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Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.UK Home Office pauses decisions on Syrian asylum claims amid regime changeA 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House saysStocks with best odds of risk-adjusted returns deserve attention: Goldman Sachs
Article content KINGSTON, Ont. — Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks head coach Michael Faulds feels his team plays its best football when the competition is tough. The unbeaten squad should be put to the test Saturday against the Quebec powerhouse Laval Rouge et Or in the Vanier Cup. “We’ve been saying to the guys all week that it was very fitting that the Yates Cup had to go through the Western Mustangs, the team that has won the most (Ontario titles),” Faulds said. “And it’s very fitting, too, that the Vanier Cup has to go through the Laval Rouge et Or, the team that has won the most Vanier Cups. “Our guys are excited. We respect the heck out of Laval and know it’s going to take all four quarters.” Led by Hec Crighton Trophy winner Taylor Elgersma at quarterback, the Golden Hawks have outscored the opposition 128-76 over three playoff wins after an 8-0 regular season. Rouge et Or quarterback Arnaud Desjardins, a finalist for the outstanding player honour, leads a Laval team that needed two close victories to reach the Canadian university football title game. Laval boasts a stingy defence that led U Sports with only 106 points against over a 7-1 campaign. The Rouge et Or are looking for their second Vanier Cup title in the last three years. “We’re definitely a younger edition, but we’ve grown and tomorrow is our final exam,” said Laval head coach Glen Constantin. “So we’re looking forward to playing really good football against a quality opponent.” The Golden Hawks held a walkthrough for about an hour on Friday morning at Richardson Stadium in rainy, windy conditions. The clouds mostly cleared for the Rouge et Or session in the afternoon. A sellout crowd at the 8,000-seat Queen’s University stadium is expected with cool, overcast conditions in the forecast. “It’ll be a real celebration of football here in Canada,” Faulds said. “With the Grey Cup being last weekend, this is the last football game in Canada in 2024 and what a matchup.” Laurier enjoyed home-field advantage in a 29-21 win over Queen’s in the Ontario semifinal before topping Western 51-31 in the conference championship. The Golden Hawks looked just as strong on the road, handing the Atlantic champion Bishop’s Gaiters their first loss last weekend with a 48-24 rout. Laval, meanwhile, opened the playoffs with a comfortable 41-18 victory over Concordia. The Rouge et Or beat the 2023 Vanier champion Montreal Carabins 22-17 for the Quebec title before edging the Canada West champion Regina Rams 17-14 last week at Mosaic Stadium. A fourth-year kinesiology and physical education major from London, Ont., Elgersma led U Sports in passing yards and touchdown completions. He also rushed for seven TDs himself. Receiver Olivier Cool and running back William Tremblay have four playoff touchdowns apiece for Laval. Tanner Nelmes and Tayshaun Jackson have been productive out of the Laurier backfield while Ryan Hughes has been one of Elgersma’s favourite targets. The Golden Hawks, who last won the Vanier Cup in 2005, have a 2-3 all-time record in the national championship game, while Laval is 11-2. “We have a culture of playing good disciplined football,” Constantin said. “If we stick to the process, then we believe we have a good chance.” The Rouge et Or have won both previous meetings against the Golden Hawks. Laval beat Laurier in the Uteck Bowl in 2004 and 2016 at Quebec City.
