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How Health Insurance Became a Boon for Business and a Plight for the Rest of UsST. PAUL — Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic died Friday following a battle with cancer. She was 62. Her family said she died surrounded by loved ones. “She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved,” they said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENT Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin the Minneapolis Democrat was committed to working for Minnesotans. She served in the Minnesota Senate for more than a decade. “It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that Senator Dziedzic’s leadership has had on our state,” Martin said in a statement. “She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Minnesota has lost a giant, but her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all.” Dziedzic was instrumental in holding together the Senate DFL caucus in 2023 as they passed, with a one-vote majority, a variety of Democratic priorities like funding universal school meals for students, approving a paid family and medical leave program, cementing legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care and legalizing cannabis for recreational use. She was respected on both sides of the political aisle and her demeanor was always steady, even amid tense times in the Senate. Dziedzic’s laid-back style made her a surprising pick for majority leader after the 2022 election. Leaders from both major political parties said they were heartbroken by her death. “Senator Kari Dziedzic was a passionate legislator, a respected leader, and a trusted colleague and friend. She will be remembered for her integrity and her compassion for Minnesotans, something that we all saw as she continued to serve even as she battled cancer,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, an East Grand Forks Republican. “I’m deeply saddened at her passing and am praying for her family and friends as we all mourn this loss.” House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she was “one of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office.” ADVERTISEMENT “Her legacy includes significant achievements in policy and investment in Minnesota, but more importantly she will be remembered for treating people with dignity and respect and never giving up on finding workable compromises,” Hortman said. “She had an incredible ability to work diligently through the most arcane and difficult policy issues to find resolution.” Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, agreed, saying she was “an uncommon leader.” “Her talents as a consequential and thoughtful leader made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness humor, and selflessness made us all better people,” Murphy said. Former Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen praised Dziedzic as a hard worker. “The last time I spoke to Kari a few weeks ago she was still serving her constituents,” she wrote on social media. “That’s Senator Dziedzic, the hardest working legislator I have ever had the honor to serve with. Rest in peace my friend.” Dziedzic was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 and underwent emergency surgery to limit its spread. She stepped down from her leadership position in February after her cancer recurred. The Senate will now stand in a 33-33 tie between Democrats and Republicans heading into the 2025 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz has not yet said when he might call for a special election in the Minneapolis district. ADVERTISEMENT Dziedzic had a degree in engineering but couldn’t resist the family pull into public service. Her father, Walt, was a colorful Minneapolis city council member who later served on the park board. Dziedzic told MPR News that she felt drawn into politics after watching her father’s example. “I knew the long hours. I knew the phone calls at home. I knew what I was walking into,” she said. “But I also knew the opportunity that you have to help other people. And it’s about helping people and making your community better.” Dziedzic began a career in public service as a campaign volunteer and later moved on to become a scheduling aide for former U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. After a stint working for a Hennepin County commissioner, she was nudged to run for a state Senate seat when longtime lawmaker Larry Pogemiller stepped down to take another government job. Gov. Tim Walz called Dziedzic a “one-of-a-kind leader.” He added, “Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants.” Details for a memorial service have not yet been announced. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar are seeking to be elected as chairperson for the 55-member state African Union. They participated in a two-hour debate Friday in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in which they all advocated for two permanent seats for African countries in the U.N. Security Council to effectively represent the continent with the youngest population. Odinga said that two permanent seats with veto power were “a must for Africa” and that this was “only fair” since the continent has more than 50 countries. Randriamandrato urged member states to cease the opportunity and “speak with one voice on the choice of who will represent Africa in the UNSC.” The three are seeking to convince most African countries before the February election to succeed African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki, who has served for two terms. The African Union has faced several challenges that include conflict in member countries and political coups that have seen five member states expelled from the union, making regional security a major theme in Friday’s debate. Youssouf said that regional security could be enhanced if the resources for a regional standby force were increased to reduce the overreliance on foreign partnerships for resources. “When there is no unity of purpose among neighboring countries peace will be compromised,” Youseff said. Randriamandrato encouraged countries to take charge of their internal security while cautioning that foreign military bases should be “a thing of the past” because they “could be a source of conflict.” Despite the continent’s young population of 1.3 billion that is set to double by 2050, regional trade has faced challenges that were addressed in the Friday debate. Odinga said that Africa had a “huge domestic market” that it could leverage on for economic transformation by opening up opportunities for trade between African countries. Youssouf proposed a payment compensation system that would ensure countries don't lose out while trading in different currencies adding, “are we going to have a single currency, why not?” Randriamandrato said that regional economic blocs like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa had a huge role to play in easing inter-Africa trade. The African Union has several proposed reforms on its structure and leadership aimed at achieving its purpose, and all candidates promised to implement the reforms if elected. Youssouf said that key reforms in the union were facing a funding bottleneck and that “it has to change,” adding that he wouldn't impose it on member states but would “advocate for it.”
