1 2 3 Chatra: Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) marked its entry into Jharkhand state politics with Janardan Paswan's victory in the Chatra (SC) constituency. Paswan defeated RJD's Rashmi Prakash, the daughter-in-law of outgoing labor minister Satyanand Bhogta, by a margin of 18,401 votes. The defeat marked a significant setback for minister Bhogta's political strategy. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025 Live: Rishabh Pant, Shreyas, Venkatesh hit the jackpot IPL 2025 Auction LIVE: Updated Full Team Squads IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom He had carefully planned his succession by arranging his son Mukesh's marriage to Rashmi Prakash, who belongs to the SC community, as Chatra is an SC-reserved constituency. Despite securing an RJD ticket for Rashmi, the plan ultimately failed. He took this step after his caste — Bhogta — was categorised as Scheduled Tribe by the Centre and he became ineligible to contest the seat. Following her defeat, Rashmi Prakash maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude to her supporters and pledging to continue working in Chatra. Minister Bhogta, while acknowledging the defeat, remained optimistic about the grand alliance forming the govt under the Hemant Soren's leadership. The victory is particularly significant as Paswan, a former BJP frontrunner, switched to Chirag Paswan's LJP after BJP allocated the seat to LJP Ram Vilas under their alliance agreement. Chatra, traditionally a BJP stronghold until Bhogta's victory in 2019, has now become LJP's launching pad in Jharkhand politics. LJP state president Birendra Pradhan, who visited Chatra following Paswan's decisive lead, declared this victory as the party's formal entry into Jharkhand politics. "We are a strong part of the NDA alliance and together we will write the story of development in the state," Pradhan stated, emphasizing the party's commitment to strengthening its organization across the state. In his victory speech at Chatra College counting centre, Janardan Paswan launched a scathing attack against the Hemant govt and minister Bhogta, declaring that "people's power has won over money power." He promised to establish Chatra as a model assembly and announced plans for CBI investigations into alleged scams and crimes under the previous administration.Daily Post Nigeria Rundunar ‘yan sandan Kano ta gargadi matasan da ke bidiyo a tituna Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Hausa Rundunar ‘yan sandan Kano ta gargadi matasan da ke bidiyo a tituna Published on December 24, 2024 By Kabeer Bello Rundunar yan sandan Kano ta gargadi matasan da ke tare tituna suna daukar bidiyo da sunan sa sakawa a shafukan sada zumunta wato ‘content creation’ da su kuka da kansu. Kakakin rundunar yan sandan Kano SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa ne ya sanar da hakan cikin wani faifan bidiyo da ya wallafa jiya Litinin. Ya ce irin wannan dabi’a na kawo cinkoson Ababan hawa a hanyoyin Kano, da ya ce ko kadan hukuma ba za ta lamunta ba. Kiyawa ya kuma ce duk wanda aka kama yana daukar bidiyo akan titi yana kuma tarewa mutane hanya za a kamashi a kuma gurfanar da shi a gaban shari’a. Ya kuma bukaci al’umma da su zauna lafiya, su kuma dinga kai rahoton dukkanin wani abu da basu yarda da shi ba ga hukuma mafi kusa da su. Related Topics: Don't Miss Kirisimeti: Gwamnatin Kebbi ta raba buhunan shinkafa 1,000 ga matan jami’an tsaron da su ka rasu You may like Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdThe AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Peyton Smith’s 12 points helped Fairfield hold off Vermont 67-66 on Sunday. Smith shot 4 of 7 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Stags (3-4). Prophet Johnson scored 10 points, finishing 4 of 6 from the floor. Makuei Riek had 10 points and shot 4 for 9, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc. TJ Long led the Catamounts (3-4) in scoring, finishing with 18 points. TJ Hurley added 17 points for Vermont. Jace Roquemore finished with 13 points and two steals. NEXT UP Fairfield takes on Fairleigh Dickinson at home on Sunday, and Vermont hosts SUNY-Plattsburgh on Wednesday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law marks a new warning for the worldwide fragility of democracy, even in a country hailed as a model of political transformation. Yoon's overnight attempt to shut down political activity, censor media and lock out opposition lawmakers stunned South Korea's longtime ally, the United States, which said it had no advance warning and issued a statement of concern. South Korea's transition to elected rule since a mass uprising in 1987 had been seen as so thorough that the United States increasingly spoke of its ally as a global partner. Meanwhile, Seoul billed itself as a new, ideal hub for international media as China clamped down on Hong Kong. President Joe Biden had even chosen Yoon as the host in March of his final Summit for Democracy -- a signature initiative of the outgoing US leader, who sought to champion liberal values globally, in an