EXCLUSIVE How a chance meeting got former Tottenham star Sandro out of retirement to play for seventh-tier Harborough Town in the biggest game in their history Ex-Spurs and Brazil midfielder Sandro joined Harborough Town on November 5 Seventh-tier Harborough will play Reading in round two of the FA Cup on Sunday This Man City team is DONE and Pep Guardiola has been sleeping on the job - LISTEN NOW to It's All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday By DAVID COVERDALE Published: 17:30 EST, 30 November 2024 | Updated: 17:39 EST, 30 November 2024 e-mail View comments The effervescent manager of Harborough Town is holding court at a press conference when he is interrupted by 'The Beast' strolling through the door of the members' bar, which is serving as a media room. 'Sorry I'm late,' says Sandro, the 6ft 2in tall former midfielder for Brazil and Tottenham , where fans gave him his nickname, who had arrived half-an-hour behind schedule after driving from London to Leicestershire. 'That's a fine!' bellows his beaming boss Mitch Austin to much laughter, as his new signing sheepishly blames the traffic before finding a space to stand next to the bricklayer, gas engineer and glazier who he now calls his team-mates. After observing the rest of Austin's entertaining pre-match conference, Sandro heads to the dressing room to get ready for his first training session with the Southern League Premier Division Central club — more than two years after he last played competitive football. 'I think I can do it,' jokes the 35-year-old as he ambles on to the 4G pitch in near-freezing temperatures, the last player to join the group following a massage and his own interview commitments. 'He just said to me, "Have you got any gloves?" Austin said as he follows Sandro out of the tunnel. 'I said, "No, get out there".' Former Tottenham and Brazil midfielder Sandro signed for Harborough Town on November 5 Sandro spoke to Mail Sport this week ahead of his first appearance in the FA Cup since 2016 Sandro played in 106 first-team games for Spurs between 2010 and 2014, scoring three goals But if his late arrival, massage and gloves request appear to paint the ex-Premier League star as a prima donna, that could not be further from reality. No, this is a man who has come out of retirement to play for free for the seventh-tier Midlands club in the biggest match in their history — Sunday's FA Cup second-round tie at Reading. And all as a goodwill gesture following a chance meeting with Tottenham season ticket-holder Austin in a hospitality box earlier this season. 'It's a funny story,' starts Sandro, who later poses for pictures with a replica of the FA Cup, which Austin was given when Harborough — who had never previously gone past the second qualifying round — reached the first-round proper. 'I work for Tottenham at home games, talking to the fans. Mitch was in the restaurant and was saying, "Sandro, you look good, you should play for my team." I said, "Yeah, why not, man, let's go." It was just like that.' Sandro looks as trim as ever and signed for the Bees on November 5, but was banned from playing for two matches, having been sent off in his last pro appearance, for Belenenses in Portugal's top flight in April 2022. He is, though, eligible to make his debut on Sunday for the lowest-ranked club left in the world's oldest cup competition. 'I thought I was finished and that I was never going to play again,' Sandro says. 'It is so magical for me after two years of just watching football and missing it. 'Now I have an opportunity to express myself again in one tackle, one header. I used to play against Reading in the Premier League and now I am going to face them in the FA Cup. His shock move to Harborough came more than 12 months after he had retired from football Sandro pictured training with his team-mates ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash with Reading As well as winning 17 senior caps for Brazil, Sandro played at the Olympic Games in 2012 'To be part of this and to enjoy myself and try to help them, it is just what I want. I know they are living the dream — and I am living the dream as well.' Sandro's retirement U-turn is perhaps the most eccentric act yet in a life that has been full of them. Famously, he became hooked on darts after moving to Tottenham for £8million from Internacional in Brazil in 2010, striking up an unlikely friendship with former world finalist Bobby George. When Mail Sport interviewed him at his home in Essex in 2012, he stunned our reporter by singing and strumming his guitar to Coldplay and the Black Eyed Peas. Twelve years on, Sandro breaks into song again when asked what tune he performed in front of Harborough's players for his initiation. 'Nossa, nossa, assim voce me mata,' he sings tunefully in his native tongue. 'In Brazil, it is a good song,' Sandro says. If his dressing-room singing helped him integrate into the Harborough squad, so too did his attitude at training on Wednesday night, when he could be heard celebrating every tackle won by a team-mate in the small-sided games. That is not to say, though, that Sandro was not apprehensive about playing again after so long out of the game. 'When I said yes to playing, I needed to start to run because I was just doing strength work in the gym, not running,' he admits. 'My body wasn't ready to go again after two years. 