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Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.EFF leader Julius Malema is set to challenge MK Party president Jacob Zuma over “unpaid legal fees” and he has his eyes on the former president's multimillion-rand Nkandla home. Malema has been aggrieved about MKP’s recruitment of former red berets leaders over the past three months. Several members of the EFF, including Malema’s former deputy Floyd Shivambu, have joined Zuma’s party. Speaking to thousands of party supporters outside the Constitutional Court, Malema assured them he would fight Zuma, including going after his assets. “We brought Zuma to the Constitutional Court and we said, ‘pay back the money,’ and he paid back the money and has not forgiven us for that. All the cases we won against Jacob Zuma he never paid the legal fees. Zuma owes us legal fees. We have a court order that he must pay us our money. He has not complied with the court order,” he said. “We have instructed our lawyer to attach Nkandla so that the man pays back the money. We want our money. He wants to play dirty, bring it on, bring us our money tomorrow [Wednesday] otherwise we are attaching Nkandla.” The EFF had brought scores of its supporters to the apex court where it was challenging parliament’s decision not to adopt a Section 89 panel report on Phala Phala. In 2016, the ConCourt ruled Zuma should pay back some of the money spent on improvements to his home in Nkandla. The EFF was involved in the legal row. It could be argued that the EFF was among Zuma's biggest critiques and ultimately led to his downfall after several years of ridicule in the National Assembly at the hands of the red berets. “We will not play nice with people who are playing rough with us. We are not in a church here, people cannot fight us and we give them roses. The fight is on. The fight is about defending the soul of the EFF and the unity of the EFF.” Malema's fierce rebuke of Zuma was evident during the party's activities over the past few days. In Limpopo, Malema sent a strong warning to his detractors within the party promising to deal with those who seek to betray him. This was followed by a speech in Gauteng were Malema told party members that the MK Party would not succeed in destroying the EFF. On Monday during a media briefing, Malema called the MK Party its enemy despite their alliance in parliament. Malema's theatrics are likely caused by growing dissent within the party as it prepares for its elective conference. The first signs that the EFF leadership was under strain came earlier in the year when reports indicated that Shivambu would be challenged for his position by its secretary-general Marshall Dlamini. This revelation came after Malema recalled Shivambu from KwaZulu-Natal where his deputy had failed to retain its support. The recall of the-then deputy president signalled problems for the party. Shortly after the elections and Shivambu's defection, another loyal ally, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, was suspected to be planning his exit. Ndlozi had been overlooked for several key positions within the party and relegated to the back of the leadership line. His influence over the student command resulted in public spats with some party members vowing to support him for the vacant deputy president position. Party members openly challenged Malema on social media platforms, which is uncharacteristic for the party. In an interview with the Sunday Times this week, Zuma said his plan was to take back the ANC by uniting black parties under his MK Party banner and recapturing the leadership of the party, which he said had deviated from its ancestors. He dismissed suggestions that the MK Party was poaching leaders from the EFF. “You can’t have everybody [joining] at one day, it will be something like a miracle. Other comrades come. Nobody is taking somebody [to move] from somebody else. All this time, before MK was established, people were moving from other parties to join others. This very same organisation you’re talking about, moved from this [ANC] organisation,” he told the Sunday Times.
