80jili login app apk Syria's embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian army officersBirthdays for Dec. 28

Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street Thursday, as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier last week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued last week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.Team NI Commonwealth chief says Ulster Banner linked to race hate as he sets out rationale for dropping the flag

Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Prime Minister’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative programme into Sara Netanyahu. The programme uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs Netanyahu by name and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies”. It is the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus, highlighted by the PM’s ongoing corruption trial. Mr Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here. Boxing Day has arrived, and hockey fans know what that means — it’s time for the World Juniors. The annual U20 IIHF competition features 10 of the best countries from around the world showcasing the future of the NHL. Canada enters the 2025 tournament today looking for vengeance. The nation did not perform well at the 2024 World Juniors in Sweden, losing in the quarterfinals to Czechia to finish without a chance at a medal. It marked the first time since 2017 that Canada left the World Juniors without a medal. STREAM: Watch Canada vs. Finland live with Fubo (free trial) The 2025 World Juniors team is headlined by projected 2026 No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna, the cousin of former Team Canada sensation Connor Bedard. McKenna leads the WHL in scoring this season, averaging two points per game as a 17-year-old. In addition to McKenna, Dave Cameron's team features first-round picks such as Calum Ritchie, Easton Cowan, Brayden Yager, Berkly Catton, and Sam Dickinson, as well as 2025 prospects Matthew Schaefer and Porter Martone. The Canadians begin this year’s competition with a matchup against Finland in Group A play. The Finns made it to the bronze medal game last year but fell to Czechia in the third-place game. This year’s crew is led by Sabres' 2024 first-round pick Konsta Helenius and Sharks prospect Kasper Haltunnen. MORE: World Juniors standings, schedule, results The Sporting News is providing the updates and highlights from the Canada vs. Finland group play game at the 2025 World Juniors. Canada vs. Finland final score 1 2 3 OT F Canada - - - - - Finland - - - - - Canada vs. Finland results, highlights from 2025 World Juniors (All times Eastern) Pregame What channel is Canada vs. Finland on today? TV channels: TSN (Canada) | NHL Network (United States) Live stream: TSN app (Canada) | Fubo (United States) Canada vs. Finland will air on TSN in Canada and NHL Network in the U.S. Viewers can also stream the game on the TSN app in Canada and Fubo in the U.S. STREAM: Watch 2025 World Juniors with Fubo (free trial) Canada vs. Finland start time Date: Thursday, Dec. 26 Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT Canada vs. Finland will start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 26. It is the first game for both teams at the tournament, and the second game in Group A. The United States defeated Germany earlier in the day on Thursday. 2025 World Juniors schedule Thursday, Dec. 26 Matchup Time (ET) Sweden 5, Slovakia 1 FINAL USA vs. Germany 2:30 p.m. Czechia vs. Switzerland 5 p.m. Finland vs. Canada 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 Matchup Time (ET) Switzerland vs. Slovakia 1 p.m. Germany vs. Finland 3:30 p.m. Sweden vs. Kazakhstan 5 p.m. Latvia vs. Canada 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 Matchup Time (ET) Kazakhstan vs. Czechia 1 p.m. Latvia vs. USA 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29 Matchup Time (ET) Switzerland vs. Sweden Noon USA vs. Finland 2:30 p.m. Czechia vs. Slovakia 5 p.m. Canada vs. Germany 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 Matchup Time (ET) Slovakia vs. Kazakhstan 1 p.m. Germany vs. Latvia 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 Matchup Time (ET) Kazakhstan vs. Switzerland Noon Finland vs. Latvia 2:30 p.m. Sweden vs. Czechia 5 p.m. Canada vs. USA 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 Matchup Time (ET) TBD vs. TBD - Relegation Game 11 a.m. TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal Noon TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal 2:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal 5 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Quarterfinal 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 Matchup Time (ET) TBD vs. TBD - Semifinal 3:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Semifinal 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 Matchup Time (ET) TBD vs. TBD - Bronze Medal Game 3:30 p.m. TBD vs. TBD - Gold Medal Game 7:30 p.m. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >BERLIN (AP) — Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel recalls Vladimir Putin's “power games” over the years, remembers contrasting meetings with Barack Obama and Donald Trump and says she asked herself whether she could have done more to prevent Brexit, in her memoirs published Tuesday. Merkel, 70, appears to have no significant doubts about the major decisions of her 16 years as German leader, whose major challenges included the global financial crisis, Europe’s debt crisis, the 2015-16 influx of refugees and the COVID-19 pandemic. True to form, her book — titled “Freedom” — offers a matter-of-fact account of her early life in communist East Germany and her later career in politics, laced with moments of dry wit. Merkel served alongside four U.S. presidents , four French presidents and five British prime ministers. But it is perhaps her dealings with Russian President Putin that have drawn the most scrutiny since she left office in late 2021. Merkel recalls being kept waiting by Putin at the Group of Eight summit she hosted in 2007 — “if there's one thing I can't stand, it's unpunctuality.” And she recounts a visit to the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi that year in which Putin's labrador appeared during a photo opportunity, although Putin knew she was afraid of dogs. Putin appeared to enjoy the situation, she writes, and she didn't bring it up — keeping as she often did to the motto “never explain, never complain.” The previous year, she recounts Putin pointing to wooden houses in Siberia and telling her poor people lived there who “could be easily seduced,” and that similar groups had been encouraged by money from the U.S. government to take part in Ukraine's “Orange Revolution” of 2004 against attempted election fraud. Putin, she says, added: “I will never allow something like that in Russia.” Merkel says she was irritated by Putin's “self-righteousness” in a 2007 speech in Munich in which he turned away from earlier attempts to develop closer ties with the U.S. She said that appearance showed Putin as she knew him, “as someone who was always on guard against being treated badly and ready to give out at any time, including power games with a dog and making other people wait for him.” “One could find this all childish and reprehensible, one could shake one's head over it — but that didn't make Russia disappear from the map,” she writes. As she has before, Merkel defends a much-criticized 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine that she helped broker and her government's decisions to buy large quantities of natural gas from Russia. And she argues it was right to keep up diplomatic and trade ties with Moscow until she left power, Merkel concluded after first meeting then-Sen. Obama in 2008 that they could work well together. More than eight years later, during his last visit as president in Nov. 2016, she was one of the people with whom she discussed whether to seek a fourth term. Obama, she says, asked questions but held back with an opinion, and that in itself was helpful. He “said that Europe could still use me very well, but I should ultimately follow my feelings,” she writes. There was no such warmth with Trump, who had criticized Merkel and Germany in his 2016 campaign. Merkel says she had to seek an “adequate relationship ... without reacting to all the provocations.” In March 2017, there was an awkward moment when Merkel first visited the Trump White House. Photographers shouted “handshake!” and Merkel quietly asked Trump: “Do you want to have a handshake?” There was no response from Trump, who looked ahead with his hands clasped. Merkel faults her own reaction. “He wanted to create a topic of discussion with his behavior, while I had acted as if I were dealing with an interlocutor behaving normally,” she writes. She adds that Putin apparently “fascinated” Trump and, in the following years, she had the impression that “politicians with autocratic and dictatorial traits” beguiled him. Merkel says she tried to help then-Prime Minister David Cameron in the European Union as he faced pressure from British Euroskeptics, but there were limits to what she could do. And, pointing to Cameron's efforts over the years to assuage opponents of the EU, she says the road to Brexit is a textbook example of what can arise from a miscalculation. After Britons voted to leave the EU in 2016, an outcome she calls a “humiliation” for its other members, she says the question of whether she should have made more concessions to the U.K. “tortured me.” “I came to the conclusion that, in view of the political developments inside the country at the time, there would have been no acceptable possibility for me to prevent Britain's way out of the European Union from outside,” Merkel says. Merkel was the first German chancellor to leave power at a time of her choosing. She announced in 2018 that she wouldn't seek a fifth term, and says she “let go at the right point.” She points to three 2019 incidents in which her body shook during public engagements as proof. Merkel says she had herself checked thoroughly and there were no neurological or other findings. An osteopath told her that her body was letting off the tension it had accumulated over years, she adds. “Freedom” runs to more than 700 pages in its original German edition, published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch. The English edition is being released simultaneously by St. Martin's Press.

