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Lions Wide Receiver Jameson Williams Punished For 'Obscene Gesture'Industrialist Elon Musk has seen his wealth surge over the past few weeks in tandem with the rising share price of Tesla, placing him further above on the wealthiest list. On Nov. 5, the day of the presidential election, Tesla stock closed at around $251. The company’s shares ended Dec. 11 at over $424, an increase of almost 69 percent. Musk’s net worth also rose more than 69 percent during this period. The Tesla CEO has a roughly 13 percent stake in the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. Tesla’s $424 stock price is the highest ever for the company, beating the previous high set in November 2021. On Thursday, shares breached the $429 level before retreating to around $423 as of 12:05 p.m. EST. Tesla’s potential in terms of autonomous vehicles is $1 trillion, Wedbush said. “FSD (full self-driving), autonomous, and the launch of Cybercab for early 2026 are keys for Tesla.” “Furthermore, the weakening macroeconomic environment in global/China markets can also pose headwinds to volume sales.” An investigation into the matter by the National Transportation Safety Board found that the driver of the vehicle was potentially distracted for five seconds, which contributed to the crash. However, the agency pointed out that the system “did not provide an effective means of monitoring the driver’s level of engagement with the driving task.” While Tesla remains a key contributor to Musk’s enormous wealth, the entrepreneur has ownership in several major ventures. He is estimated to hold a 79 percent interest in social media platform X, and owns around 42 percent of shares in space tech enterprise SpaceX. Musk has stakes in artificial intelligence venture xAI, neurotechnology company Neuralink, and an infrastructure business, The Boring Company. DOGE is not a federal agency but an advisory board tasked with finding ways to slash excess regulations, cut down wasteful government expenditure, and restructure federal agencies.
Lexus is this year celebrating its 35th anniversary of, as it says, "being a disruptor in the luxury vehicle segment", and there's plenty to celebrate from that time. or signup to continue reading Its history might be short relative to some of its European contemporaries, but there have been a plethora of influential vehicles that have brought the Japanese brand firmly into the luxury segments. There have even been some top-shelf performance vehicles that have elevated the brand's reputation, while displaying what it and its Toyota parent company could be capable of. Lexus was launched by Toyota at a similar time as other Japanese luxury spinoffs like Acura (Honda) and Infiniti (Nissan), but while those brands have enjoyed success in specific markets like the United States, Lexus has been able to cement itself in a wider range of markets globally. Locally, Lexus Australia celebrated the occasion by hosting a media-only showcase in Melbourne. On display were a handful of its most significant cars, as well as a design concept that hints at what the brand could be producing in the near future. With that in mind, we've put together a guide to Lexus that focuses on its movements in Australia. Luckily, it launched in Australia just one year after its first model debuted, which means there aren't too many differences between Lexus' history overseas and locally. As it celebrates its 35th birthday, here's everything you need to know about Lexus. Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the , and is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Though it officially got its start in 1989 with the launch of the sedan, the story of Lexus actually began as early as 1983. Then-Toyota Motor Corporation president Eiji Toyoda commissioned the Circle F project in 1983, establishing an intention to build "a car that is better than the best in the world". What resulted was the assembling of a team of 60 designers, 1400 engineers and 2300 technicians. Titled the Flagship 1, Lexus put 450 prototype vehicles and 973 prototype 4.0-litre quad-cam V8 engines to the test over more than 4.4 million kilometres before the final product was ready to be revealed. Flagship 1 came to life in January 1989, when the brand showed off the LS400 for the first time at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). At the same time, the Lexus name was established. The LS400 launched in North America in the same year, and was quickly followed by the executive sedan a few months later. Lexus' Australian adventure started in May 1990, when the LS400 arrived Down Under. More than 250 customers took delivery off the bat, and in the same year it took out Car of the Year award. It also heralded the beginning of a busy decade for the brand. The same V8 powertrain used in the LS400 was repurposed in the SC400 coupe, which launched in the USA in 1991. Another variant instead fitted with an inline-six engine – the SC300 – was introduced soon after. Australia would have to wait until 1992 before receiving a second Lexus model though, when the -derived ES300 arrived. 580 examples were delivered in its first year on the market Down Under, and Lexus delivered its 1000th Australian vehicle in the same year. At a similar time the LS400 received a major update, which brought out Lexus' now-longstanding Takumi craftsmanship philosophy. Takumi is the Japanese name given to master craftspeople who have dedicated their life to their craft. In 1993 the sports sedan was rolled out, followed by the all-new second-generation LS400 in 1994. Lexus took from Toyota's successful to reveal the in 1995, intended to bring "luxury to the rugged SUV segment" when it entered production in 1996. In 1997 Australia received the GS300 for the first time, which arrived in its second-generation guise with a 3.0-litre inline-six engine. For the first time, Lexus also sold more than 1000 vehicles in Australia in a single year. Lexus introduced its first luxury SUV designed and built from the ground up in 1998 – the . In terms of Australia though, it wouldn't arrive until its second generation was launched a few years later, which meant the new-generation LX470 of that year was Lexus' first SUV sold locally. The last brand-new Lexus to arrive in Australia before the end of the century was the compact sedan, which went on sale in 1999. It featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with a rear-wheel drive setup, and contributed to Lexus hitting the 10,000 local sales milestone. The third-generation LS went on sale in Australia in November of 2000. Called the LS430, nearly 300 patent applications were filed during its development that eventually brought new suspension, steering, brakes, and a larger 4.3-litre V8 engine. Also launched was the second-generation SC430, offered in both coupe and convertible body styles. It arrived in Australia in 2001, marking the sixth