‘WHAT is his problem?’ screamed I’m a Celebrity fans as they demanded Dean McCullough is axed after his shock heated bust-up. Tensions erupted in the jungle on tonight as Dean , 32, found himself in a heated argument with Coronation Street star Alan Halsall , 42. Alan became frustrated with Dean after the Radio 1 DJ, 32, skipped his chores and opted for a nap. Dean had indulged in a feast of junk food earlier, which had been won by Maura Higgins and Reverend Richard Coles during a secret mission. Alan’s frustration boiled over when Loose Women panellist Jane Moore was left to collect firewood alone. Jane said, “I can’t do it on my own.” read more on Dean McCullough Alan, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in the ITV soap, attempted to wake Dean, but the presenter barely moved. Alan asked, “You don’t fancy it? No?” before walking off to help Jane himself. Dean eventually joined the pair but wasn’t pleased with Alan’s earlier approach. He said, “Listen to me. If you’re gonna wake me up, you need to give me a minute, alright? It takes a couple of minutes for my contact lenses to get back working again, alright? Most read in Reality "So you don’t need to turn around to me and say, ‘Do you not fancy it, OK?’ And then turn around and walk away.” Alan responded, “I’ve listened to you. Jane was halfway down here, that’s why I went.” ITV viewers were left fuming as they rushed to X, formerly Twitter , to slam Dean. One wrote: "dean sir what is your problem???????" while another added: "Hopefully Dean McCullough will walk out, he’s insufferable." A third commented: "Dean screwed himself on tonight’s show going after Tyrone. #ImACeleb. He has been beyond useless in the trials and then scolds Tyrone like a bold child." One more concluded: "Well Dean can f**k the right off after talking to Alan like that! Shame you don’t put that much emotion into your trials. D**khead." Yesterday, host Ant McPartlin broke his silence after viewers accused him of being in a feud with Dean. Ant and Dec appeared on ITV2 spin-off show Unpacked on Thursday as they discussed the latest Bushtucker Trial. Ant admitted he was "annoyed" at Dean for screaming 'I'm A Celeb' and quitting the task early - and being "unprofessional" in how he dealt with it. Unpacked presenter Joel Dommett said: "It's going to be so nice seeing someone new do a trial tomorrow." Dec replied: "Also Danny is determined, he's enthusiastic, so there's no hiding for Dean - he's going to have to step up." Ant said: "You kind of hope that he's going to raise his game a little bit, I thought he was going to do that today." While Sam Thompson , who won the jungle show last year, admitted he was disappointed by Dean's efforts. He piped up saying: "Fish guts mates, he had a spider on his head." An irritated Ant responded: "I told you not to talk to me about it Sam. My annoyance came across on screen and it was quite unprofessional and I'm not happy about it." Dec sarcastically said: "I think you hid it quite well, Ant...I think you hid it quite well." Ant went on: "You get to the point when you think 'what are you doing?'" He then admitted that he's "going to be kind to him [Dean] today...I'll be good cop today." Dean returned to camp last night, announcing that he’d won just four stars after a gruesome trial. Earlier this week, viewers were convinced that Ant was secretly furious with Dean after he called time on Wednesday's challenge and failed to secure any stars. Ant, known for his playful banter with co-host Dec, appeared unusually stern, hinting at his frustration as he greeted Dean for yet another trial, Lethal Lab. He even warned Dean that he was the "bad cop" in their hosting duo. Dean’s upbeat demeanor after the trial seemed to catch Ant off guard. As the DJ bowled into the clearing, Ant quipped: "Hello, Dean. I didn’t expect that. I thought you’d be a little bit forlorn, a little bit sad. It looks like you’re loving life. Have you been to the pub?" Dean laughed it off, replying: "No, no, I’ve just had a cold shower." Ant then shifted to a more serious tone, confronting Dean about his recent failures, saying: "Now, Dean, I want to have a word with you. What happened yesterday? No stars. What happened the day before? You said, 'I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.'" Dean admitted: "Oh, it’s not good, but that’s why I’m ready for it today, because we’re going to change the narrative." But Ant didn’t let him off the hook, firmly responding: "You can only change the narrative by sticking with it and getting on with it." The exchange left Dean momentarily stunned. "I feel like I’m being told off by Ant and Dec ," he joked. READ MORE SUN STORIES Ant was quick to clarify: "Well, by me," while Dec chimed in to reassure, "I’m good cop." Read Rebekah Vardy's latest I'm A Celebrity column here . i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz , Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street , was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women . She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher . Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan . It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:38 a.m. ESTThrough Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season, several teams have separated themselves as legitimate contenders to compete for a Super Bowl title. The Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and more are all primed with hopes to make a run at this year's championship contest at Caesars Superdome. But according to ESPN's Football Power Index, one team stands above the rest as the clear favorite to claim this year's league championship. ESPN's FPI gives the 10-1 Lions a 25.4% chance to win Super Bowl LIX. Detroit's title-game odds more than double the next team's percentage, the Bills at 12.5%. The Chiefs (11.8%), Ravens (10.6%) and Eagles (10.4%) hold the next best odds. Dan Campbell and the Lions have won nine consecutive games since their lone Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Detroit logged blowout wins in each of its last two games, beating the Jaguars 52-6 and the Colts 24-6. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Jared Goff and the Lions' offense are clicking on all cylinders heading into the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season. The defense is holding up its end of the bargain as well, putting forth some elite efforts over the last couple weeks. The Lions will get a possible Super Bowl preview when they face off against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. On Thanksgiving Day, Detroit will face off against the Chicago Bears in a Week 13 matchup......As Eze Ikegbidi Marks 7th Anniversary On Throne PORT HARCOURT – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of his administration’s determination to continue to impact on the lives of the people by ensuring that their welfare is the upmost concern of government. This is as he has also declared that the policy trust of his administration is not to enslave the people, but to make them feel free and happy, even at difficult times. Governor Fubara made the assertion while speaking at the 7th Anniversary celebration of the Coronation of HRM, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, Eze Igbu Akoh and Natural Ruler of Ancient Akoh Kingdom at Igbu Akoh in Ahoada East Local Government Area on Saturday. He said, “We must continue to encourage our people, and to make them understand that government is about the welfare of the people. When the people are happy, the government is succeeding. Success of a government is not you being a bully; it is not you being a dictator. It is about the people feeling free; it is about the people feeling happy. Even if you are not doing all they want, they should be free, they should have the freedom to express themselves, even in a bitter situation, and that is the policy of our government. “Even if we don’t provide everything, I want you to be free as that freedom is even enough assurance to make you happy, because you’re not in bondage. So, the bondage that you were in, I don’t want to call the number of years, I hereby relieve you of that bondage. So, feel free.” Governor Fubara pointed out that he was in Igbu Akoh to solidarize with Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, who has been persecuted for his support to his administration and standing on the side of truth at the detriment of his kingdom. The Governor, while congratulating the monarch for his 7th Anniversary on the throne, wished him long reign as well as admonished him to rule his subjects with the fear of God, even as he also approved the request of the Eze Igbu-Akoh to reconstruct the Odioku-Okporomini Road linking Ahoada East and Emohua Local Government Areas to facilitate movement of Akoh people living in the boundary area with Emohua. He said, “My coming to Akoh Kingdom is to show support to one of our own, somebody who has decided to join the good side of history, and a man who faced some punishment in the course of this struggle. He still stood his ground, and the little I can do is to come to his kingdom and show him solidarity. I congratulate you on your 7th Anniversary. I wish you a successful reign. You will live long and rule your people well. “Eze Ikegbidi, you have a lot of responsibility as a leader. As Eze of this Akoh Kingdom, please ensure that you rule your people with the fear of God. And that is the only way your reign will be remembered forever. “You’ve asked for a few things. You’ve shown so much support at the detriment of this kingdom. The little thing we can do is to make sure we give the people of Akoh and the Ekpeye people