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San Francisco (5-5) at Green Bay (7-3) Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST, FOX BetMGM NFL odds: Packers by 2 1/2. Against the spread: 49ers 4-6; Packers 4-6 Series record: Packers lead 38-34-1 Last meeting: 49ers beat Packers 24-21 in NFC divisional playoff game Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. Last week: 49ers lost 20-17 at home to Seattle; Packers won 20-19 at Chicago 49ers offense: overall (2), rush (7), pass (4), scoring (T-8) Packers offense: overall (4), rush (4), pass (9), scoring (T-8) 49ers defense: overall (6), rush (8), pass (8), scoring (T-16) Packers defense: overall (12), rush (14), pass (13), scoring (10) Turnover differential: 49ers plus-3; Packers plus-5 QB Brandon Allen: With Brock Purdy unavailable due to a sore right shoulder, Allen will make his first start in three years. The 32-year-old Allen has made nine career starts, and his teams have gone 2-7 in those games. His last start came with Cincinnati in the 2021 regular-season finale when the Bengals rested usual starter Joe Burrow to get ready for the playoffs. Allen has thrown three passes in the last three seasons, including none since joining San Francisco in 2023. Allen was a member of the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, when Packers coach Matt LaFleur was that team’s offensive coordinator. RB Josh Jacobs has 838 yards rushing this season to rank third in the NFL entering Week 12. He ran for 76 yards and a touchdown while also catching five passes for 58 yards against the Bears. Jacobs has scored four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) over his past four games. He has at least 90 yards from scrimmage over his past six games, matching Houston’s Joe Mixon for the NFL’s longest such active streak. 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey vs. Packers run defense: McCaffrey rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winner with 1:07 left — in the 49ers’ playoff victory over the Packers last season. Green Bay is coming off a performance in which it allowed a season-high 179 yards rushing to the Bears. Purdy isn't playing due to a sore throwing shoulder. ... The 49ers also won't have Nick Bosa after he injured his left hip and oblique against the Seahawks. ... Niners CB Charvarius Ward will miss a third straight game following the death of his 1-year-old daughter. ... Niners LT Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable. ... Niners TE George Kittle is expected back after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury. ... Packers CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) have been ruled out. ... Packers guard Jordan Morgan (shoulder) is on injured reserve. The 49ers have beaten the Packers in the playoffs three of the past five years. That includes a 37-19 victory in the 2019 NFC championship, a 13-10 upset at Lambeau Field in the 2021 divisional round and the 24-21 thriller last season. The past three matchups between these teams — including a Packers 30-28 road victory on Sept. 26, 2021 — have been decided by a total of eight points. This marks the first time these teams have faced off at Lambeau Field during the regular season since a Packers 33-30 triumph on Oct. 15, 2018. Each of the past three Packers-49ers games at Green Bay have been decided by three points. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and Packers coach Matt LaFleur worked together as assistants at Houston (2008-09), Washington (2010-13) and Atlanta (2015-16). A loss would give the 49ers a losing record more than 10 games into a season for the first time since going 6-10 in 2020. ... San Francisco has lost a league-worst three games this season after leading in the final two minutes of regulation. ... The 49ers have allowed 36 points in the final two minutes of regulation, second most in the NFL. ... The Niners had only one play from scrimmage go for at least 20 yards last week, tied for the fewest in any game in eight seasons under Shanahan. ... San Francisco is outgaining the opposition through the air by an NFL-best 53.9 yards per game. ... McCaffrey has topped 100 yards from scrimmage in his first two games back from Achilles tendinitis and has five straight games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage going back to last postseason. ... McCaffrey’s 57 games with at least 100 yards from scrimmage are the most for any active player. ... The 49ers are 1-5 this season when Purdy turns the ball over and 4-0 when he doesn’t. ... Purdy’s four rushing TDs are the most in a season for a Niners QB since Colin Kaepernick had four in 2013. ... This is the first of three games the Packers are playing in a 12-day stretch. They host the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving night and visit the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions on Dec. 5. ... The Packers are tied for fourth