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We didn’t pledge support for Aiyedatiwa, NNPP’s Edema disowns alleged meetingRussian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a law that allows those who sign up to fight in Ukraine to write off unpaid debts worth almost $100,000, the government announced. The new legislation will be a strong motivation for some to join up, experts said, as Russia seeks new ways to recruit fighters for the nearly three-year conflict grinding through troops. The new legislation will allow those who sign a one-year contract to fight in Ukraine after December 1 to free themselves of existing bad debts. It also covers their spouses. The law concerns debts where a court order for collection was issued and enforcement proceedings began before December 1, 2024. The total amount of unpaid debt that can be covered is 10 million rubles, around $96,000 at current rates. Parliament approved the bill earlier this month. The legislation will largely concern younger Russians of fighting age, since those in their 30s and younger are most likely to have loans. Russia has extremely high interest rates for loans and many Russians have almost no cash savings, although the proportion of home owners is relatively high. "Previously (for those fighting) there was only provision for taking repayment holidays on loans," Sergei Krivenko of advocacy group Citizen Army Law told Vazhniye Istorii Telegram channel. The new legislation applies to those who are conscripted for national service and those mobilised for the so-called "special military operation", Krivenko said. Conscripts cannot be sent to the front line but can choose to sign a contract to join the professional army and be sent to fight in Ukraine. Russian authorities "are strengthening the motivation to sign a contract," political analyst Georgy Bovt wrote on Telegram. The legislation provides "another way to get rid of an unbearable burden of credit, at least for several hundred thousand people," Bovt wrote. Over 13 million Russians have three or more loans, according to a central bank report released last month covering the first two quarters. This was up 20 percent on the same period last year. The average amount owed by those with three or more loans is 1.4 million rubles ($13,400 at current rates). Many start with a bank loan and then apply for further loans from microfinance organisations. Russians serving on the front line are already paid far more than the national average. Ukraine also has legislation allowing those fighting to get preferential terms for loans and in some cases to write off debts. bur/tw

Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 402 points, or 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite is down 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The major indexes are still on track to close the week with gains, and the S&P 500 remains headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Climate-friendly electricity sees big battery projects soar again for 2024 2024 was another banner year for a source of electricity that is better for people’s lungs, better for climate change and may be reaching your home now when you turn on the lights or turn up the thermostat — large banks of batteries. Storing extra power in batteries effectively extends the hours of solar and wind power in a day. Storage is also important as global electricity demand rises. Last, it is important for increasingly frequent extreme weather events, worsened by climate change. Texas and California are embracing the benefits of batteries, but some other regions are dragging their feet.In the final hours before University of Mississippi student Jimmy “Jay” Lee disappeared , sexually explicit Snapchat messages were exchanged between his account and the account of the man now on trial in his killing, an investigator testified Thursday. Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr., 24, of Grenada, Mississippi, is charged with capital murder in the death of Lee, who vanished July 8, 2022. Lee, 20, of Jackson, Mississippi, was a gay man well known in the LGBTQ+ community at Ole Miss and in Oxford, where the university is located and Herrington's trial is being held. Lee's body has never been found, but a judge has declared him dead. Herrington maintains his own innocence. Herrington “was not openly in the LGBTQ community,” but evidence will show he had a relationship with Lee and is responsible for the death, assistant district attorney Gwen Agho said during opening arguments Tuesday in Oxford. Herrington’s attorney, Kevin Horan, told jurors that prosecutors have “zero” proof Lee was killed. University Police Department Sgt. Benjamin Douglas testified Thursday that investigators used search warrants to obtain cellphone records, information from social media accounts belonging to Lee and Herrington and information about Herrington's internet searches on the day Lee disappeared until Herrington was arrested two weeks later. One