Franklin Templeton Canada Announces Final Valuations for Terminating ETFs
A judge gave Port Authority Director Geno Marconi leniency on who he can have contact with as a case against him on felony charges of witness tampering and falsifying evidence proceeds. Marconi, 73, who has been on paid leave since April, appeared before Judge Andrew Schulman in Rockingham County Superior Court for a bail hearing Thursday afternoon, at which his attorney Richard Samdperil argued Marconi should not be barred from having contact with a list of 14 potential witnesses in the case. Marconi waived arraignment and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Marconi faces two felony and four misdemeanor indictments which allege he shared protected motor vehicle details and pier permit fee information about Neil Levesque, vice chairman of the Pease Development Authority (PDA). Levesque, an avid fisherman who lives in Rye, is also director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. He is identified in court documents only as "NL." Geno Marconi walks in to Rockingham County Superior Court for a bail hearing on Nov. 27. The state port authority director has been on paid leave since April and is facing felony charges of witness tampering and falsifying evidence. Prosecutor Dan Jimenez said the list of potential witnesses included board members of the Pease Development Authority and employees of the Division of Ports and Harbors. It includes Leveque, PDA chairman Stephen M. Duprey, and Bradley Cook, chairman of the Division of Ports and Harbors Advisory Council. Cook has been indicted on related charges in the case. “All the individuals listed in our no-contact provision, your honor, are likely to be witnesses at the trial wherein the defendant is charged with tampering with witnesses and falsifying physical evidence,” Jimenez told Schulman. Samdperil argued that Marconi is a “73-year-old with no prior criminal history who has spent his life working on the Seacoast, living on the Seacoast.” He has social contact with many on the list. The prosecution has not provided the defense with any evidence in the case and no affidavit is available. “There is a single charge of witness tampering that doesn’t involve any of these people,” he said. “None of these people, as far as I know, have claimed to be intimidated or harassed in any way.” Schulman ruled that Marconi “shall not discuss the facts of this case” with anyone on the list. If any of the people indicated directly or indirectly they do not wish contact then Marconi should have no contact, direct or indirect or through third parties. The indictments allege that on April 4, Port chief Marconi had shared Levesque’s personal driver’s license information with Cook. Cook was also indicted on felony perjury and misdemeanor false swearing charges. Cook waived arraignment and did not appear in court on Wednesday. Marconi’s wife, Supreme Court Associate Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi of Stratham, was indicted by a Merrimack County grand jury on seven felony and misdemeanor charges that she tried to pressure Gov. Chris Sununu and PDA Chairman Steve Duprey of Concord to bring the investigation of her husband to an end. The judge was placed on administrative leave by the court on July 25. Hantz Marconi is set to be arraigned on Dec. 2 at Merrimack County Superior Court. jphelps@unionleader.comOn paper, Luigi Mangione had it all: wealth, intellect, athleticism, good looks. But the child of a prominent Maryland family may have spurned it all in a spasm of violence, in a killing that has mesmerized Americans. The 26-year-old was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, a health insurance chief executive and father of two who was gunned down in Manhattan last week by someone who, evidence suggests, has endured his own debilitating health crises and grew angry with the privatized US medical system. The cold-blooded killing has laid bare the deep frustration many Americans feel toward the country's labyrinthine health care system: while many have condemned the shooting, others have praised Mangione as a hero. It has also prompted considerable interest in how a young engineer with an Ivy League education could have gone off the rails to commit murder. News of his capture at a Pennsylvania McDonald's triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. As Americans have looked for clues about a political ideology or potential motive, a photo on his X account (formerly Twitter) includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. Mangione lived in Hawaii in 2022 and, according to his former roommate R.J. Martin, suffered from back pain, and was hoping to strengthen his back. After a surfing lesson, Mangione was "in bed for about a week" because of the pain, Martin told CNN. Earlier this year, Martin said, Mangione confirmed he'd had back surgery and sent him photos of the X-rays. Police said the suspect carried a hand-written manifesto of grievances in which he slammed America's "most expensive health care system in the world." "He was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and in particular the health care industry," New York police chief detective Joseph Kenny told ABC. According to CNN, a document recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." video game character Luigi. Many expressed at least partial sympathy, having had their own harrowing experiences with the US health care system. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. Mangione hails from the Baltimore area. His wealthy Italian-American family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, according to local outlet the Baltimore Banner, and cousin Nino Mangione is a Maryland state delegate. A standout student, Luigi graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. A former student who knew Mangione at the elite Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," the person said. Mangione attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage. On Instagram Mangione shared snapshots of his travels, and shirtless images of himself flaunting a six-pack. X users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo includes an X-ray of a spine with bolts attached. Finding a political ideology that fits neatly onto the right-left divide has proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on online site Goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out multiple bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, in a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline, and retweeted posts on the impact mobile phones and social media have on mental health. ia/abo-mlm/nro
