A Nevada commissioner denied Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change his irrevocable trust and leave his conservative media empire under the sole control of his son, Lachlan, according to a report Monday. The New York Times reported that Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman, Jr. issued a scathing ruling Saturday against Murdoch, who thought giving Lachlan full reign of his companies would guarantee their continued right-wing slant. Commissioner Gorman called the attempt to change the trust a “carefully crafted charade” meant to “permanently cement Lachlan Murdoch’s executive roles” that was being done “regardless of the impacts such control would have over the companies or the beneficiaries” of his trust. Murdoch’s lawyer told the Times he intends to appeal the decision, which still has to be ratified or rejected by a district judge. The family’s current trust gives Murdoch’s four eldest children — Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence — equal voting rights over the family’s media conglomerates after his death. The companies include Fox ( FOXA -1.45% ) , the parent company of Fox News and the broadcast network Fox, and News Corp ( NWSA +0.07% ) , the owner of the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and several newspapers and television stations in Australia and Britain. Last year, it was revealed that Murdoch and three of his heirs — James, Elisabeth, and Prudence — were engaged in a secret legal battle over the future of his companies after Murdoch filed to change the terms of an irrevocable family trust. Although the trust was supposed to be inviolable, it included a provision that allowed amendments if they were done in good faith to benefit all of its members. Murdoch, 93, argued that a “lack of consensus” among his heirs “would impact the strategic direction at both companies including a potential reorientation of editorial policy and content.” This, he said, gave him grounds to give Lachlan full control. Both James and Elisabeth are less conservative than their father and Lachlan, which apparently sparked Murdoch’s concern for the future of his empire. In court, the aging business tycoon said keeping the right-wing politics of his outlets was essential to their financial success. James, Elisabeth, and Prudence were reportedly surprised by their father’s move to transfer control only to Lachlan. Murdoch retired from Fox and News Corp last year. Lachlan is now the current chairman of News Corp and the executive chairman and CEO of Fox. Additional reporting by Bruce Gil. 📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.TORONTO — Canada's decision to deploy a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session at the Paris Olympics was "completely stupid," says FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani. "In the sense that I have no idea what the hell you're going to get out of that," said Montagliani, a former Canada Soccer president who is also president of CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. The scandal cost Canada women's coach Bev Priestman her job, with assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joe Lombardi also leaving Canada Soccer. All three are serving one-year suspensions from FIFA. "Now, listen, do clubs and countries push the envelope to try to gain an upper hand? Yeah," said Montagliani when asked about the scandal at a media roundtable Monday. "If we say no to that, we're fools. "We've all been into countries that will do anything they can, whether its fireworks the night before a match. Whatever they think that will get you three points. Because when it comes to football, a lot of countries think it's war. But for me personally I just thought it (the drone spying) was the definition of stupidity." FIFA, which runs the football competition at the Olympics, also docked the Canadian women six points at the tournament after a Canadian staffer was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand team practices before the start of competition at the Paris Games. Canada Soccer was also fined 200,000 Swiss francs ($322,500). Canada Soccer continues to investigate just how deep a culture of spying was ingrained in the organization and has opened a disciplinary hearing into former Canada men's and women's coach John Herdman, who resigned as Toronto FC coach last month. "If any of this stuff reveals any new information whatsoever that's subject to FIFA jurisdiction, the FIFA ethics committee or discipline committee, or both, will act on it," Montagliani said. Montagliani says disciplinary issues in soccer usually fall under the national governing body. But Canada Soccer could refer the matter to FIFA if it has wider-ranging implications. --- Follow @NeilMDavidson on X platform This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 8, 2024. Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
Mechanical Connectors Market to Grow by USD 4.77 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Rising Demand in Automotive Industry, AI Transforming the Market Landscape - TechnavioBombers GM Walters sees no need to blow up roster despite another Grey Cup loss WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press Nov 26, 2024 2:11 PM Nov 26, 2024 2:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters speaks to media about the season and their upcoming plans at his year end press conference at the Blue Bomber stadium in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Sports 13-year-old cricketer Suryavanshi can become India's latest T20 batting sensation Nov 26, 2024 2:30 PM Court rejects request to sideline San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender Nov 26, 2024 1:39 PM Another Rose looks to blossom with Canadian women's soccer team in camp in Spain Nov 26, 2024 1:35 PM Featured FlyerPakistan forces launch raid on ex-PM Khan's supporters
