The lights have been confusing some people - but there is a simple explanation People were left scratching their heads this evening after mysterious lights were seen hovering in the sky above Merseyside. In a video taken by a resident on Church Road in Walton, a cluster of lights rotating in the shape of an infinity symbol can be seen in the sky. Another person got in touch with the Liverpool ECHO when they saw the lights and asked: "Is Santa paying Liverpool an early visit? Or are the aliens finally here?" And another said: "What is the beam of light in Liverpool tonight which turns into a dancing figure of 8?!" However there is a simple explanation for the lights, which are coming from the windows of Spellow Library in Walton. The library was torched after violence that erupted on County Road following the tragic attacks in Southport in July. Violence erupted across Merseyside and throughout the country, with hundreds of people taking to the streets in the seaside town and then on County Road, where the Liverpool Council-run Spellow Hub was torched , causing significant damage. The arson attack on Spellow Library and Community Hub in Walton prompted a huge outcry and a nationwide response, with book donations from Her Majesty the Queen and a host of famous authors, as well as a £250,000 fundraising campaign. After months of repairs, the library is preparing to open on Thursday, December 12 and the symbol in the sky tonight is ahead of the special occasion. To mark the reopening, the Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, called on local authorities across the country to be part of a nationwide symbolic moment on the evening of Wednesday, December 11. Scores of libraries – from Lancashire and Newcastle to Southampton, Cornwall and even the Isle of Wight – have agreed to light up in solidarity and share photographs of it on their social media platforms using the hashtag #ShareTheLight, which is understood to be what the infinity symbol of lights in the sky across Merseyside is in relation to. The building is being officially reopened on the morning of Thursday, December 12 at a civic event, which will include members of the local community, schoolchildren, first responders and political leaders. There will also be contributions from poet Levi Tafari and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Following the event, the venue will welcome the public from 12.30pm. Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “The torching of Spellow Library and Community Hub affected not just the local community, but also people across the country. The #ShareTheLight moment on Wednesday evening is an opportunity to show that hate will never win in our communities. “Spellow Library and Community Hub’s rebirth is testament to the spirit not only of this City, but to the people across the country and beyond who reached out in support. I know that the library staff can’t wait to welcome back the local community and show them the work that has been done to restore this valuable resource. “The reopening of Spellow Library Hub marks the start of a new beginning for Walton, which we will be saying more about in the coming weeks and months.” Following the reopening, there will be a weekend of family Christmas events on Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December, which the local community are welcome to attend. More information is available by searching for Spellow Library here .Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. University trustees approved terms of a five-year deal for him Thursday morning before he held his introductory news conference on campus. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15-year deal NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto will be introduced by the New York Mets at Citi Field, a day after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized. Soto chose the Mets’ offer on Sunday, deciding to leave the Yankees after helping them reach the World Series in his only season in the Bronx. The 26-year-old’s contract value eclipsed Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Its length topped Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year agreement with San Diego that runs through 2034. Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Chelsea teenager Marc Guiu scores twice in 3-1 win over Astana in Conference League A youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the UEFA Conference League. Eighteen-year-old Marc Guiu struck twice within five minutes early in the first half in freezing conditions in the Kazakh capital. Renato Veiga, who is 21, headed home the third off a corner. Chelsea has 15 points atop the standings of the third-tier competition with one more game to play in the league phase. More games including those in the second-tier Europa League were scheduled later Thursday. Among them unbeaten Manchester United is at Viktoria Plzen while Rangers host Tottenham. Raiders player Charles Snowden facing misdemeanor DUI charge after Las Vegas arrest LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders football player Charles Snowden was arrested in Las Vegas on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence and released from custody. The NFL, the Raiders and Snowden’s attorneys acknowledged Thursday the 26-year-old first-year defensive end was arrested early Tuesday. He faces a scheduled court date in April. It’s not clear yet whether the arrest will affect Snowden’s status with