in the league with 19 takeaways, but they don’t have any over their past two games. ... Packers S Xavier McKinney has six interceptions this season to rank second in the league, behind Detroit’s Kerby Joseph (seven). McKinney has seven total takeaways, putting him in a tie for first with Joseph. ... Jacobs’ 838 yards rushing and 1,024 scrimmage yards this season are the most any Packer has had in his first 10 games with the team. Jacobs’ 1,024 scrimmage yards are the most for any Packer through the first 10 games of a season since Ahman Green had 1,057 at this point in 2004. ... Packers DL Rashan Gary had his 35th sack against Chicago to overtake teammate Kenny Clark for ninth place in franchise history. Clark, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is still seeking his first sack of the season. ... The Packers and 49ers have the NFC’s best regular-season winning percentage since 2019. The Packers are 63-30 and the 49ers 59-34 during that stretch. ... San Francisco’s George Kittle has seven touchdown catches to lead all NFL tight ends. Green Bay’s Tucker Kraft has five touchdown receptions to match Baltimore’s Mark Andrews for the second-highest total among tight ends. ... The 49ers rank 26th in the league with TDs on 48.8% of their red zone drives. Green Bay is 27th in that category and has scored TDs on 48.7% of its drives. Packers WR Christian Watson’s slow start to the season means he might have been stashed on someone’s bench or perhaps even became available on some fantasy football waiver wires. Now would be a good time to try to acquire him. Watson had four catches for a career-high 150 yards against the Bears. After getting targeted just 14 times over his first six games, Watson’s had 17 targets in his past three. He had a catch each of the four times Jordan Love targeted him in Chicago. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Muscat: In a landmark achievement for Oman and the Middle East, the Sultanate successfully launched its first experimental rocket, "Duqm-1," on Thursday. This historic event was executed by Edaq, a subsidiary of the National Space Services Company (NASCOM), under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT). The launch is part of Oman's broader strategic vision to advance its space sector. The rocket was launched at 10:05 AM local time from coordinates 18°N, 56°E, south of the Wilayat of Duqm. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shezani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at MTCIT, hailed the successful launch as a pivotal step in putting Oman on the global space sector map. He emphasised that this milestone could attract international investors and space companies to explore opportunities in Oman for space-related investments and activities. The ministry is actively building strategic partnerships on local and international levels while formulating incentives to drive investment into the burgeoning space sector. Dr. Al-Shezani expressed optimism that this launch would pave the way for establishing a dedicated spaceport in Oman and fostering initiatives to localise space technologies. His Highness Sayyid Azan bin Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of NASCOM, expressed his delight at the mission's success, stating: "We are immensely proud of this historic event. From the outset, our vision has been to position Oman as a leader in space exploration in the Middle East and establish the region’s first spaceport. The success of this launch has garnered global attention, particularly within the international space community. We extend our gratitude to the MTCIT for their invaluable partnership, which has been instrumental in achieving this milestone as part of a national strategic vision to elevate Oman’s space sector. NASCOM’s objectives align with the ministry’s ambition to make Oman a regional gateway to space." Dr. Saud bin Hamid Al-Shuaili, Director-General of Policies and Governance and Head of the National Space Programme, underscored the significance of the launch as a crucial step in advancing Oman’s space capabilities. He remarked: "This successful experiment reflects Oman’s sustained efforts to develop its space sector. Leveraging our unique geographical location, we aim to attract investments and strengthen collaborations with the private sector. We look forward to undertaking more launches in the near future, contributing to our strategic objectives and enhancing Oman’s international standing in this rapidly evolving industry." Talal bin Said Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, said: “We congratulate the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology on the successful launch of Oman’s first experimental rocket. This milestone signifies a remarkable advancement in the Sultanate’s communications and information technology sector, setting the stage for a future driven by innovation and strategic geographical advantages.”
