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DIRTT Welcomes Holly Hess Groos to the Board of DirectorsPep Guardiola sure 75 per cent of Premier League clubs want Man City relegatedKings test 3-game winning streak against nemesis Dallas

The Detroit Lions have equaled the franchise record for most consecutive victories and stand alone atop the NFC standings. They still have plenty of obstacles to clear to remain at that perch. Even the NFC North remains up for grabs and they'll try to create a little more separation when they host the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The Lions (11-1), who have won 10 straight, haven't been able to shake free from Minnesota (10-2) or Green Bay (9-3). Detroit will host Minnesota, which has won five straight, in the regular-season finale next month. The Packers have remained in contention by winning seven of their last eight, with the only loss coming at the hands of the Lions. Detroit opened up a 21-point lead early in the third quarter and held on for a 24-14 victory. Lions coach Dan Campbell says the fun really begins now. "The best part of all of this -- we're in playoff football right now, that's where we're at," he said. "We're in December, and our schedule says that. Man, we play tough opponent after tough opponent -- we've got plenty coming up. So, man, this is the type of stuff that you live for and it's also the type of stuff that gets you ready for the tournament. "So, yeah, we're a resilient bunch and nothing's going to change that. We've just got to worry about the one in front of us." Detroit is coming off a 23-20 win over Chicago on Thanksgiving Day in which it nearly blew a 16-point lead. The Bears' poor clock management cost them an opportunity to send the game into overtime and led to coach Matt Eberflus' firing. The Lions have been hit with a wave of injuries, particularly on the defensive side. They signed four players over the past week to fortify their depth. "I know the elephant in the room is all the injuries that have happened with us on the defensive side," defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. "Our personnel staff does a really good job of acquiring players that fit exactly who we are. I would say this, it's not the playbook that's the most important thing for these guys to come in and learn. It's the style of play that we have and that's easy to learn." Jared Goff has thrown for six touchdowns and zero interceptions in the past three games after tossing five picks against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10. The Packers also played on Thanksgiving, defeating Miami 30-17. Green Bay opened up a 24-3 halftime lead as Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes to Jayden Reed. Now the Packers face a Detroit team that has defeated them in five of the last six meetings. "With most good teams, they play the game the right way," Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said. "Certainly, Detroit's been doing that for a couple years now. That's who they are and that's who we are as well. It should be a great game on Thursday night." The Packers might have to win via a shootout, considering the Lions are averaging a league-best 31.9 points per game (Green Bay ranks eighth at 26.5). Stopping the running game will be key, according to LaFleur. "They're two very dynamic backs. (David) Montgomery, he's going to beat you up physically and the other guy (Jahmyr Gibbs), you've got to try to corral because he can take it the distance," he said. "Jared (Goff) is playing at an MVP level, so they've got a really potent offense." Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and three defensive linemen -- DJ Reader (shoulder), Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwezurike (hamstring) -- didn't practice on Tuesday. Offensive guard Elgton Jenkins (knee), Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) and cornerback Corey Ballentine (knee) missed the Packers' practice. --Field Level MediaI own more than 100 homes in Australia. If you're a renter, this is why it's time to say THANK YOU to your landlord

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to unveil a significant $600 million investment in Angola's Lobito rail corridor during his forthcoming visit, according to inside sources. The fund will support various projects in solar energy, critical minerals, and telecommunications along the corridor. This announcement marks a historic moment as President Biden becomes the first U.S. president to visit Angola, as well as making his inaugural trip to Sub-Saharan Africa in his presidential capacity. The financial infusion underlines the U.S. commitment to bolster infrastructure and technological advancement in the region, aiming to enhance economic growth and connectivity. (With inputs from agencies.)

