For sure, it was a far-reaching recommendation: The planet Uranus and its moons should be NASA's highest-priority new flagship mission for startup in the decade 2023-2032. The proposed mission, known as Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP), would conduct a multiyear orbital tour to yield knowledge of ice giants in general and the Uranus system in particular, doing so through flybys and the delivery of an atmospheric probe. The payoff: "transformative, breakthrough science across a broad range of topics." UOP was advocated within the pages of "Origins, Worlds, and Life — A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032." Released in 2022, that heady document came from the prestigious U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and was sponsored by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Improving our knowledge Underscoring the importance of Uranus, the Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena held a workshop late last year to look into how best to improve our knowledge of Uranus' internal structure in the context of a future mission that includes an orbiter and a probe. Related: Uranus up close: What proposed NASA 'ice giant' mission could teach us Spearheading that KISS workshop was Mark Hofstadter, a planetary scientist working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. He's not solar system shy and admits Uranus is his favorite planet. Space.com caught up with Hofstadter to discuss what exploration of Uranus — that far-flung, ice giant of a world with a mass roughly 14.5 times that of Earth — can offer. The planet has been visited only once, by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft during a brief flyby back in 1986. Within the planetary community, many people are very much focused on a Uranus mission, Hofstadter said. As for the KISS study, it was focused on one aspect of the Uranus system, he said: Understanding the current structure and composition of the planet's interior, in order to learn about its formation and evolution. "I personally believe learning about the interior is the most important reason to go to Uranus," Hofstadter said. But he also stressed that Uranus is a complex system, consisting of the planet's interior, its atmosphere, its rings and small moons, larger satellites, its magnetosphere and its interactions with the solar wind . Thus, studying Uranus has the potential to produce transformative, breakthrough science across a broad range of topics, as the Decadal Survey pointed out, said Hofstadter. "You could even expand that idea of 'system' to include how Uranus, over its lifetime, gravitationally altered the paths of other objects in the solar system , potentially influencing the Earth," Hofstadter added. "Every component of that system has features that violate some of our ideas about how planets work." Ice giant That's why the UOP's plan to put an orbiter into the middle of that system — a spacecraft equipped with a wide range of instruments, as well as a probe to enter the atmosphere — is expected to dramatically increase our understanding of our entire solar system, as well as planets that orbit other stars , Hofstadter advised. Why does he rate Uranus' interior as the most compelling investigation for a mission? "Of the thousands of planets we have discovered in our galaxy, most are roughly the size of Uranus and Neptune . That makes Uranus an important type of planet, and we'll apply what we learn at Uranus to all those other faraway planets we cannot study in detail," responded the JPL planetary scientist. Complex system Hofstadter emphasized that there are many unknowns about the composition and structure of both Uranus and Neptune. For example, scientists aren't sure if Uranus has a deep, solid region. "We call them 'ice giants' because we originally thought they formed primarily from water ice, but recently some have argued they should be mostly rock," Hofstadter said. "Learning basic things about the interior — something we can only learn by going there with a spacecraft — will help us understand how this type of planet forms and evolves." Related: What is Uranus made of? Naive Earth-centric view There's also the question of Uranus' astrobiology potential. The history of reconnoitering the outer solar system — planets beyond Mars — has been one of surprises, Hofstadter said. Indeed, our naive Earth-centric view originally indicated that sunlight is needed to provide the energy for life, and we thought places beyond Mars would be cold, inactive, dead worlds. "We now know that there are other ways to heat up icy objects in the outer solar system and create liquid oceans," said Hofstadter. "And we still believe liquid water is critical for life, and that the chemistry of life elsewhere might work differently than that on the Earth." Moons of Uranus Given that, some of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn are now considered the most likely places in our solar system to find alien life . "We don't know enough about the Uranian moons to say whether or not they also harbor liquid oceans, but theoretical studies have shown they might," said Hofstadter. "That, combined with Voyager's images showing that some of Uranus' moons have geologically young surfaces, makes it plausible that life could exist under the icy crust of one of Uranus' moons." Putting on his more speculative hat, Hofstadter said that some have asked if life might exist within Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus or Neptune. "Such life would probably have a very different genesis than that of the Earth, and I don't think anyone can say if it is plausible. Nor is it clear how one might detect such life," Hofstadter said. Weird world Meanwhile, Earth-based work is also critical for understanding Uranus. Laboratory and theoretical studies, the KISS study explains, as well as Earth-based and space-based observations of Uranus can enable researchers to properly interpret future on-the-spot spacecraft measurements and guide what measurements a visiting craft should make, as well as where they should be made. Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun and the third-largest world in our solar system. It is definitely and defiantly a weird world, appearing to spin sideways, rotating at a nearly 90-degree angle from the plane of its orbit. The surprises that the Uranus Orbiter and Probe mission, should it indeed fly, will reveal at that enigmatic world will likely put scientists in a sideways spin, too.
FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC. APPOINTS BRIAN CALLANAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORSThis was a crucial year for opioid settlement money in Pennsylvania. For the first time, counties across the state faced serious accountability from a powerful state oversight board. The board scrutinized their decisions on how to spend initial payments from what is expected to total billions of dollars. But even as the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust took on increased oversight, board members conducted much of their work behind closed doors. The secrecy prompted objections from advocates, local government officials, and even one of the board’s own members . As the public was blocked from attending some meetings and silenced at the ones they could witness, Spotlight PA partnered with other news outlets to bring more transparency and accountability to the process. Members of the opioid board tackled a range of issues, including programs that provide clean needles to drug users , fund public defender offices , and support Kensington residents . The decisions they made could shape how settlement money is spent for years to come. Here are five key takeaways from the year in opioid settlement spending, as Pennsylvania responds to an epidemic that continues to kill thousands of people annually. 1. Debates over handing out clean needles to drug users There’s a contradiction between opioid settlement documents and Pennsylvania’s drug laws. The consequences played out in a rural Western Pennsylvania community this year, as a proposed solution stalled in the legislature. At the center of the debate are programs that provide clean syringes and other supplies to drug users. These programs have widespread support in the medical community, and they typically connect people to other services, such as overdose reversal medication, wound care, and substance use treatment. The settlements reached between drug companies and state attorneys general identify expanding these programs as one of the core strategies for the billions of dollars that are coming to states. But in Pennsylvania, these programs are widely considered illegal — or at least in a gray area. Pennsylvania is one of 12 states that do not implicitly or explicitly authorize syringe services programs through statute or regulation, according to an analysis last year . And the state’s definition of illegal drug paraphernalia includes hypodermic syringes, needles, and other objects used for injecting banned drugs. That means people who run these programs risk getting arrested in much of the state. Legal concerns over these programs led commissioners in Westmoreland County to pull $150,000 in opioid money from a nonprofit, Spotlight PA and WESA reported earlier this year . Following the newsrooms’ coverage , a state House committee for the first time in at least 10 years approved a bill to authorize these programs across the state . Still, the measure failed to clear the legislature. And these programs faced separate setbacks in Philadelphia, where Mayor Cherelle Parker opposed using public money for them . Allegheny County, where officials took action years ago to allow these programs locally, did use opioid settlement money for syringe services, according to publicly released records. The opioid trust earlier this year approved Allegheny County’s decision to dedicate about $325,000 for those services, despite opposition from one board member. 2. Prosecutors vs. public defenders While prosecutor offices around Pennsylvania are eligible to receive millions of dollars from opioid settlements, their counterparts on the other side of the courtroom have been shut out. Guidance from the opioid trust discouraged counties from spending their funds on public defender positions, Spotlight PA reported in April . A lawsuit from the ACLU of Pennsylvania cited this reporting as an example of how indigent defense is often excluded from funding. A report from a national coalition cited Spotlight PA’s reporting and listed the disparity between public defenders and prosecutors as an example of problematic spending . The Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania asked the trust to reconsider and clarify the issue. In May, the chair of the trust, Tom VanKirk, publicly reiterated the opposition to using the money for public defenders. But he suggested that a social worker within a public defender’s office might be allowed. Bucks County later reported dedicating $97,000 in opioid settlement funds for that type of social worker position. Connecting people to services early in their case helps them access services and achieve better outcomes, according to the program description for Bucks County. The trust in November approved that use. District attorney offices can also expect to face more scrutiny in 2025. An amended court order from October clarifies that those offices have to file spending reports with the trust at least once a year. That addresses a disparity in accountability that Spotlight PA and WESA first reported on in 2023 . 3. Fights go to court Trust members have the power to withhold future funding from counties if they decide they spent the money in ways that don’t align with settlement requirements. This past year, the trust rejected a number of programs from counties, including $17,500 for a Lawrence County program involving police cruiser upgrades , $20,000 for a detective initiative in Cameron County, and about $323,000 for a Blair County drug court program. A few counties took the disputes to court. Somerset County appealed the denial of $30,000 for a youth program. Philadelphia is objecting to the denial of millions of dollars aimed at supporting Kensington residents. And most recently, Northampton County filed an appeal over the trust rejecting a portion of a newsletter program . Whatever Commonwealth Court decides, it could have an impact beyond those three counties. Philadelphia , for instance, is asking the court to issue guidance that offers a broad interpretation of spending requirements and is deferential to county decisions. Those cases were pending as of Dec. 18, court records show. 4. Public involvement limited Members of the public have been routinely shut out of having a meaningful say in how opioid settlement money should be used, a first-of-its-kind national survey conducted by KFF Health News and Spotlight PA found earlier this year . The people who are shut out