Photo: Contributed Supt. Beth McAndie, centre, flanked by Randi Grady and Ken Rodger, two key members of the local RCMP team on the operations and administrative sides. The South Okanagan's RCMP leader is looking back on her first full year on the job, celebrating successes and looking forward to goals in the new year. Supt. Beth McAndie took over the local force in late 2023 and has spent the year working hard on getting to know her team, municipal leaders, community partners and tackling key problems. Community engagement, youth focus, and strategic planning were top of mind for McAndie, as well as getting to know the various detachments throughout the large region. "I'm so grateful the investment in the regional commander, Staff Sergeant Dan Pollock, who is in charge of all those regional detachments. He arrived just before I did, and that was something that my predecessor put in place," McAndie said. "That has been absolutely a game changer for engagement with those mayors and councils and making sure that they have different levels within our organization to push initiatives and priorities forward." McAndie is also pleased with community consultation in Penticton that took place in 2024, as the RCMP planned ahead for the next several years. "Really getting a sense of what was important to them as it relates to policing, public safety. Asking, if you were to say that the RCMP was doing well in the community, what would that look like to you? Hearing from them, some of the consistent messages were, we want to hear more about what you're up to, not just a reaction to an incident," Mcandie said. In response, the detachment set up a social media presence and increased media relations. "We had additional media officers trained trying to just enhance our portfolio, really being committed to making sure we're doing some sort of community engagement messaging, whether it's about crime reduction, crime statistics, public safety messaging," McAndie said. "That was a huge win for us, being better at telling our story, engaging." Also important was getting to know the Penticton Indian Band Chief and Council, finding out more about what is important to them when it comes to policing, and taking steps forward in Truth and Reconcilliation. "Making sure that we have that open and honest dialogue, whether it's real time incidents that are happening, I've seen that really grow, and obviously there's always work to be done, but I'm really feel supported by Chief and Council at Penticton Indian Band to just grow and continue that relationship," McAndie said. Another huge win was the implementation of the Integrated Crisis Response Team, formerly known as Car 40, which pairs trained nurses with police officers in incidents of mental health crisis. McAndie said her boots-on-the-ground has been incredible, and the working relationship with Interior Health a has been wonderful. She shared one particular example of a person in mental health crisis that had engaged with police over 100 times in one quarter of the year, and the ICRT was able to get the individual connected to services in the community. The next quarter, they called the police only once, and it was for a legitimate reason of a suspicious occurrence. For McAndie, that is a clear win and evidence that the ICRT was able to make a positive change. "The ripple effect is reduction in calls for service for police, because it's not appropriate that the police are called for these things necessarily," McAndie said. "Also creating that sense of safety by people in the community, because they this person's out in community, but they're connected to the rights services." McAndie is also proud of establishing a relationship with the new 24/7 winter shelter, and all the community groups involved with running it safely. That also ties into strong relationships in general with those involved in community safety measures. They implemented an " inadmissible patrons" program aimed at preventing criminal activity at businesses like restaurants and hotels by barring individuals with a known criminal history. "We're at well over 15 [establishments enrolled] and that includes hotels, licensed liquor establishments and other place that provides service of that nature to community, and it really sets the tone of, you know, ensuring public safety," McAndie said. "We are a tourist-driven industry in the summer months, and we want our tourists and our community to feel safe. The Okanagan is a place where people from organized crime or affiliation to organize like to come and spend the summer too. They're entitled to do that, but we really want to cut down on that visible display of association to organized crime, or when we have that intelligence that we know that they've been associated to organized crime by virtue of we're an intelligence driven organization, being able to take a stand and work in partnership with community and businesses to make sure that when you go for dinner with your family, that you're safe to do so." The goal is to roll that program out region-wide, not just Penticton, in 2025, which McAndie is looking forward to. More exciting news for 2025 is more community safety unit positions approved by council, which McAndie said will work on being visible during the summer months downtown, as well as reaching out to youth to engage proactively in schools. "They talk about consent in relationships, talk about intimate partner violence, but at the youth level. And really giving that knowledge and understanding of what that means and what you're entitled to as a youth," McAndie explained. "But also, if we see a youth who's maybe struggling, making sure that we get them connected to the community, to sports, whether it's through restorative justice, whether it's through partnership with the Foundry and making sure those kids that are kind of going under the radar [have help]." And McAndie has her eyes on senior safety too. She wants to ensure her Community Safety Unit team keeps an eye on the seniors in the community who may be living just above the poverty line, or may be victims of fraud, or suffering from health issues that make them vulnerable to crime. "Reaching out to them and saying, what's this dynamic that this is happening to you? You know, the early onset dementia, or they just are very vulnerable, hoping that we can make that connection with frontline officers and have our Community Safety Unit reach out to them," McAndie said. She is also thrilled to announce changes to the general frontline watches, which will allow for more on-the-job mentorship and training. "We have four frontline watches, A, B, C and D. Each of them will now have a sergeant starting in the new year. So right now, their watch commanders are corporals, so we're going to transition the corporals onto the road, and that means now we're gonna have four road supervisors, which is great, developing in real time those officers," McAndie said. "Responding for calls for service, giving them that mentorship and guidance on the road, and then having your senior sergeants running the watches, which is the administrative part of it, making sure the files are investigated the way they should be, making sure that they have resources, making sure that their teams have training. So now we have two levels of supervision. That is a huge win." And a final goal, which will stretch beyond 2025, is helping plan and implement a Child and Youth Development Centre in the South Okanagan. It is in the early feasibility study phase with community stakeholders including the RCMP, but McAndie is looking forward to keeping up the work. "I'm looking forward to working with Vernon's Oak Centre and Kelowna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, getting those tours up for city [officials] and other partners to go and see what those those facilities look like, to see what could work for us in the region," McAndie said. "We, the RCMP, would be a very willing partner in the collaboration that's required." McAndie wanted to end her 2024 reflection by expressing her sincere gratitude to the entire South Okanagan RCMP team, whether that be frontline officers or administration or operations or everyone in between, for their collaborative work that makes it all possible. "Without this team, I really couldn't lead the work that I've been able to in my first year here. Forever grateful for the support and challenges that they have navigated with me this year, and I really look forward to the year ahead."
Article content A new poll shows more than one-third of Canadians believe this country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was overblown. According to a survey by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies, 36% believe governments in this country overreacted to the pandemic. Recommended Videos The National Post reported this week that men were more likely than women to hold that view (41% vs. 32%). And young people were among those most skeptical about the restrictions. In the 18-24 age group, 40% held that view. That number was 42% for those 35-54. For those 55-plus, the number dropped to 30%. Fair enough, hindsight is always 20/20. At the beginning of the pandemic, we had no idea what COVID-19 was or how it was transmitted. But as our knowledge grew, so did government restrictions. We spent millions of dollars on a useless ArriveCAN app that was supposed to track vaccinated travellers. This country had some of the most severe and prolonged lockdowns in the world, and yet our mortality rates were similar to those in other countries. Our schools were shut down longer than in any other country, despite evidence that young people were least affected by the virus. We’re only now learning of the long-term psychological and educational damage caused by social isolation. Meanwhile, we failed to protect the elderly, who were most at risk. Hundreds died horrible deaths in long-term care facilities, lonely and isolated from their loved ones. Communities that fared best were those that maintained healthy populations. Yet one of the first things we did was shut down gyms, pools and health clubs, which could have been used safely. Kids biking in parks got tickets. Playgrounds were taped off. It’s no wonder so many of us piled on all those extra COVID pounds. This country has not initiated an inquiry into our response to COVID. By now, it’s too late. We all just want to forget it. The way governments conduct such probes, it would cost millions and take years. What we need, and what was lacking, is a little common sense and a little trust in Canadians to do the right thing in future health emergencies.
A Historic Index Continues to Shine The Dow Jones Industrial Average, a stalwart of American financial markets, showcases more than just numbers—it’s a pulse on economic sentiment. As this legendary index steadily climbed 15% this year, two standout companies, Nvidia and Walmart, have captured investors’ imaginations with stellar performances. Nvidia: Riding the AI Wave Leading the charge is Nvidia, an AI-driven powerhouse that has transformed the semiconductor landscape since its 1993 inception. The company specializes in cutting-edge GPUs and SoCs that are revolutionizing industries. With a breathtaking market capitalization of $3.4 trillion, Nvidia’s stock has soared 175% this year alone. Its latest quarterly results showcase enviable revenue figures of $35.1 billion, far surpassing market expectations. Nvidia’s relentless innovation drives its growth, highlighted by the introduction of the Blackwell platform. Expected to revolutionize AI model efficiency and energy use, Blackwell sets the stage for a formidable future. Looking ahead, Nvidia’s robust roadmap includes advances like Rubin and continued dominance in the GPU sphere, where it commands over 80% market share. Walmart: Retail’s Resilient Force Founded in 1962, Walmart’s global footprint stretches across over 10,500 stores worldwide. This retail giant has capitalized on both physical and digital avenues, with stock prices climbing a remarkable 74.8% year-to-date. The third quarter of fiscal 2025 was a testament to Walmart’s unmatched resilience, with revenues hitting $169.6 billion, invigorated by a burgeoning advertising business. Walmart’s pursuit of digital advancements and AI integration is redefining retail efficiency. The company anticipates strong financial growth, further solidifying its position as a market leader across various segments. Analysts overwhelmingly endorse Walmart with a “Strong Buy” recommendation, anticipating continued prosperity. The Future of Dow Jones: Innovations, Insights, and Market Trends The Dow Jones Industrial Average remains a crucial barometer of economic health and momentum. This year’s robust 15% ascent highlights burgeoning investor interest, particularly in standout performers like Nvidia and Walmart. These companies aren’t just riding the wave; they’re shaping the future of their respective industries. Nvidia: Pioneering AI Innovation Nvidia’s unparalleled success in the stock market, with a staggering 175% increase this year, is not just a coincidence. This is a testament to its strategic investments in AI and semiconductor technology. The introduction of their groundbreaking platform, Blackwell, aims to transform AI model efficiency, addressing long-standing energy consumption challenges in the tech industry. Nvidia’s dominance is shown through its remarkable market capitalization of $3.4 trillion, a figure that underscores its pivotal role in shaping future technological landscapes. Nvidia’s portfolio is expanding with future-oriented projects like Rubin, keeping the company at the forefront of the GPU market. Given its strong foothold, capturing over 80% of the market, Nvidia is poised for substantial growth and innovation in AI applications. Trends indicate continued advancement in high-performance computing, signaling new opportunities and competition dynamics within the tech industry. Walmart: The Digital Transformation of Retail Walmart’s impressive stock performance this year, with a rise of 74.8%, underscores its effective blend of digital innovation with traditional retail. The company’s efforts in digital transformation, particularly through artificial intelligence integration, are redefining retail processes, enhancing customer experiences, and optimizing operational efficiency. Walmart’s strong performance, propelled by their burgeoning advertising business, has generated revenues of $169.6 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, showcasing the successful diversification of its revenue streams. Analysts remain confident in Walmart’s growth, reflecting in a consistent “Strong Buy” recommendation. As Walmart continues to innovate, it exemplifies how traditional retail can thrive in a digital era. Future Insights and Market Trends As Nvidia and Walmart exemplify transformative progress, broader market trends emerge. Sustainability, energy efficiency, and digital transformation are themes that investors are increasingly prioritizing. Companies like Nvidia are pioneering energy-efficient technologies, a critical innovation in the context of rising global energy concerns. Meanwhile, retailers like Walmart focus on digital synergies to maintain relevance and compete against pure e-commerce players. The intersection of technology with traditional sectors will likely redefine market dynamics, offering new use cases and growth opportunities. Innovations aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and retail experience are set to influence market strategies significantly. Predicting market movements, investors will look for companies that blend innovation with robust market fundamentals. For more on market dynamics and business strategies, visit the main pages of Nvidia and Walmart . These insights offer a glimpse into the evolving nature of how companies must adapt to achieve sustained growth in shifting economic landscapes.Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the PKK terrorist group's members in the YPG must leave Syria as the country tries to form a new, unified administration, which he said needs to be inclusive and tolerant. "Elimination of YPG is Türkiye's strategic goal," Fidan told a live broadcast on NTV channel Friday. He highlighted that the PKK's Syrian offshoots have no place in the country's future while noting that the safety of the Kurdish population must be ensured. "Syria now has a national ruling government," Fidan said, adding that the new administration would not recognize the YPG or others. "They will take their land and sovereignty back," he added. YPG, the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, a terrorist group that has waged a bloody terror campaign in Türkiye since 1984 and has killed at least 40,000 people. Washington backs the PKK/YPG under the guise of a fight against the Daesh terrorist group. The outgoing Biden administration is particularly concerned that a power vacuum in Syria could exacerbate already heightened tensions in the region, which is already wracked by multiple conflicts, and create conditions for the Daesh terror group to regain territory and influence. Ankara, meanwhile, is concerned the PKK/YPG could exploit the security vacuum to push its agenda for a terror corridor along Turkish borders. The NATO allies are at loggerheads over Washington’s support for the PKK/YPG. The top Turkish diplomat said Türkiye always foresaw risks in Syria since the beginning of the uprising over a decade ago, but the Assad regime disregarded political processes that Ankara proposed to launch. Regarding the ouster of Bashar Assad, Fidan said Ankara had urged Russia and Iran not to intervene militarily to support regime forces, which have been weakened in the past two to three years. "The most vital thing to do was to talk to the Russians and Iranians to ensure that they didn't enter the equation militarily," Fidan said, adding that they had meetings with the Russians and Iranians and they understood. "If the regime had their support, things would've turned rather bloody," he said. Noting that the anti-regime forces served a population of 4 million people in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, Fidan said they have experience and are aware of the fact that their primary obligation is to fulfill the needs of the people. He added that they also needed to be inclusive and tolerant, but the facilitation of unity was a priority for the new administration. "We want a Syria without terrorism, a Syria where minorities are not discriminated. We want a country that does not own chemical weapons and does not threaten neighboring countries," Fidan said, adding that Ankara is currently conveying these messages to Damascus. In response to a question about when Türkiye's embassy would open in Damascus, Fidan said diplomatic staff were already on their way. "Our embassy will start operating as of tomorrow [Saturday]," Fidan said. Türkiye appointed a charge d'affairs to Syria after 12 years. The embassy was closed in March 2012 following clashes between Assad regime forces and pro-democracy protestors. The appointment of Burhan Köroğlu came shortly after Türkiye's top intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın visited the Syrian capital on Thursday. Syria's anti-regime forces entered the capital Damascus early Sunday ending the Bashar Assad regime's decadeslong rule. The capture also overthrew the Baath Party, the Arab socialist group that had come to power in Syria in a 1963 coup. The anti-regime forces also dealt a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria in the heart of the region, allies who propped up Assad during critical periods in the conflict.
The couldn’t have gone much better for the . They won their first since 1988, and second (including their ) in the last five seasons. They were the field by , who lived up to every expectation in the first season of his . And as the new year approaches, they know they will pursue dynasty status in 2025, trying to become the fifth franchise in MLB’s live ball era to win three championships in a six-year span. Already this offseason, they’ve begun positioning themselves with several important moves. They signed two-time Cy Young Award winner . They retained slugging outfielder and top reliever . They even extended key utilityman . As a result, at this early juncture, they are the clear-cut favorites to defend their title next season. But more moves remain to be made before the team reports to spring training in early February. As the calendar flips to 2025, here are four New Year’s resolutions for the club. When Craig Counsell was lured away from the Milwaukee Brewers by the Chicago Cubs last offseason, it set a new benchmark for managerial salaries. Five years, $40 million, $8 million per year. This winter, Dodgers manager might be poised to break it. The Dodgers are expected to negotiate a lucrative contract extension with their longtime skipper this offseason, ahead of what would be the final year of the three-year extension . And barely a year after Counsell reset the expectation for top manager contracts, Roberts has the credentials to reestablish the market. Roberts’ nine-season tenure in L.A. has been marked with highs and lows, but the totality of his resume speaks for itself: eight division titles, four National League pennants, two World Series titles and the in MLB history by a non-Negro Leagues manager. The 2024 campaign might have also been Roberts’ most impressive feat, as he helped the team navigate a and a fraught postseason pitching plan to join franchise icons and Walter Alston as a multi-World-Series winner. The question now: How handsomely will the Dodgers reward him? Roberts’ impact, after all, goes beyond the field, or even the clubhouse. He is effectively the frontman for the entire organization, with his twice-daily media availability making him among the publicly visible faces of the club. He is also a key conduit between the Dodgers and the community, regularly enlisted for team charity events, pregame meetings with sponsors and special guests, and more. Dodgers executives have said they would first focus on addressing their roster needs this offseason, before engaging in negotiations with Roberts. But as the calendar turns, that time appears to be approaching, with a new contract for their manager — one that should rival, if not top, Counsell’s record-breaking deal — remaining as one of the last big boxes on their winter to-do list. It will likely be at least another couple of weeks before , the star 23-year-old pitcher coming to MLB from Japan next season, decides which big-league club he chooses to sign with. Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent at Wasserman Media Group, that the pitcher — who will be restricted to signing a minor-league contract with a modest signing bonus, since he is not yet 25 — will wait until the 2025 international signing period opens on Jan. 15, when clubs will have bonus pool money available to sign him. In the meantime, though, Sasaki’s list of potential destinations has become increasingly clearer. Dodgers officials, as expected, met with the hard-throwing right-handed pitcher before the holidays, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly. Five other teams are publicly known to have also met with Sasaki: the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants. It’s likely Sasaki’s full list of meetings was longer, too, with other teams like the San Diego Padres seen as contenders for his services. The Philadelphia Phillies are the only team known to have been denied a meeting. Around much of the industry, the Dodgers are still seen as favorites to land Sasaki. Their interest in him dates to last offseason, when there was brief hope among some in the organization Sasaki would come to MLB for the 2024 season. Entering this offseason, the Dodgers also had the most money remaining in their 2024 international signing pool; an indication to some around the sport they were saving funds to sign Sasaki. Ultimately, however, Sasaki decided to wait until the 2025 period to ink his MLB deal — a decision Wolfe said Major League Baseball preferred “to make sure this was going to be a fair and level playing field for everyone.” Wolfe has strongly denied speculation about Sasaki already having a “predetermined” deal with the Dodgers, or any other team. Nonetheless, the Dodgers are still viewed as the most logical Sasaki landing place, given their status as defending World Series champions, the presence of fellow Japanese stars — and Sasaki's WBC teammates — Ohtani and , and their long track record of pitching development. If they do land him, on what would effectively be a league-minimum salary, it would only further reinforce an injury-prone rotation that was among the team’s lone weaknesses last season. Earlier this offseason, president of baseball operations set an ambitious goal for the Dodgers’ 2025 roster. “My goal is to not buy in July,” Friedman said, long wary of what he sees as inflated prices for players at the midseason trade deadline. “I am setting that out there right now. My goal is to do everything we can right now to not buy in July.” To do that, the Dodgers have a few more areas of depth to address. The bullpen is the biggest, with the team still interested in adding another high-leverage reliever. Their pursuit of a trade for All-Star closer Devin Williams didn’t come to fruition, with the Milwaukee Brewers instead dealing the right-hander to the New York Yankees earlier this offseason. But other big-name options remain available on the free-agent market, headlined by stalwart left-hander Tanner Scott (who, while with the San Diego Padres this postseason, was the only reliever to have repeated success limiting Ohtani). Fan favorites like and Joe Kelly are also still lingering in free agency, and could be options to return if the Dodgers seek more lineup or bullpen depth. One member of the 2024 team who seems more unlikely to return is , who will likely need to look elsewhere to find the lucrative longer-term deal he is reportedly seeking. Although the Dodgers heavily relied on Flaherty — who arrived last season as the Friedman was hoping to avoid — in October, their 2025 rotation is currently well-stocked. Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yamamoto, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May should be ready for opening day. Ohtani will return to pitching at some point early in the season. And Landon Knack, Bobby Miller and Clayton Kershaw (who is expected to be re-signed) will also be able to provide depth. Though the Dodgers’ pitching depth might look safe for now, much will depend on their ability to avoid the injury bug that has ravaged their staff the past couple of seasons. The rise of pitching injuries has not been exclusive to the Dodgers, becoming such a troubling trend around the sport that MLB commissioned a study on the situation that was released a few weeks ago. The findings, however, provided few concrete answers, other than confirming that as pitching velocities rise, so does the risk of injury. The Dodgers have made their own injury problems a point of emphasis this offseason. “We're going to spend a lot of time on our pitching and injuries and just trying to wrap our arms around it more,” Friedman said. But to this point, it’s unclear what actionable changes the organization plans to make, leaving pitching injuries as a major issue to rectify as the new year begins. This story originally appeared in .
New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings
The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for the future, having stockpiled a staggering 31 draft picks over the next seven years, including 15 first-round picks and 16 second-round picks. This impressive haul positions the franchise to build a sustainable foundation or use their draft capital for potential blockbuster trades. Ever since dismantling the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era, the Nets have shifted their focus to long-term planning, taking calculated steps to ensure flexibility and growth. Under the leadership of GM Sean Marks, the Nets have executed one of the most impressive rebuild strategies in recent NBA history. The decision to part ways with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving was a pivotal moment for the franchise. While the duo brought star power to Brooklyn, their tenure failed to deliver the championship aspirations many had hoped for. The subsequent trades involving Durant to the Phoenix Suns and Irving to the Dallas Mavericks yielded significant draft capital, signaling a new direction for the team. These trades alone brought in multiple first-round and second-round picks, helping lay the groundwork for the Nets’ rebuild. Since the Durant-Irving breakup, the Nets have been highly strategic in their approach to the trade market. Recent trades, such as the Dennis Schroder trade to the Warriors and the Dorian-Finney Smith trade to the Lakers , added six second-round picks to their already massive collection. Moves like these demonstrate the Nets’ commitment to accumulating assets that can either be used to draft and develop young talent or serve as valuable currency in future transactions. Notably, the Mikal Bridges trade has also played a significant role in boosting the Nets’ draft stock. The Suns’ and Knicks’ picks tied to Bridges have contributed four first-round selections to Brooklyn’s war chest. Additionally, trades involving other key players, such as James Harden and Royce O’Neale, have added further layers to their pick stockpile. By amassing 31 picks, the Nets have positioned themselves as one of the most flexible teams in the league. With 15 first-round picks, they have ample opportunity to draft elite talent or package picks in deals to land an established star when the right opportunity arises. The 16 second-round picks provide additional depth, giving the team access to overlooked prospects or trade sweeteners to seal deals. The Nets’ ability to remain under the luxury tax bracket is another key element of their strategy. By offloading contracts and creating cap space, the franchise has the financial flexibility to pursue high-impact moves in free agency while continuing to maximize their draft assets. The future for the Nets is loaded with possibilities. With 15 first-round picks, they can draft and develop a core of young players, creating a sustainable contender over time. Alternatively, the front office could bundle picks to acquire a superstar, transforming Brooklyn into an immediate powerhouse. The sheer number of assets they hold ensures they have a seat at the table for any major trade discussions in the coming years. The Brooklyn Nets’ accumulation of 31 draft picks over the next seven years is a testament to their strategic vision and adaptability. After the Durant-Irving era, the team has pivoted to a forward-looking approach that prioritizes flexibility and long-term success. With their war chest of picks, the Nets are well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, whether through drafting, trading, or free agency. The future in Brooklyn looks brighter than ever, as the Nets aim to reestablish themselves as one of the league’s most formidable franchises. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.Govt to consider PTI’s written demands, not Imran’s statements: Siddiqui Senator says, “The negotiating committee will consider written demands of the PTI" Senator Irfan Siddiqui (Left) and PTI founder Imran Khan. — APP/Reuters/File ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) in Senate and Chairman Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee Irfan Siddiqui Thursday said the government would consider only written demands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) without paying heed to statements of Imran Khan or anybody else. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); “The negotiating committee will consider written demands of the PTI,” he said in an interview with a private TV channel. Senator Siddiqui, who is also member of the government’s committee, said both the committees had decided to ignore external influences and statements in the process of talks, during its first meeting. He said initiation of talks with the PTI and formation of the government negotiating committee were approved by PMLN President Nawaz Sharif. He said the interior ministry was conveyed on the very first day to facilitate members of the PTI negotiating committee for their meeting with Imran Khan, and the facilitation would continue in future also. “The atmosphere was very positive, and it was a great opening,” Siddiqui added when asked about the details of the first meeting. He said since the PTI had also been in the government in the past and it knew well the constitutional and legal requirements for getting someone out of jail by an executive order. To a question about sentencing 60 people through a field general court martial and its potential impact on the dialogue process, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said both sides had agreed that dialogue process would continue irrespective of the sentences or any other developments. “I don’t think that recent verdict of the military court will hamper talks,” he added. To a question that keeping Imran Khan in jail would not be considered as a deadlock for the positive outcome of talks, he replied that many prominent political leaders had remained behind bars for a long time and yet the democratic process was never stalled. He rejected the impression of political unrest in the country and added that all state organs were functioning according to the constitutional harmony and economic indicators further emphasised that fact. “There is absolutely no political instability in the country,” he added. Senator Siddiqui thanked Imran Khan on his comments of recognising the government’s efforts of saving country from default and said the efforts of PM Shehbaz Sharif and his team were so obvious that even Imran Khan was compelled to acknowledge it. When asked about Richard Allen Grenell’s tweets and statements, Siddiqui said Pakistan’s policies were not framed on the basis of such tweets. “He is a nonentity. State of Pakistan decides issues according to the constitution and law of the land,” he said.
Jones, Mellott help Montana State run over Montana 34-11Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell was visibly moved to tears on the spin-off show It Takes Two. The emotional moment came during Friday night's final episode of It Takes Two, as hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara recapped the journey of this year's finalists and welcomed the contestants into the studio to discuss their final dances. Dianne, who is partnered with comedian Chris McCausland in the current series, couldn't contain her emotions after watching a montage of their time on the show. Following the touching video, Janette paused the interview to offer tissues to both Dianne and Chris as tears streamed down the dancer's face. Overwhelmed, Dianne expressed her gratitude towards Chris, saying, "Chris has taught me so much. Mostly about honesty. He's the most honest man I've ever met. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he's taught me just to be myself." Dianne Buswell was left in floods of tears (Image: BBC) Read More Related Articles BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Vito Coppola and Sarah Hadland declare love just before final Read More Related Articles BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks declares love after sweet tribute - but it's not to Maura Higgins She continued to reflect on the lessons she learned from Chris, adding: "I think you put a lot of pressure on yourself to be this perfect dancer or this perfect person. Chris has just brought out of me something that not many people can," reports the Mirror . Emphasising the value of effort over perfection, she said, "Just giving it your best go, and it doesn't matter if things are perfect like I said before on here. Things can be beautiful without the perfectionism of things." Janette then interjected, reminding them that "winning isn't everything," a sentiment Dianne concurred with. Reflecting on his own experience, Chris shared, "It's just been way more than I thought it would be." Dianne and Chris shared their experience throughout this year's show (Image: BBC) Chris made history on Strictly by becoming the first blind contestant. He's quickly become a beloved fan favourite . After watching Chris with Dianne on It Takes Two, a fan went onto social media and expressed enthusiasm, saying, "The truly wonderful Chris and Dianne for the win... they will, 100%, be getting all my votes." Another supporter was confident in their victory: "Chris and Dianne will win so the others might as well go home now. Either way I'll be happy for him as he's brilliant." And a third viewer praised Chris's journey: "Chris did not have # Strictly on his radar, but now he is in the final. Dianne is now in her second final in a row. The waltz was emotional and Couple's Choice is showmanship and selling it more. The showdance is high energy but ballroom!" It Takes Two is available to watch on BBC IPlayer.
HARTFORD, Conn. – Saturday Night Main Event is one day away as the superstars return to WWE Smackdown today – Friday, Dec. 13 – from the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The episode is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free. How do I watch WWE Smackdown for free? If you can’t watch Smackdown on USA Network today at 8 p.m. Eastern, you can utilize free trials from FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. FuboTV is also offering a special discount of $30 off your first month. In addition, you can take advantage of promotional offers from Sling TV. You can also watch later this week on Peacock , which offers a premium monthly subscription for $7.99 a month or a premium annual subscription for $79.99 a year, which saves you 17% off in one payment. In tonight’s episode , the Bloodline continues their rampage after losing at War Games while Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens prepare for their title fight at Saturday Night Main Event. The Women’s United States Championship Tournament enters into the semifinals. Fuming from their defeat, the Bloodline jumped Apollo Crews, Andrade and LA Knight. Who will be in their crosshairs this week? The Undisputed WWE Champion brawled with Owens last week. Will General Manager Nick Aldis be able to keep them apart before their match at Saturday Night Main Event? Watch WWE Smackdown for free on DirecTV Stream Bayley will face Chelsea Green in the first semifinal of the Women’s United States Championship Tournament. Michin will clash with Tiffany Stratton in the second semifinal. Bayley and Stratton are the favorites to advance to finals at Saturday Night Main Event. After being attacked by the Bloodline, Knight could turn his attention to the familiar foes, or try to reclaim the United States Championship by going after Shinsuke Nakamura. What path will he choose? Johnny Gargano tricked the WWE Universe with a low blow to recapture the WWE Tag Team Championships from the Motor City Machine Guns. The Street Profits were also attacked, meaning Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa now have a major target on their back. Bianca Belair continues to investigate who attacked her partner Jade Cargill. Will the mysterious assailant be revealed tonight? When is Saturday Night Main Event? The spectacle will take place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. It will broadcast live on NBC and Peacock . You can watch for free by utilizing free trials from DirecTV Stream and FuboTV. It’s the first Saturday Night Main Event in 16 years. Watch WWE Smackdown for free on FuboTV Here’s more information on how to watch WWE Smackdown on TV and streaming services. What: WWE Friday Night Smackdown When: Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Where: XL Center | Hartford, Connecticut Channel: USA Network Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $30 off your first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (half off first month). You can watch later this week on Peacock too. Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse , Comcast Xfinity , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice , Cox , DIRECTV , Dish , Verizon Fios NOTE: WWE Friday Night Smackdown episodes are available on Peacock’s extensive WWE catalog a few days after airtime. You can also watch pay-per-view events from past years on the streaming service. What is WWE Smackdown? Smackdown is one of the longer running television programs in history. It first aired April 29, 1999. Through the years, it has been rebranded, first as Smackdown! from 1999 to 2008, and then Smackdown Live from 2016 to 2019. Its companion program, WWE RAW, airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern. Didn’t see Monday’s show? Here’s a recap below.
Belichick's bid to reshape UNC football latest sign of pro influence on college levelAP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:34 p.m. EST