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Islamabad deserves debt relief from all creditors urgently, says economist Pakistan’s debt situation has been worsening since 2008, but deteriorated at speed never witnessed since 2019 ISLAMABAD: Several low-income countries (LICs) including Pakistan face severe debt crisis and deserve to receive debt relief from bilateral, multilateral and private creditors urgently. Pakistan’s renowned economist Dr Ashfaque Hassan Khan, who is currently serving at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), has come up with a detailed research work titled ‘Sinking in debt: A framework for debt relief for low income countries’ and argued that Pakistan’s current debt situation is far worse than many of the LICs and hence it deserves to receive debt relief urgently. Pakistan’s debt situation has been worsening since 2008, but deteriorated at a speed never witnessed before since 2019. Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities have been growing at differing pace since 2000. They grew at an average rate of 1.4 per cent per annum during 2000-2007; the pace accelerated to 6.2pc per annum during 2008-2015; the pace further accelerated to 8.6pc per annum during 2016-2023. By December-end 2023, Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities stood at $131.4 billion – rising from $36.5 billion in 2000. In other words, Pakistan added almost $95 billion external debt and liabilities in just 23 years as against $37.1 billion in the last 53 years prior to the year 2000, that is, since independence in 1947. More importantly, Pakistan added $66.4 billion in total external debt and liabilities of $131.2 billion or 51pc during the two lost decades (Decades of the 1990s, and 2008-18). Public debt, on the other hand, is influenced by the size of the budget deficit, rate of depreciation of the currency and interest rate. Like external debt and liabilities, the rise in public debt exhibited different pace since the year 2000. Public debt grew at an average rate of 8pc per annum during 2000-2007; accelerated at the rate of 16.5pc per annum during 2008-18; and grew at a dangerously high level of 21.3pc per annum during 2019-2023. Devaluation of Pakistani currency and the persistence of unprecedentedly high interest have contributed enormously to the rise of public debt in Pakistan. With rise in public and external debt over the years, especially during the last five years (2019-2023), Pakistan’s debt servicing liabilities has turned out to be far worse than the many LICs. Devaluation and the persistence of keeping interest rate high have created serious budgetary problems for Pakistan, especially during the last five years. Interest payment as percentage of total revenue continued to surge since 2018-19. It was 28.7pc in 2017-18 but increased to 42.7pc in 2018-19 and further reached to an all-time high at 59.1pc by 2022-23. In other words, almost 60pc revenue (tax and non-tax revenue combined) was consumed by one budgetary item, that is, interest payment. With respect to tax revenue only, interest payment was almost 34pc in 2017-18 but surged to 72.8pc by 2022-23. In other words, Pakistan consumed almost three – fourth of its tax revenue for interest payment. More alarmingly, interest payment alone reached over three times the development expenditure and 35.3pc of total expenditure. Hence, devaluation and high-interest rate policies have seriously affected Pakistan’s economy and made Pakistan even far worse in the comity of developing countries in general and in LICs in particular as externally debt distress country, he added. He suggested that bilateral Creditors may suspend their debt repayment for 10 years. Besides, it is proposed that they may enter into various debt swap arrangements with the eligible countries. This will be a great help for the eligible LICs because instead of repaying principal and interest in foreign currency, they will be using these monies for budgetary purposes to spend on education health, climate change and improving other social indicators.
Iran says will hold nuclear talks with France, Germany, UK
Lake Ridge students learn circuits through video gamesPadel Court Manufacturers China: Redefining the Padel Sports Experience 12-24-2024 05:44 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire The rapid popularity of padel tennis in US The 2024 USPA Masters Finals, held from December 6-8 at the iconic Padel Haus Dumbo in Brooklyn, marked the thrilling conclusion of the NOX USPA Circuit. It served as the crowning moment, highlighting the remarkable growth and passion for padel across the United States. Padel is now spreading far and wide across the U.S. at an increasingly impressive clip. Image: https://www.ldkchina.com/uploads/145.png What is PADEL? Padel is a sport that combines action, fun and social interaction. It is a great sport for players of all ages and skills as it is fast and easy to pick up. Most players get the basics down in the first half hour of the game so they can enjoy it. Padel is not dominated by power, technique and serve like tennis, and is therefore an ideal sport for men, women and teenagers to compete together. An important skill is game skill, as points are won through strategy rather than sheer strength and power. Pardel is a mixture of tennis and squash. Tennis is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by a glass and metal potato mud wall. The court is only one third the size of a tennis court. The ball can bounce off any wall, but it can only hit the turf once. A goal is scored when the ball bounces twice in the opponent's court. About us LDK continuously improves ad improves the entire system of services such as design, production, installation, and after-sales service based on its familiarity with overseas markets and understanding of the needs of overseas customers in different regions.We offer state-of-the-art cricket court sports facilities designed to bring an unprecedented sporting experience to padel enthusiasts and professionals. It was born with the objective of developing padel courts with the highest quality standards, providing a comprehensive and highly personalized service capable of adapting to our clients' particular demands. We perfectly know what our clients' concerns are and we materialize them in every detail of our work. Image: https://www.ldkchina.com/uploads/218.png Padel Court with Roof [ https://www.ldkchina.com/factory-price-sports-equipment-padel-court-with-roof-cover-for-paddle-tennis-product/ ] About the padel court equipment Our padel court uses the most advanced technology and materials. Its features a high-quality playing surface that ensures optimal ball bounce and player traction, can not only ensure that the ball bounces highly accurate and stable, but also provide excellent anti-skid performance for players, whether it is a fast sprint or an emergency stop steering, can make players full of confidence, enjoy the ball skills. The fence and glass are made of high quality materials, which are durable and beautiful. Image: https://www.ldkchina.com/uploads/135.png Panoramic Full Glass Padel Court [ https://www.ldkchina.com/high-quality-panoramic-full-glass-padel-court-paddle-tennis-equipment-product/ ] Image: https://www.ldkchina.com/uploads/%E7%94%BB%E6%9D%BF-51.png For more information about the padel court and catalog details, please contact: Shenzhen LDK Industrial Co. Ltd, anna, ldksports@gmail.com, www.ldkchina.com Media Contact Company Name: SHENZHEN LDK INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=padel-court-manufacturers-china-redefining-the-padel-sports-experience ] Phone: +86 75589896763 Country: China Website: https://www.ldkchina.com/ This release was published on openPR.Central Michigan has hired Matt Drinkall, the offensive line coach at Army, to be its next head football coach. Related Articles College Sports | Unbeaten MSU climbs seven spots in women’s AP Top 25; UM up three slots College Sports | Michigan ranked for first time in three years, MSU makes first appearance of season in top 25 College Sports | Michigan gets Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 College Sports | AP Top 25: Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas top poll going into playoff; Tide ranked ahead of SMU College Sports | Gayle scores late to give Michigan 85-83 win over Iowa for Wolverines’ 7th straight victory Drinkall has been on staff at Army for six seasons, in a variety of roles. Before that, he was head coach at Kansas Wesleyan, of the NAIA level, for five seasons. Drinkall, 42, succeeds Jim McElwain, who recently retired after 40 years of coaching, including the last six at Central Michigan. The new coach was on campus Monday, and he will be introduced during a campus press conference Tuesday. Contract terms weren’t immediately available Monday. McElwain made more than $1 million a year. “Matt has been successful everywhere he’s been,” Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan said in a statement Monday. “He is very innovative, he’s been a student of the game, and has a passion for college football. He’s coming from an institution in Army West Point that puts a premium on leadership. He has had success as a head coach and has a reputation as a player’s coach. With Matt’s background and abilities, he is the perfect fit to lead us into the next chapter of Central Michigan football.” This season, Drinkall helped oversee an Army offense that averaged 314.4 rushing yards, which ranked first in the nation, and scored 32.92 points a game. His offensive line is a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. Army (11-1), which checked in 22nd in the final College Football Playoff rankings, will play Navy on Dec. 14, and then plays Marshall in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 28. Drinkall has been Army’s offensive-line coach the past two seasons, and was co-offensive coordinator in 2023. He was tight-ends coach from 2020-22, and was a quality control coach in 2019, his first year on Jeff Monken’s staff. “My wife Kim and I are deeply humbled and honored to join the Central Michigan University family,” Drinkall said in a statement. “We are so excited to get back to our Midwest roots and to be a part of this passionate community. We cannot wait to build meaningful relationships and help contribute to the success of this storied program. We are also honored to follow in the footsteps of the McElwains, who have meant so much to college football. Fire Up Chips!” Central Michigan has had three losing seasons in a row, and was 4-8 this past season, as the NCAA was investigating the university’s role in then-Michigan staffer Connor Stalions allegedly being on the Chippewas sideline, in sunglasses, a goatee and maroon-and-gold clothing, for the season opener at Michigan State in 2023. McElwain and several assistants were interviewed by the NCAA, and CMU has said it is cooperating with the NCAA’s investigation. The Chippewas made two bowl games under McElwain, beating Washington State, 24-21, in the 2021 Sun Bowl. McElwain, 62, is staying at CMU, as an adviser to Folan in the athletic department. Before arriving at Army, Drinkall was head coach at Kansas Wesleyan, leading the program to a 42-17 record over his five seasons, while also serving as the offensive coordinator. The team, under his power-spread, no-huddle offense, made the national semifinals in 2018. Drinkall was an assistant at NAIA school St. Ambrose, in Iowa, from 2008-13. Before that, he was an assistant Western Illinois; Drinkall got his start in coaching in high school in Iowa. Drinkall is a native of Bettendorf, Iowa, and he played football and ran track in high school. “Matt Drinkall brings an impressive track record of leadership, innovation, and success to Central Michigan University,” Central Michigan president Neil MacKinnon said in a statement. “His commitment to excellence both on and off the field aligns with our values and our vision for the future of CMU football. “We are excited to welcome Matt and his family to Mount Pleasant, and we look forward to seeing how his passion and experience will inspire our student-athletes and energize the CMU Chippewa community.” Drinkall takes over a program had a light haul on National Signing Day last week, inking just nine recruits amid the uncertainty of the head-coaching position. Central Michigan also is losing several players to the transfer portal, include two of its quarterbacks, Bert Emanuel Jr. and Joe Labas. Emanuel had five touchdowns (three rushing, two passing) in 2024, while Labas threw for seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first season at CMU after transferring from Iowa. Offensive lineman Jemeil Jackson also entered the transfer portal Monday, the first day the portal opened.
