fb777 red envelope New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI) In a rare show of co-operation between VK Saxena and the AAP dispensation, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Sunday visited Rangpuri Pahari to take stock of the area's civic amenities that were flagged by the lieutenant governor. Ahead of elections to the Delhi Assembly, due in February, Saxena had on Saturday shared a clip of his visit to Rangpuri Pahari, detailing the plight of people, especially women, in the area. The lieutenant governor had said it was extremely disappointing and distressing to witness once again the helplessness and pathetic life conditions of lakhs of people of the national capital. He had referred to the local women, citing their problems of living in the area, with streets lined by overflowing sewers and lack of basic facilities. Earlier, a similar situation was seen in areas such as Burari, Kirari, Kalandar Colony, Sangam Vihar, Mundka and Gokulpuri, among others, he had said. "I urge the former chief minister, current chief minister and ministers of the Delhi government to visit such areas to themselves witness the hellish conditions. They should take immediate steps to improve this pathetic condition," he had said. Responding to the concerns, AAP supremo and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked Saxena for flagging the shortcomings, saying the Delhi government would take steps for improvements. "Earlier, the lieutenant governor had cited the bad condition of the Nangloi-Mundka Road. The road has been constructed and Chief Minister Atishi will soon inaugurate it. I urge the lieutenant governor to tell us about the shortcomings and we will correct them," Kejriwal said in a press conference. The lieutenant governor had called upon the stakeholders to come together and make Delhi great again. He had visited Rangpuri Pahari and Kapashera on the request of locals. He was accompanied by the BJP's former South Delhi MP Ramesh Bidhuri. There are no drains, leading to silt- and dirty water-filled streets, non-existent roads, uncertain electricity supply and shortage of drinking water that forces women to carry water in buckets from tankers coming to the area once in seven to eight days, Saxena had said. The locals also complained of power cuts for eight to 10 hours every day as well as huge power bills, contrary to the claims of free electricity by the Delhi government, he had said. Saxena had also given suggestions to officials of agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), to improve the situation. He had also assured the locals that a sanitation drive would begin and he would personally monitor the progress of steps being taken to improve the civic amenities. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)United Way’s living wage rises

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TWO of I’m A Celebrity contestant Coleen Rooney’s four sons have landed in Australia — and have been missing their mum terribly, according to their gran. Coleen’s mum Colette McLoughlin , 62, said one of the lads had been really down in the dumps without their mother around — but did not say which one. She said: “One of them’s been really quiet and subdued. “They’ve been really good, to tell you the truth. I think it’s because they’ve been able to see her. "If they hadn’t been able to see her, it would’ve been different. Not much longer now.” Colette arrived at Brisbane Airport with eight-year-old Kit and Cass, six. They are expected to be part of an emotional special episode when campmates will be reunited with friends and family. Coleen, 38, and footie manager hubby Wayne, 39, are also parents to Kai, 15, and 11-year-old Klay. Meanwhile, Colette has praised her daughter’s sleuthing skills. Coleen earned the nickname Wagatha Christie after a 2019 social media post accusing her rival and Sun jungle columnist Rebekah Vardy of leaking stories to the press. And she has continued to put her detective skills to good use in the jungle by rumbling the Jungle Junkyard lies being peddled by Maura Higgins and Rev Richard Coles . They had been living in luxury in a separate camp — but pretending to the other contestants that they were slumming it. Coleen figured out the deception after believing Maura and Rev Richard looked too content. Colette said: “I’m not surprised at all. She’d figure anything out, yeah.” She also said she had been following Coleen’s rules on how to look after the boys while she is away. Before leaving for Australia, Coleen left two whiteboards filled with instructions. They resembled the football tactics-style boards that Wayne would use as boss of Plymouth Argyle. Colette said she would have got into trouble with Coleen for not following the strict rules her daughter had laid out. She said: “Oh, the whiteboard. I followed the whiteboard, all right. “I’m glad to see the back of the whiteboard!”Morgan Rogers looked to have given Unai Emery’s side another famous win when he slammed a loose ball home at the death, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled Diego Carlos to have fouled Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the goal was chalked off. It was a disappointment for Villa, who remain unbeaten at home in their debut Champions League campaign and are still in contention to qualify automatically for the last 16. Emiliano Martinez had earlier displayed why he was named the best goalkeeper in the world as his wonder save kept his side level in the second half. The Argentina international paraded his two Yashin Trophies on the pitch before kick-off at Villa Park and then showed why he won back-to-back FIFA awards when he denied Francisco Conceicao. Before Rogers’ moment of drama in the fourth minute of added time, the closest Villa came to scoring was in the first half when Lucas Digne’s free-kick hit the crossbar. But a draw was a fair result which leaves Villa out of the top eight on goal difference and Juventus down in 19th. Before the game Emery called Juventus one of the “best teams in the world, historically and now”, but this was an Italian side down to the bare bones. Only 14 outfield players made the trip from Turin, with striker Dusan Vlahovic among those who stayed behind. The opening 30 minutes were forgettable before the game opened up. Ollie Watkins, still chasing his first Champions League goal, had Villa’s first presentable chance as he lashed an effort straight at Di Gregorio. Matty Cash then had a vicious effort from the resulting corner which was blocked by Federico Gatti and started a counter-attack which ended in Juventus striker Timothy Weah. Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the first half when Digne’s 20-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar and went over. Martinez then produced his brilliant save just after the hour. A corner made its way through to the far post where Conceicao was primed to head in at the far post, but Martinez sprawled himself across goal to scoop the ball away. Replays showed most of the ball went over the line, but the Argentinian got there with millimetres to spare. At the other end another fine goal-line block denied John McGinn as Manuel Locatelli got his foot in the way with Di Gregorio beaten. The game looked to be petering out until a last-gasp free-kick saw Rogers slam home, but whistle-happy official Gil Manzano halted the celebrations by ruling the goal out.