Bryan Zaragoza’s agent doubles down on former Bayern Munich coach Thomas TuchelORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. People are also reading... This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Posing on red carpet at film premiere, Gray after another trip in taxpayer funded limoLee — There is a new glow downtown. The town is in the final steps of completing a new technology rollout that refurbishes its downtown decorative streetlights with energy-efficient LED lighting for better visibility on roads and crosswalks. Courtesy of a $250,800 Massachusetts Rural Development Fund Grant and an additional $79,500 appropriated by the town of Lee as matching funds, the project also added three outdoor Wi-Fi access points to Main Street’s southern end for public use, Town Administrator Christopher Brittain stated in an email response to The Berkshire Edge. Those points stretch from roughly the Lee Town Park to St. Mary’s Church at 140 Main Street, he said, with the municipality previously lacking those points and hindering cell phone service. Other pluses from the update allow for future extensions including digital signage, emergency buttons, and environmental sensors. “Not only do the new fixtures look much better but the new light patterns make Main Street much safer for pedestrians at night,” stated Brittain in a November 25 news release. “The Wi-Fi should be a huge benefit to restaurants and merchants on Main Street that sometimes struggle with poor cellular service.” Audio features are also part of the project package, with the December 6 “Holiday Stroll” serving as the first opportunity to try out the new program. Although all of the project hardware is in place, Brittain stated some software programming is needed “before everything is fully functional.”

I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star Oti Mabuse , 34, opened up about being smeared by trolls over her appearance in a fireside chat on Thursday. The Strictly Come Dancing legend was talking to her jungle campmates about fame, when she asked Love Island star Maura Higgins , 34, if she ever had rumours spread about her that weren’t true. Maura revealed that she often heard rumours that she was promiscuous, and Oti responded by sharing hurtful comments she saw about herself. “I get so many comments about my body,” Oti said, with Maura agreeing, “I get that I’m fat! And then I get that I’m underweight. It’s just either underweight or fat. It’s never, ‘Oh she looks good.’” Oti continued: “I always get she’s loud, she’s screeching, why is she always on my TV screen?” The star then opened up about her relationship with Maura, and how they bonded over sharing difficult conversations. “We have so many open and uncensored conversations about what we think about ourselves and our bodies,” Oti said, adding, “She understands me and she understand how hard it is, to get up and wake up in a world where you feel like people don’t love you and still fight, and I know I fight everyday because I know my daughter is watching and I do it for, I don’t want her to be fighting generational traumas the way I am.” The pro dancer then admitted that she used to be underweight, and that her “weight gain” was actually the result of taking on a healthier lifestyle. She added that she “struggled” with the callous comments, but was living a more sustainable life. “I used to find it difficult because my weight gain wasn’t actually my fault, it was me getting over a weight problem,” she explained. “It was me actually not starving myself, not being on laxatives, not smoking, being a vegan. It was actually me being healthy for the first time and I really struggled being like why are people calling me fat? Actually, this is the healthiest I’ve ever been. “I was underweight, I didn’t get my period for months. I didn’t eat, we would dance all day, we would drink but we wouldn’t eat. My ribs were sticking out. And back in those days it was like, ‘Oh, she's amazing, she’s got a nice body’ but I was like, ‘No, but this is me being healthy.’” Maura was quick to back her friend up, and gushed: “And you’re beautiful! And you’re sexy, you’ve got the best *ss I’ve ever seen. Let me tell you!” Alongside gaining love and friendship from Maura, Oti also has plenty of support from outside the jungle. The star is a fan favourite, with many fans saying that they’d like her to win the gruelling competition. "Can't believe people send abuse to Oti Mabuse over social media. She comes across as such a lovely woman on TV, & doesn't deserve to have awful comments directed towards her. I hope when she comes out, she sees all of the nice things we are all saying about her on here. #ImACeleb,” one viewer wrote on Twitter after seeing Oti open up in one of her famous fireside talks. * Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .A meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union, a group led by Russia and comprising several former Soviet nations, took an unexpected turn when two leaders clashed during a live broadcast. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other state leaders attended the event, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The session was held at a resort near St. Petersburg. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated via video link after cancelling his trip due to a positive COVID-19 test. Pashinyan has been working to reduce Armenia's ties with Moscow while seeking closer relations with Western countries. His decision to join remotely was part of this broader strategy. Dispute Over Meeting Attendance The meeting's agenda was disrupted when Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, whose country was assuming the rotating chairmanship from Armenia, invited Pashinyan to attend the next meeting in Belarus. Pashinyan replied that he intended to join via video call, prompting Lukashenko to press for an explanation and offer to send a plane for the Armenian delegation. Pashinyan cited his earlier decision to halt high-level visits to Belarus due to Lukashenko's support for Azerbaijan, Armenia's rival. "I don't think this is the right format for discussing these issues," Pashinyan remarked. Despite this, Lukashenko continued the argument, leading to a tense exchange between the two leaders. Silence from Other Leaders During the altercation, Putin and other leaders remained silent observers. The Eurasian Economic Union was established ten years ago to strengthen business ties and facilitate trade among its members. However, it has faced challenges due to economic and other disputes between member states. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the union, particularly regarding differing political alliances and priorities among its members. These internal conflicts have occasionally overshadowed the group's economic objectives. The meeting concluded without further incidents, but the exchange underscored the complexities of maintaining unity within such a diverse alliance. The leaders will need to address these underlying issues to ensure the union's continued effectiveness.

The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning re-election despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The judge in the election case granted prosecutors' dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday afternoon. The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors' request to do so “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is “consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.” But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump's lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict." Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Michael Sisak and Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this story. ___Dallas, TX, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Game Day just got a whole lot better! Starting December 26, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is rolling out its fan-favorite Game Day Packs , the perfect lineup to tackle any sports celebration. Each pack comes loaded with 24 pit-smoked wings tossed in your choice of sauce, two large sides, Texas Toast, ranch dressing, pickles, and onions —everything you need to score big on flavor. “Our pit-smoked wings deliver the authentic barbecue taste that Dickey’s is known for,” said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Whether you go for classic barbecue, tangy buffalo, or bold sriracha, we have a sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for your game day gathering.” And here’s the MVP offer: From December 26 through March 31, 2025 , Dickey’s Rewards members will earn double points for every Game Day Pack purchase. Not a member yet? Signing up for the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program is quick and easy, giving you the chance to save on future meals while enjoying game day favorites now. “Rewards programs are a win for both our guests and our brand,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “This double-points promotion encourages loyalty while providing exceptional value. It’s the perfect way to reward our fans while they cheer on their favorite teams.” The Game Day Pack is a slam dunk for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a playoff watch party, celebrating the Super Bowl, or gearing up for March Madness. Packed with flavor and designed to share, these meals are an easy way to make every game day a winner. “Our loyalty program helps us connect with our guests in a meaningful way,” added Laura Rea Dickey. “According to industry research, loyalty programs are a top consideration for diners choosing an everyday dining option. By offering double rewards on our Game Day Packs, we’re giving guests another reason to choose Dickey’s for their sports celebrations.” Getting your hands on a Game Day Pack is easy. Order online at dickey’s.com or through the Dickey’s app. Members of the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program will automatically earn double points on qualifying purchases, making this promotion the ultimate play for flavor and savings. “Double the points and double the flavor—that’s what we’re all about with this promotion,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. “Game Day Packs bring people together for good food and good times, making every game day special.” Don’t fumble this opportunity to bring bold barbecue to your game day lineup. Order your Game Day Pack today and enjoy double the rewards all season long. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Pit Smoked Wings

