
D-Wave completes $175-million USD stock sale to fuel quantum computing developmentThe Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it vehemently condemns the recent racially charged remarks made by Government Member of Parliament Everald Warmington targeted at Opposition leader Mark Golding. During a political meeting at the Tivoli Gardens High School in Kingston, Warmington declared that "he would rather die than be led by a white, British man," referring to Golding. He further suggested that the Opposition leader should "seek office in Britain, where he believes he would be more comfortable." The PSOJ says these inflammatory remarks, delivered from a position of political authority and before an audience at an educational institution, represent a dangerous and deliberate attempt to inject racial division into Jamaica's political discourse. “These statements are particularly alarming as they threaten to resurrect one of the darkest chapters in Jamaica's political history,” said the organisation in a statement today. “The PSOJ must emphasise that such rhetoric eerily echoes the divisive political discourse in Jamaica's past which was marked by deep social upheaval, economic instability, and tragic political violence. We cannot and must not allow our nation to be dragged backwards into an era where political differences were inflamed by racial and class divisions, resulting in profound national trauma that took generations to heal,” it added. PSOJ renewed its call for Warmington to be held accountable for his conduct. “We especially condemn that these statements were made at the Tivoli Gardens High School, an educational institution where young minds are shaped. The corrosive effect of such rhetoric on our youth cannot be understated. This incident poses a serious risk of normalising discriminatory speech among our future generations, who deserve exemplary leadership from their elected officials rather than displays of divisive politics that harken back to our nation's darkest days.” The PSOJ says the Office of the Political Ombudsman, now operating within the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), should urgently intervention in the situation. “The current situation demands a comprehensive review of enforcement mechanisms within the Political Code of Conduct, with the establishment of clear, enforceable consequences for breaches of this nature. “The integration of the political ombudsman's office into the ECJ framework makes this moment particularly crucial for demonstrating institutional effectiveness in addressing serious violations of political conduct. The PSOJ acknowledges this dual mandate but emphasises that this restructuring must not result in any diminishment of the office's authority to address such egregious breaches of proper political conduct.” The PSOJ says Jamaica's business community stands united in rejecting any attempt to reintroduce divisive racial politics into the national discourse, saying such behaviour not only undermines democratic principles and social cohesion but also threatens the stable business environment that is crucial for sustained economic growth and development. “Our international partners and potential investors closely monitor our political stability and social climate. The inflammatory rhetoric of this nature risks damaging Jamaica's reputation as a mature democracy and an attractive destination for investment.” Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com .Korean Won Worst Performer Among Major Peers
Wild first season in expanded Big 12 comes down to final weekendHow to stretch your Turkey Day dollar and turn leftovers into easy, creative meals you’ve never heard of
Georgia suffers huge CFP blow after QB Carson Beck is hurt as SEC title game against Texas descends into chaos
A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her moveHow Major US Stock Indexes Fared Dec.12
ALISON BOSHOFF: Chef James Martin, his new lover and the old flame in his kitchen$500,000 Awarded for Worker Who Injured Heel When He Fell From Scaffolding in New Jersey
Sarah Robertson is glad she turned her back on football to pursue a playing career in hockey. It turned out to be the right option as she recently announced her retirement from playing for Great Britain with more than 100 caps and an Olympic bronze medal to her name. As a teenager, Robertson - from Selkirk in the Borders - shone at rugby and football, being signed by Hibs Ladies. However, she has no regrets about the decision to focus on hockey and still hopes to add to her 118 appearances for Scotland next year. She won age-grade caps up to Scotland under-17 level in football, but was also attracting interest in hockey, and at 18 she had a decision to make. "It was a big choice at the time because I enjoyed my football, but I loved my hockey too," the 31-year-old recalls. "I grew up playing different sports in the Borders and it taught me so much. "Before I got into hockey I played rugby and football, predominantly in boys teams, and that pushed me so much." She started hockey at Selkirk High School and followed a "great pathway" with South of Scotland teams, and at the Fjordhus Reivers club in the Borders where she was coached by Janet Jack, who had been in the GB programme herself. "All of those experiences taught me so much about sporting ability, but also about working hard, being humble, staying grounded, that nothing gets handed to you on a plate - all characteristics that have stayed with me throughout my sporting career," she said. She has no regrets about finally settling on hockey. "Women's football has gone on to achieve amazing things, but I feel like hockey has been a sport that has pushed me to achieve my potential," she said. She said she had met "amazing people" and felt "very privileged" to have been part of the Team GB at two Olympics. "I'm glad I went down the hockey route," she added. Robertson made her full Scotland debut in 2012, aged 19, and for Great Britain in 2015. Her Olympic debut came in Tokyo in the delayed 2020 Games, where she played in every game and scored a stunning goal in a dramatic 4-3 win over India that secured the bronze medal. A key member of the GB team that competed at world level and qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games, she was hugely disappointed to miss out on another semi-final in Paris. "But it was still a special tournament to be part of," she added. "There's not many Scots who have had the chance to play in an Olympics, never mind two Olympics, and to get to 100 caps, and be presented with it by Andy Murray, is just amazing." The Borderer took up an offer to play for the Tasmanian Tigers in Australia until Christmas, as she prepares for a new life in 2025, working for Grays hockey. She will still play for her London club, Hampstead and Westminster, and hopes to add to her Scotland caps, but life as a full-time pro player is now behind her. "It's a bit surreal that that's the end of it for Great Britain, but I look back with no regrets," she said. "I know I gave it everything, and applied myself, and I'm really proud of what I achieved and some of the performances I put in along the way. "I'm sad that it's at an end, but it's come to an end on my terms and I feel very grateful to all the people who have helped me live the dream of being a full-time athlete for 10 years. "It's not easy, but it's been a privilege to do it."Another Rose looks to blossom with Canadian women’s soccer team