The United States Space Force (USSF) was established just a short, five years ago on December 20th, 2019. Since that day, the youngest branch of the US armed forces has been steadily growing and developing as a fully independent arm of the American military. As a split off from the US Air Force, the Space Force has almost 10,000 men and women in uniform today. Known as Guardians, they steadfastly defend America’s interests in the domain of space and expand the limits of what is possible to safeguard national defense through space power. 6 Creation of the Space Force Where it all started When the US Space Force was created, it marked a transformative shift in the United States’ approach to space as a distinct domain of warfare. The establishment of the USSF aimed to unify and streamline space operations through a dedicated organization. From its inception, the Space Force was tasked with creating a unified command to manage and protect space assets while ensuring readiness to respond to emerging threats. Transforming departments of the US Air Force laid the foundation for the Space Force’s organizational structure. Building off an established pool of skills and resources enabled them to operate autonomously and integrate with existing military branches easily from the outset. The creation of the Space Force recognized space as a strategic frontier with unique operational and strategic specialization, focusing on resources and personnel to address the unique challenges it presents. 5 First Space Operations Squadron activation Taking action to secure the final frontier The First Space Operations Squadron is a component of Delta 9, headquartered at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The squadron was first activated October 5th, 1987, and officially integrated on June 19, 2020. In comments to Defense.gov , Gen B. Chance Saltzman reflected on half a decade of accomplishments: "On average, we have tripled in size every year for the last five years in personnel, an astounding growth rate for any government organization. We have reimagined operations, redefined policies [and] reworked processes from the ground up to forge a service purpose-built for great power competition. All of this in just five years." Space Force squadrons manage vital national defense assets like communication satellites, navigation satellites, and space reconnaissance platforms. Their role is imperative to many layers of American defense and infrastructure. 4 Launching the GPS III satellites Renewed power for a legacy of excellence The USSF took over responsibility for the Global Positioning System (GPS) when they separated from the USAF and continued the program to launch the GPS 3 modernization project with Lockheed Martin . Just a few days ago, on December 16th , the Space Force and Lockheed Martin successfully launched the seventh satellite in the new GPS 3 network. With the first launches in 2020, the third-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) is more robust, accurate, and resilient than the satellites that came before them. Integrating state-of-the-art technologies into the legacy GPS system has enabled the Space Force to achieve new levels of operational readiness for the Department of Defense (DOD): “GPS III vehicles provide three times greater accuracy and eight times greater anti-jamming capability over existing satellites in the constellation. To better address mission needs and emerging threats, Lockheed Martin intentionally created GPS III with a modular design, allowing new technology and capabilities to be added in the future.” The constellation of GPS satellites that circle the globe provides an essential navigation service for more than just the military. Commercial aircraft, ships, smartphones, and countless other devices rely on GPS to get from point “A” to point “B.” GPS is a household name because billions of people use it every day. Thanks to the Guardians of the US Space Force, we can count on it to always be there when we need it. 3 Space Domain Awarenesss Building the complete picture The Space Force has made it a primary mission to integrate a comprehensive network of observation, surveillance, and tracking systems into a complete network under the banner of Space Domain Awareness . This program covers an umbrella of over 60 ground and space-based systems. Some of the functions of this network include tracking debris and satellites in orbit and identifying hostile actions such as anti-satellite weapon tests and cyber intrusions targeting space systems. The newly centralized command of all these systems provides a consolidated and streamlined organization capable of providing real-time data about the orbital environment. This network can also accumulate historical data for analysis, enhancing its ability to anticipate and respond to threats. 2 Integration of Space Force with joint operations One team, one fight As a new service branch, forging a position in the combined strategy of the armed forces is not a simple task. Seamless integration with other military branches is essential for the Space Force to execute coordinated defense strategies effectively. Embedding space operations within joint missions ensures that space capabilities are leveraged across all domains of warfare. Integration entails collaboration on joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and the development of interoperable tactics and technologies. The Space Force ensures its assets are fully utilized to support ground, air, maritime, and cyber operations. This holistic approach not only maximizes the utility of space-based resources but also reinforces the strategic importance of space in achieving military objectives. The US Space Force protects its spacecraft from adversaries. 