how does sport betting work Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words represent a worrying harbinger of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.

Kakko's late goal lifts Rangers past Canadiens 4-3 NEW YORK (AP) — Kaapo Kaako scored a power-play goal with 24 seconds left, and the New York Rangers stopped a five-game slide by topping the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Saturday. Allan Kreda, The Associated Press Nov 30, 2024 1:31 PM Nov 30, 2024 1:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, left, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) NEW YORK (AP) — Kaapo Kaako scored a power-play goal with 24 seconds left, and the New York Rangers stopped a five-game slide by topping the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Saturday. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers, who got their first win since a 4-3 victory at Vancouver on Nov. 19. Adam Fox had two assists, and Jonathan Quick made 25 saves. With Montreal’s Kirby Dach serving a four-minute, high-sticking penalty, Kaako got his fourth goal of the season. The Canadiens trailed 3-1 after two periods. But Cole Caufield scored his 14th goal 4:16 into the third and Nick Suzuki tied it at 14:07. Trocheck tipped the puck past Montreal goaltender Sam Montembeault at 19:56 to put New York ahead after Panarin and Montreal’s Mike Matheson scored earlier in the first. Panarin put the Rangers ahead at 9:02, scoring on a 5-on-3 for New York’s first power-play goal since Nov. 12 at home against Winnipeg. Matheson tied it at 11:47. Montembault made 24 saves for Montreal. Takeaways Canadiens: dropped to 3-7-1 on the road. Rangers: Forwards Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil returned to the lineup. Kreider missed three games with an upper-body injury while Chytil was out for seven after colliding with teammate K’Andre Miller on Nov. 14. Reilly Smith and Jonny Brodzinski were scratched. Key moment Seeking an early spark, New York captain Jacob Trouba fought Montreal’s Josh Anderson 1:58 into the contest. It appeared to give the Rangers a collective jolt that was missing in recent games. Key stat The Rangers are 11-1-0 when scoring first. It was the 1,700th home win in franchise history. Up next The Canadiens visit the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The Rangers host the New Jersey Devils on Monday. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL Allan Kreda, The Associated 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 Mikaela Shiffrin is alert and being evaluated after crashing in final run of World Cup giant slalom Nov 30, 2024 12:30 PM Canada's Weidemann takes 3,000-metre bronze in World Cup speedskating Nov 30, 2024 10:28 AM Mont-Tremblant World Cup skiing races cancelled due to warm weather Nov 30, 2024 10:26 AM Featured FlyerShares of HomeStreet Inc (HMST) rose over 2% on Friday after the parent company of HomeStreet Bank announced that the lender has entered into an agreement to sell $990 million worth of multi-family real estate loans to Bank of America (BAC). HomeStreet said the sale happened at a price, including the value of the retained servicing, of 92% of the principal balance of the loans. This loan sale is expected to close before the end of 2024. CEO Mark Mason said this is the first step in implementing a new strategic plan expected to bring in a return to profitability for the bank on a consolidated basis early next year. “The pricing of the loan sale reflects the current interest rate environment and that the loans being sold are primarily lower yielding loans with longer duration than the overall portfolio. The proceeds from the loan sale will be used to pay down FHLB advances and brokered deposits which carry substantially higher interest rates than our core deposits,” he added. On Friday, retail sentiment surrounding Bank of America stock was trending in the ‘bullish’ territory (55/100) from ‘bearish’ a day ago. Recently, Wedbush raised the firm's price target on HomeStreet to $15 from $12, while keeping an ‘Outperform’ rating on the shares, according to TheFly. The brokerage noted that HomeStreet's planned sale of its multifamily loans could be executed at a better pricing than assumed. Interestingly, HomeStreet shares have gained over 10% since the beginning of the year, while Bank of America shares have risen over 30% in the period. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — J.K. Dobbins will miss at least the next four games after the Los Angeles Chargers placed the running back on injured reserve Saturday. The team also placed safety Alohi Gilman on injured reserve and signed safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media.Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media