WASHINGTON — After decades of inaction, federal transportation officials have moved ahead with requiring new technologies to reduce crashes and fatalities involving large trucks. But the incoming administration could install a red light to block their efforts. At issue are proposed new rules by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require large trucks to be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems and devices to limit their speeds. But advocates fear that such long-awaited progress to improve safety could end when Donald Trump replaces Joe Biden in the White House next month. Not only did Trump promise to reduce regulation but incoming Vice President JD Vance, while in the U.S. Senate, co-sponsored legislation to block the proposal requiring truckers to use speed limiters. "We are very nervous that safety-oriented rulemakings will be watered down or pulled altogether," said Zach Cahalan, executive director of the Truck Safety Coalition. After all, seven months after Trump took office the first time, his Transportation Department dropped efforts to require trucking companies and railroads to test employees for sleep apnea if symptoms were observed, even as the National Transportation Safety Board named reducing driver fatigue as one of its most-wanted safety improvements. "We want to hope for the best but based on the last time the Trump administration was in the White House, they did not advance safety regulations," said Harry Adler, principal at the Institute for Safer Trucking. The trucking industry gave 86% of its $13 million in campaign contributions to Republicans, including $1.2 million to Trump's campaign, according to the research group OpenSecrets. The 150,000-member strong Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association already has let the new administration know of its opposition to speed limiters. "We look forward to working with the Trump administration and congressional allies to advance a pro-trucker agenda, which includes expanding truck parking, stopping unworkable environmental mandates and preventing a dangerous speed limiter mandate," OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. Cahalan said he "would not be surprised if the incoming administration chose to pull" the proposed rule on speed limiters, saying he expected it to be "on the chopping block." President Joe Biden and Congress pivoted to traffic safety after the pandemic led to a spike in highway deaths as motorists sped along near-empty roads. Fatalities in truck crashes nationally grew by 48% from 2013 to 2022, from 3,981 to 5,936. Pennsylvania reported a 19% increase during the same period, from 155 to 185. The 185 fatalities in the Keystone State in 2022 were the eighth highest in the nation, according to the Truck Safety Coalition. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in January 2022 used some of the money in the bipartisan infrastructure law for a new National Roadway Safety Strategy that called for using new technology, adjusting speed limits, changing road design and signage, and improving responses from medical personnel to stem the increase in traffic-related deaths. Safety rules In the law, Congress demanded certain new safety rules, including automatic emergency braking on trucks heavier than 10,000 pounds. The final braking rule is scheduled to be released in January, the same month Trump takes office. Trump could let the rule take effect or possibly propose weaker regulations. Meanwhile, NHTSA estimated that the proposed braking rule would prevent more than 19,000 crashes, save 155 lives, and prevent 8,814 injuries every year. A formal process to develop a rule on speed limiters is scheduled to begin in May. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said that in truck crashes on roads where the speed limit was identified, almost 40% of deaths in 2019, about 1,500 fatalities, occurred when the posted speed limit was 65 mph or higher. Adler said he hoped the rise in fatalities might be enough for the Trump administration to let the proposed rules take effect. "At a time when truck crash deaths are at some of their highest levels ever, we hope the data will encourage the administration to move ahead," he said. Long time coming Both rules have been decades in the making. The National Transportation Safety Board first recommended automatic emergency braking and speed limiters in 1995. The Transportation Department first said in 2011 that it would look at speed limiters, and proposed a rule requiring them in 2016. Automatic emergency braking joined the agenda in 2015. Safety advocates acknowledge that there could be some delays as the new administration puts its people in place, but said they would not let up on their efforts to see the new safety standards enacted. "A truck crash doesn't count what political affiliation you are," said Peter Kurdock, general counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, an alliance of consumer, health, law enforcement and insurance industry groups. "There's really a very strong compelling case, whatever your view on regulations, this is a rulemaking that can save a lot of lives and makes a lot of sense." (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Cancer Daily Horoscope Today, December 07, 2024 predicts an appraisal soon
Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes
Bashar al-Assad memes follow the end of his 57-year reignTottenham star DEACTIVATES his social media account after abuse from fans for post in aftermath of Chelsea defeat Tottenham threw away a two-goal lead against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday Brennan Johnson quit Instagram in September after receiving similar abuse LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! , available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday By DAVID KENT Published: 23:00 GMT, 9 December 2024 | Updated: 23:03 GMT, 9 December 2024 e-mail View comments A second Tottenham player has been forced to close a social-media account this season after receiving abuse from fans in the wake of a London derby defeat. Brennan Johnson quit Instagram after receiving online criticism for his perceived poor performance in September's North London derby defeat by Arsenal . Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou leaped to the defence of his player, saying that the online trolls deserve a 'punch in the nose'. And, after Tottenham threw away a two-goal lead against Chelsea on Sunday to lose 4-3, one of Johnson's team-mates has followed suit in closing his social media account - this time after receiving a backlash to one of his posts. Pedro Porro reshared a statistic posted on X by stats account Squawka which stated: 'Pedro Porro is the only defender to be directly involved in 20+ Premier League goals since he made his debut in the competition in February 2023.' In response, the Spaniard received a barrage of abuse from fans angry at the post in the wake of defeat by their rivals. Pedro Porro (second right) decided to close his X account after receiving abuse from fans Supporters reacted poorly to this post from Pedro Porro in the wake of the defeat by Chelsea Brennan Johnson quit Instagram in September after also being a victim to a similar backlash @FUTSPY wrote: 'What an embarrassment, his defensive negligence removes all of his attacking contributions so he's at a net zero contribution.' While @jackcolegolf posted: 'Needs to be more proud of trying to keep clean sheets as he is a "defender". All well and good going forwards but do your job first and foremost.' Porro, who played every minute of the home loss, then decided to close his X account. Next up for Tottenham is a all-British clash with Rangers at Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday before a trip to face Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday. Brennan Johnson Tottenham Hotspur Ange Postecoglou Share or comment on this article: Tottenham star DEACTIVATES his social media account after abuse from fans for post in aftermath of Chelsea defeat e-mail Add comment
5 takeaways from Trump's 'Meet the Press' interviewThree long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.
College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule The College Football Playoff committee took wins over strength of schedule, taking SMU over Alabama for the final at-large spot in the field. The field was expanded from four to 12 teams this season, but that didn’t save the committee from controversy. SMU showed it could compete against a traditional power, losing to Clemson 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal in the ACC title game on Saturday. Alabama had some ups and downs in its first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide had quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, but lost at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission College football’s conference shakeup left concerns about two super conferences dominating the playoff field. They weren’t totally unfounded, or 100% born out. The Big Ten, not the Southeastern Conference, was the biggest winner. The ACC scored, too. The Big Ten led the initial 12-team playoff field with four making the cut, topped by a No. 1 Oregon team that was part of the Pac-12 exodus. Then came the SEC — and one notable omission. ACC runner-up SMU got the nod over college football blue-blood Alabama, another blemish in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s championship-or-bust successor. Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota. Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with “MVP!” chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media. Saints QB Derek Carr injures left hand on dive in 4th quarter of win over Giants EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 14-11 victory over the New York Giants when he went airborne while trying for a first down and crashed to the turf. Carr tried to leap over a Giants tackler and landed at the New Orleans 39-yard line, extending his non-throwing hand to break his fall. He was on the turf for a minute or two before walking to the medical tent. He was examined and slowly walked to an area where X-rays are done. The injury could hurt the already slim playoff hopes of the Saints. Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the 8-1 Tigers. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The 7-2 Jayhawks have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Scottie Scheffler ends his big year in the Bahamas with his 9th victory NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler ended his biggest year with another victory. Scheffler was coming off a two-month break and looked as good as ever. He shot 63 in the Hero World Challenge and set tournament records at Albany with a 72-hole total of 263 and a six-shot victory. Tom Kim was the runner-up and Justin Thomas finished third. Scheffler ends his year with nine victories in 21 tournaments. That includes the holiday tournament in the Bahamas and the Olympic gold medal in Paris. It's the third-highest winning percentage in the last 40 years. Tournament host Tiger Woods had two better years. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she's reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races Sunday is that she’s right there. This after nearly six years away from ski racing and an abbreviated prep period. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga. Plane circles MetLife Stadium with message to co-owner John Mara to fix the Giants' 'dumpster fire' EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A small plane circled MetLife Stadium roughly 90 minutes before New York was to play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, asking Giants co-owner John Mara to overhaul the team that has made the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!” the message read as it was towed behind the rear of a small plane.Indiana coach Mike Woodson is happy that his team has won three straight games but concerned that it's committing too many turnovers. Limiting miscues is at the top of his wish list for Monday night's Big Ten Conference opener against visiting Minnesota in Bloomington, Ind. While the Hoosiers (7-2) shot 53.8 percent and dominated Miami (Ohio) 46-29 on the glass during a 76-57 win at home Friday night, they also had more turnovers (16) than assists (15). Having played for Bob Knight at Indiana, Woodson is fanatical about his team executing its offense without making mistakes. "We were taking chances on passes that weren't there," Woodson said. "We have to fix it. If we start Big Ten play like that, it puts you in a hole." In between careless mistakes, the Hoosiers got a huge game out of Oumar Ballo, the Arizona transfer who had 14 points, 18 rebounds and six assists. It was his 35th career double-double but his first at Indiana. Ballo (12.7 points per game, 9.3 rebounds) is one of four players averaging double figures for the Hoosiers. They're led by Malik Reneau, who's hitting for 15.4 ppg on 58.9 percent shooting. While Indiana tries to fine-tune its game, the Golden Gophers (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) aim to get to the .500 mark in conference play after absorbing a 90-72 beating Wednesday night against visiting Michigan State. There was good news for Minnesota in that game. Mike Mitchell Jr. returned to the lineup after missing seven games with a high ankle sprain and drilled 5 of 9 3-pointers in a 17-point performance. Mitchell's shooting should aid an attack that ranks 311th in Division I in 3-point percentage at 29.7 percent as of Sunday. "He's a difference-maker in terms of being able to space the floor," Gophers coach Ben Johnson said of Mitchell. "He provides offensive firepower and a guy who can make shots and take pressure off our offense." Dawson Garcia leads the team at 19 ppg, while Lu'Cye Patterson and Mitchell are scoring 10 ppg. The Hoosiers own a 109-69 lead in the all-time series. --Field Level MediaProsecutors defend effort to retry Ex-Nebraska Rep. Fortenberry in false statements case
EXCLUSIVE I've travelled the world with my family of six and saved £41,000 on accommodation over the years thanks to secret holiday hack Fionnuala Brennan has travelled to 87 destinations over ten years READ MORE: My six nights in the Loire... for the price of a bottle of Sancerre: Here's how the home-swap market can be an absolute bargain By ALANAH KHOSLA Published: 10:49 EST, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 10:55 EST, 27 December 2024 e-mail 14 shares 1 View comments A mother-of-four has revealed how she has saved an estimated €50,000 (£41,487) pounds while travelling the world over a period of 16 years with her family. Fionnuala Brennan, 53, from Tramore, Ireland, has managed to holiday around the globe, including in America, Australia, and Italy , by exchanging her home. The 53-year-old, a lecturer at Southeast Technological University in Waterford, has completed 87 exchanges since starting, saving her thousands of pounds. Fionnuala's preferred platform, HomeExchange, works in two ways: the Classic Exchange, where two families swap homes, either simultaneously or on different dates. Or tourists can use 'guest points', which means they can stay in a home without giving their own abode up, and earn points at a different time by letting people stay at their property. Despite Fionnuala hearing about the platform from a friend when she was 30, she didn't use the website until after she had her fourth child in 2008, which made travelling via hotels too expensive. 'With four kids, we felt it was just too expensive to go anywhere, so we decided to give it a go,' she told Femail. Now, the mother-of-four has made lasting memories with her husband and children around the globe and even favours it over other travelling arrangements due to the authentic experience it provides. Fionnuala Brennan (pictured centre right), 53, from Tramore, Ireland, and her family (pictured) have travelled around the globe via HomeExchange The mother-of-four, who is a university lecturer, first decided to travel via HomeExchange to save money Fionnuala and her family's first HomeExchange holiday was in France: 'We flew to Nantes and stayed in the Vendee in a little seaside town. 