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AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has revealed his top 30 prospects for the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft. The 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft will be held at Marvel Stadium on Monday, December 16. A live broadcast will be available on AFL.com.au, the AFLW App and the Official AFL Live App from 7:00pm AEDT. This year’s AFLW Draft will be the league’s first ever national draft, with all nominees available to be selected by any of the 18 clubs. The move to a national draft was announced in June , with the transition to a fully national draft following last year’s opt-in model, where almost 70 per cent of draft nominees entered the ‘national draft pool'. Ahead of the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft, Kevin Sheehan has unveiled his top 30 prospects. Players are listed in alphabetical order and not ranked. Sheehan has only featured players who are in their draft year (born in 2006). The list does not include players who have previously been listed by an AFLW club or those who graduated from Talent Pathways programs prior to this year. State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Eastern Ranges Community Club: Mooroolbark Date of Birth: 17/09/2006 Height: 174cm Athletic intercepting defender with Sudanese heritage. Comes from a soccer and hockey background and has seamlessly adjusted to the skillset needed in Australian Rules football. Composed with one-touch hands and neat disposals skills, she starred in the Coates Talent League Grand Final as a bottom-age player in 2023 before earning a place in the Marsh AFL National Academy in 2024. A knee injury curtailed the first part of her season before returning for the final Marsh AFL National Championships game for Victoria Metro. Finished the season strongly for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, which included picking up 21 disposals in the qualifying final. Was also among her team’s best in the Grand Final defeat to the Oakleigh Chargers before showcasing her athleticism at the national Draft Combine, where she ranked first in the running vertical jump with a result of 67cm, while her 7:46 for the 2km time trial ranked third. A post shared by Coates Talent League (@talentleague) State: Queensland State League Club: Brisbane Lions Academy Community Club: Maroochydore Date of Birth: 14/08/2006 Height: 180cm Developing tall defender and ruck who showed enormous potential in three matches for the Brisbane Lions Academy in the Coates Talent League in 2023, averaging 12 disposals and 26 hitouts to earn selection in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. Injury kept her out for the Lions matches earlier this year, but she returned to play for Queensland as a lockdown defender at the National Championships. A super athletic type with a long-left foot kick, she moved to Australian Rules football from a background in cricket and hockey. Was one of the impressive performers at the national Draft Combine, ranking in the top six in the vertical jump (51cm), 20m sprint (3.27 seconds) and 2km time trial (7:52). State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Eastern Ranges Community Club: Olinda Ferny Creek Date of Birth: 09/09/2006 Height: 175cm Mobile forward who can also push into the midfield, where she uses her athleticism and footy nous to consistently win the ball. Is strong overhead and shows a touch of class around goals with her creativity and innate goal sense. Had an outstanding season in 2024, which included winning All Australian honours after averaging 18.3 disposals, 4.7 marks and kicking seven goals for Victoria Metro at the National Championships. Was dominant in the wins over the Allies and South Australia, with her versatility and team orientation also features of her play. Was a star for the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, finishing runner-up in their best and fairest award after averaging 25 disposals in 15 matches. Picked up 31 disposals and six marks in an impressive performance in her team’s Grand Final defeat to the Oakleigh Chargers. State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Eastern Ranges Community Club: Blackburn Date of Birth: 13/12/2006 Height: 175cm Athletic tall forward with an excellent natural leap and neat kick. A team-oriented player, she captained the Eastern Ranges into the Coates Talent League Grand Final and had a consistent year, kicking 14 goals in as many matches from an average of 11.4 disposals. Played all three games for Victoria Metro at the National Championships, which included a starring performance against the Allies with 16 disposals, seven marks and five goals. Showcased her leap at the National Combine with her effort of 64cm on the running vertical leap ranked second overall. State: Victoria Country State League Club: Gippsland Power Community Club: Sale City Date of Birth: 02/06/2006 Height: 176cm An exciting and classy forward and midfielder who has an innate ability to read the play to win the ball and display composure with the ball in hand. Strong overhead and a one-touch player, she was at her dominant best for Victoria Country in the National Championships clash against Victoria Metro at Marvel Stadium with 29 disposals (12 contested) and two goals in a best on ground performance. Was rewarded with All Australian honours for the second consecutive year, having won Victoria Country’s MVP award as a bottom-age player in 2023. Her outstanding form extended to club level, where she claimed the Coates Talent League Girls best and fairest after a dominant season for the Gippsland Power, where she averaged 27.7 disposals and kicked 18 goals in 13 matches. A precocious talent who was also a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. Get to know Gippsland Power's Ash Centra ahead of the Telstra 2024 AFLW Draft State: Victoria Country State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers Community Club: Red Cliffs/Bambill Date of Birth: 20/02/2006 Height: 166cm Versatile defender and midfielder with the footy smarts and sharp competitive edge to win the contested ball at stoppages and in one-on-one contests. Has shown great resilience to return and have an impressive year after missing the entire 2023 season with a hairline fracture in her leg. Is a member of the AFL’s Indigenous Academy and Richmond’s Next Generation Academy. Was outstanding for the Bendigo Pioneers during the 2024 Coates Talent League season, winning their best and fairest and selection in the Team of the Year after averaging 17 disposals