As another year draws to a close, we’re using this very brief lull between the bustling holiday shopping season and the arrival of 2025 to reflect on the products that won the hearts and wallets of NJ.com readers in 2024. Our readers spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on Amazon, gravitating towards a mix of innovative gadgets and household essentials, but we’ve found 10 that they just needed to have. Among the top favorites were the ever-popular Apple AirPods Pro 2 , the Beats Studio Pro Headphones , the Bissell Little Green Machine Carpet Cleaner and, of course, Dyson’s iconic Airwrap Multi-Styler in nickel and copper. The Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker also had a firm spot in our top 10 best-sellers. However, since it’s currently sold out on Amazon and has been impossible to find anywhere since Black Friday, you’ll likely have to wait until January or February to see it again. In the interim, you can peruse the just-as-good Ninja Blast Max Personal Blender or the Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker to enjoy over Twixmas and throughout winter altogether. These products haven’t just garnered standout ratings and rave reviews from Amazon customers. They’ve also been total crowd-pleasers among our own audience. Plus, most of the items are on sale just two days before Christmas. That includes the pricey Dyson Airwrap, which some Amazon shoppers might be eligible to purchase with a coupon for $119 off. Although the coupon might not be available to everyone, shoppers can still get the special-edition Strawberry Bronze and Blush Pink colorway for $100 off. So, whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a last-minute gift for a family member or friend, these should help you wrap up another December shopping rush with confidence. 10 Amazon fan favorites of 2024 Dyson Airwrap for $599 (with a $119-off coupon for select shoppers) Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $190, instead of $249 Beats Studio Pro for $170, instead of $350 BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner for $124 Bedsure Queen Sheet Set for $45, instead of $95 Blink Outdoor 4 (newest model) for $50, instead of $100 OTOTO Gracula Garlic Crusher for $19, instead of $23 Milwaukee M18 Inflator for $139 Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler for $45 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (newest model) for $60 The Best Deals in December 10 board games you can buy last-minute on Amazon to play with your family during the holidays Nordstrom’s ‘Half-Yearly Sale’ has massive end-of-year deals with up to 60% off UGG slippers, Tory Burch handbags, SKIMS & more Amazon has a lightning deal on the Bedsure heated blanket that over 30,000 shoppers bought this month Longchamp has a surprise winter sale happening now, and everything is going super fast The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a great Christmas gift. It’s on sale at Amazon and will arrive ahead of the holiday Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .Losers of their last six games, the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) are staring down two straight AFC West divisional battles as Thanksgiving approaches. Antonio Pierce's squad will face the Denver Broncos (6-5) and their No. 3-ranked defense on Sunday before traveling to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs (9-1) on Black Friday. Before the Raiders could turn the page fully to Week 12, the league released some news on star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who was held without a sack for the third straight game last week. The NFL announced its punishments for Week 11 on Saturday and among them were two fines levied against Crosby: One for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) and another for unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing) against the Miami Dolphins. Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images In total, the three-time Pro Bowler was docked $23,072 for the violations, which occurred in the first quarter of the Raiders-Dolphins matchup. The league office handed out 19 fines in Week 11, the lowest count of any week this season. However, this marks the third and fourth times Crosby has been fined this season, and the ninth and tenth times of his six-year NFL career. He was also fined two weeks ago for a late hit on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The 27-year-old defensive stalwart has now been docked over $150,000 dating back to 2019. Despite his three-game dry spell, Crosby has still racked up 6.5 sacks through nine games, putting him on pace for his fourth double-digit sack season. He set a career best with 14.5 in 2023. Related: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Predicted to Replace $25 Million Starter Related: Walmart Is Selling Madden 25 for 50% Off — But It's Going Fast