New research highlights where residents of blue-voting states in the U.S. are most likely to relocate, based on Google search trends. In the days following the election, online searches by Americans looking to leave the country spiked after President-elect Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris . According to visa website La Vida, there was an unprecedented 2,300 percent jump in U.S. traffic on their website on the day of the election. That is five times more than the spike in traffic after the 2020 election, when there was a 4.5-fold spike in site visitors. Country-specific searches also soared. By 8 p.m. ET on election night, searches for "how to move to Canada " had a 400 percent day-to-day increase, while "how to legally move to Canada" was up by 200 percent, according to Google Trends data. A new study from QR Code Generator using Google Keyword Planner has ranked countries by average monthly search volumes for terms like "move to Canada" or "visa Japan." The analysis covered the past 12 months and examines how interest in relocation aligns with political trends, focusing on states that leaned Democratic in recent elections. Canada is the top choice for residents in blue-majority states, with 89.47 percent of the 19 states included in the study listing the country as their most-searched relocation destination. "With its proximity and cultural similarities, Canada has emerged as the clear favorite for Americans considering a move abroad," Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L., said in an email shared with Newsweek . In Colorado, "move to Canada" and similar terms averaged 693.33 searches monthly, making it the most popular destination. Connecticut follows a similar trend, with Canada garnering 327.50 searches per month, far surpassing second-place Brazil with 205.83 searches. Even Maine, one of the smallest states by population, logged 230.83 searches monthly for Canada-related queries. Japan emerged as the second most-searched destination for blue-voting states, with its modern cities and deep cultural heritage drawing significant interest. It was the top destination in states like Hawaii and California, where it averaged 378.33 and 4,821.67 searches per month, respectively. The research showed clear regional patterns in relocation preferences. In the northeastern state of Vermont, for example, Ireland ranks second with 89.17 searches per month, after Canada's 131.67. Similarly, in the Pacific Northwest, Washington state shows significant interest in New Zealand, which comes in third with 483.33 monthly searches. In the Midwest, Illinois residents also favored Canada, leading with 1,086.67 searches. Japan and Brazil took second and third place, with 676.67 and 556.67 searches, respectively. Notably, Minnesota stands out with Kenya ranking second, reflecting a unique preference in the state's search data. Methodology The study used Google Keyword Planner to analyze search volumes for 22 terms related to relocation, such as "visa [country]" and "move to [country]." Data from the 19 states was aggregated and adjusted based on population to ensure fair comparisons. Results were cross-referenced with the United Nations ' list of 193 member countries. While Canada's dominance in the rankings aligns with its geographic convenience and shared cultural touchpoints, other results underscore Americans' interest in exploring global opportunities. The findings suggest a blend of practical considerations and a yearning for change among residents of blue-voting states. "These findings reveal that many Americans aren't just looking for an easy transition but are drawn to the adventure of a richer, more diverse experience overseas," Porcar said. Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.Tulane QB Mensah transfers to Duke

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Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjournsShare Tweet Share Share Email In Sacramento, as in many other cities, the adoption of smart home technologies has gained significant momentum over the last decade. One of the most practical and innovative additions to the smart home ecosystem is the smart garage door opener. As people continue to prioritize convenience, security, and energy efficiency, the future of smart garage doors in Sacramento looks increasingly promising. This article explores the evolution of smart garage doors, the benefits they offer, the technological innovations shaping their future, and how they are transforming homes in Sacramento. What Are Smart Garage Doors? A smart garage door is an advanced, automated system that can be controlled remotely through smartphones, tablets, or voice commands, allowing homeowners to open, close, or monitor the door from virtually anywhere. These systems typically integrate with other smart home devices, such as security cameras, smart lighting, and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, offering a seamless experience. Unlike traditional garage doors that require manual operation or remote control devices, smart garage doors use connected technology to provide an enhanced user experience. Through specialized apps, users can receive real-time alerts, set schedules, and even grant access to guests without needing to be physically present. Key Features and Benefits of Smart Garage Doors 1. Convenience and Remote Control One of the primary advantages of smart garage doors is the ability to control your garage door remotely. Whether you’re coming home from work, returning from a vacation, or simply want to check if the door is closed, you can do so with just a tap on your smartphone. This convenience eliminates the need to worry about leaving the door open or getting out of your car in inclement weather to open or close the garage. For Sacramento residents, where fluctuating temperatures can make outdoor tasks inconvenient, the ability to open and close the garage door from the comfort of your home or vehicle adds a level of ease that enhances day-to-day life. 2. Enhanced Security Features Security is a top priority for homeowners, and smart garage doors take security to the next level. These systems often come with built-in security features such as automatic closing, alerts when the door is left open for too long, and the ability to lock the door remotely. Additionally, many smart garage doors are compatible with home security systems, enabling integration with cameras, motion sensors, and other monitoring devices. In a city like Sacramento, where property theft can be a concern, these security features offer peace of mind. Homeowners can monitor and control their garage doors anytime, ensuring their home and belongings are safe from intruders. 3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings Incorporating a smart garage door into a home can contribute to energy efficiency. Some advanced systems feature weather-resistant seals, insulation, and energy-efficient materials that help regulate the temperature inside the garage. By preventing heat loss or drafts, these smart doors can reduce the need for additional heating or cooling, which can translate into cost savings over time. For residents of Sacramento, a region that experiences both hot summers and cool winters, these energy-saving features can be especially valuable in reducing heating and cooling costs while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. 4. Integration with Other Smart Home Devices Smart garage doors can seamlessly integrate with other home automation systems, offering a unified control experience. For instance, your garage door can be connected to smart lights, so the lights turn on when the garage door opens. Similarly, it can be synced with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, allowing homeowners to control the door with simple voice commands. This integration is especially beneficial for busy Sacramento residents who want a home that functions smoothly and efficiently. By connecting the garage door opener to other smart devices, users can automate tasks like lighting or security, improving overall convenience. 5. Increased Property Value Adding a smart garage door to your home can increase its resale value. Homebuyers are increasingly looking for properties with modern, tech-savvy features, and smart home devices are high on the list. In fact, homes with smart features are often seen as more appealing and offer a competitive edge in the market. Smart garage doors, as part of a larger smart home ecosystem, can make a property stand out to prospective buyers, making it a wise investment for Sacramento homeowners looking to enhance their property value. Innovations Shaping the Future of Smart Garage Doors The future of smart garage doors in Sacramento is not just about convenience and security. Technological advancements are paving the way for new and improved features that will revolutionize how homeowners interact with their garage doors. Let’s explore some of the most notable innovations that are shaping the future of smart garage doors: 1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning As AI and machine learning technologies continue to evolve, smart garage doors are becoming increasingly intelligent. Future systems will be able to learn and adapt to users’ behaviors. For example, a smart garage door could recognize when you typically arrive home and automatically open without needing any manual input. Over time, these systems will improve their ability to predict your actions and make smarter decisions based on usage patterns. Sacramento homeowners can look forward to AI-powered smart doors that offer even more automation, reducing the need for constant interaction. 2. Biometric Access Biometric technology, such as fingerprint recognition or facial recognition, is becoming more prevalent in smart home devices. In the future, smart garage doors could feature biometric access, allowing homeowners to open the garage door with their face or fingerprint. This would provide an additional layer of security and convenience, especially for families with multiple users who need access to the garage. In Sacramento, where convenience and security are a priority, biometric access to garage doors could become a game-changer for homeowners. 3. Advanced Sensors and Safety Features Another trend on the horizon is the integration of more advanced sensors into smart garage doors. Future systems will likely feature sensors that can detect objects in the garage door’s path, preventing accidents or damage to vehicles, pets, or people. Additionally, these sensors could be used to monitor the garage for any unusual activity, such as unauthorized access attempts or intruders. These sensors will enhance safety for families and pets in Sacramento, offering greater peace of mind. 4. Voice Control and Integration with Smart Assistants Voice control is rapidly gaining popularity in the smart home space, and smart garage doors are no exception. With voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, homeowners will be able to control their garage doors using only their voice. As voice recognition technology improves, users will be able to issue commands such as “Open the garage door” or “Close the garage door” while keeping their hands free to do other tasks. For Sacramento homeowners, voice-controlled garage doors will bring even more convenience to their daily routines. 5. Cloud Integration and Remote Monitoring The future of smart garage doors will likely see more integration with cloud-based systems. Homeowners will be able to monitor their garage doors from anywhere, whether they are at work, on vacation, or across the city. By using a smartphone app or a web interface, users can check the status of their garage door, open or close it, and receive notifications about its activity. This cloud-based integration will make it even easier for Sacramento residents to manage their garage doors remotely and securely. FAQs 1. Are smart garage doors secure? Yes, smart garage doors come with advanced security features, including encryption, password protection, and remote monitoring. Additionally, many systems can be integrated with home security cameras for enhanced protection. 2. Can I open my smart garage door from anywhere? Yes, as long as you have an internet connection, you can open, close, and monitor your smart garage door remotely through a smartphone app or web interface. 3. Do smart garage doors work with other smart home devices? Yes, many smart garage doors are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, as well as other smart home devices, such as security cameras and smart lighting. 4. Are smart garage doors energy-efficient? Many smart garage doors come with features that help improve energy efficiency, such as insulation and weather-resistant seals, which can help regulate temperature in the garage. 5. What happens if the internet goes down? Most smart garage doors have backup options in place, such as a manual override, allowing you to open and close the door in case of an internet or power outage. Conclusion As the demand for smart home technologies continues to grow, smart garage doors are becoming an essential part of modern homes in Sacramento. With their convenience, security features, energy efficiency, and integration with other smart devices, these doors offer a practical and futuristic solution for homeowners. The innovations on the horizon, such as AI, biometric access, and advanced sensors, will only continue to enhance the functionality and appeal of smart garage doors. As more Sacramento residents adopt this technology, smart garage doors will undoubtedly become a key feature in the homes of the future. Related Items: garage doors , smart garage Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Carriage House Garage Doors: A Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality in Canada Top Features of Premium Commercial Garage Doors for Warehouses and Offices Timely garage door repair has no alternative – the benefits you can count on Comments

“ The Challenge: Battle of the Eras ” will debut the 15th episode of its 40th season on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. You can watch the premiere live as it airs on DirecTV Stream (free trial) or Philo (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial) . The series is hosted by T.J. Lavin and takes place in Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam. Contestants will appear from a wide array of reality shows , and all have competed in previous seasons of “The Challenge” and other series. Here’s the information you’ll need to watch a free live stream of “The Challenge: Battle of the Eras” online without cable. How to watch ‘The Challenge: Battle of the Eras’ without cable If you’re a cord-cutter or don’t have cable, you can live stream “The Challenge: Battle of the Eras” on either of the following streaming services: Philo (free trial) Philo is remarkably inexpensive for the amount of content it offers, with more than 70 live channels, the ability to stream from three devices simultaneously, and a 365-day DVR with unlimited space. Subscribers will also have access to thousands of movies and TV series on demand. The service costs $28 per month. There are several available packages that include premium channels, like Epix and Starz, for an additional cost. The service offers a seven-day free trial that includes all the features of full subscription. DIRECTV Stream (free trial) In addition to ABC, Freeform, ESPN, and the other Disney channels, DIRECTV Stream offers CBS, NBC, and FOX. This sets it apart from most live TV streaming services. On top of that, a subscription gets you access to more than 65 other channels in its base package, including Nickelodeon, MTV, CNN, vh1, and more. The biggest selling point for DIRECTV Stream , however, is that it is the best for live and regional sports coverage. Add that to over 65,000 on-demand titles and its Cloud DVR and you have a diverse, versatile service that can meet any of your streaming needs. The base package costs $64.99 per month, with a wide range of add-on options. DIRECTV Stream offers a five-day free trial . Fubo TV (free trial) Fubo is considered the ultimate live TV streaming service for anyone seeking to cut the cord. With a subscription, you get access to over 100 channels (depending on your local area), 30 hours of DVR space, and tons of on-demand content, mainly featuring episodes of shows that have aired in recent weeks. Fubo has ABC and the ESPN family, too, making it a top option for sports fans. The service costs $74.99 per month, with a range of add-on options, and features a seven-day free trial . When is ‘The Challenge: Battle of the Eras’ on? “The Challenge: Battle of the Eras” will continue its 40th season with its 15th episode on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. on MTV . It will run until 9 p.m., at which point it will be followed by a slate of reruns of “Ridiculousness.” How to watch ‘The Challenge: Battle of the Eras’ online on-demand If you missed an episode of “The Challenge: Battle of the Eras” or want to binge watch the series online as it becomes available, look for it on DirecTV Stream (free trial) or Philo (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial) . How to watch ‘The Challenge: Battle of the Eras’ if you’re not in the USA If you’re not in the USA, you can still use a VPN to sign up for Fubo TV , Philo , or DIRECTV Stream and set your location to a US server. Among the safest choices to use are ExpressVPN or NordVPN . Both services offer massive discounts, along with a 100% money-back guarantee within the first 30 days. What is ‘The Challenge: Battle of the Eras’ about? According to the official MTV website : The Challengers arrive at their first challenge, but are shocked when they learn they will start by competing within their eras; politics begin as players must plead their case to avoid elimination night. Here’s a look at Johnny Bananas and Paulie from the previous season of “The Challenge” having a much-anticipated face-off, courtesy of the show’s official YouTube channel: Related stories about streaming TV services Stories by Joseph Rejent How to watch 'Tyler Perry's Sistas' Season 8 Episode 7 (for free) Paramount Plus Black Friday 2024 deal: How to sign up for only $3 How to watch the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 33 Finale (for free) Peacock Black Friday 2024: How to sign up for $2 per month Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com .

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The gifts are half-wrapped (or half-bought!), one string of lights on the tree is out and the stockings have not yet been hung by the chimney with care. And somewhere on the ever-growing to-do list is the dish you promised to bring to Christmas dinner. With just a few days left to throw something together, that realization can be panic-inducing. But never fear! With a quick trip to the store for just a few ingredients, it’s possible to whip up something tasty and festive at the last minute. Easy-to-make appetizers, simple sides and impressive desserts are just a few steps away with these ideas. For a no-fuss way to fancy up a staple side, Dan Robinson, former chef and owner of Kaleidoscope Cafe in Lawrenceville, said “loaded mashed potatoes” are a great option. “Leave the skins on and fold in bacon and cheese and sour cream when you mash,” he said. Robinson also said to not be afraid of the freezer aisle of your local grocery store when it comes to sides. “Frozen riced cauliflower is fast and can be flavored in numerous ways,” he said. Heating up cauliflower rice and then adding in savory flavorings — such as roasted garlic and shredded Parmesan cheese or sauteed mushrooms — can elevate a side that only took a few minutes to prepare (and no one has to know it wasn’t made from scratch). It doesn’t get easier — or more crowd-pleasing — than wrapping something in bacon and calling it a day. In the case of Erin Alvarez, a local food blogger also known as The Almond Eater’s favorite appetizers, those things are dates. The recipe requires only three things: bacon, dates and brown sugar. Just take 24 pitted dates, wrap them each in a slice of bacon, dust with brown sugar and secure with a toothpick. Then bake at 375 for 12 minutes — turning once for even cooking — or until the bacon is cooked through. For something “merry and bright,” Sausalido’s chef/owner/inventor Nick Mineo recommends a salty-sweet vegetable side. He said to wash two pounds of Brussels sprouts and cut them in half, then toss with olive oil. After roasting at 375 for 40 minutes, mix in two cups of dried cranberries for a sweet, zesty note. For a unique flavor, he advised his own spice blend, Energy Salt, which is available online at sausalido.net and at several local retailers, including Labriola’s, Soergel Orchards and Strip District Meats. It contains some fragrant and delicious additions that work well with the sprouts and cranberries. “The ginger, turmeric and black pepper actually make you feel better and give you a boost of natural energy that you need this holiday season,” Mineo said. Alvarez has a delicious addition to your table of holiday pies. Her gingerbread pie has only five steps — and you can use a store-bought pie crust to simplify even more. The filling is eggs, brown sugar, milk, molasses, melted butter, cornstarch and warming spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger). It takes 30 minutes to bake and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until it’s carted to your family dinner. It’s topped with homemade whipped cream (but no one will tell if you use store-bought). Alvarez said that the pie is “a smooth, silky texture that tastes like gingerbread ... it’s both light and decadent.” Find the full recipe at thealmondeater.com/gingerbread-pie. For something else simple to make in big batches, Robinson recommended bread pudding, “because of the infinite flavors that can be applied to a very simple formula.” Bread pudding can be made with so many different things: leftover bread, croissants and sturdier pastries. Plus, he said, you can add in frozen, canned or dried fruit so that you don’t have to do any chopping. Chopped nuts and chocolate chips are also common in bread puddings and are easy to measure by the handful and toss in. He’s made combinations like bourbon cherry — using chocolate donuts and dried cherries; peanut butter and banana; and apple chai. “Throw stuff together and hold it together using a basic custard,” he said. Basic custard for bread pudding uses one egg for every cup of liquid (milk or half-and-half, but you can add in some bourbon or rum for flavor), and four ounces of whatever bread or pastry you’re using for every egg and cup of liquid. Make sure to leave some time for the bread to soak up the custard before throwing it in the oven at 350 for at least half an hour, checking for doneness by inserting a knife and seeing if it comes out clean. Make ahead or day of your event — just warm up a little before serving. Alvarez also suggested another dessert that can be made ahead — chocolate peanut butter fudge. It only has five ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, butter, chocolate, peanut butter and vanilla extract. Many Christmas cookie bakers may already have those staples sitting around, and it’s a super-simple recipe: just melt together the chocolate, melted butter, condensed milk and vanilla, pour into an 8x8 pan, and swirl in the peanut butter. Then refrigerate (or pop into the freezer for 30 minutes, if you don’t have much time). See the full recipe at thealmondeater.