unstated repudiation of Donald Trump, who returns to the White House next month. But observers, while stunned by Yoon, said there were warning signs. Danny Russel, a top US diplomat for Asia under former president Barack Obama and who earlier served in South Korea, pointed to the deadlock in parliament where the opposition repeatedly sought impeachments against Yoon's administration. Yoon's move "was a complete surprise to me (but) yes, there were very obvious structural forces at work," he said. "There is a radically polarized political scene in Korea. The opposition has been pursuing scorched-earth political obstruction tactics," he said. But he pointed to the quick, large-scale protests that erupted after Yoon's declaration as a sign of a vibrant civil society ready to defend democracy. "One certainly would hope that this would serve as a wake-up call to both the ruling conservative party and the progressive opposition that both sides have gone too far and that there needs to be some process of reconciliation, of dealing with legitimate differences and grievances." Yoon himself had earlier shown signs of authoritarianism. In a national address last year, Yoon raged against supposed communists who have "disguised themselves as democracy activists, human rights advocates or progressive activists." A prosecutor, Yoon narrowly won the 2022 election on a platform of economic reform and advocated close ties with the United States as well as historic rival Japan. But his popularity swiftly slid and the opposition won the National Assembly. Celeste Arrington, a Korea expert at George Washington University, noted that Yoon had never held elected office before and had become increasingly frustrated. "This is really an extreme move that may signal, I think, the president's lack of political experience," she said. She said that martial law showed "some cracks in democracy" but that the quick reversal "gives me hope in the health and strength and vibrancy of democracy in South Korea." Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, expected Yoon's career to be over after attempting martial law, which constitutionally can only be imposed for wars or other emergencies. "Yoon's action is a damning reversal to decades of South Korean efforts to put its authoritarian past behind it," he said. The number of democracies worldwide soared starting in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union collapsed and student-led uprisings brought reforms elsewhere. But globally, democracy has been in retreat for the last 18 straight years, according to the Washington-based group Freedom House, which promotes political liberty. Democratically elected leaders have taken increasingly authoritarian steps in countries as diverse as India, Turkey and Hungary. V-Dem, another closely watched democracy index, had most recently ranked South Korea third in Asia after Taiwan and Japan. In the United States, Trump has rejected long-held norms, refusing to accept he lost to Biden four years ago -- culminating in his supporters violently rampaging through the US Capitol. Trump's rejection of democracy ultimately worked out for him: campaigning on the rage of 2020, he won last month's election. But experts said Yoon's power play -- and its reversal -- could in fact show a victory for democratic values. "Yoon is a deeply unpopular and ineffectual leader, but there was nothing I saw of people being dissatisfied with the way government runs," Alan Yu, a senior vice president at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said after a recent trip to Seoul. Darcie Draudt-Vejares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that with the swift response to Yoon, "this crisis may ultimately strengthen Korean democracy by reaffirming civilian control and demonstrating institutional resilience." sct/nro
In the shadowy world of Malawi’s fuel procurement, a fierce battle is unfolding—one that pits the nation’s highest office against a determined power broker in a fight for control over billions in fuel revenue. At the heart of this conflict is Colleen Zamba, the embattled Secretary to the President and Cabinet, whose smear campaign against President Lazarus Chakwera has become a full-blown media war. Her motive? To protect her alleged involvement in fuel cartels that have reportedly siphoned off over K60 billion from the nation’s coffers. Sources within the corridors of power say that the roots of Zamba’s campaign stretch back to a pivotal moment: President Chakwera’s decision to sideline her from any involvement in the country’s fuel procurement process. The decision was made last month when Chakwera announced the formation of a new Taskforce on Fuel Procurement, designed to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis that has left Malawians grappling with shortages, high prices, and corrupt dealings in the fuel supply chain. With Chakwera’s move, Zamba—once a central figure in the procurement process—was effectively removed from the decision-making table, an act that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. But