African nation, Tanzania will be the partner country for the International Gita Mahotsav to held from November 28 to December 15 at Kurukshetra. This was stated by Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini at a briefing on Friday. Saini said the state of Odisha will be the partner state. The chief minister said the festival will showcase a divine confluence of spirituality, culture, and art. The grand event from November 28 to December 15 will run continuously for 18 days, during which the timeless message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita will be shared with people. The chief minister said that from November 28 to December 15, a grand Gita Maha-aarti will be held daily on the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar. Cultural programmes will take place at various pilgrimage sites throughout the 48 Kos of Kurukshetra from November 28 to December 11. The festival will officially kick off with a Gita Yajna and Pujan at Brahma Sarovar on December 5. On the same day, a three-day ‘International Gita Seminar’ will begin at Kurukshetra University. On December 9, a saint sammelan will be held at Purushottampura Bagh, followed by an All-India Devasthanam Conference at the same location on December 10. Saini said that on Gita Jayanti, December 11, a Gita Yajna and Bhagwat Katha will be organised at Jyotisar Tirtha, with a global recitation of the Gita by 18,000 students. On December 11, there will be an 8 Kos Tirtha Sammelan, Gita Shobha Yatra, Deepotsav, and cultural programmes at 182 pilgrimage sites within Kurukshetra University. As in previous years, Gita book fairs and exhibitions will also take place at Brahma Sarovar from December 5 to 11. Saini said that this year’s partner nation, Tanzania also participated as a partner country in the International Surajkund Crafts Fair held in February. He said that Indian diaspora in Tanzania actively organised recitations of the Shri Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The presence of numerous Hindu temples in Tanzania fostered a connection between Indian culture and the country. Saini said that Odisha boasts significant pilgrimage sites such as Jagannath Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Lingaraj and Mukteshwar Temples in Bhubaneswar, all of which are sources of pride for Sanatan culture. People can see a glimpse of this rich heritage at the Mahotsav. The chief minister said that Haryana has a long-standing relationship with Tanzania, with delegations from Haryana visiting the country twice, comprising industrialists, farmers, and representatives from various trades. He said that Tanzania serves as a gateway to Africa and that the two regions share deep economic and social ties. He said that the International Gita Mahotsav will enhance the partnership between the two countries, with Tanzanian ministers also expected to participate in the mahotsav. This event will provide the people of Tanzania with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Haryana. The similarities between Haryana and Tanzania will make the event particularly engaging and will further strengthen their relationship.

NoneSportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78Christmas is all about the children, and local retailers are offering gifts for musicians, gamers, skaters, and those interested in media like movies or records, along with the traditional toys. Jeff Jones, owner of Zomac School of Music, said music stores have a number of gifts for young musicians in the area “Starting out with a beginner guitar, ukulele, or keyboard are all good options,” Jones said. “Lessons are also great. We have a lot of kids who start lessons this time of year.” When it comes to fostering consistent practice, Jones said lessons are essential. “Kids can strum along, and play a lot in the first few days, but without direction from lessons, the instruments may wind up in the back of the closet,” he said. Jones said drums are another instrument option for kids, and that family members might consider purchasing a new cymbal or drumsticks for percussionists who already have drum kits. For pianists who already have keyboards, Jones recommends purchasing blank sheet music or music books, so students can learn their favorite songs. Jones said it is important for people to shop locally because the sales tax collected goes toward schools and roads here. “If you want to have local businesses to shop at, you have to support local businesses,” Jones said. James Hess, store manager of Game X Change, said shopping here boosts the local economy more than anything else, and that people tend to get better service from businesses operated by people they know. “You’re going to have a lot better experiences,” Hess said. “I’ve had customers tell me that this is the only place they will go to for their gaming stuff because they know we will take care of them.” At Game X Change, Hess said, the most popular items people shop for during the holidays are gaming consoles. Right now, the most in demand is the Nintendo Switch. Hess said the Xbox One and the Play Station 4 are also popular choices. According to Hess, “anything and everything” in the store make good gifts. He also offered general holiday shopping advice. “Anyplace you go where they’ve got discounts is a good option for Christmas shopping,” Hess said. In addition to gaming consoles, customers can find video games, movies, CDs, vinyl records, and collectible items. Hess said the store has bins of gently used toys that family members can purchase for minimal amounts. “Who wants to pay $50 for a piece of plastic their kid is going to break?” Hess said. Wyley Henson, owner of Avenue Skateshop, said the store offers everything a beginner or avid skateboarder may need, including boards, shoes, apparel, stickers, wheels, and grip tape. Henson said the shop is also expanding to offer scooters soon. Longboards have been particularly popular in recent years, according to Henson. “This holiday season is make it or break it for a lot of local businesses,” Henson said. He said many businesses rely on fourth-quarter sales during the holiday season, which is why it is important to shop locally. He said when businesses have increased revenue, they can offer more options in their stores. According to Henson, local businesses also support the community. Avenue Skateshop hosts events at the local skatepark, and Henson tries to mentor young men in the community whenever he can. “It is important to shop local, it feeds my family and my kids,” Henson said. “It helps my kids have a good Christmas, too; $10 here can make a big difference for local businesses.” What’s next The final in this four-part series will focus on stocking stuffers, in next Tuesday’s edition. The first article was about women’s gifts and last week’s article featured gifts for men.

TIMES of political turmoil and global challenge can also be times for publicly taking a stance. To find out what keeps them going when times seem toughest, this reporter spoke to three Limerick-based activists to delve into what motivates them. “It’s not like I even thought about caring,” says Alice Abreu, a Portuguese violinist in Limerick who uses her social media platform for advocating for national and international issues. “It was more a thing of connecting with my inner self and realising that I do care.” For University of Limerick psychology student Molly McNamara, it was a revelation of her own privilege. “I get to go home every day and not worry about my house getting bombed or losing every single person in my family,” she said. Speaking to this reporter, Molly shed a tear as she spoke about a doctor in Palestine who she has formed a friendship with. “He doesn’t get the privilege that I have of turning off my phone and now the problem doesn’t exist anymore.” Molly is a member of a committee that manages the grassroots Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement within the UL community, condemning the university’s links with Israeli companies. “When you’re interested in social relations and international relationships and politics it’s kind of hard to not see systems and patterns of oppression,” she says. She considers that as a “privileged person”, she has the right to protest for people that cannot do so. Ben Desjarlais, a UL graduate and US native who works alongside Molly in the BDS committee, also feels his desire to work for the people who are not able to do all the things he can is a major motivating factor. “When there’s wars, when there’s violence, when there’s genocide, I feel like where I have the capacity, I have the duty to do something,” he says. “If I think about ‘why do I care?’ I care because I can’t imagine not caring”. But how do they deal with the uncertainty of knowing if their actions will make any difference? Molly and Ben say the argument that activism does not do anything is used to tumble its legitimacy, especially by “those who benefit from activists not protesting”. Molly recalls following a week of student protests, Trinity College Dublin decided to cut all of its ties with Israel. Speaking of her Palestinian doctor friend, she says that just “showing up to (a) protest made that man’s whole day”. She admits, however, that weighing head-first into a cause can be exhausting. “Burning yourself out over something isn’t going to make you better at it,” she says, suggesting a measured approach. “You need to give yourself time and space to be able to do the things that you need to do, or you’re never going to be able to do them right”. For Alice Abreu, taking care of oneself means taking care of others. She identifies her activism with love. “It’s everything about others, about the Earth, about myself, and then realising that everything is so connected in a way that there’s no way I can care for myself and not care for others,” she says. This story is part of the Tell Your Own Story (TYOS) project. Published monthly, in collaboration with the Limerick Post, TYOS shares the stories of Limerick people of all backgrounds and abilities in the hopes of encouraging unity in diversity. For more information, visit tyos.ie.A butterfly collector in Africa with more than 4.2 million seeks to share them for the future NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa’s largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya’s capital. Steve Collins has a collection of 4.2 million butterflies representing hundreds of species. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. One expert familiar with Collins and his work suggests that the collection should be digitized for global access. Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved NEW YORK (AP) — Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. That's after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. The International Chess Federation president said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, as well as other "minor deviations” from the dress code. Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday. He said Sunday he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Charles Shyer, ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Baby Boom’ filmmaker, dies at 83 An Oscar-nominated writer and filmmaker known for classic comedies like “Private Benjamin,” “Baby Boom” and “Father of the Bride," Charles Shyer has died. He was 83. On Sunday his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer told The Associated Press that he died Friday in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a filmmaker father, Shyer's big breakthrough came with co-writing “Private Benjamin” for which he and Nancy Meyers received an Oscar nomination. He and Nancy Meyers were frequent collaborators through their nearly 20-year marriage, including on the remake of “The Parent Trap," starring Lindsay Lohan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the New York Knicks and New York Rangers sports franchises. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately.Indonesia is revving up its ambition to have a national car. Can a weapons firm deliver?

