fishing simulator script

fishing simulator script Wednesday, December 25, 2024 South Australia is bracing for a sweltering Christmas with temperatures soaring and strong winds increasing the risk of bushfires across the state. The extreme heatwave poses significant challenges for holiday travel and necessitates heightened awareness for both residents and visitors. Adelaide, the state’s capital, is forecast to experience its hottest Christmas Day in eight years, with temperatures expected to reach a scorching 37 degrees Celsius. In some parts of the state’s south, temperatures are predicted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, creating a significant fire danger. The heatwave will be compounded by strong winds on Boxing Day, with gusts of between 50 and 80 kilometers per hour expected across the region. These strong winds will significantly elevate the fire danger, creating a heightened risk of bushfires spreading rapidly. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the extreme weather conditions, stating that Christmas Day would be “a belter” in terms of heat. This acknowledgment underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for heightened vigilance from residents and visitors alike. Impact on Travel The extreme heat and bushfire danger are likely to have a significant impact on holiday travel within South Australia. Travel Advisories and Warnings Travel Industry Response The travel industry in South Australia is likely to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat and bushfire danger. Conclusion The extreme heat and bushfire danger facing South Australia this Christmas season pose significant challenges for travelers. By staying informed, planning accordingly, and taking necessary precautions, travelers can minimize the impact of these weather events and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience. It is crucial for travelers to prioritize safety and be mindful of the potential risks associated with extreme heat and bushfires. By working together with local authorities and the travel industry, South Australia can effectively navigate these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .Win vs. Carolina a display of how potent the Bucs offense can be

At least one Israeli airstrike shook the Lebanese capital of Beirut late Tuesday, moments after U.S. President Joe Biden said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to ceasefire deal . At least 24 people have been killed in strikes across Lebanon, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, a day after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, in support of the Palestinian militant group. More than a year of fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Here's the Latest: JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect. Netanyahu’s office said the plan was approved by a 10-1 margin. The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announced details of the deal in Washington. Earlier, Netanyahu defended the ceasefire, saying Israel has inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah and could now focus its efforts on Hamas militants in Gaza and his top security concern, Iran. Netanyahu vowed to strike Hezbollah hard if it violates the expected deal. WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)NoneAustralian voters have judged Jacqui Lambie to be the nation’s most likeable federal politician, backing the Tasmanian senator ahead of major party leaders in an exclusive new survey. Lambie, an outspoken independent who often rails against the major parties, has a net likeability rating of 14 per cent and is considered one of the most recognisable people in politics. Ups and downs: Lidia Thorpe (left), Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Jacqui Lambie and Barnaby Joyce. Credit: Michael Howard But voters have ranked Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe as the least likeable in federal politics, giving her a net rating of minus 41 per cent after her protest in Parliament House during the visit of King Charles in October. Thorpe, the Indigenous firebrand who quit the Greens in early 2023 and now sits on the crossbench, has seen her rating deteriorate from minus 29 per cent one year ago. The survey, conducted for this masthead by research company Resolve Strategic, is based on questions to 1606 voters nationwide about whether they have heard of a politician and whether they have a positive, neutral, or negative view of that person. “The most striking feature of this analysis is that there is only one politician with double-digit positive net likeability,” Resolve director Jim Reed said. “There’s nobody to follow, or who inspires or gives hope right now.” Nationals senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has emerged as the second most likeable leader, with a net rating of 8 per cent, reflecting her prominence as the Coalition’s key opponent of the Indigenous Voice in last year’s referendum.

HAMISH MCRAE: Investors should expect some big bumps in 2025 By HAMISH MCRAE Updated: 21:50 GMT, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments So will 2025 be any better? The past year has been disappointing for most of British business, for UK investors – unless they have a large chunk of their money in the US – and for those of us who predicted better times a year ago. We start from an uncomfortable position. It has been a year of two halves, the first showing decent growth and the second very little at all. The third quarter was flat, and early reports from retailers about November and December suggest that if anything, things have got worse. My own predictions a year ago that the FTSE 100 index would rise to 8,500 and the pound to $1.40 looked all right during the year, with the Footsie topping 8,474 in inter-day trading in May and the pound reaching more than $1.34 at the end of September. But they look hopeless now. My other predictions have proven even worse. The market value of Apple, instead of falling back below $3 trillion, has shot up to nearly $4 trillion. The yield on 10-year gilts, far from staying at around 3.5 per cent, is now more than 4.6 per cent. And as for my expectation that the value of Bitcoin would collapse to below $20,000 – well, it topped $106,000 a few days ago. The only thing that I got more or less right was that UK house prices would rise by 5 per cent. Halifax calculates they were up 4.8 per cent in November and the trend has been rising, so when we get the December numbers, we should be there. So what went wrong? The easy answer is that the new government has been much less competent than we could reasonably have expected, saying the economy was in a mess when actually it was growing very well, and then clobbering it with that dreadful Budget. As a result, the reassessment of the UK as a good place to invest hasn't happened; indeed quite the reverse. Troubled times: The new government has been much less competent than we could reasonably have expected But it's not just our politics. Inflation did come down, but now it is rising again. That is pushing up long-term interest rates and will damage growth this year. The big economies on the Continent – Germany and France – are in trouble. And the huge boom in the US has got new legs from Donald Trump's election victory. Why keep your money in gloomy Britain when you can get a much better return in buoyant America? Let's look forward. Anyone peering into 2025 has to try to answer two questions. One is, will the UK avoid recession? The other is, when and how will the US boom end? The official view is that UK growth won't be too bad. The Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund both expect it to be around 1.5 per cent, and the Office for Budget Responsibility thinks it will be 2 per cent. Well, maybe they are right, but it's hard to square this relative optimism with what most businesses are saying. For example, the Confederation of British Industry's industrial trends survey showed that manufacturing orders are at their lowest since the Covid pandemic. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Brace for rougher times ahead - and hearing a lot more about... Will the UK stock market be the one to back in 2025? Shares... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account What we really don't know is how small and medium-sized enterprises will react to the rise in employer National Insurance Contributions, which will hit in April. These firms employ nearly 17 million people, some 60 per cent of the workforce. Will they increase prices? Yes, of course. Cut staff? Some will, but we don't know how many. It's odd. We hear so much about big companies, the ones whose people get invited to talk to ministers, but very little about small ones – which in aggregate matter vastly more. If there's going to be a recession, they will be in the front line fighting it off. The other great imponderable will be what happens in America. We know that the market boom has to end. It is already taken on that heady, frothy, over-the-top feeling. But we can't see when or how that will happen. Nor, even more importantly, how a market correction – or crash – will affect the real economy. Long-term, the US will surely dominate the world economy to an even greater extent than now. Short-term, I'm worried. So, a hope. It is that the US will have a calm and measured end to its boom. If it does that, the rest of us will scramble through the coming year in an OK shape. If not, there are big bumps ahead. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: HAMISH MCRAE: Investors should expect some big bumps in 2025 e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Cadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred StockShares of Rover Group, Inc. ( OTCMKTS:NEBCU – Get Free Report ) rose 6.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $11.00 and last traded at $11.00. Approximately 2,900 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 118,677 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.37. Rover Group Price Performance The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.00 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.00. About Rover Group ( Get Free Report ) Nebula Caravel Acquisition Corp. does not have significant operations. It intends to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or related business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is based in San Francisco, California. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Rover Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rover Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

“In 1923, President lit the first National Christmas Tree. Later that night, African American community centers held an outdoor worship service on these grounds. And during that service, the Washington Monument was illuminated with a beautiful cross, a powerful reminder of the meaning of ,” then-President said at the tree-lighting ceremony near the Washington Monument on Dec. 5, 2019. “More than 2,000 years ago, a brilliant star shone in the East. Wise men traveled far, far afield. I mean, they were a long distance away. And they came and they stood with us under the star, where they found the Holy Family in Bethlehem,” Mr. Trump said. “As the Bible tells us, when the Wise Men had come into the house, they saw the young child with , his mother, and fell down and worshipped him. Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity. inspires us to love one another with hearts full of generosity and grace,” the 45th president said. “And at , we remember this eternal truth: Every person is a beloved child of God. As one grateful nation, we praise the joy of family, the blessings of freedom, and the miracle of ,” Mr. Trump noted in closing. did not shy away from his faith while in office. Here’s his message on December 23, 1987: “What with the sights of brilliantly decorated trees, the sounds of familiar hymns and songs, and tastes of fresh-baked cookies and other treats, and above all the long-anticipated visit from , for children is a time unlike any other,” the 40th president said in a radio address. “That is true for grownups as well, of course; the joy and meaning of only deepen as we grow older. We still find pleasure in exchanging greetings and gifts, and we still delight in the warm and colorful images of the holiday. But we perceive ever more clearly, as did Scrooge, that the true beauty and wonder of the season lie in the spirit of giving of ourselves for others — the message of the Prince of Peace whose birth we celebrate. At Christmastime we accompany shepherds and Wise Men to the stable as of old, where we relearn the timeless and priceless lessons of love, humility and sacrifice, where we see the spirit as God’s love flowing through so many people all at once,” Reagan continued. “This spirit of love, as simple as a spoken greeting and as profound as a changed heart, seems so full that it ceaselessly looks for ways to express its power. We respond to it best when we share it with family, friend or stranger -— when we recognize that, under the sheltering evergreen branches of God’s love, all are family and no one is a stranger. When we do these things, when we visit the lonely or help those in need, when a family is reconciled, is real and present, and that is truly what makes it the most wonderful time of the year. I pray that peace and joy will reign in every home and every heart during this holy season. Merry , and may God’s blessing be upon us all,” Reagan said in closing. A new survey from Marist College has revealed time preferences. It found that 75% of U.S. adults would rather stay home than travel during the busy holiday season. That includes 78% of Republicans, 79% of independents and 70% of Democrats. The survey also found that 50% would prefer to receive one big gift during the holiday season.; 51% of Republicans, 52% of independents and 50% of Democrats agree. Opinions vary, however. The poll found that 48% of us would prefer to receive 10 small holiday gifts rather than a big bodacious present. That includes 48% of Republicans, 46% of independents and 49% of Democrats agree. The Marist College Poll of 3,131 U.S. adults was conducted by telephone and online Dec. 3-5. Mount Vernon — the ancestral home of on the verdant banks of the Potomac River — maintains a sizable collection of authentic recipes from earlier eras. “Learn to make historic cocktails enjoyed by George Washington and his contemporaries as well as explore his favorite beer and wine selections. Alcohol and drinking were common features of everyday life for ordinary Americans in the eighteenth century. General Washington was not against enjoying a drink himself, serving libations to his frequent guests, or even supplying alcohol for political purposes,” advises a simple tutorial at Mount Vernon’s website. “Alcohol and drinking were common features of everyday life for ordinary Americans