The Green Bay Packers , led by quarterback Jordan Love , face the Detroit Lions , led by quarterback Jared Goff in Week 14 of the NFL season on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (12/5/24) at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of Amazon Prime . Here’s what you need to know: What : NFL Week 14 Who : Packers vs. Lions When : Thursday, Dec. 5 (12/5/24) Where : Ford Field Time : 8:15 p.m. ET TV : N/A Live stream: Amazon Prime (free trial) *** Here’s a preview capsule via the Associated Press: Green Bay (9-3) at Detroit (11-1) Thursday, 8:15 p.m. EST, Amazon Prime Video. BetMGM NFL odds: Lions by 3 1/2. Against the spread: Packers 6-6; Lions 9-3. Series record: Packers 106-77-7. Last meeting: Lions beat Packers 24-14 in Green Bay on Nov. 3. Last week: Packers beat Dolphins 30-17; Lions beat Bears 23-20. Packers offense: overall (3), rush (5), pass (8), scoring (8). Packers defense: overall (12), rush (8), pass (19), scoring (T-9). Lions offense: overall (2), rush (4), pass (5), scoring (1). Lions defense: overall (10), rush (5), pass (25), scoring (3). Turnover differential: Packers plus-9; Lions plus-8. WR Jayden Reed. The former Michigan State star caught five passes for 113 yards last month against the Lions. He had a career-high two TD catches against Miami. Reed leads the team with 44 catches and 693 yards receiving. Reed has seven TDs, including one rushing. S Brian Branch. He was ejected in the second quarter of the game in Green Bay after landing a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers receiver Bo Melton. He also was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for extending both of his middle fingers toward the Lambeau Field crowd as he walked off the field. Detroit’s running game against Green Bay’s defense . Jahmyr Gibbs has 973 yards rushing and David Montgomery has 720 yards on the ground for the Lions and both have scored 11 combined touchdowns. The Packers allowed fewer than 45 yards rushing in each of their past two games, pulling that feat off in consecutive weeks for the first time since 1995 and second time since 1950. Packers CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) are out for a third straight game. ... WR Romeo Doubs (concussion) will miss a second straight game. ... The Packers also have ruled out CB Corey Ballentine (knee). ... Detroit will play without OT Taylor Decker (shoulder), DL Josh Paschal (knee), DL Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and DT DJ Reader (shoulder) missed multiple practices this week. ... Lions CBs Carlton Davis (knee) and Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) are expected to return after being inactive last week. ... LB Malcolm Rodriguez had a season-ending knee injury against Chicago. Detroit has won five of the past six meetings, its best stretch of success in the series since the early 1980s. ... Last month in Green Bay, the Lions won after Kerby Joseph scored on a 27-yard interception return and they converted two fourth downs into touchdowns. The Packers outgained Detroit 411-261 in the setback. ... Green Bay is 2-0 against the Lions in the playoffs, beating them at home and away by four points each time in the 1993 and ’94 seasons. Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota (10-2) are the first three three teams in a division to enter Week 14 with at least nine wins since the AFC East in 1985. ... The Packers have won their past five division road games, including a 29-22 win at Detroit last year on Thanksgiving when Jordan Love threw a 53-yard TD to Christian Watson on the game’s first play and finished with three TDs. ... Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur, who is from Michigan, has won 65 regular-season games and George Siefert (75) is the only coach in league history to win more in his first six years . ... The Packers are appearing in prime time for the second of four straight games. .. Green Bay and Detroit will each play their third game in 12 days. ... Love had a career-high passer rating last week and has thrown a combined 4 TDs without an INT over the past two games. ... The Packers have scored 90 points off turnovers this season and Buffalo (91 points) is the only team with more points from a defense. ... DE Rashan Gary, drafted No. 12 overall from Michigan in 2019, has a team-high 4 1/2 sacks. Gary matched a career high with three sacks last year at Detroit, where he also forced two fumbles and recovered one. ... Packers S Xavier McKinney and Lions S Kerby Joseph are tied for the NFL lead