and 7.6 tackles across 14 matches. Capped of her year by representing Victoria Country at the National Championships and was among her team’s best against both Queensland and Western Australia. State: Victoria Country State League Club: Murray Bushrangers Community Club: Shepparton United Date of Birth: 01/07/2006 Height: 176cm Versatile defender and midfielder who had an excellent year for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League, winning the club’s best and fairest award and selection in the Team of the Year after averaging 23.5 disposals, four marks and six tackles. Was also impressive playing for Victoria Country in the National Championships, averaging 15.3 disposals (seven contested). Has the talent to join her sister, Richmond star Grace, as an AFLW player. Her natural leap caught the eye at the national Draft Combine with her 62cm performance ranked fifth overall. State: Western Australia State League Club: East Fremantle Date of Birth: 04/06/2006 Height: 160cm Defender and midfielder with blistering pace who is prepared to take the game on and create opportunities for her team with her run and carry. A good decision maker with neat disposal skills, she played some exciting football at the National Championships for Western Australia, averaging 20.3 disposals to win All Australian honours for the second consecutive year. Was a star at senior level for East Fremantle in the WAFLW, averaging 24.6 disposals, 4.6 tackles, four clearances and kicking eight goals across 13 matches. Confirmed her sharp speed at the national Draft Combine where she ranked second on the 20m sprint with a time of 3.18 seconds. Was a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. Draft prospect Zippy Fish discusses attending the National Combine ahead of the Draft later in the year State: Victoria Country State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers Community Club: Moama Date of Birth: 07/04/2006 Height: 181cm Versatile tall forward and defender who bounced back this year from adversity to emerge as a real Draft prospect after missing the entire 2023 season with injury. Presents well as a marking target when forward and is very strong in one-on-one contests. A mobile player who is an excellent decision maker and neat kick, she impressed all year for the Bendigo Pioneers, averaging 14.7 disposals, 4.3 marks and 4.9 tackles to finish equal runner up in their best and fairest award. Also continued her development by playing all three games for Victoria Country at the National Championships, which included an impressive performance in defence against Western Australia with 18 disposals (13 contested) and seven rebound 50s. State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Western Jets Community Club: Yarraville Seddon Eagles Date of Birth: 18/05/2006 Height: 163cm Pocket rocket midfielder with a sharp competitive edge who attacks the ball ferociously and rarely fumbles. Powerful and quick, she is an accumulator of the football. Averaged 28.3 disposals (16 contested), 6.7 clearances and four tackles at the National Championships to win the best and fairest award for the carnival, as well as the MVP award for title-winner Victoria Metro. Continued her dominance at club level, averaging 30.2 disposals and 7.5 tackles in 13 matches for the Western Jets to secure her team’s best and fairest award and back-to-back selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Was a member of the National Academy and won the best on ground medal for the Australia U18 team in their second match against the U23 All Stars in June. Get to know Western Jets' Sierra Grieves ahead of the Telstra 2024 AFLW Draft State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Northern Knights Community Club: Fitzroy Date of Birth: 03/06/2006 Height: 172cm Exciting midfielder with a powerful burst of speed who is also courageous and strong overhead. Has sound fundamentals with clean hands and neat distribution. Was prominent all year, averaging 21 disposals (nine contested), 4.2 marks and five tackles in 14 matches for the Northern Knights to finish runner-up in their best and fairest award. Was also impressive at representative level, playing all three matches for Victoria Metro at the National Championships. Was a standout with 25 disposals and seven tackles in the match against Victoria Country at Marvel Stadium. State: Queensland State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy Community Club: Burleigh/Bond University Date of Birth: 01/07/2006 Height: 182cm Tall midfielder and forward who can use her physical assets and skill all over the ground. Won the competition best and fairest award and Queensland’s MVP as a bottom-age player at last year’s U18 National Championships and backed it up again this year. Her burst from stoppages and penetrating kick were standout features at this year’s Championships, where she averaged 23.7 disposals (14 contested) and 5.3 clearances to finish third in the best and fairest award and become a dual All Australian. Had a similarly dominant impact playing for the Gold Coast Suns Academy in the Coates Talent League, averaging 28 disposals (15 contested) and eight inside-50s. Was a member of the National Academy and won the best on ground medal for the Australia U18 team in their first match against the U23 All Stars in April. Get to know Bond University's Havana Harris ahead of the Telstra 2024 AFLW Draft State: Victoria Country State League Club: Geelong Falcons Community Club: Newtown & Chilwell Date of Birth: 29/01/2006 Height: 173cm Prolific ball winner who can play as an outside or inside midfielder, using her elite running ability and football smarts to accumulate the ball. A one-touch player who uses the ball well by hand and foot, she averaged 28 disposals (16 contested) at an efficiency rate of 77 percent playing for Victoria Country at the National Championships. Was awarded her team’s MVP award and earned selection in the All Australian team for the second-consecutive year after also being selected as a bottom-age player last year. Has been a dominant player for the Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League for three years and won the competition best and fairest in 2023. Continued to shine this year averaging 26 disposals, six tackles and kicking seven goals to finish runner-up in the competition best and fairest award and win selection in the Team of the Year for the second time. Was a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. A