in the eighteenth century. General Washington was not against enjoying a drink himself, serving libations to his frequent guests, or even supplying alcohol for political purposes,” the tutorial says. The website offers recipes for libations of the era — Cherry Bounce, Philadelphia Fish House Punch and Syllabub, among them. So here’s the Fish House Punch recipe, verbatim from the source: • 1/2 cup superfine sugar • Water • 2 quarts light rum; or 1 quart light and 1 quart dark rum • 1 quart brandy • 3/4 cup peach brandy or cordial • 2 1/2 cups lemon juice Directions: Mix together sugar and a little water. Add remaining ingredients. Fish House Punch should sit for at least 2 hours before serving. Serves 16. • 73% resolve to drink more water in the new year; 73% resolve to “eat healthier.” • 71% resolve to exercise more; 69% to get more sleep. • 67% resolve to express more gratitude, 60% resolve to have a better work/life balance. • 53% resolve to lose weight; 39% to drink less alcohol. • 37% resolve to reduce their carbon footprint; 30% to start or continue mental therapy. • 20% resolve to participate in an alcohol-free “Dry January.” SOURCE: An Ipsos Consumer Tracker poll of 1,085 U.S. adults conducted online Dec. 10-11. People could pick multiple resolutions. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. .None

New California laws to watch for in 2025BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Several nights ago, I had the most curious dream – where the curious part did not have much to do with the surreal imagery that most dreams are usually made up of. Instead, the thought process of my dream’s main protagonist: yours truly, was what was intriguing. It was one of those dreams that keep sliding between being regular to nightmarish, from the normal to becoming riddled with anxious images and emotions. But the bit I most clearly remember about the dream is me walking to work on a Saturday morning, with a friend of mine (who passed away in 2008). In the dream, I’m in a plain t-shirt and jeans, feeling like I used to in my 20s: ambitious and motivated – but without that stoic post-40 calm. Because, obviously. I often dream about this friend; she and I were extremely close. Perhaps my mind has yet to accept her passing away. Nevertheless, in the dream we cross a busy area full of traffic and shops, and where lots of construction work is taking place. We reach my office block; my friend's office is another ten minutes away. And on our way, I realise I am carrying a black backpack. This is strange because I have always hated backpacks. Even when I am travelling and am walking for hours, I refuse to carry one. So, I wonder what the backpack represented in my dream? A burden? A worrying thought? At that point in time, I did not know. Bidding goodbye to my friend, and as I walk towards my office I come across a huge mound of rubble near a construction site. The sight saddens me because (in my dream) the rubble is of a shopping mall that has been torn down. People often go about their daily lives with thoughts and behavioural patterns that are unconsciously driven by the constant fear of indiscriminate violence As I walk towards my office, I decide to get a quick snack at the dhaaba outside my office. Given that there are no other dhaabas in this vicinity, it tends to get very crowded, very quickly. So, what should it be? Samosa? Biscuits? Or roti, saalan? I eye someone starting up a barbeque dishes. And as I move towards it, I suddenly realise that I do not have my backpack hanging from my shoulders anymore. Calligraphy Comeback: From Mosques To Modern Art Galleries I panic. Being chronically absent-minded with several thousand tabs simultaneously open in my mind, it’s the kind of rapid, quiet and non-vocal panic I feel when I forget my wallet, mobile phone, keys or whatever. This usually happens in situations where my mind is focused on thoughts that "come off" as more overwhelming and occupying than others; and these thoughts are rather trivial matters – if I may say so, myself. In my dream, struck by the sudden realisation that I had misplaced my backpack, I quickly turn around and swiftly retrace and backtrack the path I had taken. On my way back, I remember that I had put my backpack near the rubble (while mourning the demolished shopping mall). As I urgently walk back towards the rubble, I am completely convinced that in such a congested area, someone must have already run away with the bag. Now, here comes the most intriguing part of the dream: To counter the thought of someone running away with my mistakenly abandoned backpack, I begin to hope and pray that nobody would have gone near it, assuming it to be a suspicious, unattended backpack, containing a pretimed explosive device. In a sense, I was counting on the fear of getting caught up in an indiscriminating, mass act of violence to become a deterrent of sorts, stopping someone from picking up my backpack. I reach the area and there it was, sitting under the ugly shadow of the rubble. But near my bag, stood a woman in a white kurta shalwar, dupatta, attar , tasbih and all. She sees me approaching the bag and just as I am about to pick it up, she tells me: “Iss mein toh sirf kitaben hain,” (But there are just books in it). She sounds almost disappointed and that is exactly when and where I woke up. The waking up bit had not left the dream midway – as though, stranded like a nerve-wrecking cliff-hanger; hence, there was no lingering anxiety at my end. In having found my backpack, the dream seemed to have resolved whatever apprehension that I might have been feeling before I went to sleep. Navigating Commercial Criticism: How China Responds To Allegations Of Technological Theft And Dumping Question, though. Why and how would my mind use one fear as a tool to reason out and offset another fear? Meaning: in my dream I hoped that the fear of mass destruction would deter someone from committing a petty theft. Was this how my mind was dealing with the anxiety of losing something that I was afraid of losing — using the thought of one kind of fear to negate the thought of another? But who was the woman? She must have checked my backpack to know that there were "just" books in it. Was she a potential thief, who was obviously not afraid of approaching an unattended backpack lying atop a heap of rubble in a congested area of the city? Or alternatively, she was the manifestation of what my mind was attempting: using one fear to curb the anxiety from another fear. Thought: Is that how people exist now – their survival depending upon how we navigate through various sets of fears? But maybe this dream was a way for my subconscious mind to connect to what my conscious mind often thinks about. Something like: what makes people repress the fear of bad stuff (street crime, gun violence, natural disasters, abuse) with a kind of reasoning that sees these things as stuff that happens to other people; or as something that has a solid justification behind its devastating intent. What intrigued me most, though, was how in my dream a global reality (terrorism) became linked to a personal issue – somewhat trivial, at best. The conclusion then being that things like extremist violence and terror is an extended area of our immediate concerns. And people often go about their daily lives with thoughts and behavioural patterns that are unconsciously driven by the constant fear of indiscriminate violence. Which should also explain why we say what we say.

