum area for smoke-free and spit-free consumption. (Graphic: Business Wire) With the tagline “Go Chill...Anywhere, AnytimeTM” , Chillows exemplify the ultimate cannabis experience, making THC consumption convenient, accessible, flavourful, and discreet. Each pouch provides 10mg of THC, and there are 10 pouches in each container. Four delicious flavours are available — Winter Mint, Hot Cinnamon, Coffee and Tangy Citrus . “Innovating and delivering a breakthrough product, that redefines how cannabis is consumed, was a challenging and extremely rewarding journey that we started over 2 years ago,” said Tony Giorgi, Sensi Brands CEO, who was recently recognized as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Award winner in Ontario. “The creation of “Chillows by PotluckTM” required the development of a new domestic supply chain, and build-out of our internal manufacturing capability. Sensi Brands proudly manufactures all products internally, providing Sensi with first mover advantage, full control over production IP and quality and the ability to rapidly scale to meet consumer demand,” he added, “We believe our customers appreciate the quality of our locally sourced and manufactured products compared to container sourced.” “Chillows by PotluckTM” will be available in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta retailers starting the week of December 9 th, 2024 with more provinces coming online in 2025. For more information, please visit www.chillows.com . A Landmark Year for Innovation The launch of “Chillows by PotluckTM” crowns a groundbreaking year of innovation for Sensi Brands Inc., which introduced a total of five industry-first products in 2024. Highlights include: These innovations reflect Sensi Brands’ dedication and commitment to identifying consumer needs and setting new market standards for innovation, product quality, convenience, and creativity. About Sensi Brands Inc. Sensi Brands Inc. (SBI) is a vertically integrated and federally licensed cannabis cultivation, processing, and consumer packaged goods company, and a recognized leader in Canada's cannabis industry. With a commitment to quality and innovation, SBI operates a diverse portfolio of award-winning adult-use cannabis brands, including Station House, SensiMila, Potluck, Feather and Good Greens Medical. In addition to its consumer brands, Sensi Brands Inc. operates five lines of business catering to both domestic and global cannabis markets. These include wholesale product distribution, a full-service medical marketplace, a medical cannabis clinic, and a retail "farm-gate" store located at its production facilities in St. Thomas, Ontario. To learn more about Sensi Brands, please visit: www.sensibrands.ca View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125444126/en/ CONTACT: For media inquiries or further assistance, please contact: Sensi Brands Inc. Communications Department info@sensibrands.ca 1-833-SENSI-00 (1-833-736-7400) KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CANNABIS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE NATURAL RESOURCES HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL SOURCE: Sensi Brands Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/25/2024 01:14 PM/DISC: 11/25/2024 01:13 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125444126/enGEORGE WASHINGTON 72, ILLINOIS STATE 64
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; and Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar, contributed to this report.
Partnering with hummel and Northwell Health, the new kit honors the club's iconic local roots. WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) – the first homegrown professional sports club to call New York's most populous suburb home – debuted the team's inaugural home kit last week at an event with Northwell Health, its front of kit sponsor and official health partner. See images of the new kit here and the video reveal. Through an exciting partnership with hummel, a leading global sportswear brand, and with sponsorship from Northwell Health, the home kit builds on the excitement of WSC's iconic homegrown brand unveiled earlier this summer. The White, Gold, and Blue "Zee" Kit represents the next step in WSC's campaign to deepen community engagement as it prepares for the 2025 season in the United Soccer League One (USL). Earlier this year, USL announced that Westchester County, N.Y. has been granted the rights to a USL League One franchise, with WSC to kick off in 2025 as the host of home matches at the newly renovated Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, N.Y. "Our new kits proudly showcase the defining spirit of our community. At its core, the jersey is a celebration of our heritage, with the "Infinity W" mark (found in our badge and side-striping) and the Tappan Zee Bridge representing the connection between our players, fans, and our hometown communities," said Mitch Baruchowitz, majority owner of WSC. "Northwell Health is very proud to be the front-of-kit sponsor and official health partner of Westchester Soccer Club. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected community," said Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez of Northwell Health. "The new jerseys symbolize the strength of this collaboration, and we are excited to stand alongside WSC in uniting and inspiring Westchester through the power of soccer." Designed with the vibrant spirit of the NY suburban landscape in mind, the jerseys embody the pride and identity of WSC as a uniter of families and communities in the greater Westchester Region. The distinctive home kits resonate with the club's unique identity and aim to bring fans together and feature one of the region's iconic landmarks. In addition to the introduction of the new kits, WSC is also excited to announce the availability of season ticket deposits for the upcoming League One season. A deposit includes exclusive access to club information, announcements, invitations to events and more, providing fans the opportunity to secure their seats for an exciting season ahead, further solidifying their connection to the club. The new jerseys, and other items in a brand-new line of merchandise, are now available online at WSC's website for ensuring that fans can proudly display their support for the club ahead of the season. For more information about the new jerseys, season ticket options, and upcoming events, please visit: https://www.westchestersc.com/ . About Westchester Soccer Club Westchester Soccer Club, Westchester's first homegrown professional sports team, will join USL One in the 2025 season. The club is dedicated to celebrating the region's profound love for soccer through exciting game experiences and community-focused events. With a strong commitment to nurturing local talent, WSC aims to build a world-class developmental pipeline for both boys and girls in Westchester. For more information and updates, follow WSC on social media: Twitter/X: @westchestersc • Instagram: @westchestersc • Facebook: @westchestersc Sign up for email updates at www.westchestersc.com Media Contact: Josh Vlasto [email protected] SOURCE Westchester Soccer Club
Cardinals sign former Reds opening day shortstop to minor league dealZoom Video Communications Inc. gave a sales forecast for the current quarter that failed to impress investors who were expecting a bigger boost from the company’s expanded suite of products. NSE Revenue will be about $1.18 billion in the period ending in January, Zoom said Monday in a statement. Profit, excluding some items, will be $1.29 to $1.30 a share. Analysts, on average, projected adjusted earnings of $1.28 a share on sales of $1.17 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The shares declined about 4.5% in extended trading after closing at $89.03 in New York. While Zoom’s outlook met estimates, the stock had gained about 48% since the company’s last earnings report in August on optimism about the new products. The software maker known for videoconferencing has expanded its suite of tools to offer phone systems, a contact center application and artificial intelligence assistants. In October, Zoom named former Microsoft Corp. executive Michelle Chang as chief financial officer to replace Kelly Steckelberg, who left to join design startup Canva Inc. Zoom has seen a 59% increase in monthly active users of its AI assistant since the prior quarter, the company said in a presentation to supplement its earnings statement. It also topped 1,250 customers of its contact center application. While there were “no major issues” with the results, a steep gain for the shares headed into Monday’s earnings means the results may not attract new investors, wrote Tyler Radke, an analyst at Citigroup. Separately, the company announced it has dropped “video” from its official name and would now be known as Zoom Communications Inc. “Our new name more accurately reflects our expanding scope and plans for long-term growth,” Chief Executive Officer Eric Yuan wrote in a post announcing the change. In the fiscal third quarter, sales increased 3.6% to $1.18 billion, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $1.16 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Profit, excluding some items, was $1.38 a share in the period ended October 31. Enterprise revenue increased 5.8% to $699 million. Zoom said it had 3,995 customers who contributed more than $100,000 over the past year. An ongoing loss of consumers and small businesses from Zoom has concerned investors, particularly since these customers are typically higher-margin than corporate clients. Average monthly churn in this segment was 2.7% in the quarter, which was better than analysts’ estimates. Sales in the segment was little changed at $479 million. That was Zoom’s lowest-ever online churn, Chang said, according to remarks prepared for the company’s earnings conference call. Zoom said it’s adding $1.2 billion to its existing share buyback program, raising the total repurchase authorization to $2 billion.
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Trolls Brock Purdy After ASU Beats Iowa State