the team. He has played every game this season, and the Raiders' next game is at home on Monday. Commissioner Roger Goodell can impose a three-game suspension without pay for a first violation of the league's alcohol abuse policy.This week’s episode explores how resilience and innovation help Japan face growing environmental challenges. In Japan’s Hokuriku region, the scars of recent natural disasters serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of those who endure it. Ishikawa Prefecture’s Wajima City, still reeling from the devastating Noto earthquake earlier this year, is hit by torrential rains that overwhelm the region. In just 24 hours, over 400 millimetres of rain fall, causing rivers to overflow and submerging parts of the city in a muddy torrent. “The river is overflowing due to the heaviest rain ever recorded,” observes the narrator as scenes of destruction unfold. For the residents of Wajima, this flood is not just another disaster—it is a cruel sequel to an already devastating earthquake. Homes, businesses, and lives are thrown into disarray as the community grapples with the aftermath of what locals call a "double disaster." The destruction is palpable in the voices of those affected. One resident remarks, “It was like a river... we were immersed up to the waist.” Amidst the wreckage stands Yuko Oomukai, a Wajima lacquerware artisan, who sifts through flood-damaged tools and inventory. Wajima lacquerware, a traditional craft emblematic of the region’s cultural heritage, lies soaked in water and coated with mud. Oomukai recalls how the New Year’s earthquake had already destroyed her workplace. “We used this place to store everything, but it was damaged by the water, so we are getting them out again,” she explains, frustration and determination blending in her voice. The disaster has shaken not only businesses, but also the sense of stability among the residents. Shinsuke Gushima, a Shinkin bank worker and lifelong resident of Wajima, embodies the community’s determination to rebuild. Visiting flood-hit businesses daily, he listens to their stories and offers support wherever possible. For some, the challenges are overwhelming. One business owner confesses, “I thought I couldn’t take this anymore,” as he surveys the damage to his shop. Despite the hardship, Gushima is undeterred, seeing his role as integral to the recovery effort. At the heart of the devastation is Takashi Mitsuji, who owns a packaging materials shop that has been severely impacted. As workers clear mud and debris from his warehouse, Mitsuji laments the losses. “The chunks of wood amount to around seven million yen (S$61,000),” he reveals. The financial strain is immense, but the sight of neighbours and volunteers rallying together to restore what can be saved underscores a community united in resilience. In the wake of such disasters, innovative solutions emerge as a beacon of hope. Among these is Mr Waterstopper, a device designed to replace traditional sandbags in flood prevention. Invented by 45-year-old Shunichi Koyama and developed by Nagoya-based Inaki Rubbers, the water stopper effectively blocks water up to 30 centimetres high and is gaining traction across Japan. “The amount of leaked water is one-fortieth compared to sandbags,” explains Koyama. Scenes of its installation in factories, shops, and residential areas illustrate its practicality and effectiveness. “It’s quite light and flexible,” remarks one user, highlighting its adaptability for various settings. While communities work to prevent future damage, others focus on immediate rescue efforts. Ko Sasaki, 67, a self-taught inventor, is one such individual. Sasaki’s mission began after losing a friend in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and resulting tsunami. Driven by this loss, he developed airboats specifically designed for rescue operations which has since been adopted by the Tokyo Fire Department and the Rapid Response Unit. These boats proved their worth during the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis floods and were deployed again during the recent rains in Yamagata Prefecture. However, the size and weight of Sasaki’s airboats weighing in at 1.3 tons, limit their use in mountainous areas. Recognising this, Sasaki begins developing a smaller, more portable airboat. His latest design, which is powered by an engine he calls Air Strider, weighs only 70 kilograms a significant reduction, making it easier to transport and deploy. “Floods will occur again, anywhere, right? I want this to be used by municipalities, one by one,” Sasaki shares, expressing his vision for a more prepared and responsive future. The increasing frequency and severity of such natural disasters raise questions about preparedness and adaptation. Since 2013, flood-related damages across Japan have exceeded seven trillion yen, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and innovative technologies. In Wajima, where over half the businesses remain closed, the challenges of recovery are immense, yet the spirit of its people remains unbroken. Amid the devastation, there are moments of profound human connection and strength such as when Shinkin bank employees work tirelessly alongside Wajima residents, clearing debris and offering support. One resident expresses their appreciation: “They’re truly here for us. I can only feel gratitude.” These acts of solidarity remind us that even in the darkest times, the light of communal resilience shines through.