of Lee's friends, Khalid Fears, testified Tuesday that he had a video call with Lee just before 6 a.m. on July 8, 2022. Fears said Lee mentioned a sexual encounter with a man hours earlier, which ended badly. Lee was leaving his own on-campus apartment to go see the same man again, Fears said. Douglas testified Herrington's Snapchat account sent a message to Lee's account at about 5:25 a.m. saying: “Come back.” People using the two accounts then argued, and Lee's account sent a message at 5:54 a.m. saying he was on the way over. Douglas said that at 6:03 a.m., Lee's account sent its final message: “Open.” Google records obtained through a warrant showed that Herrington searched “how long does it take to strangle someone” at 5:56 a.m., Douglas said. An officer from another police agency, the Oxford Police Department, testified that starting on 7:18 a.m. the morning of Lee's disappearance, a car matching the description of Lee’s black sedan was captured on multiple security cameras driving through Oxford. A camera showed the car entering a parking lot at the Molly Barr Trails apartment complex at 7:25 a.m., Lt. Mark Hodges testified. The same camera showed a man jogging out of the parking lot moments later, turning onto Molly Barr Road. A witness, Kizziah Carter, testified Wednesday that he was driving home from work about 7:30 that morning and saw Herrington jogging along Molly Barr Road. Carter said he knew Herrington and honked to greet him, and Herrington flagged him down to ask for a ride. Carter said he drove Herrington to Herrington’s apartment in another complex. Lee's car was towed from Molly Barr Trails later that day. Both Herrington and Lee had graduated from the University of Mississippi. Lee was pursuing a master’s degree. He was known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup and often performed in drag shows in Oxford, according to a support group called Justice for Jay Lee. Prosecutors have announced they do not intend to pursue the death penalty, meaning Herrington could get a life sentence if convicted. Mississippi law defines capital murder as a killing committed along with another felony — in this case, kidnapping.

Georgia Republicans recommend further law to restrict transgender women's participation in sportsNoneKendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”

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I know. There’s a lot out there to make price-sensitive wine lovers shiver, not least of all inflation and the Trump administration’s looming threat of tariffs. Yet, when I thumbed through my tasting books for 2024, I was once again surprised by how many wines are still relative bargains: succulent, savory reds; crisp, elegant whites; juicy rosés; and even sophisticated sparklers are among the 4,223 wines from 20 countries I sampled this year. I ferreted out some on international trips, others at big importer portfolio tastings or meetings with producers in New York, still others during daily tastings in my home office in Connecticut. Out of these I culled this year’s 50 good buys. As always, I’ve favored wines that are new or from producers I haven’t recommended before. That meant not including many labels that reliably offer excellent value in this price range, such as Massican, Matthiasson and Tablas Creek in California, Champagnes such as Lanson Le Black, Piper Heidsieck and Drappier Carte d’Or, and many, many more. Most difficult is finding Champagne at this price point. The good news is that the holiday season is prime time for discounts on even top fizz names; the last quarter of the year is when sales spike. So, stock up, in case tariffs do become a reality in 2025. Where to look for other bargains? The story is the same as it’s been for several years. Italy is at the top for me, with good values in almost every region. France is a close second. Look in Alsace, Macon, the Loire Valley, Muscadet and the Languedoc, and don’t forget lesser names in Bordeaux, where producers I’ve recommended before, like Château Siran, Cantemerle, Tour Saint Christophe and Bellefont Belcier, haven’t raised prices even though their wines just keep getting better. Fair warning: Some regions that used to be the source of cheap quaffing vino, like Beaujolais, are now taken seriously, which means prices go up. Portugal is a growing source of super dry table wines, especially from fascinating grapes people are just learning about. Sauvignon blancs from New Zealand, Chile and elsewhere, which I’ve written about this year, are still buys, and two other whites—albariño and vermentino—are gaining traction. Finally, shop around and compare prices. That’s what wine-searcher.com is for. The Fun Fizz Top sparkling wines, including pét-nats, come from every continent but Antarctica. NV Bohigas Brut Reserva Cava ($19)A lot of Spanish cava is uninspiring, but this snappy light-bodied one is a top choice of many sommeliers. It features zingy green-apple notes and has the satisfying bright acidity to go brilliantly with oysters. 