'I was back in Brazil last week and I called my friends and said, "You have to help me out here because I have a game coming up." So we arranged a seven-a-side with friends and it was good.' Midfielder Sandro looked fit and appeared to be training very hard ahead of Sunday's match Sandro has refused to be paid by Harborough - even rejecting offers to cover his expenses The next match he plays will be at Reading, where Sandro played for Tottenham in the Premier League in 2012, when he enjoyed a 3-1 win, thanks to two goals from Jermain Defoe and one from Gareth Bale. 'Gareth, I always said that he was the best player I played with. He could do everything, anything,' says Sandro, who spends most of his time in Portugal and has completed his UEFA B Licence as he bids to become a manager. Sandro also played alongside Brazilian superstars Ronaldinho, Neymar and Ronaldo, who he calls 'Phenomenon', during his 17-cap international career. 'I enjoyed my time and I want to enjoy it again.' His enjoyment could only be topped if Harborough — who have won two promotions in three seasons — beat Reading and are drawn away at Spurs in the third round. 'How amazing that would be,' he says, with another huge grin. 'If that happens, count me in.' Reading Tottenham Hotspur Brazil FA Cup Share or comment on this article: How a chance meeting got former Tottenham star Sandro out of retirement to play for seventh-tier Harborough Town in the biggest game in their history e-mail Add commentScoreboard: High school swimming (Dec. 23)
Western Michigan beats Eastern Michigan 26-18 to become bowl eligibleAnalytic Partners Recognized as a Leader in Inaugural Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for Marketing Mix Modeling SolutionsUMaine production brilliantly brings to life the perils of parenting in absurdist ‘Birth and After Birth’
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Wayne Tate Launches Innovative Real Estate Website to Serve Georgia Homebuyers and Sellers 11-22-2024 10:12 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: NewswireJet Real estate agent Wayne Tate of Watkins Real Estate Associates announces WayneTateSells.com, a modern platform powered by CloseHack technology. Serving Henry, Fayette, Fulton, and surrounding Georgia counties, the site offers real-time property listings, AI tools, and resources for buyers and sellers. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/6daca448737932db408724bf9d83a548.jpg Henry County, GA - Local real estate agent Wayne Tate of Watkins Real Estate Associates proudly announces the launch of his new real estate website, WayneTateSells.com [ http://waynetatesells.com/ ]. Powered by the cutting-edge technology of CloseHack, led by CEO Daniel Nix, this dynamic platform is set to revolutionize the way homebuyers and sellers navigate the real estate market in Henry County, Fayette County, Fulton County, Rockdale County, Dekalb County, Clayton County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County, Georgia. The website integrates an IDX feed, giving users access to the most up-to-date property listings in the area. Combined with state-of-the-art AI tools, WayneTateSells.com [ http://waynetatesells.com/ ] delivers a personalized, seamless experience for clients at every stage of their real estate journey. A Personal Approach Backed by Innovation Wayne Tate, a proud father of three and "Pop-pop" to two granddaughters, brings a unique blend of professionalism, warmth, and humor to his real estate practice. Known for his ability to connect with people, Wayne specializes in helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams while also catering to sellers looking to maximize their property's value. With a focus on integrity, Wayne's services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of his clients. Whether buying or selling, clients can rely on his strong negotiation skills, extensive market knowledge, and innovative marketing strategies, which include: * High-resolution photography * Virtual tours * Drone videos * 3D modeling * Home staging * Walkthrough videos and floor plans A Mission to Educate and Empower Clients As a military veteran, Wayne takes pride in his disciplined approach to real estate, ensuring every client feels supported and informed. "I don't just help people buy or sell homes; I guide them through the process, step by step, so they feel confident and empowered," says Wayne. His commitment to being flexible and available-especially when most clients are not-sets him apart in a competitive market. Wayne's network, expertise, and personalized service create a roadmap to success, regardless of a client's unique situation. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/324b2c36122f7c90ee602efc37a38b1c.jpg A Vision for Buyers and Sellers While Wayne has built his reputation for helping first-time homebuyers, he's equally dedicated to assisting sellers. "Every client deserves a custom plan that aligns with their real estate goals," he explains. "Whether you're buying your first home or selling to start a new chapter, WayneTateSells.com is designed to make the process simple, effective, and enjoyable." Your Trusted Real Estate Resource With a focus on the keywords real estate near me, real estate agent, Realtor, and buying and selling a home, WayneTateSells.com is optimized to connect with clients throughout Georgia. From buyer and seller guides to advanced marketing tools, the platform offers everything you need to navigate the real estate market with ease. To explore Wayne's new website and learn how he can help you achieve your real estate goals, visit www.WayneTateSells.com [ http://www.waynetatesells.com/ ] today. Website services provided by CloseHack. Visit closehack.com [ http://closehack.com/ ] to learn more. Media Contact Company Name: Watkins Real Estate Associates Contact Person: Wayne Tate Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=wayne-tate-launches-innovative-real-estate-website-to-serve-georgia-homebuyers-and-sellers ] Phone: (404) 545-0063 Address:320 Corporate Center Ct City: Stockbridge State: GA Country: United States Website: https://waynetatesells.com/ This release was published on openPR.