By FARNOUSH AMIRI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks took a bumpy path to sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks took a bumpy path to sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks took a bumpy path to sole possession of first place in the NFC West. Sunday’s 26-21 win over the Jets featured several special teams miscues, including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by New York. On the flip side, the Seahawks got their second pick-6 in as many weeks and just enough production by Geno Smith and the offense. The Seahawks’ uneven performance was characteristic of a season in which they started 3-0, then lost five of six before winning another three in a row to take command of their underachieving division. Seattle (7-5) leads Arizona by one game, with a matchup against the Cardinals looming next weekend. Zach Charbonnet gave Seattle its first lead of the day on an 8-yard touchdown run with 5:37 to go, and the Seahawks’ defense capped another strong outing with a game-sealing stop on fourth down. After a sack by Leonard Williams gave the Jets a fourth-and-15 at the 34-yard line, Aaron Rodgers threw a desperation pass to Garrett Wilson that fell incomplete, giving Seattle the ball with 33 seconds left. What’s working Williams is on a tear. After losing out on NFC defensive player of the week honors last week to teammate Coby Bryant despite 2 1/2 sacks and four quarterback hits, “Big Cat” had an even better game. Williams finished with two sacks, three tackles for loss, a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown that was the longest pick-6 in NFL history by a defensive lineman, and a blocked extra point. The touchdown was the first of Williams’ career. He became the first player since 1982 with multiple sacks, an interception return for a touchdown and a blocked kick in a game. Maybe this week the league will agree he was the NFC’s best defender. What needs help The special teams could not have been much worse in the first half. The Seahawks fumbled three kickoffs, losing two, and allowed Kene Nwangwu’s 99-yard kickoff return for a TD. Dee Williams fumbled on a kickoff in the first quarter to give New York the ball at the 27-yard line, and four plays later, Rodgers hit Isaiah Davis for a touchdown to give the Jets a 14-0 lead. Laviska Shenault Jr. muffed two kicks and fumbled at the Seattle 38-yard line in the second quarter. Seattle also had an extra point blocked. Stock up Smith led his third game-winning drive of the season and his 11th since he became Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022. Facing the team that drafted him in 2013, Smith went 20 of 31 for 206 yards and a touchdown. For the first time in five weeks, he was not intercepted. The Seahawks trailed by 14 points on two occasions, but Smith brought Seattle back while avoiding the untimely picks that dogged him recently. He threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Barner in the second quarter, and led the Seahawks on a go-ahead nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter. Stock down Coach Mike Macdonald and his staff have to address the problem with their kick returners, Shenault and Dee Williams. Two lost fumbles and several muffs could have easily cost Seattle the game. Injuries WR DK Metcalf left the game briefly with a knee issue but returned. ... P Michael Dickson was unavailable in the fourth quarter because of back spasms. Key number 38 — The Seahawks decided to go for it on fourth-and-6 at their own 33-yard line with 9:34 left in the game. A primary reason was that Dickson was unavailable to punt because of back spasms. 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. The Jets were flagged for having 12 men on the field after sending a punt returner out, which gave Seattle fourth-and-1 at the 38. The Seahawks got a first down after Jets cornerback Quantez Stiggers was flagged for pass interference on Metcalf, and eight players later, Charbonnet scored to put Seattle ahead. Without going for it on fourth down from their own 38, the Seahawks likely would’ve lost. Up next The Seahawks will seek a season sweep of the Cardinals. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement
SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Dec, 2024) The of new and used warm clothes has significantly increased in and its tehsils, including , , , , and Kotmomin. Various winter essentials, such as gloves, woolen hats, mufflers, pullovers, sweatshirts, and jackets, are prominently displayed outside shops and on stalls in different localities. Markets and weekly bazaars are bustling with crowds of shoppers bargaining with retailers. In addition to clothing, heaps of quilts, bed covers, blankets, and rugs are also available for . The sudden onset of chilly , particularly during the night over the past 10 days, has compelled people to stock up on winter apparel and other necessities. Used winter items, including quilts and blankets, are a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. A local visitor, Ghulam Rasool, commented, "Although the is taking steps to curb inflation and provide relief to the , a nearly 20pc increase in the of winter clothing compared to last year has been observed." Vendors and shopkeepers are experiencing a surge in , with winter apparel selling rapidly. “Our is thriving these days as the demand for warm clothes has skyrocketed,” said Suleman Ahmed, a second-hand clothing dealer at Shaheen Chowk Bazaar. Another dealer on Station expressed similar sentiments, stating, "Our