US defender Carter-Vickers scores own goal with no-look pass for Celtic in Champions LeagueuLab® Announces Strategic Collaboration with Voxel and LuxCreo to Revolutionize Direct Print Aligner TechnologyWales’ finance secretary laid down a challenge to Plaid Cymru after unveiling the Welsh Government’s 2025/26 draft budget which included an extra £1.5bn for public services. Prof Drakeford said he remains open to talks with Plaid Cymru about how the budget can be improved, with Labour one seat short of the majority needed to pass its spending plans. But, addressing opposition benches, he warned: “If that’s not the business you are in then, believe me, the people of Wales will see through you and the political games you think you can play with their future.” He added: “There’s £253m for local government and when you vote against the budget, you will be saying to those local authorities that you don’t want them to have a single penny of it. “That’s what serious politics is about ... and that day of reckoning is coming your way.” The cooperation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru collapsed in 2023, and the party has said it intends to vote against this year’s budget on March 4. Leading a debate on December 10, the former first minister told the Senedd the spending plans for the 12 months from April seek to protect the most vulnerable people in society. He said: “It is a budget for priorities, it is a budget for growth, it is a budget that reminds people in Wales why, time after time, they have put their trust in a Labour government. “A government which shares their values of trust, ambition, care for one another, and especially those who need that care the most. And that ... is why this is a budget for hope, a budget which sets out on that path to deliver a brighter future.” Peter Fox, the Conservatives’ shadow finance secretary, criticised Labour’s “tax-and-spend frenzy” and raised concerns economic growth could slow. Mr Fox said: “Both Labour governments just don’t understand business,” as he described national insurance increases as a tax on growth and a broken manifesto pledge. He rejected "fictitious" claims of a £22bn “blackhole” in the UK’s finances left by the Tories, adding that the Welsh budget has increased due to tax rises and vast amounts of borrowing. Mr Fox welcomed an additional £253m for local government but cautioned it will still leave councils facing a “cliffedge” with financial pressures totalling £300m. The former council leader said the Welsh Government has “finally seen sense”, agreeing to offer retail, hospitality and leisure businesses the same business rates relief as in England. Heledd Fychan, for Plaid Cymru, warned the draft budget falls short of the funding Wales is owed following the lowest real-terms increase of all the devolved nations at 1.3%. The party’s shadow finance secretary reiterated calls for billions from HS2 and replacement of the “outdated” Barnett formula with a fairer model based on population need. Ms Fychan said: “Without this, it is clear despite the uplift many sectors will be left broken and uncertain about the future: cuts will still have to be made, council tax will have to rise and the backlog across the NHS will remain incredibly high. “Yes, the investment is welcome but it is a drop in the ocean of what’s needed.” Ms Fychan, who represents South Wales West, warned the budget will largely plug gaps created by Westminster and Labour mismanagement. Labour’s Lee Waters said the opposition reaction “breeds cynicism in politics”, accusing the Conservatives of complaining about revenue raising plans while demanding more money.