2022 Martin Texier Petite Nature Pétillant Naturel ($25)Texier is an accomplished DJ, the son of a famous organic winemaker and part of a new wave of young vignerons focusing on lesser-known local varieties in the Rhone Valley. This dry, floral-and-ginger scented natural sparkling white with honeyed notes and a gentle fizz is made from the offbeat muscat a petits grains grape. NV Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé ($27) Crémants are top alternatives to Champagne and made by the same traditional method. This salmon-pink, fruity all-pinot-noir cuvée from Alsace is smooth and round, with scents of strawberries. It’s a fine party drink, especially with salty snacks and barbecued anything. 2022 BiancaVigna Prosecco Superiore Rive di Soligo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Extra Brut ($29)Forget basic prosecco and go for the best, which are still bargains. This pale gold, very dry example from a steep hillside vineyard has lemon and mineral flavors and tiny bubbles and is an easy to sip aperitif. NV Chandon Reserve Blanc de Blancs, By the Bay ($36) This award-winning sparkling ode to chardonnay comes from Napa’s cool Carneros region and made its debut in 2020. It’s a big step up from the winery’s basic brut. Cool breezes from San Pablo Bay give it energy, flinty, citrusy scents, and subtle flavors of green apples. When Only Champagne Will Do Nonvintage blends from little-known growers still offer the best values. Entry-level cuvées from larger brands are getting better and better, but it’s still difficult to find one that costs $50 or less—except during the holidays when discounts reign. Pommery Brut Royal ($47) Sleek and seductive define this blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier, which is a terrific aperitif. NV Stephane Coquillette Brut Carte d’Or ($48) Organically farmed and richly textured this top grower’s fizz rivals many grand cru champagnes. Its aromas and flavors remind me of lemon verbena, warm brioche and toasted hazelnuts. NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve ($50)Charming, delicate, vivacious, this entry level fizz comes from a small grand marque house that’s less known than it should be. Expect a creamier texture and more complexity and depth than you find in most nonvintage cuvées. NV Delamotte Brut ($50) Crisp lemony freshness, aromas of freshly baked bread, and refined elegance are the hallmarks of this basic brut. It’s ideal for toasting or sipping anytime. NV Gamet Rive Droite Blanc de Noirs Brut ($50) This grower-producer was a new name to me, but I quickly became a fan of the food-friendly cuvée with floral and red-fruit notes. Meunier, a grape that used to be viewed as merely a blending partner to more prized pinot noir and chardonnay, has the starring role. NV R.H. Coutier Cuvée Tradition Grand Cru Brut ($50)A grower in grand cru village Ambonnay crafts this versatile fizz blend of intense, rich pinot noir and crisp chardonnay. Its personality is all about citrus, almond and floral aromas, gentle minerality and a creamy texture. Whites From light, bright aperitifs to refrigerator sipping to elegant, rich wines for a grand dinner: 2023 Dolly Wines California Chardonnay ($15) Don’t laugh. Country music celeb Dolly Parton’s new foray into the world of wine is better than you’d expect, and the price is right. With notes of pear, lemon zest and pineapple, it’s for cozy sipping while listening to Dolly classics. 2021 Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique ($18)I say this every year: People should drink more riesling! This Finger Lakes example is from the visionary New York project of Rhone Valley winemaker Louis Barruol. It’s a bright, refreshing stunner with depth, complexity and ripe apple notes. 2023 Mendes + Symington Contacto Alvarinho ($19) This new partnership between a family known for port and well-known winemaker Anselmo Mendes aims to highlight the quality of alvarinho (aka albariño) in vinho verde’s Monçao e Melgaço region. Aromatic, floral and elegant, it shows surprising complexity for the price. 2023 Oberon Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($20) Napa sauvignon blancs are hitting $50 and up, so this fresh, layered, fruity example with a screw cap stands out as a bargain. 2020 David & Nadia Aristargos ($32)This brilliant white blend from South Africa includes nine grape varieties, which feels like some kind of record. Deep, mineral chenin blanc is the main one, and the wine has the kind of complexity and balance for serious aging. 2023 Fowles Ladies Who Shoot their Lunch Riesling ($32)A winner. The name and label captured me, but the wine inside did, too, showing the appeal of Aussie rieslings. Picture minty, wintergreen aromas and a very dry, clear, rich flavors ideal with sausages. 