sales have doubled, and we anticipate further growth in the coming days." Shoppers are becoming increasingly selective, focusing on quality and affordability when purchasing used clothing. “Customers not only look for the quality but also aim to get items at the lowest possible prices,” said Ali Ahmed, a shop owner at Al Munir in . He noted that international brands are particularly popular among buyers, with many seeking slightly used items renowned labels. Traders typically purchase second-hand clothing in bulk, sorted by categories for men, , and children. “Some customers have a keen eye for quality products, picking them out like hawks heaps of used clothing,” Ali Ahmed explained. “Even at fixed-price shops, bargaining is common, as people strive to find affordable yet durable options.” As the cold persists, bazaars across are teeming with shoppers searching for practical and budget-friendly winter essentials, signaling a profitable season for vendors and stall-holders.COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland turned the ball over 25 times, blew a 17-point lead and was outrebounded in the second half. Coach Brenda Frese still had plenty to be happy about. “I thought it was a phenomenal game from two really competitive teams,” Frese said. “Credit Michigan State. We knew they were going to play hard for 40 minutes.” No. 8 Maryland faced its biggest test in a while Sunday, and the Terrapins held off the No. 19 Spartans 72-66 . It wasn't a pretty game from an offensive standpoint, but the Terps were able to execute when they needed to at the end. Up by two in the final minute, Shyanne Sellers found Christina Dalce on a pick-and-roll for an easy layup with 36.3 seconds left — her only points of the game. Michigan State didn't score again, falling short in this matchup between two ranked Big Ten teams. This was nearly a clash of unbeatens, but the Spartans (11-2, 1-1 Big Ten) lost to Alabama in their last game before this one. Maryland (12-0, 2-0) has equaled the second-best start in team history. “It's one of the most competitive groups I've ever coached," Frese said. “It's not really about being undefeated. Of course we love it. I think it shows just the work that they're putting in. But for us, as long as we just continue to keep our head down and work hard through this process, I think that's where you're seeing the results pay off.” The Terrapins beat Duke last month, but this was their first ranked opponent since. It was a physical game in which rebounds were not for the faint of heart. “One thing I've loved about our team all year is our effort's always been in a great space,” said Michigan State coach Robyn Fralick, whose team had a 10-1 edge in offensive rebounds in the second half. Maryland let a big lead get away, but with the score tied at 57, Saylor Poffenbarger and Bri McDaniel made 3-pointers to put the Terps up by six. McDaniel had to leave the game earlier in the fourth after falling to the ground with a thud, but she was able to return. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
Subsplash Acquires Pulpit AI, an Innovative Platform Leveraging AI to Help Streamline Content Creation & Boost Sermon Engagement for ChurchesJimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died Sunday at the age of 100 , the Carter Center confirmed. Though he served only one term in office, he went on to a distinguished second act of humanitarian work, and he lived long enough to become the oldest former president in U.S. history. No details on the cause of death were given. His wife of 77 years , Rosalynn Carter , died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96. The former president had been receiving hospice care at his home for more than a year following a series of short hospital stays. According to a statement from The Carter Center in February 2023, the former president "decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention." Carter remained active well into his 90s , continuing his work with Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center and teaching Sunday school at his church in Plains, Georgia, even as his health began to falter. Both in and out of office, Carter built a legacy as a tireless champion for peace and humanitarian causes. He brokered the landmark Camp David Accords in 1978, establishing a framework for peace in the Middle East, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of work in advancing international peace, democracy and human rights. While Carter had his share of accomplishments as president, his time in the White House, from 1977 to 1981, was tumultuous. His one term in office included the U.S. energy shortage and the Iran hostage crisis. Carter rose on the national stage after Watergate, at a time when voters were looking for a change in politics. "They didn't want Ed Muskie or Hubert Humphrey or Scoop Jackson or George Wallace," presidential historian Douglas Brinkley said. "They were tired of those people that had been in the national spotlight for so long. So, he came at America as a fresh new face." James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains. The son of a peanut farmer, he loved books and his Baptist faith. At the U.S. Naval Academy, he studied nuclear science and graduated with distinction in 1946. That same year, he married a young woman named Rosalynn Smith — a marriage that would last for more than seven decades. They celebrated their 77th anniversary on July 7, 2023, the longest-married presidential couple in American history. Carter completed submarine training and