the assurance that we are with them. So, your request on the issue of road, thank God that the Commissioner for Works is here, is already granted.” Governor Fubara particularly urged the people of the area not to worry about sentiments expressed in various quarters on the situation in State, noting that at the appropriate time, the people will know who is in charge. He also charged the people to ensure that peace reigns in Akoh, and by extension, Ekpeye Kingdom by standing against every tendency that will bring division among them in order to propel development in the kingdom. According to him, “Let’s forget about the noise people are making, when the time is right, God will take care of it. It is God that has led us from that day till today, and each day, we get stronger, and stronger. It is only God, we are not achieving this because of our strength, but because of God. So, you don’t need to worry about what people are saying, when the time comes, God will take us through it. “The most important thing is, you must ensure that we live peacefully. Development can’t come in your kingdom, to Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality without peace. There will try a lot of means to bring disunity among you, try as much as you can to avoid it. You know the mechanism of those people: divide and rule. Try to avoid anything that will bring problem to this kingdom so that we will continue to show that we love you by ensuring we bring meaningful projects that will bring development to Ekpeye people.” He lauded the people of the area for their continued support to his administration, and assured to recognize the traditional stool of an Ekpeye monarch by the second week of January, 2025. In his remarks, Eze Igbu Akoh and Natural Ruler of Ancient Akoh Kingdom, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, lauded Governor Fubara for the honour done him by attending the occasion, and assured him of the total support and loyalty of the Akoh people, which he said, will be reciprocated in 2027. Also speaking, Eze Nnamdi Obuzor, commended Governor Fubara for his genuine love for the Ekpeye people, as demonstrated in his several visits and developmental strides in the area within one year, prophesying that his tenure will be better. In their separate speeches, Prime Minister of Akoh Kingdom, Eze Justice Moses; Lady Beatrice Awala; and President General of Ekpeye Youth Congress Worldwide, Dr Justice Ewoh; applauded the Governor for his good works, and assured to stand by him and his administration. Highpoint of the programme was the cutting of the anniversary cake by Governor Fubara and Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, supported by others.
Topline President-elect Donald Trump reportedly said Saturday he supports the H-1B visa program, siding with Elon Musk in a feud that has divided Trump world as some of his allies on the far-right have attacked the program in an extension of their anti-immigration stance. Key Facts Crucial Quote “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B,” Musk, who was born in South Africa, wrote Saturday on X . “Take a big step back and F—K YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Contra Trump hasn’t always been as supportive of H-1B visas as he claimed to The New York Post. During his 2016 campaign, he called the program “very bad” and “unfair” to U.S. workers and tightened restrictions on H-1B applications as president. The Biden administration earlier this month issued a new rule to make the program more accessible to employers by simplifying the application process and providing more leeway to employers in determining eligibility. Key Background In addition to Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy and venture capitalist David Sacks also defended Krishnan and the H-1B program against attacks spearheaded by far-right Trump supporter Laura Loomer. She called Krishnan’s hiring “deeply disturbing” and said that “allowing big tech executives into Mar-A-Lago is going to be the death of our country. Isn’t it?” Trump sided with Musk Saturday as the two have deepened their alliance. Politicos and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have observed what they say is Musk’s growing influence on the incoming Trump administration, leading some of Trump’s critics to take jabs at him by suggesting Musk is a shadow president of sorts . Earlier this month, Musk effectively killed the initial GOP government spending plan when he blasted the bill in a series of tweets, leading Trump to echo Musk’s concerns hours later and sending Republicans back to the drawing board. Trump has hired Musk and Ramaswamy to lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency, and Musk was the biggest donor of the 2024 election cycle, giving more than $250 million to help elect Trump, who has