model in Lexus showrooms. The large SUV appeared in the USA in 2002, but in 2003 Lexus gave its first look at potential future hybrid power in the form of the LF-S at the Tokyo Motor Show. Under the bonnet was a hybrid V8, which previewed a future production powertrain. In that same year the RX330 went on sale in Australia, and Lexus delivered its 20,000th local vehicle. A prototype of the RX400h hybrid SUV was shown at the 2004 NAIAS, which was based on the RX330. In 2005 though, the first LF-A concept headlined at the NAIAS. Intentions were to leverage Toyota's Formula 1 technology, which would provide a naturally aspirated V10 engine with more than 370kW of power, but a displacement of less than 5.0 litres. The world would have to wait for more on that vehicle, but in the same year the IS250 superseded the IS200 in Australia. In 2006 Lexus brought the LF-S concept into its production form with the LS600hL, powered by a 327kW 5.0-litre hybrid V8 with all-wheel drive – the brand's most powerful hybrid engine to date. In the same year, Lexus brought its first hybrids to Australia in the form of the GS450h and RX400h. The 'F' name for Lexus' performance cars appeared the year after; the name and logo inspired by Japan's Fuji Speedway where its cars were tested and developed. Lexus' first car wearing the badge was the IS F sedan, which boasted a 5.0-litre V8 with 311kW and 505Nm and a spate of handling and suspension enhancements over the standard model. Later in 2007, Lexus delivered its 1000th hybrid vehicle in Australia, followed by its 50,000th vehicle overall in 2008. The third-generation RX – including the RX450h hybrid – arrived the year after, at a similar time to Lexus confirming production of the LFA supercar. Its 412kW/480Nm 4.8-litre V10 engine was co-developed with Yamaha, and while production was limited to 500 units globally, only eight were allocated to Australia. In 2010 Lexus celebrated 20 years in Australia, and the hybrid compact hatch was shown off overseas for the first time. It arrived in Australia the following year as the most affordable Lexus ever, while the brand showed off its new spindle grille design with a concept of the fourth-generation GS sedan at the NAIAS. In 2011 Lexus was impacted by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which disrupted Japanese production and hindered short-term sales targets. Organisational changes by then-Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda also meant Lexus executives began reporting directly to their parent company's chairman for the first time ever. Lexus' new design language would appear again in 2012 with the LF-LC concept, which previewed the . The LF-CC concept shown later in the year at the Paris Motor Show also pointed to the rear-wheel drive sports coupes, and Lexus hit the 75,000 sales milestone in Australia. In 2013 the next-generation IS arrived with a hybrid powertrain in local showrooms, while the ES returned for the first time in seven years with its own ES300h hybrid variant. In that year, Lexus Australia reached 10,000 hybrid vehicle deliveries. The RC F coupe became Lexus' new halo performance car in 2014, and the debuted in Australia the same year. The brand's first hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle appeared in concept form in 2015, dubbed the LF-FC concept. Lexus began exploring other tech like a conceptual "Hoverboard of the Future" at the same time, and also achieved the 100,000 deliveries milestone in Australia. The LC500 entered production in 2016, featuring Lexus' first 10-speed auto and followed by the LC500h hybrid two months later. More non-car related endeavours began in 2017 when Lexus revealed its Sport Yacht concept (previewing the 2019 LY650), while in Australia the brand's 20,000th hybrid vehicle was delivered – its most popular hybrid models locally were the RX (7000 units) and the CT200h (6500 units). In 2019 the arrived in Australia, and in 2020 Lexus' local arm celebrated its 30th anniversary. At the same time, the brand achieved 30,000 local hybrid sales. Lexus' first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) – the UX300e – arrived in 2021, coinciding with the expansion of the brand's that first appeared in 1990. In that year, one-third of all Lexus deliveries in Australia were hybrid vehicles for the first time. In that year, it was also reported Lexus would . That followed previous 2009 reports that it planned to become hybrid-only in Europe. The brand's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) arrived in the form of the NX450h+ in 2022, alongside the debut of the fifth-generation RX. An RX500h F Sport Performance joined the lineup, featuring Lexus' first turbo-hybrid powertrain. 46.3 per cent of Lexus' sales in Australia were recorded as either hybrid, PHEV, or BEV for the first time in that year. 2023 saw the arrival of the SUV, which while being the second Lexus EV was the first on the dedicated e-TNGA electric platform later used on the and . The also appeared in 2023, as well as the at the Tokyo Motor Show – intended to show Lexus' vision of future EVs. In Australia, Lexus also managed to deliver more than 10,000 vehicles (15,192) in a single year for the first time ever. 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Lexus brand, and the all-new arrived in Australia for the first time. It featured a handful of Lexus-first equipment like a 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid engine, with its small SUV stature intended to appeal to a younger demographic. It was followed by the latest GX SUV – which arrived in local showrooms before Toyota's related 250 Series-generation – built in right-hand drive for the first time, headlined by the rugged Overtrail grade. Lexus also delivered its 50,000th electrified vehicle in Australia this year, with such powertrains accounting for more than 70 per cent of the brand's Australian sales so far this year. The brand says it's still committed to its target of selling only electrified vehicles in Australia by 2030. Lexus currently sells 11 distinct models in Australia, with its lineup dominated by SUVs. Given the breadth of Lexus' range in Australia, the below information is intended to give a top-line overview of what each model is about. For further information, we'll link to each model's name to its dedicated price and specs article. Lexus' only two sedans still sold in Australia are the ES and LS, with the LS being the larger of the two. The Camry-based uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine – with hybrid models adding an electric motor – and is front-wheel drive only. The meanwhile utilises a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, with hybrids using a naturally aspirated version mated with an electric motor. They're rear-wheel drive only and considerably more expensive than the ES. The third and final passenger vehicle in Lexus' Australian lineup is the , which is powered by either