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ubet95 and ssbet77 Wheel of Fortune contestants whiffing their bonus puzzles is nothing new, but on December 4’s episode, a player came up short on a $40,000 puzzle that left fans joking that she may never want to visit a Disney theme park again. The game show’s latest big miss involved Vandana Patel, an Indian fusion food expert from Chicago. She won the episode and proceeded to the coveted bonus round with $20,600, a trip to Florida, and the selection of “What Are You Wearing?” as her category. Joined by host Ryan Seacrest and the off-side support of her waving mom, daughter, and husband, she faced the two-word puzzle. Choosing a “DMH” and “A,” Vanna White added a mere “H” to the first word. “We want more!” Seacrest chanted. With that tough break, the 10-second timer began. The puzzle read as, “‘_ H _ T E’ ‘_ L _ _ E S.'” A stern Patel did her very best to concentrate on cracking it, successfully saying “White” was the first word. But she couldn’t figure out the second word, and the timer ran out. The full puzzle was unveiled, “WHITE GLOVES.” Seacrest revealed the gold envelope contained the $40,000 amount and put a consoling arm around Patel’s shoulder. “This was on your bucket list!” he told her. “It was,” she replied. The game show shared the big miss on Youtube, where fans reacted to the loss with the top comment being about how the contestant will likely never want to see Mickey Mouse, or Mario of the Nintendo games, again given their white gloves. “Now she never wants to see mickey or mario again,” the fan wrote scoring 20 likes. “Or the keeper of the Stanley Cup,” replied another. A third fan wrote, “I knew it said WHITE GLOVES and I even solved it before the timer was displayed.” A fourth penned, “Don’t worry, Vandana, I was stumped too. I got the first word, but not the second. That’s alright, you’re a winner regardless. $20K is nothing to sneeze at. Great job! A fifth said, “I knew gloves from the initial and her h got me white. Tough puzzle “Wow. At least it wasn’t the hundred thousand dollar wedge,” wrote one more. Meanwhile , Seacrest, of course, had huge shoes to fill replacing the legendary Pat Sajak after four decades for Season 42. His debut month was the strongest ratings month for WoF in the past three years, and viewers were already treated to a viral moment (via a round of sausage) . That said, there have been some questionable hosting moments. In September, Seacrest suffered what fans dubbed his “first blooper” , involving a prolonged reaction to rewarding a bonus round. Fans also called out the host for ruling against another player before the timer was up. Most controversially, last month, fans called out the host for not reminding a player to pick a letter , leading to him losing the game in a misunderstanding and by a mere $147. This past two weeks, a more puzzling issue has come to light, which is that there has been a mere one bonus puzzle win out of the last eight episodes , many fans blaming the players and not the host. Wheel of Fortune , Weeknights, Check your local listings More Headlines:A former Penticton support worker who claimed discrimination for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine has had her complaint against the B.C. General Employees' Union dismissed by the Labour Relations Board. According to the Nov. 22 decision, Amie Harbor claimed that her employer had constructively dismissed her for failing to disclose her vaccination status, and alleged that the union had provided bad faith and discriminatory representation when she filed a grievance with them. Harbor started work for Thomspon Community Services (TCS) in 2018 and stopped in 2021 after the public health order requiring vaccinations against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic went into effect. Ahead of the order coming into effect, Harbor declined to share her vaccination status with her employer and had informed them that she was seeking an accommodation due to her "strongly and conscientiously held political beliefs" that align with those of the BC Libertarian Party. To support her request, she attached a letter of support from Keith MacIntyre, the party's leader. According to the Labour Relations Board's decision, Harbor's employer then informed her that before it could make an accommodation assessment, needed her to disclose her vaccination status. TCS also requested evidence of more long-term involvement with the BC Libertarians, asking for any membership receipts or documentation. "In terms of the letter of this date from Mr. MacIntyre, we have received several very similar letters and will require more substantive evidence of your long-term political belief and participation with the British Columbia Libertarian Party," TCS was quoted as saying. TCS also noted in its reply to Harbor's accommodation request that she should notify the union of her request and also asked how her case was different from a BC Human Rights Tribunal case heard already that year. Harbor did not provide any of that information, and once the deadline arrived, was placed on an unpaid leave due