dismissed the “President Musk” jabs. Tangent In addition to tech companies using H-1Bs to hire engineers and other similar jobs, the program is used across a broad array of industries, including architecture, medicine, education, business, law, theology and the arts. The U.S. issues 65,000 of the visas every year, plus 20,000 more to workers who have masters degrees or higher from a U.S. university. More than 700,000 people held H-1B visas in 2023, according to the American Immigration Council . They are valid for three years and can be extended for up to six. Further Reading What Are H-1B Visas? The Immigration Policy Dividing Elon Musk And Trump’s Allies Explained (Forbes) The Billionaires Trump’s Picked For Next Administration: Elon Musk, Tilman Fertitta And More (Forbes) Trump’s Cabinet And Key Jobs: Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Cabrera and Billionaire Tilman Fertitta Among Latest Nominees (Forbes)Celebrations, Looting, And Statue Surfing: Scenes From Syria After Assad's Fall
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N.C. State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson was named head coach at Marshall on Sunday, shortly after Thundering Herd coach Charles Huff's hiring was announced at Southern Miss. Gibson, 52, will take his first head-coaching job in college and return to his home state, where he served two stints at West Virginia over the past two decades. The terms of Gibson's deal were not immediately disclosed. “We could not be happier to welcome Tony Gibson home as our 32nd head coach at Marshall University,” school President Brad Smith said in a statement. “Coach Gibson has led some of the top programs on the national level, but in the end, his heart desired to return to the mountains from which he came." Gibson's hiring was announced less than an hour after Huff was named coach at Southern Miss. Huff coached Marshall to a 31-3 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette in the Sun Belt championship game on Saturday night. Marshall (10-3) won seven straight games for its first 10-win season since 2015. Gibson coached defensive backs at West Virginia under Rich Rodriguez from 2001 to 2007. He returned in 2013 under Dana Holgorsen as safeties coach, then became defensive coordinator a year later and stayed until Holgorsen left at the end of the 2018 season. Gibson spent six seasons at N.C. State. He had other assistant coaching stints at Pitt and under Rodriguez at Michigan and Arizona. N.C. State’s defense ranked near the bottom of the ACC this season, allowing 30.5 points and 385 yards per game. The Wolfpack’s best season under Gibson was in 2022, when it tied with Louisville for the fewest points allowed at 19.2 per game and was second in yards allowed at 327. “My family and I are excited to start this journey, but we all thank you for your support and the wonderful memories,” Gibson wrote to the N.C. State community in a post Sunday on the social media platform X. Gibson, who is from Van, West Virginia, graduated in 1994 from Glenville State, where he played defensive back. “We have recruited a proven coach that aspires to be at Marshall and to sustain the success we have come to appreciate and expect,” athletic director Christian Spears said in the statement. "We can’t wait to get started with him and his staff.” Marshall associate head coach Telly Lockette will serve as interim coach in the Independence Bowl against No. 19 Army (11-1) on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. One of Gibson’s first tasks will be replenishing Marshall’s roster. The Thundering Herd signed only 11 recruits in the recent early signing period. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballXcoub: Redefining the Future of DeFi Staking with $7 Million Series A Funding
Carson Beck completed 20 of 31 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns as No. 10 Georgia pummeled UMass 59-21 on Saturday in Athens, Ga. Nate Frazier ran for career highs of 136 yards and three touchdowns, while Arian Smith caught three passes for 110 yards and a score as the Bulldogs (9-2) won their second straight game and 30th straight at home, dating back to 2019. AJ Hairston completed 7 of 16 passes for 121 yards and a score for the Minutemen (2-9), who dropped their third straight. Jalen John ran for 107 yards and a score and Jakobie Keeney-James caught three passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Peyton Woodring kicked a 53-yard field goal to extend Georgia's lead to 31-14 on the first drive of the third quarter. But UMass wasted little time responding, as Hairston hit Keeney-James for a 75-yard touchdown to get the deficit down to 10. Georgia then finished its sixth straight drive with a score, as Frazier's 9-yard run up the middle gave the Bulldogs a 38-21 lead at the 8:44 mark of the third