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-fudge . Amanda Bacharach, executive sous chef at The Porch at Schenley in Oakland, has an idea for those looking to get a little bit creative. She recommended baking cupcakes and craftily decorating them with fun, seasonal flourishes. For example, inverting an ice cream cone so it’s pointed up on top of a cupcake and then covering it with green frosting will make it look like a Christmas tree. “One year, I did white covered with sprinkles for snow,” she said. It’s also less of a mess when it comes to dishes and makes serving simple, and it’s a unique dessert that will stand out on a dessert table laden with typical holiday fare. “If you don’t like apple pie or you don’t like pumpkin pie, it’s something a little different,” she said. Peppermint cupcakes decorated with candy canes and hot chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow frosting are popular options. Mineo has catered about 150 holiday parties this year alone, and he had some general tips for those stressing about their culinary contributions: remember the reason for the season. “The best advice I could give is keep it simple,” he said. “Remember why you’re celebrating. Don’t let the anxiety of planning the event ruin the ultimate picture of what you’re trying to do, and that’s gather with people and spread holiday cheer.”Trade Setup For Dec. 23: NSE Nifty 50 Set To Reclaim 24,000 Levels

Robert C. Donnelly , Gonzaga University Former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia, was a dark horse Democratic presidential candidate with little national recognition when he beat Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in 1976. The introspective former peanut farmer pledged a new era of honesty and forthrightness at home and abroad, a promise that resonated with voters eager for change following the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency, however, lasted only one term before Ronald Reagan defeated him. Since then, scholars have debated – and often maligned – Carter’s legacy, especially his foreign policy efforts that revolved around human rights. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Critics have described Carter’s foreign policies as “ineffectual” and “hopelessly muddled ,” and their formulation demonstrated “weakness and indecision.” As a historian researching Carter’s foreign policy initiatives , I conclude his overseas policies were far more effective than critics have claimed. The criticism of Carter’s foreign policies seems particularly mistaken when it comes to the Cold War, a period defined by decades of hostility, mutual distrust and arms buildup after World War II between the U.S. and Russia, then known as the Soviet Union or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). By the late 1970s, the Soviet Union’s economy and global influence were weakening. With the counsel of National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, a Soviet expert , Carter exploited these weaknesses. During his presidency, Carter insisted nations provide basic freedoms for their people – a moral weapon against which repressive leaders could not defend. Carter soon openly criticized the Soviets for denying Russian Jews their basic civil rights , a violation of human rights protections outlined in the diplomatic agreement called the Helsinki Accords . Carter’s team underscored these violations in arms control talks. The CIA flooded the USSR with books and articles to incite human rights activism. And Carter publicly supported Russian dissidents – including pro-democracy activist Andrei Sakharov – who were fighting an ideological war against socialist leaders. Carter adviser Stuart Eizenstat argues that the administration attacked the Soviets “in their most vulnerable spot – mistreatment of their own citizens.” This proved effective in sparking Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s social and political reforms of the late 1980s, best known by the Russian word “glasnost ,” or “openness.” In December 1979, the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in response to the assassination of the Soviet-backed Afghan leader, Nur Mohammad Taraki. The invasion effectively ended an existing détente between the U.S. and USSR. Beginning in July 1979, the U.S. was providing advice and nonlethal supplies to the mujahideen rebelling against the Soviet-backed regime. After the invasion, National Security Advisor Brzezinski advised Carter to respond aggressively to it. So the CIA and U.S. allies delivered weapons to the mujahideen, a program later expanded under Reagan. Carter’s move effectively engaged the Soviets in a proxy war that began to bleed the Soviet Union. By providing the rebels with modern weapons, the U.S. was “giving to the USSR its Vietnam war,” according to Brzezinski : a progressively expensive war, a strain on the socialist economy and an erosion of their authority abroad. Carter also imposed an embargo on U.S. grain sales to the Soviets in 1980. Agriculture was the USSR’s greatest economic weakness since the 1960s. The country’s unfavorable weather and climate contributed to successive poor growing seasons, and their heavy industrial development left the agricultural sector underfunded . Economist Elizabeth Clayton concluded in 1985 that Carter’s embargo was effective in exacerbating this weakness. Census data compiled between 1959 and 1979 show that 54 million people were added to the Soviet population. Clayton estimates that 2 to 3 million more people were added in each subsequent year. The Soviets were overwhelmed by the population boom and struggled to feed their people. At the same time, Clayton found that monthly wages increased, which led to an increased demand for meat. But by 1985, there was a meat shortage in the USSR. Why? Carter’s grain embargo, although ended by Reagan in 1981, had a lasting impact on livestock feed that resulted in Russian farmers decreasing livestock production . The embargo also forced the Soviets to pay premium prices for grain from other countries, nearly 25 percent above market prices . For years, Soviet leaders promised better diets and health , but now their people had less food. The embargo battered a weak socialist economy and created another layer of instability for the growing population. In 1980, Carter pushed further to punish the Soviets. He convinced the U.S. Olympic Committee to refrain from competing