Off the couch and into the fireThe NBA on Saturday suspended three players for their roles in an on-court clash during Friday's game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns. Dallas forward Naji Marshall was suspended for four games and Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three while Mavericks forward P.J Washington will sit out one game. The incident came with 9:02 remaining in the third quarter when Nurkic committed on offensive foul on Dallas's Daniel Gifford. "Marshall and Nurkic then engaged in an on-court altercation. Nurkic escalated it by swinging his arm and striking Marshall on top of his head. Marshall responded by throwing a punch that connected with Nurkic's face," the NBA said in a statement. "As the officials and other players attempted to diffuse the situation, Washington further escalated the altercation by shoving Nurkic to the floor. For their roles, Marshall, Nurkic and Washington were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game," the league added. Marshall late confronted Nurkic near the locker rooms, in a "hostile manner" according to the NBA. The NBA said the players will not be paid during their suspension periods. sev/bb
PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE: FSK) today announced that it has completed its previously announced offering of an additional $100 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% notes due 2030 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be a further issuance of, and form a single series with, the $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Notes due 2030 that FSK issued on November 20, 2024 , increasing the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the series to $700 million . BofA Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., and Truist Securities, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for this offering. FSK intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, including potentially repaying outstanding indebtedness under credit facilities and certain notes. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About FS KKR Capital Corp. FSK is a leading publicly traded business development company (BDC) focused on providing customized credit solutions to private middle market U.S. companies. FSK seeks to invest primarily in the senior secured debt and, to a lesser extent, the subordinated debt of private middle market companies. FSK is advised by FS/KKR Advisor, LLC. About FS/KKR Advisor, LLC FS/KKR Advisor, LLC (FS/KKR) is a partnership between FS Investments and KKR Credit that serves as the investment adviser to FSK and other business development companies. FS Investments is a global alternative asset manager dedicated to delivering superior performance and innovative investment and capital solutions. The firm manages over $83 billion in assets for a wide range of clients, including institutional investors, financial professionals and individual investors. FS Investments provides access to a broad suite of alternative asset classes and strategies through its best-in-class investment teams and partners. With its diversified platform and flexible capital solutions, the firm is a valued partner to general partners, asset owners and portfolio companies. FS Investments is grounded in its high-performance culture and guided by its commitment to building value for its clients, investing in its colleagues and giving back to its communities. The firm has more than 500 employees across offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia and is headquartered in Philadelphia . KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. Forward-Looking Statements and Important Disclosure Notice This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to future events or future performance or operations of FSK. Words such as "believes," "expects," "projects," and "future" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the economy, risks associated with possible disruption in FSK's operations or the economy generally due to terrorism, geo-political risks, natural disasters or pandemics such as COVID-19, future changes in laws or regulations and conditions in FSK's operating area and the price at which shares of FSK's common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Some of these factors are enumerated in the filings FSK makes with the SEC. FSK undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information: Investor Relations Contact Anna Kleinhenn Anna.Kleinhenn@fsinvestments.com FS Investments Media Team Melanie Hemmert Melanie.Hemmert@fsinvestments.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fsk-completes-public-offering-of-100-million-6-125-unsecured-notes-due-2030--302339667.html SOURCE FS Investments‘Pet Pals TV’: Meeting the new first dog of IndianaUnited Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images/File via CNN Newsource The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling.None
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Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured third place in the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year 2024 award. However, her inclusion has reignited controversy surrounding her Olympic achievements. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova expressed disbelief over Khelif's recognition, questioning the decision publicly. Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics, but her victory was overshadowed by claims that she is biologically male. In her first Olympic match, Khelif defeated Italy's Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, a stunning performance that attracted criticism. Legal battles followed after leaked medical reports alleged Khelif had XY chromosomes. Khelif has consistently denied the allegations and filed complaints over harassment. Navratilova's reaction on social media was swift. She tweeted "Wtaf???" and followed it up with, "It literally says FEMALE athlete..." The remarks reignited online debates about gender and sports. A social media user argued that feminism should protect women's rights and questioned why many women support men "taking away jobs" from females. Navratilova responded, clarifying that women did not set Olympic rules. She tweeted, "Women didn't vote for Imane. Women did not make the rules that the IOC used to allow Imane to box even though Imane twice failed a sex test. Stop blaming women for this travesty." One user challenged Navratilova's stance, insisting Khelif is a biological female with medical evidence to prove it, including childhood photos. The user accused Navratilova of promoting bigotry against women who appear "too manly." Navratilova fired back, explaining that the controversy isn't about being transgender. She referenced Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) and high testosterone levels in Khelif's medical records, stating, "Imane failed two sex tests. Imane's testosterone is at male levels. Only males can have it that high. Check the facts and then speak." The discussion also touched on other athletes like French tennis player Amélie Mauresmo and American basketball player Brittney Griner, both known for their athletic builds. Navratilova dismissed the comparison, urging critics to understand the nuances of DSD. Khelif has remained largely silent about the ongoing debate, focusing instead on her legal defense. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to comment further on the allegations or review its policies regarding athlete eligibility. Navratilova, a vocal advocate for women's rights in sports, retired in 2006 after a legendary tennis career. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 doubles titles, and 10 mixed doubles titles, solidifying her as one of the sport's greatest players. The controversy around Khelif highlights ongoing challenges in balancing inclusivity and fairness in sports. As debates persist, the issue remains a flashpoint in global discussions about gender and competition.
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Secretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”Thousands attend funeral of Afghan ministerPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. “Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” lawyer Jason Bologna said in a statement. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.” Miller, a three-year starter from South Philadelphia, transferred to Virginia Tech this spring. However, the Hokies released him last month due to what the program called “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.” Bologna declined to confirm that a federal investigation had been opened, as did spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that authorities were investigating whether Miller bet on games he played in at Temple, and whether he adjusted his performance accordingly. “Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead," Bologna said. Miller scored eight points — about half his season average of 15.9 — in a 100-72 loss to UAB on March 7 that was later flagged for unusual betting activity. Temple said it has been aware of those allegations since they became public in March, and has been cooperative. “We have been fully responsive and cooperative with the NCAA since the moment we learned of the investigation,” Temple President John Fry said in a letter Thursday to the school community. However, Fry said Temple had not received any requests for information from state or federal law enforcement agencies. He vowed to cooperate fully if they did. “Coaches, student-athletes and staff members receive mandatory training on NCAA rules and regulations, including prohibitions on involvement in sports wagering," Fry said in the letter. The same week the Temple-UAB game raised concerns, Loyola (Maryland) said it had removed a person from its basketball program after it became aware of a gambling violation. Temple played UAB again on March 17, losing 85-69 in the finals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. League spokesman Tom Fenstermaker also declined comment on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s recent dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his visit to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral were not just exercises in policy and diplomacy. They were also prime trolling opportunities for Trump. Throughout his first term in the White House and during his campaign to return, Trump has spun out countless provocative, antagonizing and mocking statements. There were his belittling nicknames for political opponents, his impressions of other political figures and the plentiful memes he shared on social media. Now that's he's preparing to return to the Oval Office, Trump is back at it, and his trolling is attracting more attention — and eyerolls. On Sunday, Trump turned a photo of himself seated near a smiling first lady Jill Biden at the Notre Dame ceremony into a social media promo for his new perfume and cologne line, with the tag line, “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!” The first lady’s office declined to comment. When Trudeau hastily flew to Florida to meet with Trump last month over the president-elect's threat to impose a 25% tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S., the Republican tossed out the idea that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. The Canadians passed off the comment as a joke, but Trump has continued to play up the dig, including in a post Tuesday morning on his social media network referring to the prime minister as “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada.” After decades as an entertainer and tabloid fixture, Trump has a flair for the provocative that is aimed at attracting attention and, in his most recent incarnation as a politician, mobilizing fans. He has long relished poking at his opponents, both to demean and minimize them and to delight supporters who share his irreverent comments and posts widely online and cheer for them in person. Trump, to the joy of his fans, first publicly needled Canada on his social