served in the Navy for seven years before moving home to Georgia to run the family peanut farm. He and Rosalynn raised four children while his career focus shifted from farming to politics. After eight years in state offices, Carter, a Democrat, was elected governor of Georgia in 1970. It was clear he was a new kind of Southern leader, one who emphasized racial equality and traditional values, at a time when the nation was in need of stability. In 1976 — America's bicentennial year — he defeated President Gerald Ford to become the 39th president of the United States. The Carters conveyed that they were of the people when they marched in the open air on the inaugural parade route. "His greatest asset as a candidate was his outsider status," Brinkley said. "And his greatest failing as a president was the fact that he remained an outsider, when you must be an insider in Washington if you're going to be an effective president." He struggled to cultivate relationships in Washington and feuded openly with Democratic leaders in Congress. As oil prices and inflation soared, his popularity sank. But there were accomplishments along the way. Carter created the departments of Energy and Education. He established formal diplomatic ties with China and returned control of the Panama Canal to the Panamanians. Perhaps his greatest achievement was a historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, known as the Camp David Accords. "Let history record that deep and ancient antagonism can be settled without bloodshed and without a staggering waste of precious lives," Carter said at the signing of the peace treaty on March 26, 1979. On Nov. 4, 1979, Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. A U.S. military attempt to free them ended in disaster, with eight American servicemen killed in a crash. The crisis dominated Carter's reelection campaign, while the economy continued to struggle and inflation topped 18%. In the final days of his administration, the president and his team negotiated freedom for the hostages. They were released on Ronald Reagan's Inauguration Day. In the years after leaving the White House, the Carters established The Carter Center in Atlanta, with a mission to work toward advancing peace and global health. "We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must," he said in 2002 as he formally accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of humanitarian work. He and Rosalynn built houses with Habitat for Humanity, dedicating their efforts to the group for more than 30 years, and he penned more than 20 books. He sparked controversy with his 2006 book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," in which he characterized Israel's treatment of Palestinians as oppression. He later issued an open apology to the Jewish community, saying that suggestions for improvement should not stigmatize Israel. In 2007, Carter spoke at the funeral of his former political rival turned close friend and confidante, former President Ford. "One of my proudest moments was at the commemoration of the 200th birthday of the White House, when two noted historians both declared that the Ford-Carter friendship was the most intensely personal between any two presidents in history," Carter said. Carter announced in August 2015 that he had been diagnosed with cancer , a form of melanoma that had spread to his liver and his brain. Though he curtailed his activities with The Carter Center, he continued to fundraise for the organization, and also continued teaching Sunday school classes in Plains, a tradition he started in his teens. Carter was treated with a new immunotherapy drug and made a remarkable recovery , sharing the news six months later that an MRI showed no signs of cancer . In May 2019, he suffered another health setback, falling and breaking his hip . He went home from the hospital to recover and was soon back to teaching his Sunday school class. Carter suffered two more falls in October 2019 and was hospitalized for a fractured pelvis . A month later, he was admitted to a hospital in Atlanta for a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on his brain. The Carter Center said in May 2023 that Rosalynn had been diagnosed with dementia ; she continued to live at home with her husband until her death that November. They are survived by their four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During his many years after the White House, Carter planted seeds of peace, and sometimes seeds of controversy. But as one of the most active former presidents in history, many believe he defined the role for those who would follow. Jimmy Carter Alex Sundby is a senior editor at CBSNews.com. In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
Every year, millions of travelers share their impressions of their favorite countries and cities, forming ratings of the most popular tourist destinations. Travel preferences change, but some places remain consistently attractive to visitors. The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 announced the winners in 22 categories, where the choice of more than 168,000 participants became the basis for summarizing the results. OBOZ.UA offers to find out about the countries, cities, and regions that topped this year's ratings. The most desirable countries: Australia, Canada, and Japan For the third time in four years, Australia has won the title of the most desirable country in the world, thanks to the rich culture of indigenous peoples and unique natural landscapes. Travelers appreciate Australia for its combination of modern megacities and remote wilderness areas. Canada was awarded silver in the ranking, and Japan won the bronze medal for its combination of traditional culture and modern technology. European leadership: Italy and Croatia Italy has once again confirmed its status as the most popular country in Europe. In addition to the famous Venice and Florence, lesser-known places attract the attention of tourists: Bologna, Matera, and Umbria. Croatia, which received silver, offers tourists fabulous landscapes of the coast and islands. The bronze award went to France, a traditional center of culture and gastronomy. The most attractive cities in the world: Tokyo, Singapor,e and Rio de Janeiro Tokyo has become the leader among the most attractive cities in the world for the first time. This city fascinates with its combination of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. The silver prize went to Singapore with its futuristic architecture, and the bronze to Rio de Janeiro with its world-famous carnivals and beaches. The best European cities: Madrid and Istanbul Madrid won gold among European cities thanks to the opening of the Gallery of Royal Collections, which added to its cultural importance. Istanbul won silver for its unique status as a city on the border of Europe and Asia, and Dubrovnik, with its medieval architecture, received a bronze award. The most desirable regions of the world: Galapagos Islands and the Greek Islands The Galapagos Islands have become the most attractive region in the world, offering unique opportunities for observing rare animals. In Europe, the Greek islands, are known not only for their beauty but also for sustainable tourism, for example, cars are prohibited on Hydra. The best islands: Sri Lanka and Malta Sri Lanka has risen to the top of the ranking for the first time thanks to its new Pekoe Trail, a hiking route that runs through tea plantations. In Europe, Malta took the gold with its rich historical heritage and natural beauty. A new tourist destination Uzbekistan, as part of the Silk Road, won gold in the Best New Destination category for the first time. Samarkand and Bukhara continue to fascinate with their history and architecture, and the country's natural landscapes only add to its appeal. Gastronomic leader France has once again confirmed its dominance in the field of gastronomic tourism. From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional village markets, the culinary culture of this country remains unsurpassed. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Kevin O'Connell highlights key trait that set Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison apart from the restMore than 23,000 tags have been removed across Auckland city, thanks to an 'A-class' service provided by a social enterprise. Specifically, 3070 of these were removed from the Māngere- Ōtāhuhu local board area. The Beautification Trust has become a key player in South Auckland's efforts to maintain clean and vibrant communities. The Trust transitioned from an Auckland Council-controlled organisation to a South Auckland-based social enterprise in 2024. On Wednesday night, Community Programmes Manager Sterling Ruwhiu and Community Coordinator Erin Bowers presented to the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, showcasing the Trust's ongoing contributions. "Our mission is to connect the power of communities to learn, love, and look after the environment. That's our kaupapa." "Tonight, we're also showing how our work impacts the community in three key areas: communities that take pride and feel safe, a healthier and cleaner environment, and empowered, connected communities," Bowers said. The income generated from the Trust's services is reinvested into its community programmes. Their work over the past financial year includes: Other significant initiatives include the official opening of the Manurewa Bike Hub, promoting low-carbon travel, and the success of the Manurewa Community Recycling Centre, which has diverted nearly 190,000 kg of waste from landfills in just two years. "We've had big success with our repair cafes and launched our Food Together pop-up. "Every Thursday, people can buy a $15 bag of fresh produce, which is 40-50 percent cheaper than supermarket prices. We also have volunteers at our recycling centre, as well as a small group from Spectrum Care contributing back to society," Ruwhiu said. The Trust hosted four repair cafes last year, successfully repairing 129 items and diverting 496 kg of waste from landfills, offsetting about 3400 kilograms of carbon emissions. The Trust mobilised 902 volunteer hours and engaged over 6000 children and youth in environmental education programmes like Eye On Nature and Wearable Arts. Eighteen Early Childhood Education (ECE) and primary schools participated in Eye On Nature, with 35 artworks submitted and over 200 children engaged. Additionally, 402 students from 19 schools entered 85 garments for Wearable Arts. Ruwhiu shared a story about two sisters involved in wearable art projects: "One little girl, Siruian, bio-engineered her plastic for her outfit, and her sister grew crystals to include in hers. That's the kind of innovation coming from our young people." Local board chair Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich commended the Trust's value to the community. "Every dollar is a dollar well spent in terms of the ratepayers' dollar. The responses we're getting, especially around graffiti removal, are A-class done within a very, very short time." Bakulich also suggested discussing how to increase applications from Māngere- Ōtāhuhu schools for wearable arts if funding is a limiting factor. Local Board Member Christine O'Brien praised the Trust's impact. "The impact on [graffiti removal] is just amazing," she said. She shared an example from Saleyards Road in Ōtāhuhu: "There was a guy who was going around between Vector and Auckland Transport, and the place was getting increasingly [messy]. "Within a day of me saying, 'Have you tried the Beautification [Trust]?' it's all gone, and [he was] really the happiest ... on earth. So thank you for that." Through its innovative programmes and strong partnerships, the Beautification Trust continues to promote sustainability and strengthen communities in South Auckland. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
