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mnl168 website NoneNumber of seats: 4 Seats filled: 1 8.45pm: Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond has been re-elected on the first count, topping the poll with 10,044 first preference votes. Speaking after his election and surpassing the quota of 9,752 by 292 votes, Mr Richmond said he was “lucky” to be backed by his team of supporters through an “exhaustive” campaign. "Myself and Maeve O’Connell were given a very clear task by Simon Harris, to deliver two seats here and it looks like we will. Personally, obviously, I’m chuffed and hopefully we will see a lot more Fine Gael seats elected over the next couple of hours and days,” he said. Mr Richmond, who grew up "500 metres” from the count centre at Ballinteer Community School, said he “fully expects” his running mate Ms O’Connell to be elected as the pair ran a “united campaign” in their constituency. "We ran a really united ticket that delivered two seats for Fine Gael in Dublin Rathdown again even though many people said that we couldn’t do it.” 6pm: A first count looks imminent in Rathdown as Green Party minister Catherine Martin has said it has been a "disappointing day" for her party. Speaking to reporters as she arrived at the count centre, she said her seat remains in the "hands of the electorate" after initial tallies of first preferences placed her in sixth-place in her constituency of Rathdown. She thanked those who voted for her in what has become a "very, very tight" race in her constituency. "It's very, very tight here (in Rathdown) but still, all is to play for but we will have to see what unfolds in the next few counts." Asked what she believes may have "gone wrong" for the party, Ms Martin said she believes it could be "the old story of the junior coalition partner gets the punishment of a government". "I remember being at the count centre in 2011 when Eamon lost his seat and at that time there was a feeling or a sense that the Green Party hadn't delivered enough in that government. I certainly felt coming into this election that we had a track record of delivery and certainly punched above our weight." She said she had been "hopeful" that the party would have retained seats in this election, adding that the party remains "in contention" for her own seat and for the seats held by party leader Roderic O'Gorman and Dun Laoghaire incumbent Ossian Smyth. "They are very tight, tight battles. I felt throughout the campaign that there was no anger on the doorsteps and I congratulate all the candidates actually on really terrific campaigns, very respectful campaigns in Dublin Rathdown by everybody too. We'll see what happens but its a very, very disappointing day for the Green Party and my heart goes out to everyone, all of the candidates. "We ran in every single constituency and it's a tough day but this has happened before and we will come back and we will come back stronger than ever before, that I can be sure of." She said climate action did not feature in the campaign even though constituents had raised the issue on the doors, adding that she is "proud" of her work and the work of the Green Party in government. Ms Martin said there was a warm reception on doors but "maybe it was just a case of the smaller party get edged out". "I am incredibly proud to be here having represented Rathdown," she said, adding that the fate of the party is "in the hands of the electorate and I respect that". She said the issue of climate is "much more important than us as a political party". "I was in the hands of the electorate and I'm still in the hands of the electorate," she said, adding that the Green party term in government was "challenging at times" but it was also "rewarding". "It is an absolute privilege to serve at Cabinet and be one of the few women, I was very conscious of that at all times. I never forgot that honour and every day I've been in Leinster House I look back and go 'It's an honour to be here'." Ms Martin said she was surprised by the scale at which the Green Party appears to be struggling across the country as counting continues. She paid tribute the Green Party teams working on campaigns across the country, adding that even as the exit poll results came in last night that she believed the party would maintain at least "5 or 6 seats" but the party is now looking at three tight contests in Dublin. 4pm: Rathdown is still counting in a quiet Ballinteer Community School. Conversation has turned to speculation over when the first count can be expected – a fairly inexact science. 2.20pm: There is a sense of calm before the storm as the count chugs steadily onwards in Rathdown, with Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond expected to top the poll. It is a conclusion foreseen since ballot boxes were first opened this morning, with the real race beginning once transfers enter the state of play after the first count later today. His running mate Maeve O’Connell is well placed to take the second seat. The count continues in Ballinteer Community School as Rathdown looks to elect four TDs. 1pm: Counters have taken a break here in the hall of Ballinteer Community School, with party supporters making peace with the results of their tallies before the official outcome of the first count rolls in later this afternoon. The electorate in Rathdown has often dealt the blows of what can only be described as a mild ‘curse of the minister’ in elections past, with sitting Media minister Catherine Martin likely to now face an uphill battle for the final seat in this four-seater with a sixth-place finish in the tallies with 8pc of first preferences. Transport