in seven INTs — two more than any other player. ... Packers RB Josh Jacobs has 987 yards rushing to rank third in the league and Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs (973) is fourth entering Week 14. ... The Lions clinch a playoff bid with a win or tie. They can also qualify for a spot with a setback in scenarios that include Atlanta or Tampa Bay losing. ... Detroit has won 10 straight, matching the franchise record with the 1934 team, and has won 11 of its first 12 games for the first time. ... The Lions led the league in Pro Bowl votes after the opening week with Gibbs ranking fifth among all players in voting. ... Detroit is 8-2 in prime time with coach Dan Campbell. ... Jared Goff is one of six NFL players with at least 100 TD passes with two teams, joining Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Kurt Warner and Fran Tarkenton. ... WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has 391 catches, putting him in a position to become the third player in league history to have 400 receptions in the first four years of a career, joining Michael Thomas (470 receptions) and Jarvis Landry (400). ... S Kerby Joseph has four INTs in four games against Green Bay. RECOMMENDED • nj .com How to watch Green Bay Packers game tonight (12/5/24) | FREE LIVE STREAM, time for NFL Thursday Night Footbal Dec. 5, 2024, 2:00 p.m. How to watch Detroit Lions game tonight (12/5/24) | FREE LIVE STREAM, time for NFL Thursday Night Football We Dec. 5, 2024, 2:00 p.m. St. Brown might be due for a touchdown. He has been held out of the end zone in consecutive games for the first time since Week 1 and 2. The All-Pro has nine TDs this season, including one at Green Bay when he caught all seven passes thrown to him for 56 yards. (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

at a popular holiday destination along the Australian coast in the new year, with authorities looking to "protect the sensitive environment" by "stopping mass congregation of vehicles" on the sand. It's the latest in a growing list of camping hotspots around the country , as governments in coastal regions in particular work to preserve fragile ecosystems, many already battling significant issues like erosion, . From February 3, 2025, overnight camping will not be permitted on Wauraltee Beach, including the area known as Second Beach, on the York Peninsula in South Australia. According to the state's Department for Environment, the decision is supported by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Yorke Peninsula Council and community leaders. It said the increased popularity of off-road 4WD vehicles has seen more of them being driven on SA's beaches in recent years, creating problems for local ecosystems. Social media sharing of "secret spots", it added, has also resulted in "many places becoming so popular that the environment cannot sustain the level of use". National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Programs Director Jason Irving clarified that there's "no intention" to ban all vehicles from beaches broadly across the state. Rather, the government is trying to find the line between "visitor enjoyment" and the "need to protect native flora and fauna". "Large camping vehicles are being driven onto the beach in mass numbers with the purpose of remaining overnight and this is the challenge we are aiming to address," he said in a statement. "The new rules for vehicle access at Wauraltee Beach seek to ensure its environmental values are protected, while still allowing people to enjoy recreational activities such as boating and fishing. "Wauraltee Beach is a special place but it will not stay that way for future generations if it is constantly damaged by a mass number of vehicles." Daytime vehicle access will remain for boat launching and recreation, the government said. In addition to the environmental concerns, safety issues have also been raised at the spot, over the sheer volume of people turning up to 4WD. "The number of vehicles accessing Wauraltee Beach has grown exponentially to the point where holiday periods and long weekends result in hundreds of people camping on the beach in large vehicles," the environment department said. This creates a safety issue, particularly for families with young children. New signage at Wauraltee Beach will remind visitors of the changes. But the government said educating beachgoers will be the first priority — with wardens told to be fair and reasonable when administering compliance. Wildlife concerns including the disruption to birdlife such shorebirds, the fairy tern, eastern curlew, hooded plover, and red knot, were also a factor in the decision. Sand dunes are particularly vulnerable, with vehicle use causing vegetation and root system damage that triggers sand drift and erosion. Other impacts include permanent damage to cultural sites, artefacts, and places, as well as weed infestations introduced by vehicle tyres. Sand compaction from vehicle traffic also affects the natural movement and distribution of the coastal ecosystem.

With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.” Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. “I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66-year-old told the PA news agency. No Shame.Morrisons.Easter eggs.Boxing Day. December 26th.Peace on Earth pic.twitter.com/slGoIjOpRq — Gary Evans (@GaryEva04679693) December 26, 2024 Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionary including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” the 35-year-old admin support worker told PA. “I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.” @Morrisons It's not even a full 2025 and you're already stocking for easter.Kindly get in the bin pic.twitter.com/kLS7DGSRXt — Joseph (@stokegoblin) December 27, 2024 Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!” Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display entitled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.” Easter is for life, not just for Christmas(Photo today in Morrisons!) pic.twitter.com/VmdJ31La9r — Mike Chalmers (@realMChalmers) December 27, 2024 “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though!” Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates “forward-thinking” from big businesses. Christmas isn’t even over, and Easter eggs are already on the shelves. Say what you want about it—but big brands don’t wait. They plan ahead and act fast. Are you doing the same? Your future self will thank you pic.twitter.com/Sl9qd7sOGS — andrewwallis (@andrewwallis) December 27, 2024 “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry, told PA. “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. “Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. “Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”

Mercury will be in retrograde until Dec. 15, the last of four times it appears to move backward in the sky this year. For at least a portion of 2024, nearly every planet in our solar system has been in retrograde. It's when a planet appears to move in the opposite direction of other planets. According to astrology, it's time to have patience as we enter this retrograde during this holiday season. Try to be a little more understanding and adaptable during Mercury's retrograde. You should also give yourself more time to travel and avoid signing any new contracts you aren't sure about. Before you go, check in with your reservations and proofread your email responses. Before making decisions, give plans and projects some thought, according to the Almanac . What is retrograde? "Retrograde" comes from the Latin word "retrogradus," which combines the words "retro," which means "backward," and "gradus," which means "step." The word "anapodizō," which means "to step or go back," was used by the ancient Greeks. When Mercury is in retrograde, what does it mean? Because Mercury takes about 88 days to complete its orbit, we usually see three or four Mercury retrogrades a year. Astrologers say Mercury regulates travel, business, technology and communication, as well as the mind. That's why Mercury can be blamed for travel delays , technology problems and people from your past coming back into the picture, they say. What planets will experience retrograde in December All of our solar system's planets, including Pluto, the dwarf planet, have retrograded this year. Earth's not included in that, because the planets are retrograding from Earth's point of view. Planets that will retrograde into December are Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune. Retrograde calendar for 2024 and 2025 Mercury is in retrograde now through Dec. 15, the last for 2024. Facts about Mercury Mercury is the first planet in our solar system, closest to the sun, so its daytime temperatures can rise to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. It has no atmosphere, so nighttime temperatures can drop as low as minus 290 degrees, according to NASA . Ancient history of noting retrogrades Claudius Ptolemy, an ancient Greek astronomer, had one of the first written records of explaining retrograde motion in the second century A.D. The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle. Though ancient astronomers didn't fully understand the solar system's movements, astrologers assigned meaning to the planets and how they moved through the skies, including their speed and direction. In about the same era as Ptolemy, Hellenistic astrologer Vettius Valens wrote "The Anthology," the longest, most detailed treatise on astrology from that time period. Valens wrote, "If the star is setting or proceeding with a retrograde motion, it will be harmful and hazardous." Abraham ben Meir Ibn Ezra, a medieval astrologer, wrote "The Beginning of Wisdom" in 1148 A.D. as a basic introduction to astrology. In it he wrote, "A planet about to turn retrograde is like a frightened person, fearing adversities that are coming to him." Modern astrologers have a more benign approach to describing planetary retrogrades, calling them "an internalization of that planetary function." Because Mercury rules the mind and communication, Mercury's retrograde can be a time for reflection. SOURCE The Planetary Society, Sacramento State University, Astrology.com, astro-see.com and USA TODAY researchWhy I Am A Vegetarian: A Life Journey Toward Interconnectedness