OTTAWA — The dismissal of a class-action lawsuit over rules governing the cross-border live bee trade is casting a spotlight on political division within Canada’s beekeeping community. A federal judge has ruled against awarding commercial beekeepers damages from a decades-old partial ban on shipping live honeybees across the Canada-U.S. border, which is in place out of concerns that could bring in aggressive pests and diseases. Beekeepers from Western Canada involved in the suit claim the government’s risk assessments that inform the tight restrictions are hurting their businesses and are blown out of proportion. Michael Paradis of Paradis Honey Ltd., a seven-generation family beekeeping business based in Girouxville, Alta., and one of the representative plaintiffs in the case, said he’s disappointed with the ruling, saying it puts beekeepers in a “dangerous position” since the industry is already in crisis mode. “Canada does not have enough bees and cannot replenish its own stock at all,” he said. “It’s going to mean a lot more hardship for the industry if we cannot get access to the U.S. bees.” Beekeepers were slammed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fewer airline flights made it harder to import bees and they suffered a nightmare year of winter losses in 2022. Manitoba commercial beekeeper Brent Ash, one of the witnesses in the case, said the ruling will hamper the industry, and makes it especially tough for apiaries in colder parts of the country like the Prairies, where most of Canada’s beekeepers are located. “Climate makes the regional divide difficult to keep those bugs alive over the course of the winter,” he said, noting honeybees are not native to North America. But Steve Moore, president of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association, said his group worries about the risks of accidentally bringing in antibiotic resistant mites, the import of Africanized honeybees commonly known as killer bees, and a small hive beetle that’s capable of damaging colonies. “In Ontario here, we feel quite strongly that we don’t want to take the risk of it becoming even more challenging if some of these new and emerging threats come into the country in packages,” he said. But he empathizes with the plaintiffs. “When we go into our apiaries, we get stung by our bees. When we come home, we might be stung by a low honey price, stung by rising cost of production or stung by high overwintering losses, with the threat of new and emerging pathogens. So, we’re all facing the same challenges and it’s a challenging time to be a beekeeper,” he said. Even though a ban on U.S. live bee imports expired in 2006, Ottawa has not issued permits for the live worker bee boxes to be brought over the border since. The plaintiffs argued Ottawa owes them duty of care — and hundreds of millions in damages. The judge disagreed. “There is no duty of care owed and no negligence,” Justice Cecily Strickland wrote in a lengthy ruling, adding the plaintiffs failed to establish that Ottawa hurt their businesses. The case has a long history, dating back to a court filing from 2012, and was only certified as a class action in 2017. The problem is even older. Headlines from the 1980s screamed about fears that deadly infectious mites from U.S. states could level Canadian bee populations. Risks to bee health have only compounded since then. A 2003 risk assessment by the regulator found that importing queen bees was less risky, since they are easier to inspect. So, Canada allows imports of queen bees and their worker-bee attendants from the U.S., Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy and Malta. “Bee packages carry a higher risk of disease introduction because they are shipped with the contents of their hive, which may include mites, parasites and bacteria,” said a statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that welcomed the judge’s ruling. Canada does, however, also allow imports of worker bee packages from Italy, Chile, Australia and New Zealand, which sent Canada some 69,364 kgs of packaged bees in 2023, according to statistics from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. But importing from these countries also dramatically drives up import costs due to transportation. One of the plaintiffs, John Gibeau, wrote to CFIA a decade ago complaining that importing more than 1,200 packages for $170,000 would have cost half that if he could have purchased them from California instead. Gibeau said he wasn’t ready to comment since he hasn’t yet digested the ruling. Paradis said the larger issue for him than cost, though, is the quality of the bee stock and the timing of when shipments arrive. “We are looking at bees in the U.S. that are spring bees — young, invigorated bees,” he said, adding that gives them longer lifespans in Canada. While he was disappointed, Paradis said one of the main reasons for the lawsuit was to “bring CFIA to the table and to actually have some discussions” on the import ban, something he said has only happened recently. Canada’s honeybee pollination is estimated to contribute $3.18 billion directly to the economy, but that rises to $7 billion a year when canola pollination is factored in. Canada has some 794,341 beehives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 7, 2024. Kyle Duggan and Maura Forrest, The Canadian Press