media network a week ago when he posted an AI-generated image that showed him standing on a mountain with a Canadian flag next to him and the caption “Oh Canada!” After his latest post, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Tuesday: “It sounds like we’re living in a episode of South Park." Trudeau said earlier this week that when it comes to Trump, “his approach will often be to challenge people, to destabilize a negotiating partner, to offer uncertainty and even sometimes a bit of chaos into the well established hallways of democracies and institutions and one of the most important things for us to do is not to freak out, not to panic.” Even Thanksgiving dinner isn't a trolling-free zone for Trump's adversaries. On Thanksgiving Day, Trump posted a movie clip from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with President Joe Biden and other Democrats’ faces superimposed on the characters in a spoof of the turkey-carving scene. The video shows Trump appearing to explode out of the turkey in a swirl of purple sparks, with the former president stiffly dancing to one of his favorite songs, Village People’s “Y.M.C.A." In his most recent presidential campaign, Trump mocked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, refusing to call his GOP primary opponent by his real name and instead dubbing him “Ron DeSanctimonious.” He added, for good measure, in a post on his Truth Social network: “I will never call Ron DeSanctimonious ‘Meatball’ Ron, as the Fake News is insisting I will.” As he campaigned against Biden, Trump taunted him in online posts and with comments and impressions at his rallies, deriding the president over his intellect, his walk, his golf game and even his beach body. After Vice President Kamala Harris took over Biden's spot as the Democratic nominee, Trump repeatedly suggested she never worked at McDonalds while in college. Trump, true to form, turned his mocking into a spectacle by appearing at a Pennsylvania McDonalds in October, when he manned the fries station and held an impromptu news conference from the restaurant drive-thru. Trump’s team thinks people should get a sense of humor. “President Trump is a master at messaging and he’s always relatable to the average person, whereas many media members take themselves too seriously and have no concept of anything else other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “President Trump will Make America Great Again and we are getting back to a sense of optimism after a tumultuous four years.” Though both the Biden and Harris campaigns created and shared memes and launched other stunts to respond to Trump's taunts, so far America’s neighbors to the north are not taking the bait. “I don’t think we should necessarily look on Truth Social for public policy,” Miller said. Gerald Butts, a former top adviser to Trudeau and a close friend, said Trump brought up the 51st state line to Trudeau repeatedly during Trump’s first term in office. “Oh God,” Butts said Tuesday, “At least a half dozen times.” “This is who he is and what he does. He’s trying to destabilize everybody and make people anxious,” Butts said. “He’s trying to get people on the defensive and anxious and therefore willing to do things they wouldn’t otherwise entertain if they had their wits about them. I don’t know why anybody is surprised by it.” Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.The Latest: UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect contests his extradition back to New York
United Airlines travelers with lost luggage have a new tool to track their bags. If the lost bag has an Apple AirTag in it, that information can now be passed directly to United, the airline announced Thursday. The new feature, called Share Item Location, allows travelers with an AirTag or other Find My network accessory to share the location with the airline’s customer service team to help locate their luggage in the event it’s misplaced. United says more than 99% of its customers pick up their luggage without a hitch. Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images/File via CNN Newsource The feature is now available with iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2. “Apple’s new Share Item Location feature will help customers travel with even more confidence, knowing they have another way to access their bag’s precise location with AirTag or their Find My accessory of choice,” said David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer. Travelers on United whose bags do not arrive at their destination can file a delayed baggage report with United and share the link to the item’s location either through the United app or via text message. After the report has been submitted, customer service agents will be able to locate the item on an interactive map alongside a timestamp of a recent update. The shared location will be disabled after a customer has the bag, and customers can also stop sharing the location of the item at any time on their own. The location link will also automatically expire after seven days. Using AirTags or other tracking devices on luggage is increasingly popular among frequent travelers, with a significant boom following the 2022 Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown , which displaced thousands of travelers over Christmas and into 2023, alongside much of their belongings. United says lost bags are rare, with more than 99% of its customers arriving with their bags. It says the new technology will help those with lost bags to recover them more quickly because the airline will have more information about them. Apple previously announced the new service will also be integrated at other air carriers, including Delta Air Lines. Others include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling.United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock above expectations (-1.3M) in December 6: Actual (0.499M)Sources: Yanks get Fried for $218M, record for LHP
Moment Dog Reunites With Previous Foster Parent: 'Big Feels'Off the couch and into the fire