Elden Ring Nightreign - FromSoftware has good news and bad news for fansSAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smodin, a trailblazer in AI-powered tools for students, educators, and professionals, is thrilled to announce an exciting development: www. contemplativeinquiry.org and www. freshu.io now redirect to Smodin.io, creating a single, unified hub for innovation and productivity. This move marks a significant step forward in Smodin's mission to make advanced AI tools more accessible than ever. By integrating these domains into Smodin.io, users will enjoy seamless access to a broader range of resources, from AI writing assistance to content analysis, all on a single platform designed to meet diverse needs. "This isn't just about redirection—it's about transformation," said the founder of Smodin. "By bringing everything under the Smodin umbrella, we're creating a one-stop solution for anyone seeking smarter, faster, and more effective tools to achieve their goals." Visitors from contemplativeinquiry.org and freshu.io will now have direct access to Smodin's continually expanding suite of features, including plagiarism detection, essay generation, and tools tailored to enhance productivity and creativity. This evolution ensures users can focus on what truly matters: creating, learning, and growing. The consolidation is part of Smodin's vision to innovate and deliver an unparalleled user experience while solidifying its position as a global leader in AI technology. Discover the future of AI-driven solutions at www.smodin.io . About Smodin Smodin is a leading AI-powered platform dedicated to empowering users worldwide with smart tools for writing, research, and productivity. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Smodin transforms the way students, educators, and professionals work and create. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smodin-unites-powerful-domains-to-deliver-an-all-in-one-ai-platform-302314508.html SOURCE Smodin
VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — Valparaiso hired longtime Marietta coach Andy Waddle as its new football coach, athletic director Laurel Hosmer announced Monday. Waddle is scheduled to be formally introduced on campus Wednesday. He spent the last 12 seasons turning around the Division III program located in Southeastern Ohio. There, he went 55-61 after inheriting a winless team. He led the Pioneers to their first 8-0 start last season and matched the 1920 squad's school record with a 13-game winning streak that started in 2023. In 2024, Marietta made its first postseason appearance since 1973. Waddle went 16-5 over the past two seasons and produced seven winning records over the last eight seasons. The Pioneers had only two winning seasons in the previous 20 years. “I think there is a great group of young men on the (Valparaiso) roster, and we’re excited to invest in those student-athletes and continue to add more high-quality people and football players to the program,” Waddle said of the program located in Indiana's northwest corner. “I think Valpo is not only an outstanding fit for me professionally, but also an outstanding fit for me and my family.” Waddle spent eight seasons working with the defense as an assistant for his alma mater, Wittenberg, where he was an all-conference defensive back. He also has coached at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania and at Maryville College in Tennessee. “His experience building success and winning culture as a head coach, passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field and high character made it clear he was the right leader for our football program,” Hosmer said in a statement. The move comes two weeks after Hosmer announced the school would not give Landon Fox a contract extension after his deal expired. Fox was 21-42 in six seasons at Valparaiso. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballRupert Murdoch Loses Bid to Change Family Trust
Lightchain AI Price Prediction How Much Should You Put In LCAI Today To Make $1 Million When Price Reaches $50?VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — Valparaiso hired longtime Marietta coach Andy Waddle as its new football coach, athletic director Laurel Hosmer announced Monday. Waddle is scheduled to be formally introduced on campus Wednesday. He spent the last 12 seasons turning around the Division III program located in Southeastern Ohio. There, he went 55-61 after inheriting a winless team. He led the Pioneers to their first 8-0 start last season and matched the 1920 squad's school record with a 13-game winning streak that started in 2023. In 2024, Marietta made its first postseason appearance since 1973. Waddle went 16-5 over the past two seasons and produced seven winning records over the last eight seasons. The Pioneers had only two winning seasons in the previous 20 years. “I think there is a great group of young men on the (Valparaiso) roster, and we’re excited to invest in those student-athletes and continue to add more high-quality people and football players to the program,” Waddle said of the program located in Indiana's northwest corner. “I think Valpo is not only an outstanding fit for me professionally, but also an outstanding fit for me and my family.” Waddle spent eight seasons working with the defense as an assistant for his alma mater, Wittenberg, where he was an all-conference defensive back. He also has coached at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania and at Maryville College in Tennessee. “His experience building success and winning culture as a head coach, passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field and high character made it clear he was the right leader for our football program,” Hosmer said in a statement. The move comes two weeks after Hosmer announced the school would not give Landon Fox a contract extension after his deal expired. Fox was 21-42 in six seasons at Valparaiso. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballGREENFIELD — Health New England has awarded grants to three local nonprofits that work to advance youth health and well-being in western Massachusetts. Just Roots farm is receiving $3,000 to fund its Food Access for Youth & Families Program while Community Action Pioneer Valley is getting $2,500 for its Youth & Workforce Development Programs and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin is receiving $2,000 for its Creating a Culture of Belongingness Within Schools program. “Since COVID-19, youth health and well-being have been a regional priority for Health New England. We are proud to support organizations that are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of youth and adolescents,” Katie Bruno, Health New England’s public health and wellness program manager, said in a statement. “These grants highlight so many great regional organizations that share Health New England’s commitment to advancing and empowering the next generation to lead a healthy, successful life.” Joshua Faller, program director at Just Roots who is moving into a co-executive director role, said the $3,000 grant allows the farm to further its mission of improving food access through subsidized farm shares and operational support. “It makes us better equipped to effect lasting change,” he said, praising Health New England. “Together we’re making strides toward a more equitable future for everybody.” Faller said fostering access to nutritious food improves physical health and mental well-being. Jeffrey Trant, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, said the $2,000 in grant money covered the costs of an Oct. 30 conference at Greenfield Community College that included 150 educators from at least 24 schools and districts, as well as keynote speaker Gaelin Elmore, a former NFL player. “It was amazing,” Trant said. “His message really spoke to what are the concrete, tangible things that educators can do tomorrow to help [promote] belongingness in the classroom.” Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess Health New England recently dispensed $80,000 in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) grants that went to 38 organizations in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire and Worcester counties. These grants are designed to support local nonprofits that focus on health equity and engage around at least one social determinant of health — conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that affect health, quality of life and life expectancy. These conditions include socioeconomic status, food insecurity, education, access to health care, safe housing, discrimination, violence and trauma. Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 6:44 p.m. EST
By FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” Related Articles The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.Alec Baldwin goes off on ‘uninformed’ Americans, female directors and wife’s ‘trauma’
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pace, 23, had started each of the Vikings nine games this season. The 2023 undrafted free agent from Cincinnati had 56 tackles — including six for loss — and three sacks. Murphy, 24, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was placed on injured reserve Aug. 27. Davis had joined the Packers practice squad Oct. 29 after getting released by the Washington Commanders a week earlier. Washington selected him out of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The 25-year-old Davis has 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his NFL career. He led the Commanders with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. The Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLLea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Aziegbemi, speaks to CHUKWUDI AKASIKE about issues affecting Edo State, including the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly by Governor Monday Okpebholo Is your party, the Peoples Democratic Party, ready to embrace the new task of a credible opposition in Edo State after Monday Okpebholo was declared winner and sworn in as the governor of the state, or has the PDP lost hope in the affairs of the Edo people after the last election in the state? I don’t think it is right to imagine that as big and as complex and sophisticated as the PDP is, it will lose hope in the Edo project. The people of Edo State and the Edo project are why the PDP exists. The PDP and Edo people are synonymous; they are like twins, and that is because of a long-time relationship between the people of the state and the party. We can never lose hope in the Edo project. The welfare and the prosperity of the Edo people are paramount to us as a party. The