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence minister Yoav Gallant, as well as senior Hamas official Mohammed Deif. The warrants are for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Israel-Gaza war. The ICC said there were reasonable grounds to believe Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant "bear responsibility for ... the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts". Israel challenged the legality of the ICC prosecutor's request to issue arrest warrants. The court has rejected it, saying Israel's acceptance of the court's jurisdiction is not required. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong commented on the news saying the country respected the ICC's independence and importance of international law. The Israeli Prime Minister's office was quick to respond to the news, rejecting it as "anti-Semitic". "Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and charges against it by the International Criminal Court, which is a biased and discriminatory political body," the office said in a statement. "There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza since the seventh day of October 2023, after the terrorist organization Hamas launched a murderous attack against it, and carried out the greatest massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. "Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will not give in to pressure, will not flinch and will not withdraw until all the war goals set by Israel at the start of the campaign are achieved." Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said the decision was an "important step on the path to justice". "But it remains a limited and spiritual step if it is not backed practically by all countries." The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for senior Hamas official Deif. The court said there were reasonable grounds to believe Deif was responsible "for the crimes against humanity of murder; extermination; torture; and rape and other form of sexual violence". It said there are also reasonable grounds to believe he's responsible for "the war crimes of murder, cruel treatment, torture; taking hostages; outrages upon personal dignity; and rape and other form of sexual violence". Israel had said it killed Deif in an air strike but Hamas neither confirmed nor denied this. The alleged crimes The ICC warrants say Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gallant are criminally responsible because they are the "civilian superiors" — in other words, they are at the top of the chain of command when it comes to Israeli forces carrying out such offences. It said that the crimes against the population in Gaza were "widespread and systematic" and that they "intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza" of food, water and medical supplies. The court said the UN and other humanitarian organisations had issued warnings, but "only minimal humanitarian assistance was authorised". It said there were reasonable grounds to believe there were two instances where attacks "were intentionally directed against civilians". With regards to Mohammed Deif, the ICC warrants said he was responsible for the crimes committed by Hamas fighters on October 7. It said Hamas "attackers" had "fired at people while they were seeking shelter and throw grenades at them." The court said the conduct was "part of a mass killing of members of the civilian population" and that Israeli hostages, particularly women had been subjected to sexual violence including rape. Multiple countries vow to uphold arrest warrants The move comes after ICC prosecutor Karim Khan announced on May 20 that he was seeking arrest warrants for alleged crimes connected to the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's military response in Gaza. Mr Khan said in a statement the warrants were dependent on the cooperation of its member nations. "Today, our collective mind and focus should be on the victims of international crimes in Israel and in the State of Palestine," he said. "In my own meetings with the victims and families of hostages taken from Kibbutzim, and with victims from Gaza who have lost so many loved ones, I have underlined that the law is there for all, that its role is to vindicate the rights of all persons." Mr Khan had also asked the court to consider warrants for Hamas officials Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, but those applications were withdrawn after they were killed. Following the announcement, representatives in the EU, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Ireland and Jordan indicated they respected and could implement the ICC warrants. But a White House Security Council spokesman said the United States "fundamentally rejects" the court's decision to issue warrants against the Israeli officials. Israeli politicians slam ICC decision Israel's President, Isaac Herzog, described the ICC's decision as a "dark day for justice" and a "dark day for humanity". "Taken in bad faith, the outrageous decision at the ICC has turned universal justice into a universal laughing stock," he said in a post on X. "It makes a mockery of the sacrifice of all those who fight for justice — from the Allied victory over the Nazis till today." Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett called the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants against Mr Netanyahu and his former defence minister a "mark of shame". Israel's main opposition leader Yair Lapid also denounced the move, calling it "a prize to terror". Benny Gantz, who served in an emergency government with Mr Netanyahu from the start of the war for eight months, called the arrest warrants "moral blindness". Israeli authorities will not enforce the arrest warrant Israel is not a member state of the ICC, and therefore does not recognise its jurisdiction in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. That means Israeli authorities will not arrest Mr Netanyahu or Mr Gallant, but the warrants do impose obligations on member countries to enforce an arrest should the men travel overseas. Australia is one of the 124 member states, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been keen to avoid speculating how his government would act when the warrant applications were made in May. At the time, federal opposition leader Peter Dutton had accused the ICC of anti-Semitism, saying it was "completely and utterly repugnant" to liken the actions of Mr Netanyahu to the leadership of Hamas. Following the news Ms Wong released a short statement on X calling for a ceasefire and a hostage release. "Australia respects the independence of the ICC and its important role in upholding international law," she wrote. "We have been clear that all parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law. "Civilians must be protected. Hostages must be released. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must reach civilians. Aid workers must be protected to enable their lifesaving work." Soon after the ICC announcement, Dutch media cited the country's foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp saying the Netherlands would act on the arrest warrant if either Mr Netanyahu or Mr Gallant entered the country. The ICC is based in the Dutch city of The Hague. The French foreign ministry said it would act in line with ICC principles. The news from the ICC broke as the death toll in Gaza surpassed 44,000 people. "It's a huge moment of relief, feeling that we are heard and seen," Gaza political analyst Muhammad Sehahda told the ABC. "It's also a moment of vindication that Palestinians have been warning the entirety of the world for decades that they are subjected to systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity. "On the other side, we've been faced with a huge campaign of delegitimisation, smears, accusations of anti-Semitism for merely complaining and describing our daily living situation. "It's a vindicating moment for Palestinians to see that what we have been complaining about is the actual reality."'This is ridiculous!' Jim Jordan indignant over Dems' 'crazy' pardon ideas
BURLINGTON, Mass., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: NEUP) (“ Neuphoria ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that its previously announced scheme of arrangement in relation to Bionomics Limited’s proposed re-domiciliation from Australia to the United States, under which Neuphoria will become the ultimate parent company of Bionomics Limited, has been implemented today, December 23, 2024 New York time (December 24, 2024 Sydney time). The shares of common stock of Neuphoria (“ Neuphoria Shares ”) issued today in connection with the re-domiciliation are expected to commence trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol “NEUP” on December 24, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition, Neuphoria will issue options to acquire shares of common stock in Neuphoria (“ Neuphoria Options ”) to holders of options to acquire shares in Bionomics (“ Bionomics Options ”) that were issued by Bionomics, in exchange for their Bionomics Options. Neuphoria will also issue a warrant to purchase 1,054,381 shares of common stock in Neuphoria (“ Neuphoria Warrant ”) to an institutional investor that holds a warrant to purchase 12,652,572 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) of Bionomics (“ Bionomics Warrant ”), in exchange for the Bionomics Warrant. Further details regarding the implementation of the redomiciliation can be found in a Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed by Neuphoria with the SEC. About Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. Neuphoria (Nasdaq: NEUP) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies that address the complex needs of individuals affected by neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuphoria is advancing its lead drug candidate, BNC210, an oral, proprietary, selective negative allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, for the acute, “as needed” treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD) and for