to failing to meet the requirements of the provincial health order. A year later, Harbor went to the union to ask about filing a grievance over the issue. The union then contacted TCS, which informed both them and Harbor that it remained willing to end the leave should the public health order be lifted or if Harbor discloses her vaccination status for TCS to do an assessment. A month after that, Harbor officially filed a grievance claiming that TCS had constructively dismissed her from employment, discriminated against her, psychologically harassed and terminated without cause. All of the claims were denied by TCS, and the union initially forwarded the case to arbitration, before deciding otherwise. A staff representative then informed Harbor that the union had decided against going to arbitration after further review and multiple other arbitrations that had found ineligibility to work under a public health order offering just cause for termination. Harbor then appealed the decision not to go to arbitration to the Union's Area Grievance Appeal Committee, which finally dismissed the appeal in February of 2024. The provincial appeal committee declined to hear a further appeal of the area committee's decision. As a result, Harbor brought forward a complaint against the union, claiming that they had made representations and responded to her grievance based on "a pre-determined, discriminatory position regarding employees and vaccine choice." To back up her argument, she pointed to publications made by the union in advance of the public health order taking effect which had sections pointing out accommodations could be applied for on a medical basis, which Harbor argued disregarded political beliefs. The Labour Relations Board rejected Harbors arguments, stating that the staff representative had explicitly considered her accommodation request for her political beliefs, and came to the decision not to advance the grievance to arbitration due to a lack of compelling evidence of success. "Similarly, the GAC considered the issue of the applicant’s request for an exemption due to her political belief in its decision dated February 1, 2024," reads the Board's decision. "Again, there is no indication in the GAC’s response to the Applicant that it relied on a view that there could be, or should be, no exemptions for pollical beliefs." The board also noted that Harbor had waited a year before filing the grievance, that Harbor had not disclosed her status to even begin the accommodation assessment, and that she had not provided any additional material as requested by TCS.

Core & Main president sells $2.75 million in stockSrinagar, Nov 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said that government jobs cannot resolve the entire employment crisis. “Reality is that we can’t give government jobs to everyone,” the CM said after laying the foundation stone for the upgradation of a hi-tech flower nursery and the development of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood (Chrysanthemum Theme Garden) here in Srinagar. “Unemployment will not end with government jobs in J&K. We will give as much as we can. But until we increase the private sector, we will not be able to treat this disease of unemployment. We hope that big owners will come from abroad and set up factories here, but they will not.” The hi-tech flower nursery and the development of Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood projects are being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.83 crore and Rs 1.87 crore. The upgraded nursery at the Poloview facility aims to serve not only as a resource centre for plants but also as an education hub. Workshops and training sessions will be conducted to empower growers and citizens with sustainable gardening practices. The Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, to be spread over 100 kanal, is poised to become a major autumn attraction. It will showcase vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, red, pink, and purple, adding charm to Kashmir’s tourism landscape during the traditionally quieter autumn months. CM Omar emphasised the significance of gardens in Kashmir’s heritage and tourism. He said: “The Kashmir valley is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking beauty, and within that charm, our gardens hold a special place. From the time people began visiting Kashmir, they either established gardens or made it a point to visit them. The Mughals, for instance, created iconic gardens like Cheshma Shahi, Nishat, Shalimar, and Harwan. Over time, visitors, even if they saw nothing else, ensured they visited these Mughal Gardens.” The CM highlighted how the introduction of the Tulip Garden transformed Kashmir’s tourist season. “Our tourism season was once limited to two periods: winter, when people came to witness snowfall or in May when visitors explored gardens and other scenic spots. However, with the establishment of the Tulip Garden, this pattern transformed. It extended our tourist season into March and April,” he said. “Today, people of Srinagar know how bustling the area around the Tulip Garden