four years of the Godwin Obaseki administration under the PDP give credence to that. Those four years were the glorious years of Edo State. Therefore, we believe so much in the people of Edo State. We believe that the people know what is going on; they see everything, and there is no way we can lose hope. But the APC does not believe that the immediate past administration of Obaseki did well. They are saying that contrary to the claim of performing excellently, the PDP-led administration did not do well. How will you reconcile these contrasting positions? There should be a philosophical profiling of APC members in Edo State. They did something wrong, and instead of admitting it, they doubled down on it. It shows the content of the character of the members of the APC in Edo State. They don’t seem to understand that this is Edo State and not any other state. So, some of us are looking at them. I can imagine how bad Edo people are feeling about this APC administration as we have it now in the state. But I can tell you for free that it is temporary; it will not last more than when the Supreme Court gives its final judgment on the governorship election. The people of Edo State should be resilient and stay focused as the glory of Edo State will shine again once we retrieve our mandate; Edo State has been enveloped with darkness because there is nothing good that the APC can bring to Edo State, not with this calibre of people. There are claims in some quarters that the PDP in the state is no longer united after losing the governorship election. How true is this? I understand what you mean by the PDP is no longer united. I speak with leaders and stakeholders of the party. That is not what I heard. People are more energised; people are more hopeful. People have seen our petition, and they have read the responses from the APC, INEC, and the governor. We have also written our responses and people have seen it and they know that we have a powerful case. So, the issue of the PDP not being united does not arise. Is it not unique that even after losing the election, how many defections have they had? I have not heard of any. We are as united as we can be in the circumstances. Of course, a few people will take this in its stride, a few people may take it not as strongly as some other people, but we are different. Governor Monday Okpebholo made a gaffe while presenting the state 2025 Appropriation Bill, a development that drew reactions from Nigerians, including the people of the state. What is your view on this? I would rather focus on his (Governor Okpebholo) purpose of visiting the House of Assembly. It was to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly. I have more fundamental issues with that presentation than the issue of not being able to read those figures. We should be looking at the big picture. Anybody can have a bad day, and maybe that was just a bad day for him. We hope it doesn’t happen again. However, I want Nigerians and Edo people to look at the following issues. Look at those around him (governor); has he been able to put together a solid team that will make sure that whenever he is presenting anything, everything is in good shape, the fonts, the figures, and the words are there? If they have not, I will hold them responsible for that gaffe, and that means he has not been able to put together a strong team around him. That is serious because that means we will continue to have this kind of gaffe in the future. Secondly, the budget was increased by 25 per cent. Unfortunately, we did not see the performance of the budget in 2024. What was the percentage of performance? What was the cash backing? Which projects were done, and which ones were not done? When you increase a budget in this environment by 25 per cent, where are you looking to get those revenues to back up that increase? Two sources were not revealed to us. I believe that the budget was hurriedly put together; I think he didn’t participate in it, and I believe that those who did it were only doing copy and paste. We are in a very serious situation. He (the governor) doesn’t seem to be in sync with those around him. He knows he cannot do this thing alone; he must have a strong team around him. People cannot just put something together for you and give it to you to go to the House of Assembly and read. It has been one flop to another. He flags off a flyover from Ramat Park to wherever without any appropriation, no design, no tenders’ board, no executive council; who does that? Everything he (Governor Okpebholo) has done is to go to a facility built by Governor Obaseki, he sees a crack in the wall and says, ‘Oh, it is a substandard job’. You can see how mediocre these guys are. If you try looking at what he has done, you will weep for the state. Some Nigerians have said that the gaffe at the Edo State House of Assembly is a sign of incompetence by the governor. Don’t you think that is too harsh on him? I don’t want to dwell on his inability to read those figures. As I said, I blame those around him who failed to prepare him. But I am looking at the fundamental issue, which is the 25 per cent increase and where he intends to get money to fund it, not the mistake he made while presenting the budget. Maybe he didn’t sleep well; his APC people didn’t allow him to sleep. It happens. He (Okpebholo) is saying agriculture is one of his priorities. Meanwhile, he allocated a meagre N4.5bn to the sector. So, there seems to be no alignment with his thoughts, the budget proposal, and how it was