a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 or a 3.5-litre V6 petrol-hybrid engine. Drive is sent to the rear-wheels only through either a 10-speed auto or hybrid transmission respectively. Lexus' most expensive vehicle is currently the , which is hybrid-only but with a selection of two different powertrains depending on the variant. It started life as a rebadged Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, but has since become more disconnected. The remainder of Lexus' model range is entirely SUVs. The smallest of the lot are the LBX and UX, though the two are fairly different. Smaller of the pair is the , which is based on the and powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid – though a hotted-up version (similar to the ) is coming next year. The , meanwhile, is similar to the and comes in petrol-only, hybrid, or guises depending on variant – the latter of which only appeared in Australian showrooms last year. There are also a greater number of variants compared to the LBX. Moving up in size brings the -related , which again offers petrol-only, hybrid, and PHEV drivetrains. The NX450h+ PHEV has been hit with supply issues that have meant it as the brand gets through order backlog. Then there's the , which is either petrol-only or hybrid. It shares a platform with the NX and ES, as well as , RAV4, and Camry. In contrast, the is electric-only and built on a dedicated EV platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, as noted earlier. Finally are Lexus' two largest SUVs. The first is the , which shares a platform with the Toyota Prado. Unlike the Prado, there's no electrification (even mild) for the GX in Australia, which is instead powered solely by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine across the range. The LX is instead based on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. It commands an expectedly hefty price tag, and is available with either a 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel or a 3.4-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol. Being a luxury brand, Lexus primarily competes with European brands like , , and in Australia. Not all are direct comparisons, but closest against Mercedes-Benz's sedan is the Lexus ES, and against the more luxurious is the LS. In terms of SUVs, the most comparable models are the Mercedes-Benz and Lexus UX, as well as and Lexus NX. Both have high-end sports cars too, which means Lexus' LC can be compared to Mercedes' . There are a fair few comparisons against BMW too. The ES competes with the on price but the on size, while the flagship Lexus LS sedan goes up against the . You can compare the smaller Lexus UX to the , the NX to the , the RX to the , and the GX to the . There are EV SUVs to compare too, namely the Lexus RZ against the . The final German manufacturer to compare against is Audi, and its upcoming rivals the Lexus ES. The most direct competitor to Lexus' LBX small SUV is the , while the rest of the two brands' comparable SUVs can be broken down as UX vs , NX vs , and RX vs . In similar sense to BMW, Lexus' RZ EV competes with the . There are some less mainstream brands Lexus has as competitors too, namely , which rivals the LS with its , the NX with its , and the RX with its . There's also a comparison to be made between some models. The off-road leaning Lexus GX rivals the , while the LX large SUV can be compared against the . To the end of November 2024, Lexus Australia has delivered 12,369 vehicles this year. It's a decent figure, but it's 12 per cent down on its sales from this time last year. Compared to the rivals listed above, Lexus is behind Mercedes-Benz (18,303, down 17.8 per cent), BMW (23,876, down 1.3 per cent), and Audi (13,782, down 21.6 per cent). It remains ahead of Genesis on 1287 so far this year, a figure that's 28.6 per cent lower than the same time last year. Lexus is also outselling Land Rover, which currently sits on 7352 sales for 2024 – though even that is down 5.5 per cent. The Japanese brand's best-selling model continues to be the NX, of which 5619 units have been sold to the end of November this year. Next highest is the RX on 1871, followed by the LBX on 1355. Its lowest-selling car is currently the expensive LS sedan with 11 units. The RZ EV is next-lowest on 200, with the LM and LX next up at 265 and 504 respectively. All of Lexus' models have experienced a decline in sales over the course of 2024 compared to 2023, with the UX experiencing the harshest decline of 65.3 per cent. The LX, LS, and ES are all also down by more than 40 per cent on this time last year. In contrast, annual Toyota sales are currently up 13.6 per cent on this time last year, though as Lexus' broader-reaching parent company it does field a larger number of more approachable mass-market vehicles. Lexus doesn't have a large number of vehicles planned for Australia in the coming years, as the brand focuses on its more long-term goals that reach into the 2030s. Coming in the first half of 2025 is the hotted-up , which is set to gain the high-performance 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo powertrain from Toyota's GR Yaris. With a rally-inspired all-wheel drive setup it'll be a drastic departure from the standard LBX currently on sale, with a 0-100km/h time of just over 5.0 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard when it arrives in local showrooms. While it'll also be available with a six-speed manual in Japan, you won't be able to buy one in Australia. Beyond that, Lexus has outlined a series of goals for the coming years, and potential new models that could possibly make their way to Australia have been seen overseas. The first of which is the facelifted ES sedan, which was . There has been no word on when or if the updated model will come to Australia at the time of publishing, though Lexus did secure a handful of earlier this year. There have also been rumours surrounding a , which will reportedly wear the LFR name and be a spiritual successor to the LFA. Already , the LFR is expected to be called the GR GT3. If it's real, it's possible the LFR could be revealed sometime next year ahead of a 2026 market debut. Lexus has also been giving though to its electrified future too, previewed by a that broke cover in Japan last year. It has previously been announced that , with Lexus intending to sell only hybrid, PHEV, and EVs in Australia by 2030. A spate of in relation to potential future electric models, the first of which were expected to be revealed in 2026 but have been . Previous reports have also outlined ambitious goals for Lexus, which suggest it wants to become an . Interestingly, that would mean it'd make the jump before Toyota. That being said, Lexus hasn't outlined a clear timeline for exactly of cars that have hybrid alternatives, but it does still intend to do so before the end of the decade. Content originally sourced from: Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementBOSTON (AP) — Kyrone Alexander scored 27 points, including six in the overtime, and Boston University defeated Albany 80-74 on Saturday. Alexander also contributed five rebounds for the Terriers (4-5). Michael McNair scored 16 points while going 6 of 7 (2 for 3 from 3-point range). Miles Brewster had 10 points and shot 2 of 7 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line. The Great Danes (6-4) were led in scoring by DeMarr Langford Jr., who finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Kacper Klaczek added 13 points for Albany (NY). Byron Joshua finished with 12 points and six assists. Boston University entered halftime up 35-27. Alexander paced the team in scoring in the first half with 11 points. Alexander scored 10 second-half points and Malcolm Chimezie hit the game-tying jump shot with 36 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. Alexander scored their six overtime points while shooting 1 of 2 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Opposition Fighters Are at Damascus' Gates. Who Are They and What Now?LOVE Island star Ciaran Davies has appeared to take another swipe at his ex girlfriend Nicole Samuel in the wake of their shock split. Ciaran Davies, who coupled up with Nicole Samuel in this summer 's series of Love Island , has posted a series of pictures from recent events which praised his new found single status. He told Instagram fans: "Just me living my best life in December." The post featured pictures from Christmas as well as him hanging out with Love Island alumni Sammy Roots, heading to the gym and attending a London movie premiere. This isn't the first time Ciaran has made a dig at Nicole or his single status, with the pair locked in what appears to be a public spat since their break up. Previously taking to TikTok Ciaran reposted a cryptic quote, which read: "The truth always comes out in the end, no matter how hard anyone tries to hide it or stop it. More on Love Island "Lies are just a temporary delay to the inevitable." Another TikTok post which didn't get missed by fans included another quote that Ciaran reposted, which read: "When IK [I know] they lying I just gotta see how stupid they think I am first." The first news of the couple's split came with a confirmation that Ciaran and Nicole had parted ways "on amicable terms" four months after leaving the villa. A representative for the pair told us: "Over the last couple of days Nicole and Ciaran have made the mutual decision to part ways. Most read in Celebrity "They have left the relationship on amicable terms, and will remain good friends going forward." Following the split Nicole quickly unfollowed Ciaran and deleted pictures of him from her social media, hinting that things were less than friendly between them after their split. It's also now confirmed that Ciaran is one of the stars taking part in the upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating . An insider said to us : "He's signed a big money , five figure deal to appear on the show next year. "Nicole isn't best pleased - it's the last thing she wants to see him dating on TV - but she knows it's his choice and will be good for his career."
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Walton received orders worth around Tk 350 crore from various local and foreign companies at the "Advanced Technology Solution-ATS Expo 2024", the country's sole industrial expo organised by tech-giant Walton. SM Mahbubul Alam, managing director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, provided the disclosure at the event's closing ceremony. The three-day expo ended at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital's Purbachal on Saturday, said a press release. Alam said Walton has emphasised on investing more in product research and innovation as well as manufacturing environment-friendly products. He also called upon the government to provide necessary policy support to domestic manufacturers. Sk Bashir Uddin, adviser to the ministry of commerce, textiles and jute, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. The Commerce Adviser visited various stalls and was also overwhelmed witnessing the displays, which included advanced technologies, electronics, electrical products, industrial materials and components of the backward linkage industry. During the visit, he inaugurated Walton's new model of VRF air-conditioner and big-display featured split type AC. "Walton's efforts to manufacture and supply electronics products are praiseworthy. Walton uses the government's policy support perfectly and Bangladesh is being branded by their products across the globe. It's our pride," said Bashir Uddin. In his vote of thanks speech, SM Shamsul Alam, chairman of Walton, said: "We have received huge responses beyond our expectations. The expo is visited by high-level representatives from government and private sectors, including many high profile individuals from different local and foreign companies. We are very happy and satisfied with their positive response." Md Selim Uddin, secretary to the commerce ministry, SM Ferdous Alam, director general of BSTI, SM Nurul Alam Rezvi, director of Walton Hi-Tech, and Md Munim Hasan, director general of the Patent, Desing, Trademark Department, were present. Among others, SM Ashraful Alam, vice-chairman of Walton Hi-Tech, SM Nurul Alam Rezvi, director, Siam Ahmed and Bidya Sinha Mim, brand ambassadors, along with other senior officials of the company and delegates from government and private organisations were also present.ABC has made the holiday season a little brighter thanks to The Great Christmas Light Fight . Season 12 is currently underway with more elaborate and unique displays. Even though Carter Oosterhouse has been judging for more than a decade, the longtime judge continues to be impressed. The construction expert and interior designer Taniya Nayak has the difficult task of deciding who out of the four families they visit in each episode takes home $50,000 and the coveted trophy. Here Oosterhouse talks about the show’s longevity and what his residence looks like during the holidays with his wife, actress Amy Smart . It’s amazing how this show has become such an annual holiday tradition for families to watch together. Carter Oosterhouse: The Great Christmas Light Fight is the gift that keeps on giving. The more we are on, the more people come up to me at the airport and reflect on how it’s a tradition for them. They tell me, “We know it’s Christmas time when we see this show come on air.” The family programming this embodies is so sweet and perfect for the holiday season. You have the holiday movies on, which are nostalgic and fun. This is a little bit different, yet gives the same moment for families to gather and have a nice little night at home. Disney/Jim Gensheimer How would you say your judging eye has evolved? That’s a good question. I think sometimes as a judge you don’t even realize how these displays continue to get better. And it’s not just bigger. It’s more than more lights. I always say I can pick the winner right when the lights go on, but that’s not always true because now what I’ve seen is the creativity level has skyrocketed. People are more and more creative than ever before. It’s not just about putting lights on a tree or making sure the balance is correct or the color profile is engaging and interesting. It’s really about creativity. What that means is people are starting to tell stories with their lights. That’s fascinating. In scripted or nonscripted TV, it’s all about telling a story. When you watch something, that is why you keep going back to it. Now these families with these light displays are telling stories. As the viewer, it’s so much more dynamic and interesting to the point you have to scratch your head and say, “I’m blown away. I’m shocked. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, you haven’t.” Technology has also advanced within these displays through computer programming and drones. The technology is there and every year it gets better. Sometimes we do have people who are extremely good with computers and putting light and synchronized lights together, but that’s not always the winner. I don’t want to say it’s usually not the winner, but it seems to me what I have learned is over time I go back to the creative ones. Those are going to be the winners. If they can throw tech in there, even better because it makes it faster, more efficient maybe, and more interesting to some degree. As far as technology goes, every year we’re seeing something different. The light fighters who have been doing it for decades and are at the forefront of this technology, really geek out over that. I do too. I love learning more about it. Then some people who are doing it for the first time knock your socks off because they have no frame of reference. They just want to do something they want to do and in their mind is really cool. I’m always amazed at the dedication of these participants. The light fighters work extremely hard. They are very diligent with what they are doing. The families are in the grind. When September comes around, they are starting to put their lights up and it’s all hands on deck. It’s a lot of work. As a judge too, I want to make sure I applaud them and give them the credit they deserve. It is impressive to see the lengths they go. These guys are beyond the next level. They know the drill. They take the kids to school, go to work, and then come home to start working on their display at all hours of the night. Then they get up the next day and do the same thing. The cool thing is I’d say 99 percent of the people are happy to do this for their community. That’s the best part. On your travels, have there been places you never thought about going but are glad you went? For Trading Spaces , we traveled all over the United States. I think that was the indoctrination of a really crazy travel schedule. I’d say the good thing is I can go back to some of these areas. To your point, I do get to see areas that have lit up these lights or sometimes they are theme parks because we do heavyweights as well. We get into bigger areas that have the capability of dressing it up. Those are eye-opening. I’m in this last round of shooting right now where there are plenty of places I’ve said, “I want to bring my daughter back here.” That’s a sign they’ve done a really good job. You and Taniya are solo judging in these episodes, but do you talk much? We touch base a couple of times during the season and before. It’s funny because it is all very similar for us. There is a progression of what these light fighters are doing. I always feel like I can figure it out if they are going to be a top tier when the lights go on. Lately, I feel as you’ve gotten into it, this is not what I expected at all and even better. That’s fun. Taniya and I have been on the same page with all that. Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart at “Common Ground” Screening. (Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images) Does this being known for this show put pressure on you at home to deliver a good display? Does Amy get you to work? Good question. It used to be my wife saying, “So what are we doing? Why aren’t we having any lights?” I say, “I am the judge of The Great Christmas Light Fight . I feel like I would not do a service and carry out the oath of being a judge and fail miserably putting lights up.” Usually, when I get home it’s a lot closer to Christmas. So, we do the inside. I’ve been trying to bring back things people make as a builder and duplicate them. There are a lot of makers out there. You see this guy who has been working in his workshop, who has this crazy Santa Claus walking up a ladder built on a timing system. I think that’s really cool that I want to go home and do that. So I have dabbled in those. You mentioned you’re filming right now for next year. Do you go back and watch the episodes airing as a family at home? We try to, absolutely, when I’m not shooting for next year. We critique. If my daughter is into it, I feel like I’m doing my job. There are tons of shows she can watch, especially during the holidays. I feel if she is into it, I’m doing alright. What’s your go-to Christmas movies to watch? Do you watch Amy’s movie Just Friends ? I feel sometimes people forget that is a Christmas movie. Just Friends , we do watch that. That is definitely a Christmas movie. We go back to all the nostalgic movies. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation , we run back through all that. Now there are all these shows, too. Like these Christmas baking shows. I feel like those are of interest to us too. I guess we’re finding shows I never thought I would watch and falling into. Also, being on a show this long, we’re so thankful it has been on the air this long and having such a successful run. You go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Right now, we’re doing great. It’s fun. It’s a new interest not just on the show but on Christmas too. It’s all about being loved ones. This experience has really helped me dive deeper into the whole Christmas world and look at it from other angles compared to when I first started on the show. Anything you can tease about the episodes to come? There is one episode that is coming up, and what was really of interest was the coordination. Not just of the lights but things that these blow molds were doing within the light display. We see a lot of coordination from the tech world, but when you can take traditional elements and mix those into a newer feel, that was really impressive. There was this choir of blow molds in the show, and that was so dynamic because you think, “Wait? Are those blow molds singing to me now?” There was a ton of them. Not only was it visually interesting but to hear it was amazing. What do you want to see from the show moving forward? I do like the heavyweights. Those are really fun to shoot because they are on such a different level. It’s also the community is helping out as well. You just have more people involved. I’d like to see more of those to tell you the truth because there seems to be a lot more people, which creates a bigger energy. That’s not to say the homes don’t do that. We only do one of these types of episodes a year, but I’d love to see more of them. The Great Christmas Light Fight , Thursdays, 8/7c, ABC More Headlines:
JERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. Israel's army later told The Associated Press it wasn't aware that the WHO chief or delegation were at the location in Yemen. People are also reading... Smoke rises Thursday from the area around the International Airport after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen. Osamah Abdulrahman, Associated Press The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said in a statement it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, claiming they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military added it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out more than 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. says the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones were shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. Relatives and friends mourn over the bodies of five Palestinian journalists Thursday who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Abdel Kareem Hana, Associated Press Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Journalists killed in Gaza Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists worked for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accuses six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Mourners cry Thursday while they take the last look at the body of a relative, one of eight Palestinians killed, during their funeral in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. Matias Delacroix, Associated Press Israeli soldier killed Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities are women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. The offensive caused widespread destruction and hunger and drove around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Be the first to know
SWEET treat fanatics are flocking to three discount stores to get their hands on a new selection of Baileys desserts. Both Baileys Eclairs and Baileys Indulgent Biscuits have been spotted on the shelves this Christmas. Aldi and Home Bargains have stocked up on the creamy confectioneries and eagle-eyed shoppers were delighted to find them in Iceland as well. Many shoppers were impressed with the creamy find, and gushed in the comment section of the Iceland website. One wrote: "Wow absolutely delicious. "You can taste the Baileys in the very generous cream, will definitely buy again." Another added: "Very nice, lots of Baileys in a small eclair." A third user commented: "Delicious, just the right amount of Baileys cream." Not everyone, however, agreed. One user posted: "Pleased I didn't pay full price for them. Most read in Money "I wont be buying any for myself for Christmas and will have to decide whether I still give them as gifts or give them to the local church for Christmas raffle - maybe with a very sweet warning attached." Another complained: "Smaller than expected, and with a weird aftertaste. "They don't taste like proper Baileys, more like a cheap imitation." Despite the mixed reviews, shoppers are still keen to give the new Baileys collection a try. The Baileys Indulgent Biscuits are described as buttery but still with a hint of liqueur, and not too overpowering. As the the Baileys Milk Chocolate Creams, they consist a balance of a creamy whisky filling covered in milk chocolate. The mini eclairs have a creamy Baileys flavoured filling in a light pastry, covered with a smooth chocolate coating. These are frozen in a pack of 12 and instructions suggest defrosting them for 30 minutes before tucking in. How to save money on Baileys If you're a sucker for that creamy Irish whiskey liqueur, then there are some sneaky hacks that can save you on splashing out on Baileys this festive season. If you want to save your money for presents, you can always go for a Baileys dupe, which have been described as "almost perfect." If you're prepared to let go of the litre bottle you can purchase the 70cl Ballycastle cream liqueur for £5.79 - just 82p per 100ml. Shoppers have described the product as "lush" and "gorgeous" on Facebook. The Ballycastle product also comes in various flavours, such as the newest addition, which is a luscious Milk Chocolate Clementine version for £7.49. If you fancy giving something new a try, this could save you up to a whopping £16.21 on one bottle of Baileys. For the price of one Baileys bottle from Morrisons or Asda, £22.00, you could nearly buy four bottles of the Ballycastle. Read More on The US Sun However, keep in mind that the ABV of Bailey's is 16 per cent, the Ballycastle booze is 12 per cent. Other supermarkets which offer up their own Baileys dupes include Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrison's, Asda, Lidl and M&S. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping Limit the amount of presents - buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb. Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you're not having to buy multiple presents. Plan ahead - if you've got the stamina and budget, it's worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales. Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you're not forking out more than you should though. Buy in Boxing Day sales - some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25. Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent. Shop via outlet stores - you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts. They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minorAppalachian State hires South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as head coach
Aaron Rodgers , quarterback for the New York Jets , has been rumored to leave the team after their disappointing current season. Right now the New York Jets are third in the AFC East after winning only three games and losing nine so far. Most recently, the Jets took on the Seattle Seahawks and lost, 26-21, and are suffering a three-game losing streak. The dismal season of the Jets has led the management to take some crucial decisions. Head coach, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas, who was the general manager, have been fired from the squad. Rumors have been circulating that Rodgers is also planning to leave the team, after joining the Jets in 2023. Rodgers addressed this in a recent episode of Pat McAfee’s show. “We get paid for 17 weeks, not 10, not 11, not five. If you’re the starter you want to play all the games. You want to be out there with my guys and battle as long as I feel healthy. Body feels as good as it felt, whether fortunately or unfortunately for the situation. I want to battle. I have a lot of pride in playing.” Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee show . “It’s been a rough season but I wanna finish strong.. I wanna be out there with my guys and battle” @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/4UyABew2ud — Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 3, 2024 In his most recent appearance, QB Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets played against the Seattle Seahawks . In that game, Rodgers went for 185 yards, completing 21 passes out of 39. The quarterback managed to score a pair of touchdowns for the team, with a solo interception. Aaron Rodgers ’ Netflix Documentary Trailer Released, Premiere To Be On Dec 17 Meanwhile, the much-awaited Aaron Rodgers’ Netflix documentary’s trailer has been released with much light thrown on the quarterback’s personal life and struggles. The documentary will cover Rodgers’ recovery from his Achilles injury and also many controversial topics from his personal life. The documentary titled ‘Enigma’, also sheds light on the quarterback’s spiritual life. Furthermore, fans were treated to some insights about the 41-year-old’s political potential with a clip showing Rodgers speaking to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The estrangement of Aaron Rodgers from his family, especially his parents and his brothers, Luke and Jordan, are also topics which will be covered in the documentary. Rodgers is currently rumored to be dating, Mallory Edens, who is the daughter of Wes Edens, who co-owns the Milwaukee Bucks. While the two were last seen together in public last year in an Ed Sheeran concert, Rodgers and Edens are yet to make their relationship official. This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.Julia Wick | (TNS) Los Angeles Times As California politicos look ahead to 2025, the biggest question looming is whether Vice President Kamala Harris — a native daughter, battered just weeks ago by presidential election defeat — will enter the 2026 California governor’s race. Related Articles National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump National Politics | What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP-NORC poll Harris has yet to give any public indication on her thoughts and those close to her suggest the governorship is not immediately top of mind. But if Harris does ultimately run — and that’s a massive if — her entrée would seismically reshape the already crowded race for California’s highest office. Recent polling suggests Harris would have a major advantage, with 46% of likely voters saying they were somewhat or very likely to support her for governor in 2026, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey co-sponsored by The Times. “If Vice President Harris were to choose to run, I am certain that that would have a near field-clearing effect on the Democratic side,” Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, said during a recent UC Irvine panel interview . Porter, a high-profile Democrat who has been eyeing the wide-open governor’s race, has yet to say whether she plans to run. Porter’s point was broadly echoed in conversations with nearly a dozen California political operatives and strategists, several of whom requested anonymity to speak candidly. Most speculated that a Harris entry would cause some other candidates in the race to scatter, creating further upheaval in down-ballot races as a roster of ambitious politicians scramble for other opportunities. “In politics, you always let the big dogs eat first,” quipped Democratic political consultant Peter Ragone. The current gubernatorial field is a who’s who of California politicians, but lacks a clear favorite or star with widespread name recognition. The vast majority of California’s 22 million voters have yet to pay attention to the race and have little familiarity with the candidates. The list of Democratic candidates includes Los Angeles’ first Latino mayor in more than a century ( Antonio Villaraigosa ); the first female and first out LGBTQ leader of the state Senate ( Toni Atkins ); the sitting lieutenant governor and first woman to hold that post ( Eleni Kounalakis ); the state superintendent of public instruction ( Tony Thurmond ) and the former state controller ( Betty Yee ). Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is serving his second term as California governor, meaning he is ineligible to run again. Several other Democrats, including Porter, outgoing Health and Human Services Director Xavier Becerra and state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta have also publicly toyed with the idea of a run. They could be less likely to enter the fray should Harris decide to run. What the billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso — who has also been exploring a run — would choose to do is an open question, as Caruso might contrast himself with Harris as a more centrist candidate. The real estate developer was a registered Republican until November 2019. It’s unlikely that Harris will proffer a public decision in the immediate term, leaving plenty of time for political insiders to game out hypotheticals in the weeks and months to come. Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment. “I think every candidate for governor is trying to get some kind of intel,” Mike Trujillo, a Los Angeles-based Democratic political consultant and former Villaraigosa staffer, said of a potential Harris run. Trujillo speculated that Harris’ current state was probably similar to Hillary Clinton’s hiking sojourns in the Chappaqua woods after losing to Donald Trump in 2016, or Al Gore growing a beard in the bruising aftermath of his 2000 defeat. “The first thing she’s probably thinking about is, ‘Well, can I run again for president in four years?’ Not, ‘Do I run for governor in two years?’” said one political operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. Harris maintains a home in Brentwood and previously served as California’s senator and attorney general. A successful run for governor in 2026 would almost certainly impede a grab for the presidency in 2028. (Though if history is any guide, an unsuccessful run for California governor does not definitively preclude a bid for the Oval Office: Two years after losing the White House to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon lost the 1962 contest for governor to Pat Brown . The Yorba Linda native became the nation’s 37th president in 1969.) As the chief executive of a state that doubles as the world’s fifth-largest economy, Harris would have more power to steer policy and make changes as a California governor than she did as vice president, where her job required deference to President Biden. But leading a state, even the nation’s most populous, could feel like small potatoes after being a heartbeat (and a few dozen electoral votes) from the presidency. The protracted slog to November 2026 would also be a stark contrast to her ill-fated 107-day sprint toward the White House, particularly for a candidate whose 2020 presidential primary campaign was dogged by allegations of infighting and mismanagement. “I don’t think Kamala Harris has a deep psychological need to be governor of California, or to be in elective office in order to feel like she can contribute to society,” said the operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. “I think some of these people do, but she’s somebody who has enough prominence that she could do a lot of big, wonderful things without having to worry about balancing California’s budget or negotiating with Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel,” the Encino Democrat who chairs the Assembly’s budget committee. Technically, Harris has until March 2026 to decide whether she enters a race. But political strategists who spoke to The Times theorized that she probably would make a move by late spring, if she chooses to do so. “People will be more annoyed if she drops in in June,” a Democratic strategist involved with one of the gubernatorial campaigns said. Sending a clear signal by February would be more “courteous,” the strategist continued, explaining that such a move would give candidates more time to potentially enter other races. Kounalakis is a longtime friend and ally of Harris’ , and the vice president also has long-term relationships with some of the other candidates and potential candidates. California has eight statewide elected offices and campaign finance laws allow candidates to fundraise interchangeably for them, meaning money already raised for a candidate’s gubernatorial campaign could easily be redirected should they decide to run for, say, lieutenant governor instead. There are already a number of candidates running for lieutenant governor, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, former state Sen. Steven Bradford and former state Treasurer Fiona Ma. But that office probably would see even more interest should Harris enter the gubernatorial race. It’s a largely ceremonial position, but one that has served as a launching pad for the governorship. Still, even if Harris does enter the race, Republican political strategist Mike Murphy threw cold water on the idea that she would have an automatic glide path to the governor’s office. “It’s like Hollywood. Nobody knows anything. She’s famous enough to look credible in early polling. That’s all we know for sure,” Murphy said. “Does that predict the future? No. Are there a lot of downsides (to a potential Harris candidacy)? Totally, yes.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Appalachian State hires South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as head coach
Melimtx is a fashion model and social media star from Albania. She is famous for the beautiful modelling pictures she posts on Instagram and the funny videos on TikTok. She also has a vast number of fans on social media. TABLE OF CONTENTS Profile summary Who is Melimtx? What is Melimtx’s age? What is Melimtx’s nationality? Melimtx'z height and weight Career How much is Melimtx’s net worth? Did Melimtx do plastic surgery? Who is Melimtx's boyfriend? Social media presence Melissa's posts have made her famous on the internet. Find out about Melimtx's biography, career, body measures, relationships, and net worth. Profile summary Who is Melimtx? Melimtx is a curvy model and the founder of FitByOcee. The Albanian-Bosnian social media star is best recognized for her TikTok account, where she posts fashion and lip-sync content. Melimtx’s real name is Melissa, but she has not disclosed her parents and siblings. Read also Jutta Leerdam's net worth, age, height and relationship history She is 22 years old as of 2024. The model was born in Albania on 5 September 5, 2002; her birth sign is Virgo. The star is an Albanian of mixed ethnicity and also Bosnian descent. Melissa is tall, standing 5 feet and 7 inches and weighing 50kg. Her remarkable height and weight fit her energetic outlook. Career Melissa’s popularity grew, leading to collaborations with various fashion and lifestyle firms. One of Melissa’s professional achievements has been her work with Fashion Nova, a famous clothing line. This collaboration has boosted her status as an influencer and displayed her ability to blend fashion and entertainment, making her a popular name in the industry. Her popularity as a social media figure led to modelling possibilities, including appearing on fashion magazine covers. How much is Melimtx’s net worth? Read also Sam Frank's age, social media, net worth, who has she dated? Although no verified source of information about her net worth exists, Celeb Life Reel estimates that it is between $400 and $500 thousand. In addition, Melimtx earns significant money from brand endorsements on social media and the modelling profession. Did Melimtx do plastic surgery? Even though there have been rumours that Melissa underwent plastic surgery to enhance her appearance. Photos showing her before and after plastic surgery images have been circulating on the internet in an attempt to show the physical transformation after the cosmetic surgery. The celebrity has denied the allegations in a Q&A interview ; "Am going to be honest with you guys about my body. I'm 100% natural, no surgery, no nothing. For those who have been following on social media for a while know how much work I have been doing to my body. "I only got one surgery on my nose because it was broken. I did it when I was in Turkey with my dad." Read also SZA's net worth (2024), age, real name, how did she get famous? Who is Melimtx's boyfriend? The TikTok celebrity appears to be single right now. She has not disclosed her dating history or whether she is in a relationship. Social media presence Melissa is a social media celebrity with a dominant presence on TikTok and Instagram. She posts numerous entertaining videos on her TikTok account, with over 2.9 million followers. Her Instagram account has over 3 million followers, where she uploads lots of her modelling pictures. Melimtx is a young social media celebrity and a renowned fashion model. She gains more popularity with her stunning photos and entertaining videos on her social media accounts. READ ALSO : Ryan Paevey’s biography: career, net worth, is he married? Legit.ng recently published an article about Ryan Paevey’s biography . He is an American actor and model known for starring in the soap opera General Hospital and working with entertainment bigwigs such as Cher and Katy Perry. Ryan has had a prosperous modelling career working with top brands and prominent personalities in the lucrative modelling industry. He is also an outstanding actor, having worked in numerous movies and TV series. Please find more details by clicking on the link above. Source: Legit.ng