becomes during this time. It’s a challenge even to navigate through the traffic near the garden.” Addressing the need for a similar boost to autumn tourism, CM Omar commended the efforts of the Parks and Gardens Department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K). “While the Tulip Garden has had a remarkable impact, a new challenge lies in utilising the ‘off-season’ months of October and November, before snowfall draws tourists to destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. To address this, I commend the Parks and Gardens Department and SKUAST-K for their role in introducing Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood – the Chrysanthemum Garden,” he said. The CM explained the potential of the Chrysanthemum Garden saying: “The chrysanthemum, a flower that blooms in autumn, has the potential to do for October and November what the Tulip Garden does for March and April. Visitors to this garden will also explore other parts of Kashmir, benefiting the entire ecosystem of tourism – be it Shikarawalas, taxi operators, houseboat owners, or others.” On the sustainability of the initiative, he said, “Importantly, unlike tulips, which require costly bulb imports to maintain the garden, chrysanthemums can be grown locally without external dependence. Our efforts are already underway to develop tulip bulbs locally to reduce imports and even export them in the future. With chrysanthemums, however, we are self-reliant from the start. I hope this initiative will be fully developed and marketed by next year, providing Srinagar with a new tourist destination in the form of the Chrysanthemum Garden.” On the occasion, the CM also spoke about the importance of promoting high-value, low-volume products like essential oils. “Lavender oil, mint oil, and similar products are already being exhibited, alongside cut flowers and contributions from progressive growers,” he said. CM Omar congratulated progressive farmers on their success and pledged government support, saying: “If you face any difficulties, do let us know so we can support you.” He emphasised the need to bolster the private sector to tackle unemployment. “It’s a reality that we cannot provide government jobs to everyone. Addressing unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir requires a shift beyond government employment. While we will create as many government jobs as possible, the solution lies in boosting the private sector. Unless we empower this sector, unemployment cannot be effectively tackled,” the CM said. He said that expecting large-scale foreign investments here (Kashmir) was a challenge. “Instead, we must focus on sectors with strong local foundations, such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, and floriculture,” CM Omar said. “To those already in these fields or those aspiring to enter them, I assure you that our government is committed to supporting you in every possible way. Together, we can strengthen floriculture and allied industries, paving the way for sustainable growth and opportunities.” Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Member of Legislative Assembly Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad; Director Floriculture Kashmir also attended the event. The Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, located within the Botanical Garden in Srinagar, is being developed at Rs 1.87 crore. With its blooms expected to colour late autumn, the garden is set to open to the public in Autumn 2025, marking a new chapter in Kashmir’s tourism story.Aston Villa march on in Champions League after beating RB Leipzig

A VAN-lifer has revealed how he bought a used white Citreon van on Facebook Marketplace and moved in. Harry Gilbert, 24, packed in his busy London life in exchange for a home on wheels to save thousands on rent. Advertisement 16 Harry Gilbert and his Citroen Relay 06 Credit: harry gilbert 16 The 24 year-old was previously living and working in London Credit: harry gilbert 16 Harry packed up London life to take advantage of remote-work perks and now he lives and travels in a van Credit: harry gilbert The Isle of Man native was living in Putney, London, when he started working remotely and decided to take the plunge. . He told The Sun: "I started working remote and thought there's no point me being here." So he packed his bags, moved home, and bought a Citroen Relay 06 on Facebook Marketplace for £1,600. Over the course of a year, Harry built the bed and cupboards from scratch but used flatpack furniture for the rest of his home. Advertisement READ MORE ON MOTORS MEALS & WHEELS Inside UK's first classic car museum hidden inside a PIZZA restaurant SOMETHING BORROWED Top 10 most leased cars of 2024 from family favourite to glam supermini He shared the process via YouTube, and TikTok where he's racked up 198,000 followers. Harry also installed a gaming PC in his van, this is an internet satellite known as a Starlink, along with solar panels to enable him to work remotely. The van is also equipped with a stove, fridge and a toilet/seating area. In total, his tiny-home cost £10,000. Advertisement Most read