'We live in a little seaside town in Ireland - so, we were swapping an Irish seaside town for a French one and our own family home for a family home in France, which was perfect. 'They had young children like ours. Their house was full of Lego and all the toys; the kids had a really great time. 'It was a very easy holiday, and they were very relaxed, with a garden and swings, slides, and we were within walking distance to the beach.' 'When we started doing it in 2008, it was all direct exchanges. So that's more challenging because you need to find somebody interested in coming to the southeast of Ireland, and that's what we did for the first number of years.' 'We were doing European exchanges for the first few years, and it was mainly French families who were on the Home Exchange website and then we started going to different places. After having four children together, staying in hotels when on holiday became too expensive for Fionnuala and her husband Fionnuala believes that travelling with HomeExchange can offer a more authentic way to experience a foreign country The family have enjoyed trips across the globe together, including in America, Australia, France, Italy 'We went to America, Australia, Spain, Italy, and other European destinations. So those were direct home exchanges...and we often swapped cars as well. 'Of course, because we have four kids, we needed a seven-seater car and often swapped with similarly sized families and that worked well.' By saving on accommodation, Fionnuala and her family can splash out on other parts of the holiday, such as airport transfers to make the route as easy as possible for her family. But while holidaying in a hotel typically takes a small amount of preparation, arranging a home exchange can take a little while longer. Fionnuala explained: 'So we would get our house ready, and there's always work to do in that, getting things fixed and doing all the repairs, cleaning up, and leaving the place lovely and neat and tidy. 'So that's a challenge and perhaps not everybody's on for doing that before they go on their holidays, but I will say there is huge pleasure in coming back into your home and everything's fixed and working and in great shape.' She added: 'We've never had one where anybody left the house in a worse condition than they got it. 'They leave it just as clean and tidy as we left it and often in better condition, so that has never been a concern. There's a huge amount of trust in it because you're in their home while they're in yours.' Without HomeExchange, Fionnuala and her family would not have been able to experience as many countries The houses Fionnuala and her family visit are often equipped with bikes and toys for the children While the family saves money by exchanging their home, the biggest benefit for Fionnuala is the authentic experience. She explained: 'I was in Estonia, in Tallinn, a beautiful city, for a work conference, and I didn't want to stay in a hotel. Read More My six nights in the Loire... for the price of a bottle of Sancerre: Here's how the home-swap market can be an absolute bargain 'I was there for the week, and I stayed in a little studio apartment beside a family home. 'I was able to have coffee in the garden and the family was there and it just felt safe and comfortable and it was a much more authentic experience than staying in a hotel. She added: 'I was with Estonian people and [I had] a great sense of comfort. You feel like you're traveling and getting to know somewhere else in a real way.' The mother-of-four said that exchanging homes is also often a sociable way to travel, saying: 'Often people will let their neighbours know that you're coming or their relations will drop in and check in that you're OK. 'There's a great sense of community... you get to know different people and how they live and it's a really positive thing.' Elsewhere, the family have enjoyed trip in Rome, France, America, Malaga, Lucca, Lake Como, Cadiz, and Venice to name few. Fionnuala warned that holidaying via exchanging homes might not be suitable for those who are super house proud The mother-of-four said that HomeExchange can be a good route when travelling with children because people's homes are typically more equipped than hotels A highlight for her children was spending Christmas in Sydney in a home exchange, with a family who spent the 25th December in Ireland. Fionnuala's top tips for holidaymakers interested in HomeExchange.... Be honest about your home and expectations for the holiday: 'It's not like you're trying to sell it...all everybody wants is a functioning comfortable home.' Tidy the house before an exchange : 'Have it tidy, organised, clean, [with] fresh sheets, fresh towels. She added: 'You do want to prepare it and have it nice for visitors that are coming.' Try something new : 'I would say give it a go... there's an exchange for everybody, [whether] you live in a little studio apartment or you live in a big detached house with a garden, there's somebody out there who is interested in coming to where you are Advertisement While it's hard for Fionnuala to give an exact breakdown of how much she's saved in total, in the past one year alone, she's saved £6,700. 'While I'm estimating the cost of what we might have gone for otherwise, the quality of accommodation we stayed at with the swaps was much better than the hostels, Airbnbs or whatever we might have opted for, and a few of the trips would not have happened if we had to pay for accommodation. 'So, how I would put it is that we travel like people who are much better off than we are. 'We manage to travel and stay in beautiful places, beautiful homes in beautiful locations and we do that regularly. 'So, to put a number on it, it's difficult, but over the 16 years you can be sure that we have saved more than €50,000 no doubt.' While she still stays in the occasional hotel or Airbnb, Fionnuala finds home comforts are often unbeatable. 'There's great comfort in staying in a home that just has everything in it. If you cut your finger, you're going to find the first aid kit or you're going to find the parasol for when it's a hot day.' However, the mother-of-four warned that home exchange might not be for everybody. She said: 'I've recommended it to lots of friends and it hasn't worked for everybody. 'It does work for most people, [but] it's not inclined to work if people are very precious about their house, and it makes them uncomfortable to have strangers stay in their home. 'So, I think if you feel like that, then don't, don't put yourself through it,' she said. How does HomeExchange work? How do I get started? 1. Create your listing and fill out your profile Introduce yourself and pick you ideal destinations Promote your home by adding photographs Add your availability 2. Look for homes in destinations that interest you and send exchange requests 3. Become a member and finalise the exchange The membership costs $220 (£173.99) for a year of unlimited exchanges What kinds of exchange holidays can I do? The Classic Exchange Here, two families exchange each other's homes, either simultaneously or on different dates Exchange with GuestPoints If you find a member with an available home, but they don't want to stay at your home in return, you can offer them GuestPoints that they can use to go and stay at another member's home in a destination of their choice An example on HomeExchange reads: 'You and your family go on a six night vacation to France and stay at another member's home for 100 guest points per night. 'You would give your host 600 guest points for this vacation. Your host can use these 600 GPs to organize their vacation. ' Source - HomeExchange Advertisement Italy France Share or comment on this article: I've travelled the world with my family of six and saved £41,000 on accommodation over the years thanks to secret holiday hack e-mail 14 shares Add commentNoneJapan Must Prepare To Host Deaflympics in 2025; Intl Sign Language Interpreters Especially Needed
A man who has dumped thousands of used tyres at Border sites in NSW is set to face 10 charges in the Wodonga Magistrates Court over alleged Victorian offending. or signup to continue reading Mark Garry Fair is facing industrial waste allegations alleged to have occurred between July and October, 2023. Fair was charged by staff from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria with the matter listed for mention in court on Tuesday. Fair and his business, Carbon MF Pty Ltd, this year over tyres stored at four properties in North Albury, Lavington and Jindera. He was ultimately found to be responsible for tyres stored at only one site, having stopped paying rent. That meant Fair will appear before the Wodonga court on December 10, with the case listed for a mention. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
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Municipal corporation (MC) commissioner T Benith on Saturday warned restaurants and showrooms owners against encroaching public spaces in prominent markets. The commissioner, while inspecting the markets, directed popular eateries, restaurants and booths to remove encroachments from the corridor outside their premises meant for people to walk, to avoid legal action. While taking stock of encroachment by shopkeepers or the street vendors, he directed the officers concerned to remove encroachments and keep roads and footpaths free for people to walk. Accompanied by assistant commissioner Ranjit Kumar, corporation engineer Kamaldeep Singh, head draftsman Mukhtiyar Singh and sanitary inspector Jagroop Singh, Benith conducted checking in the markets of Sector-67 and 68, and Phases-1, 3, 5 and 7. Mohali police also requested the commissioner to take action against encroachment by the shops who continue to serve food to their customers by illegally making sitting arrangements on the road. As per rules, eateries can only serve food inside their premises. Further, while checking street lights in Industrial Area, key roads and Kargil Park, Sector 71; Benith asked the MC team to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the lights in the city and to get defunct units replaced at the earliest. He also inspected public toilets in the park, besides inspecting the operation of mechanical sweeping machines from Verka plant to Max Hospital, Bhaina da Dhaba to Diplast Chowk and Shahi Majra Road. While pointing out areas which had not been cleaned, including footpaths and dividers, Commissioner Benith asked the contractor and officers concerned to ensure cleanliness.
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