y77777 games WAG Coleen Rooney is poised to sign a £1million TV deal after leaving the I’m A Celebrity jungle. McFly pop star Danny Jones is also being courted by ITV bosses for big new shows, insiders have revealed. The pair went head-to-head in tonight's finale after the Rev Richard Coles finished third. But before the show, insiders said if Coleen lost out on being crowned Jungle Queen, she was still on course to become one of the show’s most successful celebs. A source said: “She is poised to sign a huge new TV deal, worth around £1million.” It came as her mum, Colette, revealed her daughter asked her, “Have I been boring?” as they hugged during a camp visit this week with the Wag’s sons, Kit, eight, and Cass, six. READ MORE ON COLEEN ROONEY Colette said: “It broke my heart hearing that, but I said, ‘No, you’ve been yourself — and that’s all that matters’.” Coleen also got emotional after making the final three, saying: “It’s very rare I’m proud of myself, so it means a lot. It’s very rare that I put myself first. So, yeah, these are happy tears.” On her upcoming megabucks offers, a source told The Sun: “Coleen’s return to public life ­following the Wagatha Christie trial was carefully orchestrated — and it has more than paid off. “When she was in the jungle, she was being touted as ITV’s next Holly Willoughby and the offers have already started flooding in. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 “But there is one deal on the table that has really piqued her team’s interest. “Given Coleen’s love of the Loose Women show too, the team want her secured on their guest roster, with a view to finding something more permanent for her. “It isn’t just TV deals — lifestyle and nutritional brands have all been sending lucrative contracts her way, as well as high street retailers. They all want a piece of Coleen. The sky’s the limit.” The mum of four, 38, will be reunited with hubby Wayne — the former England and Man United striker — this week when she flies back to the UK. He is now manager of Plymouth Argyle. Insiders said her family would be throwing a huge party to welcome her home. But while Coleen wades through the offers, those close to the her said she would not be rushing into making decisions and would wait until the New Year before deciding what she wants to do next. A source added: “Nothing will be agreed with any interested parties until Coleen sits down with her management team. “Her priority when she comes out the jungle will be spending time with family but these conversations will be had when the time is right.” Throughout I’m A Celeb, ITV has been heavily plugging her Real Wagatha Story documentary in ad breaks and at the end of the show, as part of a plan by execs to get her on board. This year, she won a libel battle with fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy , who she accused of leaking stories about her. Coleen had a tearful reunion with Kit and Cass, plus parents Tony and Colette as she crossed the jungle bridge. A source added: “Coleen is a mum first and foremost. Her children mean everything to her. “Doing the jungle was the first proper solo venture she has done in a long time so her next move will be chosen very carefully. “She will only take the deal that is right for her and her family.” After entering the jungle as the show’s highest-paid contestant ever — with a deal worth around £1.5million — Coleen won the hearts of the nation by showing how down-to-earth she is and by getting stuck into grim Bushtucker Trials. Doing the jungle was the first proper solo venture she has done in a long time so her next move will be chosen very carefully Meanwhile, ITV bosses are keen to secure McFly’s Danny long-term as one of the channel’s main players, ­alongside favourites including Joel Dommett and Bradley Walsh . The singer and guitarist, 38, had an emotional reunion with his wife Georgia and their six-year-old son Cooper as he crossed the famous bridge. He is already a judge on The Voice UK, alongside his bandmate Tom Fletcher , but insiders said telly bosses are keen to sign him up for more shows. A source said: “Danny is the embodiment of everything ITV loves. He’s fun, family-friendly and incredibly popular. Watching how popular he was on I’m A Celeb made him a key target for other shows they have coming up. “Danny’s a brilliant musician, but he is also great on telly. ITV bosses want to see if they can sign him on for another series of The Voice UK and there are other shows they think he could be perfect on.” Danny won over I’m A Celeb viewers early on as he opened up on his struggles with mental health . During the first week, he broke down in tears as he revealed he started having therapy for anxiety aged 19 after suffering a panic attack during a live TV interview. He also spoke about his estrangement from his dad Alan, 72, who he has not seen for 18 years after he left his mum, Kathy. Danny said: “He doesn’t speak to me. I just don’t think I’ve really . . . healed with it, maybe. I had a good relationship with my dad. He was my best mate until he left.” All of this year’s I’m A Celebrity stars joined the finalists for a wrap party at the JW Marriott hotel on the Gold Coast. It came a day after ex-Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse was evicted from camp, leaving just three contestants to battle it out. READ MORE SUN STORIES Only pop star Tulisa Contostavlos was absent, after flying home to the UK amid struggles with her mental health . Yesterday, she shared photos online and said: “Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you all.” i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz , Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street , was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women . She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher . Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan . It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets will be without point guard LaMelo Ball for at least two weeks because of a strained left calf. Ball felt discomfort in his calf after Wednesday night’s loss to the Miami Heat and did not play against the New York Knicks on Friday. The team said he will be reevaluated on Dec. 11, which is two weeks from the date of the original injury. Ball has been hot for the Hornets, averaging 40.3 points in his last four games. He is averaging a career-best 31.1 points and 4.7 3-pointers per game for the season, which ranks second in the NBA. He also is averaging 5.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 18 starts. Ball has had a history of injury problems, mostly to his ankles, since coming to the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Story continues below video The only Hornets player to ever receive a max contract extension, Ball has played in just 202 games with 182 starts in five seasons. The team also said guard Tre Mann’s lower back soreness has been diagnosed as a disk irritation. His absence from the lineup began on Nov. 23 against Milwaukee. He will continue his rehabilitation and be reevaluated in two weeks. “They are competitors and they want to be out there on the court to compete and hoop, but they also want to be out there for their teammates,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said prior to Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. "I just walked past ’Melo as I was coming in here to do media, and he’s like, ‘I’m going to take care of everything I need to do on this return to play program and I’m going to attack it with the right mindset.’ I have all the confidence in the world in our performance staff and in those guys.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBANone

NoneStrictly Come Dancing fans were left fuming and heartbroken after the show Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have expressed outrage over what they believe to be 'unfair' scoring from the judges. The hit BBC programme graced screens once again on Saturday, November 30, showcasing the talents of the six remaining dance pairs. Among the performances were Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe's Rumba to I'm Here from The Colour Purple, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola's Charleston to Popular from Wicked, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec with an Argentine Tango set to Ex-Wives from SIX. Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell did a Quickstep to You're The Top from Anything Goes, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley performed a Viennese Waltz to Let's Go Fly A Kite from Mary Poppins, and Pete Wicks and Jowita Przysta's Waltz accompanied Somewhere from West Side Story. However, the disparity in marks for various contestants has left viewers incensed, prompting them to air their grievances across social media platforms. One upset fan commented: "Craig doesn't want to overlook JB's thumb but Pete can botch the whole dance and it's fine! #Strictly," while another said: "Feel Chris and Dianne are underscored there. Better than his paso doble but 3 marks less." Further complaints included remarks such as: "Judges undermarking Chris and Dianne again #Strictly," and: "Should've been 40...again. Always undermarking Sarah! #Strictly," reports the Mirror . Another disappointed viewer noted: "Three judges scoring Pete the same as Craig did for Chris. Score Chris higher." Strictly Come Dancing fans are now certain that the recent scoring could spell trouble for Montell or Chris, with one fan lamenting on social media: "Chris and Montell undermarked, i wouldn't be surprised if Montell is in the dance off yet again, feel so bad for her, Pete should be voted out now #strictly." In the same vein, another viewer remarked: "About time for Pete to leave but it will probably be Montell #Strictly." This follows the stunning exit of EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick from the dance floor. His leaving has been met with disappointment from fans who were sad to see him go. Partnered with professional dancer Michelle, she became emotional as she sang Jamie's praises. She conveyed to him: "I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he's improved so much week by week. He's worked so hard to get to where he is." She further reflected: "It's my first year with a partner and I've realised that it's so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it's the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn't have had it any other way." Additionally, Jamie shared his own heartfelt sentiment: "Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic. Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here [the judges], but everyone who works on this show." "I have such a good bond and relationship with and that's what made me want to do this show, it's the people, not what I'm doing. I've had the best time. I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle]. She's a new pro and she's absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn't believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you." Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

Trump’s Pentagon pick faces Senate scrutiny over personal conduct

Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100

NoneStock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow record