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 11:43 p.m. ESTNone

Washington, Dec 30 (IANS): Former US President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. He was the oldest living President of all time and was the third US President to visit India. Carter died at home in Plains, Georgia. He had been suffering from an aggressive form of melanoma, a skin cancer, with tumours that had spread to his liver and brain. He had stopped medical treatment and was under hospice care at home. His death was announced by the Carter Centre in Atlanta. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," said Chip Carter, the former President's son. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs." President Carter, a Democrat, had served one term from 1977 to 1981 and was voted out of office despite such accomplishments as the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, which proved to be insufficient to overcome the disappointment over a slumping economy at home and the Iran crisis abroad. He went on to carve out an extraordinary post-presidency life and won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2002 for, the prize citation said, "his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development". His wife of 77 years, Rosalyn Carter died in November 2023, at 96. Carter was the third US President to visit India, after Dwight Eisenhower in 1959 and Richard Nixon in 1969. He was accompanied on this visit in 1978 by the first lady. Carter had met then President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and Prime Minister Morarji Desai and addressed the Parliament. A village he had visited then in Gurugram (then Gurgaon) was named Carterpuri and retains that name. "The atmosphere throughout the visit was friendly, and the President's reception by the Indian public was enthusiastic," the US Embassy in New Delhi had reported to the State Department in a telegram published by the US Office of the Historian. "It is clear that the President established an excellent personal rapport with the Prime Minister. The editorial comment, in the wake of the visit, while generally reflecting the atmosphere described above, also expressed some reservations. For the most part, these focused on the differences in the nuclear field." Carter's mother, Lilian Carter, had however visited India much before he did. She went to India as a member of the Peace Corps at the age of 68 and returned in 1977 to represent the US at the funeral of President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. "My mother, who loves this nation and its people very deeply, has told me of the warmth and friendship of the Indian people," President Carter had said in his remarks to Indian lawmakers. "She experienced it in her years of service here and, again, a few months ago in a time of sorrow when she represented me as President and the people of the US at the funeral of your former President."‘The Jack Sparrow of baking’: Bake Off’s breakout star Dylan Bachelet on fame, fans and life outside the tent

