Countries have agreed to a hard-fought COP29 deal to provide $US300 billion ($A462 billion) in annual climate finance by 2035. But while some delegates reacted to the agreement with a standing ovation, others voiced anger and lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more. UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SIMON STIELL "It has been a difficult journey, but we've delivered a deal. This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country. "This deal will keep the clean energy boom growing and protect billions of lives. It will help all countries to share in the huge benefits of bold climate action: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all. "But like any insurance policy – it only works – if the premiums are paid in full, and on time. No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work still to do. So this is no time for victory laps." INDIA REPRESENTATIVE CHANDNI RAINA "We are disappointed in the outcome which clearly brings out the unwillingness of the developed country parties to fulfil their responsibilities." "I regret to say that this document is nothing more than an optical illusion. This, in our opinion, will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face. Therefore, we oppose the adoption of this document." UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES "I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome – on both finance and mitigation – to meet the great challenge we face. But this agreement provides a base on which to build. It must be honoured in full and on time. Commitments must quickly become cash." BOLIVIA REPRESENTATIVE DIEGO PACHECO BALANZA "We need a finance which will properly grant us the resources we need to take steps. The finance that is hugely below our requirements is an insult and it is a flagrant violation of justice and climate equity. "Climate finance, as it stands in this agreement, is extinguishing international co-operation. We are moving on from the time of leaving of no-one behind to an era of let every man save himself." BRITISH ENERGY MINISTER ED MILIBAND "This is a critical eleventh hour deal at the eleventh hour for the climate. It is not everything we or others wanted but is a step forward for us all." "Today's agreement sends the signal that the clean energy transition is unstoppable. It is the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century and through our championing of it we can help crowd in private investment." TINA STEGE, MARSHALL ISLANDS CLIMATE ENVOY "We came in good faith, with the safety of our communities and the well-being of the world at heart. Yet, we have seen the very worst of political opportunism here at this COP, playing games with the lives of the world's most vulnerable people. "Fossil fuel interests have been determined to block progress and undermine the multilateral goals we've worked to build. This can never be allowed to happen. "Despite the barriers, we've fought hard and secured something for our communities. We are leaving with a small portion of the funding climate-vulnerable countries urgently need. "It isn't nearly enough, but it's a start, and we've made it clear that these funds must come with fewer obstacles so they reach those who need them most. We have also rejected those who sought to undo the agreements we made on phasing out fossil fuels." EU CLIMATE COMMISSIONER WOPKE HOEKSTRA "With these funds and with this structure, we are confident we will reach the $US1.3 trillion objective. On efforts to cut emissions: "It was not a focus of this COP but we wanted more, because the world needs more of it. And even though the UAE Consensus was attacked, we did move forward, even though it was just a bit. "We did manage to safeguard Dubai and take some steps forward. It is less than we would have liked, but it's better than we feared. So we're unhappy to lose a year, we're happy not to lose this fight."
NJ Benson recorded a first-half double-double, and finished with 22 points and 17 rebounds, as host DePaul rolled to an 84-65 victory over Loyola Maryland on Saturday in Chicago. With David Skogman out due to a lower-body injury, the 6-foot-8, Missouri State-transfer Benson made the most of his first start this season. Benson posted 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds in the first half, as DePaul (9-4) focused on its inside game and outscored Loyola Maryland 28-12 in the paint en route to a 44-26 halftime lead. Benson, who averaged 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds entering the game, matched a career high in scoring Saturday, while those boards are a personal best. Jacob Meyer added 12 points for the Blue Demons, one of the nation's top 3-point shooting teams that went just 5 of 24 from distance, but scored 52 points in the paint. DePaul bounced back following consecutive losses to St. John's and Northwestern by a combined 48 points. Jacob Theodosiou had 22 points and Milos Ilic scored 13 for the Greyhounds (5-6), who shot 38.5 percent in the first half and committed 15 overall turnovers while falling to 1-67 against major-conference opponents since February 1982. DePaul scored the game's first eight points, beginning with a Benson dunk. Loyola didn't record its first field goal until Ilic's bucket with 14:11 remaining in the opening half, but used a 9-0 run to get within 13-12. However, Benson and DePaul's dominance in the paint never allowed the Greyhounds to go ahead. The Blue Demons led 18-16, then scored the next seven points, highlighted by dunks from Benson and CJ Gunn (11 points). DePaul was ahead 32-23 with 3:20 left in the first half when it took control by scoring 12 straight points before Jordan Stiemke's 3 made it an 18-point game at the break. The Blue Demons were 1-of-11 from 3 through the first 20 minutes. In the second half, another Benson dunk and two free throws were featured during a 12-2 run that put the Blue Demons up 66-37 with roughly 12 minutes remaining in the contest. --Field Level Media