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 28, 2024-- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the merger of Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTE) and Jade Biosciences is fair to Aerovate shareholders. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company. Halper Sadeh encourages Aerovate shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . The investigation concerns whether Aerovate and its board violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for Aerovate shareholders; and (2) disclose all material information necessary for Aerovate shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of Aerovate shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228033951/en/ CONTACT: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Halper Sadeh LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/28/2024 01:32 PM/DISC: 12/28/2024 01:31 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228033951/en
People eagerly give money to rich environmental groups. The Natural Resources Defense Council has $463 million in assets. It claims it uses law "to confront the climate crisis." What it really does is pay lawyers to torture people who try to do useful things. Example: America needs minerals like copper and silver to make things. Even President Joe Biden made a speech saying America will need 400-600% more such minerals to make "solar panels, wind turbines and so much more!" An iPhone alone requires aluminum, iron, lithium, gold, copper ... But when investors dare try to dig up such minerals in America, the NRDC objects and uses political connections to stop them. Twenty years ago, entrepreneurs tried to open a mine in Alaska. Before they even got the application in, the EPA vetoed it. Why? Because groups like the NRDC say the mine "would be a catastrophic threat to the wildlife and ... fragile ecosystem." They get their way because when Democrats run the EPA, they not only support NRDC's positions, they even hire NRDC employees. The next Republican administration removed the EPA's veto. The Army Corps of Engineers then studied the mine and concluded that it wasn't an environmental threat. So, is Pebble a bustling mine today? No. Democrats got elected and vetoed it again. Physicist Mark Mills wonders why anyone would try to open a mine in America today. "Why in the world would you put millions, maybe billions of dollars at risk, spending those decades to get a permit, knowing there's a very good chance they'll just cancel a permit? How in the world do you build mines in America knowing that that's the landscape you have?" Well, you don't. America now ranks second to last in the time it takes to develop a new mine -- roughly 29 years. Only Zambia is worse. "You start applying for permits," says Mills, "You're going to be waiting not months, not years, but decades!" Waiting while the NRDC sues and runs frightening anti-mine ads, saying nature will be "destroyed by a 2,000-foot gaping hole in the ground!" Mills points out their deceit. Today's mines disturb "a tiny infinitesimal pinprick in the landscape" and we do need to disturb the landscape a little, because "we need metals and materials and minerals to build everything that exists to make society possible!" I confronted NRDC spokesman Bob Deans, saying the NRDC killing mines also kills people's opportunity. He responded that "clean" energy creates jobs. "We created 50,000 new jobs in this country, putting up wind turbines, solar panels, building the next generation of energy efficient cars. This is where the future is!" "But also, you need copper and gold," I point out. "That's right," says Deans, "And we have to weigh those risks." But the NRDC doesn't weigh the risks. They just oppose American mines. I asked Deans, "Are there any mines that the NRDC doesn't complain about? "Sure," he replied. He said he'd send us some names. But he never did. I asked again this month. Again, no names. "Don't hold your breath," says Mills. "The mines that they implicitly support are in Africa." "Implicitly" because they don't actually say mining should be done in poor countries. "They don't say that," says Mills, "But the green movement has been perfectly happy outsourcing mining to disadvantaged countries where thousands of children in bare feet, working by hand with shovels, dig minerals out of the earth." At least in America, children wouldn't be digging with their hands, advanced equipment would make mining safer and our rules would reduce pollution. You'd think environmentalists would want more mining done in America. "To have a sane world," says Mills, "We should be doing a lot more of it. Not all of it. But not none." Allowing America to do more would definitely be good. Our future needs minerals. "Society can't exist without mines," concludes Mills. Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com , Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.
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