FRAI Urges Government to Provide Technology Platform for Kirana Stores to Stay Competitive
NoneBecause we share this space every weekend, I often go back to see what previously occupied this location to avoid repetition. Inevitably, it happens. When you write 52 of these a year, the same stories ultimately pop up over the course of several years. So we’ll try not to be repetitive with stories you’ve heard before. Last year’s entry was about Christmas memories of long ago. Those thoughts inevitably come back to us to at this time of year, Since COVID, Christmases have been different for us. The number of empty seats, empty spots in hearts, slowly grows. There are reasons to celebrate, of course. Older babies have started college. Younger babies are getting a little more mobile. Weddings and engagements point to a growing family. The holiday season — for me covering Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year — represent a magical month. Busy, yes. Hectic, yes. Special, yes. The newsroom has spent the last 6-8 weeks planning what we think is cool, engaging content to close out the year. The content is what we call “evergreen,” so it can run at any time. Our annual Made a Difference series started Saturday with a look at Karen Musser, who is involved in just about everything moving in Mifflinburg. Today Eric Frantz is something making a difference in the Valley. His junior firefighting club has taken off in Danville with other schools inquiring about establishing a similar club in their districts. Today’s page A1 is the launch of our week-long series looking at repurposed neighborhood schools. Today looks at the community hub that was once Lewisburg High has remained a community hub, housing among other great outreaches the Lewisburg Children’s Museum. Over the course of the next few days, we will look at four other schools, including some on Danville, Montandon, Sunbury and Middleburg. These packages offer a chance to dig into our memory banks. When you have some time over the coming days — hopefully you have some off to spend with friends and family — read them at your leisure. And let us know of others who have made a difference in your life, or the Valley. We are always stocking nominees for next year’s profiles. A reminder: There will be no print edition of The Daily Item on Wednesday. In line with the decision made by a previous publisher, our staff will spend Christmas Eve with their families so no print edition will be sent. Normal production will resume Christmas night in the newsroom with both The Daily Item and the weekly Danville News landing in your inboxes or doorstep Thursday morning. Rest assured, if any news breaks, it will be available at dailyitem.com as soon as possible Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Have a great holiday. Email comments to bbowman@dailyitem.com .
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (“Athabasca” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its 2025 budget with capital projects that will balance cash flow growth while continuing to deliver a durable return of capital framework that will direct 100% of Free Cash Flow to share buybacks in 2025. Corporate Consolidated Strategy and Outlook Value Creation Strategy. Athabasca provides a differentiated liquids-weighted growth platform through its low-decline, long-life Thermal Oil assets. Athabasca’s subsidiary company, Duvernay Energy Corporation (“DEC”), is designed to enhance value for Athabasca’s shareholders by providing a clear path for self-funded production and cash flow growth in the Kaybob Duvernay resource play. Athabasca (Thermal Oil) and DEC have independent strategies and capital allocation frameworks. The primary strategic objective is to generate top-tier cash flow per share growth over the long term. 2025 Consolidated Budget. Athabasca is planning capital expenditures of ~$335 million with average production of 37,500 – 39,500 boe/d (98% Liquids) and an exit rate of ~41,000 boe/d. Growth in production comes from the expansion plans at Leismer and development of the Duvernay assets. Cash Flow Per Share Growth . The Company forecasts consolidated Adjusted Funds Flow between $525 – $550 million 1 . Every +US$1/bbl move in West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) and Western Canadian Select (“WCS”) heavy oil impacts annual Adjusted Funds Flow by ~$10 million and ~$17 million, respectively. Athabasca forecasts generating ~$1.8 billion of Free Cash Flow 1 from its Thermal Oil assets over five years (2025-29), representing ~65% of its current equity market capitalization. Investing in attractive capital projects and prioritizing share buybacks results in ~20% compounded annual cash flow per share 2 growth through this forecast period. Financial Resiliency. Athabasca maintains a strong and differentiated balance sheet with a $135 million consolidated Net Cash position, including ~$335 million of cash. DEC has no debt and operates within its annual Adjusted Funds Flow and its balance sheet. Athabasca (Thermal Oil) also has $2.4 billion in tax pools, including $1.9 billion of immediately deductible non-capital loses and exploration pools, sheltering cash taxes until beyond 2030. Athabasca (Thermal Oil) – 2025 Budget Highlights Capital Program . The Thermal Oil budget is ~$250 million with activity focused primarily on advancing progressive growth to 40,000 bbl/d at Leismer by the end of 2027. The program at Leismer will include the tie-in of six redrills and four new