Egor Bikrev feels he may have deserved to win a ONE Championship contract last week in Bangkok – but will “continue on my path” to the big time after his shock KO of fan favourite Panpayak Jitmuangnon. The 22-year-old Russian silenced Lumpinee Stadium when he stopped Thailand’s “Angel Warrior” in the second round of their flyweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 92. It derailed Panpayak’s much vaunted comeback in just his second fight after two years out, with Bikrev’s stock now through the roof. Though not high enough it seems to earn a US$100,000 multi-fight deal on the Asia-based martial arts promotion’s main roster just yet. “Of course, winning the contract is my biggest goal today, and every time I come and fight here,” Bikrev told the Bangkok Post backstage after his win. “Yeah, I thought there was an opportunity for me, considering who I fought, to get a contract. “But that’s OK, because if not today, then probably next time – I know I will get there.” Bikrev – who has back-to-back wins since debuting at ONE Lumpinee in November with a first-round knockout of Gingsanglek Tor Laksong – did receive a 350,000 baht bonus from ONE boss Chatri Sityodtong at least. “Of course I’m very happy, this bonus will aid in my financial stability, it helps a lot, so thank you boss Chatri,” he added. “We are going to accept any offers to fight, and soon we are going to be back here and continuing on the path towards a contract.” Panpayak looked vulnerable – particularly when it came to conditioning – in his first fight back in October, when he won a decision against Silviu Vitez. Bikrev then dropped him in the first round before getting the job done with a combination of punches after the restart, beating the former No 3-ranked challenger whom many had pegged as a future title contender. “That was truly a hard fight, they gave me a very tough opponent. From what I know, he’s one of the top fighters here,” Bikrev said. “But we came in with a goal to win and to focus on our boxing. Put pressure, go hard, win. “The fact I got to fight against someone that was a champion multiple times here at the stadium, I feel great. I come from a small town, from a camp that clearly is one of the best. I think we proved that today.”It's the perfect time to buy holiday decor for next year – these are the best Christmas decoration sales to shop before they sell out
LOCALS have been left gutted after a popular eatery has been forced to close its doors. Bosses at Bellisimo Burrito in Inverness will only be open for one more week. 2 The business on Culcabaock Road had to close down Credit: Google Maps The much-loved Mexican food business on Culcabock Road had no choice but to close after an issue with the lease. Bellisimo Burrito was trading out of the same unit as The Wee Whisk Cafe. They had been working from the cafe since last August. But they announced they are no longer trading not long after the cafe also closed. READ MORE MONEY NEWS SHOP SHOCK Iconic British high street chain forced to close ANOTHER store after 34 years GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ A post on their Facebook said the lease for the cafe was "non functional" and it meant they couldn't sell any food there. They broke the news to devastated punters that they would only be open for one more week. Their Facebook post read: "Sad news. Only one more week to enjoy a Mexican until further notice. Unfortunately even after much negotiation and back and forth with relevant people we can no longer trade in this unit. Most read in Money SHOP SHOCK Iconic British high street chain forced to close ANOTHER store after 34 years PAY BOOST 20 highest paying jobs in 2025 & you don't need a degree - you could earn £77k GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ PENSION PAY Exact date millions on state pension to get £473 pay rise in months "Whisk was sold a lease that is non-functional and should not be trading any food business in the premises." They claimed it looked unlikely that the situation would be resolved and they will need to find a new home for Bellisimo Burrito. Artist commemorates 'world's oldest magic shop' with lifelike model after shock closure They added: "Hopefully a new unit or kitchen will come up to build Bellissimo Burrito in the future . "But for now time to enjoy one last Burrito this year you have a week." And their loyal customers were completely saddened by the news. One said: "Hope you find somewhere else soon, your food is amazing." Another commented: "So sorry to hear this, fingers crossed you find new premises and are able to grow your fantastic business." And a third person replied: "Genuinely gutted! We shall be in for our last takeaway soon." 2 They announced the closure on social media Credit: AlamyBill Belichick selected this touchdown as his favorite Tom Brady Patriots playArtificial intelligence tools and apps have become more integral to daily life (albeit with questions of what AI actually means and how ‘intelligent’ these systems actually are). As we use such technology more often, we need to mindful of their hidden risks. Research shows that 70 percent of users interact with AI without fully understanding the dangers of sharing personal information. A recent study identified nine key privacy harms, including data misuse, manipulation, and unauthorized sharing. Even more concerning, 38 percent of users unknowingly reveal sensitive details, putting themselves at risk of identity theft and fraud. How should consumers respond? To address such concerns, the firm TRG