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Rob Cross breaks silence after appearing to make an obscene gesture during shock defeat by Scott Williams at the World Darts Championship - as former champion reveals reasons behind his actions at Ally Pally Rob Cross lost 3-1 to Scott Williams in the second round at the Ally Pally Cross was seen making what seemed to be a rude gesture towards the crowd The fifth seed won the first set of the match but then lost the following three By SPENCER MORGAN Published: 23:04 GMT, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:17 GMT, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments Rob Cross has addressed the seemingly obscene gesture he made during Monday's shock defeat to Scott Williams at the World Darts Championship. 2018 champion Rob Cross crashed out in the second round as he lost to last year's semi-finalist. And much of the focus after the match was one moment rather than the upset itself. Cross was seen making what looked to be rude gesture to someone in the crowd as he made his way off stage during a break in play. The Brit appeared to imitate a sexual act and it was all caught on the Sky Sports cameras. Cross has now broken his silence on both his defeat and that moment, taking to social media to declare: 'Massively disappointed to lose out to my friend Scott Williams. Good luck to him for the rest of the tournament. WARNING: RUDE CONTENT Rob Cross appeared to make a rude gesture during his shock defeat to Scott Williams The former world champion insists that he did not mean to cause any offence with the gesture Cross won the first set but then lost the following three to last year's semi-finalist ROB CROSS 😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/VH8A62UUtM — DartsAnonymous (@anonymous_darts) December 23, 2024 'I made a gesture to my manager about how annoyed I was with my performance. If it offended anyone, I apologise. Merry Christmas .' Williams overcame he odds to reach the last four of the World Championship last year and will now take on Germany's Ricardo Pietreczko in the third round Speaking after his win over Cross, he said: 'It's so tough, because Rob is one of my closest friends,' Williams admitted after beating Cross. 'Neither of us were great tonight, but Rob missed doubles and gave me a chance, so when you get given opportunities, you've got to take it. 'I'm always confident, regardless of who I'm playing, but I'm just looking forward to having Christmas with the family now.' He said pre-tournament: 'People have joked, calling me the Michael Buble of darts because I only turn up in October, November and December! Over the last couple of years, that is about right. 'I want to try and change that next year by getting into a couple more TV events, just to take my game to the next level. It's about finding consistency with my practice.' Share or comment on this article: Rob Cross breaks silence after appearing to make an obscene gesture during shock defeat by Scott Williams at the World Darts Championship - as former champion reveals reasons behind his actions at Ally Pally e-mail Add commentJefferson keeps seeing double as Vikings aim to stay focused on overall offensive production

Gwamnatin Sakkwato ta ja kunnen jami’an da za su raba tallafin nomaNolimit Zahira Super 16 soccer 7’s tournament organized by the Past Prefects Association of Zahira College Colombo will be held for the 18 consecutive time at the Race Course International Stadium on December 8. Zahira Super 16 soccer 7’s tournament trophy. Sixteen of the country’s top football-playing schools are set to compete in the prestigious tournament, a platform designed to showcase young players’ talent and skill on a grand scale. This year, the event reaches a new milestone with the inclusion of an overseas participant, Stafford Sri Lankan School, Doha, adding an exciting global dimension to the competition. The tournament will adopt a high-intensity 7-a-side format, a thrilling variation that promises action-packed games and an unparalleled experience for players and spectators alike. This format’s fast-paced and dynamic style aims to captivate audience and enhance the tournament’s appeal, drawing a larger crowd to support the event. Of the 16 teams, eight schools have secured direct entry into the main event, thanks to their outstanding performances in the previoυs year’s competition. Another 12 teams battled fiercely in a qualifying round held on November 9, 2024, at Moragasmulla Grounds, Rajagiriya. From this intense competition, seven schools emerged victorious, earning their place in the final lineup. Darussalaam College Colombo, De Mazenod College, Kandana, Gateway International Colombo, Royal College, Colombo, St. Benedict’s College, Colombo, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, TB Jayah College and Zahira College, Colombo have secured direct entry into the main event by virtue of their impressive performances last year. Al Ameen Maha Vidyalaya Kinniya, Aligar National School, Eravur, D. S. Senanayake College, Colombe, Zahira College, Gampola, Hameed Al Huszenie College, Maris Stella College, Negombo and Zahira College Dharga Town advanced from the qualifying round. Nolimit will be the title sponsor of the tournament.KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 — Malaysia currently has fewer than 1,000 registered aesthetic doctors, but centres offering beautifying medical procedures are popping up all over the Klang Valley which makes one wonder how safe they are. Instead, beauticians or “beauty therapists” — as some of them call themselves — are the ones performing invasive medical procedures at centres that are not equipped with proper medical facilities as required of clinics prescribed in the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. Malay Mail checked on five aesthetic centres — big and small — around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor offering invasive medical procedures in the name of beauty, and discovered that doctors were not administering the treatments. When asked, these beauty centres confidently claimed that their staff possess adequate skill to operate lasers on certain skin conditions, even though the Ministry of Health (MOH) considers them as medical procedures as listed in its latest Guidelines on Aesthetic Medical Practice published in 2020. “For us, it’s clear: lasers and injectables are not allowed when done by beauticians," a senior