Writer in chief: Jimmy Carter penned 32 booksCadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

Two organizations in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that help people transform their lives through meaningful work say the need for their services is greater than ever this year. Matthew Smedley, executive director and CEO of Mission Possible told Global News that they have seen more than two-and-a-half times the number of people signing up for their programs this year compared to last. “One of the trends that we’re seeing is more and more people from outside the Downtown Eastside coming to this community, seeking support and opportunities,” he said. “We’ve seen 136-per cent increase in folks coming in. And we really are looking for other municipalities to recognize that individuals are struggling with poverty, struggling with a lack of opportunities in their communities. ” Smedley said they want to see other cities around Vancouver step up and help. “I think what we’re seeing is just, we’re seeing growing need throughout the Lower Mainland,” he added. “You know, cost of housing, cost of food, everything is increasing. And those who have the least, who are closest to just making it every month, are the ones who are most impacted.” Smedley said they are seeing more people who live in surrounding communities end up in the same situation they see among the residents of the Downtown Eastside, but the services in those outer communities are unavailable. “So folks are actually coming here seeking ways to get support, ways to find jobs, ways to, you know, access what they need to be able to re-enter work,” he added. Smedley said the increased need is putting a strain on their resources and they need more donations and support to expand and help as many people as they can. “We’re looking for donors who can fund the employment readiness program that we run, (and) be able to provide training,” he said. “It provides coaching, it provides food, it provides access to housing, all kinds of things for folks. And then we also partner with folks who want to be customers who can provide work for our social enterprises to come, provide extra property cleaning services, litter, pick-up, those kinds of things. “And we’re also looking for employers who are willing to hire our graduates. So someone who’s coming in looking for that start is working with us, getting training, and then they’re looking for that next opportunity. We’ve got a whole pool of fantastic candidates for employers to be able to hire.” Smedley said that one of the biggest issues people face is an opportunity to get started. “People who’ve been out of work for a lot of years just have big gaps in their resumes,” he said. “That sets them back in pretty significant ways. And so having a place to get some training, get some support and get some recent work experience and be able to transition into employment outside of our organization is really critical.” Sarah Beley, the executive director of Working Gear, told Global News that in the last two years, they have increased services from 1,200 people to 2,000 people with the majority coming from outside Vancouver. “They’re coming from Surrey. They’re coming from Burnaby. And the ones that are coming from Vancouver don’t reside in the Downtown Eastside,” she said. “So I think that’s a bit of a misconception.” Beley said that because they are located in the Downtown Eastside, people think they only help people in that community but that is not the case. She said these services do not exist in other communities and that’s the problem. “We’re fortunate that we have such a rich resource of like social enterprises in the Downtown Eastside, but they don’t really exist in other municipalities. So people are travelling from Surrey or Abbotsford Chilliwack to get help that they need.”The tennis world is gearing up for the start of the 2025 season, while ATP and WTA stars took the opportunity to send their best wishes for the holiday season. Rafa Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz , Caroline Wozniacki , Daria Kasatkina , and Iga Swiatek were among those who shared their greetings. In a new Daily Dose of Social Media , we look back at the highlights from the day before the festivities. Gauff and Fritz receive warm koala welcome ahead of United Cup Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz have arrived in Australia for the upcoming United Cup and received a special gift upon landing. Both players touched down in Perth, where Team USA enters as the first seed, being the only team in the tournament with two top-5 players. The official social media accounts of the event showcased the arrival of both players at the airport, where they were welcomed with a koala plushie as a gift. The United Cup will commence its third edition on December 27, kicking off the 2025 season. The Americans face tough opponents in the group stage, starting with Canada, represented by Leylah Fernandez and Félix Auger-Aliassime. They will then conclude the group stage against Croatia, featuring Borna Coric and Donna Vekic. Team USA touch down in Perth #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/fBH1fAfbgG Draper’s GOAT pick: Djokovic tops the list, Nadal holds his heart Jack Draper recently revealed his pick for tennis's GOAT during an interview with Sky Sports. The British No. 1 considered the members of the Big-3— Roger Federer , Rafael Nadal , and Novak Djokovic —alongside 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams . "My heart is with Rafa Nadal," Draper began. "But who do I