2020 Garofoli Podium Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore ($32)There’s so much going on in this zesty white: smoky, herbal aromas, tastes of minerals and salt, stones and spice, refreshing acidity and structure, too. 2023 Aperture Cellars Chenin Blanc ($35)The grape is, happily, making a comeback in California. Jesse Katz, who crafted Justin Timberlake’s wedding wine, is the owner-winemaker behind this deep, vibrant, mineral-toned version from old vines in Sonoma. 2022 Los Vascos Primo Semillon ($40) I’m a huge fan of the whites made from Semillon grapes. This just-launched example is from the Los Vascos winery in the Apalta region of Chile, owned by the Rothschild family of Château Lafite fame. The vines date back to 1930. Subtle and harmonious, it entices with white flower and orange peel aromas and lingering notes of grapefruit. 2022 Bella Union Bianco ($45)This gorgeous, ambitious winery just opened in Napa this year. White blends are on the rise in the valley, and this unique mix of six white grapes is Italian in style. It’s light, soft, mouthwatering, minerally and so easy to drink you could have it for breakfast—or better, with sautéed flounder. 2022 New Chapter Grüner Veltliner ($45)Most grüner is sold in the German-speaking world, and this new Austrian example made by two renowned winemakers aims for a wider audience with a rounder style, softer peppery flavors, and more richness. It overdelivers. 2022 Wine & Soul Guru Branco ($48)Crisp yet full-bodied, this white is a field blend of four native Portuguese varieties and doesn’t resemble any other wine I’ve ever tried. It’s pure and subtle and complex with lots of intensity, tension and energy. And it was fantastic with a rich codfish stew. 2022 Knights Bridge Pont de Chevalier Chardonnay ($50)Golden in color, this citrus-toned, richly textured white is from the coldest site on this excellent, and a bit under-the-radar estate in Sonoma’s Knight’s Valley. This is their second-tier quality level; their entry-level KB wines are also super buys, as is their Pont de Chevalier sauvignon blanc. 2021 Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo V Maremma Toscana Vermentino Superiore ($50)This tangy, creamy-textured, terroir-driven Italian white with a salty lick of lime zest is a serious wine built to age. It’s the first vintage of this prestige vermentino to sport the superiore status, newly official in coastal Tuscany. Is vermentino the new sauvignon blanc? Rosé for all Seasons Dry pink wines are an all-year drink, as an aperitif or party sipper, or with food. 2023 Lapostolle Le Rosé ($16)The best Provence rosés are getting pricier, so look to other countries for bargains. This very pale Chilean pink blend of cinsault, syrah, mourvedre and grenache has subtle elegance, refreshing acidity, and notes of rose petals. 2023 Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah ($18) OK, I love the label, which has just the right insouciance for a gulpable pink wine. From another top Chilean producer, it has charm, a bright fruit taste and intense pomegranate aromas. 2023 Domaine de L’Ile Poquerolles Rosé ($42)Ever since the family behind luxury house Chanel bought this island estate off the coast of Provence with certified organic vineyards, the wines have been getting better and better. The latest vintage is the best yet, super elegant, savory and sophisticated enough to serve on a high-powered yacht. Reds to Pair With Pizza and Steak From light and lively to big and bold: 2022 Tenuta di Capezzana Barco Reale Carmignano ($18)Talk about an ideal house red! Think tangy dark cherry and savory tobacco leaf flavors, the right amount of bright acidity for all kinds of food and a round texture. The sangiovese-cabernet sauvignon blend comes from less-well-known Tuscan region Carmignano. 2021 Bodega Garzón Reserva Marselan ($19) Look to Uruguayan winery Garzón for well-made, satisfying bargains, including this red. The marselan grape is a mainstay in, of all places, China. Garzón’s medium-bodied version is all about crunchy red fruit laced with mint and a soft texture. 2021 Clos de los Siete by Michel Rolland ($20)Though nearly a million bottles of this bold, smooth, satisfying red merlot and malbec blend from Argentina are sold every year, it offers quality at a low price. The current vintage seems lighter and fresher than those in the past, with bright, rich fruit flavors, and is perfect with burgers. 2021 Kir-Yianni Naoussa Cuvée Villages ($20)Recently a reader wrote asking for recommendations for Greek wines. This deep, earthy red with an iron tang is made from xinomavro in the northern Greece region of Naoussa by a pioneering winemaker I visited some 15 years ago. The wine will age, too. 2021 Delille Cellars Metier Cabernet Sauvignon ($22) Washington State is an excellent source of good value cabernet, and this gold-medal-winning plush, bold, dark-fruited red is a prime example. Metier is a new label from the well-known DeLille Cellars. 2021 Pedro Parra y Familia Imaginador Cinsault ($24) I drank this juicy, tangy, gulpable certified organic red with a fish lunch in Chile’s lake country and was struck by its compelling flavors, from savory cherries to an earth and mineral finish. Parra, famous internationally as a soil consultant, makes it from old cinsault vines in the Itata Valley. 