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Best New York City Art Shows of 2024The Fine Gael leader was asked about the controversy in the first question posed during the second and final TV leaders’ debate of Ireland’s General Election campaign. Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Charlotte Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening. The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns that Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange filmed by RTE in a supermarket. Mr Harris rang Ms Fallon on Saturday and said he unreservedly apologised for the way he treated her, however focus has since shifted to Fine Gael’s interactions with the national broadcaster about the social media video. At the outset of Tuesday’s TV debate, co-host Miriam O’Callaghan directly asked the Fine Gael leader whether a member of his party contacted RTE to ask for the clip to be taken down. “I have no knowledge of that whatsoever, because this clip was entirely appropriate,” said Mr Harris. “It was a very important moment on the campaign. “And RTE and indeed many media outlets have been with me throughout the campaign, covering many interactions that I’ve had with many, many people right across this country.” The Taoiseach said the approach by his team member was part of the “normal contact that happens between party politics and broadcasters on a daily basis”. Mr Harris’s partner-in-government in the last coalition, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, said he was not aware of the approach to RTE by Fine Gael. “I didn’t realise this had happened,” he said. “I think Simon has given his explanation to it. I’m not sure it’s as normal or as usual. I just get on with it every day. But, again, I think, you know, I’m not au fait with the details behind all of this, or the background to it. “The video didn’t come down, and it was seen by many, many people. “And I think it illustrates that out there, there are a lot of people suffering in our society. “Notwithstanding the progress we’ve made as a country, a lot of people are facing a lot of individual challenges, and our job as public representatives and as leaders in travelling the country is to listen to people, hear their cases, to understand the challenges that they are going through in their lives. “And when we go about in election campaigns, we have to open up ourselves to criticism and to people calling us to account.” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had earlier in the day described reports of the Fine Gael approach to RTE as “chilling”. However, at the start of the debate, she was asked about a media-focused issue related to her own party, namely the controversial manifesto proposal for an independent expert review of RTE’s objectivity in its coverage of the war in Gaza and other international conflicts. Mr Harris previously branded the proposal a “dog whistle to conspiracy theorists” while Mr Martin said it was a “dangerous departure”. Ms McDonald defended the idea during the RTE Prime Time debate on Tuesday. “Politics and politicians should not try to influence editorial decisions or try and have clips taken down because they are inconvenient to them,” she said. “There has to be distance, there has to be objectivity. But I would say I am struck by the very defensive reaction from some to this (the review proposal). “The BBC, for example, a peer review looked at their coverage on migration. Politicians didn’t put their hands on it, and rightly so. “I think in a world where we have to rely on quality information, especially from the national broadcaster, which is in receipt of very substantial public funding, that has to be the gold standard of reliability. I think peer reviews like that are healthy.”SAN ANTONIO — Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as the star duo opted to complete their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. Colorado would not disclose the amount of insurance coverage each received, citing privacy laws. Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George both said it was the largest in college football history. "We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft," Sanders said Monday. "We all know who those two are and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football." While college programs maintain insurance policies for their athletes in case of injury, Colorado increased disability coverage for its entire roster in the Alamo Bowl. Sanders, the coach of the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his QB son and two-way star Hunter received larger policies since both are expected to be among the top 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft. "It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played and if there was some kind of injury that they would be well taken care of," George said. "So, we worked together on that. We're excited about it. We think it's great that all our players are playing in the game. That's what all bowl games should be like." Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While most teams are scrambling with starters opting out of bowl games this year to enter the transfer portal or NFL draft, the Buffaloes did not lose any player on their two-deep roster. "It's more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State)," Colorado linebackers coach Andre' Hart said. "They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it's beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it's going and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that's excellent." Shedeur Sanders completed 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Many scouting services have Sanders rated as the top quarterback in this year's draft. Hunter received the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout at cornerback and wide receiver. He had 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and as a cornerback had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and limited the opposition to 22 receptions on 688 defensive snaps. "They've taken care of us, everybody," Colorado running back Micah Welch said. "It really means a lot to have every teammate up here. That's a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime, they're taking care of us." Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The AI Revolution in Law: Law Practice AI Transforms Legal Case Management with Advanced AutomationChinese leader Xi Jinping has been invited to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next month. Karoline Leavitt, the incoming White House press secretary, told Fox News on Thursday that the inaugural committee had extended an invite to Xi and other foreign leaders, but she did not offer details of who else was invited beyond the Chinese president. CBS News was the first to report on the invites. "This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but our adversaries and our competitors too," Leavitt said on Fox. She added that it's "to be determined" whether Xi accepts the invitation. Leavitt described inviting foreign dignitaries as "precedent." But an invitation to a leader like Xi is not the norm, according to Allan Lichtman, a professor of politics at American University. "It is precedent to invite some dignitaries like ambassadors, but not foreign heads of state, certainly not a head of state who is not an ally," Lichtman said in an email to NPR. Trump has taken a hard line against China. Though during his first term, he often touted a strong relationship with Xi, and has said they had "great chemistry." But the first Trump administration imposed tariffs on some products from China, and Trump has recently threatened further tariffs in his second term. In a post last month on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump threatened a 10% tariff on goods coming into the U.S. from China because of the amount of fentanyl and other drugs entering the U.S. from there. It's not yet clear if the tariff will be actualized. Copyright 2024 NPRColorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter before Alamo BowlLumina Gold Announces Exploitation Contract Terms with the Government of Ecuador
A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders Tuesday, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, has previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday (9 p.m. EST Tuesday). Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides. Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL , does not provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. A Hezbollah leader said the group's support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France. After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signaling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in grave condition. Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered a pointed reminder Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the U.N. read by his ambassador.Best New York City Art Shows of 2024Zina Michelle Butler, age 60
Hydrocodone IR is under clinical development by Elysium Therapeutics and currently in Phase I for Opium (Opioid) Addiction. According to GlobalData, Phase I drugs for Opium (Opioid) Addiction have a 71% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Phase II. GlobalData tracks drug-specific phase transition and likelihood of approval scores, in addition to indication benchmarks based off 18 years of historical drug development data. Attributes of the drug, company and its clinical trials play a fundamental role in drug-specific PTSR and likelihood of approval. Hydrocodone IR overview Hydrocodone immediate release is under development for the treatment of pain due to prescription opioid use disorder and opium (Opioid) addiction. It acts by targeting mu-type opioid receptor. The drug candidate is developed based on O2P (oral overdose protection) technology. It is an immediate release formulation. It is administered through oral route. Elysium Therapeutics overview Elysium Therapeutics is developing safer opioids for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The company is headquartered in Lyons, Colorado, the US. For a complete picture of Hydrocodone IR’s drug-specific PTSR and LoA scores, This content was updated on 12 April 2024 From Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors. , the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. GlobalData’s Likelihood of Approval analytics tool dynamically assesses and predicts how likely a drug will move to the next stage in clinical development (PTSR), as well as how likely the drug will be approved (LoA). This is based on a combination of machine learning and a proprietary algorithm to process data points from various databases found on GlobalData’s .Day one of the LJ Hookers Bialla Suaras Peace Cup 7s Tournament in Bialla, West New Britain, saw a series of captivating matches, including some surprising upsets, at the Ewase Village yesterday. Seven teams are competing across four pools in this three-day tournament, which will conclude on the 28th before the new year. The Border Toohas kicked off the day with a convincing 29-7 victory over Tokilu Latatus. Patuki Warriors narrowly edged Veleule Warriors 20-5 in another exciting contested match. Meanwhile, the host Bialla Suaras demonstrated their strength with a dominant 29-0 win against Hoskins Kernels. These three teams currently lead the pack after Day One, having secured impressive victories in their respective pool matches. The tournament continues today with more exciting matches to watch in the remaining pool games.