1 Key milestones Creation of the Space Force (December 20, 2019) First Space Operations Squadron Activation (June 18, 2020) Launch of the GPS III Satellites (2020-2024) Space Domain Awareness Initiatives (2019-2024) Integration of Space Force with Joint Operations (2019-2024) A quick review of the US Space Force's Boeing-built X-37B spacecraftImbalanced trades, capacity constraints at sea and in port, and lack of labor have put Europe’s best-performing finished vehicle handling ports and shipping companies to the test, as has a new wave of vehicle imports from China and its OEMs. To align with the evolving market trends and capitalize on the growing importance of Chinese OEMs, Sallaum Lines has already taken significant measures to tackle the issue of uneven volumes and strained transport capacity. Over the coming years, the company has ordered six additional Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels, each built to the highest industry standards. The order was placed with the reputable Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Co Ltd. (2 x 7.500 RT SDARI design) and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co. Ltd. (4 x 7.400 RT Deltamarin design). Each vessel has a capacity ranging from 7,400 to 7,500 Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) design. This expansion will strengthen the infrastructure to accommodate fluctuating volumes efficiently and flexibly. These PCTC vessels incorporate forward-thinking and eco-friendly design elements that drastically reduce the environmental impact. By utilizing dualfuel LNG technology, the new buildings guarantee a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 25%, if not more, with additional retrofits further contributing to the company’s global commitment to combat climate change. To further strengthen its ties with Chinese OEMs and facilitate smoother operations, Sallaum Lines has established an office in China. This local presence enables the company to foster strong partnerships and expand its business operations within the Chinese market. By being on the ground in China, Sallaum Lines can offer more personalized and responsive services, closely collaborate with Chinese OEMs, and better understand their unique needs and challenges. The establishment of the office also facilitates more efficient communication and coordination with Chinese partners, ensuring that Sallaum Lines can quickly adapt to market demands and provide tailored logistics solutions. In parallel, Sallaum Terminal, the central hub of Sallaum Lines’ shipping activities in Europe, has outlined a substantial investment initiative to sustainably enhance and expand its operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, specifically at Haven 332. Sallaum Lines opens doors to Chinese OEMs A key component of this plan is the construction of a multi-story Parkhouse covering 47,000 sqm. With the completion of phase one of its multi-story Parkhouse project, the terminal’s capacity is set to expand to 15,000 units, making a significant enhancement in operational space. Upon the conclusion of phase two of the project, the terminal’s capacity will undergo further augmentation, reaching a total of 17,000 units, thereby significantly amplifying its capability to handle vehicle shipments efficiently and effectively. Given the current space constraints faced by many European terminals, Sallaum Terminal’s expanded capacity is considered a timely and strategic move. Sallaum Terminal offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet diverse logistics needs. These services include Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), breakbulk and project cargo handling, and the management of heavy lifts. The terminal is equipped to handle truck and rail operations, providing seamless integration with various transportation modes. Additionally, the terminal offers extensive storage and warehousing solutions, ensuring that vehicles and cargo are securely stored until they are ready for distribution. As Sallaum Lines undergoes significant investment and expansion, the company is wellpositioned to receive increased cargo volumes from Chinese OEMs. These strategic initiatives address current capacity challenges, pave the way for strengthened partnerships, and open new market opportunities. With enhanced infrastructure, an eco-friendly fleet, and comprehensive terminal service offerings, Sallaum Lines is prompt to support the evolving needs of the automotive logistics industry and facilitate efficient vehicle imports from China. Source: Sallaum LinesGeek Bar’S Double Victory At Vaping360’S 2024 Annual Awards

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Zac Alley is being reunited with Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia. Rodriguez, who was hired for his second stint as West Virginia's coach on Dec. 12, announced Sunday that he hired the 31-year-old Alley as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. “Zac is one of the top young defensive coordinators in the country and has proven his ability to lead and be an innovator at different stops during his career,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “I have worked with him several seasons, and he constantly impresses me with his ability to blend schemes with his personnel and develop winning results.” Under Rodriguez, Alley spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Jacksonville State. Alley was the youngest defensive coordinator in the Bowl Subdivision at Louisiana-Monroe in 2021 when Rodriguez was the Warhawks’ offensive coordinator. In Alley’s lone season at Oklahoma, the Sooners ranked fifth in the Southeastern Conference in total defense, allowing 318 yards per game. “I have tremendous respect for Coach Rod, as I’ve seen how he develops players and builds a program,” Alley said. “I look forward to working with the players and doing my part to help WVU be one of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference and the nation.” Alley worked under Oklahoma coach Brent Venables as a graduate assistant at Clemson from 2015 to 2018 when Venables was defensive coordinator and linebackers coach there. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballYoung regional Australians trailing city peers in digital skills

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ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (the “Fund”), a closed-end fund traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FINS, today declared a distribution of $0.109 per share for the month of December 2024. The record date for the distribution is December 17, 2024, and the payable date is December 31, 2024. The Fund will trade ex-distribution on December 17, 2024. The Fund seeks to pay a distribution at a rate that reflects net investment income actually earned. A portion of each distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net investment income, including but not limited to short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, or return of capital. As required by Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice will be distributed to shareholders in the event that a portion of a monthly distribution is derived from sources other than undistributed net investment income. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of these distributions will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its fiscal year and will be made after the Fund’s year end. The Fund will send to investors a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will define how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Angel Oak does not provide tax advice; shareholders should consult their tax advisor. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect a fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” ABOUT FINS Led by Angel Oak’s experienced financial services team, FINS invests predominantly in U.S. financial sector debt as well as selective opportunities across financial sector preferred and common equity. Under normal circumstances, at least 50% of FINS’ portfolio is publicly rated investment grade or, if unrated, judged to be of investment grade quality by Angel Oak. ABOUT ANGEL OAK CAPITAL ADVISORS, LLC Angel Oak Capital Advisors is an investment management firm focused on providing compelling fixed-income investment solutions to its clients. Backed by a value-driven approach, Angel Oak Capital Advisors seeks to deliver attractive, risk-adjusted returns through a combination of stable current income and price appreciation. Its experienced investment team seeks the best opportunities in fixed income, with a specialization in mortgage-backed securities and other areas of structured credit. Information regarding the Fund and Angel Oak Capital Advisors can be found at www.angeloakcapital.com . Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. Investors should consider the investment objective and policies, risk considerations, charges and ongoing expenses of an investment carefully before investing. For more information please contact your investment representative or Destra Capital Advisors LLC at 877.855.3434. © 2024 Angel Oak Capital Advisors, which is the investment adviser to the Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203558524/en/ CONTACT: Media: Trevor Davis, Gregory FCA for Angel Oak Capital Advisors 443-248-0359 trevor@gregoryfca.comCompany : Randy Chrisman, Chief Marketing & Corporate IR Officer, Angel Oak Capital Advisors 404-953-4969 randy.chrisman@angeloakcapital.com KEYWORD: GEORGIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203558524/en

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Jake Evans scored for the career-high fifth consecutive game and the surging Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 on Sunday night. Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook also scored to help the Canadiens win for the fifth time in six games. Sam Montembeault made 21 saves. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

Adam Pemble, AP journalist whose compassionate lens brought stories to life, dies at 52NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng. But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in unlikely Olympic heroes, we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. “Brat summer” became a thing, as did “demure, mindful.” And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. People are also reading... There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, a thing of the past — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. Chris Pizzello, Associated Press January It starts as a cheery tweet from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ELMO is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called “BARBENHEIMER,” which makes its awards season debut at the GOLDEN GLOBES. But perhaps the most poignant moment comes from