in Motors SOMETHING BORROWED Top 10 most leased cars of 2024 from family favourite to glam supermini SAFETY FIRST Drivers brace for major rule change as classic cars face MoTs for the 1st time ROAD BLOCK Part of M8 to shut for 'up to a week' after motorway flooded by SEWAGE PARKING MAD AA reveals Scots shopping centre one of the worst in the UK for parking charges Harry spends around £1,000 a month - £400 on cash withdrawals, £220 on fuel, £200 on groceries and £180 on internet/subscriptions. He brings in £1,200 from work. The TikTokker says he's now completed nine months of vanlife and visited 12 different countries. He said: "For me, it's just a different way of living. Advertisement "I know people talk about the rat race - but times are changing and a lot of people work remotely now. "People can get so sucked up in it [London life] they kind of forget it [van life] is possible. Harry believes people should take advantage of working remotely and that freedom is "the best thing". He said: "I get to go where I want, do what I want, work when I want. So, I think that's rich in itself." Advertisement But the TikToker admitted he does struggle - one downside, he claimed, is loneliness. He explained: "For the first couple of weeks travelling around Europe I didn't really have much contact with people. "I was kind of by myself the whole time and there were times when that was very challenging. 16 Inside Harry's van is a gaming PC, a bed, cupboards, a fridge, sink and stove Credit: harry gilbert Advertisement 16 Up close of Harry's gaming PC Credit: harry gilbert 16 Harry also has a toilet and seating area Credit: harry gilbert 16 The van doesn't have a shower but Harry washes in local hostels Credit: harry gilbert 16 Harry likes to distance himself and visit non-touristy spots Credit: harry gilbert Advertisement 16 Harry loves the freedom of van life, he can travel when he wants, wherever he wants Credit: harry gilbert "I don't really do many touristy things, or go to any touristy places, I like to distance myself and go to to places that not many tourists go." Harry doesn't really plan his routes but uses an app called Park 4 Night to pick a nice spot for the night. Another downside is "bad weather", he says. Advertisement The TikToker recalled the night that led him to consider whether van life was for him. During the early hours of the morning, on a stormy night on the Isle of Man, Harry's Starlink flew off the van roof and smashed against the ground. Feeling tired and unwell, Harry got up to retrieve the pieces. He added: "That was probably the only time I have debated van life." Advertisement On the other hand, there are many pros to van life. He explained: "You can book a holiday and it not be nice but you're stuck there because you booked the holiday. "But with a van, you can go somewhere and if you aren't feeling it or don't really like it, you can just drive somewhere else. "You can also visit more places, it really is the freedom of it." Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine Harry isn't thinking too deeply into the future just yet but hopes to find somewhere off-grid to live in. His plan for now is just to "go with the flow". 16 He even had time to enjoy a trip in a ski lift Credit: harry gilbert 16 Harry has a Starlink on his van he uses for internet purposes Credit: harry gilbert Advertisement 16 He uses an an app called Park 4 Night to pick a nice spot for the night Credit: harry gilbert 16 Harry admitted travelling can get lonely Credit: harry gilbert 16 He's visited lots of places so far and plans to visit many more Credit: harry gilbert 16 He has a comfy-looking bed area Credit: harry gilbert Advertisement 16 Harry's home on wheels against a stunning backdrop Credit: harry gilbertThe 3 Best Alternative Assets by Returns

Published 5:39 pm Thursday, December 5, 2024 By Data Skrive The New Orleans Saints (4-8) visit a struggling New York Giants (2-10) team on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at MetLife Stadium (and same-game parlay recommendations are available). The Giants have lost seven games in a row. BetMGM is one of the most trusted Sportsbooks in the nation. Start with as little as $1 and place your bets today . Parlay payout based on standard calculation and is not associated with any sportsbook offers. Visit BetMGM for odds and payout information. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