chronic treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). BNC210 is a first-of-its-kind, well-tolerated, broad spectrum anti-anxiety experimental therapeutic, designed to restore neurotransmitter balance in relevant brain areas, providing rapid relief from stress and anxiety symptoms without the common pitfalls of sedation, cognitive impairment, or addiction. In addition, Neuphoria has a strategic partnership with Merck & Co., Inc. (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) with two drugs in early-stage clinical trials for the treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous system conditions. Neuphoria's pipeline also includes the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor next generation and the Kv3.1/3.2 preclinical programs, both in the lead optimization development stage. Forward-Looking Statements Neuphoria cautions that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “seek,” “contemplate,” “potential,” “continue” or “project” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Neuphoria that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and its other reports. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and Neuphoria undertakes no obligation to revise or update this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties and other factors is included in Neuphoria’s filings with the SEC, copies of which are available from the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) and on Neuphoria’s website (www.neuphoriatx.com) under the heading “Investor Center.” All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Neuphoria expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this press release. Not an offer of securities This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in any jurisdiction. The Neuphoria Shares, Neuphoria Options and Neuphoria Warrant have not been registered under the US Securities Act and may not be offered or sold except in a transaction registered under the US Securities Act or in a transaction exempt from such registration requirements and applicable US state securities laws.Trump nominee Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill following his nomination. Pete Hegseth , the former National Guard officer who President-elect Trump has tapped to lead the Department of Defense, said he's had "great" conversations with senators amid efforts to shore up his confirmation and was "standing right here in this fight." On Thursday, Hegseth said he refused to back down from a fight as his nomination remains in limbo amid drinking and sexual misconduct allegations. He has denied any wrongdoing. "We've had great conversations, about who I am and what I believe," Hegseth said of his meetings with senators. "And, frankly, the man I am today, because of my faith in my lord and savior Jesus Christ and my wife Jenny right here, I'm a different man than I was years ago." TRUMP TRANSITION SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR FBI BACKGROUND CHECKS Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, is joined by his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, as they walk through the basement of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) "And that's a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate," he added. "And I know from fellow vets that I've spent time with, they resonate with that as well. You fight, you go through tough things in tough places on behalf of your country. And sometimes that changes you a little bit." An email was recently leaked from Hegseth's mother, Penelope Hegseth, in which she was critical of his past relationships with women. She joined "FOX and Friends" on Wednesday morning to set the record straight, saying she wrote the email in an impassioned moment after her son's divorce, but apologized hours after sending it. Hegseth's mother also said she did not believe any of the accusations against him. TRUMP FLOATS DESANTIS AS POTENTIAL DEFENSE SECRETARY REPLACEMENT IF HEGSETH FALTERS Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, and his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, attend a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Multiple sources confirmed to Fox News that Trump is reportedly considering nominating Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as defense secretary in place of Hegseth amid the allegations against him. But Hegseth brushed off the potential replacement, telling reporters that he was prepared to fight. "As long as Donald Trump wants me in this fight, I'm going to be standing right here in this fight, fighting to bring our Pentagon back to what it needs to be," he said. Hegseth also told reporters that he doesn’t answer to the media, only to Trump, God, his family and the senators slated to vote on his confirmation. On Thursday, Hegseth said the conversations with senators have been "robust, candid at times with great questions on policy and personality." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "So we're going to earn those votes," he said. "We're fighting all the way through the tape. I'm grateful to have the president's support, because his vision for this Department of Defense is to bring it back to its core capacity of deterring our enemies and, if necessary, defeating those enemies." Fox News Digital's Aubrie Spady contributed to this report. Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com .