Datacenters has developed some advice aimed to assist users to protect their privacy while using AI tools. Beware of Social Media Trends Trends such as “Describe your personality based on what you know about me” may seem fun, but they can encourage you to share sensitive data like your birthdate, hobbies, or workplace. This information could be pieced together for identity theft or account recovery scams: • Safer: “What might a December birthday suggest about someone’s personality?” • Risky: “I was born on December 15th and love cycling—what does that say about me?” Do Not Share Identifiable Personal Data Providing details like your birthdate, favourite colour, or workplace can help cybercriminals bypass security measures. Frame your queries more broadly: • Safer: “What are traits of someone born in late autumn?” • Risky: “I was born on November 15th—what does that say about me?” Avoid Disclosing Sensitive Information About Your Children Nearly 48 percent of parents unintentionally share sensitive details such as their child’s name, school, or routine. This information can be exploited to target children or compromise their privacy: • Safer: “What are fun activities for young children on weekends?” • Risky: “What can I plan for my 8-year-old at XYZ School this weekend?” Never Share Financial Details According to government data, 32 percent of identity theft cases stem from online data sharing, including financial information. Avoid sharing exact numbers or patterns: • Safer: “What are the best strategies for saving for a vacation?” • Risky: “I save $500 per month. How much should I allocate to a trip?” Refrain From Sharing Personal Health Information Health data is frequently exploited in breaches, with over 80% of healthcare breaches linked to digital platform vulnerabilities. Avoid sharing personal medical histories or genetic risks: • Safer: “What are common symptoms of [condition]?” • Risky: “My family has a history of [condition]; am I at risk?” How to Stay Safe • Think Before You Share: Avoid combining identifiable details in queries (e.g., name, birthdate, and workplace). • Use Privacy-Safe Tools: Choose platforms with strong privacy features like “data deletion after sessions.” • Stick to Reputable Platforms: Ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar data protection laws. • Monitor for Breaches: Tools like HaveIBeenPwned can alert you to exposed data. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death rowBest Companies Of 2024: Artificial Intelligence Plays, Consumer Stocks Stood OutThe Vikings activated linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. from injured reserve Saturday afternoon, making him available to play Sunday. Linebacker Jamin Davis, signed off the Packers’ practice squad Nov. 26, was waived to make room on the roster for Pace. Davis appeared in three games, making four tackles and sacking Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins . Pace was a full participant in all three days of practice this week as he returned from a Nov. 24 hamstring injury. It was the second stretch he’s missed this season, as an ankle injury held him out of Weeks 3 and 4 — including the Vikings’ last matchup with Green Bay. On Monday, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell lauded Pace as a “poster guy” for defensive play style and said that the defense is at its best when he’s on the field alongside linebacker Blake Cashman. Pace has made 59 tackles and three sacks in eight games this season. He also recovered a fumble against the Lions on Oct. 20 that he returned 36 yards for a touchdown.
The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.Local stories on interest from 2024 included happy, sad and a host of emotions in between. Here are but a few: Election Year The year started out with caucuses in January, a primary in June, and the General Election in November. Keith Wieland was sworn in as a new Supervisor. The EMS Levy failed by less than 1 percent needed. The Supervisors have already discussed initial steps to try again. Food At one end of the spectrum the local food pantries were kept busy all year. On the other end, there was an abundance of breakfast, lunch, and supper fundraisers featuring fish, spaghetti, tenderloins, steaks, soups, pancakes, etc. Business Several new businesses started or expanded in Independence over the past year: - Steeple Studio (catering and yoga) - Gail Hunter Agency, LLC (affiliated with American Family Insurance) move. - Gedney Bakery - Hardware Hank changed to Cole’s Ace Hardware - And The Kitchen Sink - Independence Premium Foods (former Tyson facility) - Shih Tzu Knot Grooming - Hartig Drug moved across the river - Salt + Light Wellspa - Allerton Brewing Company (new owners) - Unleashed Pet Services - Merit Insurance - Ink & Steel - Premier Animal Wellness & Surgery (PAWS) (new facility) - Farm Bureau Financial Services — The Osborne Agency renovated and moved to the building across from the Post Office. - Odin’s Mark Tattoo and Emporium Celebrations Every weekend this past summer had a parade or celebration. Buchanan County Fair had pretty good weather – a bit of rain, but not beastly hot. Same for Winthrop Days in June. It was a beautiful night in Winthrop Park for fun and the Sawyer Brown concert. In the fall, the schools held homecoming parades and reunions. Candy was everywhere for Halloween events. December was full was holiday celebrations, including Jingle on Main in Independence, Brandon’s Christmas Festival, Winter Fest in Jesup, Santa in Lamont, and Christmas on Madison in Winthrop. Politics and Opinions The big issues on people’s minds this year included: - Wind turbines / WECS - Property rights - EMS levy - Transparency - Biden / Trump - Candidates for office at all levels of government