A video posted to social media by a Texas lieutenant in the Department of Public Safety shows a young girl at the U.S.-Mexico border standing alone. She has traveled from El Salvador, and holds just a Post-It note with a phone number on it. "How old are you?" a trooper asks. The girl holds up two fingers. A second video posted by the same lieutenant shows 60 migrant children who journeyed by themselves to the U.S. arriving in Eagle Pass, Texas. Another image shows an accused smuggler running across the border with a 5-year-old in his arms, reportedly paid to bring the girl to her mother already in the states. The Texas Department of Public Safety, under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, openly supports President-elect Donald Trump's push to dramatically tighten immigration. Lt. Chris Olivarez began posting photos and videos of child migrants around the time Tom Homan, Trump's point-person on the border, visited Eagle Pass. "I guarantee some are in forced labor, some are in sex trades," Homan said. "We're going to save those children." RELATED STORY | Trump announces former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as new 'border czar' The arrival of unaccompanied minors is not a new phenomenon. Thousands have journeyed across the Mexican border each year, including during the first Trump term, according to a Scripps News review of data from the Department of Health and Human Services. The flow of unaccompanied minors, however, reached record highs during the first years of the Biden administration, as undocumented immigration soared. The numbers have fallen since 2022 but remain elevated today. The federal government tries to quickly place child migrants with a sponsor already in the country, usually a parent or other close family member. The sponsor pledges to care for the minor while ensuring they go through immigration proceedings. However, it is an approach that does not always work. RELATED STORY | Trump's mass deportation plan targets specific groups of immigrants A 2023 joint investigation by Scripps News and the Center for Public Integrity found many children end up disappearing from their sponsor homes. Thousands of unaccompanied minors run away, some winding up in dangerous illegal child labor jobs, or worse. "They've simply vanished into a dark underworld of sex and drug trafficking, forced labor, gang activity and crime," said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-California, during a November congressional hearing. McClintock and other Republicans say the Department of Health and Human Services is to blame for failing to properly vet sponsors. A 2023 report by a Florida grand jury obtained by Scripps News found some sponsor addresses were in fact empty lots or a strip club. One address listed 44 kids assigned to it. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says they are doing the best they can with a limited budget. "What we don't do is short-change the vetting process," Becerra said at a November hearing on Capitol Hill. "We make sure that we follow best practices in the child welfare field. "We do background checks on every individual," he added. RELATED STORY | The struggle to locate migrant children missing from US homes Just how many migrant children have disappeared from their sponsors is in dispute. Becerra says a frequently cited estimate of 85,000 missing kids is too high and doesn't account for many children who are safe but just not reachable by HHS officials who make three attempts to contact them. "They may be at school, they may be at a doctor's appointment, they may not have a phone working anymore," Becerra said. Homan and the rest of the Trump administration have not yet laid out what their policy will be for those children who make the perilous journey to the U.S. alone.The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.A video is going viral on social media which shows a woman, seemingly dead in a coffin, coming back from the dead. The video was shared over a million times on social media, with users expressing shock at the way the woman supposedly suddenly becomes alive in the coffin. However, behind-the-scene footage of the video shared later on social media shows that the woman did not actually come back from the dead. After the original video went viral on social media, a video was released seemingly showing how the entire event transpired. It showed that the scene was staged and in the BTS video, the woman can be seen lying in the coffin and getting ready for the video. Here's the original viral video: Here's the BTS video shared later: The video has been described as creepy because of the way in which the woman suddenly opens her eyes, shocking the viewer invested in the narrative. Some people initially suspected that it was a case of a dead body's eyes opening suddenly due to a loss of muscle caused after death. Usually, embalmers, stitches or glue is used to sew or paste the eyes so that they don't open up and create an uncanny situation for mourners. However, that was not the case, as the later video revealed that the video was staged and created in such a way that the viral element, coming from the shock value, is emphasized. After knowing the truth, social media hit out at the video for its allegedly misleading character. "Sounds like a classic case of internet drama spinning tales...," one user wrote. "Always question the source and look for context." "They probably think we stupid 😭 that bitch not dead," wrote another. "Viral doesn’t equal truth. Too many are fooled by the spectacle. Let’s focus on what’s real, not what’s trending," said another. "Looks like the internet loves a good mystery, But the truth behind the scenes is always more intriguing," said one.''' Rare cases of people coming back to life after being declared dead, known as the "Lazarus phenomenon," include: Janina Kolkiewicz, 91, who awoke 11 hours after being declared dead, craving tea and pancakes; a 66-year-old revived 10 minutes post-resuscitation during surgery; and a 78-year-old Mississippi man who woke up in a morgue body bag the next day. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US Buzz, World and around the world.