in the upcoming Moscow Olympics while the Soviets repressed their people and occupied Afghanistan. Carter not only promoted a boycott, but he also embargoed U.S. technology and other goods needed to produce the Olympics. He also stopped NBC from paying the final US$20 million owed to the USSR to broadcast the Olympics. China, Germany, Canada and Japan – superpowers of sport – also participated in the boycott. Historian Allen Guttmann said, “The USSR lost a significant amount of international legitimacy on the Olympic question.” Dissidents relayed to Carter that the boycott was another jab at Soviet leadership. And in America, public opinion supported Carter’s bold move – 73% of Americans favored the boycott . In his 1980 State of the Union address, Carter revealed an aggressive Cold War military plan. He declared a “ Carter doctrine ,” which said that the Soviets’ attempt to gain control of Afghanistan, and possibly the region, was regarded as a threat to U.S. interests. And Carter was prepared to meet the threat with “ military force .” Carter also announced in his speech a five-year spending initiative to modernize and strengthen the military because he recognized the post-Vietnam military cuts weakened the U.S. against the USSR. Ronald Reagan argued during the 1980 presidential campaign that, “Jimmy Carter risks our national security – our credibility – and damages American purposes by sending timid and even contradictory signals to the Soviet Union.” Carter’s policy was based on “weakness and illusion” and should be replaced “with one founded on improved military strength,” Reagan criticized. In 1985, however, President Reagan publicly acknowledged that his predecessor demonstrated great timing in modernizing and strengthening the nation’s forces, which further increased economic and diplomatic pressure on the Soviets. Reagan admitted that he felt “very bad” for misstating Carter’s policies and record on defense. Carter is most lauded today for his post-presidency activism , public service and defending human rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for such efforts. But that praise leaves out a significant portion of Carter’s presidential accomplishments. His foreign policy, emphasizing human rights, was a key instrument in dismantling the power of the Soviet Union. This is an updated version of a story that was originally published on May 2, 2019. Robert C. Donnelly , Associate Professor of History, Gonzaga University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNINGYuletide: Bode George Urges Tinubu to Reduce Fuel Price To N300 Per Litre

CCTVs across Hyderabad to be overhauled in 2025, says CV Anand

NEW YORK — Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, was chosen Thursday by Donald Trump to serve as U.S. attorney general hours after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration after a federal sex trafficking investigation and ethics probe made his ability to be confirmed dubious. The 59-year-old has long been in Trump's orbit and her name had been floated during his first term as a potential candidate for the nation's highest law enforcement role. If confirmed by the Republican-led Senate, Bondi would instantly become one of the most closely watched members of Trump’s Cabinet given the Republican’s threat to pursue retribution against perceived adversaries and concern among Democrats that he will look to bend the Justice Department to his will. Here's a few things to know about Bondi: She's long been a fixture in Trump's world Bondi has been a longtime and early ally. In March 2016, on the eve of the Republican primary in Florida, Bondi endorsed Trump at a rally, picking him over the candidate from her own state, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . She gained national attention with appearances on Fox News as a defender of Trump and had a notable speaking spot at 2016 Republican National Convention as Trump became the party's surprising nominee. During the remarks, some in the crowd began chanting "Lock her up" about Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Bondi responded by saying, “‘Lock her up,’ I love that." As Trump prepared to move into the White House, she served on his first transition team. When Trump’s first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, was ousted in 2018, Bondi’s name was floated as a possible candidate for the job. Trump at the time said he would “love” Bondi to join the administration. He ultimately selected William Barr instead. She kept a toehold in Trump's orbit thereafter, including after he left office. She served as a chairwoman of America First Policy Institute, a think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers to lay the groundwork if he won a second term. She was Florida's first female attorney general Bondi made history in 2010 when she was elected as Florida’s first female attorney general. Though the Tampa native spent more than 18 years as a prosecutor in the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, she was a political unknown when she held the state’s top law enforcement job. Bondi was elevated in the primary after she was endorsed by former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. She campaigned on a message to use the state’s top legal office in a robust way, challenging then-President Barack Obama’s signature health care law. She also called for her state to adopt Arizona’s “show me your papers” immigration law that sparked national debate. As Florida’s top prosecutor, Bondi stressed human trafficking issues and urged tightening state laws against traffickers. She held the job from 2011 to 2019. She worked as a lobbyist for both U.S. and foreign clients Bondi worked as a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, the powerful Florida-based firm where Trump’s campaign chief and incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles was a partner. Her U.S. clients have included General Motors, the commissioner of Major League Baseball and a Christian anti-human-trafficking advocacy group. She also lobbied for a Kuwaiti firm, according to Justice Department foreign agent filings and congressional lobbying documents. She registered as a foreign agent for the government of Qatar; her work was related to anti-human-trafficking efforts leading up to the World Cup, held in 2022. Bondi also represented the KGL Investment Company KSCC, a Kuwaiti firm also known as KGLI, lobbying the White House, National Security Council, State Department and Congress on immigration policy, human rights and economic sanctions issues. She defended Trump during his first impeachment trial Bondi stepped away from lobbying to serve on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. He was accused — but not convicted — of abuse of power for allegedly pressuring the president of Ukraine to investigate his Democratic rivals while crucial U.S. security aid was being withheld. He was also charged with obstruction of Congress for stonewalling investigative efforts. Trump wanted Ukraine’s president to publicly commit to investigating Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company. He pushed for the investigation while holding up nearly $400 million in military aid. Bondi was brought on to bolster the White House’s messaging and communications. Trump and his allies sought to delegitimize the impeachment from the start, aiming to brush off the whole thing as a farce. She's been critical of the criminal cases against Trump Bondi has been a vocal critic of the criminal cases against Trump as well as Jack Smith, the special counsel who charged Trump in two federal cases. In one radio appearance, she blasted Smith and other prosecutors who have charged Trump as “horrible” people she said were trying to make names for themselves by “going after Donald Trump and weaponizing our legal system.” It’s unlikely that Bondi would be confirmed in time to overlap with Smith, who brought two federal indictments against Trump that are both expected to wind down before the incoming president takes office. Special counsels are expected to produce reports on their work that historically are made public, but it remains unclear when such a document might be released. Bondi was also among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. As president, Trump demanded investigations into political opponents like Hillary Clinton and sought to use the law enforcement powers of the Justice Department to advance his own interests, including in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Bondi appears likely to oblige him. She would inherit a Justice Department expected to pivot sharply on civil rights, corporate enforcement and the prosecutions of hundreds of Trump supporters charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol — defendants whom Trump has pledged to pardon. She's had a few of her own political issues Bondi issued a public apology in 2013 while serving as attorney general after she sought to delay the execution of a convicted killer because it conflicted with a fundraiser for her reelection campaign. The attorney general, representing the state in death row appeals, typically remains available on the date of execution cases in case of any last-minute legal issues. Bondi later said she was wrong and sorry for requesting then-Gov. Rick Scott push back the execution of Marshall Lee Gore by three weeks. Bondi personally solicited a 2013 political contribution from Trump as her office was weighing whether to join New York in suing over fraud allegations involving Trump University. Trump cut a $25,000 check to a political committee supporting Bondi from his family’s charitable foundation, in violation of legal prohibitions against charities supporting partisan political activities. After the check came in, Bondi’s office nixed suing Trump’s company for fraud, citing insufficient grounds to proceed. Both Trump and Bondi denied wrongdoing. Two days before being sworn in as president in January 2017, Trump paid $25 million to settle three lawsuits alleging Trump University defrauded its students. Trump also paid a $2,500 fine to the IRS over the illegal political donation to support Bondi from the Donald J. Trump Foundation, which he was forced to dissolve amid an investigation by the state of New York. A Florida prosecutor assigned by then-GOP Gov. Rick Scott later determined there was insufficient evidence to support bribery charges against Trump and Bondi over the $25,000 donation.By Steve Benen When Donald Trump announced plans to nominate Tom Barrack to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Turkey, the president-elect did his best to describe his friend in glowing terms. “For three decades, Tom successfully managed a global private equity firm,” the Republican wrote online . “He is a well respected and experienced voice of reason to a wide range of thought leaders in both political and business circles.” That summary, however, tells only part of a larger and more interesting story. After Trump’s first election victory in 2016, there were a series of difficult questions surrounding the Republican’s inaugural committee, which faced scrutiny — and subpoenas — from federal prosecutors over the first half of Trump’s presidency, specifically on how the committee spent its considerable resources. As the investigation intensified, there were concerns that the inaugural committee’s chairman — Tom Barrack — might face real legal trouble . As it turned out, that investigation did not lead to an indictment, but in 2021, Barrack was criminally charged by the Justice Department, which accused Trump’s longtime friend of unlawfully “advancing the interests” of the United Arab Emirates through the Republican campaign and administration. Specifically, the California billionaire was accused of “acting and conspiring to act as agents” of the UAE between April 2016 and April 2018. He was also charged with obstruction of justice and making multiple false statements to federal law enforcement agents. Two years ago, he was acquitted — a jury in New York found him not guilty on all counts — and now he’s likely to become the U.S. ambassador to Turkey. Barrack will, however, still need to be approved by the U.S. Senate, and I have a hunch there will be some interesting lines of questions during his upcoming confirmation hearings. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past."

Minister of Defense inspects a number of units participating in one of the African Union missionsWhen “Justice for All”, a dirge-like version of the national anthem sung by defendants jailed over their alleged roles in the January 6, 2021 insurrection, was played last month at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, guests stood with hand on heart. , the billionaire founder of Facebook. Although it is not clear if Zuckerberg knew of how this tinny version version of The Star-Spangled Banner was recorded over a prison phone line, his mere presence at Donald Trump’s “winter White House” said it all. Facebook had banned Trump after the shocking events of January 6. Now Zuckerberg had come to kiss the ring. He is far from alone in what has been dubbed “ ” following Trump’s re-election. Tech chief executives, media organisations and foreign leaders are seeking the president-elect’s favor through donations, self-censorship and appeasement. Analysts say the surrender is driven by a combination of greed, fear of Trump’s unfettered power and a belief that resistance is futile. “Part of the shock of the Trump win is how quickly and how many people in various areas, from the media to politicians, are acquiescing in advance,” said , a former Republican communications director on Capitol Hill. “People are resigning themselves to self-preservation over the good of maintaining a free and fair democracy and resisting Trump It is an astonishing turnaround. When Trump was impeached in the wake of the January 6 riot nearly four years ago, he appeared to be a political pariah. Dozens of major corporations publicly pledged to to 147 Republican members of Congress who had voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Earlier this year Trump became the first former US president and had three more cases looming over him. Over the years he has has been caught on tape bragging about grabbing women by their private parts, accused of sexual assault by more than two dozen women and found liable by a jury for sexually abusing the columnist E Jean Carroll. He’s entering office is the most powerful president in American history And yet his victory over Kamala Harris in the 5 November election has seemingly expunged his record in the eyes of the rich and powerful. He returns to the White House with the momentum of victory in the national popular vote, a supreme court ruling that implies presidents are above the law and diehard loyalists in the White House and Congress. , a political strategist and former campaign operative for George W Bush and John McCain, said: “He’s entering office is the most powerful president