think is the best tennis player of all time..." The world No. 15 chose to place Serena Williams in a category of her own: "She’s the female GOAT, I think we can put that down. A separate one for her, because she’s incredible." Draper added: "When I was growing up, every kit, every new look was him. He was just so iconic. Obviously, being a left-hander like myself," he continued. "My heart is with Nadal, but for me, the GOAT is obviously Novak Djokovic." "My head says Novak but my heart says Rafa" Jack Draper on who the GOAT of tennis is pic.twitter.com/QktmPYRwTV Aryna Sabalenka arrives in Australia Aryna Sabalenka is already in Australia, preparing to kick off the 2025 season. The world No. 1 recently participated in the World Tennis League exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi and promptly traveled to Brisbane for the first tournament of the season, starting on 28 December. “I’m super happy to be back in Australia. It feels like home, and I’m super excited to start playing here in Brisbane,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion. “Obviously, we’re all here for one beautiful trophy, so I’ll do my best to make sure I can hold the beautiful trophy by the end of the week,” she added. “I love the atmosphere, I love the fans. I feel all the support, and that’s the best about Brisbane.” Sabalenka starts the season with significant ranking points to defend, having reached the final in Brisbane last year (losing to Elena Rybakina) and winning the Australian Open . In January alone, she must defend 2,300 points, creating urgency to deliver strong results quickly. This is especially critical as Iga Swiatek, her closest rival, does not have many points to defend in Melbourne. If the Belarusian fails to repeat her title, Swiatek has a good chance of reclaiming the No. 1 ranking. Mommy is already in Australia! pic.twitter.com/4raP3XUkUX Tennis stars spread holiday cheer: Nadal, Alcaraz, Swiatek and Wozniacki celebrate Christmas Several tennis players shared photos in the last few hours, wishing fans a Merry Christmas. Among them, Carlos Alcaraz posted photos of his gym workout as he prepares for the new season. The 21-year-old will play his first tournament at the Australian Open in mid-January, but he’s using this time to get in shape, with no breaks even during the holidays. “We keep working, happy holidays everyone,” he posted. Seguimos trabajando! Felices fiestas a todos! ❤️ Clive Brunskill pic.twitter.com/fkfynl8DB0 The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal , on the other hand, posed in front of a large Christmas tree at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The Spanish former world No. 1 retired from tennis just a month ago but has had a busy schedule. Last week, he was in Jeddah as a tennis ambassador for Saudi Arabia, participated in various activities with children, and was an honoured guest at the Next Gen ATP Finals, where Joao Fonseca defeated Learner Tien in the final. Nadal quickly returned to Spain to spend the holidays with his family and took the opportunity to visit his academy’s facilities. Una publicación compartida de Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rafanadalacademy) Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki shared a humorous Christmas post featuring her children taking a photo with Santa Claus. The Danish player balances her career with family life and has limited her schedule to just a few tournaments since her return. Her last appearance was at the US Open in early September, and she will only return to action in mid-January at the Australian Open. During the Christmas celebrations, Wozniacki shared a photo of her children, Olivia (3 years old) and James (2 years old), with Santa Claus, comparing it to a similar picture from the previous year. In both photos, Wozniacki’s son looks quite unhappy, a situation the former Australian Open champion took humorously, receiving comments from Ajla Tomljanovic and Kim Clijsters, among others. “Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Maybe next year Santa won’t seem so scary (second picture is from last year).” Una publicación compartida de Caroline Wozniacki (@carowozniacki) World No. 9 Daria Kasatkina appeared in a video under the snow with a creative light display, alongside her girlfriend, Russian figure skater Natalia Zabiiako, with whom she has been in a relationship for a couple of years. The Russian will waste no time starting her season, debuting at the Brisbane International on 28 December, where she will be the 4th seed in a demanding draw featuring eight players from the top 15. She will then compete in Adelaide a week later before heading to Melbourne, marking a very busy January for the 27-year-old player. “Merry Christmas everyone ☃️❄️,” posted Zabiiako. Merry Christmas everyone ☃️❄️ @DKasatkina pic.twitter.com/VD6kxaILVr Iga Swiatek shared a sweet photo of herself celebrating Christmas during her childhood. The Polish player is seen smiling next to Santa Claus in the picture. “Wesołych Świąt Merry Christmas ,” she posted. The world No. 2 recently arrived in Sydney to compete in the United Cup alongside Team Poland, where she will partner with Hubert Hurkacz in pursuit of the title. A year ago, they reached the final, but Hurkacz missed a match point against Zverev, ultimately costing the series in the decisive mixed doubles match. Iga Swiatek shares an adorable photo celebrating Christmas as a kid. “Merry Christmas ” Too cute. ❤️ (via Iga’s IG) pic.twitter.com/TshdqPLUSt This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.