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:46 p.m. ESTIt’s dead right to be up in armbands against woke Football AssociationThe Ducks flipped five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord from the Buckeyes and four-star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele from California — additions that pushed them to No. 4 nationally and No. 1 in the Big Ten in the 247Sports Composite rankings. A Big Ten-high four five-stars signed with the Ducks. Ohio State's class, ranked fifth in the country, is highlighted by a pair of national top-five prospects in quarterback Tavien St. Clair and cornerback Devin Sanchez. Michigan's class was rated third best in the Big Ten and seventh best in the nation. Quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 national recruit, was scheduled to sign his letter of intent with the Wolverines on Wednesday evening. Two other Big Ten teams were ranked in the top 20, No. 13 Southern California and No. 17 Penn State. Oregon closed with a flourish with Offord and Sagapolutele flipping on signing day and four-star linebacker Gavin Nix switching from Miami on Tuesday. The Ducks signed some of the nation's top prospects at wide receiver and cornerback. Dakorien Moore is the No. 1 receiver and Dallas Wilson is No. 4. Offord is the No. 2 corner, Brandon Finney is No. 5 and Dorian Brew is No. 8. They also signed a second quarterback, the four-star Akili Smith Jr., whose father was the Ducks' quarterback in 1997-98 and an NFL first-round draft pick. Five-star quarterback Husan Longstreet was USC's top signee, and the Trojans beat out Ohio State and Oregon for five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. Penn State landed the No. 4 offensive lineman in the country in Malachi Goodman. Among eight four-star defensive players to sign was linebacker LaVar Arrington Jr., whose father was a 1998 All-American for the Nittany Lions and No. 2 overall draft pick in 2000. Nebraska signed four-star linebackers in Dawson Merritt and Christian Jones and got a pleasant signing-day surprise when four-star wide receiver Cortez Mills flipped from Oklahoma. Iose Epenesa, the No. 14 national prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman, continues his family's tradition at Iowa. The edge rusher from Edwardsville, Illinois, is the brother of former Iowa star AJ Epenesa. Another brother, Eric, is a walk-on linebacker for the Hawkeyes. Their father, Eppy, played at Iowa in the 1990s. ... Indiana's breakthrough season produced a minimal bump in the recruiting rankings. The Hoosiers, who signed 21 players, went from No. 16 last year to No. 13 in the Big Ten. . ... Maryland signed four four stars, including the nation's No. 5 quarterback prospect in 6-foot-4, 215-pound Malik Washington. ... Michigan State didn't sign a four-star recruit for the first time since at least 2009. ... Purdue, three days after the firing of Ryan Walters and coming off one of the worst seasons in program history, signed just six players. Michigan's NIL collective reportedly offered Underwood an eight-figure financial package and Tom Brady provided a strong nudge to get him to flip from LSU two weeks ago. Underwood is from Belleville, Michigan, less than a half-hour drive from Ann Arbor, and he has said playing close to home also was a factor. Underwood is the first No. 1 national prospect to land at Michigan since defensive end Rashan Gary in 2016. An Ohio State stocking cap sat alongside Auburn and Oregon ballcaps on a table at Offord's signing ceremony at Parker High in Birmingham, Alabama. He picked up the Auburn cap and put it on for a split-second, then flipped it into the crowd and put on the Oregon cap. With three of the top eight cornerback prospects and four-star safety Trey McNutt expected to sign, the Ducks would have the highest-rated group of defensive backs. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Have you ever heard of the term Digital Detox and its impact? In today’s world, we humans spend a lot of time with various digital screens. This term emerged from our inability to break free from the rapidly changing landscape of cultural communication. So, in this article, I will share with you what I understand about Digital Detox. Starting a digital detoxification begins with setting clear and meaningful goals. Take some time to reflect on why you feel the need to take a break from technology and what you want to gain from it. Perhaps you’re aiming to reduce stress caused by constant notifications and online demands, or maybe you want to improve your sleep quality by stepping away from screens before bedtime. Your goal could also be as simple as spending more quality time with your family and friends, free from digital distractions. Whatever your reasons, having a clear purpose will help keep you motivated and focused throughout your detox journey. Creating boundaries is a key step in a successful digital detox. Start by setting specific times during your day or week when you commit to being device-free. For instance, you might decide to put your phone away during meals so you can focus on enjoying your food and connecting with those around you. Another idea is to establish a screen-free routine before bedtime to help your mind unwind and improve your sleep quality. You could even dedicate entire weekends to disconnecting from devices and engaging in offline activities. These boundaries allow you to take control of your time, fostering healthier habits and a better balance between your digital and real-world life. Informing others about your digital detox is an important step to ensure success. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your plan so they can understand why you might be less available or slower to respond. By sharing your goals, you also invite their support, which can help you stay committed. For example, your loved ones might refrain from sending unnecessary messages or help you stick to your boundaries by encouraging offline activities. Open communication ensures that those around you won’t misinterpret your reduced online presence and can even inspire them to join you in prioritizing real-world connections. Finding alternatives to screen time is a crucial part of a successful digital detox. Instead of reaching for your devices, explore activities that allow you to unplug and focus on the present moment. For example, immerse yourself in a captivating book, which can transport you to another world and stimulate your imagination. You might also enjoy going for a walk, which not only helps clear your mind but also keeps you physically active. Picking up a new hobby, such as painting, gardening, or cooking, is another excellent way to spend your time productively and creatively. By replacing screen time with fulfilling offline activities, you’ll discover new interests and enjoy a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Using technology mindfully is an essential part of maintaining a balanced digital detox. Instead of defaulting to mindless scrolling through social media or getting lost in endless online content, make a conscious effort to use your devices with intention. For instance, if you’re online, focus on activities that are productive or enriching, such as learning a new skill, connecting meaningfully with friends, or managing essential tasks. Set limits on your screen time and be aware of how you’re using technology, ensuring it adds value to your life rather than simply filling time. This mindful approach helps you stay in control and prevents digital habits from dominating your day. A gradual reduction in screen time is an effective way to ease into a digital detox and make the transition more manageable. Instead of abruptly cutting off your device usage, start small by setting achievable daily limits. For example, you could begin by reducing the time you spend on social media by 15 minutes each day or turning off your devices an hour before bed. Over time, these small changes will add up, helping you adjust without feeling overwhelmed. This step-by-step approach not only makes the detox more sustainable but also allows you to build healthier digital habits at a pace that works for you. One of the greatest benefits of a digital detox is improved mental health. Constant exposure to social media and the endless stream of notifications can often lead to stress and anxiety, as people feel pressured to stay connected or compare themselves to others online. By stepping away from these digital distractions, you give your mind a much-needed break, allowing you to relax and focus on the present. Over time, reduced screen time can lead to a calmer, more balanced mindset, helping you feel more in control of your emotions and less overwhelmed by the demands of the digital world. A digital detox can lead to better sleep, especially when you reduce screen time in the hours before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. By stepping away from devices in the evening, you allow your body to follow its natural sleep-wake cycle. This simple change can result in deeper, more restorative sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized the next day. Over time, this improved sleep quality contributes to better overall health and well-being. A digital detox can greatly enhance your focus and productivity. When you cut down on the constant digital distractions, such as checking notifications or scrolling through social media, it becomes easier to concentrate on important tasks. Without the interruptions of emails, messages, or apps, your mind can focus more deeply on what you’re doing, leading to better results in less time. This increase in productivity allows you to accomplish more, whether at work, school or in personal projects, while also feeling more satisfied with your progress. Over time, the habit of reducing distractions will help you develop stronger focus and a more efficient work routine. A digital detox can lead to stronger relationships by fostering more face-to-face interactions and quality time with your loved ones. When you reduce screen time, you’re more present and attentive, allowing you to engage in meaningful conversations without distractions. Spending uninterrupted time together helps deepen emotional connections and create lasting memories. Whether it’s enjoying a meal together, playing games, or simply having a heartfelt chat, these moments strengthen bonds and improve communication. By prioritizing real-world connections over digital ones, you’ll cultivate deeper, more fulfilling relationships that are built on genuine connections and shared experiences. Taking a break from screens can significantly boost your creativity. Without the constant noise and information overload from digital devices, your mind has the freedom to wander and think more deeply. This mental space allows for new ideas to emerge and creative solutions to form. Engaging in offline activities like walking, journaling, or simply daydreaming can help your brain make connections it might not have otherwise, leading to fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. By stepping away from screens, you allow yourself to tap into your creative potential and explore new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Reducing screen time can have a positive impact on your physical health by encouraging more movement and less sedentary behaviour. When you’re not spending hours in front of a screen, you’re more likely to engage in physical activities like walking, exercising, or even simple tasks like cleaning and cooking. These activities help reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, such as obesity, poor posture, and heart disease. By prioritizing movement and spending less time on devices, you improve your overall fitness and energy levels, which leads to a healthier and more active lifestyle. Contemplating the importance of a digital detox reveals the profound impact technology has on our daily lives and well-being. In our hyper-connected world, constant notifications, social media pressures, and screen time can lead to increased stress and anxiety. By stepping back and setting meaningful goals for a digital detox, individuals can regain control over their lives, reduce mental clutter, and enhance their overall quality of life. Reflecting on the reasons behind the need for a detox – whether it’s to improve sleep, strengthen relationships, or simply find more time for personal growth – can provide the motivation needed to commit to the process and achieve lasting benefits. Furthermore, the practice of creating boundaries and finding alternatives to screen time can foster healthier habits and a more balanced lifestyle. By setting aside device-free times, such as during meals or before bedtime, individuals can engage more deeply with the world around them and reconnect with loved ones. Exploring offline activities like reading, walking, or pursuing new hobbies not only helps reduce screen dependence but also stimulates creativity and personal development. This mindful approach to technology use encourages a more intentional and fulfilling way of living, where digital tools enhance rather than dominate one’s life. All in all, a digital detox offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just reducing screen time. It promotes improved mental health, better sleep, heightened focus, and stronger relationships. By setting clear goals, establishing boundaries, and mindfully using technology, individuals can achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. The key lies in taking small, gradual steps to make the transition manageable and sustainable. As people become more conscious of their digital habits, they can enjoy the positive changes that a digital detox brings, ultimately leading to a more satisfying and enriched life.The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed his admiration for the just concluded general election in Ghana. Naija News reported earlier that Ghana’s former President, John Mahama, won the poll held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The ruling party candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, has since reached out to Mahama, the candidate from the National Democratic Congress, to extend his congratulations. He stated, “The people of Ghana have spoken and they have voted for change at this time. We respect this with all humility.” However, Ghana’s electoral commission is expected to announce the official results by Tuesday. Commenting on the electoral process on Sunday, Yakubu, who observed the election, emphasised the significance of its innovations and political stability in facilitating the smooth execution of the 2024 presidential election. The chairman of Nigeria’s electoral commission noted the political stability that characterizes Ghana’s democracy, highlighting the reliability of its political party structures and the loyalty of its voters. He also acknowledged the determination of the main opposition candidate, a former vice president, and the current President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who had participated in several elections before ultimately achieving victory. “Rarely in Ghana do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election. So, that is important. “It provides stability. It also provides their supporters (with) stability. So, there are people who have supported political parties for many years. So, whether the party is in power or opposition, they stick to the political party,” Yakubu said in a statement on Sunday. The head of INEC remarked that Ghana’s method of handling results at the constituency level, which Nigeria influences, has enhanced the effectiveness of the electoral process. In the past, all parliamentary and presidential results were forwarded to the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra for public announcement. Now, Ghana has implemented a decentralized system that enables constituency-level officials to announce parliamentary results locally, while presidential results are still directed to Accra. “The second thing for me is the lesson that Ghana also learnt from Nigeria in the area of managing constituency election results. Until the last election in Ghana, all results came from the Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Accra, which is parliamentary and presidential. “Although Ghana is not a federal system, they learnt from Nigeria, where there are returning officers who announce results for parliamentary elections in the various constituencies around the country. Only the presidential election results come to Accra. “In Nigeria, this is what we have done, and they borrowed a leave from us. This is the second time they are implementing that. That is why, as you can see, the result of the presidential election declaration was a lot faster than it used to be in the past,” he explained. Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the process: “We are grateful that the election has gone very well. The process and its outcome so far have been commendable, and we continue to support our colleagues in Ghana’s Electoral Commission.” The defeat in Saturday’s election ends two terms in power for the governing New Patriotic Party under Akufo-Addo, marked by Ghana’s worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default.Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA says

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — This was not the homecoming scenario Kirk Cousins would have scripted. Cousins' return to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023, on Sunday comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons' three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week's 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade. “It’s kind of the challenge always in pro football to be able to get back up off the mat and get back going,” Cousins said after Wednesday's practice. A vote of confidence from coach Raheem Morris can't silence suggestions that it's time to give rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. a chance to jump-start the Falcons' struggling offense. Morris said Sunday he didn't consider removing Cousins from the game, and he repeated his support for the veteran on Wednesday. “Got to go to Minnesota and get a big-time win and Kirk’s ready to go,” Morris said before acknowledging Cousins must bounce back from “obviously a tough game.” “You know, realistically, man he is built for this and he’s ready to go,” Morris said. The losing streak has left the Falcons (6-6) struggling to remain on top of the weak NFC South. They hold the tiebreaker advantage with Tampa Bay (6-6), but need Cousins to end his turnover streak. Cousins, 36, was expected to be the reliable leader on offense after he signed a four-year, $180 million contract. He will be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. He said he expects a loud reception from Minnesota's fans. “They’re great fans, great football fans,” Cousins said. “As a result I think they’ll make it as hostile as they can for us.” Cousins ranks fifth in the league with 3,052 passing yards. He has 17 touchdown passes and his 13 interceptions are only one shy of his career high. Cousins insists he feels strong in his return from last season's torn Achilles tendon. He was critical of his mental mistakes in the loss to the Chargers. He said he rushed some passes, sometimes lacking the necessary velocity on his throws and giving defensive backs the opportunity to step in front of receivers for interceptions. Atlanta offensive coordinator Zac Robinson also said Cousins' lack of velocity on his throws “just goes back to, you know, decisiveness, being decisive when you do cut it loose. Certainly those things happen with quarterbacks. There might be times where, you know, you’re not as convicted on a throw. And it shows by the way the football comes out.” Morris said he still has confidence in Cousins' arm and the mental side to his game. “He’s done a great job with us, and I have no real qualms about him bouncing back and him being able to play the game the way it needs to be done,” Morris said. “He’s still an elite processor. He has the ability to make all the throws. He’s shown that throughout the year.” Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores also said he expects Cousins will shake out of his slump. “I know the narrative is he had a tough game last week, but he’s played some good football," Flores said. "I think the people in this building know what Kirk can do. He’s a very, very good quarterback.” Added Flores: “He’s a bounce-back type of guy, as we all know. I’m expecting his best, the best version of Kirk, the best version of that offense. It’s going to be a major challenge for us.” Atlanta's offensive production has dipped while the veteran quarterback’s turnovers have been on the rise. The Falcons were held to under 20 points in each of their three straight losses. “Have to just believe that tough times don’t last, tough people do,” Cousins said. “You have to keep pushing.” AP Pro Football Writer Dave Campbell contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl