Matt Gaetz accused of paying minor for sex in ethics report
The Shillong Teer lottery is a traditional game that holds significant cultural importance in Meghalaya, attracting participants from across eastern India, particularly West Bengal and the Northeast. Organized by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute, this unique lottery features two rounds of archery each day, with results announced at 4 PM and 5 PM, except on Sundays. How the Game Works Participants place bets on two-digit numbers, predicting how many arrows will hit the target during the competition. The first round involves skilled archer shooting 30 arrows, while the second round consists of 20 arrows. The winning numbers are determined by the last two digits of the total number of arrows that successfully strike the target. Tickets for the Shillong Teer lottery are available at prices ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 50 from authorised vendors. This lottery not only provides an opportunity for players to win cash prizes but also promotes archery among youth, encouraging them to engage more actively in the sport. Daily Results For those eager to check today's results, the winning number for November 24, 2024, will be announced shortly after the draws. Participants can view the outcomes on official websites or through news updates dedicated to Meghalaya's lottery results. WINNING NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER 30 SHILLONG MORNING TEER Shillong Morning Teer First Round Winning Number: 61 Shillong Morning Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 11:30 am JUWAI MORNING TEER Juwai Morning Teer First Round Winning Number: 48 Juwai Morning Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 11:35 am SHILLONG TEER COMMON NUMBERS Direct Numbers: 47, 05, 25 House: 1, 4 Ending: 6, 9 WINNING NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER 30 JUWAI TEER RESULT Juwai Teer First Round Winning Number: Result at 1:45 pm Juwai Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 2:25 pm SHILLONG TEER RESULT Shillong Teer First Round Winning Number: Result at 3:44 pm Shillong Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 4:37 pm KHANAPARA TEER RESULT Khanapara Teer First Round Winning Number: Result at 4 pm Khanapara Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 4:40 pm JOWAI LADRYMBAI RESULT Winning number for Jowai: Result at 4:35 pm Winning number for Ladrymbai: Result at 4:40 pm SHILLONG NIGHT TEER RESULT Shillong Night Teer First Round Winning Number: Result at 7:15 pm Shillong Night Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 8 pm JOWAI NIGHT TEER RESULT Jowai Night Teer First Round Winning Number: Result at 8:15 pm Jowai Night Teer Second Round Winning Number: Result at 9 pmEuropean stocks bounced around Monday while US equities shook off early weakness to push higher as investors waited to see if a so-called Santa Claus rally sweeps over the market. Global stock markets had a tumultuous time last week, spiraling lower after the US Federal Reserve signaled fewer interest rate cuts than had been expected for 2025. But it ended on a positive note as traders welcomed below-forecast US inflation data that raised hopes about the health of the world's biggest economy. That helped Asian markets move higher on Monday, but the positive trend faltered in Europe and stumbled initially in the United States. "Another up leg in US yields not only put pressure on stock indices but also drove the greenback higher," said IG analyst Axel Rudolph. But after a sluggish start, US stocks rose progressively in a quiet session with analysts pointing to low pre-holiday trading volumes. "Stocks didn't really have any direction in the morning, then we got this tech rally that just sort of drifted higher all day," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Analysts view elevated Treasury bond yields as a threat to year-end gains in an historically strong period of the calendar. Known as a Santa Claus rally, there are various explanations for the phenomenon including seasonal optimism and end-of-year tax considerations. But there remains some trepidation among investors as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, pledging to cut taxes, slash regulations and impose tariffs on imports, which some economists warn could reignite inflation. "The initial response to the US election was positive as investors focused on the obvious tailwinds to profitability: lower corporate tax rates and less regulation," said Ronald Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard. "However, I expect much more dispersion within the equity market when the reality of a much-less-friendly trade environment sets in." In Europe, the FTSE 100 moved higher as the pound slid following data that showed that the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter, revised down from initial estimates of 0.1 percent growth. Official data out of Spain on Monday showed that the Spanish economy grew 0.8 percent in the third quarter as domestic consumption and exports increased, comfortably outstripping the European Union average. In company news, shares in crisis-hit German auto giant Volkswagen lost more than three percent on the back of news Friday that it plans to axe 35,000 jobs by 2030 in a drastic cost-cutting plan. Shares in Japanese auto giant Honda rose over three percent after it announced Monday an agreement to launch merger talks with struggling compatriot Nissan that could create the world's third largest automaker. New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 42,906.95 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 5,974.89 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.0 percent at 19,764.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,102.72 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,272.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,848.77 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,161.34 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,883.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 percent at 3,351.26 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0408 from $1.0430 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2531 from $1.2570 Dollar/yen: UP at 157.14 yen from 156.31 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.03 pence from 82.97 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $69.24 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.63 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc
Trump's hush money dismissal motion invokes Hunter Biden pardonChristmas reflections: the urgency of electing genuine leadersThere are split views on whether the department of basic education (DBE) should publish the 2024 matric results when they are released in two weeks. Amid a legal battle, the department has been fined R5 million for its intention to publish the results. Last month, the Information Regulator (IR) issued an enforcement notice aimed at preventing the publication of the results in local newspapers, raising concerns about breaching the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia). Preventing publication of matric results in newspapers The matter will be heard on 7 January, just days before the results’ release on 14 January. Yesterday, DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube had had engagements with the chair of the IR to find a resolution to the matter that does not include adversarial court proceedings. ALSO READ: Don’t daze through December: How to prepare for your future while waiting for your matric results He said the department was confident that the engagements would produce a workable compromise. “When the Popia Act came into effect on 1 July, 2020, the department was equally affected by it, just like any other organisation that handles personal information,” he said. “The decision was taken to also afford the department time to interrogate the Act and put in place measures to comply with it.” Hope engagements produce workable compromise Mhlanga said AfriForum and Maroela Media previously took the department to court and a court order instructed them to release the results to newspapers that wanted to publish them. “The department did so. The department would be in contempt of court if it doesn’t release the results to newspaper houses. It is bound by a court order of January 2022,” he said. ALSO READ: Afriforum to take on Information Regulator over matric results Mhlanga said the fine imposed by the regulator was noted, but “we believe it was issued in error because the regulator assumed that the department had not responded to the enforcement notice”. He said the department had filed court papers and all due process were followed. President of Education International Dr Mugwena Maluleke said the regulator knew about the court order allowing the department to publish exam numbers which do not expose details like IDs and names. ‘Respect court’s judgment’ “So, the regulator should respect the court’s judgment,” he said. However, political analyst Dr Benjamin Rapanyane disagreed, saying anything that would be in violation of law should not be entertained. “The education department is aware of the Popia regulations and therefore should not plan in violation of it,” he said. ALSO READ: Class of 2024: Matric results, re-markings and rewrites — everything you need to know Governing Body Foundation CEO Dr Anthea Cereseto said: “It is problematic because results are personal and there is private information so the regulator is right to insist that the department follows the law.” She questioned whether those who volunteered for the results to be published at the beginning of the year could withdraw their consent at the end, if they felt differently about their decision. “It’s got to be voluntary. To what extent was it voluntary when students filled out that form at the beginning of the year? The exam number comprises the centre which already reveals information about the school and the pupil. The candidate’s number is also in alphabetical order according to the school records so it would be identified,” she said. ‘It’s got to be voluntary’ Wonderboom High School principal Marius Lazer said most parents and pupils at his school wanted the results be published. “Only the pupils’ examination numbers are published, which means that candidates’ identities are not revealed,” he said. NOW READ: Education dept says Sheriff served Regulator matric results appeal day before deadline
Mixed day for global stocks as market hopes for 'Santa Claus rally'J.K. Dobbins and Alohi Gilman are placed on injured reserve by Chargers
Piraeus Port Authority S.A. has received two new prestigious awards, being named both True Leader and ESG Leading Company of the Year. The “True Leaders” award, presented by ICAP CRIP, a leading group specializing in credit risk solutions and creditworthiness assessments, recognizes companies that stand out in the Greek market based on objective criteria derived from publicly available data. PPA S.A. has earned the “True Leaders” title once again this year, ranking among the top 500 companies in Greece with the highest profitability (EBITDA) in 2023, as well as a large employee base, placing it as a leader in the port industry. (L-R): Ms. Despoina Gkikaki, Manager of Strategy & Development dept. of PPA S.A. and Mr. Vasilis Georgiadis, Deputy Governor of DYPA (Public Employment Service) at the ESG Leading awards. The ESG Leading Company of the Year award, presented by Naftemporiki, highlights the importance of responsible business practices and sustainability. The award recognizes companies that integrate ESG, Environmental, Social, and Governance, criteria into their strategies and operations. (L-R): Mr. Yannis Papachristou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EASE (Association of Chief Executive Officers) and Mr. Nektarios Demenopoulos, Deputy Manager of BoD Secretariat, Public Relations & Investor Relations dept. of PPA S.A. at the “True Leaders” awards. Mr. Su Xudong, CEO of PPA S.A., expressed the company’s satisfaction with these two significant awards, noting that they reflect the results of ongoing and systematic efforts at the port. The company’s strategy focuses on the development and modernization of Piraeus across all areas of port operations, while maintaining a consistent focus on sustainability and ESG principles. This approach has enabled PPA S.A. to maintain its position for another year as a top-performing company. Source: Piraeus Port Authority S.A.New high-tech cameras on Perth roads ‘not revenue-raisers’, safety tsar says