NoneFILE – Former President Jimmy Carter stands behind his birthday cake during his 90th birthday celebration held at Georgia Southwestern University, Oct. 4, 2014, in Americus, Ga. (AP Photo/Branden Camp, File) ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief” and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights, he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise” speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter’s diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics. Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. 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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's Republican-controlled Legislature approved a constitutional amendment on Friday that would allow them to expand the number of crimes in which juveniles between 14 and 16 years old could be tried as adults. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's Republican-controlled Legislature approved a constitutional amendment on Friday that would allow them to expand the number of crimes in which juveniles between 14 and 16 years old could be tried as adults. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana’s Republican-controlled Legislature approved a constitutional amendment on Friday that would allow them to expand the number of crimes in which juveniles between 14 and 16 years old could be tried as adults. The state’s constitution currently outlines 15 violent juvenile offenses, such as rape, murder and armed robbery, which prosecutors can handle in adult courts. Any changes to that list of crimes must be approved by voters. But the constitutional amendment sponsored by Republican Sen. Heather Cloud — which require voter approval in March 29 elections to take effect — would allow legislators the power by a two-thirds vote to decide what juvenile crimes can be transferred to adult courts. It’s part of a wider push in Louisiana, which already has the second-highest incarceration rate in the country behind Mississippi, to implement tough-on-crime policies under Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. Since taking office in January, Landry has passed laws to treat 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system, largely eliminate parole and allow surgical castration as punishment for certain sex crimes against children. Supporters of the measure to make it easier to expand prosecution of juveniles as adults — backed only by Republican legislators — say it will grant lawmakers more flexibility to give prosecutors the tools they need to increase public safety. Vesting authority in the constitution “has hamstringed Louisiana from being able to address changes in an ever-changing juvenile crime landscape,” Cloud said on the Senate floor on Nov. 14. Opponents, including Democrats, social workers and criminal justice reform advocates, said specific offenses routing juveniles to adult courts should remain part of the constitution to keep this power in the hands of voters. “We’re taking the people’s voice away over how children should be treated in this state,” Democratic Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews said. Critics also argue the changes fail to confront the root causes of juvenile crime, namely poverty and underinvestment in education. Transferring juveniles into adult court would also prevent them from accessing age-appropriate rehabilitative services, criminal justice reform advocates and social workers testified during the legislative session. “I can view this in no other way than just giving up on children,” Democratic Sen. Royce Duplessis said on the Senate floor. “We’re going to say we’re just going to treat them all as adults, and we’re not going to do our part as a society, as policymakers, to address what’s really failing — this is not going to do a single thing to deter crime.” Some lawmakers said that juveniles committing violent crimes had been deprived of care from a young age and were past the point of rehabilitation, blaming their families as opposed to societal factors. “Some of these kids are already lost when they’re 2 years old,” said Republican Rep. Tony Bacala in a House committee hearing. Unless they are transferred to an adult court, young people tried in juvenile court can only be imprisoned until age 21 according to state law. The effect of the proposed constitutional change will be to open the door for Republican lawmakers to give prosecutors the power to hand down lengthy prison sentences to 14- to 16-year-olds, including for less severe crimes, said Bruce Reilly, deputy director of the Louisiana-based criminal justice reform advocacy group Voice of the Experienced. The Louisiana District Attorneys Association and the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association said they supported the measure. But New Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson said she was concerned the measure would “almost certainly further strain our already short staff” in the jail system. Federal law still considers 17-year-olds and younger as juveniles and requires them to be kept separate from adult inmates. District Attorney Tony Clayton, who represents West Baton Rouge and two other parishes, said he would not try a juvenile as an adult for having “marijuana in his wallet,” but for violent crimes. Violent crimes are on the decline nationwide according to the latest data from FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting. Since mid-2023, most violent crime has also been down in New Orleans, which in 2022 had the highest homicide rate among large cities nationwide. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Conservative lawmakers argued this was the result of tough-on-crime penalties passed this year and Republican Gov. Jeff Landry’s decision to send state troops to New Orleans. Lawmakers supporting the amendment have focused on high-profile violent crimes by juveniles, such as a deadly New Orleans carjacking case committed by teenagers — who were charged as adults — in which an elderly woman was beaten and dragged to her death. Louisiana is one of five states that classifies 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. _____ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96 Advertisement Advertisement