minister Shane Ross lost his seat in Rathdown four years ago, while former justice minister Alan Shatter also lost his seat here in 2016. It remains to be seen whether Ms Martin will be the latest casualty of this ‘curse’, having been the one to benefit from Mr Shatter’s loss eight years ago when she was first elected to the Dáil. 12pm: We are close to a full tally in Rathdown, with 99pc of the boxes open and a clear trend emerging for Fine Gael based on first preferences. Junior minister Neale Richmond looks likely to take 20pc, now followed by his running mate Maeve O’Connell on 13pc. It shows signs of two seats for Fine Gael here once our first count is completed and transfers are taken into account. Fianna Fáil candidate Shay Brennan is on 12pc, followed by both independent Michael Fleming and Social Democrats candidate Sineád Gibney on 9pc. Catherine Martin is still in the race with 8pc of first preferences based on these tallies, but she could face an uphill battle for the final seat and be more reliant on transfers than anticipated. Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey is on 7pc, followed by Labour’s Lettie McCarthy on 6pc. Neale Richmond was re-elected on the first count. Tallies indicate first major wins and casualties in tight race 11.10am: Tallies are showing it will be a tight race in Rathdown as first preferences are keeping multiple candidates in with a fighting chance of a seat, including Green Party minister Catherine Martin. With 66pc of the boxes opened, Neale Richmond continues to lead based on tallies with 21pc of the first preference vote share. He is followed by Fianna Fáil candidate Shay Brennan on 12pc, who is closely followed by independent Michael Fleming on 10pc and Social Democrat Sineád Gibney, Green Party minister Catherine Martin and Sinn Féin’s Shaun Tracey all on 9pc. Fine Gael councillor Maeve O’Connell has an 8pc share of first preferences based on these tallies and she will be expected to benefit from the transfers of her running mate on the ticket, Mr Richmond. Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter, who is running as an independent, does not appear to be fulfilling the disruptive role he was initially cast in when he announced his candidacy. Based on first preference tallies, Mr Shatter is performing at around 4pc. Transfers will be the key to victory in Rathdown. 10.25am: Initial tallies are being calculated as parties and supporters keep a close eye on the counting here. Tally people have told each other it is “early days” when others have optimistically pointed to strong first preference showings for their candidates in boxes across the constituency. Although just 24pc of the boxes have been opened, initial tallies show Fine Gael minister Neale Richmond leading the pack with around 21pc of first preferences, followed by Fianna Fáil councillor Shay Brennan with 14.3pc, Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney on 10pc, Green Party minister Catherine Martin on 9.8pc and Sinn Féin candidate Shaun Tracey on 9.2pc. Turnout is around 59pc based on these initial tallies. There are candidates here which will do better in some parts of the constituency over others. A local election poll topper like independent Michael Fleming is a prime example of this, who appears to be polling well in his own local electoral area of Glencullen-Sandyford. It remains to be seen whether his local success can translate across the constituency. Counting begins in Ballinteer Community School. 9am: Boxes have been opened in Rathdown The ballot boxes have now been opened in Ballinteer Community School, where the constituency of Rathdown will soon return four seats to the Dáil. There are just two incumbent candidates seeking re-election in Green Party minister Catherine Martin and Fine Gael junior minister Neale Richmond after Fine Gael’s Josepha Madigan left politics and an additional seat was added to the constituency. Tally people have received their instructions and will be keeping a close eye on first preference votes throughout the morning to see which way the wind has blown in Rathdown. While both incumbents have been considered safe throughout the election campaign, the remaining two seats will make for an interesting contest. Former Fine Gael minister Alan Shatter has run in this election as an independent, while Fianna Fáil councillor Shay Brennan will be looking to make a gain for the party in this constituency alongside his running mate Elaine Dunne. Local councillor Michael Fleming, who was elected to the local council in June with more than double the necessary quota of votes, has been among the favourites to pick up the new fourth seat in Rathdown. Social Democrats candidate Sinead Gibney, the former chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission who raised her profile in the European elections earlier this summer, and the Labour Party’s well-tested local poll topper Lettie McCarthy also cannot be ruled out. It all remains to play for in Rathdown as counting begins and the early tallying gets underway.Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 4 Astranis MicroGEO satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral

Onion price is falling again due to the recent influx of goods, according to onion market. Since the price of onions has dropped a lot compared to last week, there are sales in reduced prices in retail and wholesale markets. “The price of onions has been falling for about a week, and the prices are being reduced in both wholesale and retail markets. There are many trucks coming in now. The price has dropped much compared to a week ago. It has dropped to about K 1000 – 1500 a viss,” said an official at the Phyo Thakhin onion and garlic warehouse in Danyingon wholesale market, Shwepyitha Township. The fluctuation of onion prices in the coming months will depend on the arrival of trucks at the Bayintnaung wholesale market, and if the number is less than 15, the price may be good. “How much the price falls depends on the number of cars arriving at Bayintnaung market. If it is over 20, the price will fall more. Today, 14 trucks arrived. If it is less than 15, the price will bounce back in coming Monday or Tuesday,” he said. Some farmers and traders were able to sell summer onions at the high price, but some traders still have a lot of onion stocks in their possession. – Thit Taw/ZNKUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel and his Omani counterpart, Qais Al-Yousef, emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries, particularly in areas that promote sustainable development. In his speech at the launch of the Kuwaiti-Omani Economic Forum and Exhibition in Kuwait on Monday, Minister Al-Ajeel stated: “We are keen to ensure that the efforts of the ministry and government entities align with the noble desire to enhance cooperation and trade exchange within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).” Following the opening of the forum, an agreement was signed between Omani company “Mawane” and Kuwait’s “Public Services Company” to enhance cooperation in several fields, strengthening economic ties and expanding the scope of collaboration between the private sectors of both nations. During the forum, the ministers also inaugurated an accompanying exhibition featuring 70 small and medium-sized enterprises, with 50 Omani companies showcasing sectors such as food, handicrafts, and technology. The forum includes three main discussion sessions focusing on topics such as manufacturing industries, supply chain integration, real estate development, luxury hotels, and food security. Additionally, bilateral meetings between businesspeople and companies from both countries are being organized to establish strategic partnerships and achieve integration in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and Kuwait Vision 2035. Al-Ajeel highlighted the directives from the leadership to unify policies, facilitate trade and investment flows, support local industries, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship across GCC countries. He further remarked that the forum was a manifestation of these directives, aiming to achieve prosperity and advancement for the Gulf region. He also reflected on the long-standing and rooted relations between Kuwait and Oman, particularly during the prosperous maritime trade period. “Oman has been a key stop for Kuwaiti ships heading to the Indian subcontinent and beyond, marking the beginning of a historical trade relationship that continues today,” he said. The minister recalled the strong ties between the two nations, especially during the 1990 Gulf War, when Oman opened its doors and hearts to Kuwaitis, providing refuge and solidarity. Al-Ajeel also noted that with the establishment of the GCC in 1981 and the signing of the unified economic agreement, the economic ties between Kuwait and Oman have been formalized and continue to grow. In his address, Oman’s Minister of Commerce and Industry referred to Kuwait as a “strategic partner” and expressed the commitment to further strengthen economic relations under the guidance of both countries’ leadership. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in priority sectors that will create job opportunities and enhance sustainable development for both nations. Al-Yousef also highlighted the forum’s focus on boosting trade and investment, exploring opportunities in the industrial, tourism, logistics, and food security sectors. “We aim to foster business partnerships and increase trade exchange between our countries, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040 and Kuwait’s Vision 2035,” he said. The minister also mentioned the development of joint investment projects, including the Duqm refinery and petrochemical industries, which represent the largest shared investment project between Oman and Kuwait. He expressed hope for expanding collaboration in line with the leadership’s aspirations. — KUNANone

Heavy travel day gets off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flightsNBA fines Minnesota guard Edwards $75,000 for outburstFor the fourth straight season, the Michigan Wolverines topped rival Ohio State with a 13-10 victory in Columbus. Michigan’s win over the No. 2-ranked Buckeyes is a signature victory for first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, who succeeded former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who left to take the Los Angeles Chargers head-coaching job after leading the Wolverines to a national championship in January. Saturday’s win seemingly meant more to unranked Michigan, which not only picked up its seventh win of the year but also likely dealt a death-blow to OSU’s College Football Playoffs chances as well. Defeating the Buckeyes is the biggest win of Moore’s career, and he promptly celebrated by mocking some OSU fans in waning seconds of the game, waving bye to them as the clock ticked down — a gesture that didn’t sit right with many people on social media who expressed their dislike for how Moore conducted himself. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Sherrone Moore waves goodbye to Ohio State fans after that Ohio State play pic.twitter.com/N6EtxiEa2h “Stay classy Michigan,” one fan remarked . “Shows no class. Are you surprised?” quipped another . “Immature head coach haha? That’s like grad assistant action,” one user chimed in . “Not exactly a classy man handing winning well,” another added . “Act like you been there. You’re a grown ass man,” another fan wrote . “Michigan deserved the win, but handled the victory with no class, as usual,” one fan proclaimed .Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport authorities have deployed a fleet of intelligent robots — a first in an airport in the state — to clean passenger terminals efficiently, faster, and minimizing water usage. These robots will scrub, dry, and dry mop the halls of both the domestic and international terminals and the forecourt, with options to add more areas based on requirements, said a statement. They can run for eight hours on a single charge and can clean up to 10,000 sq ft in an hour. The three robots can do 360-degree coverage and have advanced sensors to detect obstacles and reroute. " Automated cleaning ensures that the airport is always clean and presentable, enhancing the overall experience for passengers. A consistently clean environment improves customer satisfaction and elevates the airport's image as a modern, technologically advanced facility," said an official. The SD45 combo robot has a 45-litre freshwater tank and a 55-litre wastewater tank and can run for up to eight hours on a single charge. The machines can be remotely controlled using smartphones or tablets. The robot reduces the chances of mistakes whilst delivering enhanced sanitisation benefits, which is especially important in areas with significant footfall, he added.

A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. Sebastian Zapeta is facing murder and arson charges (WABC-TV via AP) Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.

2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animalsStyrene Maleic Anhydride Market to Hit USD 5.0 Billion by 2034 with a Steady 3.5% CAGR Growth | TMR

Bay Area, California add jobs at modest pace but statewide gains fade

Alberta announces future coal mining policy plan, industry consultsEDMONTON — The Alberta government has announced plans to ban new mountaintop removal and open-pit coal developments on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, but the new rules wouldn't apply to advanced projects like a contentious mine proposed for the Crowsnest Pass. Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean announced Friday the new policies expected in late 2025, along with a round of consultations with industry players on how to implement them. Jean said under the "long overdue" rule revamp, all coal mining projects would be held to the highest environmental standards. "Our job will be to develop a policy that will attract investment and create jobs while respecting and protecting the air, land, water and wildlife," he said. Jean said royalty revenues are also to be “substantially increased,” with rates to be revised after the consultations. "They're too low. We're going to bring them up," he said of the province's current rates. The new bans wouldn’t apply to advanced proposals, including the proposed Grassy Mountain open-pit mine in the Crowsnest Pass, which has been fought by environmental groups and communities downstream. Alberta Energy Regulator hearings into that project are to continue in January. Jean said the Grassy Mountain project, which aims to reclaim a site that was mined over 60 years ago but was never properly restored, would be monitored closely if approved. He said the province needs to find innovative ways to clean up those contaminated sites. "I hope (Albertans) look at us and say, 'Wow, that's smart. What a smart government,'" he said. Concerns over coal mining blew up in spring 2020, when the province announced it would remove rules that had protected the eastern slopes of the Rockies from open-pit coal mining since 1976. Public reaction was swift and angry, and the United Conservative Party government reinstated the protections and stopped selling exploration leases. Friday's announcement also comes three years after the government received a report and recommendations on the issue, including public feedback ranging from environmental concerns to dissatisfaction with the regulatory process. Jean said the COVID-19 pandemic, last year's provincial election and fights with the federal government over resource jurisdiction led to the delay of the new initiative. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the plan to collect more royalties represents a plan to increase production in Alberta, with no economic benefit and a lot of environmental risk. "They may want to mess around with the rates, but what they really are trying to do is increase the amount of coal mining in the province," he said. He said the policy previously in place since 1976 was lifted for a brief period so the UCP could "sneak" a few projects through the regulatory process. "It's economically illiterate. It's not going to create the jobs and the economic benefits that we need in Alberta," Nenshi said. Under the new rules, companies would be required to show they can prevent toxic selenium from leaching into watersheds. Jean said technology, including "high wall mining" to catch overburden, the layer of soil and rock that sits above coal, would be used to keep it in check. But NDP environment and protected areas critic Sarah Elmeligi said she's skeptical technology to remove selenium from waterways works at scale, outside a lab. "That technology doesn't currently exist and, if it does, I would love to see it." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2024. Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press