rather than retreat quietly, Zamba has launched a ruthless counteroffensive, one that involves strategic media manipulation, covert influence over journalists, and carefully planted disinformation. Her goal? To tarnish the reputation of the President, discredit the new taskforce, and, in her own words, “expose” what she claims is a flawed and illegal system that bypasses proper protocols. In a bid to end the rampant corruption in fuel procurement, President Chakwera appointed Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola as the Cabinet-level coordinator, with Henry Kachaje, chairperson of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), acting as the technical coordinator. The taskforce also includes figures such as Reverend Zac Kawalala, a Pentecostal cleric with a reputation for honesty, and Hellen Buluma, the former CEO of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), who had previously implicated Zamba in shady fuel deals. With these figures at the helm, the taskforce has already signed agreements with fuel suppliers in Kenya, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, shifting the country toward government-to-government fuel supply agreements that cut out the middlemen, including those allegedly connected to Zamba’s operations. This direct approach is designed to save Malawi from the massive financial losses it has suffered in recent years, with experts predicting that it will lead to better fuel availability and lower prices by December. But Zamba, whose influence over the country’s fuel procurement had been long established, is determined to maintain her grip on the lucrative business. And she has begun her battle by targeting the individuals leading the charge for change. A key source close to the taskforce revealed the extent of Zamba’s campaign, which operates like a well-oiled machine, drawing on her vast network of contacts and influence. According to the source, Zamba is using a combination of bribery, manipulation, and media control to undermine the taskforce and cast doubt on its integrity. “She is paying senior journalists and editors at leading media outlets to run negative stories about the taskforce,” the source disclosed. “These stories are not based on fact, but on rumors and innuendos that paint the taskforce as corrupt, illegal, and bypassing protocols. She is also talking to influencers on social media, telling them that the taskforce’s work is not legitimate. The aim is to disorient the public and create a sense of chaos around the taskforce.” Indeed, over the past few weeks, negative stories about the taskforce have flooded the media, with reports claiming that the team is overstepping its mandate, that its members are unqualified, or that the government-to-government agreements with foreign suppliers are part of a secret deal to funnel money to “unscrupulous individuals.” These narratives, though lacking concrete evidence, have been picked up by various outlets, fueling skepticism among the public. One particularly damaging smear claimed that the inclusion of Reverend Kawalala in the taskforce was nothing more than a ploy to hide the President’s true intentions, implying that Chakwera was using the cleric to shield the taskforce from scrutiny. Another report suggested that the new procurement model would lead to widespread fuel shortages rather than solving the crisis. These stories are also designed to cause friction between Chakwera and his key allies within the taskforce, such as Minister Matola and Prince Kapondamgaga, the President’s Chief of Staff. Zamba’s strategy, according to insiders, is to divide and conquer by sowing discord among those closest to the President. For Zamba, the stakes are high. The fuel procurement process is a highly profitable industry, and her alleged ties to various fuel cartels have raised questions about her financial interests in maintaining the status quo. The claims of shoddy deals, inflated prices, and kickbacks in the past fuel procurement arrangements have made Zamba a controversial figure. According to one source, Zamba has been accused of manipulating contracts and siphoning off state funds through a network of intermediaries who controlled the flow of fuel imports. “It’s no secret that Zamba has made millions from fuel deals over the years,” said a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Her network is vast, and it’s well-known that she’s used her position to secure lucrative commissions and kickbacks. The taskforce is a direct threat to that power.” Zamba’s supporters, however, argue that her removal from the procurement process is politically motivated. They claim that Chakwera’s decision to form the taskforce was not based on a desire for reform, but on personal vendettas and a power struggle within the ruling party. Chakwera’s Stance: Standing Firm Despite the onslaught, President Chakwera has remained resolute in his support for the taskforce. Sources at State House suggest that Chakwera is determined to see the reforms through, confident that figures like Hellen Buluma, Ibrahim Matola, and Reverend Kawalala have the experience and integrity to break the stranglehold of corruption in Malawi’s fuel industry. “Zamba’s attacks will not deter us,” said a senior official within the taskforce. “We have a clear mandate from the President to overhaul the fuel procurement system and ensure transparency. The taskforce is working hard, and we will deliver results. The media campaign is simply a distraction.” As December approaches and the new fuel procurement model takes effect, Malawians will be watching closely. Will Zamba’s smear campaign succeed in destabilizing the taskforce and halting the much-needed reforms, or will the President’s bold move to clean up the fuel sector finally bear fruit? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for control over Malawi’s fuel industry is far from over. 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West Brom's interim boss Chris Brunt expressed contentment with his team's performance in the 1-1 stalemate at Sheffield United but admitted that with a bit of luck, they could have snatched all three points. The deadlock was broken by Andre Brooks and Karlan Grant's earlier efforts which led to an equal split of spoils. Reflecting on the match, Brunt said: "On another day, we could be coming away with all three points, similar to the home game [2-2 draw on December 8]. We were doing well but conceded at a bad time, but our response was great." He continued to highlight the positive elements of the game, saying: "It’s a positive performance. The Derby game was a bit of a hangover after Carlos (Corberan) leaving, and having played Sheffield United so recently the lads knew they could come here and more than match them." Addressing the number of games drawn by the team, Brunt stated: "It’s been well documented that we have drawn too many games; it was disappointing that we got nothing against Derby, and it was important that we got something out of today." When questioned about the ongoing hunt for a new manager for West Brom, Brunt kept his cards close to his chest, merely commenting: "As far as I am aware, we will be preparing for the game against Preston and hopefully go one better and get a win." Meanwhile, Sheffield United's gaffer Chris Wilder was "delighted" post-match, praising the crowd's role in cheering the team during the intense final 20 minutes. Wilder reflected on the importance of the result and what he'd learned from his team: "We have to win but today what I learnt about my team was so pleasing." Discussing the balance between immediate results and long-term progression Wilder said: "Everyone is so short-term; if we win, then we are going up, and if we lose, then we aren’t." Lastly, he acknowledged the swift assembly of his squad and their current standing: "It’s a young group that has been put together in about three and a half weeks, but we find ourselves on 51 points." Wilder was quick to put the day's performance in perspective, emphasising the club's achievements: "The performance today was bigger than the result." He went on to highlight the Blades' recent track record: "We have had two promotions and three years out of six in the Premier League, and an FA Cup semi-final. So, it has not been a bad period for the club; we have to take stock after today and acknowledge that we are all right." Wilder also commented on the team's approach: "We were effective; if we have an opportunity to put a cross in, then we will put a cross in." He expressed some disappointment with the first-half outcome: "It was disappointing to come in at half-time at one each. I thought we dominated the first half." He didn't shy away from comparing his club to their opponents: "They were in the Premier League for 15 years. They are a big club, but they are still behind us." Wilder praised his team's resilience: "The team’s character was tested at half-time; they had five minutes at the start of the second half, which we rode out and then came roaring back." He concluded by acknowledging the players' commitment: "We had players out on their feet, desperate to win a football match for this football club. That speaks volumes about what we are trying to achieve and how we are going about it."Mahomes, Chiefs win at the buzzer; Cowboys, Vikings triumph
This Circle Round episode was originally released on October 5, 2021. There’s nothing like a little recognition – like, say, getting cheers and applause when you score a goal in your soccer game, or being praised for how hard you worked on a project. But as we’ll hear in this week’s story, when our desire for recognition outweighs our ability to achieve it, things can backfire in unexpected ways! Our story is called “Getting Skunked.” It was inspired by legends told by the Abenaki: Algonquin-speaking peoples from the northeastern part of what is now called North America. Voices in this episode include author and Emmy-Award-winning actor Terrence Terrell, star of the CBS comedy “B Positive.” His series of children’s books includes “Blacky,” “The Shes,” “The Crowned Kids,” and “My Little Black Book.” This episode was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. This episode was adapted by Rebecca Sheir. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. GROWN-UPS! PRINT THIS so everyone can color while listening. We’re also keeping an album so please share your picture on Facebook and Instagram , and tag it with #CircleRoundPodcast. To access all the coloring pages for past episodes click HERE. Our resident artist is Sabina Hahn and you can learn more about her HERE. Now it’s your turn! What’s one compliment you can give someone today? Maybe you can compliment a teammate for trying so hard during a game. Or you can compliment a family member or neighbor for baking such delicious brownies. Think about your compliment and who you’ll give it to, then go out and do it. You’re bound to make someone else feel amazing... and you’ll likely feel amazing, too! Musical Spotlight: Slide Guitar Slide guitar refers to the technique of using a glass or metal slide, instead of your fingers, to play different notes on the guitar. Rather than push your fingers down on individual strings to get different notes, you glide the slide smoothly over all the strings. The result is a twangy and bluesy sound, capable of smooth bends and interesting vibrations. Some guitars are specially designed to be played with a slide, but with the proper technique you can play any regular guitar this way! Script: NARRATOR: Way way back in the olden times, the most beautiful of all the animals ... was Skunk . In modern times, Skunk is black, with white stripes on his back and snout, right? Well, back when our story takes place, Skunk’s silky fur was pure snowy white . Not only that, but Skunk didn’t spray ! He didn’t have those glands under his tail that spritz out chemicals that smell like rotten eggs or rancid garlic . This is the tale of how Skunk came to be the way he is today. It all started one especially cold winter. The snow had been falling nonstop for months, and with no sign of spring on the horizon, the people were worried. PERSON 1: Do you see how deep the snow is!?! PERSON 2: And it’s getting deeper by the minute! PERSON 3: Soon it’ll be higher than our rooftops! PERSON 4: How will we hunt for food?!? PERSON 1: How will we plant our crops?!? PERSON 2: And how will we gather wood for warmth?!? PERSON 3: ...Or for cooking?!? PERSON 4: Our children will go hungry! PERSON 1: Our houses will be icy! PERSON 2: I say we talk to Gluskabe! PERSON 3: Yes! PERSON 4: He’ll know how to help us! NARRATOR: Gluskabe was the kind, heroic giant who took care of the people and watched over them. So they approached Gluskabe and told him their problem. GLUSKABE: I understand your troubles, my people. First thing tomorrow I will journey to the top of the tallest mountain and visit Snow Bird; she’s the one who controls the snow. I will talk with her, and see what I can do. NARRATOR: But the next morning, just as Gluskabe was about to set off on his travels, who should pipe up... SKUNK: Um, Gluskabe...? NARRATOR: ...but Skunk! GLUSKABE: Well, hello there, Skunk! Your fur is so white, I didn’t see you there in the snow! What’s up, little one? SKUNK: Well, Gluskabe, I was wondering... is there any chance I could come with you to visit Snow Bird? Maybe help you sweet-talk her a little? NARRATOR: Before we go on, something you should know about Skunk. Though he was regarded as the most beautiful and sweet-smelling of all the animals, that was about it. He wasn’t praised for his smarts, or his bravery, or anything else, really. But Skunk dreamt of being hailed as a hero. And he figured joining Gluskabe’s quest could make his dream come true! Gluskabe, however, wasn’t exactly jazzed by the idea. GLUSKABE: Listen, Skunk, I appreciate the offer. But look at you. You’re so small! And this snow is so deep ! If you join me on this journey, how will you keep up? SKUNK: I can do it, Gluskabe! I can! Please let me come along...? Pleeeeeeeeeease???? NARRATOR: So Gluskabe gave in and he and Skunk took off toward Snow Bird’s mountain. As they ventured north, the blanket of snow grew deeper and deeper, and Skunk found himself leaping from one of Gluskabe’s footprints to the next. SKUNK: (leaping from footprint to footprint) NARRATOR: But the hulking giant had such a long stride that Skunk would occasionally miss a footprint... SKUNK: (jumping and missing) NARRATOR: ... then he’d go plummeting under the snow... SKUNK: Um, help....? NARRATOR: ...and Gluskabe would have to pull him back out. SKUNK: Phew! Thank you! NARRATOR: By the time the duo reached the peak of Snow Bird’s mountain, Skunk wasn’t feeling very heroic. Icicles hung from his white fur, and his teeth were chattering so hard he could barely speak! But when he and Gluskabe arrived at Snow Bird’s perch, the giant did all the talking. GLUSKABE: Snow Bird! NARRATOR: The massive white bird craned her neck toward Gluskabe. Tumbling down from her outstretched wings were millions of snowflakes. GLUSKABE: Snow Bird! You must close your wings and stop making all this snow! I mean, don’t get me wrong — the world needs your snow. It keeps the