Trump's nominee for attorney general a longtime allyHONG KONG, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong boasts record highs in both the number of startups locally and their employees in 2024, official statistics showed on Saturday. The number of startups in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) hit 4,694 in 2024, up 10 percent year-on-year and approximately 40 percent more than that in 2020, the HKSAR government has announced, citing the latest Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) data. In 2024, the combined workforce of these startups was nearing 18,000, up 7 percent year-on-year and an increase of around 65 percent over 2020. Alpha Lau, InvestHK's director-general of investment promotion, attributed the robust growth to proactive government measures aimed at supporting the development of emerging sectors and companies. The sectors with the largest increases included "health and medical" as well as "sustainable and green technology," underscoring the effectiveness of the government's investments in innovation and green energy, she said. Moreover, to attract international startup accelerators with proven track records to Hong Kong, the HKSAR government has unveiled plans to launch the I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme with a funding allocation of 180 million Hong Kong dollars (23.19 million U.S. dollars) at a one-to-two matching ratio between the government and the institution. To enhance Hong Kong's business environment, InvestHK said it will continue to promote the edges of operating in Hong Kong to potential investors and businesses worldwide through its network of 34 global offices. InvestHK plans to open a new office in Turkey in the first quarter of 2025 to create more opportunities for Hong Kong. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand the agency's international outreach, including engagement with countries under the cooperation framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.Seahawks' defense dominates in low-scoring win over BearsMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media.

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Authorities in Ohio have identified a 15-year-old youth as the person officials said was carrying a loaded weapon when he was shot and killed by an Akron police officer following gunshots in the area on Thanksgiving night. The Summit County medical examiner's office on Friday night identified the person shot as 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker of Maple Heights. Police said in a news release that two patrol officers were in a parked police cruiser in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood as they worked on a report from an unrelated incident. They heard gunshots nearby just after 11 p.m. Thursday and got out to investigate, police said. Shortly afterward, the officers encountered the youth with a loaded firearm, police said. One of the officers fired, striking the youth, who was provided first aid and then taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said the officer who fired, who has been on the force for nearly five years, and his partner were placed on paid administrative leave per department policy. The Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge No. 7 said in a social media post that its members were cooperating with investigators. Mayor Shammas Malik said in a social media post Friday night that “Every loss of life is a tragedy, and to lose a young life is heartbreaking." He offered condolences to Tucker's loved ones and said his thoughts were also with “our Akron police officers and their families.” Malik said he believed the investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation would provide “a full understanding of the incident.” “I ask our community to reserve judgment until more facts are shared, knowing that it is a difficult thing to ask in situations like this,” he said. Malik also said the city would release body-worn camera footage within the next week “to provide transparency into this incident.” The state attorney general’s office will review the results of the bureau's investigation before submitting the report to a Summit County grand jury for evaluation. Akron police will also do a separate internal investigation and provide the results to the police chief and the city’s police auditor. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. READ:

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the U.S. health department, will be in Romania next week to meet Calin Georgescu, the surprise far-right winner in the first round of a presidential election, a Romanian television station said. Georgescu finished first in last Sunday's vote, and secured a place in a run-off scheduled for Dec. 8, in a win that could upend politics in Romania and undermine its pro-Western stance. However, the election result has been challenged at Romania's top court, which ordered a recount of all the votes cast last Sunday. The court will decide on Monday whether to annul the first round. Romania also holds a parliamentary election on Sunday. Kennedy will be in Bucharest next week to launch his book on the coronavirus pandemic, with a preface written by Georgescu, private television station Realitatea said in a statement. Kennedy is an environmentalist who has spread misinformation about vaccines. "Realitatea is a media partner of the year-end meeting between the future Health Secretary in Donald Trump's government and the surprise winner of the presidential vote," Realitatea said in a statement. It added the televised discussion will take place on Dec. 5. A spokesperson for Kennedy, and representatives of Republican Trump's transition team, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Georgescu told Realitatea earlier this week that Kennedy might come to Bucharest. On Saturday, his communications team neither denied nor confirmed the meeting. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Additional reporting by Tim Reid in West Palm Beach, Florida.; Editing by Frances Kerry)Delayed service is service denied!

Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social mediaMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media.

J.K. Dobbins and Alohi Gilman are placed on injured reserve by Chargers