Harris scores 16 as South Carolina Upstate beats Western Carolina 74-68
How to stretch your Turkey Day dollar and turn leftovers into easy, creative meals you’ve never heard of
ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Advertisement Holidays are often difficult for people who are estranged from their families. A formerly estranged mother and daughter spent holidays fully alone or with their chosen family. It took them four years to reconnect, and they struggled because friends and family "took sides." A few months after Lindsey Glass went no-contact with her mom in 2014, it was Thanksgiving. Up until that point, the holiday was one they always spent together. Lindsey's mother, Leslie, remembered them fondly. Advertisement "It was a party," Leslie, 79, told Business Insider. They would make the traditional turkey and side dishes with their family and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade . "Lindsey's corn pudding was always a favorite," Leslie said. They would then recreate all the same dishes for Christmas, making it feel like a two-part celebration. That was until Lindsey decided to break ties with her mom, driven by tensions in their shared media business, Reach Out Recovery, a resource for families dealing with addition. Suddenly, they became part of the growing number of Americans estranged from a family member. By the time Thanksgiving rolled around, their estrangement still felt "very fresh," Lindsey said. Advertisement The first year was isolating The first Thanksgiving apart was the hardest for both the Glasses. "It was really, really horrible," Lindsey said. She briefly saw her dad and his then-girlfriend, but otherwise didn't celebrate. "I couldn't leave the cave," she said, referring to her New York City apartment. Leslie was invited to a friend's Thanksgiving celebration, but never showed up. News of their estrangement spread quickly in their social circles, and she couldn't face talking about it over dinner. Advertisement "I was so ashamed," Leslie said. She skipped multiple party invites, sometimes losing friends in the process because of how much she withdrew. Leslie also struggled to process the pain of losing Lindsey. "I was so upset, but I wasn't able to cry," she said. On some holidays and weekends, she turned on Hallmark movies. "Those movies helped me access my tears," she said, especially the ones that involved dead parents because they reminded her of estrangement. Related stories They hosted holidays with chosen family Lindsey Glass, on left, with one of her cousins. Leslie Glass, on right, at a Friendsgiving. Lindsey and Leslie Glass Their next Thanksgiving apart was very different. Advertisement Leslie started hosting Thanksgiving and other holidays at the family home in New York, celebrating with neighbors and friends who didn't have anywhere to go. "Thanksgiving has been extremely important in our family, going back a couple of generations," Leslie said. They always invited friends, often immigrants, who didn't have family nearby. By then, Lindsey had moved to Los Angeles, and was living a parallel life to her mom. She hosted Thanksgiving at her home with five friends from her AA group. "We were all not in touch with our families," Lindsey said. Advertisement They didn't have a lot of money as a group. "It was like the most lackluster Thanksgiving you've ever seen," Lindsey said. "But it was fun." They both felt judged by other people Leslie and Lindsey found ways to enjoy the holidays apart, be it with friends or cousins. Still, Lindsey dreaded being asked if she was going home for the holidays; when she told people the truth, their reactions would make her uncomfortable. Advertisement "People feel sorry for you — I remember a boyfriend going, 'But are you going to be okay? But are you going to be okay?'" Lindsey said. "While these people are always coming from a good place... not helpful." They also felt judged by friends and family. "People took sides, it was like a divorce," Leslie said. Others avoided them entirely. Some family members disinvited them both from holiday celebrations. Both Lindsey and Leslie felt deep shame, especially around holidays like Mother's Day, which would remind them of their estrangement even more than Thanksgiving did. Advertisement The holidays brought them back together Lindsey Glass with her mother, Leslie Glass. Lindsey and Leslie Glass In the end, the Glasses reconnected because they missed each other. Even though Leslie got new Christmas decorations and invited people over, Lindsey's absence was a void in her life. "When I lost that feeling of being connected with Lindsey, it was almost like I was lost with my connection with joy," Leslie said. "My mom always did wonderful holidays, so I definitely missed Christmas," Lindsey said. Holidays especially made her nostalgic for good times with her mom. Advertisement They reconciled four years after becoming estranged. Lindsey's brother talked to them individually and helped them reconnect. "Our story really points to the fact that you can be deeply estranged, deeply ashamed, have all kinds of differences, and be able to find a way to come together in the end," Leslie said. And if reconciliation still isn't possible (because it takes two to listen to each other and change), Lindsey said the important thing is to take care of yourself. Advertisement "Watch the favorite movie, make the favorite food, call the friend," she said. "Do those little things."
Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad ruleJohn Braun: Legislators can learn from Pierce County's bipartisan effort on homelessness