neither film: LILY GLADSTONE, first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. John Locher, Associated Press February Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” REESA TEESA’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak SWIFT cultural dominance, try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a passionate smooch with boyfriend TRAVIS KELCE on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Chris Pizzello, Associated Press March “What was I made for?” BILLIE EILISH sings at the OSCARS, channeling BARBIE. And what was KEN made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear RYAN GOSLING was made to play him. His singalong version of “I’m Just Ken” is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's “OPPENHEIMER” prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? CYNTHIA ERIVO and ARIANA GRANDE sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, “WICKED.” Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre “DUNE” popcorn bucket. Beyonce Chris Pizzello, Associated Press And BEYONCÉ carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Scott A Garfitt, Invision April Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by “CHALLENGERS,” the sweaty romance triangle starring ZENDAYA, MIKE FAIST and JOSH O'CONNOR (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, SWIFT drops “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT," then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing “BABY REINDEER,” the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Jordan Strauss, Invision May It’s MET GALA time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for “WICKED.” ERIVO and GRANDE make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: JENNIFER LOPEZ cancels her summer tour amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to BEN AFFLECK. It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called “THIS IS ME ... NOW" — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. June Welcome to BRAT SUMMER! CHARLI XCX releases her hit “Brat” album, with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” its word of the year, as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy SWIFT shows in London, we see PRINCE WILLIAM shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: KELCE dons a top hat and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, METS infielder JOSE IGLESIAS delights the crowd with his cheery number “OMG.” Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Charlie Riedel, Associated Press July Bonjour, it’s OLYMPICS time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by a fabulous CELINE DION, perched on the EIFFEL TOWER, singing her heart out — in the rain, too. Controversy swirls over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar LEON MARCHAND, rugby player ILONA MAHER, and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK, who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Sakchai Lalit, Associated Press Also capturing hearts: yep, MOO DENG, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Frank Franklin, Associated Press August This is them ... now: BENNIFER is no more. After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: OASIS announces a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker JOOLS LEBRON's “DEMURE, MINDFUL” act — even the WHITE HOUSE press team. Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet Australia’s RAYGUN, arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press Cute animal alert: SHOHEI OHTANI’s perky pooch DECOY does a great “first pitch” in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. Charles Sykes, Invision September One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, CHAPPELL ROAN, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, “Bachelorette” JENN TRAN, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, ANNA SOROKIN, dancing with an ankle monitor. Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when X is temporarily suspended in Brazil and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. Stefan Jeremiah, Associated Press October “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when Chalamet himself shows up. He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, ZAYN MALIK and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion JACK SCHLOSSBERG, who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Seth Wenig, Associated Press Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with USHER? Why it’s ELLIE THE ELEPHANT, the now-viral NEW YORK LIBERTY mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press November MAYA RUDOLPH does a pretty good KAMALA HARRIS laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? HARRIS herself. The Democratic candidate makes a surprise cameo three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of HILLARY CLINTON, SARAH PALIN and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that “VANDERPUMP RULES,” the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake LISA VANDERPUMP. As for MOO DENG, she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating plenty of merch. And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Fernando Llano, Associated Press December “WICKED”! Director JON M. CHU’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers also come for “GLADIATOR II” and, in a veritable tidal wave, Disney's “MOANA 2,” which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. 2024 Year in Review What were the most popular Wikipedia pages of 2024? PHOTOS: The top sports images from 2024 PHOTOS: The top images of 2024 PHOTOS: The top images from the US in 2024 PHOTOS: The top images from the 2024 elections PHOTOS: The top entertainment images from 2024 How to sum up 2024? The Oxford University Press word of the year is 'brain rot' From Kamala to Chappell, here are some of the most mispronounced words of 2024 'Polarization' is Merriam-Webster's 2024 word of the year Stay up-to-date on what's happeningWASHINGTON — The Pentagon announced Monday the latest arms package for Ukraine drawn from U.S. inventories, this one totaling $725 million and including the second shipment of anti-personnel mines that President Joe Biden has authorized. The 71st Presidential Drawdown Authority package is the largest since April, when the administration issued one valued at $1 billion. In addition to the battery-powered “non-persistent” anti-personnel mines, which can be set to deactivate after a certain period of time, the newest package includes air defense missiles and Javelin, TOW and AT-4 anti-armor weapons, counter-drone munitions, 155mm artillery shells and “equipment to protect critical national infrastructure,” according to the Defense Department. Pentagon officials said last month that the Defense Department had the authority to issue about $6.8 billion from Pentagon inventories, but they have increasingly acknowledged doubt about withdrawing that much from inventories before Biden leaves office in January because of the risk of undermining U.S. readiness. Asked how the U.S. could issue $6.8 billion in equipment by Jan. 20, Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters earlier Monday that “we understand the urgent situation in Ukraine and the president’s direction and will continue to do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine is getting the aid that it needs.” In a statement, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that “between now and mid-January, we will deliver hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets, and other critical capabilities to help Ukraine defend its freedom and independence.” The Biden administration is pressing ahead amid uncertainty about how President-elect Donald Trump will handle U.S. support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia’s invasion. Trump campaigned on a promise to end the war quickly once he takes office. Retired General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s pick for special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has raised the possibility of cutting off military aid to Kyiv. But he also told Fox News that Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to fire US-made ATACMS missiles inside Russia has “actually given President Trump more leverage.” Separately, the White House last week asked Congress to provide an additional $24 billion in security assistance for Ukraine as U.S. weapons stocks are dwindling. The White House is seeking to designate that money as “emergency spending.” The administration requested $8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which finances long-term weapons contracts with U.S. defense contractors. The remaining $16 billion would be used to replenish U.S. weapons stocks. But the package depends on approval by Congress, which is considered a long shot.

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By Lauren Beavis An adorable little donkey named Wonder has received a new prosthetic leg to help her stand and walk - just in time for Christmas. Wonder was born with two deformed hooves leaving her unable to stand or walk. But since being fitted with a specialist prosthesis, the young mule is now able to walk "better than ever before". At a young age, she was admitted to Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire in the Netherlands - a center for neglected, abused, confiscated, sick or old donkeys . When veterinarians at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University heard about Wonder's condition, they got in touch with Wesley Michiels from Pet Orthopedics - a company that makes prostheses and braces for animals. Wesley Michiels, head of Pet Orthopedics , said: "The vets contacted us and explained that they wanted to amputate the leg - asking us how they could best go about it to ensure that the donkey would be able to walk again with a view to a prosthesis. "We were on site for about three weeks to carry out the measurements on Wonder." As the vets amputated her little hooves - the orthopedics were able to fit a prosthetic leg that grows as Wonder does. Wesley said: "The cooperation results in a perfect amputation stump so that the prosthetic device also fits perfectly. "Wonder is still a little donkey who still has to grow in the future, so the prosthesis is adaptive so we can adjust it when she grows. "In the beginning, she has to learn how to use the leg more - but with the prosthetic device she is now already walking better than before." Wesley says he has worked with donkeys before - but a full prosthesis for the species was a new task for him. He added the new technology has helped many species - from alpacas to dogs and now donkeys . Wesley said: "In the past, the legs of animals were completely amputated up to the shoulder or up to the hip for a problem with toes for example - then sometimes you couldn't do anything with one leg. "But now many vets first call us to ask for advice about the amputation, so that we can put a prosthesis afterwards."SINGAPORE: The site of the former Henderson Primary School in Singapore will soon be transformed into an intergenerational co-living space with shared facilities and 107 rooms for both young and old. It will be the first state property to take on such a concept, and operators told CNA in November that they hope to have the place up and running “within the next three to four months”. Earlier in the same month, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) announced it had awarded the tender for 98 Henderson Road to dormitory provider TS Group and co-living operator The Assembly Place. The 77,551 sq ft site was first put up for tender in June to encourage “intergenerational co-living concepts”. TS Group and The Assembly Place jointly submitted the highest out of six bids. The two companies said they see intergenerational co-living as a viable alternative to existing eldercare residential options for a rapidly greying population in Singapore. Current choices include " retirement kampungs ", community care apartments and private sector offerings such as assisted living facilities. The intergenerational co-living concept is already available in other countries such as Japan and the Netherlands, said TS Group’s chief operating officer Tome Oh, noting that these inclusive spaces can provide seniors with “meaningful social engagement” to help improve their overall well-being. “Seniors also have many experiences they can share with the younger people,” Mr Oh added. “So, it’s like a jigsaw puzzle that you can nicely put together.” Co-living in Singapore may attract more of a younger crowd for now but TS Group and The Assembly Place believe their upcoming space at Henderson Road can also appeal to seniors who lead active lifestyles and want easy access to organised activities. Other potential residents include seniors who currently live alone and wish to find new friends and be part of a community, or those looking for temporary accommodation that offers some form of care in a non-hospital setting, said Mr Oh. To meet the needs of the intergenerational residents, the companies said they have been “mindful” in planning for “functional” facilities and services. For example, rooms for the seniors will be located on the ground floor - as the site has no lifts. These will come with their own bathrooms and safety features such as grab bars and fall detection sensors. Full-time nurse aides will be stationed on site, and regular doctor consultations will be available through a partnership with Crawfurd Hospital, a private facility already working with TS Group to offer assisted living care services and accommodation, said Mr Oh. Other facilities include shared kitchens and lounges, a community garden, a multi-purpose hall for events and a gym with smart equipment to help senior residents track their fitness progress. An existing basketball court may also be converted into a venue for low-impact sports such as pickleball, which has been gaining popularity here among both young and old , said Mr Eugene Lim, director of The Assembly Place. Like all co-living spaces, the site will have dedicated community managers who organise events to help build a sense of community among residents, said Mr Lim, whose firm operates 135 co-living spaces in Singapore. “We are not a nursing home,” he added. “We want to promote active ageing and also come up with unique programming that allows both the young and old to come together.” Taking reference from similar multi-generational co-living models overseas, the upcoming space is also mulling a “benefits programme” where younger residents can receive discount vouchers - to apply to rent or other services - if they contribute back to the community. For instance in Taiwan, a co-living space called Yang-Ming Senior Apartments rents out rooms to both seniors and university students. Students pay lower rent to encourage them to organise activities and interact with their older neighbours. MORE TO COME? The 98 Henderson Road plot will be offered for lease for an initial term of four years, with an additional tenancy term of three years. Experts previously described this as a “ fairly short” lease that may make it challenging for businesses to recover their investments. The bid from TS Group and The Assembly Place was S$102,888 (US$76,373) a month, nearly S$21,000 more than the second-highest offer. Asked if their bid amount would mean a higher price point for the co-living space, Mr Oh said: “If you charge too high, nobody will come, so that will have to be balanced with market demand and expectations.” The aggressive bid also stemmed from confidence in the potential of the intergenerational co-living concept. “We are going in with our eyes open,” said Mr Lim, describing the tender as “a pilot project with a lot of unknowns”. “It is not high margins that we are looking at. Instead, we are investing in the future because we know this is going to be a necessity in the market in the long run.” In the past two years, SLA has launched a total of seven state property tenders for co-living use, and attracted more than 70 bids. “With the ongoing demand for varied co-living spaces, suitable state properties have been repurposed to meet the real estate accommodation needs of various demographic groups, including seniors, as Singapore’s population matures,” the authority said in a Facebook post on Nov 18. Looking ahead, it will explore the "adaptive reuse" of more asset classes within its state property portfolio for “differentiated co-living environments”. And one potential site being explored, said SLA, is a cluster of heritage bungalows in the Admiralty area north of Singapore.