official from the Health Ministry told Malay Mail when contacted. President of Registered Aesthetic Doctors Malaysia Dr Ungku Mohd Shahrin Ungku Mohd Zaman also confirmed that lasers and injectables cannot be administered by beauticians or “beauty therapists” as they are considered medical procedures. The Health Ministry has also never consented or authorised any surgical or invasive aesthetic procedures to be performed in beauty centres and such procedures must be done by a doctor who holds a Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) in aesthetic medicine in a registered clinic, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said on November 4. Nonetheless, notable treatments at beauty centres include High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and “pico” and “carbon” lasers. “Pico” and “carbon” lasers are a type of laser used to treat certain skin conditions and often advertised as treatments at beauty centres. However, to Dr Ungku Mohd Shahrin, it’s just a brand that centres use to entice customers. Some centres are transparent about using lasers but some deny using them. An establishment denied using “pico” lasers for their treatments when asked and instead shared a video of their “alternative” technology. However, Dr Ungku Mohd Shahrin confirmed with Malay Mail that it was lasers. “HIFU, lasers, medium and deep chemical peel, injectables, surgical procedures... they can’t manage this. Beauticians cannot carry out the procedures that doctors carry out,” Dr Ungku Mohd Shahrin explained. Lasers are powerful medical devices used to perform medical procedures that should only be operated by qualified doctors and carried out in registered clinics that are well-equipped to deal with medical emergencies, not mere beauty centres. “If it is not done properly or the wrong setting is conducted, the power, the energy of the laser is not done well, it can burn the patient’s skin,” Dr Amelia Siah Siang Yee, founder of chain aesthetic clinic Aglow Clinic, explained. As many beauticians or beauty therapists have used lasers on clients, it may seem easy enough to operate. However, even qualified doctors with years of experience can make mistakes, said Dr Ruban Nathan, former chairman of the Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Medicine Board under the Malaysian Dermatological Association. He called beauticians who administer medical procedures “very brave”. “I can teach a monkey how to do it, but can they handle the complications?” Dr Ruban asked. Dr Ungku Mohd Shahrin said the human body is delicate and prone to unpredictable reactions arising from certain procedures. He listed several examples such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of a certain spot; scarring and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can also cause increased permeability of the skin cell that may result in other detrimental effects. He added that mishandling lasers can cause blindness and errors from HIFU treatments can cause permanent nerve damage. “Unless they are trained, certified to manage complications – they are medical doctors to begin with, then only they can perform these procedures,” he said. “Some of the devices that are there in medical and beauty centres are even much more expensive, have much higher specifications, more complex than what I have actually in my clinic,” he added. Lasers are medical devices that must be registered with the Medical Device Authority. However, a loophole in the rules allows non-medical practitioners to operate medical-grade lasers without a penalty as it is not a designated medical device under the Medical Device Act 2012. Unless lasers are designated medical devices under Section 26 of the Act, anyone without a permit can operate lasers without any repercussions. While there is no law that explicitly prohibits beauticians from administering lasers and similar treatments, it is possible for beauticians to be charged under Section 33 of the Medical Act 1971 which prohibits unqualified persons from practising medicine with a fine of not exceeding RM2,000 for a first-time offence, an MOH source said. The ministry, however, has not utilised this law to act against errant aesthetic centres. Although all the beauty centres Malay Mail contacted claimed to use medical-grade lasers, unbranded and unregistered lasers can also be purchased on e-commerce platforms for as low as RM1,600. However, all three doctors said that the price of medical-grade lasers were above RM100,000. Laser treatments are not the only procedure that is cause for concern; other procedures such as light chemical peels can also be dangerous as patients could develop anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction, and difficulty in breathing, Dr Ungku Mohd Shahrin said. “[At clinics] we have doctors who manage to inject with adrenaline, antihistamines, and the patient calms down. “What are you going to do if you are not trained as a medical professional? How are you going to treat that?” he asked. The legality of procedures and the status of registered clinics and doctors can be checked here .No. 5 UCLA snaps No. 1 South Carolina's 43-game win streak

Schmidt scores 19 off the bench, Valparaiso downs Eastern Illinois 81-53( MENAFN - IANS) New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the "architect of India's transition" and lauded his contributions towards Political stability, nation-building, and good governance on the occasion of Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary. Born on December 15, 1994, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee, a poet and politician, served as the Prime Minister of India for three terms -- first for a term of 13 days in 1996, second, for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, third, a full term from 1999 to 2004 -- becoming the first non-Congress Prime Minister to serve a full term in the office. He left an indelible mark on the country's political and social fabric. His birth anniversary is also celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' in India. In a heartfelt blog post, PM Modi described December 25 as a special day for the nation, marking the centenary of Vajpayee's birth. "Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people," he wrote. Highlighting Vajpayee's pivotal role in shaping India's future, PM Modi wrote, "Our nation will always be grateful to Atal Ji for being the architect of India's transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998, our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about nine years, we had seen four Lok Sabha elections." "The people of India were getting impatient and sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance." PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements across sectors, stating, "His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom, and communications. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the efforts to enhance local connectivity through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. His government also laid the groundwork for the Delhi Metro, which stands as a world-class infrastructure project." Touching upon Vajpayee's contributions to social reforms, PM Modi said, "An initiative like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan highlights how Atal Ji dreamt of building an India where modern education is accessible to people across the nation, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections. At the same time, his government presided over many economic reforms which set the stage for India's economic surge after decades of stagnation." PM Modi also cited the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as an example of Vajpayee's resolute leadership. "On 11th May, India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. Any ordinary leader would have buckled under international pressure, but Atal Ji was made differently. India stood firm and resolute, conducting another set of tests on 13th May. This was a message to the world that India would no longer buckle under threats or pressure," he wrote. Despite facing international sanctions, Vajpayee articulated India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while advocating for world peace. PM Modi further noted, "Atal Ji presided over the creation of the NDA, redefining coalitions in Indian politics. He brought people together, making the NDA a force for development and national progress. His Parliamentary brilliance was evident throughout his political journey." Slamming the Congress, PM Modi remarked, "As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance. Despite spending much of his career in Opposition, he carried no bitterness, even though the Congress stooped to calling him a traitor. He preferred to resign in 1996 rather than resort to horse-trading. In 1999, despite losing by one vote, he upheld integrity and returned with a resounding mandate." Recalling Vajpayee's commitment to democracy, PM Modi wrote, "He was deeply impacted by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was a pillar of the anti-Emergency movement. He agreed to merge the Jan Sangh into the Janata Party in 1977, prioritising the Constitution over personal or party interests." The Prime Minister also praised Vajpayee's pride in Indian culture, citing his speech in Hindi at the United Nations as External Affairs Minister, which showcased his immense pride in India's heritage and identity. Calling Vajpayee's persona "magnetic," PM Modi wrote, "A prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, provoke thought, and offer solace. His poetry, reflective of his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, continues to resonate with people across generations." Concluding his tribute, the Prime Minister acknowledged Vajpayee's foundational contributions to the BJP and his unwavering dedication to ideology over power. "On his 100th Jayanti, let us rededicate ourselves to realising his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Atal Ji's unwavering belief in the potential of our nation continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder," he wrote. MENAFN24122024000231011071ID1109028685 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leaderJERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. “We will strike (the Houthis’) strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” he said. “Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeida and Sanaa,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed in previous Israeli attacks. The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched scores of missiles and drones at Israel throughout the war, including a missile that landed in Tel Aviv on Saturday and wounded at least 16 people. Israel has carried out three sets of airstrikes in Yemen during the war and vowed to step up the pressure on the rebel group until the missile attacks stop. Here’s the latest: WASHINGTON — The Pentagon acknowledged Monday that there are more than 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, the total routinely touted publicly. It also said the number of forces in Syria has grown over the past “several years” due to increasing threats, but was not openly disclosed. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that there are “at least 2,500” U.S. military personnel in Iraq “plus some additional, temporary enablers” that are on rotational deployments. He said that due to diplomatic considerations, the department will not provide more specifics. The U.S. concluded sensitive negotiations with the government of Iraq in September that called for troops to begin leaving after the November election. The presence of U.S. troops there has long been a political liability for Iraqi leaders who are under increased pressure and influence from Iran. U.S. officials have not provided details about the withdrawal agreement, but it calls for the mission against the Islamic State group to end by September 2025, and that some U.S. troops will remain through 2026 to support the anti-IS mission in Syria. Some troops may stay in the Kurdistan region after that because the regional government would like them to stay. Ryder announced last week that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria – more than double the 900 that the U.S. had acknowledged publicly until now. On Monday he said the extra 1,100 deploy for shorter times to do force protection, transportation, maintenance and other missions. He said the number has fluctuated for the past several years and increased “over time.” JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. BEIRUT — The United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon on Monday said it has observed recent “concerning actions” by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of residential areas and road blockages. A spokesperson for the peacekeeping mission, Kandice