quarter. After UMass punted, Georgia played add-on in its next possession, with Frazier scoring from 15 yards out with 1:39 left in the third to lead 45-21. Frazier stamped his career day with his third touchdown run, a 2-yarder with 6:33 left, before Georgia capped the scoring with Chris Cole's 28-yard fumble return with 3:28 remaining. UMass took the game's opening drive 75 yards down the field -- aided by Ahmad Haston's 38-yard run -- and scored on CJ Hester's 1-yard run with 9:15 left. Georgia answered on its ensuing drive, as Beck's 17-yard passing touchdown to Oscar Delp tied the game at the 5:05 mark of the first quarter. Following a short punt by UMass, Beck connected with Smith for 49 yards, and a roughing-the-passer penalty put the ball at Minutemen's 14-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-4 from the 8-yard line, Beck found Cash Jones for a touchdown to take a 14-7 lead with 10:30 left in the second quarter. On UMass' next play from scrimmage, Raylen Wilson recovered John's fumble on the Minutemen's 28-yard line. Three plays later, Beck connected with Dominic Lovett for a 15-yard touchdown with 8:56 remaining. UMass then scored after a 14-play, 75-yard drive, finished off with John's 3-yard rushing score with 1:55 left in the first half. Georgia answered quickly, as Beck's 20-yard pass to Cole Speer set up a 34-yard touchdown pass to Smith with 43 seconds remaining, giving the Bulldogs a 28-14 halftime lead. --Field Level MediaA supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party ISLAMABAD: Thousands of protesters demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan arrived at the heart of Pakistan’s heavily fortified capital, Islamabad, on Tuesday amid intense teargas shelling and use of rubber bullets by security forces, even as the govt invoked Article 245 of the constitution, which allows a civilian govt to call in the army to help it implement law and order. At least four security personnel and two civilians were killed in overnight clashes between security forces and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi said three Rangers (paramilitary force) personnel and one police constable were killed by miscreants. The Imran-Khan-led PTI denied the allegations, saying security officials were crushed by police and Rangers’ vehicles speeding away from protesters. “Under Article 245, the Pakistan army has been called in, and orders have been issued to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand,” the state-run Radio Pakistan reported. “Clear orders have also been issued to shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight,” it added. On Tuesday, PTI workers, many of them brandishing slingshots and sticks, engaged security personnel in combat as they attempted to make their way to D-Chowk (Democracy Chowk), a central square in front of parliament. Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was leading the protest with Ali Amin Gandapur, CM of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where PTI is in govt, accompanying her. Upon reaching Islamabad, Bibi vowed from atop a container truck: “I promise that I will be the last woman here, I will not leave D-Chowk without him (Imran). You also promise me that you will not leave until Khan comes out. If anyone tells you otherwise, it is a lie.” Gandapur urged protesters to camp at D-Chowk and not advance further into the Red Zone, housing important places, including the diplomatic enclave. Convoys of protesters had started making their way to Islamabad on Sunday from different parts of the country. Khan’s wife was leading the main convoy from the party’s stronghold of Peshawar. Islamabad has been in security lockdown since Sunday, with authorities closing all schools in the capital and the adjacent garrison city of Rawalpindi. Mobile and internet services have also been partially suspended in the twin cities. All roads and highways from nearby cities to the federal capital, as well as all routes that connect Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have been shut since last weekend. The PTI has been protesting for the release of political prisoners, including Khan. Its second demand is the reversal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment passed by parliament in Oct. The legislation has radically altered the judiciary by setting a fixed term of three years for the Supreme Court’s chief justice, who will now be selected by a parliamentary committee. It has also weakened the powers of the apex court, with constitutional cases and those involving fundamental rights to be heard by constitutional benches that will be constituted by panels dominated by govt representatives. The PTI’s last demand is for the return of its allegedly stolen Feb 8 general election mandate.
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