include those who have lost loved ones to the opioid crisis or are dealing with it daily. The story highlighted the issue in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, which has received international attention because of the toll the opioid crisis has had on the community. The trust in June rejected $7.5 million meant to help residents of the area, and one local leader called the action “a retraumatizing moment.” Two state senators who serve on the trust later toured the Kensington area, and the experience in the neighborhood prompted state Sen. Greg Rothman (R., Cumberland) to change his view on the issue, Kensington Voice reported in September . A committee of the trust in October reversed some of the Kensington rejections . Pennsylvania’s trust continues to not allow public comment at its meetings. Advocates have pushed for more involvement here and in other states as well. In Maine, a former member of that state’s opioid council cited one of Spotlight PA and KFF Health News’ findings at a recent public forum. Courtney Gary-Allen, an advocate on substance use issues and who is in long-term recovery, urged that state’s council to allow comment at all regular meetings . “We have to have all of these discussions in a public and transparent way,” she told Spotlight PA in December. 5. More information, clarity on spending Two crucial questions surround the opioid settlements. Where is the money going? And is it being used well? That’s been hard to say in many cases, especially in a place like Pennsylvania where so many decisions happen locally. To answer those questions, Spotlight PA and WESA earlier this year filed open records requests with every county in the state to make spending reports available to the public, advocates , researchers , and other journalists . In November, Spotlight PA published a searchable database that tracks spending decisions by county governments and whether the trust has approved them . Efforts from others have brought greater clarity on spending as well, including in Wyoming , Michigan , California , and nationally. More money is on its way. The opioid trust in November approved distributing about $247 million more in payments to local governments . That’s part of the large share Pennsylvania expects to receive over many years, including up to about $1.8 billion from two waves of agreements with multiple companies, according to a recent court order . KFF Health News’ Aneri Pattani and Henry Larweh contributed to this report. Ed Mahon reported this story while participating in the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism ’s 2024 Data Fellowship. 90.5 WESA partners with Spotlight PA, a collaborative, reader-funded newsroom producing accountability journalism for all of Pennsylvania. More at spotlightpa.org .
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 87-40 on Saturday. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team’s previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4. Illinois is unbeaten in four home games. Maryland Eastern Shore is winless in six road games. Takeaways Illinois: Coming off a 100-87 loss Wednesday to No. 8 Alabama, the Illini had no trouble dominating the overmatched Hawks. They led 35-15 at halftime and extended the lead to as many as 52 points in the second half. Maryland Eastern Shore: The Hawks couldn’t match Illinois’ height and depth and were slowed by 15 turnovers. Key moment After struggling at the start of the game, the Illini went on a 17-0 run over a seven-minute stretch to move in front 25-8 with 5:15 to go in the first half. RELATED COVERAGE Mitchell leads No. 18 Cincinnati in rout of Georgia Tech 81-58 Kaufman-Renn leads No. 6 Purdue to rout of Marshall 80-45 No. 15 Marquette beats Georgia 80-69 in the Bahamas behind David Joplin’s 29 points Key stat Maryland Eastern Shore struggled from the field, shooting 22% (15 for 68), including 5 for 20 on 3-pointers. Up next Illinois hosts Little Rock on Monday. Maryland Eastern Shore plays at No. 20 Arkansas on Monday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Chargers by 1 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 8-4. Against the spread: Chargers 7-3-1, Falcons 5-6. Last meeting: Chargers beat Falcons 20-17 on Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. Last week: Ravens beat Chargers, 30-23; Falcons had bye week following 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17. Chargers offense: overall (21), rush (13), pass (20), scoring (18). Chargers defense: overall (13), rush (10), pass (10), scoring (13). Falcons offense: overall (8), rush (14), pass (5), scoring (16). Falcons defense: overall (25), rush (19), pass (26), scoring (26). Turnover differential: Chargers plus-8, Falcons minus-3. Chargers player to watch RB Gus Edwards could move up as the lead back for Los Angeles as J.K Dobbins (knee) is expected to miss the game . Edwards was activated from injured reserve earlier this month following an ankle injury and had nine carries for 11 yards with a touchdown in Monday night's 30-23 loss to Baltimore. Falcons player to watch WR Drake London has 61 catches, leaving him four away from becoming the first player in team history to have at least 65 receptions in each of his first three seasons. London has 710 receiving yards, leaving him 140 away from becoming the first player in team history with at least 850 in each of his first three seasons. Key matchup Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Chargers run defense. Robinson was shut down by Denver, gaining only 35 yards on 12 carries, and the Atlanta offense couldn't recover. The Chargers rank 10th in the league against the run, so it will be a challenge for the Falcons to find a way to establish a ground game with Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. A solid running attack would create an opportunity for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to establish the play-action passes for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Key injuries Dobbins appeared to injure his right knee in the first half of the loss to the Ravens, though coach Jim Harbaugh did not provide details. ... The Falcons needed the bye to give a long list of injured players an opportunity to heal. WR WR KhaDarel Hodge (neck) did not practice on Wednesday. WR Darnell Mooney (Achilles), CB Kevin King (concussion), DL Zach Harrison (knee, Achilles) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) were hurt in the 38-6 loss at Denver on Nov. 17 and were limited on Wednesday. CB Mike Hughes (neck), nickel back Dee Alford (hamstring), ILB Troy Andersen (knee), TE Charlie Woerner (concussion) and ILB JD Bertrand (concussion) also were limited on Wednesday after not playing against Denver. C Drew Dalman (ankle) could return. Series notes The Chargers have won the past three games in the series following six consecutive wins by the Falcons from 1991-2012. Los Angeles took a 33-30 overtime win in Atlanta in 2016 before the Chargers added 20-17 wins at home in 2020 and in Atlanta in 2022. The Falcons won the first meeting between the teams, 41-0 in San Diego in 1973. Stats and stuff Each team has built its record on success against the soft NFC South. Atlanta is 4-1 against division rivals. Los Angeles is 2-0 against the NFC South this season. The Chargers have a four-game winning streak against the division. ... Atlanta is 0-2 against AFC West teams, following a 22-17 loss to Kansas City and the lopsided loss at Denver. They will complete their tour of the AFC West with a game at the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 16. ... The Falcons are the league's only first-place team with a negative points differential. Atlanta has been outscored 274-244. Fantasy tip The loss of Dobbins, who has rushed for eight touchdowns, could put more pressure on QB Justin Hebert and the passing game. Herbert's favorite option has been WR Ladd McConkey, who has four TD receptions among his 49 catches for 698 yards. McConkey, the former University of Georgia standout who was drafted in the second round, could enjoy a productive return to the state against a Falcons defense that ranks only 26th against the pass. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated PressFLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC. APPOINTS BRIAN CALLANAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORSForeign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is not escalating a war of words with Mexico, after the Mexican president criticized Canada’s culture and its framing of border issues. “I fundamentally believe that many conversations, when it comes to diplomacy, are always better when they remain private,” Joly said Monday during a teleconference from Brussels. The rift between the two trading partners started with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s declaration that he plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods from both countries unless they stop the flow of migrants and illegal drugs into the U.S. Several federal and provincial officials in Canada responded by saying the issues at the Canadian border are vastly different from the Mexican border. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for example, has voiced concerns that the level of Chinese investment in Mexico goes against the economic-security goals of Ottawa and Washington. Some premiers have called on Canada to negotiate a trade deal with Washington independent from Mexico, ahead of the 2026 review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which replaced NAFTA during Trump’s last tenure in the White House. In a Monday press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico “must be respected, especially by its trading partners.” She also noted that Canada has “a very serious problem with fentanyl consumption,” more than Mexico, and possibly as a result of some drug-decriminalization measures. “We are not going to fall for a provocation of which country is better,” she said, chalking some criticism from Canada up to political pandering. “Mexico should not be used as part of (Canadian) electoral campaigns,” she said. Yet Sheinbaum also said Canada “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has,” saying her country has civilizations dating back thousands of years. Asked to respond, Joly said she is reaching out to Mexican officials after speaking with the U.S., including about the “very important trade agreement” that includes all three countries. “I know there has been many conversations in Canada about how we can work together and how we can, at the same time, protect our interests,” she said. “We have a positive relationship with Mexico, and we need to work with the country; that’s definitely my goal.” Christopher Sands, director of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, said tensions between both countries played out in the NAFTA renegotiation, when there was limited communication between Ottawa and Mexico City. “The Canada-Mexico relationship has always been the weakest part of the triangle of North America,” he said. “There was a lot of feeling during the (CUSMA) negotiations that Mexico was willing to go it alone, and that Canada particularly toward the end was on the outside looking in, and had to fight its way back to the table.” He said Washington would rather have a trade pact with all three countries so it can limit the time and attention it needs on continental issues. “The U.S. is probably the most trilateral of all three countries,” he said, with a caveat. “I think Donald Trump looks at this going into 2026 and says, ‘Great, divide and conquer.’” Sands added that Sheinbaum and her predecessor have implemented nationalist policies that have been at odds with Washington. “The Mexican government has been moving in a direction which is antithetical to the North American project (through) nationalizing parts of the economy, by reversing energy reforms, by doing deals with the cartels. (They are) sometimes working co-operatively with the Americans in the borders, and sometimes not.” Sheinbaum indicated a week ago that she would be writing a letter to Trudeau. That has not been made public, although she did release a letter she had sent to Trump.A North Queensland MP claims departments and entities are getting in each others’ way despite the state government’s good intentions to export billions of dollars in critical minerals to the world, as his region confronts more than 1600 job cuts. Although the North West Minerals Province holds hope in vanadium development in Julia Creek and Richmond, as well as the Eva-Harmony prospect in Cloncurry, Traeger MP Robbie Katter warns expenses and bureaucracy jeopardises these opportunities. “Whether it’s through ideology or just overzealous bureaucratic approaches, well, the fact remains that I get multiple players in the region saying they have no problem with Department of Mines but the Department of Environment is definitely holding up progress of existing operations or new mining operations,” Mr Katter said. “It’s a good time for the government to realise that this stuff doesn’t just fall in your lap, you’ve got to create conditions that can allow either existing mines to keep expanding or new ones to pop up.” Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell estimated 400 jobs have been lost in recent months from the financial woes of three junior mining companies in the area. Traeger MP Robbie Katter photographed at the lookout overlooking Mount Isa Mines and the city. Photo: Joanna Giemza-Meehan He believe the seriousness of this issue has been overlooked by policy makers focused on the implications of 1200 Glencore Mount Isa Mines workers expected to be made redundant by July. Mr Katter agreed with the estimate of 400 job losses in Cloncurry, but said it should not be compared to MIM redundancies. “You’re not comparing apples with apples,” Mr Katter said. Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell said about 400 jobs had been affected by three different mines’ financial woes in his shire in recent months. Picture: Liam Kidston “You talk about copper mines that have been there 100 years that a whole city has based its economy on largely, where Cloncurry has been blessed with a bit more diversity, and you know, a bit more heavy influence in the cattle industry. “Now, not withstanding, it’s still a blow and hurts and it’s definitely part of the story.” South African mining giant Harmony is considering developing its Eva mine 75km north of Cloncurry, which would support 800 jobs in its construction phase. Harmony Gold Mining Company chief operating officer of business development and growth Johannes Van Heerden provides an update on the company’s plans for its mine in the Cloncurry region. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm It is yet to financially commit to the project despite a $20.7m sweetener by the former Labor State Government to fast-track its decision , as Glencore’s job cuts loom. But Mr Katter was concerned that high costs in infrastructure, transport and energy, as well as water supply, could discourage the company, as it had weighed on others. He said there was contention over securing water from nearby Lake Julius which was maintained by SunWater and meant to be used for additional water supply, but Mr Katter accused the government entity of being motivated by profit rather than development. Map overview of the Eva Harmony project in the North West Minerals Province. It is 75km north of Cloncurry and next to the existing MMG mine Dugald River. Mr Campbell said Eva had been “marketed as the salvation of Mount Isa” even though it was not in the same local government area, and warned there needed to be a strong pipeline of ore being produced to feed Mount Isa Mines’ copper smelter as long as possible, which was a significant piece of infrastructure that kept other company assets viable, such as Incitec Pivot. “But the Eva project, (we’re) hopeful that we’ll see an investment decision sometime in the first half of 2025,” Mr Campbell said. Recently appointed Resources Minister Dale Last was on leave, but a message the government’s resources spokespeople have repeated is that Queensland was “open for business”. The Mount Isa Mines copper smelter is a significant piece of infrastructure which Glencore has considered closing in the past. With the closure of its local copper mines, the mining giant will use third party ore to feed the smelter. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm Among Mr Last’s and Premier David Crisafulli’s first meetings was with Glencore’s international chief executive over Mount Isa redundancies, and Mr Last had emphasised on social media the need to fast-track the approvals process. More Coverage ‘No thought given’: Do policymakers understand burdens facing the north? Chris Burns 100 years: What makes Mount Isa mine unique to the world Chris Burns Originally published as Why are North Queensland’s junior miners struggling to keep going? News Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Townsville Horror start to July headlines with triple-fatality bus crash Non sport-related news headlines in the Townsville Bulletin in the month of July began tragically with the horrific Greyhound bus accident on the Bruce Highway. Read more Townsville ‘Dire’: Grandma evicted from home of 30 years A Townsville grandmother says the pain of being told to vacate her rental home of three decades just a week before Christmas was worse than battling cancer. Read more
Washington, Nov 28 (AP) President Joe Biden's administration is urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilisation laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. A senior Biden administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private consultations, said Wednesday that the outgoing Democratic administration wants Ukraine to lower the mobilisation age to 18 from the current age of 25 to help expand the pool of fighting-age men available to help a badly outnumbered Ukraine in its nearly three-year-old war with Russia. The official said "the pure math" of Ukraine's situation now is that it needs more troops in the fight. Currently Ukraine is not mobilising or training enough soldiers to replace its battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military, the official added. The White House has pushed more than USD 56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia's February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. But with time running out, the Biden White House is also sharpening its viewpoint that Ukraine has the weaponry it needs and now must dramatically increase its troop levels if it's going to stay in the fight with Russia. The official said the Ukrainians believe they need about 1,60,000 additional troops, but the US administration believes they probably will need more than that. More than 1 million Ukrainians are now in uniform, including the National Guard and other units. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been hearing concerns from allies in other Western capitals as well that Ukraine has a troop level problem and not an arms problem, according to European officials who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomatic conversations. The European allies have stressed that the lack of depth means that it may soon become untenable for Ukraine to continue to operate in Russia's Kursk border region. The situation in Kursk has become further complicated by the arrival of thousands of North Korean troops, who have come to help Moscow try to claw back the land seized in a Ukrainian incursion this year. The stepped-up push on Ukraine to strengthen its fighting ranks comes as Ukraine braces for President-elect Donald Trump to take office on Jan. 20. The Republican said he would bring about a swift end to the war and has raised uncertainty about whether his administration would continue the vital US military support for Ukraine. "There are no easy answers to Ukraine's serious manpower shortage, but lowering the draft age would help," said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Centre on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "These are obviously difficult decisions for a government and society that has already endured so much due to Russia's invasion." Ukraine has taken steps to broaden the pool of draft-eligible men, but the efforts have only scratched the surface against a much larger Russian military. In April, Ukraine's parliament passed a series of laws, including one lowering its draft-eligible age for men from 27 to 25, aimed at broadening the universe of men who could be called on to join the grinding war. Those laws also did away with some draft exemptions and created an online registry for recruits. They were expected to add about 50,000 troops, far short of what Zelenskyy said at the time was needed. Zelenskyy has consistently stated that he has no plans to lower the mobilization age. A senior Ukrainian official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ukraine does not have enough equipment to match the scale of its ongoing mobilization efforts. The official said Ukrainian officials see the push to the lower the draft age as part of an effort by some Western partners to deflect attention from their own delays in providing equipment or belated decisions. The official cited as an example the delay in giving Ukraine permission to use longer-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. The Ukrainians do not see lowering the draft age to recruit more soldiers as a substitute for countering Russia's advantage in equipment and weaponry, the official said. Conscription has been a sensitive matter in Ukraine throughout the war. Russia's own problems with adequate troop levels and planning early in the war prevented Moscow from taking full advantage of its edge. But the tide has shifted and the U.S. says the Ukrainian shortage can no longer be overlooked. Some Ukrainians have expressed worry that further lowering the minimum conscription age and taking more young adults out of the workforce could backfire by further harming the war-ravaged economy. The senior Biden administration official added that the administration believes that Ukraine can also optimise its current force by more aggressively dealing with soldiers who desert or go absent without leave. (AP) DIV DIV (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Jeff Robbins: Joe Biden won't be sold short forever
Pune: Their demands might appear to be unusual, but no one can fault their intentions. From crusading against wearing of helmets to demanding a ban on slippers near polling booths and dancing around streets and drawing attention to the need for building toilets for temple-goers, some independent candidates have grabbed eyeballs with their out-of-the-box ideas and indefatigable spirit. Sureshkumar Babulal Oswal, the anti-helmet crusader from Kasba Peth, transformed the busy intersections in his constituency into his personal soapbox. With an arsenal of grievances against traffic regulations , this former sales tax inspector, who took voluntary retirement in 2021, found his calling in fighting "the tyranny of traffic violation fines". "The authorities want us to wear helmets when they can't even provide roads without potholes. Citizens are fined heavily for parking in unpermitted areas when there is not enough space on roads for parking," said Oswal. Sachin Dhankude, an independent candidate from Kothrud whose election symbol is slipper, recently staged a protest against his own election symbol by trying to ban slippers at polling booths, all in an attempt to prove his point to the Election Commission to get rid of all symbols and keep candidates' names and photos on EVMS. "Symbols are so ingrained in public memory that they just press the button next to the symbol they recognise, instead of voting for a candidate who is worthy. It's a brand strategy by big political parties," said Dhankude, adding, "When I was forced to choose a symbol, I chose this because if you wear it on your feet, it's a slipper, but in your hand, it becomes a weapon," he said. Dhankude has participated in every election since 2012. Around 200 km from the city, Gurudas Kamble from Paranda took the footwear protest to new heights by formally requesting a chappal-free zone around polling booths. The election authorities, however, declined all these requests. In the grand theatre of Indian democracy, while political heavyweights dominate centre stage, it's the supporting cast of independent candidates who often steal the show with their peculiar campaigns and unwavering determination. While they might not win elections and lose their deposit, but they certainly win attention – and sometimes, that's exactly what they're after. Their campaigns, often bordering on the theatrical, add colour to the otherwise serious business of democracy. Dhankude said that independent candidates believe that fighting in elections isn't just about winning or losing — it's about raising voices and making statements. Sanjay Bhikaji Magade, an independent candidate from Kolhapur north, danced through the streets, spreading awareness about his manifesto for building public toilets for temple visitors and monthly stipends for transgenders to keep them away from begging. With his dynamic personality and signature style defined by a black hat and coat, Magade paid his election deposit of Rs 25,000 in denominations of Re one and Rs two, keeping the returning officers busy counting the coins all day. "At 65, I'm sure I'll become an MLA. I got 233 votes in 2022, and 4002 in 2024. That's what I call progress," Magade beamed. These candidates, often dismissed as electoral entertainers, believe that they serve a deeper purpose in our democracy. They use their candidature as a megaphone for issues that might otherwise go unheard. Whether it's Oswal's crusade against traffic regulations, Dhankude's symbolic protest against election symbols, or Magade's dance-based campaign for public amenities, each brings their unique flavour to the electoral feast. As another election season wraps up, these candidates will return to their regular lives. Their deposits might be forfeited, but their spirit will remain undefeated. After all, in the grand circus of democracy, sometimes the most important role is played by those who make citizens stop, think, and occasionally laugh, amidst the serious business of elections. (Additional inputs by Rahul Gayakwad)
Two Sasquatch hunters were found dead after they went missing while searching for the mythical beast on Christmas Eve . The men, aged 37 and 59, were found after a 60-strong volunteer search and rescue team joined authorities in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State . They had intended to be home for Christmas Day, but a family member reported them missing to Skamania County authorities after they didn’t return by the morning. Police said the harsh weather conditions and their ill-preparedness for the forest contributed to the men’s deaths. Seven law enforcement agencies and the Coast Guard used canines, drones, ground teams and helicopters to locate them. “Their exhaustive search efforts resulted in bringing family members home to their loved ones,” the sheriff’s office said of the search teams. The force extended their “deepest sympathies and condolences to the families” involved. Loved ones of Hudson Meek, the teen actor who died in a car accident last week, gathered to celebrate his life on Saturday. The “celebration of life” service, held at a Baptist church in Homewood, Alabama, was livestreamed on the Baby Driver star’s Instagram. Several of the loved ones shared their favorite memories of the 16-year-old, and a choir sang in tribute. Fans expressed their appreciation for the service and their condolences in the comment section. “Wonderful celebration of Hudson’s life,” wrote user @melindaeubankswest, while @jeanniecmom added, “Praying for Hudson’s family at this difficult time. Fellow teen actor Grace Culwell shared in the comments that she was in attendance, writing: ”Such a beautiful service & so glad we were able to be there. Sending so much love & prayers to you all.” Meek died on Dec. 21 in from injuries sustained during a fall from a moving car on Dec. 19 in his hometown, Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Meek was known best for appearing in the 2017 crime movie Baby Driver alongside Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx. A post shared by Hudson Meek (@hudsonmeek) Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. Andy Cohen’s biggest gripe with CNN star and New Year’s Eve partner-in-crime Anderson Cooper? Cooper’s annual giggle fit. Cohen explained to People why the anchor’s unceasing laughter adds extra chaos throughout their annual special. “Well, [it’s] that I have to be the straight guy,” Cohen said. “Literally, he’s in a puddle of giggles for the last 90 minutes of the broadcast, and I’m the one that’s hitting all the commercial breaks.” Cohen said he turns “into Mr. CNN for the last 90 minutes” while Cooper becomes “Mr. Bravo.” “It’s a very funny role reversal,” the Bravo star said. The longtime friends have hosted the CNN event together since 2017 after former co-host Kathy Griffin was booted in the wake of backlash for posing with a mask depicting the severed head of Donald Trump. Cohen and Cooper have found themselves in various antics since then— some alcoholic , some not —leading to Cooper’s own frustrations with the Bravo host. Cooper joked on Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live earlier this month that he constantly worries about “who [Cohen’s] gonna insult and what the clean up on aisle 3 is gonna be in the morning.” Billionaire businessman Charles Dolan, who founded HBO and Cablevision and whose family owns Madison Square Garden and a number of New York City sports teams, died on Saturday—he was 98. Dolan created Cablevision Systems Corporation in 1973, merging several small Long Island cable TV systems, according to the New York Times . At the time, the company served just 1,500 customers. But when he sold it for $17.7 billion in 2015, it supplied cable TV to over three million households in the New York metropolitan area, the Times reported. He also launched HBO in the early ’70s—it was at the time a pioneering cable TV channel that offered feature-length movies with no commercials. After his death, Dolan’s family will continue to be a powerful and influential force in the worlds of media and sports. His son Patrick is the owner of Newsday , the Long Island-based newspaper he and Charles bought in 2016. The family also owns MSG in New York City and the professional sports teams that play there, the NHL’s Rangers and the NBA’s Knicks. All three entities are led by Dolan’s son James. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Tina Knowles sprang to her daughter Beyoncé’s defense after online trolls criticized her NFL halftime show performance on Christmas Day. Knowles clapped back at critics by reposting a message about her famous daughter on her Instagram on Friday. In the screenshot, user @iamkrisiman praised Beyoncé and wrote that “no matter how undeniably talented you are, people will always, ALWAYS, always have some negative ish to say.” Knowles cosigned the post in a lengthy caption. “It is mind-boggling to me that you would take your precious Christmas day and watch a performance of someone you hate and you don’t think has talent so that you can go talk ish about it later,” she wrote. “Obviously you are so obsessed with them, addicted to them, and secretly admire them,” she added. According to the New York Post, Knowles’ post came after some social media users called Beyoncé “overrated.” Fans and celebrities in the comments of Knowles’ response seemed to love her mama bear energy. “Period!!! Ms. T,” singer LeToya Luckett wrote. “All. Of. This!!!!!!” Oscar winner Octavia Spencer added. A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles) Elon Musk appeared to borrow a line from the 2008 film Tropic Thunder in an ongoing social media fight about H1B visas. Musk hit back against MAGA’s top players in a series of X posts, alleging that H1B visas are the reason why he, “and hundreds of other companies that made America strong,” are in the country. To a skeptical X user, Musk blasted: “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.” Although some were shocked by Musk’s sudden escalation—with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon calling him a “toddler”—others noticed that the disparaging remark was similar to a line in Tropic Thunder . Character Les Grossman, played by Tom Cruise, says in the film: “First, take a big step back, and literally, F--- YOUR OWN FACE ... I don’t know what kind of pan-pacific bulls--t power play you’re trying to pull here, but Asia, Jack, is my territory. So whatever you’re thinking, you’d better think again.” In response to Musk’s comment, the X user tweeted, “Bro was just memeing. I wouldn’t take it too seriously.” Nothing beats the classics pic.twitter.com/MRSdXifhH5 Charles Shyer, the writer-director best known for directing the 1991 Steve Martin comedy Father of the Bride has died at 83. According to Deadline, Shyer died Friday and no cause of death was given by his family in a statement. “His loss leaves an unfillable hole in our lives, but his legacy lives on through his children and the five decades of wonderful work he’s left behind. We honor the extraordinary life he led and know there will never be another quite like him,” his family told the outlet. In addition to directing, Shyer gained notoriety for his screenwriting and nabbed an Oscar nomination in 1981 for co-writing the Goldie Hawn-led military comedy Private Benjamin alongside Harvey Miller, and fellow writer-director Nancy Meyers. Meyers and Shyer married in 1980 before calling it quits in 1999. They share two daughters. Other notable films co-written by Shyer include Jumpin’ Jack Flash , The Parent Trap , and Baby Boom , which he also directed. His most recent credit behind the camera was co-writing and directing the 2023 Netflix Holiday film Best. Christmas. Ever. A Norwegian chess champion left mid-tournament after refusing to change his outfit for judges. Magnus Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion, was competing in New York’s FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday when he was asked to change. According to The Telegraph , Carlsen was first fined $200 for breaking the wardrobe rule before being told he would have to leave if he didn’t change. “I said, ‘I’ll change tomorrow if that’s OK.’ I didn’t even realize it today, but they said, ‘Well you have to change now.’ At that point it became a bit of a matter of principle for me,” Carlsen told chess outlet Take Take Take in an interview. “Honestly, I am too old at this point to care too much. If this is what they want to do,” he added. As for why he wore the jeans in the first place, Carlsen said he had little time to change before the tournament as he was coming from a meeting. The grandmaster made light of the debacle on X where he tweeted a photo of the now notorious jeans. “OOTD,” he captioned the snap. OOTD pic.twitter.com/9reOP6zuJv Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. Gossip Girl star Chanel Maya Banks , who made headlines last month after denying her family’s claims that she had gone missing, has filed a restraining order against her mother and cousin. The 36-year-old submitted the request in Los Angeles on Thursday, alleging her mom, Lutchmin Judy Kumar, and cousin, Danielle Singh have harassed her, TMZ reported. The actor also claimed that her mother and cousin were working to destroy her credibility. In October, Banks’ family reported her missing. She denied the claims in a post days later. Banks wrote in the restraining order filing that Kumar and Singh broke into her apartment in November while she was gone and attacked her husband. She also alleged that an Apple AirTag was put on her car to track her. After the attack, she alleged that her mother and cousin accused her husband of murder and said that Banks should be in a psychiatric hold. Sources told TMZ that they’re happy she is safe and are “moving on with their lives.” R&B singer Ne-Yo announced Friday that a popular professional boxer under his management has died at age 35. In a joint statement posted by the Grammy-winner and the boxer’s family, Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Chimere Smith, announced “the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives.” Hailing from Puerto Rico, Bamba became one of the first boxing talents to sign to Ne-Yo’s management company in 2024. Bamba won all of his bouts in 2024 by knock out and recently claimed WBA’s secondary “gold” cruiserweight title after knocking out Rogelio Medina. “He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual who inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination,” the statement added. Bamba was the No. 12 ranked contender by the WBA and seemed set on fighting in more high profile matches—challenging boxer Jake Paul to “holla at us” in one post. Paul shared his condolences on X, writing, “RIP Paul Bamba.” RIP Paul Bamba https://t.co/ovu7egrGHn
Minister urges dialogue on national issues
The Chicago native is focused on diversity, dorm housing, STEM funding and curriculum changes to meet growing demand for an explosion in student population.The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 87-40 on Saturday. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team’s previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4. Illinois is unbeaten in four home games. Maryland Eastern Shore is winless in six road games. Takeaways Illinois: Coming off a 100-87 loss Wednesday to No. 8 Alabama, the Illini had no trouble dominating the overmatched Hawks. They led 35-15 at halftime and extended the lead to as many as 52 points in the second half. Maryland Eastern Shore: The Hawks couldn’t match Illinois’ height and depth and were slowed by 15 turnovers. Key moment After struggling at the start of the game, the Illini went on a 17-0 run over a seven-minute stretch to move in front 25-8 with 5:15 to go in the first half. RELATED COVERAGE Mitchell leads No. 18 Cincinnati in rout of Georgia Tech 81-58 Kaufman-Renn leads No. 6 Purdue to rout of Marshall 80-45 No. 15 Marquette beats Georgia 80-69 in the Bahamas behind David Joplin’s 29 points Key stat Maryland Eastern Shore struggled from the field, shooting 22% (15 for 68), including 5 for 20 on 3-pointers. Up next Illinois hosts Little Rock on Monday. Maryland Eastern Shore plays at No. 20 Arkansas on Monday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball