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best bet Dublin City Councillor who supported Conor McGregor in court quits political partyThe Reds ultimately left St James’ Park with only a point after Fabian Schar snatched a 3-3 draw at the end of a pulsating encounter, but Salah’s double – his 14th and 15th goals of the season – transformed a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead before the Switzerland defender’s late intervention. The 32-year-old Egypt international’s future at Anfield remains a topic of debate with his current contract running down. Asked about Salah’s future, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment. Two goals and an assist for Mo tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/tMXidgeA0P — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 4, 2024 “He plays in a very good team that provides him with good opportunities and then he is able to do special things. “And what makes him for me even more special is that in the first hour or before we scored to make it 1-1, you thought, ‘He’s not playing his best game today’, and to then come up with a half-hour or 45 minutes – I don’t know how long it was – afterwards with an assist, two goals, having a shot on the bar, being a constant threat, that is something not many players can do if they’ve played the first hour like he did. “That is also what makes him special. If you just look at the goals, his finish is so clinical. He’s a special player, but that’s what we all know.” Salah did indeed endure a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards and it was the Magpies who went in at the break a goal to the good after Alexander Isak’s stunning 35th-minute finish. Slot said: “The shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (keeper Caoimhin Kelleher) saw that ball, as hard as it was.” Salah set up Curtis Jones to level five minutes into the second half and after Anthony Gordon has restored the hosts’ lead, levelled himself from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 68th-minute cross. He looked to have won it with a fine turn and finish – his ninth goal in seven league games – seven minutes from time, only for Schar to pounce from a tight angle in the 90th minute. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was delighted with the way his team took the game to the Reds four days after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Howe, who admitted his surprise that VAR official Stuart Attwell had not taken a dimmer view of a Virgil van Dijk shoulder barge on Gordon, said: “It’s mixed emotions. “Part of me feels we should have won it – a big part of me – but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us. “Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. “There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League, so it was a big jump forward for us.”

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Wei, "Moonlight Bang!" promises to be a visual treat, with stunning cinematography, vibrant set designs, and a dynamic soundtrack that adds to the film's whimsical charm. The chemistry between Faye, Ma, and Song is palpable on screen, as they play off each other's strengths and create a comedic dynamic that is both endearing and entertaining.Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, but when it comes to creativity, timeless fun, and display-worthy craftsmanship, Lego sets are a universal favorite. This guide to the best Lego gifts has been curated to include options for every age group and interest —from young kids just starting their building adventures to adults who have admired Lego for decades. Whether building Legos is his or her creative outlet , a collectible hobby, or a brand new journey, there’s a perfect set for all. These Lego gifts include something for everyone—from nostalgic designs inspired by hit movies like Harry Potter , Encanto , or Wicked to innovative builds like Minecraft’s anniversary celebration (there’s even a stunning bouquet of Lego flowers if you want to go romantic!). Don’t forget to consider the skill level of the person you’re shopping for before making a purchase. While adults can dive into detailed, intricate models like the Home Alone McCallisters’ House or Star Wars Millennium Falcon, the littles can stick with sparking their imaginations with interactive playsets like the Gabby’s Dollhouse Garden Party or a novelty hot dog food truck. So, if you’re shopping for an experienced builder or someone new to Lego, these best Lego gifts combine fun, brain power , and collector’s items that will delight any recipient regardless of age. Explore the possibilities and make this holiday season unforgettable with a gift that inspires creativity and endless play. ‘Home Alone’ House Lego Set – Best Gift for the Christmas Movie Lover Nothing captures Christmas better than the movie . This Home Alone Lego gift (aka the iconic McCallisters’ House) set is the ultimate must-have for the festive friend or family member on your list. The 3,955-piece collectible for fans of the iconic movie is designed for ages 18 and up. Consider it an advanced Lego building kit that features a detailed, interactive house, a treehouse, and the crooks’ van, complete with traps, swinging paint cans, and more. You can recreate the memorable scenes from the Christmas classic . It’s an unforgettable gift that combines nostalgia, creativity, and expert Lego craftsmanship. Beginners, beware! Marvel Avengers Tower Lego Set – Best Gift for Marvel Fan This Tower depicts the headquarters of the Avengers in Lego form. Gift it to someone who loves the mighty heroes of the Marvel superhero franchise. They’ll receive 31 figures in all, plus the detailed tower and other authentic accessories to recreate scenes from the movie. Superheroes in the set include Iron Man, Captain America, Thor—just to name a few—offering both an immersive building experience and an epic display piece. Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi Lego Set – Best Gift for the Mario Maven No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. This Mario & Yoshi Lego set appears in a pixelated design. This kit from the Super Mario World collection comes with 1,215 pieces that will thrill both big kids and adults who understand gaming nostalgia. Although this best Lego gift is designed for 18+, it features interactive elements—including a handle to make Yoshi run and a tongue action for playful adventures—that builders of all ages will like. ‘Star Wars’ Millennium Falcon Lego Set – Best Gift for the Star Wars Collector The Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon is a 1,351-piece masterpiece recreating the iconic Corellian freighter. Packed with rotating turrets, detailed interiors, and seven beloved characters, Han Solo’s legendary ship from is the best Lego gift for the building enthusiast who’s also a die-hard Star Wars fan. Once built, display it on a shelf as a collector’s item. ‘Harry Potter’ Hogwarts & Grounds Lego Set – Best Gift for the Potter Head This Hogwarts Castle and Grounds Lego set is a dream gift for adult fans of the Wizarding World. It comes with 2,660 pieces to recreate Hogwarts in stunning detail. Consider this ideal for true Lego pros, not little ones. Think: collectors who display and admire their work, or those who will then play with their creation for years to come. Tuxedo Cat Lego Set – Best Gift for the Cat Parent This Tuxedo Cat made of Legos has gone viral on TikTok with cat parents who showcase it alongside their actual fur baby who resemble it. This Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat set features 1,710 pieces to build a lifelike, poseable black-and-white cat model with customizable details like eye color and mouth expression. Your gift recipient can use it as part of their decor or their next social media reel. Icons PAC-MAN Arcade Retro Game Lego Set – Best Gift for the Nostalgic Builder The Lego Icons PAC-MAN Arcade Retro Game Building Set embodies nostalgia and fun. This masterpiece comes with 2,651 pieces, recreating the iconic 1980s arcade game. It even features intricate retro details like a 4-way joystick, mechanical maze, and illuminating coin slot. On its pretend screen, a mini 1980s arcade scene is displayed. Perfect for the retro gaming guru, gift this to a loved one for timeless fun! Icons Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams Building Kit – Best Gift for the Pop Culture Fiend The Icons Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams consists of 966 pieces and, once built, showcases a stunning black-and-gold space shuttle, a vibrant jet-stream display, and exclusive minifigures. A true collector’s item that celebrates space exploration, this set is designed by Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams himself and coincides with the music icon’s Lego movie that tells the story of his life. Ideal for adult Lego collectors, pop culture aficionados, and space fans, this gift is meant to inspire its builder. Nintendo Entertainment System Lego Set – Best Gift for the ’90s Kid at Heart Combine two of their favorite passions with this Lego gift. This Lego Nintendo Entertainment System set is a 2,646-piece masterpiece for retro gamers who also love building things out of Legos. This nostalgic kit recreates the iconic NES console that was introduced to us in 1990. It even comes complete with a buildable retro TV and an interactive scrolling 8-bit Mario screen. The grown Lego collector in your life can display their Super Mario Bros. creation on a shelf somewhere in their home. LEGO Stationary Set with Minifigure – Best Gift for the Person Who Loves a Novelty Gift Fun and functional, this Lego Stationery Set can be gifted to Lego fans of all ages. This 8-piece set comes with pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, and a buildable minifigure. Perfect for school, work, or just as a novelty gift, it’s a playful way to tell your Lego-obsessed loved one you “get” them! Pixar ‘Up’ House Lego Set – Best Gift for the Adventure Seeker This Up House Lego set recreates the home from the beloved Pixar movie, . The house is also the setting of where Carl Fredricksen embarks on a balloon-fueled adventure with Russell and Dug. This 598-piece building set captures the heartwarming charm of the film, so it’s an inspiring gift for Pixar fans who loved the unforgettable animated film. The Magical Madrigal House from ‘Encanto’ Lego Set – Best Gift for the Magical Family The Magical Madrigal House Lego set is a vibrant, detailed recreation of the family home from the hit Disney’s movie. Perfect for kids ages seven and up, this 1,560-piece best Lego gift features eight colorful rooms and nine of your favorite characters, like Mirabel, Isabela, and Luisa, allowing fans to recreate iconic scenes or imagine new magical adventures. We appreciate the set’s intricate movie-inspired details and interactive play elements. Forest Animals: Red Fox Lego Set – Best Gift for the Animal Lover This Lego Creator Forest Animals: Red Fox building kit is the ultimate collector’s item for the Lego lover in your life. Not only does it give the Lego fan a chance to build one of three charming woodland creatures that came out in the original collection (there’s an owl and squirrel too), this particular box is practically out of stock everywhere. With posable limbs and intricate details, this 667-piece set sparks endless creativity and play. This rare find makes for a special gift for those ages nine and up. T. Rex Lego Set – Best Gift for the Kid Who Digs Dinos This T. Rex comes with 626 pieces. And if the dinosaur lover in your life can’t get enough, there are also a triceratops and a pterodactyl that can be combined with this gift a set of three. And the best part is, each of these dino kits feature creations with posable limbs for action-packed play. Combining the thrill of dinosaurs with the creativity of building, this gift promotes problem-solving and imagination for kids nine and up. ‘Despicable Me 4’ Minions and Gru’s Family Mansion Lego Set – Best Gift for the Little Minion in Your Life Fans of the franchise will appreciate this Minions and Gru’s Family Mansion Lego set. The master builder minions in your life can stay busy with this 868-piece set that recreates Gru’s iconic house and treehouse, packed with rooms to explore, fun accessories, and beloved characters like Gru, Lucy, and their minions. Lego Storage Cinch Bucket – Best Gift for the Most Organized Neat freaks, rejoice. This Lego Storage Cinch Bucket will keep the Lego lover in your life super organized. Made from durable polyester with a cinch closure and clear base for easy visibility, this portable bucket makes cleanup effortless while doubling as stylish on-the-go storage for Lego bricks whether they’re home building or traveling with their sets. Choose from different colors, like blue, grey, purple, orange, and red. Room Copenhagen Lego Ceramic Mug – Best Gift for the Gag Gift Exchange The Room Copenhagen Lego Ceramic Mug showcases the fun Lego Iconic Boy design we’ve come to know and love. Give it to truly Lego-obsessed fans who appreciate novelty items. Made of durable ceramic, it’s dishwasher safe and holds 17.9 oz, making it great for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. If you don’t love this Lego face, there are other variations like Winking Face and Silly Boy. Beach Camper Van Lego Set – Best Gift for the Travel Savvy The Lego Creator Beach Camper Van set is like a fun, pretend vacation in a box. Gift it to kids 8 and up who love building and imaginative play. With 556 pieces, it transforms into a camper van, ice cream shop, and beach house. Your little builder can then immerse himself in a summer-themed scene! ‘Friends’ Central Perk Lego Building Kit – Best Gift for the Sitcom Queen Only the biggest fanatics will appreciate the Lego Ideas Central Perk set. This 1,070-piece treasure is geared towards 16+, but let’s be honest, us 40-somethings would squeal if this is gifted to us. For those who missed out on the best sitcom of all time, Central Perk was the characters’ iconic hangout spot. This detailed build includes the New York City cafe where Chandler, Monica, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey would spend most of their days, seven minifigures, and accessories, celebrating nostalgia, creativity, and endless storytelling fun. Duplo Peppa Pig Garden and Tree House – Best Gift for Kids Under 6 Give the Lego Duplo Peppa Pig Garden and Tree House set to the toddler with a patient parent. This delightful 20-piece gift for kids age two and up features Peppa and George Pig figures, gardening tools, and a fun treehouse. Encouraging creative play and motor skill development, moms and dads may have to pitch in if the little one hasn’t quite grasped the Lego-building process. Magical Unicorn Lego Set – Best Gift for the Unicorn Kid You Know The Lego Creator Magical Unicorn delivers endless creative play for kids ages 7 and up. With 145 pieces, kids can build and transform a colorful unicorn with movable features. (There are also a seahorse and peacock in this collection if the unicorn isn’t for you.) Perfect for imaginative adventures, this set combines mythical magic with display-worthy designs kids will love. Lego Creative Suitcase – Best Gift for the Little One Who’s Always On-the-Go With Mom and Dad A portable Lego set might just be what your family needs! This Lego Classic Creative Suitcase comes with 213 colorful pieces for endless creations, housed in a sturdy, portable case. Consider it for kids ages four and up. This set sparks creativity with limitless building possibilities. Busy parents on-the-go will appreciate the convenient storage compartments provided for organization. ‘Wicked’ Welcome to Emerald City Lego Set – Best Gift for the ‘Wicked’ Obsessed Celebrate the magic of Wicked with the Lego Welcome to Emerald City set. Perfect for fans of the Broadway classic or the latest movie iteration, this enchanting 945-piece build features Glinda, Elphaba, and the iconic Emerald City. It’s the season’s must-have gift for ages nine and up. ‘Wicked’ Glinda & Elphaba’s Dormitory Lego Set – Best Gift for Your Bestie (Whether You’re the Elphaba and She’s Glinda, or Vice Versa) We don’t know about you, but we can’t get enough of Wicked . This Lego Wicked Glinda & Elphaba’s Dormitory set is perfect for kids ages 8 and up (plus, grown-ups). Your gift recipient can transform herself to one of her favorite scenes from the movie while she sings “Popular.” Gabby’s Dollhouse Kitty Fairy’s Garden Party Lego Set – Best Gift for the Gabby Watcher This Gabby’s Dollhouse Kitty Fairy’s Garden Party Lego set makes an enchanting gift for kids aged four and up. It comes with 130 pieces, and features a treehouse, slide, swing, merry-go-round, and of course the lovable characters from the hit Netflix children’s series. Hello, Gabby, Pandy Paws, and Kitty Fairy! Kids can create magical garden adventures while developing creative building and storytelling skills with this gift, too! Hot Dog Food Truck Lego Set – Best Gift for the Silliest Kid You Know To that fun-loving kid or the adult who’s really a kid-at-heart, this Lego Friends Hot Dog Food Truck set is one fun way to spend a Friday evening. With 100 pieces, it includes a buildable truck, two mini-dolls, and a cat figure, along with pretend play food accessories. Kids (or super-fun grown-ups) can enjoy role-playing adventures, or simply display their creation on a bookshelf or side table. Sea Rescue Center Lego Set – Best Gift for the Kid Who Has a Great Imagination The Lego Friends Sea Rescue Center will engage kids seven and up with its 376 pieces. This gift is perfect for kids who love animals and ocean adventures. It features three minidolls, sea otters, a seahorse, and a turtle. Once he builds the rescue center (which comes with a super-cool water scooter and slide), he can use the vet tools for imaginative marine life-saving play. Flower Bouquet Lego Set – Best Gift for the Love of Your Life She’s not impressed by a bouquet of flowers, she says. But how about a Leco Flower Bouquet Building Set? This 756-piece gift for ages 18 and up combines creativity, thoughtful thinking, and lasting beauty. Not only is it a unique alternative to real flowers, this sweet gesture comes with 15 lifelike stems, including roses and snapdragons, with posable petals. Customize your arrangement—for real—by setting it up your way. Unlike a dozen roses from the flowers hop, this timeless treasure can be displayed for a lifetime. Retro Roller Skate Lego Set – Best Gift for the Trendsetter Friend You may have seen the TikTok reels: retro skating is having a moment right now. This Retro Roller Skate building kit captures the nostalgia perfectly with its vibrant design and overall cuteness. Gift this 264-piece set to the skaters of your life (ages eight and up). They can celebrate their new hobby as they build and transform a roller skate with moving wheels. Lego Storage 3-Piece Organizer Cubes – Best Gift for Moms Who Hate Clutter Combine your pal’s love of Legos with their desire to keep their playroom in tip-top shape. Enter, the Lego Storage Organizer Cubes. This 3-piece set will keep Lego pieces and accessories neat yet accessible. Designed for ages three and up (and moms who have no patience to keep picking up kids’ Legos), this gift comes with three durable, zippered cubes with clear windows for easy organization. Use them for Lego bricks, action figures, or travel essentials for a practical, lightweight storage solution with iconic LEGO charm. Minecraft The Crafting Table Lego Set – Best Gift for the Minecraft Player Minecraft fan or not, this showpiece set can be displayed for all to see. Minecraft The Crafting Table comes with 1,195 pieces that, when built, celebrates Minecraft’s 15th anniversary. Consider it for the adult Minecraft fan or experienced builders who love a collector’s item. It also includes 12 biomes, eight iconic micro figures, and five detachable mini builds for various display options. Lego Medium Creative Brick Box – Best Gift for the Lego Beginner The best starter set for those ages four to 99, this Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box comes with 484 pieces for limitless creations. It includes colorful bricks, wheels, windows, and a green baseplate. They can also use the pieces to make trains, cars, structures, and scenes. This set wonderfully fosters creativity, offers hours of imaginative play, and doubles as convenient storage. Unlike other Lego sets that have defined instructions, the little builder in your life can make whatever they want! BTS Dynamite Lego Set – Best Gift for the K-Pop Fan Have a BTS fan in your life? The Lego Ideas BTS Dynamite set lets K-pop lovers build an iconic scene from their hit music video, “Dynamite” (the group’s first-ever all-English single). Featuring all seven band members as Lego minifigures, this 749-piece kit—complete with a retro, feel-good vibe like the music video—is the perfect gift for collectors who happen to also be BTS-obsessed.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Monday to begin a special session to protect the state's progressive policies ahead of another Trump presidency. The Democratic governor, a fierce critic of President-elect Donald Trump, is positioning California to once again be the center of a resistance effort against the conservative agenda. He is asking his Democratic allies in the Legislature, who hold supermajorities in both chambers, to approve additional funding to the attorney general's office to prepare for a robust legal fight against anticipated federal challenges. Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel on Monday introduced legislation to set aside $25 million for legal fees to respond to potential attacks by the Trump administration on state policies regarding civil rights, climate change, immigration and abortion access. “While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, California will be ready to vigorously defend our interests and values from any unlawful action by the incoming Trump Administration,” Gabriel said in a statement. California sued the first Trump administration more than 120 times to various levels of success. “We’re not going to be caught flat-footed,” Newsom said at a recent news conference. Trump often depicts California as representing all he sees wrong in America. Democrats, which hold every statewide office in California and have commanding margins in the Legislature and congressional delegation, outnumber registered Republicans by nearly 2-to-1 statewide. Trump called the Democratic governor “Newscum” during a campaign stop in Southern California and has relentlessly lambasted the Democratic stronghold over its large number of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, homeless population and thicket of regulations. Trump also waded into a water rights battle over the endangered delta smelt , a tiny fish that has pitted environmentalists against farmers and threatened to withhold federal aid to a state increasingly under threat from wildfires. He also vowed to follow through with his campaign promise of carrying out the mass deportation of immigrants without legal status and prosecuting his political enemies. Before the special session began, state lawmakers swore in more than two dozen new members and elect leaders for the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers voted to convene the special session largely along party lines. “This special session is about sticking up for Californians and for California values,” said state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat representing San Francisco. “It is about ensuring that the president of the United States and his administration actually follow the law.” Hundreds of people also demonstrated around the Capitol on Monday to urge the Legislature to try to stop Trump's mass deportation plans . They carried banners that said “Not one cent for mass deportation” and “MAGA out of California.” “With the results of the presidential election, we need our state elected officials to use every tool and every resource they have available to them to protect our immigrant Californians,” protester Deborah Lee said. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office will protect the state’s immigration population, while Newsom last week unveiled a proposal to revive a rebate program for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates a federal tax credit for people who buy electric cars. Newsom is also considering creating a backup disaster relief fund for the wildfire-prone state after Trump’s threats. Bonta announced legislation Monday aimed at bolstering reproductive rights in the state, including by allowing the attorney general to seek monetary penalties against local governments that infringe on those rights. The proposals are part of the state's efforts to safeguard against threats to abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade . Republican lawmakers blasted Newsom and his Democratic allies over the special session. State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, a Republican representing Murrieta in Southern California, said the special session proposal would make California have a more adversarial relationship with the federal government. “What we’re doing today is sending that exact message — that we are going to fight tooth and nail for everything. And you know what? That means they’re going to fight us tooth and nail for everything,” Seyarto said of the incoming Trump administration if the legislation gets approved. Legislators also are expected to spend the year discussing ways to protect dozens of laws expected to be targeted by the Trump administration, including one that has made the state a sanctuary for people seeking abortions who live in states where such practices have been severely limited. California, the nation’s most populous state, was the first to mandate that by 2035 all new cars , pickup trucks and SUVs sold in California be electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in hybrids. The state also extends state-funded health care to all low-income residents regardless of their immigration status. Newsom hasn't provided details about what actions the lawmakers will consider but said he wanted funding in place before Trump's inauguration day, Jan. 20. The state spent roughly $42 million in litigation costs during the first Trump administration, officials said. California is projected to face a $2 billion budget deficit next year, with bigger shortfalls ahead. Gabriel, who sued the first Trump administration in 2017 when it tried to end a program to shield young immigrants from being deported, said lining up the funding now is “a wise investment." California successfully clawed back $57 million between 2017 and 2018 after prevailing in a lawsuit to block the Trump administration from putting immigration enforcement conditions on certain federal law enforcement grants. Another legal victory over the citizenship question in the 2020 census forced the federal government to return $850,000 to the state, according to the attorney general's office. During Trump’s first presidency, Democratic attorneys general banded together to file lawsuits over immigration, Trump’s travel ban for residents of Muslim countries, the environment, immigration and other topics. But Trump has one possible advantage this time around: He was aggressive in nominating conservative jurists to federal courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court. Associated Press journalists Haven Daley and Sophie Austin contributed to this report.

Romania braces for parliamentary vote after far right's poll upsetAfter Deciding Not to Pursue Postgraduate Study, a Female College Student in Wuhan Accumulates Over Ten Thousand Yuan in Savings, Stating: Research Isn't for Me, Having Tried Out Over a Dozen Different Jobs In response to concerns about data security and potential data loss, Alibaba emphasized that they have comprehensive data backup and disaster recovery measures in place to prevent such scenarios. The company stated that they have redundancies and fail-safes to ensure the continuity of their cloud services, even in the event of unexpected incidents like a fire. They also pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to prevent similar incidents in the future.

California AG prepares for legal battles with new Trump WHAfter a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, amid fears it could bring about a strategic shift in the country. Calin Georgescu was in pole position with almost 23 percent after the first round of voting, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in Hungary and Slovakia. His victory ahead of centre-right mayor Elena Lasconi -- who scored 19.18 percent -- ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the December runoff. After coming third at 19.15, Ciolacu said his Social Democratic Party (PSD) won't challenge the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader. Experts say the far right's surprise success could affect the parliamentary elections later this week, and even influence the chances of forming a future government. In the runoff ballot on December 8, Lasconi will face Georgescu, a NATO critic who in the past expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Georgescu's popularity surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania. In a first reaction on his YouTube channel, the 62-year-old independent candidate insisted "there is no East or West", stressing that neutrality was "absolutely necessary". "I am not an extremist, I am not a fascist -- I am a Romanian who loves his country," he said in reference to media reports that "tried to portray" him in a wrongful way. For his rival Lasconi, the upcoming runoff represents "an existential battle", "a historic confrontation" between those who wish to "preserve Romania's young democracy" and those who want to "return to the Russian sphere of influence". "We must not allow anger to throw us back into the past," she said to thunderous applause from her supporters, vowing to stand up for Europe and NATO. The political earthquake comes amid soaring inflation and mounting fears of Romania being potentially dragged into Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, as the country has emerged as a key player on the alliance's eastern flank. In Sunday's vote, another far-right contender, AUR party leader George Simion, secured nearly 14 percent. Already pounding the campaign trail for this week's parliamentary elections, Simion said Romania now has "the chance to have a sovereign government and a sovereign president". Overall, the far right won more than a third of all votes in Sunday's presidential ballot. "The far right is by far the big winner of this election," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP, predicting a possible "contagion effect" in the parliamentary vote. Extremist forces and Lasconi's centre-right party now have "wind in their sails", sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though "it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise" on it. The PSD, which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, has never before been eliminated in the first round of a presidential election. The National Liberal Party (PNL) party, with whom the PSD currently governs, also suffered a defeat. While many expressed their disbelief over the poll in the streets of the capital Bucharest, others were enthused. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu's lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos. "He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change," said the pensioner, who was planning to vote for him in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy. "There is sorrow, disappointment, that after so many years in Euro-Atlantic structures we voted for a pro-Russian by over 20 percent," the 42-year-old said. "There is clearly a strong fragmentation both in society and in the political class, and I think we saw that yesterday," he said. ani-anb-kym/sbk

In the end, the deal was sealed, with Liverpool splashing out £100 million to secure the services of the talented striker. Klopp expressed his delight at the signing, praising Keseado's potential and expressing his confidence that the young forward would flourish at Anfield.

What is Salt Typhoon? An expert explains the Chinese hackers, attacks on US networks

This image, provided by Samsung Electronics Co., shows its Eco Heating System (EHS) heat pump at a home. (Image courtesy of Yonhap) SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean companies are poised to showcase their advanced artificial intelligence technologies at CES 2025, the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT trade show, scheduled to open in Las Vegas next week. Not only will major home appliance companies like Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. participate, but other prominent Korean firms, such as SK hynix Inc., SK Telecom Co. and Hyundai Mobis Co., will also unveil cutting-edge innovations. AI is expected to dominate this year’s CES, scheduled for Jan. 7-10, at the Las Vegas Convention Center under the theme “Dive In.” Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest mobile phone and memory chipmaker, will present its AI-powered smart home concept, “AI for All: Connectivity in the Age of AI.” The company plans to introduce its latest home appliance lineup, including the new Bespoke refrigerator, washer and dryer, all integrated with its AI-driven SmartThings connectivity, enabling seamless integration and remote monitoring of its devices. In addition, Samsung will preview its first air-to-water heat pump lineup for the North American market at CES 2025, aiming to expand its footprint in the growing U.S. heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector. Currently available in Europe under the Eco Heating System (EHS) brand, these energy-efficient systems use ambient air heat for heating and hot water. Affiliates of Samsung Electronics — Samsung SDS Co. and Samsung Display Co. — will have separate booths to showcase their innovations to potential global clients. This photo, provided by LG Electronics Co., shows its in-cabin sensing solutions. (Image courtesy of Yonhap) LG Electronics, which has been expanding its business portfolio to business-to-business segments, including automotive electronics and air solutions businesses, will also spotlight its latest AI-powered technologies. The company will host an interactive space featuring its in-cabin sensing solutions, designed to detect driver behavior and the interior conditions of vehicles. Visitors can experience a driving simulator that monitors not only their motions but also emotions, as well as heart rates, to provide alerts in case of emergencies. Additionally, LG will display its AI-powered refrigerators and dishwashers, further demonstrating its commitment to smart home solutions. This photo, provided by SK Telecom Co., shows its booth for CES 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. (Image courtesy of Yonhap) SK Telecom and SK hynix will share a booth to present their efforts in AI data centers and chips. SK Telecom will feature a 6-meter LED pillar at the center of its exhibit, highlighting four AI data center solutions: energy, AI, operations and security. The company will also showcase its AI assistant, aster, slated for launch in the North American market next year, and announce its service plans. SK hynix, a leader in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) sector, will show off its 16-layer HBM3E chips, currently the most advanced HBM products available in the world. Hyundai Mobis Co., an auto parts-making affiliate of South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Group, also plans to join the upcoming CES to showcase its cutting-edge technologies, including its holographic windshield display and human-centric interior lighting system. (Yonhap)None

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