presented. All this again speaks to the fact that the people surrounding the governor need to up their game for the few months they will occupy that seat. Do you think Asue Ighodalo is infallible and would not have made a similar mistake in reading the Appropriation Bill? One thousand per cent, an Asue Ighodalo will never make such a mistake. Why do you say so? I say so because I know him, and I know the stuff he is made of. He will never make such a mistake because we have a strong team around him. He would have gone through that budget proposal page to page, back-to-back. Related News Edo probes 100% hike in Benin-Abraka road contract cost LP, PDP berate INEC chair for sharing lessons from Ghana poll Edo: APC, PDP trade words as supporters clash at tribunal He would never have gone to that House of Assembly without making sure that they got all the figures right, and he would have told us the source of the increase in the Appropriation Bill, why he is increasing it, for what purpose, and where the revenues are going to come from. But the APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said in a video that the immediate past governor, Obaseki, and the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, would not have made such a mistake while presenting the Appropriation Bill because they had stolen billions (of naira) before. How will you react to this claim? This is the point I have been making about the quality of people that the APC parades. People can make mistakes because we are humans but don’t insult the intelligence of the people who are more intelligent than you by saying he (Okpebholo) cannot read our budget proposal figures because he has not stolen billions of naira. For your information, Asue Ighodalo has written him (Tenebe) through a law firm, asking for a retraction within seven days or else be ready to face the court to prove how Asue Ighodalo has stolen billions of naira. I also expect the former governor, Obaseki, to sue him. When they sue him and he is declared bankrupt, then people will learn how to talk in public. It is so pathetic and a no-brainer to say Obaseki and Ighodalo will not make mistakes in reading budget proposal figures because they have stolen billions of naira. It just shows the quality of people that the APC parades in Edo State. It is so bad that I feel sorry for the Edo people for the next few months that these men will occupy that seat. But not to worry; Asue Ighodalo is coming, and we will make things right again. How do you view the affairs of the state currently? As we speak, Edo State IGR is declining rapidly. Before Governor Obaseki left, it was in the region of N8bn every month. Now, we hear it is coming down to about N2bn. This is because investors are not coming anymore. They are afraid because when the tigers and lions are harassing everybody; the tigers and lions are collecting tickets and revenues for the state. Non-state actors now take part in the collection of revenue. What do you mean by tigers and lions are collecting tickets and revenues in Edo State? The tigers and lions have been unleashed on the streets of Benin City. When Obaseki was the governor, he told them the lions and tigers were always in the zoo. So, he caged them, and they didn’t come out. But now that Okpebholo is there, he (Okpebholo) has brought them back from the zoo and they are on the prowl. Nigerians have always been told to pray for their leaders. Today, Governor Okpebholo is your leader. With what you have said so far, will you pray for him to succeed? That’s a good question. It has a lot of philosophical angles to it. I want to ask you; if somebody gets to your house and steals your property, and you know the person that came to steal your property, will you pray for him? Okpebholo stole our mandate. So, it will be out of place to pray for him after being a beneficiary of a stolen mandate. No! The PDP won by a landslide in the last local government election in Edo State. Surprisingly, the same PDP couldn’t win the governorship election in the state. How do you reconcile these two events and their outcomes? We won in all the 18 local government areas of Edo State during the local government elections in 2023. We won all the 92 councillorship positions in Edo State during the council elections last year. We won in 12 local government areas in Edo State during the September 21st governorship election. From our analysis of the Form EC8A which our agents gave to us, we were leading the APC with about 50,000 votes. That was about 8pm on the 21st. APC leaders were calling me and congratulating me until they started their style. They started manipulating and moving collation centres from LGA collation centres to the INEC headquarters in Benin, and the results of at least five local government areas were changed. The matter is in court, and it is not right to speak about it now. You asked a question. We did not lose the election; we won the election hands down. We won the governorship election in the same manner we won the local government election. The results declared by INEC are the correct results. But local government elections in the country have always been criticised as a ruling party’s affair, where the State Independent Electoral Commissions do the bidding of the ruling party. Has that not been the pattern? There is a fundamental reason for that. Everything happens for a reason. If you check, there must be something responsible for that. Now, in a local government election, the governor is seated in his office in the state, and he wants to conduct local government elections. He appoints members of the State Independent Electoral Commission; it is like his appointees, like commissioners or special advisers. I think the idea is that most opposition parties do not normally up their games when it comes to local government elections. There was a year when the PDP boycotted local government elections in the state; that was when Adams Oshiomhole was the governor. It was because we knew we didn’t have a chance. Most times, the opposition feels there is no need to beat a dead horse. So, the opposition wasn’t there. That time, before the governorship election, people believed in INEC, but under Yakubu Mahmood, the integrity of the commission has been greatly eroded, and INEC is fast becoming like a state electoral commission, where results are already written, and people already know who will win. But it was the same Mahmood that was there in 2020 when Obaseki won. What do you think happened? Yes, Mahmood was there in 2020 when Obaseki won. He was there in 2016 when Obaseki won. So, you have asked a good question. When you see him, ask him what happened. I think something has fundamentally happened in INEC. There are many loopholes in that commission now. There were two result sheets of the same serial number everywhere. Where is that second result sheet coming from? This never happened in Edo State before; never! We used to hear that people have result sheets; we don’t do that in Edo State. Under Mahmood, we thought that he had everything under control, but the result sheets were flying all over the place. How? Where did they come from? So, the standard has fallen under his watch. I hope he plugs those loopholes and gets back the confidence that the people ought to have in the commission.The Iowa Hawkeyes appear to be without their top defensive back after a report surfaced on Friday that Jermari Harris has opted out of the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2025 NFL draft. According to 247Sports' David Eickholt , Harris' time with the Hawkeyes has come to an early end. The sixth-year senior seemingly believes that he has put enough on tape to move on to the next level without finishing out the season. Iowa (6-4) is bowl-eligible ahead of a pair of Big Ten matchups. Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes will visit Maryland (4-6) on Saturday before playing Nebraska (5-5) in the season finale at home. They will do so without Harris, who has become a valued talent and leader in Iowa's secondary. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images A former three-star out of Lombard, Illinois, Harris played sparingly throughout his first two seasons. After a commendable 2021 campaign, Harris' career was haulted by a season-ending injury. As he attempted to make a comeback, Harris was suspended for two games in 2023 for being involved with a gambling scandal, an investigation into Iowa Athletics showed. After being awarded a sixth season of eligibility, Harris made the most of the 2024 season, as he leads the Hawkeyes in pass breakups (7) and interceptions (3) with 27 tackles. Harris ends his career with 105 total stops and eight interceptions. Iowa-Maryland is slated for noon ET (Big Ten Network). The Hawkeyes are listed as 3.5-point favorites, per ESPN BET .ROME — Rome Free Academy won its annual ice hockey tournament hosted at Kennedy Arena with a pair of shutout wins Friday and Saturday. It was the first time the hosts had won their tournament since the 2019-20 season. (It was not held the next season due to COVID-19.) The event was previously named the Bobby T. Ciccotti Tournament, and was run by the Bobby T. Ciccotti Foundation. The Black Knights beat Mohawk Valley High School Showcase defending champion New Hartford 6-0 on Friday then topped Whitesboro 4-0 in the title game the next night. “It was a good weekend. Not giving up any goals is always good,” said RFA head coach Jason Nowicki. “It was a great way to start the year.” In the championship game, Jacob Bruno scored twice and added an assist to lead the way. Braden Meeks had a goal and two assists while Tyler Lokker scored and had an assist. Mark Varano added an assist. The Knights scored once in the first, again in the second and had two goals (including on into an empty net) in the third to seal the win. Offensively, the team is a typical RFA squad with plenty of speed. “We’re faster now than we’ve been, i think, ever,” Nowicki said. “But I also like what I see from them down low in the zone.” He noted, “We may not be the biggest team but we play with an edge. Bodies were flying out there this weekened.” Varano took a big jump in the offseason, Nowicki noted, and is a scoring threat. “Bruno and Meeks were great finishing opportunities, flying around the ice.” Marchione had a great game Friday, he noted. “We did some great things offensively,” despite early-season jitters. “But all that said, we’ll take 10 goals on the weekend.” He said that the coaches moved Aiden Van Wie up from defense to forward this season. “I like having him up front,” as it gives the team three fully capable lines. “I feel way more comfortable with him up front.” RFA’s Donte Sparace earned his second shutout in two nights with 34 saves on Saturday. He turned away good scoring chances while RFA was up 1-0, to hold the lead, the coach said. “He does way more for us than people realize, besies making saves.” That includes communication with teammates and good stick handling skills. Though he’s a sophomore it is his third year as the starter in net, so he’s “battle tested. He’s focused. We like the chances he gives us to win every time we step out onto the ice.” “The strength of our team was our defense,” said Nowicki, who had said before the event that this is the deepest group he’s had in years. “We had some real big contributions from some newcomers,” he noted, including 6-foot-4 freshman Miles Mendiola and eighth grader Connor Weiman. “I thought our defensive group was going to be good, but they exceeded expectations.” Mason Stanton made 30 saves in the loss. On Friday, RFA scored twice in each period and Sparace stopped all 18 shots he faced. In that win, Jackson Marchione had two goals. Bruno had a goal and two assists. Varano scored and had an assist. Meeks and Gio Gualtieri scored once each. Chris Brement, Van Wie and Brock LaPlant had an assist each. New Hartford’s Rocco Mastrovito-Smith made 57 saves in the loss. In the other Friday game, Whitesboro beat the Mohawk Valley Jugglers 5-4 in overtime. The unified MV team had the lone first-period goal. Both teams scored twice in the second. Whitesboro outscored MV two to one in the third to force overtime. Collin Aceto had an assist in regulation but his biggest contribution was the overtime game winner. Gavin Aceto scored and had a pair of assists. Kyle Parent, Jake Hall and Aiden Nofri scored once each. Marco Benedetto had three assists and Drew Witchley had one. Stanton made 27 saves to earn the win. For MV, Leo Heiser scored twice and Andrew Thompson and Kyle McReynolds had one each. Aiden Fazekas had a pair of assists, and Sean Graziano and Jayden Skutnik had one each. Goalie Evan Buckingham made 38 saves. But the Jugglers bounced back to win the consolation game, 3-1 over New Hartford. After going to the first intermission tied 1-1, MV scored twice in the second. Graziano and junior defenseman Jacob Bennett had a goal and assist each. McReynolds had the other goal. Fazekas had a pair of assists again and Mason St. James had one. Sophomore goalie Jacob Bennett made 20 saves to earn the win. New Hartford’s Nicholas Sans had the team’s goal. Mastrovito-Smith had 53 saves. RFA (2-0) hits the road for a Division 1 game at Cicero-North Syracuse at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Midstate Athletic Community Center. The unified team also has players from Liverpool. Whitesboro (2-1) plays at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Division 2 at Oswego at Fort Ontario-Crisafulli Rink. MV (2-2-1) plays a Division 1 game at 6 p.m. on Tuesday against CNY Fusion at Fulton Ice Arena. New Hartford (0-3) hosted Christian Brothers Academy/Jamesville-Dewitt in Division 2 on Monday. Results were not available at press time. All-tournament team Forwards: Lokker, Bruno, Hall, Graziano, Gavin Aceto Goalie: Mastrovito-Smith MVP: Sparace
STRIKES could cause travel chaos for Brits across Europe this winter, including one at a major UK airport. Disruption is scheduled at a range of European airports, with some airlines also at risk of pilots and other employees striking. Advertisement 2 Travel across Europe could be disrupted by multiple airport strikes this winter Credit: Kevin Dunnett Tanker drivers employed by North Air at Edinburgh Airport are set to walk out for over two weeks, according to Scotland's largest union Unite. The strike will begin at 5am on Wednesday, December 18 and will end at the same time on Monday, January 6. The routes most likely to be affected include United Airlines' flights to New York, as well as Emirates' to Dubai, according to the union. It added that Loganair's domestic routes to the Scottish islands could also be "directly impacted". Advertisement Read More on Travel Disruption FESTIVE GRIDLOCK Map reveals traffic hotspots to AVOID this Xmas as 23mil Brits hit roads NIGHTMARE BEFORE XMAS Warning for getaway chaos with strikes & 'busiest airport Xmas ever' However, a spokesperson for the airport told The Independent that it is "working with airlines to understand their contingencies to minimise passenger disruption." United and Emirates are likely to be affected as they cannot store enough extra fuel from their incoming flights, due to their long distance, without exceeding safe landing limits. Loganair may be able to load extra fuel at locations such as the Isle of Man , Stornoway, Orkney, and Shetland to reduce the impact the strike may have on its flights. However, its more than 350 mile route to Southampton could prove more difficult due to runway payload restrictions. Advertisement Most read in News Travel PASS IT ON Boarding pass mistake most passengers make that may see you lose your plane seat SOUK UP THE SUN Up-and-coming winter sun hotspot near the UK has golden beaches and is 25C Exclusive ALPINE ADVENTURE I visited winter hotspot with one of Europe's longest slides & 'gluhwein' PARK UP New UK campsite set to open with holiday lodges, swimming pool and nearby beach When fuel has not been available at an airport, long-haul carriers have previously flown short distances, such as London Heathrow to Stansted , to refuel. Those due to travel to Italy are also expected to suffer from disruption on and around Sunday December 15. UK airport reveals new security rules for passengers Techno Sky employees, who manage the technological infrastructure for Italy's air navigation service, are set to strike for the entire 24 hours of Sunday. In addition, Techno Sky personnel at Milan Control Center, Linate Airport Center and Monte Settepani CRT will strike for four hours, from 13:00 to 17:00, on Sunday too. Advertisement The company oversees operations at 45 Italian airports, and the industrial action is also being backed by two of Italy’s major transport unions: FILT-CGIL and UILT-UIL. Also joining the four hour walkout are air traffic controllers operating across Milan's three airports and Palma Airport, as well as workers from Aviation Services at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport. Finland has already been hit by strikes this winter, with walkouts on December 9 and 13 affecting 33,000 people after around 300 flights were cancelled. Action by the Finnish Air Line Pilots Association caused major disruption to Finnair operations, with one in three of its flights being cancelled on Friday. Advertisement Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Since September, EasyJet employees in France have been striking in protest against the closure of the operator’s Toulouse hub, scheduled for March 2025. It’s thought that 125 employees could be affected, and the strike is set to continue until Monday December 16. This comes as Brits have been warned to brace for busy Christmas travel period which could cause chaos. Heathrow Airport has said it is preparing for its busiest ever Christmas Day. Advertisement It expects the number of passengers travelling through its terminals on December 25 to be 21 per cent higher than on the same day last year. The airport also predicts that passenger numbers for the month as a whole will exceed the previous record of 6.7 million in 2023. It made the forecast after confirming it served 6.5 million passengers last month in the "busiest ever November". Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “As we embrace the festive season, our focus remains on ensuring smooth, joyful journeys – whether it is helping passengers get away for Christmas to reunite with their loved ones, or making sure cargo reaches its destination on time.” Advertisement 'SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTION' Meanwhile, those travelling by rail may also face delays after West Coast train managers voted to strike for three days over the Christmas period. The RMT union said that walkouts have been scheduled for 22, 23 and 29 December for Avanti services after rejecting the train company's proposals for "rest day working arrangements". Train managers usually work a 41-hour week but due to staff shortages can be asked to work on their days off - but the RMT said that the current arrangements were "unacceptable". A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said that at "one of our busiest and most important times of the year" customers "will now face significant disruption because of these strikes". Advertisement Rail services on all three days are expected to be limited. A revised timetable for 22 and 23 December should be made available from today. Around 300 train managers are expected to join the walkout. Drivers travelling over Christmas have been warned to check their preferred route before setting off - with delays expected at five major motorways. Advertisement It is expected that some 16 million cars will take to the roads on December 23 and Christmas Eve. Read more on the Scottish Sun XMAS BLOW Dozens sacked by Scots tech firm weeks before Christmas as bosses travel to Spain HAVE A BRAKE Entire Scots town to enforce new 20mph limit in major road shake-up Brits could be forced to queue for hours, while demand for electric vehicle charging stations is set to soar. As the festive period gets ever-closer, the M1, M5, M6, M60 and M25 are all expected to be hit by severe traffic - especially on the final weekend before Christmas. 2 Travel may be disrupted over the Christmas period Credit: Alamy AdvertisementOpposition leader Peter Dutton has sparked controversy by announcing that, if elected, he would remove the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from official press conferences held by the Australian government. His remarks, made during a media interview with Sky News host Peta Credlin, have drawn a mixed response from both political figures and the public, with many seeing it as a significant statement on the nation's approach to Indigenous issues. Dutton, leader of the Liberal Party, stated that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags' presence in press conferences is a symbol of division. The peak body for Aboriginal kids hits back after Dutton says sexual abuse is 'rampant' in Alice Springs “I’m very strongly of the belief that we are a country united under one flag and if we’re asking people to identify with different flags, no other country does that, and we are dividing our country unnecessarily,” he told Sky News. “We should have respect for the Indigenous flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag, but they are not our national flags." The prime minister Anthony Albanese began standing in front of all three flags when he was elected in 2022. The Opposition Leader, who has dismissed the conversation around changing the national holiday as "woke nonsense", called for "national unity and pride" as January 26 approaches. “We should stand up for who we are, for our values, what we believe in. We are united as a country when we gather under one flag, which is what we should do on Australia Day,” Mr Dutton said. Dutton consistently does press conferences without the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag behind him. 'Not in the hearts of the Yolŋu': Djawa Yunupingu says Peter Dutton ignored his invitation to Garma