soil warm and moist until it’s time for planting crops. It keeps the lakes and rivers full of water. But this year you’re making too much ! Look at my little friend here! NARRATOR: Gluskabe lifted Skunk by the scruff of his frozen neck. GLUSKABE: ...He’s practically an ice cube! It’s time for spring to come, Snow Bird! It’s time for warmth, time for things to grow! So please... will you close your wings? NARRATOR: Snow Bird gave Gluskabe a long look. Then she nodded her head... folded in her wings... and the snow stopped. Now that their mission was accomplished, Gluskabe and Skunk made their way back down the mountain. By the time they reached the bottom, the sky was a shimmering blue and patches of grass were visible through the melting snow. When the people caught sight of Gluskabe, they clustered around him and cheered. PERSON 1: You did it, Gluskabe! PERSON 2: You got Snow Bird to close up her wings! PERSON 3: And now spring can come! PERSON 4: And we can plant! PERSON 1: And we can hunt! PERSON 2: And our children can run around play! PERSON 3: You’re our hero, Gluskabe! PERSON 4: We will always be grateful! PERSON 1: Thank you! NARRATOR: While the people sang Gluskabe’s praises, Skunk stood off to the side and grumbled. SKUNK: Oh, so Gluskabe’s the big hero , huh?!? I’m the one who froze my tail off to reach that kooky bird on top of her mountain, but Gluskabe gets all the glory?!? Instead of me?!?? No respect! No respect at all! NARRATOR: Skunk sighed and gazed up at the sky — the bright blue sky. And as he did, his mind suddenly clicked. SKUNK: Wait a minute! I know how to make them respect me! ‘Cuz I’m gonna do something they’ll never forget! NARRATOR: What do you think Skunk is planning? We’ll find out what it is, after a quick break. [BREAK] NARRATOR: Welcome back to Circle Round. I’m Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “Getting Skunked.” NARRATOR: Before the break, Gluskabe trekked to the top of the tallest mountain and convinced Snow Bird to close her wings and stop the snow. Sweet-smelling, white-furred Skunk insisted on coming along. But when Skunk and Gluskabe returned from their mission, the grateful people hailed Gluskabe as their hero — and ignored Skunk completely! SKUNK: No respect! No respect at all! NARRATOR: Craving attention — and admiration — Skunk began concocting a plan. He found a big ball of twine, and set off toward a mountain nearly as tall as Snow Bird’s. At the top of this mountain... was Day Eagle. And if Snow Bird brought the snow , what do you think Day Eagle brought? That’s right! The day! When her great, wide wings were open, light came streaming out of them, and bathed all of earth. When she closed her wings, the light disappeared and the whole world was dark. By the time Skunk reached Day Eagle’s lofty perch, the enormous bird had tucked in her wings and nodded off for the night. Squinting through the darkness, Skunk began wrapping his twine around Day Eagle’s wings. SKUNK: Ha-ha! This will teach them not to underestimate me!!! NARRATION: Skunk worked swiftly and silently, wrapping the twine this way and that, tying it in knot after knot. Then he scurried back down the mountain. The next morning... there was no morning! Day Eagle’s wings were bound so tightly, she couldn’t open them and shine light upon the earth! But the people didn’t know that. PERSON 1: The light!! PERSON 2: Where is the light?!? PERSON 3: Why hasn’t Day Eagle opened her wings?!? PERSON 4: Will it be dark on earth forever?!?? NARRATOR: Gluskabe was every bit as worried and puzzled as the people were. He headed straight to the top of Day Eagle's mountain, where he found her wrapped in twine! The poor bird was contorting her body as she tried to unknot the string with her break. GLUSKABE: Day Eagle! What has become of you? Who tied you up like this? DAY EAGLE: I don’t know, Gluskabe! Someone must have snuck over while I was asleep! NARRATOR: Gluskabe set to work undoing the knots, but there were so many, and they were tied so tightly, he could only free one of Day Eagle’s wings! GLUSKABE: I’m sorry, Day Eagle. It’s the best I can do! From now on, I’m afraid one half of the world will be light, while the other half is dark. All I ask is that you keep turning around on your mountaintop so that both sides of the earth get their fair share. Can you do that? DAY EAGLE: I can! NARRATOR: And indeed, ever since, when it’s daytime on one side of the earth, it’s nighttime on the other. And vice-versa. As Gluskabe rolled the twine back into a ball, he noticed something. Stuck to the string were bits of fur. White, silky fur. GLUSKABE: A- ha ! Skunk!!! NARRATOR: Gluskabe went barreling down the mountain and straight to Skunk’s den. The silky white critter was curled up next to a crackling bonfire, and was snoozing away. GLUSKABE: Skunk! What were you thinking?! You nearly threw the world into nighttime forever!! NARRATOR: At the sound of Gluskabe’s deep voice, Skunk’s eyes snapped open. SKUNK: Gluskabe! What are you doing here? And why is it so light outside? I thought that when I tied up Day Eagle, I — Oops. GLUSKABE: So you did do it, you little rascal! NARRATOR: All at once, Gluskabe grabbed a handful of ashes from the fire and smeared them across Skunk’s face and back. SKUNK: My fur! My beautiful white fur! GLUSKABE: From now on, just one glance at you and everyone will remember your mischief, my friend. And as for that sweet smell of yours... NARRATOR: Gluskabe breathed in some of the fire’s smoke... then blew it all over Skunk’s body. GLUSKABE: From now on you will smell of rotten eggs and rancid garlic ! People will see you and run away, for fear of getting your stink! NARRATOR: But Gluskabe! GLUSKABE: No “buts!” However... since you did want to bring on never-ending darkness, from now on you will only come out at night . No one will see you during the day. Of course, given your smell, I doubt they’ll want to see you, anyway! NARRATOR: Skunk hung his streaked head. All he had wanted was to be admired and adored. Instead now he had a striped body, a nocturnal sleep cycle, and a smell so strong, it would send anyone running... and so it is to this day. Now to be fair, Skunk only sprays his spray when he feels threatened, or in danger. But, word to the wise? Unless you’re a big fan of rotten eggs or rancid garlic... I wouldn’t get too close.People | Leadership at sea
LEXINGTON, Va. — The Middlebury College field hockey team scored twice in the second half and held off a strong Tufts squad to capture the NCAA Championship with a 2-1 triumph. The Panthers secured their seventh straight crown and ninth overall as the program finishes the season with a 19-2 mark. Middlebury manufactured a great opportunity on the first penalty corner with 5:49 elapsed. Grace Keefe blasted a rising shot off an insert that Tufts goalie Lydia Eastburn deflected away with her blocker. The Jumbos countered at the 6:36 mark as Claire Gavin took a redirection off a Panther stick and raced toward the left side of the cage. Goalie Madeline DiLemme thwarted Gavin's backhanded attempt to keep the score 0-0. The Panthers had two final chances in the opening quarter off penalty corner inserts from Caroline Segal. Each shot attempt from Emily Stone (9:39) and Megan Fuqua (14:32) was blocked by Jumbo defenders as the score read 0-0 after one. Middlebury continued its relentless pressure just 50 seconds into the second stanza. Georgianne Defeo grabbed possession in a group of Jumbos and Panthers and blasted a bid toward the left post that was stopped by Eastburn. Lilly Branka nearly put the Panthers ahead at the 18:18 mark by sliding around two Tufts defenders on the endline and launching a bid near the left post. Eastburn stood her ground, pinning herself to the post and knocking the bid away. Lainie Person looked to put the Jumbos on the board just 2:04 into the second half, but her bid sailed wide left. Middlebury took the lead with 2:10 left on its first shot of the second half. Branka dribbled the ball near the Tufts endline and flicked a pass toward the middle of the cage. Segal sprawled out and tapped the ball in while diving to the ground for the 1-0 edge. The Panthers extended their lead at the 50:44 mark. Claire McMichael ran down the right side of the field and slid a pass toward the middle of the circle. Eastburn came off her line to kick the ball away, but Defeo got to the ball a second earlier and poked it underneath Eastburn's pads to make it 2-0. Tufts responded 22 seconds later off a penalty corner. Kylie Rosenquest found the cage after a great pass from Pearson to cut the deficit to one with 8:54 showing on the clock. Tufts tried to muster up some momentum, but Middlebury's defense stepped up to the task, not allowing a single shot over the remainder of action to earn the 2-1 triumph. Branka was named the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player after tallying two assists during the playoffs. Branka also earned a spot on the all-tournament squad alongside Amy Griffin (2G, 2A), Keefe (1G, 1A) and Segal (6G, 1A). With one goal today, Segal moves into fifth all-time in single-season points (57). Her tally is her fifth game-winner this season and the 10th of her career. Segal's marker caps her season with 24 goals, which is tied for fifth in program history over one campaign. The Panthers close the season with 105 goals scored, good for second all-time behind the 107 scored by the 2022 and 2023 National Championship teams. Tufts and Middlebury battled for the 35th time and the fourth time in the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers have won each of the last two meetings in the postseason, including a 2-0 victory in the 2018 title tilt. Middlebury made its 21st postseason appearance and played in the championship game for the 13th time. This marked the fifth time that the NCAA Championship took place between a pair of NESCAC squads. The Panthers have appeared in each of those five contests, claiming three of them. Middlebury caps the season with a 19-2 record, marking the 13th-consecutive season that the program has tallied 15 or more triumphs.How co-writing a book threatened the Carters’ marriage