post shared by Coates Talent League (@talentleague) State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Eastern Ranges Community Club: Monbulk Date of Birth: 11/10/2006 Height: 165cm Small forward who is extremely productive in hitting the scoreboard. Reads the fall of the ball exceptionally well, is very clean below her knees and has a penetrating and accurate kick. Kicked nine goals for Victoria Metro to lead the goal kicking at the National Championships, highlighted by a five-goal haul against Victoria Country at Marvel Stadium, and was recognised by winning All Australian honours. Had a productive year with the Eastern Ranges in the Coates Talent League, kicking 27 goals in 16 matches to be selected in the Team of the Year. Her elite agility shone through at the national Draft Combine, with her time of 8.74 seconds on the agility test ranked fifth overall. State: South Australia State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens Community Club: SMOSH West Lakes Date of Birth: 01/09/2006 Height: 163cm Versatile player capable of playing back, midfield or forward who has a sharp competitive edge and very clean hands. Was a consistent ball winner for South Australia at the National Championships, averaging 18 disposals. Was among her team’s best players in its matches against the Allies and Victoria Metro and was rewarded with All Australian selection. Continued to progress her development at senior level with the Eagles in the SANFL, having now played 26 games over three seasons. This season she averaged 16.5 disposals and 5.2 tackles across11 senior matches. Earned selection in the U23 All Stars team which took on the Australia U18 team in two talent showcase games and was one of here side’s best players with 17 disposals in game two. State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers Community Club: Ashburton Date of Birth: 18/04/2006 Height: 180cm Strong marking forward who presents well on the lead and is a neat and reliable set shot for goal. Has been outstanding for Victoria Metro at the National Championships across both of the past two campaigns, winning All Australian honours in 2023 and 2024. This year she averaged nine disposals, 3.3 marks with 1.7 goals, with included a bag of four majors against the Allies. Has also been a star for the Oakleigh Chargers, helping them to back-to-back Coates Talent League Girls premierships. This year she finished equal second in their best and fairest award after averaging 15.5 disposals and kicking 18 goals. Was a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. A post shared by Coates Talent League (@talentleague) State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Sandringham Dragons Community Club: Prahan Date of Birth: 27/04/2006 Height: 167cm Hard-running midfielder who is both an extractor of the ball in congestion and an excellent and composed link in the handball chain to provide her team with consistent drive. Was a model of consistency for Victoria Metro during the National Championships, averaging 23.7 disposals (10.7 contested) and 4.3 clearances to be vital cog in their title-winning team and was rewarded with All Australian honours. Continued her impressive development with the Sandringham Dragons to finish runner up in their best and fairest award after averaging 22.5 disposals across 10 matches. A member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy, she is the daughter of former Carlton captain Andrew McKay and sister of current AFLW star Abbie. Is eligible to join her sister at the Blues under the father-daughter rule. Carlton father-daughter prospect has proven she is a big game player State: Western Australia State League Club: South Fremantle Community Club: South Coogee Date of Birth: 24/05/2006 Height: 179cm Extremely athletic tall defender who is strong overhead and very composed with her decision making and ball use on the way out. Was selected as an U18 All Australian as a bottom-age player last year after averaging 14 disposals at 78 percent efficiency while representing Western Australia at the National Championships. Was a strong performer for her state again this year and also represented the Australia U18 team as a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. Impressed at senior level in the WAFL this season, averaging 20.3 disposals, seven tackles and four clearances in nine matches for South Fremantle. Her elite athletic ability was eye-catching at the national Draft Combine, where she ranked second in the 2km time trial (7:35) and third in the running vertical jump (63cm). State: Victoria Country State League Club: Bendigo Pioneers Community Club: White Hills Date of Birth: 23/02/2006 Height: 174cm Powerful midfielder/forward who is strong overhead and possesses an elite penetrating kick. Also has high footy IQ and rarely fumbles. Was one of Victoria Country’s best players at the National Championships, winning All Australian honours after averaging 17.7 disposals (nine contested) and 6.7 tackles. Continued her dominance playing for Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23.9 disposals, 4.6 marks and 7.4 tackles in 11 matches to finish runner up in the competition best and fairest award and win selection in the Team of the Year. A member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. Get to know Bendigo Pioneers' Lucia Painter ahead of the Telstra 2024 AFLW Draft State: South Australia State League Club: Glenelg Community Club: Plympton Date of Birth: 09/01/2006 Height: 167cm Smooth-moving midfielder with dazzling pace who is a neat user of the ball. Captained South Australia at the National Championships and provided consistent drive, averaging 17 disposals, 6.3 handball receives and five tackles. Was among her team’s best players against both Queensland and Western Australia. Has continued her development at senior level in the SANFLW, playing 36 matches for Glenelg over the past three seasons. This year she averaged 18.5 disposals, 7.8 tackles and 3.8 clearances in 12 matches. Is the daughter of former Collingwood forward Stephen Patterson and is eligible to join the Magpies via the father-daughter rule. Check out the best moments so far from potential 2024 Collingwood father-daughter selection Violet Patterson State: Northern Territory State League Club: Northern Territory Academy Community Club: Palmerston Magpies Date of Birth: 28/02/2006 Height: 171cm Exciting defender whose dazzling speed and preparedness to take on the game are among her best assets. This comes as no surprise given her uncles, former Melbourne star Aaron Davey and Essendon forward Alwyn Davey, both electrified the AFL with their acceleration. Was ranked first for speed at the national Draft Combine, with her 3.12 seconds for the 20m sprint the fourth fastest time recorded at the girls Combine. A good player in one-on-one battles and capable of playing on the wing, she represented the Allies at the National Championships this year, averaging 12 disposals. A graduate of the Woomeras program for Indigenous girls, she was also a member of the Northern Territory Academy over the past two years and represented Australia this year as part of the Marsh AFL National Academy. Get to know Palmerston Magpies' Tatyana Perry ahead of the Telstra 2024 AFLW Draft State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers Community Club: Old Scotch/Hawthorn Citizens Date of Birth: 05/01/2006 Height: 171cm Hard-running midfielder who works tirelessly both ways to support her team to outnumber the opposition. Attacks the ball ferociously, has clean hands and neat disposal. Her defensive pressure was elite for Victoria Metro at the National Championships, averaging six tackles per game to set a great standard for the title-winning team. Also averaged 19.7 disposals (9.3 contested) and 2.3 clearances to earn All Australian honours. Had a dominant season for the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League, averaging 24.4 disposals and 10.4 tackles to finish runner-up in their best and fairest award as they claimed back-to-back premiership wins. Showcased her elite running capacity and competitiveness at the national Draft Combine, setting a new record on the 2km time trial with her time of 7:02. State: South Australia State League Club: Sturt Community Club: Glenunga Date of Birth: 29/11/2006 Height: 173cm Left-footed forward who is both athletic and classy with her ball-winning ability, creative distribution and goal sense. Once again excelled for South Australia at this year’s National Championships after winning their MVP as a bottom-age player in 2023, averaging 22.3 disposals (nine contested), 4.3 marks and one goal to go back-to-back as an All Australian. A member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy, she has had a sound grounding at senior level with Sturt, playing 30 games over three years and kicking 25 goals. That included averaging 24.3 disposals and 5.3 marks this season as a force to be reckoned with. Is the daughter of prominent former tennis player, coach and now commentator, Roger Rasheed, who also played football for Sturt in the SANFL. Get to know Sturt's India Rasheed ahead of the Telstra 2024 AFLW Draft State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Northern Knights Community Club: Heidelberg Date of Birth: 27/12/2006 Height: 174cm Versatile player who is athletic and has a sharp competitive edge. Has an excellent combination of speed and endurance, is a long kick and an aggressive tackler. These traits were apparent while representing Victoria Metro at this year’s National Championships, where she averaged 14 disposals playing predominantly on the wing and featured among the best players against both Victoria Country and South Australia. Had a great season at club level as captain of the Northern Knights, averaging 21.5 disposals, three marks and seven tackles to win the team’s best and fairest and selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. Showcased her speed at the national Draft Combine, ranking fourth in the 20m sprint with a time of 3.26 seconds while also recording top ten finishes in the 2km time trial and running vertical jump. State: Queensland State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy Community Club: Bond University Date of Birth: 27/06/2006 Height: 169cm Midfielder who was a model of consistency throughout the year. Very light on her feet, she has a high footy IQ and is clever with her ball use. Is also aggressive and effective at stoppages. Produced an eye-catching performance for Queensland against Western Australia during the National Championships and earned All Australian honours after averaging 20 disposals (10 contested), 3.7 clearances and four tackles. Was also prominent with her energy and leadership for the Suns Academy in their four matches in the Coates Talent League, averaging 23 disposals against Victoria’s best. State: South Australia State League Club: Glenelg Community Club: Mitcham Date of Birth: 31/12/2006 Height: 179cm Super athletic and versatile player who is strong overhead with neat disposals skills. Had her season interrupted by an ankle injury which restricted her to playing just one game at the National Championships. A dual sport athlete who is also a talented netballer, she won All Australian honours last year when competing for South Australia as a bottom-aged player at the U18 National Championships, averaging 14 disposals at 74 percent efficiency, 3.7 marks, three tackles and six hitouts. A member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy, she is the sister of 2024 Telstra AFLW Rising Star and Mark of the Year winner Matilda Scholz. State: Queensland State League Club: Gold Coast Suns Academy Community: Bond University/North Cairns Date of Birth: 18/12/2006 Height: 160cm Defender who hits the contest with pace and possesses real X factor. Was a standout for the Gold Coast Suns Academy in the Coates Talent League early in the season, averaging 20.8 disposals in four matches. Her speed and ball-winning ability were prominent in impressive wins over both the Geelong Falcons and Calder Cannons. Suffered a shoulder injury and missed playing in the National Championships but reminded the scouts of her athletic prowess at the national Draft Combine, ranking second on the agility run (8.46 seconds) and in the top ten on the 20m sprint (3.31 seconds). Was part of the Woomeras program in 2022. State: Victoria Metro State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers Community Club: Whitehorse Date of Birth: 10/07/2006 Height: 169cm Intercepting defender who has had an outstanding two years, which has included winning best on ground honours in consecutive Coates Talent League Grand Finals for the Oakleigh Chargers. Was also named an All Australian defender this year after serving as co-captain of the title-winning Victoria Metro team. A strong one-on-one player, she makes smart decisions on when to mark or spoil then uses the ball with precision, particularly with her penetrating right foot. Played with a strong physical presence for the Oakleigh Chargers this year, averaging 18 disposals in 15 matches, which included having 24 disposals and taking six marks in the Grand Final win. Was a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. A post shared by Coates Talent League (@talentleague) State: Tasmania State League Club: Tasmania Devils Community Club: North Hobart Demons Date of Birth: 26/06/2006 Height: 171cm Powerful defender who reads the play exceptionally well to intercept and break the lines with her speed and penetrating kicking. Represented the Allies with distinction at the National Championships and was rewarded with All Australian honours. Excelled with 21 disposals and eight rebound-50s in the win over Queensland and was prominent in the defeat to Victoria Metro. Has been a rock in defence for the Tasmania Devils over the past three Coates Talent League seasons and won selection in the 2024 Team of the Year after averaging 18.7 disposals and 3.6 tackles. Was a member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. State: Western Australia State League Club: Claremont Community Club: Subiaco Date of Birth: 30/10/2006 Height: 172cm Versatile player with speed and ball-winning ability who can play in all three zones and have an impact. Has been challenged by an unfortunate run of injuries over the past two years and was only able to play one representative game for Western Australia at under 18s level, which came in 2023. Despite this, she still showed enough to be selected in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy. Showcased her prowess predominantly through the midfield for the Australia U18 team on two occasions against the U23 All Stars this year, averaging 14 disposals at an impressive efficiency rate of 70 percent. Had a strong year with Claremont at senior level in the WAFLW, averaging 17.2 disposals in 13 matches and was part of the Tigers’ premiership side. Potential draft prospect Claudia Wright tore it up for Claremont in the WAFLW in round eight, 2024Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that an arrest has been made following the death of thirty-eight-year-old Aaron Jones (pictured) of Llanpumsaint last night, who was hit by a car whilst out walking his dog in the Carmarthenshire village. Police can now confirm the vehicle believed to be involved in the fatal road traffic collision in Llanpumsaint on Monday, December 23 has been located. A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “One man, aged 27, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. “The road remains closed. Residents will see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues. “The family of the man who died in the collision continue to be supported by specially trained officers. They have asked for privacy at this difficult time. “The force would like to thank everyone who responded to their appeal with information. The collision happened near to Caer Salem Baptist Chapel sometime between 6.45pm and 7.45pm on December 23 while Mr Jones was walking his dog. Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone travelling in the area at the time who have dashcam on their vehicles, or anyone with a doorbell camera or CCTV to check the footage and get in touch. Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either through a direct message on social media, online at: , by emailing , or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference: DP-20241223-290. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.orgDA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump's hush money case while upholding conviction
Syrian government services come to ‘complete halt’ as workers stay at homeNoneDuring Sunday’s Vikings-Bears game in Chicago, Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira explained during a coach’s challenge that in-stadium boundary cameras can’t be used for coaches’ challenges, because not every stadium has them. However, the boundary cameras can be used for automatic reviews. Per the NFL, teams were informed in late September that the boundary cameras are being deployed on a rolling basis. For that reason, the Competition Committee has advised the league to limit the use of the cameras to automatic booth reviews until the clubs have had a chance to experience the technology and how to best make the angles available to the teams during games. The boundary cameras are 12 league-owned cameras that are being introduced into each stadium, with the goal of capturing end lines, goal lines, and sidelines. These new cameras became operational for automatic reviews as of Week 5. However, they won’t be used for coaches’ challenges or replay assist in 2024. Automatic review is available on scoring plays, turnovers, in the final two minutes of each half, and in overtime. So, basically, there are camera angles that can be used for some reviews but not others, because the boundary cameras aren’t available in all stadiums. The equity angle would make sense, if (and only if) there wasn’t a gross disparity of camera angles based on whether a game is played at 1:00 p.m. ET or in prime-time. The goal should be to get it right, no matter what. If an angle provides the definitive look for a play that has been challenged, why not use it?
Data collected from councils around England and Wales highlight a sheer drop in rogue landlords being prosecuted, with more than 100 authorities saying that they have not prosecuted any housing landlords at all in half a decade. Landlords getting away with it by not being prosecuted Public Interest Lawyers collected information from English and Welsh councils, finding that over 100 of them did not take any landlords to court between 2019/20 and 2023/24. There were 1,267 reported prosecutions across five years, working out at around one per 335 complaints the councils received from concerned tenants. 252 councils, or 80% of the metropolitan, unitary, district, London or Welsh local authorities, responded within the time frame for a request. 115 (46%) confirmed that there were no prosecutions at all from April 2019 to March 2024. A further 49 only sought court action against a solitary landlord in the five-year period, meaning just under two-thirds of councils did not undertake a court prosecution of multiple landlords. As a number of authorities did not differentiate between civil penalties and court prosecutions in their response, that number may be higher. This data was described by a group of prominent renters' rights organisations as 'worrying', while another claimed that councils 'lack both the resources and the political will' to sufficiently deter landlords who fail to uphold their legal duties. Failing to collect fines on a huge scale Since the introduction of The Housing and Planning Act 2016, local authorities have had the ability to issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution. Some councils have argued that these penalties, as well as formal warnings, have been sufficient in maintaining landlord compliance. However, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) learned earlier this year that less than half of the fines issued against rogue landlords between 2021 and 2023 had been collected. The Act also does...CLEVELAND (AP) — Jameis Winston didn't throw a pick-6 on Sunday in Pittsburgh. There's progress. In this lost season for the disappointing and shockingly bad Cleveland Browns, the small victories matter. Winston, who has been entertaining if not always effective in six starts, did have a pair of interceptions. But the Browns were more harmed by Dustin Hopkins missing two more field goals in falling 27-14 to the Steelers, who haven't lost a regular-season home game to Cleveland since 2003. Coming off a 497-yard passing performance, which included two pick-6's in a loss at Denver last Monday night, Winston played more cautiously against the Steelers (10-3). However, he still made mistakes and couldn't rally the Browns (3-10), who were trying to sweep the season series from their division rival for the first time in 36 years. Now that the Browns have officially and mathematically been eliminated from the AFC playoffs — logically, that happened weeks ago — it's probably time for them to start planning ahead for next season. But that won't include a change at quarterback as coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Winston, who has revived Cleveland's offense since taking over when Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon in October, will start this week against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. “Our focus right now is really just trying to find ways to get a win,” Stefanski said. While there's an argument to be made that the Browns should play second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson over the next four weeks to see if he fits into their future, Stefanski is sticking with Winston, who has emerged as a viable option to start for Cleveland next season. Of course, with it being the Browns, all plans are subject to change. So there's a reasonable chance that Thompson-Robinson, who made three starts and played in eight games as a rookie, could get some time before the season ends. Stefanski wouldn't get into any specifics for his decision to ride with Winston, who has thrown for 1,892 yards while going 2-4 as a starter. “We’re just going to continue to do everything we can to play better,” Stefanski said on a Zoom call. “Obviously I think we can play better on offense. Certainly as a team we can play better, but really the focus is making sure that we put our guys in position to find a way to win.” Winston at least gives the Browns a chance to finish with some dignity. At this point, that's all they got. What's working Stefanski has kept his players focused and motivated. The Browns haven't quit, and that's a strong signal that Stefanski still has his player's attention in a season filled with disappointment. It might be more challenging now that the Browns are only playing for pride, but guard Wyatt Teller is confident the team will fight until the end. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in playoff contention or not,” he said. “You’re going to do the best you can to play at a high level and protect your brothers.” What needs help Penalties have been a problem all season (11 in the opener) and continued Sunday as the Browns were called for nine infractions, including a pair of personal fouls in the second half. Cleveland leads the NFL with 53 pre-snap penalties. Stock up Right tackle Jack Conklin. For the second straight game, Conklin, with some help from others, held Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt without a sack. Conklin's comeback after undergoing knee reconstruction last season has been a bright spot in an otherwise dark season. Stock down Hopkins. His two misses — a 38-yarder at the end of the first half and a 43-yarder early in the third quarter — were beyond deflating. Two makes and the game would have been tied at 13. So steady while going 33 of 36 and making all eight kicks from over 50 yards a year ago, Hopkins is in a 3 of 9 tailspin. The team's decision to sign him to a three-year, $15.9 million extension this summer appears to be another miss. Still, Stefanski is confident Hopkins will find his kicking swing. “This is something that I know he can get through,” Stefanski said. “We’ll get through it together. He’s a veteran. He’s been through a lot in his career already and this is something we’ll continue to work through.” Injuries CB Greg Newsome II injured the same hamstring Sunday that he had surgery on during the summer. Stefanski said Newsome will “miss time,” but did not say how much. ... DB Mike Ford is in concussion protocol after being hurt in the first half. ... Stefanski ruled out LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah again this week with a neck injury, but didn't provide any updates on his condition. Owusu-Koramoah was eligible to return last week. He got hurt on Oct. 27 while tackling Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Key number 99 1/2 — Career sacks for Myles Garrett, who recorded his 11th this season on Sunday. Garrett has 13 sacks against the Steelers, including six in his past three games. What's next A visit on Sunday from the Chiefs and perhaps pop superstar Taylor Swift, who could celebrate her birthday (Dec. 13) with a weekend in boyfriend Travis Kelce's hometown. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Tom Withers, The Associated Press
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an alleged participant in the smuggling ring, a survivor of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press reported , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found two parents and their young children later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.”