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VAUGHAN, ON , Dec. 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Menkes Developments Ltd. ("Menkes"), and QuadReal Property Group ("QuadReal") are pleased to announce the successful "topping off" of Festival, a four-tower community in the heart of south Vaughan Metropolitan Centre ("VMC"). Festival is already an architectural landmark on the Vaughan skyline with its distinctive sculptural white balconies and its tallest tower standing at 190.5 meters, making it the tallest building in all of VMC. The "topping off" is a major milestone in the construction progress, signifying the completion of the entire community's exterior structural framework. Festival broke ground in early 2021 and was named Canada's Best-Selling Condominium Community for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021. The development sits on a 5.5-acre property bounded on the north and south by Highways 7 and 407, and Hwy 400 to the west. Festival is a significant project boasting 2,470 residential units across 4 towers ranging in height from 41 to 59 storeys, 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor amenities, 85,000 square feet of commercial space, ample public open spaces, and a covered pedestrian mews connecting residents and visitors to future phases of the masterplan. The overall value of Festival is $1.5 billion dollars . "As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada , the City of Vaughan is committed to delivering more housing options for our residents and future generations. I am proud to mark this historic milestone for Festival where families can soon call the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre home,", said Steven Del Duca , Mayor of Vaughan . "I want to thank Menkes Developments Ltd. and QuadReal Property Group for their dedication and support in getting more homes built in the city of Vaughan . By working together, we will help make housing more affordable for young families." "Festival is like no other project in the GTA – it's an ambitious, all-encompassing community that sets a new industry standard in Vaughan . We brought the urban lifestyle that we deliver in our large mixed-use projects like Harbour Plaza in the South Core and Sugar Wharf on Toronto's Waterfront to the VMC," said Jared Menkes , Executive Vice President of High Rise Residential, Menkes. "We worked collaboratively with the City of Vaughan's political leaders and planning staff to develop Festival to meet the needs of residents in one of Canada's fastest growing cities. Festival is a testament to all that can be accomplished when we work together." The first tower at Festival began welcoming residents earlier this year, with occupancies expected to continue for all towers through to Fall 2025. Festival will eventually be home to over 5,000 residents. "The creation of both Festival and the broader Assembly Park community has been a collaborative and thoughtful process, and we are thrilled to officially top off this dynamic part of the new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre," said Toby Wu , Executive Vice President, Development, Canada , QuadReal. "Leveraging a long-term approach to investment and development enables us to build thriving communities in markets where people want to live. Thank you to the QuadReal team and our partners at Menkes and the City of Vaughan for helping us bring our vision to life." Menkes and QuadReal have been the most active developers in VMC since 2019, with over 5,200 residential units built, under construction, and pre-selling. The partners recently completed Mobilio, VMC's first mixed-density residential community with three mid-rise condominium towers (750 units), 400 townhouses, park space and amenities all in one site. Following the success of the four Festival towers that are now commencing occupancies, last year Menkes and QuadReal launched the next phase of the masterplan known as Bravo – a three-tower community directly south of Festival. Bravo will feature 1,654 residential units, at grade retail, the continuation of the covered pedestrian mews, and a privately-owned public park space. The first two towers – East and West – at Bravo are currently 80% sold after being one of the GTA's best-selling communities in 2023. Construction for the first tower began in Spring 2024. The third and final tower in the project, the South Tower also known as Encore, is selling now with a model suite available for viewing at the Festival Discovery Centre. For more information, visit festivalsouthvmc.com . Leasing of the retail space of Festival has begun and inquiries can be directed to assemblypark.com . About Menkes Developments Ltd. Menkes Developments Ltd. is an award-winning, fully integrated real estate company involved in the construction, ownership and management of office, industrial, retail and residential properties. Founded in 1954, the company is one of the largest private developers in Canada , with a primary focus in the Greater Toronto Area . Menkes is known for its innovative, multi-disciplinary approach, superior design, and its expertise in large-scale mixed-used developments. The Company is regarded as one of the most trusted builders in Toronto , with a strong reputation for quality and customer service excellence. Past projects include the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences in Bloor-Yorkville, 25 York Street (Telus Harbour), and the two million square foot Harbour Plaza/One York commercial retail complex located in the South Core Financial District. For more information about Menkes, visit menkes.com and follow @MenkesLife . About QuadReal Property Group and BCI QuadReal Realty QuadReal Property Group is a global real estate investment, operating and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia . Its assets under management are $85 billion . From its foundation in Canada as a full-service real estate operating company, QuadReal has expanded its capabilities to invest in equity and debt in both the public and private markets. QuadReal invests directly, via programmatic partnerships and through operating platforms in which it holds an ownership interest. QuadReal seeks to deliver strong investment returns while creating sustainable environments that bring value to the people and communities it serves. Now and for generations to come. QuadReal: Excellence lives here. www.quadreal.com Media Contact: Menkes Danny Roth – droth@brandoncom.ca Media Contact: QuadReal Hannah Wanlin – hannah.wanlin@quadreal.com SOURCE Menkes Developments Ltd. View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/11/c7635.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.A Non-Governmental Organizations, Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) have urged women to come out, participate in politics and not remain at the back seat. This was made known on Wednesday in Lagos by the program officer of the group, Mr Adeniyi Hussain at a two days training for journalists, civil society and others with a theme: “Amplifying Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria for the 2027 Elections.” Hussain said as a group we are committed to building a society where all individuals, particularly women and girls, can fully participate in politics, social, and economic life without discrimination or violence.Supported by the German Embassy. According to Hussain, the essence of the town hall meeting was as a result of the research carried out by their group in 2021. “The research was a result of violence women face during politics and the result we got was very alarming such as sexual violence, physical assault and part of efforts to reduced the violence is to support advocacy, when that special seat bill about women is being pass into law, men we know that a particular seat is for female alone they will not want to compete with the female in governance. “And that will reduce the violence women face. We also noticed that globally and seen that women participation have brought about national development, country that have high representation of women governance are united Kingdom, United States and Rwanda has six per cent of women in government and one of the thriving African country due to high representation of women in governance. “The goal of this project is to secure the adoption of a legislative quota that guarantees a minimum representation of women in the Nigerian National Assembly by 2027. This is a critical step toward achieving balanced governance and ensuring women’s voices are represented in shaping Nigeria’s future.” He added that through this initiative, we are advocating for the passage of the Special Seats Bill, sensitise the general public on the advantages of women’s representation and drive forward gender-responsive political reforms that ensure women’s leadership in governance. “Part of what we are doing is that we noticed the advocacy was just in Abuja and other places, we decided to bring the discussion to the community in other to engage them and get their views and used it to empower them and to let them know that it’s important for women to participate in politics they are not just meant to seat in the kitchen and home alone.”
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Drive into 2025, slowly, oh-so-carefullyDirector of Content Development at Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna) Sebastien Turbot revealed the centre’s priorities for the upcoming year includes continuing its role as a driver of sustainability efforts by hosting the second edition of the Earthna Summit 2025, scheduled for April 22-23, 2025. The summit will bring together a number of local, regional and international partners to discuss the most prominent environmental challenges facing the world. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Turbot explained that the summit will witness the announcement of the winners of the first Earthna Prize, which honours and supports projects that preserve traditional knowledge and cultural heritage and draw inspiration from them to address environmental challenges. The award focuses on the themes of water resource management, food security, sustainable urbanism, and land stewardship, with four winners sharing the cash prize of $1mn. Earthna 2025’s main objective is to bring together an elite group of experts, government representatives, policymakers, decision-makers, businessmen, in addition to multilateral organisations and members of civil society to work together. He added that the summit highlights Qatar’s commitment to promoting sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing its rich cultural heritage, unique ecosystems and innovation. The summit will be a platform to explore how to combine traditional and modern approaches to shape a more resilient and inclusive sustainable future. The most prominent components for the Earthna Summit is the Earthna Village, which will include a display of products and speakers on some innovative solutions inspired by traditional knowledge, in addition to providing interactive spaces that enhance cooperation and creativity. Turbot noted that the first edition of the Earthna Summit in 2023 saw 1,500 participants from over 100 countries coming together to address key issues such as biodiversity, water and food security, and overall sustainability. For the 2025 edition, Earthna intends to continue these dialogues and bring together climate action leaders on key policy and climate change issues, he added. He explained that the outcomes of the last summit enhanced the deep understanding of traditional practices and their role in managing ecosystems and adapting to climate, and the upcoming summit will build on that to explore how to drive practical progress. The Director of Content Development stressed that Earthna aspires to co-operate with a variety of countries and organisations that align with its goals and vision, including countries that are leaders in sustainability innovations, regions facing similar environmental challenges, and organisations specialising in climate action, policy development, and enhancing community resilience. He pointed out that Earthna also seeks to co-operate with international research institutions, non-governmental organisations, private sector leaders, and academic institutions to enhance the exchange of ideas and practices. The Earthna Summit embodies Qatar’s commitment to promoting sustainability at the international level by creating a platform whose impact extends beyond the summit itself. Turbot explained that the summit promotes effective dialogues between policy makers, thought leaders and industry pioneers to address global environmental challenges in a collaborative manner. The summit aims to stimulate climate action at the international level by forming lasting partnerships, influencing policy frameworks and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices across international sectors, while the research findings and solutions presented during the sessions are documented and disseminated globally to be used as valuable resources for governments, organisations and communities seeking to achieve sustainability. He touched on Earthna’s participation at COP16 in Riyadh, where it showcased its leadership experiences by participating in interactive sessions. He also highlighted that Chairman of the Board of Directors at Earthna Justin Munday moderated a high-level panel discussion on innovative market mechanisms, such as bonds, credits, insurance, index-linked debt and microfinance, as essential tools for sustainable land management. On Tuesday, Earthna hosted a dialogue seminar on sustainability and traditional urban planning, which discussed ways to integrate sustainability practices with traditional urban planning principles. Turbot also noted that Programme Manager at Earthna Talha Mirza will present a session on the vital role of traditional knowledge in sustainable development and adaptation to climate change, while reviewing case studies on traditional water management systems, such as agricultural canals and irrigation channels. Turbot said that Earthna is a non-profit centre specialised in policy research on sustainability and supporting related issues. Earthna was established by Qatar Foundation and aims to provide a comprehensive vision that contributes to achieving environmentally, economically and socially sustainable development. Related Story World Summit AI Qatar 2024 kicks off
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ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are back in first place in the NFC South and again in control of their playoff hopes. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed the poise in his first NFL start the Falcons will need to take advantage of their opportunity to end a six-year playoff drought. Powered by a big-play defense that produced two pick-6s, a solid starting debut by Penix and two rushing touchdowns by Bijan Robinson, the Falcons cruised past the hapless New York Giants 34-7 on Sunday. On Sunday night, the Falcons (8-7) received the assist they needed when Tampa Bay lost at Dallas . Because the Falcons swept the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage if they remain tied atop the division. The Falcons have games remaining at Washington on Sunday night and at home against Carolina to close the regular season. If Atlanta wins both games, it would win the division and have a home playoff game. The Falcons are assured of their best record since a 10-6 finish under coach Dan Quinn in 2017, their most recent playoff season. Quinn is in his first season as Washington's coach and has led the Commanders (10-5) to three straight wins, including Sunday's 36-33 victory over Philadelphia. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, was promoted after coach Raheem Morris benched Kirk Cousins. Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards with one interception on a pass that should have been caught by tight end Kyle Pitts. Penix is not a dual-threat quarterback, but he showed the ability to escape pressure in the pocket that Cousins lacks following his 2023 Achilles tendon injury. The left-hander's superior arm strength also was immediately obvious. Robinson's production provided a safety net for the offense which helped make for a smooth transition to Penix. Robinson had scoring runs of 2 and 4 yards. Robinson has rushed for 10 touchdowns this season. He's the first Atlanta player with 10 more more rushing touchdowns since Devonta Freeman during the 2016 Super Bowl season. Robinson ran for 94 yards on 22 carries and had 103 yards from scrimmage. His 11th game this season with at least 100 yards from scrimmage are the most for the Falcons since Warrick Dunn's 11 in 2005. Morris said Robinson deserves to be considered with Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley in discussions regarding the league's top running backs. “Bijan has been outstanding all year in the things that he’s able to do," Morris said. “He’s special. If it wasn’t for this other guy out in Philly, he’d get a lot more recognition across the league. But that guy is having a special year, and Bijan’s not far behind him.” With kicker Younghoe Koo on injured reserve and watching from the sideline, Riley Patterson was wide left on his first field-goal attempt from 43 yards. Patterson rebounded to make attempts from 52 and 37 yards. Jessie Bates III and Matthew Judon each had a pick-6 to highlight a day of big plays for the defense. Arnold Ebiketie had his fifth sack of the season and added a fumble recovery. Kaden Ellis added a strip-sack. He also has five sacks this season, including sacks in four consecutive games. It is the longest streak for Atlanta since Patrick Kerney had sacks in five straight games in 2001. There was some thought that a change at quarterback could be good news for Pitts, who often seemed to be missing in action with Cousins running the offense. After all, a tight end often is a natural target for quick passes from a rookie making his first start. Instead, Pitts had a poor start to the Penix era when he bobbled his first pass from the left-hander, creating an interception by cornerback Cor’Dale Flott. Pitts caught a 7-yard pass on his only other target. For the season, Pitts has 41 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns. There will be much interest in this week's injury report after WR Drake London (hamstring) was hurt in the second half. Morris provided an optimistic postgame outlook on London. CB Antonio Hamilton (quad) did not return after leaving the game in the first half. 8: Bates has four interceptions and four forced fumbles. His combined eight forced turnovers lead the NFL. The game against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders is a reminder Penix was only the fourth of six quarterbacks selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Daniels, from LSU, was the No. 2 overall pick behind Caleb Williams by Chicago. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Capitals are rolling along without Alex Ovechkin thanks to depth that has kept them a contenderEx-Colorado footballer Bloom dedicates time to fulfilling wishes for older adultsUS News Today Live Updates: In today’s dynamic landscape, staying updated on the latest developments across the United States is essential. US News delivers the most impactful and current stories from coast to coast, covering a broad spectrum of topics, including politics, economic trends, healthcare, social issues, and cultural shifts. From significant government actions and economic shifts to breakthroughs in technology and the latest social debates, we provide real-time updates and thoughtful analysis to keep you informed. Our goal is to keep you connected to the stories that shape American life, ensuring you’re always in the know on the news that matters. US News Today Live: Denzel Washington takes the big leap into faith, gets baptized: 'It took a while but I'm here'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 . NEW YORK (AP) — Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa scored 27 points as Columbia beat Fairfield 85-72 on Saturday night. De La Rosa shot 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Lions (11-1). Avery Brown shot 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to add 16 points. Kenny Noland went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 15 points. The Stags (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) were led by Louis Bleechmore, who recorded 12 points. Fairfield also got 12 points and seven assists from Jamie Bergens. Deon Perry had 12 points and five assists. Columbia’s next game is Monday against Rutgers on the road, and Fairfield visits Merrimack on Friday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.
Redmi 14C 5G will be launching in India in January 2025 and the Redmi has already teased about it. It will be available in India as well as global markets. The colour options as well as other details have been explained as well. The new device can be a rebadged version of the Redmi 14R 5G model. The device will be available on Amazon along with the brand’s e-store. The promotional poster suggests that the device will be a global debut. The primary camera on the device is 50MP main camera sensor. The Redmi 14C 5G smartphone is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC. The battery on the smartphone is of 5160mAh capacity while the wired charged support is 18W. It will be a rebadged version of the Redmi 14R 5G. The display will be a 6.68-inch 120Hz HD+ LCD screen while the OS onboard is an Android 14 based HyperOS. Camera wise the Redmi 14C 5G is likely to get 50-megapixel main camera while the selfie camera might be a 5MP selfie camera. The Redmi 14R 5G offers 13-megapixel main camera while the selfie camera is a 5MP selfie camera. There is a LED flash on the rear camera module. Redmi 14C 5G will offer a SIM card slot on the left edge while the volume rocker and power button are present on the right. Colour option on the device will be black, blue, and purple.
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Announces Offering of Series A Preferred Stock2 / 8 Bitcoin price might stall in 2025, but the good news is the risk of recession is low, strategist says Bitcoin price might stall in 2025, but the good news is the risk of recession is low, strategist says Off English Jason Trennert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Strategas, spoke with Quartz for the latest installment of our “Smart Investing” video series. Read More 3 / 8 Bitcoin, Bitget, Dogecoin, Solana, and more: Cryptocurrencies to watch this week Bitcoin, Bitget, Dogecoin, Solana, and more: Cryptocurrencies to watch this week The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a decline as the holiday season begins. With many investors pausing their usual spending and investment activity, the market is experiencing a temporary lull. However, this slowdown is likely temporary, and investors are expected to return with renewed energy as the new year brings fresh opportunities. Read More 4 / 8 GameStop gets a holiday boost as Roaring Kitty’s festive post surges stock price GameStop gets a holiday boost as Roaring Kitty’s festive post surges stock price Shares of the popular meme stock GameStop ( GME ) (GME) increased on Thursday afternoon after Keith Gill, the investor popularly known as “Roaring Kitty,” shared an image of a wrapped Christmas present on X. Read More 5 / 8 AI ignited a private market boom. Now wealthy investors want more AI ignited a private market boom. Now wealthy investors want more Wealthy investors are flocking to artificial intelligence startups — and fueling a private market renaissance. To get a piece of today’s pioneering AI firms, investors have to go through private markets, where most tech startups still reside. Waves of new technology have long meant new companies and eager investors hoping to be among the first to pour money into the next big thing. But the AI boom comes at a time where there are significantly more private companies, and they are tending to wait longer to go public. The draw of getting in on AI is serving as a gateway for well-heeled investors to pour more money into a wider array of private companies, wealth managers and others say. Read More 6 / 8 What Santa’s tax returns would look like, according to H&R Block What Santa’s tax returns would look like, according to H&R Block For as long as children have dreamed about Santa Claus, they’ve also bombarded their parents with a flurry of questions about the magical man: How does he travel around the world in one night? If I stay up late enough, will I catch him? Does he really exist? Read More 7 / 8 Bitcoin’s rapid rise could stall as the dollar gains strength in 2025, strategist says Bitcoin’s rapid rise could stall as the dollar gains strength in 2025, strategist says Off English Jason Trennert, CEO and Chairman of Strategas, makes big predictions for the stock market, Bitcoin, gold, and treasuries for the new year 8 / 8FARMINGTON — On Wednesday, Nov. 13, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital held an award ceremony to celebrate their Emergency Medical Services [EMS] for becoming certified “pediatric ready.” The ceremony took place at the hospital in the Bass Room. EMS for Children and Maine EMS Program Manager Marc Minkler presents the Maine EMS for Children Program award and shakes the hand of RN and Charge Nurse Michelle Cuva on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Cuva held a vital role in the process of bringing the program to the hospital. Also seen behind, from left, are Emergency Department Director Dr. Jodi Conrad, RN Blake Hotchkiss, Hospital President Barb Sergio, and Pediatrics Dr. Gabe Civiello. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal President of the hospital Barb Sergio began the event by saying how proud she was of the EMS team for this accomplishment before handing it off to Marc Minkler, program manager at Maine EMS . EMS for Children and Maine EMS Program Manager Marc speaks at the Maine EMS for Children Program award ceremony on Nov. 13, at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal Minkler began his speech by telling the audience that he was going to start by saying something controversial. “We all hate children,” he said, pausing for effect before finishing his sentence. “It’s really important to follow it up by saying we all hate children that are sick, ill, or injured.” He went on to explain that no medical staff hope to see patients filling the hospital, and that no parent wants their child to be in pain. He pointed out the reality that unfortunately, these things do happen. MaineHealth Pediatrics Doctor and Representative of Maine American Association of Pediatrics Gabe Civiello spoke as well, saying that although pediatric emergencies are less frequent, it is important to be prepared rather than having to send the children to larger hospitals when time is of the essence. Michelle Cuva, RN and charge nurse with a pediatric background, played a vital part in bringing the program to Maine Health Franklin Hospital. During her speech, she said that before anything else, she is a mom and a member of the community. She said that her son plays dangerous sports. “At the end of the day, it very well may be my child,” Cuva said. “This program offers the opportunity for all hospitals in the state of Maine to continue to collaborate.” Part of becoming a pediatric ready hospital is being aware of the ever-growing and changing science and medical practices including updated equipment, said Minkler. He pointed out that a 15-year-old child is a much different size than a 15-month-old and that medical equipment needs to be able to accommodate that difference. Another big qualification that Minkler pointed out is policies, making sure that there are updated policies in place on how to deal with things like family reunification, death notifications, and being prepared for unexpected situations. RN and Charge Nurse Michelle Cuva speaks at the Maine EMS for Children Program award ceremony on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal The qualifications for becoming a pediatric ready hospital stem from a collaboration between multiple nation-wide and federal associations. In order to achieve the status, hospitals must go through an EMS for Children program that includes education on the topics that Minkler listed as well as spending time and money on updating their services. Cuva said that the process took around two years to complete. It started with taking an extensive survey that assessed the equipment, policies, and procedures of the EMS system at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital. Cuva shared that over the two years, the process included a lot of continued education that took place before, during, or after shifts. It took many forms including articles, YouTube videos, and shift simulations. She said that one of the biggest challenges was finding funding and space for supplies. “When we look at what [MaineHealth] Franklin Hospital has done, they have committed to this and they’ve done it very very well,” said Minkler. He also recognized that becoming pediatric ready is not required by any means. “It is completely voluntary,” he said. “[MaineHealth] Franklin Hospital did not have to do this. They will not be able to bill higher, they’re not going to get reimbursement for this. They have dedicated teams, dedicated staff that said ‘this is important to us.'” RN Michelle Cuva holds the Maine EMS for Children Program award on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Behind her from left is Program Manager Marc Minkler, Dr. Jodi Conrad, RN Blake Hotchkiss, Hospital President Barb Sergio, and Pediatrics Dr. Gabe Civiello. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous Next »
The future of gas transit through Ukraine is at a turning point. If a last-minute deal isn’t struck by Wednesday, billions of cubic meters in gas flows could come to a halt. Ukraine is under mounting pressure from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and a group of central European companies to keep gas moving from its eastern border with Russia into the European Union following the expiration of a transit agreement on Dec. 31. Almost three years after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Budapest and Bratislava still rely on cheap gas from Gazprom PJSC, undermining the EU push to cut reliance on Russian energy. With three days to go before the Russia-Ukraine agreement runs out, rhetoric on all sides has sharpened. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this week accused Fico of striking “shadow agreements” with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Slovak leader on Friday threatened to halt power supplies to his eastern neighbor, a step Ukraine criticized. To diplomats with knowledge of the talks, the escalation hasn’t come as a surprise. Past disputes over gas transit between the two former partners saw flows cut or reduced at short notice — and deals clinched at the very last minute. Energy traders, industry leaders and politicians in Europe and elsewhere are still looking to the three leaders for signs of what might come next. Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that he won’t allow Russian gas, which benefits the Kremlin’s war machine, to transit through Ukraine after the current deal ends. He’s said that he would be open to transporting gas from countries other than Russia — an option that people with knowledge of the talks say isn’t completely off the table. In making the decision, the Ukrainian leader must consider the need to protect the country’s 38,600-kilometer (23,985-mile) gas pipeline system. The network, among the world’s largest, has been spared attacks over the last three years as Russian gas has flowed though it. If that were to stop, the system might become a target for missile strikes, as gas storage facilities and power supplies have been. It would also create technical challenges that would make it difficult to heat homes across Ukraine during the winter. “The issue of risks for Ukrainian infrastructure is reverberating in diplomatic discussions,” said Christian Egenhofer, senior researcher at the CEPS think-tank in Brussels. “It may prove a lifeline for Zelenskyy if he opts to allow for continued transit.” At the same time, Egenhofer noted, “the gas talks will matter beyond Ukraine.” For both Putin and Fico, the most profitable option would be for European buyers to continue purchasing gas directly from Gazprom. Russia would then remain in the EU market without having to share revenue with intermediaries, and Slovakia would save on additional transit costs, according to people with knowledge of the talks who asked not to be identified. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday that talks are ongoing and a last-minute deal cannot be completely ruled out. Before the war, the executive arm of the European Union helped broker transit agreements between Kyiv and Moscow. Now, because of the bloc’s efforts to diversify energy sources away from Moscow and expand renewables, the European Commission is staying out of negotiations. Instead, it has stressed that alternatives sources are available and the region’s gas storage levels are high. In February, the EU’s executive arm will unveil a plan to further phase out Russian fossil fuels, which it says the Kremlin has turned into a political weapon. Its implementation hinges on member states: in addition to pipeline flows to Slovakia and Hungary, Russian liquefied natural gas is also shipped to ports in France, Belgium and Spain. “The row over the Russian gas will worsen the wedge between EU members, aligning neatly with Russia’s interest in seeing European support for Ukraine fracture,” said Bota Iliyas, a senior analyst at PRISM, a strategic intelligence firm. The end of gas flows through Ukraine will have a “negligible” impact on European gas prices, the commission said earlier this month, noting that markets have already priced in the end of the transit deal. European gas prices rose 48% this year, in anticipation of supply cuts combined with rapidly depleting gas reserves due to periods of cold and windless weather. While costs are still far below the 2022 records reached during the energy crisis triggered by the first phase of the war, they’re high enough to impact households and manufacturers. The absence of an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Ukraine complicates but doesn’t rule out a commercial deal involving European companies. Slovakia’s gas utility Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel AS and its gas network operator Eustream AS — alongside Hungary’s MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc., trade associations and large industrial customers from Austria and Italy — have urged Zelenskyy to allow shipments to continue. The volume being discussed is 15 billion cubic meters a year, the amount that currently moves through Ukrainian pipelines. Following his meeting with Putin in Moscow a week ago, Fico said that Russia was ready to continue delivering gas to the West via Ukraine, but this would be “practically impossible” after Jan. 1 given Kyiv’s stance. In response, Zelenskyy said he’d offered to compensate Fico for the additional costs that Slovakia would accrue should Russian gas transit end. He said he was also ready to allow shipments of non-Russian fuel if a request was to be made by the European Commission — an offer which he claimed the Slovak leader rejected. The spat escalated further late on Friday, when Fico said in a video posted on Facebook that if the flows stop, he’ll assess potential reciprocal measures, including halting power supplies that Ukraine needs during its network outages. The end of transit of Russian gas would cost the EU an additional 120 billion euros ($125 billion) in energy costs over the next two years, according to Fico. “Stopping the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine is not just a hollow political gesture. It’s an extremely costly move, one that we, in the European Union, will pay for,” Fico said. Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko hit back on Saturday, telling a local television station that he alerted the EU and the region’s energy community that a halt in power supply will violate European regulations. He added that Ukraine has mechanisms to substitute Slovak electricity with more imports from other partners. With the deadline approaching, alternative solutions are being considered. SPP has been in talks with Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company about sourcing Azeri gas, according to people with knowledge of the talks. That may require a swap between Gazprom and Socar, in which the Azeri company would purchase corresponding volumes from Russia to deliver to European buyers. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also proposed moving the location of Russian gas sales to the physical border between Russia and Ukraine, which would transfer gas ownership to European buyers and oblige Ukraine to ensure transit under its free trade agreement with the EU, according to people with knowledge of the issue. Putin acknowledged various proposals on Thursday that would allow Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey or Azerbaijan to take control of the gas shipped through Ukraine. He noted that any such arrangement would be difficult to enact because of Gazprom’s long-term contracts. Before the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia was the EU’s top gas supplier, providing more than 40% of the bloc’s imports. Following the outbreak of the war and a cut in supplies, Europe accelerated its shift away from Russian energy. Last year, Russian gas made up around 8% of EU imports. Permitting further Russian gas to transit through Ukraine would undermine the message that the EU can no longer do business as usual with Putin’s Russia, said Benjamin L. Schmitt, senior fellow at the CEPA think-tank and the University of Pennsylvania’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. “The stakes couldn’t be higher,” Schmitt said in a research note. “Continuing Russian gas transit in any form — whether through an overt contract extension with Kremlin-controlled Gazprom, or under any other name, but still de facto Russian — would be dangerous for Ukraine.” ——— (With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska and Daniel Hornak.) ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Lakers-Warriors Christmas thriller draws most viewers for NBA regular-season game in 5 years