CARROLLTON, Ga. (AP) — Carter Welling's 21 points helped Utah Valley defeat West Georgia 77-74 on Tuesday night. Welling had 11 rebounds for the Wolverines (4-1). Trevan Leonhardt added 11 points while going 4 of 5 from the field while they also had three steals. Dominick Nelson shot 3 of 11 from the field and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points, while adding six rebounds. Shelton Williams-Dryden finished with 18 points for the Wolves (0-7). Kyric Davis added 16 points and four blocks for West Georgia. Malcolm Noel had 14 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
FBI director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s termMORGANTOWN – Most of the West Virginia University football team and staff were hard at work this week preparing for their upcoming Frisco Bowl appearance against No. 25 Memphis. Yet there was one longtime part of that preparation who wasn’t there. The Mountaineers are without former head coach Neal Brown, who was fired following WVU’s regular-season-ending loss at Texas Tech. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott is serving as interim head coach for Tuesday’s 9 p.m. contest (ESPN). WVU now has to prepare for an early bowl game against a nationally ranked opponent following the dismissal of one head coach and during the search for a new one. That all has lead to a tumultuous period for the Mountaineers, but coaches and players alike said the most important thing is that they must rally around each other to finish the season on a high note. Scott admitted the atmosphere was unusual for the players, some of them dealing with a coaching change for the first time in their lives. He and the other coaches are trying to keep the players focused on their upcoming opponent, rather than all the activity outside of the locker room. “We walk all the time about being where your feet are,” Scott said. “That’s literally and mentally, performing the task at hand. So the guys have done a phenomenal job being where their feet are, being where they’re supposed to be and taking care of what’s happening in the moment.” All of the players who talked to the media Wednesday thanked Brown for what he had done for them. They were Brown recruits and spent their entire careers under his tutelage. Defensive lineman T.J. Jackson said that, while Brown’s firing was disappointing, he understood that was just part of the business side of college football. When he and his teammates got together for bowl preparation, they made it a point to push past the business aspect of the sport and reinforce their bonds as teammates. “We stayed together because, you know, it’s all a brotherhood,” he said. “When it comes to football, it’s all about camaraderie. We all stayed together and stayed glued together because it’s a brotherhood. “We didn’t take Coach Brown leaving as, ‘All right, we have to split up now,’” he added. “We kind of came closer together because of it.” Scott mentioned that, outside of the handful of players who have entered the transfer portal, including starting linebacker Josiah Trotter, all of the remaining players are in practice and preparing for Memphis. That’s not to say there still aren’t nerves or rough patches, especially for younger players just taking their first steps into the college level. Defensive coordinator Jeff Koonz said these last couple of weeks were the fifth time of transition he has experienced in his coaching career. His three children were born in three different cities, so he knows what it’s like to be on the move. He also mentioned it was important for him to remain calm during this time, even when his future is up in the air. Koonz is falling back on that prior experience with upheaval to keep everyone else around him on an even keel. “The experience is what allows you to stay kind of calm and collected and stay professional in this,” he said. “It’s important for (the players) to see that on a day-in, day-out basis. You’re not changing. You’re still attacking practice the same way. You’re still attacking meetings the same way. I think they’ve seen that from our entire staff and everybody in the building. “I’m really proud of the people in this building and the coworkers I work with,” he added. “Our players have been phenomenal, and that’s been the biggest joy, to watch them go through a really tough time and then come back and remember why they play the game of football and why we’re here to begin with.” Scott said the players were excited to get back together and prepare for one final game. They originally were going to take last week off from football, but when they learned last Wednesday about their bowl destination and opponent, they were back on the practice field Thursday getting ready for it. Senior offensive tackle Wyatt Milum said the group didn’t want the way its regular season ended – a lopsided loss that ultimately helped cost their head coach his job – to bleed over into a bowl game, especially when a highly touted opponent was waiting for them. “The energy and the way this team has stayed together and practiced, the energy we’ve had is really great,” Milum said. “It’s been really great, just the guys going out there and really paying attention to the small things, really just practicing hard and staying together. “We all want to finish this last game strong,” he added. “So we’re working toward that.”