TEMPLEGATE tackles Friday's racing confident of banging in a winner or two. Scroll down for all his selections. THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure. Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get... Four free racing tickets, four times a year - worth £300 Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else Exclusive access to Templegate's daily NAP Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month New customer offer with Coral Become a member today for just £1* *For the first month then £3 per month thereafter. SIGN UP NOW 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk STUZZIKINI (2.50 Chepstow, nap) He looked a National type when winning the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan last time. He wasn’t stopping at the end of three miles there and shapes like a real stayer. It’s relatively early days and he can improve past his handicap mark. BOOTHILL (2.30 Kempton, nb) He fell in this race 12 months ago and ran his best race since when second to Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham last time. He pushed that class act to within two lengths and will appreciate these conditions. A repeat of that effort would be good enough. DR TJ ECKLEBURG (3.25 Chepstow, treble) He seemed to have plenty left in the tank when winning at Haydock last time and a 7lb rise in the weights won’t put the brakes on. Templegate's verdicts CHEPSTOW Most read in Horse Racing CHRISTMAS HORROR Dad killed in his own home on Christmas Day named as women, 33, arrested ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 Boyd-Munce stuns Gers with winner deep into added time in Paisley XMAS TRAGEDY Real Madrid star's 'brother-in-law' is shot dead in Christmas Day horror REFFIN' HELL Motherwell boss Kettlewell fumes at referee's DEMEANOUR in Celtic defeat 1.05 NOCTE VOLATUS has a cracking record at Chepstow and saw off a big field over this trip here in October. He then ran another decent race at Ascot when staying on strongly in the closing stages. He’s back from the same handicap mark with every chance again. Lowry’s Bar got the best of a battle when landing his first chase victory at Exeter 21 days ago. He’d ideally like it softer but is improving and looks a major threat. Le Milos has dropped to 5lb below his last winning mark but he hasn’t been seeing out his races for a little while. It would be no surprise to see him bounce back for the Skeltons. Venetia Williams may not quite be in the form of a couple of weeks ago but her Georges Saint is still a threat. He didn’t fire at Ludlow last time after a couple of decent wins over this trip. He could still be ahead of the handicapper. Fidelio Vallis was pulled up after a year off at Newbury last time and showed he was better than that when scoring at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day. 1.40 NIETZSCHE HAS boasts some fancy form in France where he was beaten just over a length in an Auteuil Grade 1 last month. He has plenty of pace for this trip and likes cut in the ground. He should be capable of better. Opec had eight lengths in hand when winning a Newbury Listed contest last month. She had the race won a long way out and gets the valuable mares’ allowance which only boosts her chances. This is hotter company but she should be up to it. Static has moved to Olly Murphy from France and was a distant third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 latest. He’ll need to raise his game but this is just his third run for current connections. Hot Fuss was a fair handicapper on the level and landed his first hurdles victory at Sandown earlier this month. This is a much hotter contest but he could hit the frame under Harry Cobden. Melon clocked a fair time when scoring on hurdles debut at Donny just 14 days ago. He’ll have to take another step up in this company. 2.10 DANS LE VENT has tumbled to almost a stone below his last winning hurdles mark and showed some promise at Haydock last month. He has plenty of stamina for this trip and looks a big price to make the placings at least for Welsh trainer Evan Williams. Woodie Flash seems to have improved for being held up on his past two runs, with a win at Ffos Las followed by a close second in decent company at Lingfield last time. A 5lb rise for that looks fair over his favourite distance. Madaket finished a place behind Woodie Flash latest and he’s 3lb better off at the weights today. Phantomofthepoints could do with more rain as he loved the mud when going close at Haydock last month. He is a thorough stayer who will go from the front and could hold on for a place. Bill Baxter enjoyed coming back to hurdles when second at Uttoxeter latest and has