Ardiel, told The Associated Press that peacekeepers also observed on Monday an Israeli flag flying in Lebanese territory near Naqoura. The town hosts the headquarters of the peacekeeping mission, known as UNIFIL. Under the terms of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended the 14-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli army is required to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon within 60 days of the agreement’s signing on Nov. 27. Since the ceasefire went into effect, the Israeli army has conducted near-daily military operations in southern villages, including firing gunshots, house demolitions, excavations, tank shelling and strikes. These actions have killed at least 27 people, wounded more than 30, destroyed residential buildings and, in one case, a mosque. “Peacekeepers continue to monitor the situation on the ground and report violations of Resolution 1701,” Ardiel said. “We reiterate our call for all actors to cease and refrain from violations of Resolution 1701 and any actions that may upset the current delicate balance.” On Monday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Khiam as part of a tour of front-line areas alongside army chief Joseph Aoun and UNIFIL Head of Mission Aroldo Lazaro. Mikati and Lazaro urged the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory to allow the army to fully assume its duties. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says three soldiers were killed Monday in combat in northern Gaza. The military did not provide details of the circumstances. According to a statement released Sunday, the brigade in which the three were serving completed its operational activities in the northern town of Beit Lahiya on Sunday. It then began operating in the nearby town of Beit Hanoun following intelligence suggesting the presence of militants there. Since the start of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, 389 Israeli soldiers have been killed. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday there is “some progress” in efforts to reach a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza, although he added he could not give a time frame for a possible agreement. Of the roughly 250 people who were taken hostage in the Hamas-led raid on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war, around 100 are still inside the Gaza Strip, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu said “we are taking significant actions through all channels to return our loved ones. I would like to tell you cautiously that there is some progress.” Netanyahu said he could not reveal details of what was being done to secure the return of hostages. He said the main reasons for the progress were the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israel’s military actions against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants who had been firing rockets into Israel from neighboring Lebanon in support of Hamas. “Hamas hoped that Iran and Hezbollah would come to its aid but they are busy licking the wounds from the blows we inflicted on them,” he said, adding that Israel was also putting “relentless military pressure” on Hamas in Gaza. “There is progress. I don’t know how long it will take,” Netanyahu said. JERUSALEM — Israel's military said Monday it intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it entered Israeli territory, days after a long-range rocket attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels hit Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people from shattered glass. The military said no air raid warning sirens were sounded Monday. Israel says the Iran-backed Houthis have fired more than 200 missiles and UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also been attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — attacks they say won’t stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. The attacks on shipping and Israel are taking place despite U.S. and European warships patrolling the area. On Saturday night and early Sunday, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Yemen. Last week, Israel launched its own airstrikes on Yemen, killing at least nine people, and a Houthi missile damaged a school in Israel. DAMASCUS, Syria — A Qatari delegation visited the Syrian capital on Monday for the first time in more than a decade and met with the country's top insurgent commander, who said strategic cooperation between Damascus and Doha will begin soon. Qatar, along with Turkey, has long backed the rebels who now control Damascus, and the two countries are looking to protect their interests in Syria now that former President Bashar Assad has been overthrown. The Qatari delegation was headed by the minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, who met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the insurgent group that overthrew Assad on Dec. 8. Al-Sharaa was quoted as saying by Syrian media that they have invited the emir of Qatar to visit Damascus adding that relations will return to normal soon. Al-Sharaa said Qatar will back Syria during the transitional period and the two countries will soon start “wide strategic cooperation.” Al-Sharaa also met Monday with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi as well as a Saudi official. Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan had relations with Assad’s government until he was removed from power. JENIN, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority says a second member of its security forces has been killed in the West Bank town of Jenin during clashes with Palestinian militants . Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab, the spokesman for PA security forces, said 1st Sgt. Mehran Qadoos was killed on Monday by “outlaws” in the volatile northern town, where the security forces launched a rare crackdown earlier this month. A member of security forces also was killed on Sunday. An Associated Press reporter in Jenin heard heavy gunfire and explosions, apparently from a battle between the security forces and Palestinian militants. There was no sign of Israeli forces in the area. Militant groups had earlier called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of trying to disarm them in support of Israel’s half-century occupation of the territory. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians , in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Israel accuses the authority of incitement and of failing to act against armed groups. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. Israel’s current government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and says it will maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Violence has soared in the West Bank following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. JENIN, West Bank — Palestinians in the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin are observing a general strike called by militant groups to protest a rare crackdown by Palestinian security forces. An Associated Press reporter in Jenin heard gunfire and explosions, apparently from clashes between militants and Palestinian security forces. It was not immediately clear if anyone was killed or wounded. There was no sign of Israeli troops in the area. Shops were closed in the city on Monday, the day after militants killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and wounded two others. Militant groups called for a general strike across the territory, accusing the security forces of trying to disarm them in support of Israel’s half-century occupation of the territory. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians , in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Israel accuses the authority of incitement and of failing to act against armed groups. The Palestinian Authority blamed Sunday’s attack on “outlaws.” It says it is committed to maintaining law and order but will not police the occupation. The Palestinian Authority exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. Israel’s current government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and says it will maintain open-ended security control over the territory. Violence has soared in the West Bank following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister has begun a tour of military positions in the country’s south, almost a month after a ceasefire deal that ended the war between Israel and the Hezbollah group that battered the country. Najib Mikati on Monday was on his first visit to the southern frontlines, where Lebanese soldiers under the U.S.-brokered deal are expected to gradually deploy, with Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops both expected to withdraw by the end of next month. Mikati’s tour comes after the Lebanese government expressed its frustration over ongoing Israeli strikes and overflights in the country. “We have many tasks ahead of us, the most important being the enemy's (Israel's) withdrawal from all the lands it encroached on during its recent aggression,” he said after meeting with army chief Joseph Aoun in a Lebanese military barracks in the southeastern town of Marjayoun. “Then the army can carry out its tasks in full.” The Lebanese military for years has relied on financial aid to stay functional, primarily from the United States and other Western countries. Lebanon’s cash-strapped government is hoping that the war’s end and ceasefire deal will bring about more funding to increase the military’s capacity to deploy in the south, where Hezbollah’s armed units were notably present. Though they were not active combatants, the Lebanese military said that dozens of its soldiers were killed in Israeli strikes on their premises or patrolling convoys in the south. The Israeli army acknowledged some of these attacks.President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the need to tackle the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, advocating for systemic solutions that address the socio-economic factors driving the menace. Speaking during his first presidential media chat on Monday night, Tinubu underscored the importance of improving living conditions, ensuring access to social amenities, and providing fair wages to reduce corruption in all its forms. “Corruption in all ramifications is bad, but first of all, pay enough attention to the causes,” the President said. He identified a lack of social amenities and inadequate funding for education as key factors that push people toward corrupt practices. Tinubu highlighted the importance of ensuring that workers receive a living wage as part of his strategy to combat corruption. “Pay them good and living wages. I increased the minimum wage, and to me, that is fighting corruption,” he explained. The President stressed that creating an environment where citizens have access to basic necessities and opportunities will significantly reduce the temptation to engage in corrupt activities. The president also reiterated his belief in the power of free market forces to address economic challenges, emphasizing that price control was not the solution to soaring prices of goods and services. The President highlighted his administration’s approach to managing market dynamics, boosting agricultural productivity, and tackling corruption at its roots. “I don’t believe in price control. It’s a question of supply and demand,” Tinubu stated. He explained that increasing supply was key to stabilising prices, citing the fuel market as an example “We just continue to supply the market. It will come to a stage where you cannot hoard no more. The economic variables will work against you,” he added. Tinubu urged Nigerians to adapt to changing economic realities and to focus on learning how to manage resources more effectively. The President also unveiled plans to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, emphasising the importance of mechanised farming. “We will give more incentives to the farmer. Mechanized farming is better for us in Nigeria,” he said. Tinubu revealed that over 2,000 tractors were set to arrive in the country as part of efforts to modernise farming and increase productivity. This, he noted, will help ensure food security and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

After Loss to Gonzaga, SDSU Basketball Preps for Players Era Festival in Las VegasBEIRUT (AP) — Israel’s military launched airstrikes across on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 31 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut’s southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city’s largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister ‘s Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Airstrikes kill at least 31 Massive explosions lit up Lebanon’s skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatiyeh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Monday that 26 people were killed in southern Lebanon, four in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel province and one in Choueifat, a neighborhood in Beirut’s southern suburbs that was not subjected to evacuation warnings on Monday. The deaths brought the total toll to 3,768 killed in Lebanon throughout 13 months of war between Israel and Hezbollah and nearly two months since Israel launched its ground invasion. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been , and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military had previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations. The country’s deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” Hopes grow for a ceasefire Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country’s ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were “close to a deal.” “It can happen within days,” he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. Two Israeli officials told The Associated Press that Netanyahu’s security Cabinet had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, but they said it remained unclear whether the Cabinet would vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. Danny Danon, Israel’s U.N. ambassador, told reporters Monday that he expected a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah to have stages and to be discussed by leaders Monday or Tuesday. Still, he warned, “it’s not going to happen overnight.” After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. “Nothing is done until everything is done,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing . Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel is in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government has said that such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country’s sovereignty. A ceasefire could mark a step toward ending the regionwide war that ballooned after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, . The lack of a ceasefire has emerged as a political liability for Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, particularly while 60,000 Israelis in the country’s north after more than a year of cross-border violence. Hezbollah have reached as far south into Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers died fighting in the ground offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest of , is expected to significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct, all-out war between Israel and Iran. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition. A top Hamas official in Lebanon said the Palestinian militant group would support a ceasefire between its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Israel, despite Hezbollah’s previous promises to stop the fighting in Lebanon only if the war in Gaza ends. “Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices,” Osama Hamdan of Hamas’ political wing told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah. While the ceasefire proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hard-line member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” If the ceasefire talks fail, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “it will mean more destruction and more and more animosity and more dehumanization and more hatred and more bitterness.” Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, the last summit of its kind before U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office, Safadi said such a failure “will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction.” ___ Federman reported from Jerusalem and Metz from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Nicole Winfield in Fiuggi, Italy, and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at Sally Abou Aljoud, Joe Federman And Sam Metz, The Associated Press

Harvey Fierstein reveals how he used weight loss drug to shed 120 pounds: 'I don't feel like I'm dieting'The Clark County School District settled a two-year-old lawsuit with parents who complained of an inappropriate assignment for their high school daughter. CCSD paid $25,000 and agreed to conduct an review with administrators and staff at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, where the incident occurred. At a Clark County School Board meeting in May 2022, Candra Evans testified about an assignment that she said was given to her daughter at the school. The assignment required that students in the theater class write drafts of a monologue that would then be randomly assigned to, memorized and performed by another student, according to the lawsuit. The full monologue describes a woman coming out as a lesbian to her ex-boyfriend, and contains lines, such as “I don’t like your d— or any d— in that case.” Board members interrupted her and asked her to refrain from using profanity. “If you don’t want me to read it to you, what was it like for my 15-year-old daughter to memorize pornographic material...?” Evans asked at the time. Evans’ comment to the board went viral after a shortened version of the clip was reposted by a conservative Twitter account that criticized the board for interrupting Evans’ comment and asking her to refrain from using profanity. At the time, the district said in a statement that it was investigating the situation and that the assignment was a student-generated writing exercise that “produced content not conducive to student instruction.” The original December 2022 lawsuit, filed by Candra and Terrell Evans, sought damages in excess of $50,000 as well as a restraining order against the teacher and other administrators. The judge dismissed the request for a restraining order and all claims except those involving the student’s assignment, her First Amendment rights and her treatment afterward. On Monday evening, Evans said she was grateful that the case was finally over. She said that she had just wanted to protect her daughter, whom she believed had been “brainwashed” by the teacher. “Because a teacher thought it was OK to read that, she thought it was OK to read it,” Evans told the Review-Journal on Monday. CCSD did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit described Hawes’ assignment as unlawful and inappropriate and constituted “sexual grooming” and sexual indoctrination of her students. Her story gained traction as one of parental rights. Local group Power 2 Parent came to Evans’ aid in contacting the school, and her legal case was represented by the American Center for Law and Justice, which describes itself as a politically conservative, Christian-based legal organization. In a statement on its website after the settlement, the legal center wrote, “This case underscores the crucial role parents play in advocating for their children’s welfare and the need for schools to respect and uphold parental rights. Parents have an absolute right to know what their children are being taught, and children should never be subjected to obscene material, particularly in an environment meant to educate and nurture.” Evans also hoped her lawsuit would help future kids. “Now this is precedent,” she said. ©2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com. . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Silly season is nigh. Whether the prospect whips you into a flurry of festive cheer or has you gearing up for an annual round of “Bah, humbuggery” – and most of us are in between – there’s plenty to see and do between now and year’s end. Without further ado, here is a very Melbourne Christmas guide with something in the stocking for everyone. THEATRE A Christmas Carol Why did Ebenezer Scrooge become the ultimate grinch? Well, to his mind, life was nothing but a permanent cost-of-living crisis: “What’s Christmastime,” he sneers, “but a time for paying bills without money – a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer.” Relatable. Matthew Wharcus’ production of A Christmas Carol will set budding Scrooges to rights. Now in its third year, it has established itself as a Melbourne Christmas tradition and the charming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic parable from Jack Thorne ( Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ) is a bell-ringing, carol-singing delight. There’s a new celebrity Scrooge every year – in 2022 David Wenham, last year Owen Teale from Game of Thrones – and Erik Thomson steps into the role this time. The Packed to the Rafters and All Saints star first came to wider attention as Hades on Hercules and Xena: Warrior Princess – with a larger-than-life mean streak that’ll be useful for playing Ebenezer before his de-Scroogification in this elegant and uplifting, family-friendly show. Comedy Theatre, November 22 to December 29. F Christmas is an all-inclusive Christmas special with comedy, circus and cabaret at the Malthouse. F Christmas There are plenty of good reasons for ambivalence about Christmas – it’s a capitalist holiday devoted to conspicuous consumption, and for those without families or rejected by them, it can be an isolating time of year. Malthouse Theatre throws open its doors to subversive festivities with F Christmas , a variety show that welcomes every Christmas orphan or misfit or malcontent to the party. Devised by talented rabble-rousers Sarah Ward and Bec Matthews, it promises to be an all-inclusive Christmas special with comedy, circus and cabaret galore. Director Susie Dee will be in Mrs Claus mode, getting the explosive and anarchic talents of the ensemble – which features aerial elves, tap-dancing turkeys and carollers from hell – to burn the house down on schedule. Forget stocking fillers and decorating the tree. Trade them for wild surprises and glitter bombs of perverse hilarity as this eccentric found family saunters towards a camp Yuletide apocalypse. Malthouse, November 27 to December 15. Grace Carroll and Marcus Morelli star in The Australian Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Credit: Simon Eeles BALLET The Nutcracker This story first cast its spell on me when I was seven, and the enchantments of this Christmas ballet are an unforgettable introduction to the magic of live performance. As young Clara steps into a world where toys come to life on Christmas night, a colourful fantasia unfolds through spectacular and virtuosic dance. Tchaikovsky’s transporting score is most famed for the tinkling tintinnabulations of the Sugar Plum Fairy, though there’s a battle against armies of mice, too. There are two options for watching this fabulous story: The Australian Ballet’s livestream from the Sydney Opera House on December 12 at 7.15pm or the full-dress production at Hamer Hall on December 18 to 20. Carols by Candleight is an institution, so you can be sure the best and brightest stars will perform. CONCERTS Carols by Candlelight The 2024 line-up is still under wraps, but Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is such an institution you can be sure the best and brightest stars regard it as an honour to sing at what has long been a premier carolling event. Its reach extends far beyond Melbourne and it is broadcast live on Nine (owner of this masthead) on Christmas Eve. Tickets sell quickly if you want to attend live, candle in hand, among the televised throng, so plan accordingly. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, December 24. Kevin McCallistergets the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra treatment. MSO Home Alone in Concert Film screenings with a live orchestra playing the score are popular year-round, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has chosen Christmas favourite Home Alone to celebrate the holidays. Composed by the master of Hollywood scores John Williams, this one features a choir, and carolling and should keep conductor Nicholas Buc’s baton twirling with comic menace as young Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) defends himself from a home invasion in this Christmas comedy classic. For children of a more classical bent, the MSO also has Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas , a 50-minute festival concert with familiar carols and festive music, on December 14, with a relaxed performance also available. Hamer Hall, December 5-7. Taylor Swift tribute concert Merry Swiftmas celebrates the singer and Christmas. Credit: Getty Images Merry Swiftmas Are you a Swiftie who failed to catch Tay Tay when she played the MCG and stopped the city in its tracks? Fear not. Merry Swiftmas promises the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute concert, and singing along is encouraged. It’s part of a lively festive season at the Athenaeum that takes in a musical parody of Love, Actually (December 6-23), and Christmas with Silvie Paladino (recently seen in Sunset Boulevard ) backed by the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and choir (December 11). The Athenaeum, December 13-14. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens opens its gates over summer to al fresco films nightly by the lake at Moonlight Cinema . Outdoor productions of Shakespeare are also an annual event, with the Australian Shakespeare Company performing The Merry Wives of Windsor by night and the much-loved The Wind in the Willows by day (both from December 21). Take a picnic and enjoy. The Queen Vic’s Summer Night Market. Credit: Ewen Bell CHRISTMAS MARKETS Got stockings to fill? Christmas markets abound. The Queen Victoria Market is in full swing with its popular Summer Night Market (November 20 to March 12) every Wednesday, and Santa will be in attendance pre-Christmas. Over at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, you can pick up an array of Christmas delicacies at the Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Market (December 6-8) and if you’re feeling particularly nerdy, there’s a Christmas edition of the pop culture and gaming convention Oz Comic Con on at Jeff’s Shed that weekend, too. At Federation Square, there’s a Christmas edition of the Boho Luxe Market at the Atrium (December 8) and you can celebrate Koorie Krismas on December 14 in a day of workshops, live performance, a market with Koorie arts and crafts and, of course, Koorie Klaus – a jolly fellow in red, yellow and black trim (the colours of the Aboriginal flag much more in the spirit of goodwill to all than red and white), didgeridoo in hand. Everywhere from the Sunday craft market along St Kilda Esplanade to large weekly produce markets at Preston or South Melbourne will be gearing up for their busiest season, too, as well as tucked-away alternatives, such as the bespoke Artist Christmas Market at Life’s Too Short Bar (December 14, 21), where you can pick up unusual bargains and support local creators. A Muppet Christmas Carol starring Robin, Kermit and Miss Piggy. FESTIVE CHEER IN THE CBD AND SURROUNDS The Yarra is a great place to wander, with a Christmas carnival along its banks offering rides and funfair games (December 6-24), or you can stroll down to the Crown Christmas River Show (until December 25) and its spectacular water fountains, lasers and light projections. Stadium Square at Marvel Stadium is transforming into the Nth Pole , a free event with a 360-degree cinema and 18 AFL club-themed Christmas trees. More relaxed options include the bubble artists at The Christmas Bubble Show (Capitol Theatre, December 23-24) or any of the special Christmas film screenings, such as The Muppet Christmas Carol , at that venue. And it wouldn’t be a Melbourne festive season without the Myer Christmas windows . This is the 69th year the department store has dressed its windows in the Bourke Street Mall. For 2024, it has teamed with Australia Zoo and the Irwin family to create a magical encounter with wildlife through puppetry, lighting and mechanical genius, and despite a low-key opening, the display looks fabulous and continues in style what has become a traditional suburban pilgrimage for many families with young kids. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday .

THE renowned Zimbabwean academic and political commentator Professor Jonathan Moyo has taken a swipe at South Africa’s handling of the political violence in Mozambique, labelling a statement issued by DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri as poorly conceived and diplomatically reckless. Phiri, a junior official in South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), issued the statement in response to the violence that erupted following Mozambique’s contested election results. He called for “urgent dialogue” to address the unrest, expressing South Africa’s readiness “to assist and work with SADC for a lasting solution.” In the statement, Phiri said, “Following the proclamation of final electoral results by the Constitutional Council of Mozambique, South Africa has noted with concern the ongoing violence and the subsequent disruptive protest in reaction to the announcement. South Africa calls on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country and set it on a new political and developmental trajectory.” Prof. Moyo, however, criticized the statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting its shortcomings and accusing South Africa of engaging in “poor diplomacy.” He argued that the use of a junior official to comment on a crisis of such magnitude was a misstep, reflecting a lack of seriousness. “The situation in Mozambique is serious and warrants, at the very least, a ministerial statement,” Moyo posted. The former Zimbabwean government minister also took issue with the content of the statement, accusing South Africa of failing to condemn the violence outright. Instead, the statement merely urged “all parties to commit to dialogue,” which Moyo interpreted as a failure to demand an immediate and unconditional end to the unrest. — POVO NO PODER 🇲🇿 (@JerThaPlug) “What does South Africa know that the rest of SADC does not know?” Moyo questioned in his post, further criticising the suggestion that Mozambique’s dialogue should aim to set the country “on a new political and developmental trajectory.” He described this as an attempt to impose a predetermined outcome on Mozambique’s internal affairs, suggesting it might be pushing for a coalition government or a political arrangement resembling South Africa’s. Moyo contrasted the stance with South Africa’s own experience of violent unrest in July 2021, which left over 350 people dead. “When South Africa had its violent political riots... no one in the region prescribed a dialogue with a predetermined outcome to resolve that staggering violence. South Africa will do well to act likewise with regards to the situation in Mozambique,” he wrote. The academic also pointed to SADC’s existing mechanisms, including the Organ Troika currently led by Tanzania, as the appropriate platform for addressing the Mozambican crisis. “Letting a junior official like Phiri speak in the manner he did is poor diplomacy and a dereliction of leadership by his minister. Using a junior official to jump the gun will not silence the guns in Mozambique,” Moyo concluded. The situation in Mozambique remains tense, with opposition parties and civil society groups disputing the election results amid escalating violence. Moyo’s critique underscores the delicate nature of regional diplomacy and the potential consequences of South Africa’s approach to its neighbour’s turmoil.