BAKU — Countries agreed on Sunday to an annual finance target of $300 billion to help poorer countries deal with impacts of climate change, with rich countries leading the payments, according to a hard fought deal clinched at the COP29 conference in Baku . The new goal is intended to replace developed countries’ previous commitment to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance for poorer nations by 2020. That goal was met two years late, in 2022, and expires in 2025. The agreement was criticized by developing nations, who called it insufficient, but United Nations climate chief Simon Steill hailed it as an insurance policy for humanity. “It has been a difficult journey, but we’ve delivered a deal,” Steill said after the agreement was adopted. “This deal will keep the clean energy boom growing and protect billions of lives. It will help all countries to share in the huge benefits of bold climate action: more jobs, stronger growth, cheaper and cleaner energy for all.” “But like any insurance policy — it only works — if the premiums are paid in full, and on time.” The COP29 climate conference in the Azerbaijan capital had been due to finish on Friday, but ran into overtime as negotiators from nearly 200 countries struggled to reach consensus on the climate funding plan for the next decade. At one point delegates from poor and small island nations walked out in frustration over what they called a lack of inclusion, worried that fossil fuel producing countries were seeking to water down aspects of the deal. The COP29 climate conference in the Azerbaijan capital had been due to finish on Friday, but ran into overtime as negotiators from nearly 200 countries struggled to reach consensus on the climate funding plan for the next decade. At one point delegates from poor and small island nations walked out in frustration over what they called a lack of inclusion, worried that fossil fuel producing countries were seeking to water down aspects of the deal. The summit cut to the heart of the debate over financial responsibility of industrialized countries — whose historic use of fossil fuels have caused the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions — to compensate others for worsening damage wrought by climate change. It also laid bare divisions between wealthy governments constrained by tight domestic budgets and developing nations reeling from costs of storms, floods and droughts. Countries also agreed Saturday evening on rules for a global market to buy and sell carbon credits that proponents say could mobilise billions more dollars into new projects to help fight global warming, from reforestation to deployment of clean energy technologies. Countries are seeking financing to deliver on the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7F) above pre-industrial levels — beyond which catastrophic climate impacts could occur. The world is currently on track for as much as 3.1C (5.6F) of warming by the end of this century, according to the 2024 U.N. Emissions Gap report, with global greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels use continuing to rise. What counts as a developed nation? The roster of countries required to contribute — about two dozen industrialized countries, including the U.S., European nations and Canada — dates back to a list decided during U.N. climate talks in 1992. European governments have demanded others join them in paying in, including China, the world’s second-biggest economy, and oil-rich Gulf states. The deal encourages developing countries to make contributions, but does not require them. The agreement also includes a broader goal of raising $1.3 trillion in climate finance annually by 2035 — which would include funding from all public and private sources and which economists say matches the sum needed to address global warming. Securing the deal was a challenge from the start. Donald Trump’s victory this month has raised doubts among some negotiators that the world’s largest economy would pay into any climate finance goal agreed in Baku. Trump, a Republican who takes office in January, has called climate change a hoax and promised to again remove the U.S. from international climate cooperation. Western governments have seen global warming slip down the list of national priorities amid surging geopolitical tensions, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and expanding conflict in the Middle East, and rising inflation. The showdown over financing for developing countries comes in a year that scientists say is destined to be the hottest on record. Climate woes are stacking up in the wake of such extreme heat, with widespread flooding killing thousands across Africa, deadly landslides burying villages in Asia, and drought in South America shrinking rivers. Developed countries have not been spared. Torrential rain triggered floods in Valencia, Spain, last month that left more than 200 dead, and the U.S. so far this year has registered 24 billion-dollar disasters — just four fewer than last year.Contractor death: Case registered against six people, including Minister Priyank Kharge's close aide

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Boise State football RB Ashton Jeanty gets glowing James Franklin ahead of Fiesta BowlNone

Elon Musk (AP photo) Elon Musk seems to be very upset with the raging debate on H-1B visas. Almost since the past one week, he has been vociferously defending H-1B visas. A heated exchange erupted on X (formerly Twitter) between Elon Musk and Steven Mackey, identified as a Trump supporter, over the contentious issue of H-1B visas and immigration reform. The disagreement began when Mackey shared a video of Musk discussing the limitations of traditional education, which Musk described as a creativity-stifling "mental straight jacket." Mackey used Musk's words in the context of the H-1B debate, tweeting, “Stop trying to optimize something that shouldn’t exist. Let’s optimize H1-B,” implying a need for reform within the program. Musk responded sharply, defending the H-1B program: “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX , Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.” Mackey subsequently attempted to clarify his position, stating his admiration for Musk while asserting his right to disagree. He acknowledged the existence of "extreme abuse" within the H-1B system, calling for a fair resolution and suggesting that Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy , and the Dogecoin community could contribute to the reform discussion. Donald Trump backs Elon Musk on H-1B visas As the debate goes fiercer, Elon Musk may have just received the biggest vote in his favour on the issue. President-elect Donald Trump threw his support behind Elon Musk and his endorsement of H-1B visas, even as the contentious issue continued to stir heated debate within the MAGA community . In a surprising move, Trump, who had previously expressed opposition to H-1B visas, sided with Musk in the ongoing debate. In an interview with the New York Post on Sunday, December 29, Trump declared, "I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them." Trump went on to emphasize his personal experience with the program, stating, "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program." This statement came even as MAGA hardliners lashed out at figures like Musk, accusing them of manipulating Trump for their own gain by arguing that skilled foreign workers are essential for maintaining American leadership in technology. This exchange underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies, particularly within the tech industry, where the H-1B visa program is a key issue. While Musk's stance strongly supports the role of skilled foreign workers, his interaction with Mackey has sparked further discussion about the future of US immigration reform.Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) celebrated the winners of a student competition that recognised Qatar’s achievements under the leadership of the Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The award ceremony featured valuable prizes for the top three winners in each category of the competition, which brought together primary and preparatory school students from across the country on the occasion of Qatar National Day. Participants conducted extensive research to explore the Father Amir’s pivotal role in shaping Qatar’s modern identity and his contributions to education, culture, foreign policy, and humanitarian efforts. The competition was divided into two categories: poster design and article writing. Primary school students created innovative posters that visually depicted key moments in Qatar’s renaissance while preparatory school students wrote insightful essays, on Qatar’s economic and social development, foreign policy, and humanitarian legacy. Maha Al-Naimi, information service librarian at QNL, said the competition aligns with the library’s efforts to enable youth to gain deeper insight into Qatar’s history and the legacy of its leaders. “Empowering youth to understand our history is essential to preserving our nation’s cultural heritage. The competition highlighted the visionary leadership of His Highness the Father Amir and provided students with a platform to express their creativity in documenting his rich legacy,” she explained. Submissions were assessed based on students’ creativity and ability to showcase the profound impact of the Father Amir’s leadership on the nation’s development, as well as their effective use of sources—with a particular emphasis on referencing materials from Qatar National Library. Through such initiatives, the Library furthers its mission to educate and empower the community—particularly youth—by fostering a deeper connection to Qatar’s traditions and history. Copy 24/12/2024 10