in American history. He is an American Caesar, unrestrained. Trump has made a threat and said, I’m coming after people, and he’s appointed people that will do what he wants without him having to tell them to do it.” Many of those who once condemned him are to an incoming president who offers both a carrot – tax cuts, deregulation, business friendly appointees – and a stick. at Mar-a-Lago: “In the first term, everyone was fighting me. In this term, everybody wants to be my friend. I don’t know, my personality changed or something.” The New York Stock Exchange welcomed Trump to ring its opening bell. Time magazine and the Financial Times newspaper anointed Trump their “person of the year”. Bret Stephens, a longtime Trump foe, in the New York Times that Never Trumpers had “overstated our case and, in doing so, defeated our purpose”. A parade of chief executives have travelled to Mar-a-Lago to bend the knee to Trump. Along with Meta chief executive Zuckerberg, Apple’s Tim Cook, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Sergey Brin and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made the pilgrimage. Meta, Amazon, and Open AI chief Sam Altman are all reportedly donating $1m to the fund for the inauguration on 20 January. Bezos, a onetime critic of Trump’s rhetoric, now says he is “optimistic” about Trump’s second term while also endorsing his plans to cut regulations. As owner of the Washington Post newspaper, Bezos killed an endorsement of Harris during the presidential election. The Post is struggling to find a amid fears it will no longer live up to the “Democracy dies in darkness” slogan it championed during Trump’s first term. Other profit-focused media owners have been trying to build bridges with a president-elect who repeatedly dubbed them the “enemy of the people”. The Disney-owned ABC News toward Trump’s presidential library to settle a seemingly flimsy defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos’s inaccurate on-air assertion that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E Jean Carroll. The owner of the Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong, has reportedly , demanding opposing viewpoints be presented alongside negative coverage. Comcast’s plan to spin off MSNBC and other cable TV channels into a separate company has raised further concerns about the liberal network, whose ratings are tanking. The way some in the mainstream media have already decided that acquiescence is their way of self-preservation not only is naive but dangerous The hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe show, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, despite previously eviscerating his fascist rhetoric. Scarborough defended the meeting, arguing that any journalist would take an opportunity to meet the president-elect but he and Brzezinski were being penalised for being “transparent” about it. Critics, however, were not persuaded. Schmidt said: “If you go down there and you make an expression, ‘I did this for you’, will you come out of the meeting and either confirm that he is Hitler or we were off on that and we don’t have to worry? It seems like the purpose of the meeting was to make some type of deal with Hitler. This week Trump sued a pollster and a newspaper over survey results published days before the US election showing him behind in Iowa – a state he ultimately won by a landslide. He has also filed a $10bn lawsuit against CBS over a 60 Minutes interview with Harris. There are concerns that his demonstrated willingness to punish his critics could have a chilling effect. Setmayer, who now runs the political action committee, commented: “The way some in the mainstream media have already decided that acquiescence is their way of self-preservation not only is naive but dangerous because without that we don’t have an informed citizenry. It’s supposed to be without fear or favor and media is acting out of fear. And by way of acting out of fear, they are giving Trump the favor that he wants.” Observers warn that acceptance of Trump’s behavior will erode democratic norms and emboldens him to pursue an authoritarian agenda and silence dissent. Some have drawn comparisons with illiberal democracy in Hungary with its combination of overt censorship, loyal state media and tamed private media. , a history professor at Yale University who begins his pamphlet “On Tyranny” with the “Do not obey in advance”, said: “One worries that in the US regime the censorship part is going to be taken over by people who are a million times richer than you suing you. The threat of being sued by a Trump or a Musk or whatever - a person who already controls the government and the economy - means every ‘little person’ has to be worried.” Pro-Trump networks such as and Newsmax, while not state controlled, will be “state proximate”, Snyder added. “But the thing which is closest is the private media which tries to come to some kind of agreement. Putting the moral part aside, if you’re coming to some kind of agreement, conceding in advance is maybe not the best negotiating strategy. Anyone expecting to find serious guardrails in Washington might be disappointed. Republicans in Congress have been largely pliant, with signs of easing opposition towards controversial cabinet picks such as Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, and Robert F Kennedy Jr, his vaccine-sceptic choice for health secretary. Some Democrats, too, have signaled a willingness to work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s cost-cutting “department of government efficiency”. Asked how she would respond to Trump’s , the New York governor, Kathy Hochul, replied: “Someone breaks the law, I’ll be the first one to call up Ice [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and say, ‘Get them out of here.’” Eric Adams, the Democratic mayor of New York, has also and not ruled out running as a Republican in future. Even Joe Biden has backed off from his previous warnings that Trump is a danger to democracy – apparently seeking the graceful transition that his predecessor denied him. Meanwhile, since the election, a parade of world leaders have made their way to Mar-a-Lago. They range from rightwing ally Orbán to Canada’s Justin Trudeau, facing Trump’s threats of huge new tariffs which have plunged his own domestic politics . Longtime opponents of Trump are worried about what the mass capitulation portends. , director of the advocacy organisation Defending Democracy Together, said: One reason a lot of us were so hostile to Trump is we thought he would do this kind of thing. He’s not a theoretical authoritarian or ideological dictator, though he has elements of that, but he’s like a cunning bully and mob boss and the system can only resist for so long. “The guardrails are good but they they need people to uphold them. This is true of the political guardrails – Congress, the political parties, the courts – but it’s also true of the broader societal guardrails: the private sector, the media, and there I would say I’m struck by the apparent speed of the capitulation.” For all Trump’s claims of an overwhelming majority, more than voted for Harris but some in “the resistance” appear to have lost the will to fight. Kristol warned: “It won’t have the kind of friendly corporate encouragement that it had in the first term. People will have to think more like dissidents and less like we’re the natural majority and Trump just happened to win a fluke election, which was the attitude in 2017. It will be challenging.”