Hong Kong Innovation & Invention Spotlights Over 40 Local Innovations at Entrepreneur Day 2024Boston Consulting Group and Jones Day Highlight Success in Dallas' Premier Luxury Lifestyle Office Destination DALLAS , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Harwood International is proud to celebrate an extraordinary year, with 341,163 square feet of office space leased across the vibrant Harwood District . As Dallas' premier destination for luxury lifestyle office spaces, the District continues to attract world-class tenants with its unique blend of design-forward workspaces, walkability, and unparalleled amenities. This year's achievements include a landmark lease with global law firm Jones Day at the upcoming Harwood No. 15 and Boston Consulting Group 's (BCG) 7-year lease renewal for 69,624 square feet at Harwood No. 6 . Since 2008, Boston Consulting Group has called the Harwood District home. Known globally for its innovative approach to management consulting, technology, and design, BCG's decision to renew at Harwood No. 6 highlights the enduring appeal of Saint Ann Court . Designed by Shimoda Design Group , this 26-story architectural icon offers luxury lifestyle amenities such as the Rockefeller Sky Gardens, a private fitness center, The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection , and on-site dining at Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar and MICHELIN-recommended Mercat Bistro . Harwood No. 15, the next chapter in the District's evolution, will redefine the luxury lifestyle office with cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and world-class design. The tower, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates , represents the fourth collaboration between Harwood International and the world-renowned architectural firm. Set to break ground in 2025, Harwood No. 15 will provide an inspiring workplace experience that integrates modern sophistication with comfort and convenience. Spanning 19 city blocks, the Harwood District is a vibrant community that harmonizes hospitality, art, green space, and a Walk Score of 94—one of the highest in Dallas . With occupancy rates consistently exceeding 90 percent and some of the highest leasing rates in the market, the District has cemented its reputation as a destination for companies seeking a luxury lifestyle office experience. Harwood International's success is deeply rooted in its 40+ years of expertise, creating thoughtfully curated spaces where businesses and their employees thrive. This expertise extends beyond office leasing to include a robust hospitality portfolio of 20+ restaurants and the luxury boutique Hôtel Swexan , which earned MICHELIN recognition in 2024. Harwood's culinary excellence, exemplified by MICHELIN-recognized Stillwell's Steakhouse and Mercat Bistro, enhances the luxury lifestyle office environment, ensuring that tenants enjoy concierge-level service, exquisite dining, and exceptional experiences. As the Harwood District continues to grow, it exemplifies how thoughtful, design-forward development creates harmony between work and life. About Harwood International Founded in 1988, Harwood International is an international real estate firm with offices and developments in select niche markets including Dallas , Geneva , and London's West End. The company is recognized globally as a purveyor for building the finest developments in terms of design, location, and quality while creating cultural experiences within them that are beyond exceptional. Harwood International's leadership is based on its world- class experience, name-brand architecture, exacting finishes, and a focus on energy efficiency and green space. The firm has received numerous design and community awards, including recognition by ENR for the Best Office Project in the World for its Rolex Building. Please visit harwoodinternational.com for more information. SOURCE Harwood InternationalPam Bondi could fix the DOJ and help provide justice for all
Report blames BLS leadership for poorly-protected US economic data releasesWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced on Monday that he is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row — including two Florida men convicted of killing a family in 2006 — converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump , an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. The move spares the lives of people convicted in killings , including the slayings of police and military officers, people on federal land and those involved in deadly bank robberies or drug deals, as well as the killings of guards or prisoners in federal facilities. It means just three federal inmates are still facing execution. They are: Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. “I’ve dedicated my career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system,” Biden said in a statement . “Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole. These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.” Two of the 37 people whose sentences were commuted were from Florida: Richard Sanchez Jr. and Daniel Troya, sentenced to death three years after the execution-style killings of Luis Escobedo, 28; his wife, Yessica Guerrero Escobedo, 25; and their children Luis Julian, 4, and Luis Damian, 3. The killings, prosecutors said, stemmed from a drug debt Escobedo accumulated from a cocaine trafficking operation. At the time, the Sun-Sentinel reported , U.S. District Judge Daniel Hurley characterized the pair as “living in a Scarface fantasy” and committing “some of the most violent, anti-social conduct one could contemplate.” Sanchez and Troya’s federal death sentences marked the first being given in a Florida court since its reinstatement more than two decades prior. The decision to commute their sentences drew the ire of Sheriff Keith Pearson of St. Lucie County, where the murders took place along the Florida Turnpike. In a statement issued following the White House’s announcement, he called the decision to commute Sanchez and Troya’s sentences “an example of the woke ideology this current administration exhibits,” adding, “Where is the justice for the Escobedo family that was murdered in cold blood?” “These two earned their right to die for the heinous crimes they committed,” Pearson said. The Biden administration in 2021 announced a moratorium on federal capital punishment to study the protocols used, which suspended executions during Biden’s term. But Biden actually had promised to go further on the issue in the past, pledging to end federal executions without the caveats for terrorism and hate-motivated, mass killings. While running for president in 2020, Biden’s campaign website said he would “work to pass legislation to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level , and incentivize states to follow the federal government’s example.” Similar language didn’t appear on Biden’s reelection website before he left the presidential race in July. “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden’s statement said. “But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice president, and now president, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.” He took a political jab at Trump, saying, “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.” Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has spoken frequently of expanding executions. In a speech announcing his 2024 campaign , Trump called for those “caught selling drugs to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts.” He later promised to execute drug and human smugglers and even praised China’s harsher treatment of drug peddlers. During his first term as president, Trump also advocated for the death penalty for drug dealers . There were 13 federal executions during Trump’s first term, more than under any president in modern history, and some may have happened fast enough to have contributed to the spread of the coronavirus at the federal death row facility in Indiana. Those were the first federal executions since 2003. The final three occurred after Election Day in November 2020 but before Trump left office the following January, the first time federal prisoners were put to death by a lame-duck president since Grover Cleveland in 1889. Biden faced recent pressure from advocacy groups urging him to act to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The president’s announcement also comes less than two weeks after he commuted the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and of 39 others convicted of nonviolent crimes, the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The announcement also followed the post-election pardon that Biden granted his son Hunter on federal gun and tax charges after long saying he would not issue one, sparking an uproar in Washington. The pardon also raised questions about whether he would issue sweeping preemptive pardons for administration officials and other allies who the White House worries could be unjustly targeted by Trump’s second administration. Speculation that Biden could commute federal death sentences intensified last week after the White House announced he plans to visit Italy on the final foreign trip of his presidency next month. Biden, a practicing Catholic, will meet with Pope Francis, who recently called for prayers for U.S. death row inmates in hopes their sentences will be commuted. Martin Luther King III, who publicly urged Biden to change the death sentences, said in a statement issued by the White House that the president “has done what no president before him was willing to do: take meaningful and lasting action not just to acknowledge the death penalty’s racist roots but also to remedy its persistent unfairness.” Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by one of the men whose death sentence was converted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Cristobal Reyes of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report. Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida.
Automotive Sunroof Growth: From USD 4.97B in 2022 to USD 13.4B by 2031 11-27-2024 09:53 PM CET | Tourism, Cars, Traffic Press release from: SkyQuest Technology Group Automotive Sunroof Market Scope: Key Insights : Automotive Sunroof Market size was valued at USD 4.97 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 5.64 billion in 2023 to USD 13.40 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.4% in the forecast period (2024-2031). Discover Your Competitive Edge with a Free Sample Report : https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/automotive-sunroof-market Access the full 2024 Market report for a comprehensive understanding @ https://www.skyquestt.com/report/automotive-sunroof-market In-Depth Exploration of the global Automotive Sunroof Market: This report offers a thorough exploration of the global Automotive Sunroof market, presenting a wealth of data that has been meticulously researched and analyzed. It identifies and examines the crucial market drivers, including pricing strategies, competitive landscapes, market dynamics, and regional growth trends. By outlining how these factors impact overall market performance, the report provides invaluable insights for stakeholders looking to navigate this complex terrain. Additionally, it features comprehensive profiles of leading market players, detailing essential metrics such as production capabilities, revenue streams, market value, volume, market share, and anticipated growth rates. This report serves as a vital resource for businesses seeking to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving market. Trends and Insights Leading to Growth Opportunities The best insights for investment decisions stem from understanding major market trends, which simplify the decision-making process for potential investors. The research strives to discover multiple growth opportunities that readers can evaluate and potentially capitalize on, armed with all relevant data. Through a comprehensive assessment of important growth factors, including pricing, production, profit margins, and the value chain, market growth can be more accurately forecast for the upcoming years. Top Firms Evaluated in the Global Automotive Sunroof Market Research Report: Webasto Inalfa(HaiNaChuan) Inteva Yachiyo Aisin Seiki Johnan Manufacturing Inc Donghee Shanghai Mobitech Wanchao Electric Appliance Jincheng Accessories Key Aspects of the Report: Market Summary: The report includes an overview of products/services, emphasizing the global Automotive Sunroof market's overall size. It provides a summary of the segmentation analysis, focusing on product/service types, applications, and regional categories, along with revenue and sales forecasts. Competitive Analysis: This segment presents information on market trends and conditions, analyzing various manufacturers. It includes data regarding average prices, as well as revenue and sales distributions for individual players in the market. Business Profiles: This chapter provides a thorough examination of the financial and strategic data for leading players in the global Automotive Sunroof market, covering product/service descriptions, portfolios, geographic reach, and revenue divisions. Sales Analysis by Region: This section provides data on market performance, detailing revenue, sales, and market share across regions. It also includes projections for sales growth rates and pricing strategies for each regional market, such as: North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, and Italy Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc. Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa This in-depth research study has the capability to tackle a range of significant questions that are pivotal for understanding the market dynamics, and it specifically aims to answer the following key inquiries: How big could the global Automotive Sunroof market become by the end of the forecast period? Let's explore the exciting possibilities! Will the current market leader in the global Automotive Sunroof segment continue to hold its ground, or is change on the horizon? Which regions are poised to experience the most explosive growth in the Automotive Sunroof market? Discover where the future opportunities lie! Is there a particular player that stands out as the dominant force in the global Automotive Sunroof market? Let's find out who's leading the charge! What are the key factors driving growth and the challenges holding back the global Automotive Sunroof market? Join us as we uncover the forces at play! To establish the important thing traits, Ask Our Experts @ https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/automotive-sunroof-market Table of Contents Chapter 1 Industry Overview 1.1 Definition 1.2 Assumptions 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Market Analysis by Regions 1.5 Market Size Analysis from 2023 to 2030 11.6 COVID-19 Outbreak: Medical Computer Cart Industry Impact Chapter 2 Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries 2.1 Market (Volume and Value) by Type 2.3 Market (Volume and Value) by Regions Chapter 3 Production Market Analysis 3.1 Worldwide Production Market Analysis 3.2 Regional Production Market Analysis Chapter 4 Medical Computer Cart Sales, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2023-2023) Chapter 5 North America Market Analysis Chapter 6 East Asia Market Analysis Chapter 7 Europe Market Analysis Chapter 8 South Asia Market Analysis Chapter 9 Southeast Asia Market Analysis Chapter 10 Middle East Market Analysis Chapter 11 Africa Market Analysis Chapter 12 Oceania Market Analysis Chapter 13 Latin America Market Analysis Chapter 14 Company Profiles and Key Figures in Medical Computer Cart Business Chapter 15 Market Forecast (2023-2030) Chapter 16 Conclusions Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. This release was published on openPR.New hyperbaric oxygen chamber to benefit patients in ArubaCrossing democracy's red line: Why Netanyahu wants to dismiss Israel's attorney general
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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:Renaissance: The Blood and The Beauty, BBC Two, Monday, Dec 2: Major new three-part drama-documentary series on the era in 16th-century Italy that proved to be one of the highpoints for human culture. Charles Dance stars as Michelangelo, while the lives of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael will also be explored. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Disney+, Dec 4: George Lucas’s universe gets even bigger with this new series starring Jude Law. Set in the same era as The Mandalorian, the British actor plays a man who really does feel the force. Watch out also for Tipperary actress Kerry Condon in a series that largely focuses on the adventures of four children trying to get back to their home planet. Black Doves, Netflix, Dec 5: Kiera Knightley plays a woman who juggles family commitments with her secret love life and her hidden existence as a spy for shadowy organisation, the Black Doves. When her lover is killed, she teams up with an assassin played by Ben Whishaw to find out who did it. We’ll get an initial six episodes, and season two has already been given the green light. The Late Late Toy Show, RTÉ One, Dec 6: A nation breathed a collective sigh of relief last year when Patrick Kielty proved he was well able for the most important job in the universe. In theory, the second show should be plain sailing, but it’s still the type of show where anything could happen. RTÉ Investigates: Black Market Weight Loss, RTÉ One, Dec 9: While exercise and changes to diet were once the route to losing weight, pharmaceutical advances have brought the tempting option of medicating yourself skinnier. These substances are supposed to be taken under strict medical supervision, but reporter Pamela Fraher and her team show how the injectable pens have made it onto the black market. Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped, BBC Two, tbc: The year 1984 was probably the highpoint for seasonal songs with Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ and Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ battling out at the top of the charts. The charity single reigned supreme, but the creation of Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael has endured as a classic slice of pop. This is the story behind the song. The Young Offenders Christmas Special, BBC One, Dec 20: The Cork rascals return with a seasonal tale. In a story as old as time itself, mammy Mairéad is trying to teach her teenage son Conor to do some of the household chores. It all takes a dark turn, however, when the tidying process reveals a hidden gun. Jason Byrne joins the cast as a hammer-wielding criminal that even Billy Murphy is afraid of. Gavin & Stacey, BBC One, Dec 25: In 2019, the superb comedy-drama returned for a Christmas special but left us wondering if Smithy had said yes to Nessa’s proposal. We’re promised that all will be revealed in this “last ever episode”. They resume the story five years later and much has happened. While mostly set in Barry, we’ll also see what’s been going on for the Billericay branch of the Wales-England union. Squid Game, Netflix, Dec 26: Given that the original series became the streaming service’s biggest ever show, it isn’t surprising that the team has been reassembled for another season. Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), despite winning the deadly game in 2021, also has a taste for more, and is risking it all to play again. Na Lumière Gaelacha, TG4, Dec 26: Documentary on the Horgan brothers of Youghal. Shoemakers by trade, they developed an early interest in moving pictures, and began to film local scenes, including King Edward's visit to Ireland in 1904. As well as becoming pioneers of the cutting-edge technology, they also established a cinema in the East Cork town.‘Pinki Uncle’, who added spice to DU life, no more
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. AP NFL:
DALLAS — The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a plan to clean a toxic site leaking cancer-causing chemicals under dozens of homes in Grand Prairie, Texas. Construction of the cleanup equipment is expected to begin next year, but a timeline for the abatement process is still unknown. A spokeswoman for the EPA said it’s not yet known when the cleanup will begin. Both federal and state authorities have acknowledged frustration with the slow-moving process but said it is typical with this type of toxic site. EPA officials previously said cleanup could begin as early as 2024. Roughly 80 homes in the predominantly low-income Burbank Gardens neighborhood are contaminated by toxic chemicals discarded by defense contractor Delfasco Forge. In 2018, the 1.1-acre property was placed on the Superfund National Priorities List, which includes some of the nation’s most-polluted sites. In an email to The Dallas Morning News, EPA spokeswoman Jennah Durant said it is common for the abatement timeline to shift. “Sites that are placed on the National Priorities List are by definition the most complex cleanup sites that usually take years or even decades to fully address.” Tests have shown that trichloroethylene, or TCE, which is a degreaser, contaminated the soil, bled into the groundwater and vaporized into the air. Delfasco Forge — which made practice bombs for the Navy and Air Force and machinery during the 1980s and ‘90s — used TCE to clean equipment. In addition to causing cancer, TCE can cause heart defects in developing fetuses and damage the liver, kidneys, respiratory, immune and central nervous systems in adults. Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable. At a public meeting in 2022, several residents questioned whether enough was being done, and quickly enough, to address the public health hazard. The Grand Prairie plant, at 114 N.E. 28th St., closed in 1998. In 2008, Delfasco Forge filed for bankruptcy, in part because of liabilities from the contamination. As part of its bankruptcy settlement, the company paid the EPA $400,000 and the state of Texas $600,000 for mitigation efforts. To clean the site, the EPA said it plans to initially adopt two strategies, which will cost the agency $3.3 million. First, it will use a soil vapor extraction system, which is essentially a large vacuum equipped with carbon filters. The technology has been used to clean some 285 other Super Fund sites. Second, a groundwater treatment barrier will treat the toxic plume. Crews are now conducting groundwater sampling, drilling new wells to establish the extent of the plume and assessing the health risk. Both the EPA and the Texas State Department of Health Services have urged residents to request a free vapor mitigation system be installed in their homes. However, many in the neighborhood are renters, and homeowners must approve the mitigation systems. -------- ©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.