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High schools Monday: Ella Pelletier leads Oxford Hills to girls basketball winLondon honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, Inc
Harry Potter star Grint faces $A3.5 million tax billNaqvi says formula 'beneficial' for both country, cricket on cards amid Champions Trophy deadlock PCB chief says this isn’t fair Pakistan visit India for ICC events, but neighbouring country doesn’t Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi speaks during a meeting in this undated. — PCB/File DUBAI: Amid ongoing talks with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that they will chalk out a formula which will be beneficial for both country and cricket. "A forumla will be made that will apply to all future events of ICC [International Cricket Council]," Naqvi, who is also the interior minister said while speaking to journalists in Dubai on Saturday. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); The tournament, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns despite assurances. An online meeting convened by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday aimed at resolving the issue lasted just 15 minutes without concrete results. The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid model proposed during the virtual meeting, under which all of India’s matches would be played outside Pakistan. Sources told Geo News that the Indian cricket governing body has reportedly sought more time after Pakistan's firm stance. Talking to the media today, Naqvi said that it isn’t fair that Pakistan visit India for ICC events, but the neighbouring country doesn’t, stressing the need for "long-term talks". He further said that the decisions cannot be limited to the Champions Trophy only, adding that a formula for future tournaments must be chalked out. In another development, the PCB chief met Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC associate member committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in Dubai today. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the PCB said that Naqvi in his meeting with Usmani discussed “important issues regarding the organisation of the Champions Trophy tournament”. "Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament in our country. We are a peaceful nation, and our people have a deep love for cricket." Naqvi told Mubashir. The PCB chairman and his team also assured that all the incoming teams will get presidential-level security during the event. He expressed excitement for the tournament, saying, "Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Every participating team will be provided with state-guest-level protocol and security." Reflecting on the concerns raised by the BCCI, Naqvi stressed the importance of keeping cricket separate from politics. “This tournament is a significant honour for our country. We warmly welcome every team with open hearts and will ensure a world-class experience for all,” he added. Besides discussing the Champions Trophy, the meeting also focused on promoting cricket in both Pakistan and the UAE. 'Not acceptable' The PCB chief had already communicated Pakistan’s position during discussions with ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board would not entertain this proposal. “This is not acceptable. Every time Pakistan is required to play in India, we comply. Yet, when it is India’s turn to play in Pakistan, excuses are made. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules,” Naqvi asserted. He added while other workable solutions could be considered, the hybrid model was entirely off the table. The ICC Board deferred the issue, leaving it to the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a resolution. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s unwavering stance has put the ICC in a difficult position, with options now including a potential postponement of the tournament, rescheduling or introducing a backup host nation like Sri Lanka. Adding to the ongoing mess, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it is “unlikely” the Indian team would travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to “security concerns.” A spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry put the onus on the BCCI saying that it fears Indian team security. “It is the BCCI that has to make the final call on the team’s visit to Pakistan,” an Indian Ministry spokesman said. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla consistently emphasized that the Board will strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Indian government. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the concerns, clarifying Pakistan’s proven track record in hosting international teams over the past six years. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "VideoObject", "mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1256771-naqvi-says-formula-beneficial-for-both-country-cricket-on-cards-amid-champions-trophy-deadlock", "name": "Naqvi says formula 'beneficial' for both country, cricket on cards amid Champions Trophy deadlock", "duration":"", "datePublished": "2024-11-30T20:06:00+05:00", "dateModified": "2024-11-30T20:06:00+05:00", "keywords":"", "headline":"Naqvi says formula 'beneficial' for both country, cricket on cards amid Champions Trophy deadlock", "interactionCount": "", "thumbnail": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2024-11-30/l_1256771_075455_updates.jpg", "height": 390, "width": 700 }, "description": "DUBAI: Amid ongoing talks with Board of Control for Cricket in India over Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that they will chalk out a...", "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.thenews.com.pk/assets/uploads/updates/2024-11-30/l_1256771_075455_updates.jpg", "uploadDate": "2024-11-30T20:06:00+05:00", "contentUrl": "https://players.brightcove.net/6415714528001/a8C5JINxB_default/index.html?videoId=6365358874112" }Noel Gallagher reveals his mum Peggy’s hilarious reaction to news of Oasis getting back together
On Dec. 2 Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maliki Osman, attended the Cairo ministerial conference to enhance the humanitarian response in Gaza, hosted by Egypt in Cairo. In his speech, Maliki, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Education, said that more is needed to be done to address the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. While in Cairo, Maliki also met with the Palestinian prime minister and foreign minister, Mohammed Mustafa, Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, as well as other foreign dignitaries present at the conference. Humanitarian relief and ceasefire During his conference speech Maliki spoke about Singapore’s concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, its call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and preparations and hopes for the future, should a ceasefire be called. These points were elaborated on during a doorstop interview that the minister held after the conference. During the doorstop, he elaborated on the humanitarian situation, noting that winter was “fast approaching”, and that the people in Gaza would need better shelter and warm clothing, in addition to the already insufficient food and essential supplies. Maliki also noted that this was true for the remaining hostages in Gaza, who were taken hostage during the Oct. 7 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas more than a year ago. During the doorstop, he reiterated Singapore’s call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and also the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. S$18 million for relief efforts During his speech and the doorstop, he said that Singaporeans and the Singapore government had collectively donated more than S$18 million in cash and in-kind donations for relief efforts in Gaza. Maliki had gone to Egypt in November 2023 to hand over the first tranche of that aid, while Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan was present for the handover of the third tranche, which had been accompanied by an aircraft from the RSAF in March 2024. He paid tribute to the various regional partners that had helped Singapore’s relief efforts, such as Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Cyprus. He also encouraged Singaporeans to continue contributing to fundraising efforts by reputable organisations such as the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation and the Singapore Red Cross. Maliki shared that the conference had spoken not just about raising aid for Gaza, but also the difficult logistics of delivering that aid to Gaza, but also within Gaza. Massive future needs Maliki also spoke about the future. He said that efforts towards a ceasefire were ongoing but difficult, but even should such a ceasefire be achieved, “the future needs of Gaza will be massive”. Singapore stood ready to join the international community “in supporting the Palestinian people as they seek to rebuild their lives” after the ceasefire is reached. Maliki touched on some of the efforts that had been made by Singapore through its Enhanced Technical Assistance Package (ETAP). ETAP supported the Palestinian Authority, which is the governing body that controls the Palestinian territories of the West Bank, and its capacity-building efforts. The programme would be expanded from an annual offering of three postgraduate scholarships in Singapore, to five undergraduate and five postgraduate scholarships, which Singapore hoped would contribute to the PA’s human capital development efforts, in preparation for eventual statehood. 60 years of diplomatic relations Maliki also met several local and foreign dignitaries while in Cairo, including Abdelatty. Abdelatty posted about the meeting on social media, describing Singapore and Egypt diplomatic ties as strong, and that the two friendly nations aspired to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026. He also hoped to advance various areas of bilateral cooperation to broader horizons. Singapore is the fifth largest Asian investor in Egypt, with over US$ 700 million (S$941 million) in investments in the country. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to enhancing these investments and increasing bilateral trade exchanges. Abdelatty welcomed the continued and enhanced cooperation in the cultural field, particularly the provision of Egyptian expertise to Singaporeans and students at the Al Azhar University, “ supporting efforts to promote the moderate approach to Islam in Singapore”. Meanwhile, the Singapore Cooperation Programme has also trained about 700 Egyptian officials. Maliki also met with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine, the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon, and Malaysia’s deputy foreign minister. Related stories Top image via Ministry of Foreign AffairsMALAGA (AP) – Not surprisingly, Rafael Nadal couldn’t take a step around the grounds of the Davis Cup Final 8 in recent days without hearing requests for a handshake or a selfie. And that was just from the other professional tennis players, to speak nothing of the fans. The significance of Nadal’s retirement is lost on no one inside or outside the sport he is walking away from at age 38 after a litany of injuries, and for all of the well-documented success he enjoyed, his greatest legacy might be the way he inspired other players. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and all-time great of the game lost the last match of his career as Spain was eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals as Tuesday turned to Wednesday. The last man to face – and beat – Nadal, 80th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp, who is 29, spoke after his 6-4, 6-4 victory about idolising the Spaniard. Many current players grew up watching Nadal, admiring him for his skill – from the big, topspin left-handed forehands to the pinpoint volleys and everything in between – and his relentless nature, his commitment to seeking improvement and, maybe most of all, his off-court humility. A man walks in front a banner reading in Spanish: ‘Thank you Rafa’ at the Martin Carpena Sport Arena in Malaga, southern Spain. PHOTO: AP Rafael Nadal bites the trophy, after defeating Tomas Berdych in the men’s singles final on the Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon in 2010. PHOTO: AP ABOVE & BELOW: Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Nadal react during their Laver Cup doubles match against Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the O2 arena in London in 2022; and Nadal waves during a tribute to his career at the end of the quarter-final doubles match between Netherlands and Spain. PHOTO: AP PHOTO: AP Spain’s tennis players Carlos Alcaraz and Nadal during a training session. PHOTO: AP He set an example for others, from contemporaries Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic or Serena Williams, to members of the following generations, including heir apparent Carlos Alcaraz. “I was a big Rafa fan. Used to wear all his kits, his shoes, everything. A lot of neon colours,” said Ben Shelton, a 22-year-old member of the United States (US) team that faced Australia yesterday, when the other quarter-final is defending champion Italy and No 1-ranked Jannik Sinner against Argentina. “And being a lefty, he’s a guy that I have always kind of watched and tried to learn things from. One of those perfect examples of how to do things on and off the court, how to handle the press, how to win with class, how to lose with class.” That sentiment was echoed by player after player, many of whom were thrilled to be on-site for his farewell. “For him to have this as his finishing point, it’s an honour for the event,” said Yannick Hanfmann, part of the German squad that defeated Canada 2-0 on Wednesday and will meet the Netherlands in the semi-finals today. “He’s present everywhere. In the training area, when he’s walking around, you see the people looking and trying to get some pictures, here and there. He’s got this aura that already was big, but now that this is the end, it’s maybe more important.” Hanfmann and others were struck by Nadal’s dedication to chasing every shot down. By a refusal to accept defeat, no matter the deficit. By his longevity and consistency – nearly 18 full years in a row ranked in the top 10; 10 consecutive years with at least one major title – and his dizzying peaks, including the 14 French Open championships that earned him the ‘King of Clay’ nickname. His unfailing politeness, seen in such gestures as when he would say goodbye to every volunteer on his way out of a tournament or, just recently, when he arrived at Spain’s team news conference and made a beeline for the stenographer to shake the hand of the person who would be typing up the transcript of the Q-and-A session for reporters. “The titles, the numbers, are there, so people probably know that, but the way I would like to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca,” Nadal said during a tear-filled post-match ceremony at the sold-out Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena, where thousands serenaded him with a chorus of “Raaaa-faaa! Raaaa-faaa!” “Just a kid that followed their dreams,” he said, ” (and) worked as hard as possible.” No opponent, or any observer for that matter, could ever question his effort, even as injury after injury made things tougher, especially over the past two seasons. No one ever doubted his drive to get better. “I really will miss watching him on court,” said Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and long an unabashed fan of Nadal’s. “Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now. He’s a huge inspiration.” That last word, or a variation of it, was used over and over again as tributes to Nadal were offered. So were “intensity” and “passion”, “grit” and “role model”. “For me,” said Alcaraz, a 21-year-old Spaniard with four major trophies, “it’s difficult to accept that Rafael Nadal is going to retire, honestly.” – Howard Fendrich
DETROIT (3-3) Okoro 1-1 0-0 2, N.Johnson 0-3 0-0 0, Lary 3-11 3-3 10, Lovejoy 4-14 6-8 15, Kuac 2-5 0-0 5, Nadeau 5-15 2-2 13, Geeter 2-5 0-1 4, Gondrezick 2-4 0-0 5, Mitchell 1-2 0-0 2, Kalambay 0-0 1-2 1, Hurst 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 20-60 12-16 57.PANAMA CITY (AP) — Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don't change after he takes office next month, "We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can't reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here's a look at how we got here: What is the canal? It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America's southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” Who built it? An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt's Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. READ: Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama's Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. Why doesn't the US control the canal anymore? The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty" and the “Panama Canal Treaty." The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. What's happened since then? Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama's voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country's people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” Why has Trump raised this? The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off" and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal's operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There's no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there's no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously." Trump, meanwhile, hasn't said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms," said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” ___ Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.