The County of Haliburton is aiming to make play more accessible to all residents and park visitors with the installation of communication boards in county parks. The county announced on Tuesday (December 10) that it has installed the first augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) boards at Head Lake Park and at Rotary Beach Park in Haliburton. The move targets ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy meaningful communication and social interaction together, a media release from the county noted. Haliburton County warden Liz Danielsen told kawarthaNOW the new boards are a feature that have been discussed and desired for a few years, and an initiative that will benefit residents and others who use the parks. “The newly created communication board will truly enhance accessibility for those with speech and reading disabilities and are an exciting addition to our community,” Danielsen said. “The idea was raised during brainstorming discussions by the county’s accessibility committee several years by a member and have finally come to fruition,” she said about the impetus for the project. The communication boards are strategically placed in the playgrounds and feature a range of picture communication symbols — images and words — that allow people to communicate their needs, wants and ideas, or to simply play and engage in creative games. In addition to providing people of all abilities with more opportunities in county parks, the boards are also a tool aimed at promoting inclusion and raising awareness and education of complex communication needs, as well as augmentative and alternative communication, the county noted. “Communication boards highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion in our county for all residents, including people who communicate in a variety of ways,” Danielsen, who is also mayor of Algonquin Highlands, stated. Haliburton company MacArt Studios created the layout and production of Haliburton County’s playground communication board in collaboration with municipal staff, and with feedback from area residents, the county’s joint accessibility committee, speech language pathologists and occupational therapists, along with caregivers, organizations and agencies that support people with communication challenges. The first county-funded communication board was installed in the fall in Head Lake Park. Then, through federal and provincial funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a second board was installed by the Municipality of Dysart et al at Rotary Beach Park. “This project reflects our ongoing dedication to accessibility and community-building and I am proud to see it come to life,” said Walt McKechnie, deputy mayor of Dysart et al, and member of the County of Haliburton joint accessibility committee. The joint accessibility committee plans to expand the initiative to additional playgrounds across the county in 2025, “continuing its commitment to working toward a barrier-free community where all people have equal opportunity to live, visit, raise a family, work, and retire.” For more information about the county’s joint accessibility committee communication board project, visit www.haliburtoncounty.ca/communication-boards/ .Share Tweet Share Share Email The meme coin market has been buzzing lately, and the overall crypto landscape is feeling the heat. With new projects popping up and established coins making waves, investors are on the hunt for quick gains. The volatility of the market means that savvy traders can capitalise on short-term opportunities. Just like during the 1973 economic slump, where some folks took advantage of falling prices, today’s investors are eyeing the dips for potential rebounds. Among the latest contenders is BTFD Coin, which is flaunting its presale excitement and community-driven features. With a discount code, BIG50, available until January 5, 2025, there’s a compelling reason to get involved now. BTFD Coin (BTFD) stands at the forefront of this meme coin frenzy, combining fun with substantial investment potential. The project has already raised over $4.44 million, and with the presale in stage 12, it’s drawing in over 6,500 holders. The current price of $0.000064, which offers an astonishing 837.5% return on investment when it lists at $0.0006, is simply too good to ignore. Let’s dive into the top five picks for the best cryptos to join for short term gains, starting with BTFD Coin itself. 1. BTFD Coin: The Rising Star of Meme Coins BTFD Coin is making waves in the meme coin scene, and for good reason. Its presale features a play-to-earn (P2E) game that went live in stage 10, engaging users and offering an interactive experience. While rewards won’t be earned in the beta version, the full launch promises exciting gameplay and income potential. What’s more, BTFD Coin offers a staggering 90% annual percentage yield (APY) on staking, which went live on December 2. This means that not only can you buy and hold BTFD tokens, but you can also grow your investment passively through staking. The referral programme is another standout feature, allowing holders to earn bonuses by inviting friends to join the community. This builds a sense of camaraderie among investors and boosts the overall network effect, which is crucial for any meme coin’s success. The Bulls Squad, as the community is affectionately called, is growing rapidly, making it a vibrant space for engagement and investment. Why did this coin make it to this list? Simply put, BTFD Coin combines community, fun, and financial incentives in a way that few other projects can. With its presale performance surpassing $4.44 million in less than two weeks and a promising roadmap ahead, BTFD Coin is undoubtedly one of the best cryptos to join for short term gains. 2. Neiro: The AI-Powered Contender Next up is Neiro, an intriguing project that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to provide solutions across various sectors. As the demand for AI technologies skyrockets, Neiro is well-positioned to attract investors looking for quick returns. The project focuses on creating applications that improve efficiency and decision-making, making it a valuable asset in today’s data-driven world. What sets Neiro apart is its commitment to transparency and community involvement. Investors are encouraged to participate in governance decisions, ensuring that the direction of the project aligns with the community’s interests. This level of engagement is becoming increasingly important in the crypto space, where projects that listen to their holders tend to thrive. Why did this coin make it to this list? Neiro combines cutting-edge technology with a community-focused approach, making it a strong candidate among the best cryptos to join for short term gains. With AI becoming an integral part of various industries, Neiro’s potential for growth is immense, attracting both tech enthusiasts and investors alike. 3. Book of Meme: A Collector’s Dream Book of Meme is a unique addition to the meme coin market, blending collectibles with cryptocurrency. This project allows users to trade and collect meme-themed NFTs, tapping into the growing popularity of digital art and collectibles. The community around Book of Meme is enthusiastic, and the innovative concept has garnered attention from both casual investors and serious collectors. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to dive into the world of NFTs without feeling overwhelmed. With a solid marketing strategy and partnerships in place, Book of Meme is poised to capitalise on the surging interest in meme culture and digital assets. Why did this coin make it to this list? Book of Meme combines the fun of meme culture with the lucrative potential of NFTs, making it an attractive option for those looking to make quick gains in the crypto space. As the market for digital collectibles continues to expand, this project stands to benefit significantly, positioning itself as one of the best cryptos to join for short term gains. 4. Dogs: The Adorable Investment Dogs is a project that capitalises on the love for our furry friends, bringing a playful twist to the meme coin phenomenon. With a community-driven approach, Dogs aims to create a platform that supports animal welfare initiatives through its proceeds. This unique angle not only attracts animal lovers but also those looking to make a positive impact while investing. The project has a robust roadmap that includes charity partnerships and community events, solidifying its reputation as a socially responsible investment. Moreover, the whimsical branding and engaging community activities make it a fun space for investors to interact and grow their holdings. Why did this coin make it to this list? Dogs appeals to both the heart and the wallet, making it a compelling choice among the best cryptos to join for short term gains. The combination of a noble cause and a lively community creates a strong foundation for growth, ensuring that this project captures the attention of investors looking for both enjoyment and returns. 5. Pudgy Penguins: The Cuteness Overload Last but certainly not least, Pudgy Penguins have taken the NFT space by storm. This project features adorable penguin characters that have become a sensation among collectors and meme enthusiasts. With a vibrant community and a series of engaging events, Pudgy Penguins are not just cute; they’re a lucrative investment opportunity. The project has successfully created a buzz around its characters, leading to a growing demand for the NFTs. The strong community aspect ensures that holders feel valued and connected, which is vital for the longevity of any crypto project. Why did this coin make it to this list? Pudgy Penguins capture the essence of what makes meme coins fun and engaging while providing solid investment potential. With an ever-expanding collector base, this project stands out as one of the best cryptos to join for short term gains. Why Buying the Dip Matters Looking back to the economic collapse of 1973, we see that those who bought during the downturn often reaped significant rewards when the market rebounded. Today’s crypto market is no different. Currently, bearish trends are creating opportunities for astute investors who recognise the value in buying the dips. BTFD Coin, with its vibrant presale and community-driven features, is the ideal investment during these turbulent times. The ongoing BTFD Coin presale is a golden opportunity for those looking to enter the market at a discounted rate. With the presale having surpassed $4.44 million in just a few weeks, it’s clear that there’s a strong demand for this coin. By using the code BIG50, investors can secure a lower price before the presale concludes, offering a chance to maximise returns when BTFD Coin is listed. How to Get Involved in BTFD Coin If you’re eager to take part in the BTFD Coin presale, here’s how you can get started: Go to the Presale Page at BTFD Coin’s Buy Now. Connect Your Wallet: Click “Connect Wallet” and select your wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet). Enter the Bonus Code: Locate the Bonus code field, enter BIG50, and click “Apply”. Enter Purchase Details: Input the amount of $BTFD you want to buy and review the discounted price. Confirm and Buy: Click “Buy Now” and confirm the transaction in your wallet. Conclusion In a rapidly evolving market, the best cryptos to join for short term gains include BTFD Coin, Neiro, Book of Meme, Dogs, and Pudgy Penguins. Each of these projects brings something unique to the table, whether it’s community engagement, innovative technology, or downright cuteness. With the BTFD Coin presale generating significant buzz and offering enticing features like a play-to-earn game, staking rewards, and a vibrant community, the time to invest is now. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—join the BTFD Coin presale today and ride the wave of excitement into 2025! Find Out More: Website: https://www.btfd.io/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/BTFD_COIN Telegram: https://t.me/btfd_coin Related Items: Blockchain , BTFD Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best Crypto to Buy in 2025: Qubetics, Solana, Cardano, Litecoin & Hedera to Explode Huge Gains! Top Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2024 | Top 3 Potential Breakout Stars Innerworks and Bittensor ($TAO) Collaborate to Unveil RedTeam Platform to Enhance Cybersecurity Innovation Comments
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