2022 Paringa Estate Peninsula Pinot Noir ($25)Good pinot gets more and more expensive, but this spice-scented Australian example with rich red fruit flavors offers amazing appeal for the money. Fresh and energetic, it’s from the beachy paradise of Mornington Peninsula south of Melbourne. Serve with a slight chill. 2021 Château Grand Village Bordeaux Superieur ($26)Bordeaux is a hotbed of bargains under $50, and this plush, spice-and-cocoa red is one of them. Mostly merlot, it’s made by the team behind cult Pomerol Château Lafleur. Last year I recommended the white, this year, it’s the red. 2022 Istine Chianti Classico ($28)The reds in this historic Tuscan region have never been better, and prices are still modest. This entry-level bottling from rising star Angela Fronti at Istine is all high-energy, charm, and sour cherry and herb flavors, which make it an excellent all-around food partner. 2020 Dorli Muhr Prellenkirchen – Samt & Seide Blaufränkisch ($32)Too few people know the virtues of Austrian grape blaufränkisch! This one from a specialist in the grape offers the taste of wild berries and red currants. 2020 Familia Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc ($31)Wines from this award-winning Argentinian winery all deliver superb quality for the price. This fresh, lush, vivid red with notes of dried herbs and tobacco shows the country is a top spot for this increasingly popular grape. 2022 Frog’s Leap Flycatcher ($35) A long-time organic Napa producer makes this deliciously drinkable, soft-textured red blend (zinfandel, petite sirah, merlot, syrah) that goes with everything from steak to pizza. 2021 Ar Pe Pe Rosso di Valtellina ($37) Alpine wines are having a moment in America, and this one, made from Nebbiolo grapes in Valtellina, hits all the right notes: rose petal aromas, flavors that recall lush cherries and fine tannins. 2022 Inman Family G & T ($42)This brand-new cedary, plummy, earthy blend of grenache and tempranillo (G & T, get it?) from Lake County north of Napa slips down so easy. 2019 Domaine Guillot-Broux Macon-Cruzille Beaumont ($43) Macon, the southern tip of Burgundy, is known for white wines, but this red from gamay grapes grabbed me with its seductive savory fruit and the kind of juiciness you also find in the best Beaujolais. No-Alcohol Vino The latest trend in wine with more good-drinking choices than ever: NV Missing Thorn Rosé ($25) Made by acclaimed Napa winemaker Aaron Pott, this light, lively pink wine from barbera grapes is one of the excellent wines in his no-alcohol project with vintner Stephanie Honig. Oddbird GSM ($25)This Swedish brand founded over a decade ago went nationwide in the US this year. This rich, smooth red nonalcoholic blend from southern France is deservedly popular. Drink it until the next shipment of my favorite, their bold spicy tempranillo made from organic Spanish grapes labeled Addiction, arrives next year. Best served slightly chilled. NV French Bloom Le Rosé ($44) LVMH recently invested in French Bloom, whose three NA fizz cuvées are crafted by a Champagne maker and poured at many European Michelin-starred restaurants. The rosé is all about fresh berry and peach aromas and flavors. NV Kally X Single Thread Pear Verbena ($49)Citrusy-tart, this sophisticated drink based on verjus, the pressed juice of unfermented grapes, has wine-like polish and a silky texture. It’s a zero-proof collaboration between wine alternatives company Kally and the chef at Sonoma’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, SingleThread. And for Dessert Sweet wines for sipping: 2018 Royal Tokaji Late Harvest (500ml, $20)This isn’t as rich and complex as versions labeled Aszu, but it’s deliciously spicy and honeyed, with notes of apricot and a silky-smooth texture. Serve with poached apricots in a rich syrup or pear and ginger tart. NV Warre’s Otima 10 Year Tawny Port (500ml, $26)This ready-to-drink port in a lighter, more refreshing style is made for people who think they don’t like port. It’s rich, soft and satisfying and loaded with dried fig and honey flavors. Serve with cheese or sip by the fire after dinner. 2014 Château Rieussec Sauternes (half-bottle, $46)This is an amazing price for a 10-year-old sweet wine from a Bordeaux château owned by the Rothschild family. ___ ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Baby John collects Rs 19.65 crore on day 3

Macron defiant in face of resignation calls after govt collapses