sustaining well pairs on Pad 10 early in 2025, additional development at Pad 10 and 11, and continued facility expansion work. At Hangingstone two new extended reach sustaining well pairs (~1,400 meter average laterals) will be on stream in Q1 2025 and are expected to maintain annual production. The Budget includes routine maintenance at both assets. Production Growth . Annual Thermal Oil production guidance is 33,500 – 35,500 bbl/d. Leismer is expected to achieve 40,000 bbl/d by the end of 2027 at an attractive capital efficiency of ~$25,000/bbl/d. Hangingstone production will be maintained by utilizing existing plant capacity, resulting in capital efficiencies of ~$15,000/bbl/d. The Company has ~1.2 billion barrels of Proved plus Probable reserves and ~1 billion of Contingent Resource. These Thermal Oil assets underpin decades of reserve life with estimated sustaining capital investment of ~C$8/bbl (five-year annual average) to hold production flat. Robust Free Cash Flow. During the five-year time frame (2025-29), Athabasca (Thermal Oil) forecasts generating $1.8 billion in Free Cash Flow 1 , representing ~65% of its current equity market capitalization. Competitive and Resilient Break-evens. Thermal Oil is competitively positioned with sustaining capital to hold production flat funded within cash flow below US$50/bbl WTI 1 and growth initiatives fully funded within cash flow below US$60/bbl WTI 1 . The Company’s operating break-even is estimated at ~US$40/bbl WTI 1 . Exposure to Strong Heavy Oil Pricing. With the start-up of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in May, spare pipeline capacity is driving tighter and less volatile WCS heavy differentials. Regional liquids pricing benchmarks have also been supported by a depreciating Canadian currency relative to the United States. Every +US$1/bbl move in West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) and WCS heavy oil impacts annual Adjusted Funds Flow by ~$10 million and ~$17 million, respectively. Pre-payout Thermal Oil Differentiation. Strong margins and Free Cash Flow are supported by a Thermal Oil pre-payout Crown royalty structure, with royalty rates between 5 – 9% anticipated to last to the end of 2027 at Leismer and beyond 2030 at Hangingstone. Duvernay Energy Corporation – 2025 Budget Highlights Capital Program. The DEC budget is ~$85 million with activity including the completion of a 100% working interest (“WI”) three-well pad that was drilled in 2024 and the drilling and completion of a 30% WI multi-well pad. Activity will also include spudding two additional multi-well pads in H2 2025 (one operated 100% WI pad and one 30% WI pad) with completions to follow in 2026. DEC is also constructing strategic water and egress expansions on its operated assets. High Netback Production. Annual production guidance is ~4,000 boe/d (77% Liquids) with growth to ~5,500 boe/d by the end of 2025. The Kaybob Duvernay’s high liquid weighting supports strong margins with current type wells forecasted to payout in ~13 months 1 and further cost improvements are expected as the Company executes larger multi-well pad design. Growth Plans. Development will be self-funded within DEC through utilization of 100% of its annual Adjusted Funds Flow and its balance sheet. The Company has self-funded growth potential to in excess of ~20,000 boe/d (75% Liquids) by the late 2020s 1 . Return of Capital 100% of Free Cash Flow Directed to Share Buybacks. In 2025, the Company plans to maintain its commitment to return 100% of Thermal Oil Free Cash Flow to shareholders through share buybacks. In 2024, the Company has completed ~$280 million in share buybacks to the end of November. Share buybacks were initiated in April 2023 and have totaled ~$440 million to date. Focus on Per Share Metrics: A steadfast commitment to cash flow growth and return of capital has driven a 108 million share reduction (~17%) in the Company’s fully diluted share count since March 31, 2023. The Company has realized ~100% cash flow per share growth since 2022 and the corporate strategy is to continue to generate top tier cash flow per share growth over the long term. Footnote: Refer to the “Reader Advisory” section within this news release for additional information on Non‐GAAP Financial Measures (e .g. Adjusted Funds Flow, Free Cash Flow, Sustaining Capital, Net Cash ) and production disclosure. 1 Pricing Assumptions: 2025: US$70 WTI, US$12.50 WCS heavy differential, C$2 AECO, and 0.725 C$/US$ FX. 2026+: US$70 WTI, US$12.50 WCS heavy differential, C$3 AECO, and 0.725 C$/US$ FX. 2 The Company’s illustrative multi-year outlook assumes a 10% annual share buyback program at an implied share price of 4.5x Enterprise Value/Debt Adjusted Cash Flow in 2026 and beyond. About Athabasca Oil Corporation Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and light oil assets. Situated in Alberta’s Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base of extensive, high quality resources. Athabasca’s light oil assets are held in a private subsidiary (Duvernay Energy Corporation) in which Athabasca owns a 70% equity interest. Athabasca’s common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “ATH”. For more information, visit www.atha.com . Reader Advisory: This News Release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other factors. All information other than statements of historical fact is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “plan”, “project”, “continue”, “maintain”, “may”, “estimate”, “expect”, “will”, “target”, “forecast”, “could”, “intend”, “potential”, “guidance”, “outlook” and similar expressions suggesting future outcome are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is not historical fact, but rather is based on the Company’s current plans, objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and projections about the Company’s industry, business and future operating and financial results. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information included in this News Release should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this News Release. In particular, this News Release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited to, the following: our strategic plans; the allocation of future capital; timing and quantum for shareholder returns including share buybacks; the terms of our NCIB program; our drilling plans and capital efficiencies; production growth to expected production rates and estimated sustaining capital amounts; timing of Leismer’s and Hangingstone’s pre-payout royalty status; applicability of tax pools and the timing of tax payments; Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow over various periods; type well economic metrics; number of drilling locations; forecasted daily production and the composition of production; our outlook in respect of the Company’s business environment, including in respect of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and heavy oil pricing; and other matters. In addition, information and statements in this News Release relating to "Reserves" and “Resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated, and that the reserves and resources described can be profitably produced in the future. With respect to forward-looking information contained in this News Release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: commodity prices; the regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts and will conduct business and the effects that such regulatory framework will have on the Company, including on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations; the Company’s financial and operational flexibility; the Company’s financial sustainability; Athabasca's cash flow break-even commodity price; the Company’s ability to obtain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the applicability of technologies for the recovery and production of the Company’s reserves and resources; future capital expenditures to be made by the Company; future sources of funding for the Company’s capital programs; the Company’s future debt levels; future production levels; the Company’s ability to obtain financing and/or enter into joint venture arrangements, on acceptable terms; operating costs; compliance of counterparties with the terms of contractual arrangements; impact of increasing competition globally; collection risk of outstanding accounts receivable from third parties; geological and engineering estimates in respect of the Company’s reserves and resources; recoverability of reserves and resources; the geography of the areas in which the Company is conducting exploration and development activities and the quality of its assets. Certain other assumptions related to the Company’s Reserves and Resources are contained in the report of McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) evaluating Athabasca’s Proved Reserves, Probable Reserves and Contingent Resources as at December 31, 2023 (which is respectively referred to herein as the "McDaniel Report”). Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the risk factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) dated February 29, 2024 available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, including, but not limited to: weakness in the oil and gas industry; exploration, development and production risks; prices, markets and marketing; market conditions; climate change and carbon pricing risk; statutes and regulations regarding the environment including deceptive marketing provisions; regulatory environment and changes in applicable law; gathering and processing facilities, pipeline systems and rail; reputation and public perception of the oil and gas sector; environment, social and governance goals; political uncertainty; state of capital markets; ability to finance capital requirements; access to capital and insurance; abandonment and reclamation costs; changing demand for oil and natural gas products; anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; royalty regimes; foreign exchange rates and interest rates; reserves; hedging; operational dependence; operating costs; project risks; supply chain disruption; financial assurances; diluent supply; third party credit risk; indigenous claims; reliance on key personnel and operators; income tax; cybersecurity; advanced technologies; hydraulic fracturing; liability management; seasonality and weather conditions; unexpected events; internal controls; limitations and insurance; litigation; natural gas overlying bitumen resources; competition; chain of title and expiration of licenses and leases; breaches of confidentiality; new industry related activities or new geographical areas; water use restrictions and/or limited access to water; relationship with Duvernay Energy Corporation; management estimates and assumptions; third-party claims; conflicts of interest; inflation and cost management; credit ratings; growth management; impact of pandemics; ability of investors resident in the United States to enforce civil remedies in Canada; and risks related to our debt and securities. All subsequent forward-looking information, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Also included in this News Release are estimates of Athabasca's 2024 outlook which are based on the various assumptions as to production levels, commodity prices, currency exchange rates and other assumptions disclosed in this News Release. To the extent any such estimate constitutes a financial outlook, it was approved by management and the Board of Directors of Athabasca and is included to provide readers with an understanding of the Company’s outlook. Management does not have firm commitments for all of the costs, expenditures, prices or other financial assumptions used to prepare the financial outlook or assurance that such operating results will be achieved and, accordingly, the complete financial effects of all of those costs, expenditures, prices and operating results are not objectively determinable. The actual results of operations of the Company and the resulting financial results may vary from the amounts set forth herein, and such variations may be material. The outlook and forward-looking information contained in this New Release was made as of the date of this News release and the Company disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise such outlook and/or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. Oil and Gas Information “BOEs" may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent (6 Mcf: 1 bbl) is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Initial Production Rates Test Results and Initial Production Rates: The well test results and initial production rates provided herein should be considered to be preliminary, except as otherwise indicated. Test results and initial production rates disclosed herein may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Reserves Information The McDaniel Report was prepared using the assumptions and methodology guidelines outlined in the COGE Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities, effective December 31, 2023. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of bitumen, light crude oil and medium crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set forth above are estimates only. In general, estimates of economically recoverable reserves and the future net cash flows therefrom are based upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from the properties, production rates, ultimate reserve recovery, timing and amount of capital expenditures, marketability of oil and natural gas, royalty rates, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies and future operating costs, all of which may vary materially. For those reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable reserves attributable to any particular group of properties, classification of such reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of future net revenues associated with reserves prepared by different engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may vary. The Company's actual production, revenues, taxes and development and operating expenditures with respect to its reserves will vary from estimates thereof and such variations could be material. Reserves figures described herein have been rounded to the nearest MMbbl or MMboe. For additional information regarding the consolidated reserves and information concerning the resources of the Company as evaluated by McDaniel in the McDaniel Report, please refer to the Company’s AIF. Reserve Values (i.e. Net Asset Value) is calculated using the estimated net present value of all future net revenue from our reserves, before income taxes discounted at 10%, as estimated by McDaniel effective December 31, 2023 and based on average pricing of McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ as of January 1, 2024. The 500 gross Duvernay drilling locations referenced include: 37 proved undeveloped locations and 76 probable undeveloped locations for a total of 113 booked locations with the balance being unbooked locations. Proved undeveloped locations and probable undeveloped locations are booked and derived from the Company's most recent independent reserves evaluation as prepared by McDaniel as of December 31, 2023 and account for drilling locations that have associated proved and/or probable reserves, as applicable. Unbooked locations are internal management estimates. Unbooked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources (including contingent or prospective). Unbooked locations have been identified by management as an estimation of Athabasca’s multi-year drilling activities expected to occur over the next two decades based on evaluation of applicable geologic, seismic, engineering, production and reserves information. There is no certainty that the Company will drill all unbooked drilling locations and if drilled there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional oil and gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling locations on which the Company will actually drill wells, including the number and timing thereof is ultimately dependent upon the availability of funding, commodity prices, provincial fiscal and royalty policies, costs, actual drilling results, additional reservoir information that is obtained and other factors. Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures, and Production Disclosure The "Corporate Consolidated Adjusted Funds Flow", "Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Adjusted Funds Flow", "Duvernay Energy Adjusted Funds Flow", “Corporate Consolidated Free Cash Flow”, "Athabasca (Thermal Oil) Free Cash Flow" and "Duvernay Energy Free Cash Flow" financial measures contained in this News Release do not have standardized meanings which are prescribed by IFRS and they are considered to be non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered in isolation with measures that are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Sustaining Capital and Net Cash are supplementary financial measures. The Leismer and Hangingstone operating results are supplementary financial measures that when aggregated, combine to the Athabasca (Thermal Oil) segment results. Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures and are not intended to represent cash flow from operating activities, net earnings or other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. The Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Cash Flow measures allow management and others to evaluate the Company’s ability to fund its capital programs and meet its ongoing financial obligations using cash flow internally generated from ongoing operating related activities. Sustaining Capital Sustaining Capital is managements' assumption of the required capital to maintain the Company’s production base. Net Cash Net Cash is defined as the face value of term debt, plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities, plus current portion of provisions and other liabilities plus income tax payable less current assets, excluding risk management contracts. Production volumes details This News Release also makes reference to Athabasca's forecasted average daily Thermal Oil production of 33,500 ‐ 35,500 bbl/d for 2025. Athabasca expects that 100% of that production will be comprised of bitumen. Duvernay Energy’s forecasted total average daily production of ~4,000 boe/d for 2025 is expected to be comprised of approximately 68% tight oil, 23% shale gas and 9% NGLs. Liquids is defined as bitumen, tight oil, light crude oil, medium crude oil and natural gas liquids. Break Even is an operating metric that calculates the US$WTI oil price required to fund operating costs (Operating Break-even), sustaining capital (Sustaining Break-even), or growth capital (Total Capital) within Adjusted Funds Flow. Enterprise Value to Debt Adjusted Cash Flow is a valuation metric calculated by dividing Enterprise Value (Market Capitalization plus Net Debt) divided by Cash Flow before interest costs.Daily Post Nigeria EPL: I’m really frustrated – Man Utd manager, Amorim Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL: I’m really frustrated – Man Utd manager, Amorim Published on December 24, 2024 By Don Silas Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has insisted that he is really frustrated like the club’s fans. Amorim said this amid the Red Devils’ recent back-to-back defeats. Amorim’s side have failed to win a game in their last two matches against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League. Speaking at his pre-match interview ahead of Man United’s Premier League clash with Wolves on Boxing Day, Amorim said: “I just want to win, I don’t care about Christmas. “I’m really frustrated like the fans, but I know what to do. But then we have to solve some problems step by step, finding answers for everything. We will fight for that.” Man United currently sit in the 13th position on the Premier League table with 22 points from 17 games. Related Topics: Amorim EPL man utd Don't Miss Super Eagles caretaker coach, Eguavoen undergoes surgery You may like EPL: Alan Shearer predict Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal Boxing Day fixtures EPL: Amorim reveals when he will pick Rashford again EPL: Leny Yoro speaks on regrets over Man United move EPL: Aina named in Team of the Week EPL: Amorim wants Man Utd to sign Chelsea target EPL: Ex-Liverpool defender identifies those pushing Rashford out of Man Utd Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
NEW YORK — Darrion Williams scored 13 of his 20 points in the second half and Texas Tech kept Syracuse at bay for a 79-74 victory in the third-place game of the Legends Classic on Friday. JT Toppin scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half, Chance McMillian finished with 13 and Elijah Hawkins had 11 points and six assists for the Red Raiders (5-1). J.J. Starling was 9-of-15 shooting and scored 27 points and Chris Bell 22, making all 11 of his free throws, to lead the Orange (3-2). Donnie Freeman grabbed 13 rebounds to go with five points. Shooting stats were about even but Syracuse had 12 turnovers to the Raiders' three giving Texas Tech an 18-7 edge on points off errors. The game was tied when McMillian hit consecutive 3-pointers five minutes into the second half. Texas Tech built on that lead with an 11-3 run with Toppin and Williams combining for nine points as the Red Raiders went up 59-47 with nine minutes remaining. Bell missed a wide-open 3 from the baseline and Williams then worked inside for a bucket and a seven-point edge with 1:13 to go. From there eight free throws held off the Orange. Texas Tech led most of the first half with its largest lead of seven coming with five minutes left on a Christian Anderson 3-pointer. Starling brought the Orange back, scoring seven points in the final four minutes, including a 3 in the final minute to go into the break tied at 31-all.
NoneHundreds of people gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark another solemn Christmas overshadowed by the war in Gaza. Missing for a second consecutive year were the festive decorations, and the crowd paled in comparison to the throngs of tourists and pilgrims of Christmases past — a reflection of the sombre mood as the war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip drags on. At Manger Square, the heart of the Palestinian city dominated by the revered church that marks the site where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born, a group of scouts held a small parade that broke the morning’s silence. “Our children want to play and laugh,” read a sign carried by one of them, as his friends whistled and cheered. The fighting in Gaza — which is separated from the occupied West Bank by a swath of Israeli territory — erupted after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 last year. The attack, the deadliest in Israel’s history, resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory war in Gaza has left 45,338 people dead, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN considers reliable. Traditionally in Bethlehem, a grand Christmas tree would light up Manger Square, but local authorities opted against elaborate celebrations for a second year. “This year we limited our joy,” Bethlehem mayor Anton Salman told AFP. Prayers, including the church’s famed midnight mass, will still be held in the presence of the Catholic Church’s Latin Patriarch, but the festivities will be of a more strictly religious nature than the festive celebrations the city once held. Despite the gloomy mood, some Christians in the Holy Land — who number about 185,000 in Israel and 47,000 in the Palestinian territories — are finding refuge in prayer. “Christmas is a feast of faith... We’re going to pray and ask God to end our suffering,” Salman said. In a message to Christians all over the world, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked them for supporting Israel’s fight against the “forces of evil”. “You’ve stood by our side resiliently, consistently, forcefully as Israel defends our civilisation against barbarism,” he said. – Christians in Syria – Elsewhere in the Middle East, hundreds of people took to the streets in Christian areas of Syria’s capital to protest the burning of a Christmas tree. The incident took place in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah in central Syria just over two weeks after Islamist-led rebels spearheaded an offensive that ousted president Bashar al-Assad. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, the fighters who set fire to the tree were foreigners. A demonstrator in Damascus who gave his name as Georges told AFP he was protesting “injustice against Christians”. “If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore,” he said. A religious leader from Syria’s victorious Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) addressed residents, maintaining that those who torched the tree were “not Syrian” and promising they would be punished. Syria’s new rulers have vowed to protect the country’s religious minorities, including Christians. But some Syrian Christians, including secular longtime opponents to Assad’s rule, fear the new leadership’s Sunni Islamist ideology will mean their community’s political aspirations and those of other minorities will not be taken into account in the transition. – Jubilee 2025 – In Germany, Christmas was overshadowed by a deadly attack at a market, prompting President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to issue a message of healing. A Saudi doctor, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, was arrested Friday at the scene of the attack, in which a rented SUV ploughed at high speed through a crowd of revellers, bringing chaos to the festive event. “A dark shadow hangs over this Christmas,” said the head of state. “Hatred and violence must not have the final word. Let’s not allow ourselves to be driven apart. Let’s stand together.” Pope Francis will mark Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a special ceremony launching Jubilee 2025, a year of Catholic celebrations set to draw more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The motto of the Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope”, and the Argentine pontiff is expected to repeat his calls for peace in a world riven by conflict, particularly in the Middle East.
H.S. FOOTBALL: Warriors are Super Bowl-bound againAnge Postecoglou vowed to keep fighting to revive Tottenham's fortunes after receiving "some direct feedback" from disgruntled fans following a limp 1-0 Premier League loss to Bournemouth. Spurs boss Postecoglou was booed and heckled by a frustrated away end at the Vitality Stadium, having seen his toothless side condemned to defeat by Dean Huijsen's 17th-minute header. The Australian refused to go into detail about the heated exchange but said he understood the supporters' emotional reaction. "I didn't like what was being said because I'm a human being but you've got to cop it," said Postecoglou, whose team have won only one of their last six games in all competitions. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "I've been around long enough to know that when things don't go well you've got to understand the frustration and the disappointment. Trending "They're rightly disappointed tonight because we've let a game of football get away from us. I'm OK with all that. "They're disappointed and rightly so. They gave me some direct feedback, which I guess is taken onboard. Also See: Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham - Match report and highlights Tottenham fixtures Live Premier League table Get Sky Sports How Postecoglou confronted disgruntled fans... "All I can say is, I'm really disappointed with tonight and I'm determined to get it right and I will keep fighting until we do." Asked what was said by the travelling support, Postecoglou replied: "Probably not for here, mate." Tottenham began brightly in Dorset but created little during the 90 minutes and were fortunate not to lose by a bigger margin. Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie struck a post and the impressive hosts failed to capitalise on a host of other chances to put the result beyond doubt. Spurs dropped below the Cherries, into 10th position, ahead of their London derby at home to high-flying Chelsea, live on Super Sunday , following the latest setback in a patchy season so far. Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea To compound a miserable evening for the injury-hit north London club, defender Ben Davies limped out of his 300th Premier League appearance and faces a spell on the sidelines. "It looks like he's done his hamstring," said Postecoglou. "Him and Radu (Dragusin) have played every game, it's the one sort of position we can't rotate. "He'll obviously be out for a period of time now, we'll just have to wait and see how long it is. "It's kind of the consequence of us having the squad we have at the moment." Tom from Southampton became a millionaire for free with Super 6! Could you be the next jackpot winner? Play for free!None
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