an each-way chance from this reduced mark. Tune In A Box landed a big pot at Punchestown in April and ran his best race since when a close-up fourth at Cheltenham latest. He has a chance over an ideal trip. 2.50 STUZZIKINI looked a National type when winning the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan last time. He wasn’t stopped at the end of three miles there and shapes like a real stayer. It’s relatively early days and he can improve past his handicap mark. Elliott has another good chance with Where It All Began under Sean Bowen. He was far from disgraced when eighth in the Irish National and comes here fresh. Galia Des Liteaux has been laid out for this and ran a decent race in the Coral Cup at Newbury last time. He would ideally like the ground a bit softer but should be right there. Iron Bridge was a distant third in this 12 months ago but is 6lb lower in the handicap today so has every chance of matching that effort. Monbeg Genius was a good second at Haydock on comeback and has run well around here before. He will enjoy this test of stamina. Fontaine Collonges has a big weight but he was impressive when beating Monbeg Genius at Haydock latest. He’s up 8lb but should be competitive although softer ground would be ideal for the Venetia Williams runner. Sam Thomas pair 2021 winner Iwilldoit and Jubilee Express both have place claims but would also like more rain. KEMPTON 1.20 LARCHMONT LASS found 2m4f on the sharp side when a still-decent third at Sandown last time out. She was much happier tackling a stiffer stamina test at Wetherby scoring on comeback and she looks capable of better for Nicholls and Cobden. Fortuna Ligna looks an each-way price and was far from disgraced at Ascot latest. She can make mistakes but has a decent engine. Pawpuri was understandably rusty on his her first hurdles outing for almost a year here last month. She went well for a long way and just got tired in the closing stages. This longer trip should be fine and she’s a threat. West Balboa is in danger of becoming disappointing and she has more talent than she’s been showing lately. She is capable of better than we saw at Doncaster last time and her rider takes off a valuable 7lb. Della Casa Lunga was a solid second in Listed company here latest and has had a wind op since. She needs to find her very best. 1.55 This should be an absolute cracker and chase debutant SIR GINO can just get the better of Ballyburn. Nicky Henderson has been waxing lyrical about Sir Gino’s schooling at home and he showed himself in peak form when winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth over hurdles at Newcastle last month. His best form has all been over this distance and he’s got a course win on his CV which is a major plus. The decent ground just tips things in his favour as Ballyburn has only run with plenty of give underfoot. Willie Mullins’ hope will be a tough nut to crack though and he looked a natural when winning his chase debut at Punchestown last time by 13 lengths. He won a Grade 1 over hurdles at this trip but he shapes as though a longer distance would be perfect. If would be a surprise if Rubaud can figure on his chase debut although he was more than decent over timber too. He took Listed honours over course and distance in October but this is tougher. 2.30 BOOTHILL fell in this race 12 months ago and ran his best race since when second to Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham last time. He pushed that class act to within two lengths and will appreciate these conditions. A repeat of that effort would be good enough. Martator showed no signs of ending his winning run when bolting up by 11 lengths at Ascot last month. That was his fifth success in a row for Venetia Williams and he’s right at home over this distance on decent ground. The handicapper has piled another 11lb on his back but that may not be enough to put the brakes on. Edwardstone was behind the tip in the Shloer before falling in the Tingle Creek last time. He was still going well when hitting the deck four out but may struggle to give weight away all round. Sans Bruit was no match for Martator when they met at Ascot last month and there’s no obvious reason why he’ll turn that form around. 3.08 FRERO BANBOU was impressive when winning at Newcastle last time and a 7lb rise isn’t a worry as he’s won off this mark before. We have seen all season how good jockey Charlie Deutsch is on staying chasers and he can land another nice prize for Venetia Williams. Weveallbeencaught will be much happier down at this level after being pulled up at Cheltenham last month. His last run in this grade saw him finish a close second and he looks solid each-way. Dreaming Blue makes the odd mistake but he got everything right when winning over a bit further at Ludlow last time. A 3lb rise in the weights is more than fair. Highstakesplayer was a battling winner over course and distance in April and returned with a good second at Ascot before a flatter effort at Newbury latest. He has his sights lowered here. Golden Son is another who has shown his best at this specialists’ track and will be a lot fitter after his rusty comeback at Newbury last time out. Templegate's tips WETHERBY 11.50 Let’s Go Joe Right back to his best when scoring at Doncaster last time. 12.25 Maghlaak Decent on the Flat and been knocking on the door as a hurdler. 1.00 Campaign Trail Expensive buy made a winning start at Doncaster latest. 1.35 Dare To Shout Keeps running well and went close again at Kelso last time. 2.15 Cruden Made a winning hurdling start at Cork and has moved yards since. 2.45 Pay The Piper Has run well on his past two visits to this track. 3.20 Blue Bellamy Good in points and went close at Market Rasen latest. CHEPSTOW 12.00 Julius Des Pictons Game winner last time and few miles on the clock. 12.30 King William Rufus Landed deserved win at Ascot and back under penalty. 1.05 Lowry’s Bar Good win over fences at Exeter and has more to come. 1.40 Nietzsche Has Consistent and went close in French Grade 1 last time. 2.10 Dans Le Vent Looks ready for this step back up to his best distance. 2.50 Stuzzikini (nap) Improving stayer who was in good form at Navan last time. 3.25 Dr TJ Eckleburg (treble) Won well at Haydock latest and form has been franked. KEMPTON 12.45 Nardaran Flat winner who can make winning start for Paul Nicholls. 1.20 Larchmont Lass Can strike again returned to her favoured three miles. 1.55 Sir Gino Class over hurdles and schooling reports have been good. 2.30 Boothill (nb) Has winning form here and good run behind Jonbon latest. 3.08 Frero Banbou Loved testing trip when scoring at Newcastle last time out. 3.38 Willmount Can get his career back on track for Nicky Henderson. WOLVERHAMPTON 4.00 Havana Sky Just keeps winning and this is another excellent chance. 4.30 Enacting Promise on both runs so far with more to come. 5.00 Best Rate Finished strongly into fifth at Lingfield last time out. 5.30 Merchant Improved from debut when second at Newcastle last time. 6.00 Currumbin Good start for this yard when winning at Southwell latest. 6.30 One Night Stand Has shown best form over this course and distance. 7.00 Come On John Keeps running well and another good run last time out. 7.30 Master Of Combat Can land a fifth win here from a fair handicap mark. 8.00 Forever Proud Good second over course and distance last time out. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Scottish Sun CHRISTMAS MIRACLES Christmas baby joy for Scots parents as little ones begin arriving EDGE OF THE WORLD Inside the remote Scots golf club dubbed 'the world's loneliest course' Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Yet another stowaway managed to board a major airline’s plane – renewing serious questions and concerns about airport safety during the busiest travel season of the year. This time, a stowaway tried to hitch a ride on Delta Air Lines Flight 487 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve. The unticketed passenger was discovered while the plane was still taxiing out for takeoff to Honolulu, Delta Air Lines told CNN. The Transportation Security Administration and the Port of Seattle confirmed the incident to CNN. The incident came less than a month after another stowaway boarded a Delta airplane Thanksgiving week. That unticketed passenger made it all the way from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris before she was eventually arrested . Delta Air Lines planes are seen parked at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on June 19, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. And on Christmas Eve, a body was found in a wheel well of a United Airlines plane shortly after it traveled from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and landed in Maui. Hiding in a plane’s wheel well is the most common method used by stowaways , the Federal Aviation Administration said. Stowaways often get crushed when the landing gear retracts, and oxygen levels plummet as a plane reaches higher altitudes. In the Seattle incident, the stowaway went through a TSA security checkpoint the evening before the flight but wasn’t holding a boarding pass, an airport spokesperson told CNN. The next day, the person “gained access to the loading bridge without a scanned ticket at the gate,” airport media relations manager Perry Cooper said. Once the person was discovered, the Airbus A321neo returned to the gate to remove the unticketed passenger, Delta said. Port of Seattle police officers were dispatched to gate B1 at the airport around 1:05 p.m. for “a report of a suspicious circumstance” on the Delta flight. The person “ran out” of the aircraft before officers arrived, Cooper told CNN Friday. “The aircraft returned to the terminal and the subject departed the aircraft,” the Port of Seattle said. “With the help of video surveillance, POSPD were able to locate the subject in a terminal restroom. The subject was arrested for criminal trespass.” The unticketed passenger didn’t have any prohibited items, the TSA told CNN. “The aircraft was swept by K9 as well as all areas in the terminal accessed by the subject,” the Port of Seattle said. “The aircraft was deplaned and all passengers were escorted by TSA to return to the security checkpoint for rescreening.” CNN has reached out to the Port of Seattle for additional comment. Delta said the flight was delayed by two hours and 15 minutes. After the rescreening, it continued to Honolulu at 3 p.m. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed procedures to have an unticketed passenger removed from the flight and then apprehended,” the Atlanta-based airline said in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels and thank them for their patience and cooperation.” TSA said it “takes any incidents that occur at any of our checkpoints nationwide seriously. TSA will independently review the circumstances of this incident at our travel document checker station at Seattle/Tacoma International.” ‘Embarrassing’ for TSA and Delta How the person got through airport security is a question many want answered. There are a number of factors at play, according to former commercial airline pilot and aviation analyst, John Nance. “There are multiple causes that come into this, and they probably involve not only a bit of lackadaisical inattention,” Nance told CNN affiliate KING . “It may be training, it may be compliance, but it’s probably all of that.” It’s “embarrassing” for this situation to happen twice to the same airline and TSA, according to former Department of Homeland Security official Keith Jeffries, who was federal security director when he left the DHS in 2022. In his 20 years working with DHS and the TSA, Jeffries said he’s seen these situations multiple times. “It has happened before. It will happen again until they continue to strengthen that vulnerability,” Jeffries said. “The fact that it happened to the same airline, of course, couldn’t be more embarrassing, especially back-to-back, and during the holiday season, when there’s an extra alertness associated with the large holiday season,” Jeffries added. During the holidays, Jeffries explained, there’s typically more staffing at the airports being “extra vigilant.” TSA, airlines and airports have even more people present to ensure things like this don’t fall through the cracks, making these cases “even more concerning,” he said. If there is a “silver lining,” Jeffries said, it’s that Delta did catch the stowaway during the taxi, and they didn’t make it to Hawaii. The stowaway also didn’t have prohibited items when scanned through TSA, which is another plus, he said. “Everybody’s going to have to work together; TSA and the airlines on how they can strengthen both of those vulnerabilities, and in some cases, even work with the airport,” he said. Congress will likely scrutinize these incidents, Nance added. “But there will be no one paying more attention than the airlines themselves,” he said. ___ CNN’s Holly Yan, Pete Muntean, Amanda Musa and Nicole Chavez contributed to this report. Elise Mertens, of Belgium, serves against Naomi Osaka, of Japan, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, on March 11, 2024, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, on Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. 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(AP Photo/Noah Berger) Druze clergymen attend the funeral of some of the 12 children and teens killed in a rocket strike by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah at a soccer field at the village of Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, on July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) The container ship Dali rests against the wreckage of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on the Patapsco River, on March 27, 2024, as seen from Pasadena, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alicia Keys performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Israeli students watch a virtual tour of the concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau at the Testimony House, a Holocaust museum in Nir Galim, Israel, on the eve of Israel's annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) A mural of former Argentine first lady María Eva Duarte de Perón, better known as Eva Perón, or Evita, depicting her with a saint's halo, adorns a wall inside the Peron Peron restaurant in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) People fish next to drainage that flows into the Paraguay River in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz) Prisoners reach out from their cell for bread at lunchtime at the Juan de la Vega prison in Emboscada, Paraguay, on July 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd) Lava flows from a volcanic eruption that started on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco di Marco) Christophe Chavilinga, 90, suffering from mpox, waits for treatment at a clinic in Munigi, eastern Congo, on Aug. 16, 2024. 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Pakistani security forces have launched an operation to disperse supporters of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would get access to popular weekly injectables that would help them shed pounds quickly if a $ 35 billion proposal from the Biden administration is blessed by President-elect Donald Trump. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would get access to popular weekly injectables that would help them shed pounds quickly if a $ 35 billion proposal from the Biden administration is blessed by President-elect Donald Trump. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would get access to popular weekly injectables that would help them shed pounds quickly if a $ 35 billion proposal from the Biden administration is blessed by President-elect Donald Trump. The rule, unveiled Tuesday by the Health and Human Services Department, would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound for a large segment of Americans who are obese. But it’s unclear if the proposal, which would not go into effect until after Trump takes office, will have support from his new administration — including from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an opponent of the drugs whom the president-elect has tapped to serve as head of HHS. Here’s what to know about the drugs and the Biden administration’s proposal: The drugs work by regulating appetites The weight-loss drugs, also called anti-obesity medications or GLP-1s, mimic the hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1, which regulates appetites by communicating fullness between the gut and brain when people eat. The drugs include Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic as well as Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro. In clinical trials, most participants taking Wegovy or Mounjaro to treat obesity lost an average of 15% to 22% of their body weight — up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. But a slice of “nonresponders” did not lose significant body weight. Private health insurers have limited coverage of the drugs. Medicare has been barred from covering them under a law that says the program cannot pay for weight-loss products. Coverage through Medicaid, meanwhile, has varied from state to state. That’s meant the drugs — which can cost upwards of $1,000 monthly — have been largely unaffordable for many. It would benefit millions, but cost billions The rule announced Tuesday affects Medicaid, which provides health care coverage for roughly 70 million of the nation’s poorest people, and Medicare, the health insurance program for about 67 million older Americans. Under the proposal, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, would reinterpret the federal law, to consider the drugs as a treatment for obesity diseases. The nation’s top health agency estimates as many as 3.5 million people on Medicare and 4 million on Medicaid could qualify for coverage of the drugs. But research suggests far more people might qualify, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimating roughly 28 million people on Medicaid are considered obese. And the proposal would cost a lot of money — at least $35 billion over the next decade. It’s not clear if Trump will support it The drugs are popular — with a majority of Americans telling health firm KFF in a poll earlier this year that Medicare should cover the drugs. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, too, has lobbied for coverage of the drugs. But support is mixed in Trump’s inner circle. Kennedy has railed against the idea of Medicare or Medicaid covering the drugs. Instead, he’s told Congress that they should expand coverage of healthier foods and gym memberships through the government-sponsored health care programs. Meanwhile Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is poised to take the helm of CMS, has said the drugs can be a helpful tool. In a video posted to Instagram last year, Oz praised some of the benefits of the drugs, but said the long-term effects should be further studied. “I think these new generation of medications offer us a huge opportunity,” Oz said. Trump or Kennedy could ultimately ignore Biden’s proposal and not implement it. Some lawmakers praised the move on Tuesday, while others expressed skepticism. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, a Republican who sponsored a bill to have Medicare cover the weight-loss drugs, has argued that covering the drugs and other obesity treatments could save taxpayers in the long run. “I am encouraged to see the Administration support our efforts to help make Americans healthier by allowing Medicare coverage of new, physician prescribed and FDA approved anti-obesity medications,” Wenstrup said in a statement. He called for the Congress to pass a law that would help pay for dietitians, nutritionists and behavioral therapy to treat obesity. Sen. Bernie Sanders, however, warned that unless the government required drugmakers to lower the price of the medications Medicare premiums would “skyrocket” under the plan. Doctors praise the drugs, but still have concerns It’s good for more Americans to have access to these drugs, which have proven effective, but Dr. David Ludwig, a nutrition and obesity expert at Harvard University, hopes that it doesn’t become the primary way obesity is treated in America. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He worries that not enough investment is being made to figure out what is driving climbing obesity rates across the U.S., and the role that healthy foods and exercise might play in solving that epidemic. “It’s appropriate to treat the problems that we now face with drugs, but let’s not stop there,” Ludwig said. “Let’s identify what’s causing the problem, and ultimately rely on these drugs — which have side effects — less and less over time.” Dr. Andrew Kraftson, who treats obese patients at the University of Michigan, is happy that more of his patients might be able to afford these drugs, which he has prescribed for patients and has had successful results. But he, too, would like to see more research and guidance from the government on prescribing the medications. Kraftson also worries about some of the side effects for elderly patients. The drugs, he points out, can lead to muscle loss, which is a bigger problem for older Americans who are at risk of falling, for example. “I’m advocating for their thoughtful use,” Kraftson said. “Because if you have a senior and you just write a prescription and the visit takes five minutes, is that an appropriate level of care? Have we defined that well? Advertisement Advertisement
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