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said Friday that his government would submit legislation to repeal a law by former president Macky Sall granting amnesty for deadly political violence. The controversial amnesty was granted just before March 2024 elections as Sall sought to calm protests sparked by his last-minute postponement of presidential elections in the traditionally stable West African country. Critics say the move was to shield perpetrators of serious crimes, including homicides, committed during three years of political tensions between February 2021 and February 2024. But it also allowed Sonko, a popular opposition figure, to stand in the elections after court convictions had made him ineligible, as well as Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who eventually won the presidency. “In addition to putting compensation for victims into the budget, a draft law will be submitted to your august Assembly to repeal the March 6, 2024 amnesty so that light may be shed and responsibilities determined on whatever side they may lie,” Sonko said in a policy speech before lawmakers. Sonko’s government had pledged earlier this month to investigate dozens of deaths resulting from political violence between 2021 and 2024. “It’s not a witch hunt and even less vengeance... It’s justice, the foundation without which social peace cannot be built,” Sonko told lawmakers.MALAGA, Spain (AP) — The last man to face — and beat — Rafael Nadal in professional tennis, 80th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp , converted his 10th match point Friday to finally close out a 6-4, 6-7 (12), 6-3 victory over Daniel Altmaier and help the Netherlands reach its first Davis Cup final by sweeping Germany. Tallon Griekspoor, who is ranked 40th, sealed the 2-0 win for the Dutch in the best-of-three-match semifinal by hitting 25 aces and coming back to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4. When it ended, appropriately, on an ace, Griekspoor shut his eyes, dropped to his knees and spread his arms wide.By Vanessa G. Sánchez, KFF Health News (TNS) LOS ANGELES — President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations and tougher immigration restrictions is deepening mistrust of the health care system among California’s immigrants and clouding the future for providers serving the state’s most impoverished residents. At the same time, immigrants living illegally in Southern California told KFF Health News they thought the economy would improve and their incomes might increase under Trump, and for some that outweighed concerns about health care. Community health workers say fear of deportation is already affecting participation in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, which was expanded in phases to all immigrants regardless of residency status over the past several years. That could undercut the state’s progress in reducing the uninsured rate, which reached a record low of 6.4% last year. Immigrants lacking legal residency have long worried that participation in government programs could make them targets, and Trump’s election has compounded those concerns, community advocates say. The incoming Trump administration is also expected to target Medicaid with funding cuts and enrollment restrictions , which activists worry could threaten the Medi-Cal expansion and kneecap efforts to extend health insurance subsidies under Covered California to all immigrants. “The fear alone has so many consequences to the health of our communities,” said Mar Velez , director of policy with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. “This is, as they say, not their first rodeo. They understand how the system works. I think this machine is going to be, unfortunately, a lot more harmful to our communities.” Alongside such worries, though, is a strain of optimism that Trump might be a boon to the economy, according to interviews with immigrants in Los Angeles whom health care workers were soliciting to sign up for Medi-Cal. Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Clinics and community health workers encourage immigrants to enroll for health coverage through Medi-Cal and Covered California. But workers have noticed that fear of deportation has chilled participation. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Community health workers like Yanet Martinez encourage people to enroll for health benefits. But many California immigrants fear that using subsidized services could hurt their chances of obtaining legal residency. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Selvin, 39, who, like others interviewed for this article, asked to be identified by only his first name because he’s living here without legal permission, said that even though he believes Trump dislikes people like him, he thinks the new administration could help boost his hours at the food processing facility where he works packing noodles. “I do see how he could improve the economy. From that perspective, I think it’s good that he won.” He became eligible for Medi-Cal this year but decided not to enroll, worrying it could jeopardize his chances of changing his immigration status. “I’ve thought about it,” Selvin said, but “I feel like it could end up hurting me. I won’t deny that, obviously, I’d like to benefit — get my teeth fixed, a physical checkup.” But fear holds him back, he said, and he hasn’t seen a doctor in nine years. It’s not Trump’s mass deportation plan in particular that’s scaring him off, though. “If I’m not committing any crimes or getting a DUI, I think I won’t get deported,” Selvin said. Petrona, 55, came from El Salvador seeking asylum and enrolled in Medi-Cal last year. She said that if her health insurance benefits were cut, she wouldn’t be able to afford her visits to the dentist. A street food vendor, she hears often about Trump’s deportation plan, but she said it will be the criminals the new president pushes out. “I’ve heard people say he’s going to get rid of everyone who’s stealing.” Although she’s afraid she could be deported, she’s also hopeful about Trump. “He says he’s going to give a lot of work to Hispanics because Latinos are the ones who work the hardest,” she said. “That’s good, more work for us, the ones who came here to work.” Newly elected Republican Assembly member Jeff Gonzalez, who flipped a seat long held by Democrats in the Latino-heavy desert region in the southeastern part of the state, said his constituents were anxious to see a new economic direction. “They’re just really kind of fed up with the status quo in California,” Gonzalez said. “People on the ground are saying, ‘I’m hopeful,’ because now we have a different perspective. We have a businessperson who is looking at the very things that we are looking at, which is the price of eggs, the price of gas, the safety.” Gonzalez said he’s not going to comment about potential Medicaid cuts, because Trump has not made any official announcement. Unlike most in his party, Gonzalez said he supports the extension of health care services to all residents regardless of immigration status . Health care providers said they are facing a twin challenge of hesitancy among those they are supposed to serve and the threat of major cuts to Medicaid, the federal program that provides over 60% of the funding for Medi-Cal. Health providers and policy researchers say a loss in federal contributions could lead the state to roll back or downsize some programs, including the expansion to cover those without legal authorization. California and Oregon are the only states that offer comprehensive health insurance to all income-eligible immigrants regardless of status. About 1.5 million people without authorization have enrolled in California, at a cost of over $6 billion a year to state taxpayers. “Everyone wants to put these types of services on the chopping block, which is really unfair,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat and chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “We will do everything we can to ensure that we prioritize this.” Sen. Gonzalez said it will be challenging to expand programs such as Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, for which immigrants lacking permanent legal status are not eligible. A big concern for immigrants and their advocates is that Trump could reinstate changes to the public charge policy, which can deny green cards or visas based on the use of government benefits. “President Trump’s mass deportation plan will end the financial drain posed by illegal immigrants on our healthcare system, and ensure that our country can care for American citizens who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to KFF Health News. During his first term, in 2019, Trump broadened the policy to include the use of Medicaid, as well as housing and nutrition subsidies. The Biden administration rescinded the change in 2021. KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, found immigrants use less health care than people born in the United States. And about 1 in 4 likely undocumented immigrant adults said they have avoided applying for assistance with health care, food, and housing because of immigration-related fears, according to a 2023 survey . Another uncertainty is the fate of the Affordable Care Act, which was opened in November to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are protected by the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program. If DACA eligibility for the act’s plans, or even the act itself, were to be reversed under Trump, that would leave roughly 40,000 California DACA recipients, and about 100,000 nationwide , without access to subsidized health insurance. On Dec. 9, a federal court in North Dakota issued an order blocking DACA recipients from accessing Affordable Care Act health plans in 19 states that had challenged the Biden administration’s rule. Clinics and community health workers are encouraging people to continue enrolling in health benefits. But amid the push to spread the message, the chilling effects are already apparent up and down the state. “¿Ya tiene Medi-Cal?” community health worker Yanet Martinez said, asking residents whether they had Medi-Cal as she walked down Pico Boulevard recently in a Los Angeles neighborhood with many Salvadorans. “¡Nosotros podemos ayudarle a solicitar Medi-Cal! ¡Todo gratuito!” she shouted, offering help to sign up, free of charge. “Gracias, pero no,” said one young woman, responding with a no thanks. She shrugged her shoulders and averted her eyes under a cap that covered her from the late-morning sun. Since Election Day, Martinez said, people have been more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” she said. “They don’t want anything to do with it.” This article was produced by KFF Health News , which publishes California Healthline , an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation . ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has ambitions for higher office — and it's getting some prominent Trump fans on social media excited that they can take down Sen. Lindsey Graham in a primary. According to NOTUS, multiple sources close to Mace say she "has been discussing two positions: South Carolina governor or a Senate race." At the moment, according to the report, Mace is "particularly looking at the governor’s seat, which Henry McMaster has held since 2017 when he replaced Nikki Haley after she was appointed to be Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations ." Mace notably joined the contingent that ousted Kevin McCarthy from the speakership last year and has recently adopted a strident culture war drumbeat to restrict transgender women in Capitol restrooms — despite calling herself " pro-transgender rights " just a year earlier. The notion she could take down Graham caused an enthusiastic stir among MAGA social media accounts Thursday. Graham is a vocal pro-Trump loyalist, but his previous association with the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), and his support of neoconservative interventionist military policies have been at odds with some of Trump's more isolationist beliefs. Some far-right influencers see him as unreliable. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Senate Dems consider whether Biden should ‘clear the slate’ and pardon Trump " JUST IN: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is considering a run AGAINST RINO Lindsey Graham for Senate in 2026," wrote far-right influencer Nick Sortor. "LET’S GO! Your days in the Senate are numbered, Lady Graham. Should Based Mace do it?" The phrase "Lady Graham" appears to be a derogatory reference to unsubstantiated rumors about Graham. "Yessss start the unofficial campaign now that’s what it takes to beat these entrenched incumbents," wrote Florida-based software CEO Robert Salvador. "BREAKING: Nancy Mace is reportedly considering running for Senate in South Carolina, issuing a potential primary challenge to Lindsey Graham. Let’s go!!!" wrote pro-Trump bodybuilder Ian Jaeger. "Whoa!!! Go Nancy Mace. Primary that sneaky, double-talking RINO Lindsey Graham," wrote Juanita Broaddrick, a former nursing home administrator who made a sexual assault allegation against former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s.W3SA: Redefining Surveys with Web3 Innovation and Community Rewards

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In its latest edition, business magazine LMD reports that “the sense of optimism sparked by the presidential election in September outcome remains.” “Confidence in corporate circles remains largely unchanged following the presidential election, signalling a modest shift in economic sentiment under the caretaker government at the time of the latest monthly LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey,” it adds. In the first week of November, when the unique poll was conducted, 41% of survey participants expressed optimism about the economy ‘improving’ over the next 12 months, maintaining the same level as in October, LMD notes. It continues: “Meanwhile, over half the respondents (56%) believe the economy will ‘stay the same,’ marking a 6% uptick. On the other hand, 3% expect the economy to ‘get worse,’ which is a decrease of six percentage points from the preceding month.” According to LMD, however, the shift in sentiment among sales people seen in October has held steady, as their concerns about the economic outlook remain subdued. The latest poll reveals that 46% of executives anticipate an improvement in their sales volumes over the next 12 months, which is consistent with October’s results.” “And 51% expect their sales numbers to ‘stay the same,’ marking a six point rise from 45% in October. Additionally, only 3% foresee their sales volumes to ‘get worse’ – down from nine percent,” the magazine reports. LMD’s publisher, Media Services, says the December edition of the magazine has been released and its digital edition has been shared on WhatsApp and the publisher’s social media platforms. The magazine’s Cover Story features David Sislen – World Bank’s Regional Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka – who says: “While I acknowledge the risks ahead, I’m extremely bullish about Sri Lanka’s future.” The full story has been uploaded on LMD’s website (www.LMD.lk).

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