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OAKLAND — For Cecilia Schonian, one of the hardest parts of living in her car was simply finding a place to park. She learned to avoid malls and shopping centers, where security guards quickly rousted alleged loiterers. Instead, she sought out the well-lit parking lots of hotels and motels across the East Bay. Once there, she’d peer out of her windows with a dash of envy at people sleeping indoors just feet away. “It’s depressing — you know that whoever is sleeping in those rooms are comfy, they’re showered and they’re clean,” Schonian said. “But it was just what I needed to do at the time. And I got through it.” The turning point came when Schonian, 37, walked through the front doors of Swords to Plowshares , an organization with 50 years of experience helping homeless and impoverished military veterans such as herself. Nearly a year after first visiting the nonprofit, she now lives in her own apartment and works at the front desk of the organization’s Oakland Service Center. Through the East Bay Times’ Share the Spirit campaign, which helps the neediest in our communities, Swords to Plowshares is hoping to raise $35,000 to help boost that center, which provides a wealth of services for military veterans. It’s the same place that Schonian visited in October 2023, after finding the nonprofit through a simple Google search. After tapping out the words “rental assistance for veterans around me,” she followed one of the first links to appear on her phone to discover the organization’s drop-in center located in Oakland’s Jack London Square. Upon her arrival, Schonian felt near-immediate relief. She could tell that the years of turmoil that plagued the past decade of her life — her struggles with homelessness, unemployment and alcoholism — were nearing an end. “It just felt like I was at home,” said Schonian, who served for five years in the Air Force as an active-duty airman, as well as another two years in the Air Force Reserves, before leaving the service with untreated post-traumatic stress. “I had people that understood me and cared about me, that weren’t going to judge me off of whatever was happening in my life at that time.” Swords to Plowshares traces its roots back to 1974, when Vietnam War veterans in San Francisco began searching for a way to help their fellow soldiers struggling with high rates of unemployment, homelessness and substance abuse. Their initial answer came in the form of a drop-in center, one specializing in providing legal support to people filing medical claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Over the next 50 years, the nonprofit expanded its services exponentially. Just last year, the nonprofit helped more than 3,100 military veterans, more than a third of whom were new to the organization, according to its 2023 annual report. Nearly 45% of those people had been homeless when they sought help, having spent an average of more than three years without a permanent indoor place to live. Many of those people were placed into one of the nonprofit’s 500 housing units that it operates across the Bay Area, while others were offered rental assistance. The nonprofit also helped connect veterans to mental health care, doled out more than 100,000 meals and distributed nearly 1,000 gun locks to help stem the tide of suicides among former military service members. “A lot of this growth is based on the needs of veterans and seeing what the gaps in care and services are, and making sure that there was the entity that was culturally able to provide the care and services that veterans needed and to advocate on their behalf,” Tramecia Garner, the nonprofit’s executive director, said. About 20 years ago, the nonprofit expanded its work across the Bay Bridge into the East Bay, where it opened a center at 330 Franklin St. in downtown Oakland. It’s an outlet that helps about 500 East Bay veterans every year with housing vouchers, food handouts, gas vouchers, hygiene kits and holiday backpacks. These days, Schonian is tasked with greeting most every person to walk through the center’s front doors. On a recent Thursday afternoon, Schonian handed out gourmet turkey breast sandwiches from Salt & Honey to a handful of visitors, then she sat down to enroll a man in a popular supportive housing program. She didn’t even try to convince the man to go to a crowded shelter — a place that he flat-out refused to visit. Rather, Schonian convinced him to apply for an apartment of his own. All the while, Schonian spoke with an air of credibility that newcomers to the nonprofit respond to, said James Thomas, 80. He described routinely visiting the nonprofit over the past decade for help with paying rent, keeping his wardrobe stocked or meeting the month’s bills. “You can feel that she’s caring about the individuals she’s talking to,” said Thomas, who stopped by this time for help with his water bill. “Her emotions come from the heart.” For Schonian, the goal is to help other military veterans escape that same cycle of homelessness that led her to the nonprofit’s front doors last year. “I was meant to go through everything that I went through for a reason,” Schonian said. “Now I get to celebrate those victories with them.” THE SHARE THE SPIRIT SERIES Share the Spirit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by the East Bay Times, The Mercury News and Bay Area News Group that provides relief, hope and opportunities for East Bay residents by raising money for nonprofit programs in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. WISH Donations will support Swords to Plowshares ’ Oakland Service Center, which provides direct services for 500 East Bay veterans annually. Funding will help meet 100 veterans’ basic needs by providing emergency housing, food and gas vouchers, hygiene kits, and holiday backpacks. Goal: $35,000 HOW TO GIVE Go to sharethespiriteastbay.org/donate or print and mail in this form . LEARN MORE Find additional stories at sharethespiriteastbay.org .Commuter town just 23 minutes from London with a 24-hour train serviceIn today’s high-pressure business world, demands like meeting sales targets and managing customer relationships are challenging enough. But for some workers, the real battle is surviving the toll of an abusive manager. Toxic behavior from supervisors — including public ridicule, unfair blame and angry outbursts — can push talented employees to the brink, increasing the likelihood of disengagement and turnover . Just consider the quiet quitting phenomenon of recent years. As business researchers interested in workplace dynamics , we set out to look into these troubling trends. Our goal was to explore strategies for mitigating the harmful impact of so-called “ jerk boss ” behaviors, such as insulting employees as “soft” for declining to work weekends. Drawing from a survey of 237 business-to-business salespeople across multiple industries, our newly published work found two low-cost, high-impact remedies. The first is to encourage productive workplace social media use. The second is to offer flexible work arrangements. In some workplaces, managers view workplace-based apps and larger platforms — like Instagram, LinkedIn and Microsoft Teams — as valuable tools for networking, promotion and coordination. In others, they criticize these spaces for encouraging cyberloafing . However, an underappreciated quality of social media is its role as a support system for workers facing toxic leadership. Journalist L.V. Anderson once aptly described Slack as “a safe space for mild grousing about management, power dynamics and subtle inequities in the workplace.” Our research strongly supports this sentiment, highlighting how online platforms enable employees to connect, vent and bypass the formalities of traditional email . Another key result was that flexible work can go a long way. Personalized work schedules and telecommuting options offer a buffer against the stress caused by abusive supervisors, we found. It’s easy to understand how this works: Workers feel valued when offered a tailored schedule that meets their needs. This sense of being appreciated helps offset the emotional toll of working under a jerk boss. So it’s no surprise that more and more workplaces are adopting flexible work setups. An estimated 58% of the American workforce — or 92 million workers — are currently in roles that offer a remote or hybrid setup, according to polling from McKinsey . The same survey found that 87% of people accept offers to work remotely when given the option. These findings are a call to action for businesses, particularly as disgruntled employees reportedly cost U.S. firms a whopping US$1.9 trillion annually. Our work suggests that encouraging the use of workplace social media — along with offering flexible work arrangements — can create a more resilient workforce that’s better equipped to handle the challenges of even the harshest of managers. Using both techniques in tandem seems to provide the strongest protection. To be fair, these interventions don’t directly tackle abusive bosses’ behavior. Addressing that may require more complex solutions, such as targeted training and improved recruitment practices. But our research suggests that, as part of a larger suite of management reforms, social media and flexible work arrangements can go a long way toward creating more supportive, functional work environments. This article is republished from The Conversation , a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Andrew Edelblum , University of Dayton ; Ashish Kalra , University of Dayton ; Na Young Lee , University of Dayton ; Riley Dugan , University of Dayton , and &l Read more: The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.21 niceph 。

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Pocket-Sized Powerhouse: A Review of the LumeCube XL COB LED LightNoneConcord Police and the U.S. Marshals collaborated to apprehend a fugitive involved in a domestic violence incident. According to a social media post by the Concord Police Department , on December 9, officers dispatched to a domestic disturbance discovered more than just discord behind closed doors. Upon arriving at the residence for the domestic violence call, a protective sweep unveiled an illegally modified short-barrel rifle, complete with a high-capacity magazine. The weapon found loaded added a menacing layer to the already volatile situation, especially since the suspect, identified as having previous felony convictions, was nowhere to be found. He had fled, turning the domestic response into a manhunt. Detectives promptly secured a warrant and joined forces with the United States Marshals Service to track down the accused. The fugitive was spotted in another city, where, officials report, he was apprehended without incident. The coordinated effort showcased the synergy between local police forces and federal agencies when confronting the specter of domestic violence intertwined with illegal firearms possession.

— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Need to impress someone this holiday season? Cult-favorite beauty brand Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for its insanely popular makeup products , including eyebrow pencils, complexion sticks, eyeshadow palettes and more. The brand new Gingerbread House Holiday Collection Set is the epitome of luxurious beauty. With a retail value of $362, the exclusive holiday set is currently available for $151, offering shoppers a festive 40% discount. Stocked with 14 products, including different shades for the lip and eye products, this set is indulgent and incredibly gift-worthy! Whether you want to treat yourself to trendy new makeup or want to wrap this holiday kit up for someone super special, we suggest shopping fast . The set is available through December and availability is limited. Check out the Anastasia Beverly Hills Gingerbread House Holiday Collection Set below. $362 value: Anastasia Beverly Hills Gingerbread House Holiday Collection Set ➤ Shopping tip: Free shipping is included on orders over $35, and complimentary returns are included. What does the Anastasia Beverly Hills Gingerbread House Holiday Collection Set include? One Mini Spice Eyeshadow Palette : Contains nine shades, including soft neutrals and bright, sparkly tones. This palette includes five matte finishes and four metallic finishes that provide a full-pigment formula with high color payoff and buildable intensity. One Mini Sugar Eyeshadow Palette : Includes nine shades with a combination of soft neutrals and vibrant, sparkling hues. It is suitable for creating various eye looks with both matte and metallic finishes. Two Glow Seeker Highlighters : Includes two new shades, Enchanted and Ethereal. This multi-dimensional illuminating powder provides a glow with an ultra-smooth formula that blends easily. The ultra-reflective powder formula delivers a radiant effect. This shade can be applied to the face, eyes and body, creating highlights. Four Lip Velvets : Unwrap the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet lip product in four shades: Hush Rose, Cool Brown, Blackberry and Pomegranate. This soft-focus, smooth formula offers a weightless, matte finish that blurs lip texture. The teardrop-shaped cushioned wand allows for lining and application in one swipe. Six Liquid Liners : This set include six shades of Liquid Liners: Black, Navy Blue, White, Brown, Burgundy and Aubergine. This long-lasting, water-resistant eyeliner delivers full-pigment color. With a highly saturated matte shade and an ultra-fine felt tip, it allows precise application for fine lines and bold designs. The water-based gel formula dries quickly for intense color that remains in place. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that he has formally written to the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, regarding allegations of an explicit content now circulating on social media. Responding to the media earlier today, Rabuka revealed that he has been informed about the alleged material and has taken immediate steps to seek clarification from Minister Tabuya. “I’ve already written to her. I’ve just asked her to explain herself” Fiji One News has sent questions to Minister Tabuya and is awaiting her response.Former hockey executive/player Monte Miron dies

By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. Is it a plan in motion or more rhetoric? On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Death row inmates are mostly sentenced by states Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Could rape now be punishable by death? Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. What were the cases highlighted by Trump? One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row

Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more . Uh-oh, did Christmas Day and Hanukkah sneak up on you? The holiday season is moving at lightning speed, right? Whether you totally forgot a gift or you're scrambling to get one for an unexpected Christmas Eve guest, don’t panic. Gift cards are a total lifesaver, and honestly, they're one of the most thoughtful presents you can give. In fact, I think a gift certificate is the perfect gift. Why? Because you’re giving the gift of choice—letting the recipient pick exactly what they want, when they want it. Plus, a digital gift card is quick, easy, and always appreciated. So, if you’re in a last-minute bind, I’ve got you covered with some E! Shopping Editor -approved gift card options from REI, Zappos, and more popular retailers. A gift certificate is a great stocking stuffer, a stress-free last minute Christmas gift, and the best buy when you want to give a present your family member will actually use. Holiday gift shopping should not be stressful. Make your life easier with a thoughtful gift idea that no one will return. Allbirds : Treat someone to sustainable, fashionable Allbirds footwear they’ll love, while giving them the freedom to choose their favorite styles and colors. e.l.f. Cosmetics : Explore a wide range of affordable, high-performance beauty products. Harry & David : Select from a wide variety of gourmet food, premium gift baskets, and sweet treats, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Kora Organics : A gift card for Miranda Kerr's brand, Kora Organics, lets the recipient indulge in luxurious, organic skincare. Pacifica Beauty : Explore a wide range of vegan and cruelty-free skincare, makeup, and wellness products to enhance their beauty routine. Peter Thomas Roth : Experience high-performance skincare products designed to address a range of skin concerns. Pura Vida : Choose from unique, handmade accessories and jewelry that support artisans worldwide. Rebecca Minkoff : Explore a collection of premium handbags, accessories, and apparel that fit their unique style. REI : Help someone gear up for their next outdoor adventure, giving them the freedom to choose from high-quality equipment and apparel. Saks Off Fifth : Shop designer brands at unbeatable prices, finding the perfect fashion pieces, shoes, and accessories. Soma : Discover a range of comfortable and luxurious lingerie, sleepwear, and loungewear. Sorel : Find the perfect pair of durable, versatile footwear for any season. Spongelle : Indulge in luxurious body care products, offering a range of exfoliating sponges and skincare essentials for a spa-like experience. Uniqlo : Enjoy a selection of versatile, high-quality clothing and accessories. Zappos : Shop a wide selection of shoes, clothing, and accessories. Digital gift cards are a lifesaver for last-minute holiday shopping, especially as Christmas Day nears. With instant delivery and the ability to choose from a wide selection, they make for a great gift when you're pressed for time. You can easily purchase them online with a credit card and have them sent directly to the recipient’s inbox, allowing them to pick exactly what they want. Plus, many platforms offer personalization, adding a thoughtful touch. Digital gift cards are the perfect solution for quick, stress-free gift shopping this holiday season. Purchasing and sending instant Christmas gifts online has never been easier, especially if you're looking for a quick solution just before Christmas Eve. To get started, simply choose the best gift for your family member or loved one by browsing digital gift cards on trusted platforms. Popular websites like Amazon, Zappos, and REI offer quick and seamless instant gift solutions, allowing you to purchase and send a gift card directly to the recipient’s inbox. Be sure to enter your personal information securely when completing the purchase, and consider adding a personalized message to make the gift extra special. Many platforms also allow you to customize the design and amount of the gift card, ensuring the recipients will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind it. With digital gift cards, you can skip the hassle of traditional shopping and ensure your loved ones receive a gift they’ll truly enjoy. Personalization services can significantly enhance the value of a gift card, making it feel more like the ultimate gift rather than a last-minute option. Many popular retailers now offer a range of personalized gift cards, allowing you to customize designs and messages that reflect the gift recipient's unique tastes and interests. From adding a thoughtful note to selecting a themed card design, these features make the gift feel special and tailored. Current trends in gift card personalization include offering options like custom images, animated designs, or even the ability to select the card's delivery time. Choosing the right personalization option not only shows extra thought but also makes the gift more memorable and meaningful, ensuring your gift recipient feels truly valued. With a variety of customizable gift cards available, this thoughtful touch can turn a quick gift into something extraordinary. Gift cards are the ultimate solution for last-minute gift-giving, offering unmatched convenience and flexibility. Whether it's a digital or personalized option, gift cards allow you to send a thoughtful gift in an instant, making them a go-to choice for busy shoppers. Digital gift cards provide the advantage of quick delivery, while personalized cards add that extra touch to make the gift feel more meaningful. As technology continues to shape the gift card industry, we can expect even more customization options and seamless delivery methods in the future. With trends like instant gift solutions and increasingly personalized designs, gift cards are evolving to meet the needs of modern shoppers, ensuring they remain a staple in the world of gift-giving. Still shopping? You'll love these last-minute gifts that don't look last-minute . The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.J.K. Dobbins (knee) was limited in practice Tuesday, and he could return in Week 17 at New England after missing the past four games. If he's back then Dobbins would be worth using as a No. 2 running back in all leagues. There's obvious risk in trusting Dobbins due to his lengthy absence, especially in the Fantasy championship in the majority of leagues. But prior to getting hurt in Week 12 against Baltimore, Dobbins had scored at least 16.8 PPR points in three of his past four games and was a must-start Fantasy option in all leagues. Now, if Dobbins can't play, there's a chance for Gus Edwards to have another quality performance for the second game in a row. He's coming off his best game of the season in Week 16 against Denver with 14 carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns and one catch for 3 yards on two targets. Edwards hasn't been great as the replacement for Dobbins in some tough matchups against Atlanta, Kansas City and Tampa Bay, but he does have three touchdowns in his past three games. And the matchup against the Patriots is favorable since New England is No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Three running backs in the past three games against the Patriots have rushed for at least 96 yards. And a running back has scored at least 17.3 PPR points against New England in four games in a row. We'd love to see Dobbins back for this game and ready to go at 100 percent. But if he's out then this could be another chance for Edwards to have a quality outing given the favorable matchup against the Patriots.Running back J.K. Dobbins suffered an MCL injury midway through the year, but the Chargers starter should return to the field before long. Recently activated from the injured reserve, Dobbins began the season fighting for the starting job with fellow former Raven Gus Edwards . While the two split carries early in the season, Dobbins quickly earned the starting job and never looked back. Through the first 11 games of the season, the former second-round pick recorded 158 carries for 766 yards and eight touchdowns, good for 4.8 yards per attempt. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit, landing Dobbins on the injured reserve. However, the Chargers activated his practice window, which means he should be back on the field for the start of the playoffs. Based on potential seeding, there’s a decent chance Dobbins makes his return against his old team, the Baltimore Ravens. J.K. Dobbins Could Get Revenge Against Ravens With Chargers Return J.K. Dobbins entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft . Selected by the Baltimore Ravens, the Ohio State product impressed as a rookie, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt while splitting work with Edwards and veteran Mark Ingram. After Ingram departed in 2021, Dobbins had a clear path to the unquestioned starting job. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined him for all of 2022 and limited him to eight games in 2023. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Dobbins tried to secure an extension prior to the start of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, nothing came of his request and the running back entered the season hoping to prove himself. That didn’t happen, as he tore his Achilles during Week 1. Historically considered the kiss of death to running backs , Baltimore believed Dobbins would never return to form, allowing him to walk in free agency while bringing in superstar Derrick Henry . While his MCL injury sidelined him for part of the season, Dobbins proved he could return to form with the Chargers. While every player brings their best to the postseason, the Wild Card round could be personal for Dobbins. Playoff Seeding As of this posting, the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers are the fifth and sixth seeds in the playoff picture , respectively. If this remains the case heading after Week 18, then the earliest these teams could face off is in the AFC Championship Game . However, there is a decent chance the seedings change between now and the end of the regular season. At 10-5, the Ravens are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North lead. While Pittsburgh has the tiebreaker, the final two games could determine who hosts a playoff game. Baltimore finishes the season with two winnable matchups against a banged-up Houston Texans squad and Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s Cleveland Browns . Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has to play the Kansas City Chiefs and a desperate Cincinnati Bengals squad. If the Ravens win out and the Steelers lose a game, then Baltimore will win the AFC North and likely claim the third seed in the playoff picture. This means they will host the sixth seed in the Wild Card round, which could easily be the Chargers. While the Ravens should be favored in this matchup, Dobbins will do everything in his power to make sure the Chargers don’t go down without a fight. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.Ukrainian officials have denounced a Christmas Eve attack on President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown, which has killed one person and injured 15, four seriously. or signup to continue reading A ballistic missile struck an apartment building in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. "The monsters landed a direct hit on a four-storey residential block with 32 apartments," the head of the city's military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul, wrote on Telegram. One man whose body had been pulled from under the rubble could not be revived by medics, regional governor Serhiy Lysak said. Vilkul later said that a woman had been rescued and taken to a hospital after spending four hours covered in rubble. "While other countries of the world are celebrating Christmas, Ukrainians are continuing to suffer from endless Russian attacks," Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets wrote on Telegram. Governor Lysak posted photographs of rescuers trawling through a large pile of rubble, recovering a person covered in dust and loading them into an ambulance. Kryvyi Rih is a steelmaking city with a pre-war population of more than 600,000. Its southern outskirts lie about 65 km from the nearest Russian-occupied territory, and it has regularly been the target of Russian missile attacks throughout the war. Russia says it does not deliberately target civilians, although thousands have been killed since Moscow launched its invasion in 2022. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! 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World’s oldest surviving market running for 1,000 YEARS holds its final Christmas meat auction before it CLOSESCompared to some stories that get revived or remade every decade or so, three versions of Nosferatu over the span of literally 100-plus years isn’t that many. But, of course, there’s been an asterisk affixed to Nosferatu ever since the original German silent film was released in 1922: This movie (full title: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror ) is actually an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula , which was just 25 years old at the time. Though names and details of the story were changed, the original German intertitles acknowledged the inspiration of Dracula , which was enough ammunition for Stoker’s heirs to sue, leading to a court order that all copies of the film by destroyed. Luckily, some copies survived, and the film’s reputation gradually grew. At the same time, Dracula adaptations proliferated, and, when the book/character fully entered the public domain in 1962 (after a copyright error made it fair game in the United States much earlier), there were even more. This means that Nosferatu was eventually just one of many unauthorized versions of Dracula – and, ironically, this legally dicey German ripoff is more faithful to Stoker’s book that many of the adaptations that followed. At the same time, Nosferatu became well-known enough on its own to inspire multiple remakes, as well as a bit of fan-fiction. With all of these Nosferatus running around, including the latest remake hitting theaters on Christmas, which versions are most worth your time? Let’s run through them chronologically and see. THE VERSION CONTROL VERDICT: All Nosferatu s are good! Truly, it’s difficult to go wrong here unless you inexplicably watch Shadow of the Vampire first and then none of the other ones for decades (which, shamefully, is exactly what I did, albeit not really on purpose). If you’re only good for a single iconic Dracula ripoff, then by all means, the 90-minute original silent Nosferatu is the way to go; it’s a masterpiece, and it’s free to watch at home. What could be better? But this is one of those situations where watching three successive interpretations is both informative and entertaining. Jesse Hassenger ( @rockmarooned ) is a writer living in Brooklyn. He’s a regular contributor to The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others. He podcasts at www.sportsalcohol.com , too.HOULTON – Katahdin Bankshares Corp. (OTCQX: KTHN), parent company of Katahdin Trust Company, announced that it has declared a cash dividend of $0.175 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. The dividend will be payable on December 20, to shareholders of record as of December 13. This dividend represents a 15.1 percent increase over last year’s fourth-quarter dividend. Katahdin Bankshares Corp. is the bank holding company of Katahdin Trust Company. Founded in 1918, Katahdin Trust is a community bank based in Houlton, Maine with 16 locations and more than $1.05 billion in assets. Katahdin Bankshares Corp. common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets (OTCQX) under the symbol KTHN. Learn more about the Company and its subsidiary bank at www.katahdintrust.com and follow Katahdin Trust on social media.Debunking false claims about US drone sightings | Fact check roundup

Titans keep losing as coach Brian Callahan tries to show some progressO’Shea stands by decision to keep playing Collaros after QB was hurt in Grey Cup WINNIPEG — Mike O’Shea stood in front of reporters Friday and kept his cool while answering questions about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts last weekend. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press Nov 22, 2024 2:23 PM Nov 22, 2024 2:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea walks onto the field for media availability ahead of the 111th CFL Grey Cup, in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck WINNIPEG — Mike O’Shea stood in front of reporters Friday and kept his cool while answering questions about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts last weekend. The head coach was asked if he made a mistake keeping injured quarterback Zach Collaros in the game, why star running back Brady Oliveira didn’t get the ball more and whether a flawed game plan led to Winnipeg’s third consecutive championship loss. “As an entire team, we didn’t have our best game,” O’Shea said in his end-of-the-season press conference. “We didn’t lack effort. We didn’t lack desire. “We didn’t have our best game as an entire team. Three phases. Coaches — everybody. Me especially.” O’Shea admitted he missed calling a timeout in the fourth quarter when there were only 11 Blue Bombers on the field instead of 12. “I don't get the count over the headset as quickly as I probably need to, we can't count. As I'm seeing a guy come off, that's the right time for that timeout that I should have used,” O’Shea said. He also said he should have used a challenge flag earlier on a play he didn’t identify, and checked on his players more during the game. But hindsight wouldn’t change his decision to put Collaros back in the game after the index finger on his throwing hand was cut deep when it hit a defender’s helmet. “He absolutely deserves every opportunity to lead this team,” O’Shea said. “From what I saw and from chatting with him very briefly, I felt really comfortable with that. I didn't think it was going to be easy, but I thought it's Zach, so...” The injury to Collaros’s finger happened late in the third quarter when the Blue Bombers were trailing the Argonauts 17-10. The veteran left the game and returned with a bandaged finger that needed five stitches and a numbing agent. He wore a glove on the hand and told reporters earlier this week it was difficult to grip the ball. Collaros said he warned receivers in the huddle his throws might not have the usual zip and they should be prepared to come back for the ball. “(I) saw him delivering the ball on the sidelines. Then you see him deliver a couple balls out there and some of them are pretty damn good, right?” O’Shea said. “The awareness of Zach to say to the receivers, ‘hey, work a little harder for me,’ I think it’s natural and what should be said. I think they already know that.” When Collaros re-entered the game, he threw interceptions in back-to-back series. “On one of them he got rid of the ball and I thought it was a good ball and the defensive player made a good play,” O’Shea said of the picks. “One slipped right out of his hand or I don't know if it got tipped or not. You've got to give him that opportunity.” Oliveira was questioning his lack of opportunities in the game when he spoke to reporters earlier in the week. The CFL’s newly minted most outstanding player and top Canadian only had 11 carries for 84 yards and one late touchdown. About 17 or 18 run plays were called, O’Shea said. “One starts off with a procedure penalty in the first and then six of those get pulled because there's X number of guys in the box or the read says this is not a run play anymore, this is now a pass play,” he said. “You call that many runs and then a pile of them get pulled because of the structure of the defence. That's OK with me at that point.” O’Shea said Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce has been granted permission to talk to CFL teams with head-coaching job openings. The B.C. Lions are reportedly interested in Pierce. The Edmonton Elks also have a vacant head coach spot. If Pierce doesn’t become a head coach, O’Shea said he wants him to stay in Winnipeg. He believes Pierce had the offence “extremely well-prepared” for the Grey Cup. “I’m never going to question the play-calling, and I think what’s going on here is we’re questioning,” O’Shea said. “We’re trying to find blame and fault when that’s nowhere in our DNA of how we built this eight, nine, 10 years ago. We’re starting to try and find all these answers and question all these people that were 0-4 and 2-6 and then 10-1, and we just didn’t play our best game.” The Bombers finished 11-7 and claimed the West Division title that earned them a fifth consecutive trip to the Grey Cup. They won the championship in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2023. “We're the same group that got there, that went on a phenomenal run after a bad start, and a bad start for a lot of reasons that we overcame,” O’Shea said. “I just, I don't question any of it. I look for answers, too. I watch the film over and over and over again. And look to already make notes on how we're going to be better, how we're going to get back there again.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Sports Grant-Mentis scores twice as Victorie beat Charge in PWHL pre-season Nov 22, 2024 2:25 PM Maple Leafs place Knies on injured reserve and add Alex Nylander on a one-year deal Nov 22, 2024 2:21 PM Hoops star Nurse joins Athletes Unlimited aiming to rebound from ‘rocky’ two years Nov 22, 2024 1:37 PM Featured FlyerRed Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey Gasper