NoneKatie Miller will join the Trump administration ’s much-watched non-governmental Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, the president-elect announced on Sunday, where she will join Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in attempting to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal budget. “She has been a loyal supporter of mine for many years, and will bring her professional experience to Government Efficiency,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Katie is a deeply experienced communications professional respected by all. Congratulations to Stephen and Katie!” Miller is married to immigration hardliner Stephen Miller , one of the architects of the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” family separation policies, who will serve as Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy. She previously served as press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence. Musk and Trump have variously described DOGE’s plans as seeking between $500 million and $2 trillion in annual cuts to the federal budget. The DOGE is not an actual department of the federal government, and its spending recommendations would need congressional approval to take effect. The president-elect has compared the effort to the Manhattan Project to build the atomic bomb, claiming it will “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies — Essential to the ‘Save America; Movement.” The DOGE team, which duplicates existing government anti-waste and fraud efforts within the Government Accountability Office and Office of Management and Budget, has singled out the Internal Revenue Service , Planned Parenthood, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and federal employees who work from home as targets for its planned cuts . The effort puts Musk in particular in a complicated and unprecedented position , as both the richest man in the world, a central presidential adviser, and a businessman with an estimated $15.4 billion in federal government contracts over the last decade across companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk has clashed with a variety of federal agencies he might now slash, ranging from highway regulators investigating Tesla after crashes, to accusing the Federal Communications Commission of “contemptible political lawfare,” after it determined SpaceX wasn’t eligible for $900 million in government subsidies for its Starlink internet program. Despite talks of a corresponding DOGE caucus and House subcommittee forming in caucus, observers have raised alarms over the Trump-Musk coalition’s ineffectual governance, after Congress twice rejected Trump- or Musk-backed spending proposals before reaching a last-minute deal to avert a government shutdown before Congress. The conservative stalwarts at the Wall Street Journal editorial board claimed the recent “budget fiasco” sent “bad omens” for the year ahead.
Geo Fact Check looks into claims of PTI supporters deaths during Islamabad protest Tarar repeats claim on November 30 asking for any proof of dead bodies Senior government ministers have denied any deaths of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters during the November 26 security forces raid in Islamabad. Public hospitals in the federal capital also claimed they received no bodies after the law enforcement operation. However, documentary evidence proves the claim is false. Claim In a press conference on November 28, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal denied that law enforcement used live ammunition or that any PTI protesters were killed. “The [government’s] health department has issued two statements one from Poly Clinic Hospital and another from PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospital stating that they have not received any dead bodies,” Tarar claims while answering a question from Al Jazeera, “There was a fake list circulating on social media, they have even declared that list to be fake. No bodies have been received by these [hospitals].”Both the Federal Government Poly Clinic Hospital and the PIMS are two of the largest public hospitals in the federal capital. Later Tarar repeated his claim in response to another question from the correspondent of BBC: “Both Polyclinic and PIMS have denied receiving any bodies or any with gunshot wounds. Also there was no live ammunition used. Let me confirm that.” Tarar repeated the claim on November 30 asking for any proof of dead bodies. Both hospitals have also reiterated this in their own statements on November 27, labelling reports of deaths “baseless” and denying they treated gunshot victims or received bodies. In its statement, PIMS hospital asserted that 66 law enforcement personnel and 36 civilians were brought to PIMS emergency and majority of them were discharged after first aid treatment having minor injuries, while few of them are admitted for further treatment. “News circulating on social media is baseless regarding the death toll/ nature of injuries of protestors,” it added. Similarly, on the same day the Federal Government Poly Clinic also released a rebuttal. “FGPC administration denies news being circulated on social media regarding dead bodies in the hospitals due to gunshot wounds/bullet/grenade,” it stated, “Such unverified news pertaining to this hospital circulating on media may be considered as fake.” Fact Documentary evidence and testimonies from families of the victims show these claims by authorities are false. One of the victims was 31-year-old Sadar Ali from Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His treatment slip as well as his death certificate issued by the PIMS Hospital have both been seen by Geo Fact Check. Ali was admitted to the hospital at 8:17pm on November 26 and pronounced dead at 8:30pm, as per his death certificate, seen below. Both the treatment slip and the death certificate identify Ali’s injury to have been a result of a firearm. His family identifies him as a supporter of PTI. Another dead body, whose records Geo Fact Check obtained, is of 24-year-old Mobeen Aurengzeb from Abbottabad who was pronounced dead by the Federal Government Poly Clinic hospital at 5:12pm on November 26. Aurengzeb’s cause of death has been listed as gunshot injury, as per the death certificate produced below. His family also identifies him as a PTI supporter. The third victim is 20-year-old Anees Shahzad from Murree whose death certificate was also issued by the Federal Government Poly Clinic hospital on November 26. Shahzad was pronounced dead at 5pm. His injury has been identified as a result of gunshot. Shahzed was a PTI supporter, as per his family. All three names appear on PTI’s list of 12 alleged fatalities. These names also align with burial details reported by local media outlets as well as pictures and videos of the burials shared by family members with Geo Fact Check. Separately, five casualties have also been confirmed by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on November 28, while talking to a local TV channel. Sanaullah acknowledged the deaths of at least five PTI workers. “Officially, there’s confirmation of four or five deaths. Reports indicate funerals in at least three locations, with the possibility of two more,” he said during the show. Geo Fact Check also reached out to over a dozen doctors, nurses as well as the administration at both hospitals who either denied the deaths or refused to talk claiming pressure from government authorities.
Wheel of Fortune contestants whiffing their bonus puzzles is nothing new, but on December 4’s episode, a player came up short on a $40,000 puzzle that left fans joking that she may never want to visit a Disney theme park again. The game show’s latest big miss involved Vandana Patel, an Indian fusion food expert from Chicago. She won the episode and proceeded to the coveted bonus round with $20,600, a trip to Florida, and the selection of “What Are You Wearing?” as her category. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
MONTOGMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama man who detonated a homemade explosive device outside the state attorney general's office was sentenced to nine years in federal prison on Thursday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MONTOGMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama man who detonated a homemade explosive device outside the state attorney general's office was sentenced to nine years in federal prison on Thursday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MONTOGMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama man who detonated a homemade explosive device outside the state attorney general’s office was sentenced to nine years in federal prison on Thursday. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 27, plead guilty in August to the charge of malicious use of an explosive device. Calvert admitted to constructing the bomb out of nails, firecrackers and screws, and then blowing it up outside Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 24, prosecutors said. No people were hurt, and nearby buildings in downtown Montgomery were not damaged. Remnants of the bomb were not discovered until the following Monday, according to a statement from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Law enforcement arrested Calvert two weeks later. “Acts of violence like this one against our public institutions endanger public servants and entire communities, and they must not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. Calvert’s attorneys did not respond to an emailed request for comment on Thursday. Prosecutors said that Calvert had placed stickers reflecting a wide range of political ideologies around the area, some of which included the phrase, “Support your local antifa.” But Calvert said he does not have any “affiliation with antifa” in his plea deal. Advertisement
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this holiday season, customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save on postage and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone a steady recalibration over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don’t expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to remain relevant in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and home goods supplier Wayfair started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, filed for bankruptc y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer J.Crew relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That’s why paper books remain relevant,” Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season’s impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. 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. Lands’ End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there — so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. L.L. Bean was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. “Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.” Advertisement Advertisement
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