High-ranking members of the organised crime group received sentences earlier this year - the ECHO has looked back at the gang's plot The presence of two local men charged alongside leading Kinahan Cartel gang members was the latest indication that Merseyside's underworld has connections with Ireland's. Key figures of the Kinahan Cartel - a major Irish organised crime syndicate synonymous with the supply of global drug shipments - were sentenced this year after their elaborate plot was foiled by the National Crime Agency (NCA) . The plot saw Thomas "Bomber" Kavanagh and Liam Byrne - high-ranking members of the syndicate, originally forged in Dublin but now with links around the world - plot to create a fake arms cache to weaken a sentence the former was already serving . The men, who worked in partnership with Liverpool man Shaun Kent , looked to lead the NCA to the fake weapons caches across Northern Ireland. But the plot was rumbled and Kent was arrested in Liverpool, while Byrne, who is Kavanagh's brother-in-law, was extradited from Spain. The men all admitted the offences put before them on the eve of the trial in September this year. Another Liverpool man, Daniel McLoughlin, was accused of supplying firearms to the Kinahan members but had the charges dropped against him . Kavanagh's son Jack was also charged and appeared before the courts at a later date, but was released following his sentencing due to time served on remand. Merseyside and Dublin underworlds The plot was the latest that tied together Merseyside's and Dublin's underworlds. The Kinahan Cartel is led by Christy Kinahan and his sons Daniel and Christopher Jr. The men are currently at large and are believed to be in Dubai. In April 2022, the United States State Department announced $5m rewards under the Narcotics Rewards Programme for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Kinahan family members. However, it's believed the crime syndicate for decades have been involved in significant drug trafficking, bringing huge consignments into Europe before distributing to their various partners. One of these partners is believed to have been the Huyton Firm - a leading Merseyside gang led by Vincent Coggins that was finally toppled in 2020. It's previously been reported that the Huyton Firm, based out of Stockbridge Village but who also controlled the surrounding territories of West Derby , Croxteth and Dovecot, forged links with their Irish counterparts to flood the streets of Merseyside with drugs. Much of the two organisations' work was conducted in secret, very rarely being dragged into the light. However, there have been other times when violent, bloody events involving Liverpool-born criminals have been carried out in the public's eye. Liverpool-born David Hunter was one of two men who stormed Dublin bar Sunset House and shot dead Michael Barr . Hunter, dressed in a boiler suit and wearing a Freddie Krueger-type mask, murdered Mr Barr inside the busy bar in April 2016. He was linked to the murder after police found his DNA on a mask in the back seat of the killers' getaway car. Irish media suggested that the cold-blooded murder was part of an ongoing feud between the Kinahan Cartel and their rivals the Hutch gang . The Dublin-based crime groups fell out several years ago and since then several people have been murdered in the turf war. The role played by Liverpool-born Hunter in the gangland shooting has highlighted the links between Liverpool and Irish crime gangs. In 2020 the ECHO revealed how Liverpool drug boss Liam Cornett was heavily linked to the Irish drug gang, who are also known simply as 'The Cartel'. In December 2019 Cornett was jailed for 26 years for heading up a wholesale drugs operation , flooding the UK with cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. The ECHO was told that the well-known north Liverpool criminal struck up a successful relationship with the Irish gang while in Spain, who agreed to supply him with Class A drugs. Sources previously told the ECHO 'The Cartel' supplies many of Liverpool's gangs with class A drugs due to the attractive business proposals. It was previously claimed the Irish offer a share of the profits but penalise Liverpool bosses if the drugs are seized by authorities. One of the more recent pieces of technology that would have connected criminals both in Merseyside and Ireland was the encrypted messaging platform EncroChat . However, the technology would also prove many to be their downfall after European law enforcement hacked the platform in the early months of 2020. The Huyton Firm's boss Coggins was one of dozens of Merseyside criminals entrapped by the investigations into the technology, which was used by thousands of criminals worldwide to traffic drugs and weapons. Some of those criminals included the Kavanaghs, Byrne and Kent - and like many of their counterparts, the encrypted messaging platform proved to be their downfall. Fake gun caches for a lesser sentence Kavanagh Sr is described by the NCA as a high-ranking member of the Irish network involved in drug supply, firearms and money laundering, and acted as the figurehead of the organisation in the UK. He lived with his family in a fortified mansion, complete with reinforced doors and bulletproof glass, in Tamworth in Staffordshire from where he ran his criminal empire. But in 2020 he was in custody facing a lengthy jail term for trafficking cocaine and cannabis into the UK . It was at this point he hatched a plot to fool the NCA and secure a reduced sentence so called in those loyal to him. The NCA said while on remand Kavanagh Sr "set in motion a series of events that he hoped would result in a significant discount to any sentence he was likely to get at the end of his trial". He sought the assistance of “trusted associates” Kent and Byrne , who used the EncroChat names "Gargler" and "ThaiLive", directing them via a fellow inmate in prison to purchase firearms and ammunition and bury them, so he could reveal their whereabouts to NCA investigators. Over 18 months, Kent and Byrne began contacting associates to acquire weapons and ammunition. The group amassed a haul of 11 firearms, including three Skorpion submachine guns, three Heckler and Koch, and a Uzi submachine gun and ammunition from the UK, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland . Messages recovered by the NCA revealed the nicknames they had for each other - such as "liquid Byrne" and "Gargle", while others showed the pair discussing at length how to get hold of the weapons and where to bury them. One message from Kent to Byrne showed the desperation of Kavanagh, with him saying "Try get as many of them as you can...only chance he's got on getting good result out of this case mate" . An “increasingly frustrated” Kavanagh was also pressuring associates to secure weapons by whatever method possible - and Kent had even warned Byrne that their boss would “start cracking heads” if they didn’t find them. Kavanagh had hoped the ruse would lead the NCA to commend him for helping them and look favourable to the court. Kavanagh had first approached the NCA in December 2020. He went on to claim in an interview in April 2021 that he had intelligence about an arms cache of between 10 and 20 weapons, said to have come from Holland . Through his solicitor, he provided a map with instructions and an X marking the spot in Newry, Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland, assisting the NCA operation, went to a farmer’s field where they found buried, just beneath the surface, two holdalls containing the guns and ammunition. At the time, the NCA said the guns were in good condition and ready for use. Having reviewed the EncroChat data in greater detail , the NCA concluded Kavanagh’s tip-off was a put-up job and withdrew its cooperation. The plot draws striking similarities to that of Liverpool gangster John Haase , who in 1995 was believed to be an informant of the highest quality to police and customs officials when he drip-fed information to his handlers about an "awesome array" of weapons while awaiting sentence for heroin charges. The weapons, which had in fact been planted by Haase and an associate, were used as a bargaining tool to have their sentences slashed for the heroin plot. The very judge who sent Haase down for 18 years for the heroin plot wrote a letter to the then-Tory Home Secretary recommending a royal pardon. However, Kavanagh and his associates weren't so lucky. The NCA swoop in Shaun Kent was the first man to be arrested in March 2021 - and officers at the time recovered £5,000 in cash . Kavanagh was then arrested at HMP Norwich in August 2021 and he and Kent were charged with firearms offences and perverting the course of justice in August 2023. In March 2022, Kavanagh was sentenced to 21 years in prison at Ipswich Crown Court. NCA investigators had linked Kavanagh and others to large-scale drug shipments worth around £30m at UK street value, as well as movements of cash and firearms. The NCA also pursued Byrne - but the mobster fled and a major effort was then launched to arrest him in the Alcudia area of Mallorca in June 2023 . He spent six months in prison there fighting his extradition - before being sent back to the UK and escorted by officers straight to court. After appearing before court for sentencing, Kavanagh Sr was sentenced to a further six years in prison, Byrne received five years in prison and Kent received six years in prison when they appeared in court in October. No evidence was offered against Liverpool man McLoughlin, who was arrested and charged with two counts of conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon . He however is already serving an extensive sentence for other EncroChat offences. NCA branch commander Ty Surgeon said: "At the instruction of their leader Thomas Kavanagh, Shaun Kent and Liam Byrne orchestrated a cynical and dangerous plot to plant a cache of weapons so Kavanagh could direct the NCA to them and reduce his time in prison. "These weapons were viable and deadly weapons that were in the hands of a criminal gang, loaded and ready for use in criminality. What this group didn't know is their Encrochat messages had been unveiled for law enforcement to see, showing every detail of their plan. The NCA's mission is to protect the public from serious and organised crime, and as this case shows, we will pursue every avenue, including overseas, to ensure criminals are brought to justice." The ECHO also reported that Kavanagh's on Jack - a trainee accountant - was also involved in the plot to engineer a lighter sentence for his dad . Jack Kavanagh was arrested in May 2023 at Malaga Airport by officers from the Spanish National Police while he was travelling from Dubai to Turkey. He was extradited to the UK where he pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess firearms and ammunition. He was described by Judge Philip Katz KC, who presided over all of the sentencings, as more of an “enthusiastic messenger” than an “organiser” as he sentenced him to three years and one month in prison. He appeared in the dock alongside serving inmate Peter Keating, who was jailed for four years and eight months for the same offences as well as a count of plotting to pervert the course of justice . He is expected to be returned to Ireland where he is already serving 12 years for directing a criminal organisation. He was said to have been acting under direction and was put under pressure by those higher up the chain than him. Although the sentences handed down to the conspirators demonstrate some of the most definitive action taken against members of the Kinahan Cartel, they also represent some of the lowest given to criminals convicted of an EncroChat offence. Once the time spent on remand is factored in, as well as the fact only half of the sentence will be served in prison, Byrne will only be inside a matter of months. Perhaps more worryingly for the organisation, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau confirmed earlier this year that the Kinahans are “no longer the primary organised crime group in this jurisdiction".

Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Soprano Angel Blue sings her first Metropolitan Opera 'Aida' in a new production Angel Blue, one of the most admired singers of her generation, is headlining the Metropolitan Opera’s first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. The 40-year-old takes on the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess torn between love for an Egyptian warrior and loyalty to her country. It’s a part that comes weighted with history, especially for a Black soprano at the Met, where Leontyne Price embodied the role from her first performance in 1961 until her retirement in 1985. Blue tells The Associated Press she’s long looked up to Price, and directors who have worked with her say the singer is ready for the challenge. Blue’s Met debut in ‘Aida’ will happen New Year’s Eve. Centuries-old angels uncovered at Boston church made famous by Paul Revere BOSTON (AP) — Conservators have uncovered eight angels in a historic Boston church that counted Paul Revere as a bell ringer and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The angels were painted in the early 18th century but painted over in 1912 as part of a renovation of the Old North Church. Inspired by research showing the existence of at least 20 angels, conservators for the past four months have been removing the white paint that covered the eight angels located on the balcony's arches in the church sanctuary. The public is now able to view them. Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26 Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort. The country's skiing federation says the incident took place at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. The 26-year-old Hediger competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. NFL on Netflix: Christmas Day games are a 1st for streaming giant Netflix will have one of its biggest days since the site launched in 1998 when it carries two NFL games for the first time on Christmas. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” kicks off with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Magic and lights draw crowds to an alpine village in Washington state for Christmas LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state. Decades ago, the town of Leavenworth was a near ghost town, one of the poorest parts of the Pacific Northwest. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. That’s when desperate business owners took a serious gamble -- reinventing the community in the vision of an alpine village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far -- especially during the holidays, when Leavenworth takes on the flavor of a German Christmas market. Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was admitted in the “afternoon for testing and observation,” Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Packers clinch playoff berth with 1st shutout in NFL this season, 34-0 over Saints GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints. Green Bay improved to 11-4 and earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games. Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico prosecutors won’t pursue an appeal of a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin. The actor had been charged in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021. Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey withdrew on Monday the appeal of a July decision at trial to dismiss the charge. The decision to drop the appeal solidifies the decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halfway through trial to dismiss the case on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense. An all-Filipino crew is set to make history in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race SYDNEY (AP) — There have been plenty of “firsts” in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney Harbor on Thursday. With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile race. The boat itself is no stranger to the race. Previously, the TP52 yacht was known as Celestial and claimed the Sydney to Hobart overall handicap victory in 2022 under Sam Haynes after being runner-up the year before.

Allianz Partners has appointed Michael Buttstedt as Chief Financial Officer and Board Member

Dimeco, Inc. (DIMC) To Go Ex-Dividend on December 31stNEW YORK (AP) — A shoplifting ring that stole nearly $2 million in clothes and beauty products from Macy’s and other well-known stores in the U.S. and then resold them in New York City and the Dominican Republic has been busted, law enforcement officials announced Tuesday. Five New Yorkers have been charged with felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy and other related crimes, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. The bust served as a reminder to shoppers as the holiday shopping season kicks off in earnest with Black Friday this week to make sure they are supporting legitimate establishments, she said. “When a deal seems too good to be true, I guarantee you, it’s too good to be true,” Katz said. Nationally, businesses lose roughly $100 billion and the average family pays $500 more a year because of the impact of organized retail theft, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who joined the district attorney and other law enforcement officials in Queens. The Democrat said the arrests also marked the first time anyone has been charged under a new criminal statute of fostering the sale of stolen goods that she recently signed into law to help crack down on retail theft. “This is real simple. We’ve had enough with criminals preying on our citizens,” Hochul said. “We are sick and tired of our citizens feeling they’re vulnerable to random crimes on the streets or these sophisticated organized crime rings. And we are coming after you.” Katz, the district attorney, said the group stole high-end makeup, perfume, beauty products, designer clothing and accessories from stores ranging from Macy’s to Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Sephora and Ulta Beauty over a roughly two-year period. The group’s leaders, married couple Cristopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista, directed shoplifting crews to steal specific merchandise as they hit multiple stores in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and elsewhere along the East Coast, she said. They also paid truck drivers to divert products bound for retailers from manufacturer warehouses directly to locations under their control. The group, operating out of a home in Queens, then resold the merchandise online as well as at a brick-and-mortar boutique called Yvelisse Fashion in Santiago, a city in the Dominican Republic. Vince Scala, a lawyer for the couple and two of the other defendants, said his clients pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Saturday. They were released pending their next court date in January. “The charges are only a couple of days old, and I have not seen a single piece of evidence, discovery or police reports,” he said. “I look forward to reviewing the case at the appropriate time.” Tuesday’s announcement is part of a broader push from Hochul to counter Republican criticisms that Democrats in New York are soft on public safety issues, an issue that hurt her party in the 2022 midterm elections and has remained a consistent talking point for the GOP. Earlier this year, Hochul signed off on a handful of policies aimed at cracking down on retail theft, including increased criminal penalties for assaulting retail workers, new funding for law enforcement teams dedicated to retail theft and tax credits for businesses to install security cameras. She also approved policies that allow prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods when filing larceny charges and made it easier to criminally charge third-party sellers of stolen goods. Retail theft has also been a concern elsewhere. Videos of brazen shoplifting crews rampaging through stores have been widely shared on social media, fueling widespread frustration that retail crime is rampant and unpunished. Earlier this month, California voters overwhelmingly passed a tough-on-crime ballot measure that makes shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders again. The measure partly rolled back a progressive law passed by voters a decade ago downgrading several nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors, including theft under $950 in value. Associated Press reporter Anthony Izaguirre in Albany contributed to this story. Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo .