Jamiya Neal finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and four blocks to lead host Creighton over UNLV 83-65 on Saturday in Omaha, Neb. Creighton was without star Pop Isaacs, who was ruled out for the season on Saturday morning after undergoing surprise hip surgery. It was a startling turn, considering Isaacs led Creighton with 27 points in Wednesday's win over No. 1 Kansas. Neal and Steven Ashworth (17 points) anchored the backcourt in Isaacs' absence, combining to make 13-of-20 shots from the field. Neal made 7 of his 10 and Ashworth 6 of 10. Isaac Traudt also stepped up, making five 3-pointers off the bench to account for all 15 of his points. Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 12 points, making 4-of-5 attempts from the field, and added six rebounds. Creighton opened the second half on a 10-0 run, extending its lead to 49-27 before UNLV mustered an answer. Creighton made 10 consecutive shots early in the second half, extending its lead to a 62-41 with 12:20 remaining. Dedan Thomas Jr. paced UNLV with 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting, making 1 of 4 attempts from 3-point range. Jailen Bedford added a team-high 20 points for the Rebels on 8-of-15 shooting, scoring 17 points in the second half. Julian Rishwain added 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, but UNLV's second leading scorer for the season, Jeremiah Cherry, was limited to just four points in 16 minutes after early foul trouble. Creighton shot a resounding 63.3 percent from the field for the game, including going 10-of-20 from beyond the arc. Creighton outscored UNLV 38-34 in the paint and outrebounded them 34-21. UNLV finished the game shooting 42.2 percent field, making 7-of-21 attempts from distance. --Field Level Mediahttps://arab.news/wex88 GENEVA: The UN human rights chief on Monday said there was a “huge chance” for inclusive dialogue on the political transition in Syria’s new era after the ousting of President Bashar Assad. “I hope that within this current environment that obviously there will be this inclusive, very inclusive dialogue,” United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told a Geneva press briefing. “There is a huge chance for this to happen. And what we have seen initially is indeed cooperation,” he added. He also called for accountability for past crimes in Syria and the meticulous preservation of evidence.
PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral on Nov. 29 in Paris. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen Nov. 29 in Paris. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed ... As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. People gather near France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, hours before formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, on Saturday in Paris. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” Notre Dame's thunderous great organ was heard in public for the first time since 2019 at the cathedral's reopening ceremony Saturday night. The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail followed Trump. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. People stand outside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) The tabernacle of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP) Windows in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron, center, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) French President Emmanuel Macron, third right, and his wife Brigitte Macron visit the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) People gather as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated Notre Dame Cathedral Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he visits the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) The nave, the western Rose window and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) A man takes a picture of Notre Dame Cathedral as French President Emmanuel Macron visits the renovated cathedral, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Friday, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The South Rose stainglass window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) Part of the nave and the organ of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The facade of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris, is seen Friday Nov. 29, 2024, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP) The facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) Part of the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen in Paris, Friday Nov., 29 2024 ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP) People stand inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Friday Nov. 29 2024 before French President Emmanuel Macron's final visit to the construction site to see the restored interiors before the iconic monument's reopening for worship on Dec. 8. (Sarah Meyssonnier, Pool via AP) Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The electric 2025 Porsche Macan is landing in Porsche Centres around Australia on December 7, with a lineup of four variants including single-motor and dual-motor drivetrains. Based on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) co-developed with Audi, the second-generation Macan features an 800V electrical architecture and is closely related to the new Audi Q6 e-tron – as well as the A6 e-tron family. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Prices start from $128,400 before on-road costs, making the price of entry into the all-electric Macan range some $33,000 higher than before. The outgoing combustion-powered Macan range remains available while stocks last. 100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Pricing The move to electric power has bumped up the price of the Macan significantly, with even the entry-level single-motor Macan starting at over $30,000 more than the outgoing petrol generation’s base four-cylinder petrol variant. For reference, the older-generation petrol range remains on sale while stocks last. See below for MY25 pricing: Powertrains and Efficiency The electric Macan is available in four variants, with the base single-motor Macan the first time the nameplate has offered a 2WD version. All models offer an overboost function which raises power when using launch control, bumping the max power output by about 10 per cent in each variant. The claimed 0-100km/h times are using launch control, too. Also worth noting is the ‘ECE’ metric for the range claims is Porsche Australia’s go-to measurement, and is more closely based on the older NEDC cycle than the newer, more accurate WLTP protocol. Dimensions The Macan’s boot has grown to 540 litres with all seats in place, which is up around 50 litres on the old model. That grows to 1348 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s additional storage under the bonnet, in lieu of an internal combustion engine. Servicing and Warranty Porsche persists with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty which lags behind the main premium players. Also unlike key rival brands, Porsche doesn’t do advertised or capped service pricing, meaning prices can vary by Porsche Centre. There’s also no official partnership or charging subscription tied to any public charger providers. Safety The new Macan hasn’t been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP yet. Its predecessor scored five stars in 2014, though this rating for the outgoing model has expired. Standard safety features include: As noted earlier, some safety features standard in Australian-spec Macan models are beyond the global standard specification. Standard Equipment Porsche Australia includes added equipment over the global standard specification – see below for details. Macan equipment highlights: Macan 4 adds: Macan 4S adds: Macan Turbo adds: Australian additional equipment – all models: Australian additional equipment – select models: Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Porsche MacanAchilles Therapeutics plc ( NASDAQ:ACHL – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 90,300 shares, a decline of 33.9% from the November 30th total of 136,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 163,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Approximately 0.2% of the company’s shares are sold short. Achilles Therapeutics Price Performance Shares of ACHL opened at $1.13 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $1.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $0.91. The stock has a market cap of $46.44 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.68 and a beta of 1.37. Achilles Therapeutics has a one year low of $0.63 and a one year high of $1.76. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Achilles Therapeutics A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Achilles Therapeutics stock. XTX Topco Ltd grew its holdings in Achilles Therapeutics plc ( NASDAQ:ACHL – Free Report ) by 239.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 51,660 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 36,441 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd owned approximately 0.13% of Achilles Therapeutics worth $42,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. 56.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Achilles Therapeutics Achilles Therapeutics plc, a biopharmaceutical company, develops precision T cell therapies to treat solid tumors. Its platform identifies mutations formed early in the development of cancer. The company offers PELEUS, a proprietary AI-powered bioinformatics platform, used to identify clonal neoantigens in a patient. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Achilles Therapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Achilles Therapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .'Democracy and freedom': Jimmy Carter's human rights efforts in Latin America
Angela Rayner struggles to explain how Labour’s housing plans will cope with 2.5m new migrants
Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Taylor Swift’s record-breaking ‘Eras’ tour set for final show
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will bring a new series to Netflix in December, revealing the “grit behind the glamour” in the high-stakes world of polo. The five-part series will debut globally on December 10, following elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington , Florida. A trailer for the series titled Polo, executive produced by Harry and Meghan, was released on Thursday, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the “fast-paced and glamorous world of polo”. In a statement, Harry said: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. “We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.” It has been produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions, having previously released three documentaries with Netflix as part of a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming giant. Heart Of Invictus, which aired last August, followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Netflix also released the documentary series Live To Lead and the controversial six-part Harry & Meghan documentary in December 2022. Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed their resolve to enhance regional security through the development of a critical Early Warning Mechanism aimed at addressing mutual security challenges. The agreement is expected to be finalised by March 2025, coinciding with the visit of South Africa’s minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations. This announcement was made at the 11th Session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town. The meeting, co-chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, underscored the shared commitment to fostering peace and stability across Africa while deepening bilateral ties. In their joint communiqué, the leaders reaffirmed the historic bond between the two nations and emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships to address security, economic, and development challenges. They urged their respective agencies to intensify collaboration in these areas for mutual benefit. The also acknowledged the significant investments by South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged reciprocal Nigerian investments in South Africa. Both countries agreed to foster a business-friendly environment to boost trade and investment. They further committed to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve balanced trade growth. Key sectors identified for collaboration include mining, rail, road, and port infrastructure, with Nigeria inviting South African development finance institutions to co-finance major projects. Recognising shared challenges, the leaders unveiled plans to collaborate on initiatives addressing food security, digital connectivity, and artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to expand digital literacy, enhance data protection, and ensure online safety for citizens. Both nations expressed deep concern over the Sudan crisis and reaffirmed their commitment to the African Union’s goal of “Silencing the Guns.” On the global stage, the leaders condemned ongoing violence in Gaza, advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. They reiterated support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Similarly, they reinforced their backing for Western Sahara’s right to self-determination. Both nations further pledged to collaborate closely in international organizations, with Nigeria backing South Africa’s G20 presidency priorities, including inclusive economic growth and artificial intelligence governance. As South Africa assumes the G20 presidency, Tinubu congratulated Ramaphosa on his nation’s focus on addressing inequality, industrialization, and food security. Both leaders vowed to champion Africa’s Agenda 2063 on the global stage.Syria's Power Shift: As Rebels Encircle Damascus
William Saliba has pledged his future to Arsenal - while also insisting the Gunners can catch Liverpool at the Premier League summit. The colossal Frenchman, who has formed a fundamental part of Mikel Arteta's rip-roaring Gunners revolution and netted in the 2-0 triumph over Manchester United on Wednesday , believes there is simply no place like home. And when quizzed on whether he envisages staying in north London for the long haul, the 23-year-old did not hesitate to reaffirm his commitment to the club amid reported interest from Real Madrid . Saliba said: "Yeah of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago but it's only my third season and I'm enjoying everything - the players, the staff and the fans. I feel at home so of course, why not?" The imperious central defender also remains optimistic the Gunners can hunt down Arne Slot's pace-setting Reds, who did not play this weekend following the postponement of the Merseyside derby , after his second-half goal in midweek helped narrow the gap at the top to seven points. He declared: "Everything is possible. The season is very long and we've experienced that in the past two years. We just have to focus on ourselves, we are still only in December so there are still a lot of things that can happen." Saliba - speaking alongside goalkeeper Neto during a gratifying recent visit to Ashmount Primary School in Islington - also detailed his pride at representing a club at the heart of the local community after being mobbed by the starstruck seven and eight-year-old children. The France international, who played football, took questions and joined a reading class with the privileged young pupils, claims the sense of social responsibility from Arsenal's deep-rooted connection to their supporters and surroundings is fuelling their quest for success. He added: "We're so happy to be involved in this type of project. We know that when you love football, you want to see and meet football players like us. "I never had the chance when I was younger, so it's good to give back to the kids and be connected with our local community. Their support is a huge inspiration for us, we take it with us every time we go onto the pitch. We've all been in their place when we were young and from day one here, I could see we do a lot of things in the community for the kids." Saliba's exceptional defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes is now rightly regarded as among the best in world football. But to cement their legacy, the former Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille loanee is adamant the duo must deliver silverware in N5. He said of his Brazilian companion, who is targeting a return to action against Fulham : "Since the day I first played with him, I've enjoyed every game. He's a massive, massive defender that is so good in every aspect. "But if we want to be all-time great defenders, where everyone remembers us, we have to win some trophies. We haven't done it yet but we will give everything to achieve that." After lauding Arsenal's red-hot goalscoring form - the Gunners have struck 15 times in four straight victories in all competitions since last month's international break - Saliba is now striving to tighten things up at the back. The Parisian confessed: "Since we've been back, we've been playing better football and we have to keep going. We're so happy to be scoring goals but we concede a lot of goals, as well. "It's not good enough, especially last weekend [against West Ham ] when we were winning 4-0, we didn't have to concede two goals just after. I think we have to do much better defensively." Saliba also paid tribute to relentless boss Arteta for helping the Gunners weather a significant storm as injuries and suspensions threatened to derail their season. He concluded: "He was with us, telling us that we are still a really good team. It was a tough moment but he gave us a lot of confidence to get back to playing the way we are now. "And he was right because since the Chelsea game we are playing better, winning games and scoring a lot of goals. We can still improve but Mikel helped give us a lot of confidence [that Arsenal could turn things around]." Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed their resolve to enhance regional security through the development of a critical Early Warning Mechanism aimed at addressing mutual security challenges. The agreement is expected to be finalised by March 2025, coinciding with the visit of South Africa’s minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations. This announcement was made at the 11th Session of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town. The meeting, co-chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, underscored the shared commitment to fostering peace and stability across Africa while deepening bilateral ties. In their joint communiqué, the leaders reaffirmed the historic bond between the two nations and emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships to address security, economic, and development challenges. They urged their respective agencies to intensify collaboration in these areas for mutual benefit. The also acknowledged the significant investments by South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged reciprocal Nigerian investments in South Africa. Both countries agreed to foster a business-friendly environment to boost trade and investment. They further committed to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve balanced trade growth. Key sectors identified for collaboration include mining, rail, road, and port infrastructure, with Nigeria inviting South African development finance institutions to co-finance major projects. Recognising shared challenges, the leaders unveiled plans to collaborate on initiatives addressing food security, digital connectivity, and artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to expand digital literacy, enhance data protection, and ensure online safety for citizens. Both nations expressed deep concern over the Sudan crisis and reaffirmed their commitment to the African Union’s goal of “Silencing the Guns.” On the global stage, the leaders condemned ongoing violence in Gaza, advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. They reiterated support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. Similarly, they reinforced their backing for Western Sahara’s right to self-determination. Both nations further pledged to collaborate closely in international organizations, with Nigeria backing South Africa’s G20 presidency priorities, including inclusive economic growth and artificial intelligence governance. As South Africa assumes the G20 presidency, Tinubu congratulated Ramaphosa on his nation’s focus on addressing inequality, industrialization, and food security. Both leaders vowed to champion Africa’s Agenda 2063 on the global stage.'Democracy and freedom': Jimmy Carter's human rights efforts in Latin AmericaNone
NowThis laid off about half its unionized newsroom, marking the second deep round of cuts this year. The layoffs affected 13 of NowThis' 21 WGA East members. A decline in advertising has led to widespread media layoffs in recent years. NowThis recently laid off about half its unionized newsroom, the second round of deep cuts this year at the progressive digital news outlet. Thirteen of NowThis' 21 members of WGA East, which represents the newsroom, were impacted, a union representative told Business Insider. Laid-off staffers were notified on November 15. Three people on the sales side also were let go recently, a person close to NowThis said. They asked for anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the cuts. Their identity is known to BI. A spokesperson for NowThis confirmed the layoffs to BI and said the company remained committed to making "impactful content." In September, NowThis hired a new editor-in-chief, Michael Vito Valentino, formerly of Fallen Media and MTV, as it looked to shift focus to Gen-Z audiences. NowThis was once a fast-growing digital news outlet aimed at young consumers that soared in popularity by making short-form, text-on-screen videos that it amplified on social media. It joined Vox Media through Vox's 2021 acquisition of Group Nine Media. Vox spun NowThis off in 2023 through a deal with Accelerate Change, a nonprofit focused on promoting civic engagement among underrepresented groups. Vox retained a minority stake in the company and has an arrangement to sell advertising for NowThis . A Vox Media spokesperson referred a request for comment to NowThis. At the time of the spinoff, the plan was for NowThis to ramp up to cover the 2024 election. Accelerate Change is backed by progressive organizations such as the Open Society Foundations , which was founded by George Soros, the billionaire investor and major Democratic political donor. It also backs other news outlets, including ParentsTogether, PushBlack, Pulso, and Noticias Para Inmigrantes. The earlier round of layoffs at NowThis, in February, curtailed some of the company's coverage ambitions, though. That round impacted 26 of its 50 members of WGA East. At the time, the company said the reduction was meant to ensure the business was sustainable and that no more cuts were planned. Many news media outlets have been hit by layoffs in recent years amid a general pullback in advertising spending. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas tracked 3,402 job cuts in news so far this year through September, up 40% from 2,423 cuts during the year-earlier period.Marrakech Film Festival bestows Palestinian film 'Happy Holidays' with top awardIn Asia-Pacific, Filipinos enjoy pension amounts that are closest to their pay before retiring, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In its Pensions at a Glance Asia/Pacific 2024 report published on Dec. 6, the OECD said that at 72 percent, the Philippines has the region's highest future gross replacement rate. The report defines the future gross replacement rate as "the level of pension benefits in retirement from mandatory public and private pension schemes relative to earnings when working," usually computed using the last five years of career salaries. "For average earners with a full career from age 22, the future gross replacement rate at the normal retirement age averages 49.4 percent for men and 45.3 percent for women in Asian economies," the OECD noted. Retirement among employees in the Philippines starts at age 60. In the case of full-career Filipino male workers, the replacement rate is 72 percent, also topping the region. For "high earners" who get paid twice more than the country's wage average, they receive pensions with a replacement rate of 73 percent, exceeding the 59 percent in China and Vietnam. As for the net pension replacement rate, which, for the OECD, "matters more to individuals, as it reflects their disposable income in retirement in comparison to when working," Philippine pensioners also enjoy more than their regional peers. "The net replacement rate for workers earning 200 percent of the average is highest in the Philippines," the OECD report said. It helps that "in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand, pension income is neither liable for taxes nor social security contributions," the report pointed out. Filipino retirees' so-called gross pension wealth—which the OECD defines as "relative to individual earnings before retirement, measures the total discounted value of the lifetime flow of all retirement incomes in mandatory pension schemes at retirement age" -- at 10 times is comparable to those in Singapore, Thailand as well as Vietnam. However, the OECD cited that the Philippines has no valorization rule, wherein such a rate is applied to past earnings taking into account living standard changes between the time that pension rights accrued and when they are claimed. Also, "at the average-wage level, the highest future effective annual accrual rate of 1.9 percent is in the Philippines," the report added. Across Asia-Pacific, the report cited that only the Philippines has contribution-based basic and minimum pensions, with up to 56 percent of pensioner-recipients in the country regularly claiming their retirement benefits. Pension coverage in the country is also among the highest in the region. "Only the Philippines and Singapore along with Hong Kong have coverage above 50 percent for the population measure and over 80 percent for the labor force," the OECD noted, referring to the mandatory Social Security System (SSS) coverage for private-sector workers, which in 2021 had nearly 40.5 million members representing 55.5 percent of the population aged 15 to 65 and 92.4 percent of labor force. Based on 2024 estimates, life expectancy in the country stood at 77.6 years among men and a higher 80.4 years for women. Amid population ageing across the region, the OECD flagged the declining fertility rate in the Philippines, which at 1.9 this year from 3.53 in 2004 meant a 46-percent drop during the past two decades—the fastest fall in Asia-Pacific. "Low fertility rates have wider social and economic consequences. The old-age to working-age ratio will increase sharply, placing additional burdens on the working-age population to finance pay-as-you-go pensions and healthcare for older people. Moreover, the workforce will also age over time and so might be less adaptable to technological change," the OECD explained. In terms of the demographic old-age to working-age ratio, the report noted that "both Asian economies and OECD countries have seen prolonged increases in life expectancy that most analysts project to continue, implying an increasing number of older people and most likely of pensioners, too." The Philippines and Pakistan nonetheless have relatively young populations, with old-age to working-age demographic ratios of just 9.7 and 8.8, respectively, compared to Hong Kong's 36, Thailand's 24, China's 23.1, Sri Lanka's 20.9, and other Asia-Pacific nations' above 10. "In the second half of this century both of these countries are expected to remain considerably younger than the other economies, at 12.5 in Pakistan and 19.9 in the Philippines," the OECD said.