online slots free

New pictures of Feroze Khan and his wife dispel rumours of separationTelecom Power System Market Set to Reach $8 Billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 4.5% | TMRonline slots free 。

Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Spain's monarch pays tribute to the victims of Valencia floods in his Christmas Eve speech MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI has used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods. He also urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. Felipe acknowledged the frustration of many of the flood victims at the government's handling of the disaster in a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year’s most relevant issues. He also addressed immigration and the country’s housing crunch and high rents, which have become leading concerns in the southern European Union country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. The speech was broadcast on Tuesday. Prosecutors find workers in 'slavery like' conditions at Chinese car company site in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — A task force led by Brazilian prosecutors says it has rescued 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office released videos of the dorms where the construction workers were staying, which showed beds with no mattresses and rooms without any place for the workers to store their personal belongings. In a statement issued Monday, the prosecutor’s office said the workers had been hired in China by Jinjian Group, one of the contractors on the site, which is located in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador metropolitan region. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano HONOLULU (AP) — Lava is erupting from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano for the second straight day. The eruption has stayed within Kilauea’s summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and no homes are threatened. Molten rock began spewing out of the volcano before dawn on Monday when fissures opened in the caldera floor and shot lava high into the air. It then oozed across the caldera floor. Scientists expect activity to fluctuate in coming days. The lava paused Monday afternoon but fountains reemerged Tuesday morning. The eruption has occurred in an area that’s been closed to the public since 2007 due to hazards including crater wall instability and rockfalls.‘Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Ephesians 5:20 As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let us slow down and give thanks to Jesus for His sacrifice for us. Yes, we are thankful for our families, our freedom, our country, our home, our full bellies but most important, is our freedom in Christ. Galatians 5:1 ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.’ Slavery to what? The world, and all that draws us away from Christ. Every day so much is going on everywhere. We work, we cook, we chauffeur children to and from school, we attend sporting events and parties. And let’s not forget our devotion to the TV, video games, our phones, and our computers. Yes, we are free to enjoy so much that it often leaves little time to pray, read our Bibles, attend a Bible study or attend church on Sunday. Psalm 136 Most likely composed by David. 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. 4 to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. 5 who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. 6 who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. 7 who made the great lights—His love endures forever. 8 the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. 9 the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. 10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. 11 and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. 12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! 13 to him who divided the Red Sea[ a ] asunder His love endures forever. 14 and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. 15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. 16 to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. 17 to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. 18 and killed mighty kings—His love endures forever. 19 Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever. 20 and Og king of Bashan—His love endures forever. 21 and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. 22 an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever. 23 He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. 24 and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. 25 He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Blessings, Van

Space-Based Solar Power Market worth $6.8 Billion by 2040, at a CAGR of 3.3%NVIDIA Rockets Ahead! The Future of Gaming Changes Forever

An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition

Parkinson’s community ‘felt left out in the cold’ – Rory Cellan-JonesFrom wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn

Anthony Roy, the nation’s second-best scorer at 25.7 points per game, did not play for Green Bay. He was on the sideline with a walking boot on his left foot. Tomashek also contributed eight rebounds for the Huskies, who played the game as an exhibition. Dawson Nordgaard finished 5 of 9 from the floor to add 10 points. Ty Fernholz shot 3 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with nine points. Jeremiah Johnson recorded 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Phoenix (2-11). Marcus Hall added 17 points and Ryan Wade had 11 points and five assists. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Who is Leanna Lenee, Travis Hunter's fiancee and biggest fan of the Colorado Buffaloes star?

Northern Territory Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News. One of the best things about living in the Northern Territory is the quality of its dining experiences. Our strong Asian influences from our near neighbours, the quality of our seafood and beef, and our boundary pushing in native game meats and Aboriginal techniques combine to give the NT a regional identity that cities in the golden triangle of southeast Australia could only dream of. Despite persistent concerns about the impacts of elevated levels of crime and economic headwinds, dozens of small businessmen and women invested to fulfil dreams of feeding the people in 2024. These are the 25 new entrants we were most taken by. SMOKEY J’S BREW & QUE Located at Coolalinga Central, Smokey J’s instantly struck a chord with locals in Darwin’s rural fringe , many of whom knew pitmaster Justin Whitrow from his time slinging low ‘n’ slow Texas-style barbecue at the Beachfront and Darwin River hotels. Smokey J's Brew & Cue Coolalinga Central thumbnail art. Picture: File His menu is a carnivore’s delight: the offering of pit-smoked meats includes Angus brisket, pork belly, pulled pork shoulder, jalapeño cheese links, burnt ends, and chargrilled chicken, while burgers and an extensive snack list (chargrilled corn ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese etc) also feature prominently. Smokey J’s, which is fully licensed, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. BEEF & BAR Darwin Waterfront has been a flurry of activity on the hospitality front this year, but perhaps no change was more unexpected than when owner Jazz Walia shuttered his well-regarded Urban Spice Pantry Restaurant and turned it into up-market steakhouse, Beef & Bar . Jazz Walia, who also owns the Top End’s three Fresh Point Co. cafes. Picture: Che Chorley Mr Walia, who is among the Top End’s first line of hospitality kingpins, courtesy his ownership of the Fresh Point Co. trio of cafes and also Bellamack’s Palates of India, said he made the switch with an eye on Darwin’s overall gastronomic mix, noting we have far fewer steakhouses than Indian restaurants. The ribeye at new Darwin steakhouse Beef & Bar. Picture: Supplied/ Shah Shoots Boasting a tight menu of six cuts of steak and eight mains, allied to an innovative cocktail menu and a seafood-heavy list of entrees, Beef & Bar sings all the greatest hits but also strikes a few new notes as well. DOCK ONE BAR & FOOD An instant hit courtesy its prime position overlooking Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin Waterfront and Fort Hill, Dock One Bar & Food is the newest outpost in the expanding empire of Darren Lynch and his business partners , which includes Wharf One, The Precinct and Bella Bar. Courtesy the nifty cantilevered design, punters are able to sit out over the harbour and quaff cocktails while nibbling at tapas seven days a week. Dock One Bar & Food at Darwin Waterfront. Picture: File Choice cuts from the menu include smoked lamb ribs with Davidson plum sauce, harissa and parmesan arancini, barramundi with mash and mango vinaigrette, and roasted cauliflower with mustard and macadamia. KASAMA CAFE Located within Casuarina Square’s The Quarter precinct, the backstory of Filipino restaurant Kasama Cafe’s owner Tina Patterson is almost as good as her chicken and pork savoury adobo. Beef bulalo at Kasama Cafe. Picture: Facebook Having honed her skills at Mindil Beach Casino Resort and gained qualifications via Charles Darwin University TAFE, Ms Patterson was able to gain the confidence to take the plunge in small business, with her daughter Julia at her side. Kasama Cafe, a new venue that opened up in Casuarina Square. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin According to Ms Patterson, Filipino cuisine is heavy on marinated meats, as traditionally there were no fridges to store the perishable food, and most dishes are built on bases of soy and vinegar. PERK & PALATE Move over Melbourne, because with the addition of Perk & Palate , the second Darwin cafe by Jayson Javier and Cess Vizcarra, after their debut Coffee Man, the NT capital is rising fast in the estimation of out-and-proud coffee snobs. Jayson Javier has opened his second Darwin cafe, Perk and Palate. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin Perk & Palate, located on the ground floor of the TIO Centre, has some of Darwin’s most outstanding baristas manning the portafilters, and expands upon a grab ‘n’ go sandwich and snack menu with a full a la carte brunch menu. Jayson Javier has opened his second Darwin cafe, Perk and Palate. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin Going one step further than a classic smashed avo, Perk & Palate offers such brunch creations as chicken adobo benny, soft shell crab salad, and chilli scramble with slipper lobster. MERAKI GREEK TAVERNA / BARAKI Not quite a debut, more a revival, but the whole of Darwin raised a glass of ouzo when Meraki Greek Taverna returned after a hiatus forced upon it due to structural issues at its former Smith St premises. Popular Darwin Greek restaurant Meraki has reopened in Austin Lane. Meraki, with its city chic coolness and sophisticated fit-out, is a perfect match for Austin Ln, its new home, while the more spacious surrounds also allowed it to open up a meze and cocktail bar, Baraki, next door. Popular Darwin Greek restaurant Meraki has reopened in Austin Lane. The restaurant, which was awarded best international restaurant at the 2022 NT Gold Plate Awards, offers some of the most authentic Greek food you are ever likely to see on this side of the Aegean, with Kalymnian dishes especially prominent. BEER GARDEN OF EDEN Meraki wasn’t the only new addition to Austin Ln, with Babylon Bar and Lola’s Pergola supremo Matt Mulga establishing Beer Garden of Eden in an under-utilised carpark . Beer Garden of Eden comes alive during events such as the Darwin Street Art Festival and Austin Lane Markets. Beer Garden of Eden at intersection of Austin Ln and Spain Pl. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin The bar is memorably capped with a large fibreglass cow, its hide decked out in mirror tiles, the sort of wacky fairground decor aficionados of Mulga’s other venues will be well familiar with. KROME Another expansion of a burgeoning Darwin coffee empire, Krome is perfectly positioned to capture the 9–5 crowd at Casuarina Plaza . It is the second cafe by Reed Alanes, whose debut offering, The 1995 on Cavanagh St, has become one of the city’s busiest cafes since its September 2022 opening. Reed Alanes owner of the 1995 Cafe, is getting ready to launch a new coffee spot called KROME in Casuarina. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin Customers can expect the “same vibe [and the] same good looking people” at Krome as The 1995, but with a new “deli style” grab ‘n’ go range of food, headlined by a range of sandwiches and rolls made with in-house cured meats like pastrami, Mr Alanes previously said. BARRA BANH MI Banh mis have swiftly risen to become one of Australia’s favourite sandwiches and in Darwin the local offering has been further expanded by Barra Banh Mi, located at Casuarina Square. Boasting noodle salads, Vietnamese iced coffee and the famous sandwiches, which typically contain crispy roast pork, lashings of chilli and pate, coriander, carrot, and cucumber stuffed within a freshly baked roll, Barra Banh Mi is a fine addition to Darwin’s stable of Vietnamese eateries. SCROLL TIME BAKERY & CAFE The third Casuarina Square addition to make this list, Scroll Time made the jump north of the Berrimah Line around the same time as Barra Banh Mi. Cherry and Emman Angcon, founders of Scroll Time Bakery & Cafe. Beginning life at Coolalinga Shopping Centre, where its main bakery cafe remains, owners Cherry Angcon and her husband Emman previously said they had been wanting to take their award-winning pies, rolls and scrolls closer to town . Cherry is responsible for the scrolls, while Emman takes the lead on pies and sausage rolls. ROLL’D DARWIN AIRPORT Roll’d has, since its first outlet opened in 2012, gone on to become a homegrown fast food giant, with about 100 outlets nationwide, but until now, its growth had circumvented the Territory. However, their fresh rice paper rolls, noodle salads, banh mis and phos finally made it to the NT with the opening of their first outlet at Darwin Internatinal Airport . The new outlet will is operated by SSP Australia, one of the ‘big four’ which has cornered the airport food and beverage market in Australia. Most travellers would be unaware who SSP is, but Darwin jetsetters owe them a debt of gratitude – they were also the company that brought the ever-popular Red Rooster outlet to the airport. BRAVO PASTA & WINE BAR The brainchild of Italian Australian restaurateur Anthony Falanga, Bravo, which opened on January 3, is yet another new addition to Darwin Waterfront’s burgeoning dining scene. Anthony Falanga. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin Featuring heavily Venetian artwork, vintage posters celebrating the cuisine and culture of the peninsula nation, and tasteful wood panelling, Mr Falanga previously promised an “intimate” environment for diners. “You’re supposed to feel like you’re sitting at your grandparents’ house,” he said. Inside Bravo Pasta & Wine Bar. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin “It’s meant to be intimate and cozy – it’s not fine dining, but it’s a nice atmosphere.” Its menu is a greatest hits set list of Italian favourites – several recipes have come directly from his family – including ravioli milanese, veal scaloppine, osso bucco, and polpette al sugo. CRAZY CHICKS CAFE Replacing the long-term vacancy created by the departure of Oka Malaysian & Chinese Cuisine from Bakewell Shopping Centre, Crazy Chicks Cafe was born of a desire to offer cash-strapped families an affordable option to take the crew out for brunch and not break the bank. Sisters in law, Lisa Mason and Jennifer Burslem, who between them have eight children – you might even be served at the cafe by one of their older offspring – have long collaborated, with previous businesses including event hire, a gift shop and market stalls. Sisters in law and business partners Lisa Mason and Jennifer Burslem at Crazy Chicks cafe, gifts and catering at Bakewell Shopping Centre. Picture: Supplied Crazy Chicks Cafe, which offers catering and event hire, and is chock full of locally made trinkets (the pastry cabinet is also a who’s who of Top End baking talent), combines many of the pair’s previous businesses into a one-stop shop. The $10 meal deal, featuring a gourmet sandwich such as BLT alongside a regular coffee, has proven especially popular. SIMPLY DONUTS Another new addition to Bakewell Shopping Centre, Simply Donuts previously lived life as a pop-up retailer that flitted variously between Gateway Shopping Centre and Casuarina Square, but its first brick and mortar store represented a step change for the family business . Simply Donuts opened on June 7 – National Donut Day. Simply Donuts' new shopfront at Bakewell Shopping Centre. Picture: Supplied Owned by husband and wife duo Isaac and Vanessa Broad, ably supported by their children and a cast of nieces and nephews, Simply Donuts sets itself apart by its gluten-free offering. But, lest punters equate gluten-free with dry and stodgy product that is a pale imitation of the original, Mr Broad previously said his business stood by the moistness and richness of its doughnuts. Grace, Isaac and Vanessa Broad at Simply Donuts Bakewell. Picture: Supplied Their menu is a movable feast, with various flavours being introduced and pulled from shelves in response to customer demand. Recently featured flavours include egg nog, Caramilk and cookies, Nutella swirl, Boston custard, s’more, and lemon cheesecake. Q EATS New bites south of the Top End are few and far between, but Thai restaurant Q Eats flew the flag in Alice Springs, with sibling duo Jojo and Winwin Pethsri calling Todd St home since late August The pair come from good pedigree, with their mother formerly running a Thai restaurant herself. Qeats Alice Springs owners Jojo and Winwin Pethsri out the front of the their new Alice Springs restaurant. Picture: Gera Kazakov The pair’s menu starts off as reasonably western at breakfast, transitions to western-Thai fusion at lunchtime, and by dinner becomes fully Thai. Dinner options include sophisticated dishes such as red duck curry with lychee and pineapple, soft shell crab with tamarind sauce, and whole baby barramundi with ginger and a green apple salad, alongside Thai classics like pad see ew and pad Thai, Masaman curry, and chilli basil stir-fry. FIN & TONIC Local produce is king at chef-owner Kerry Brown’s Fin & Tonic at Cullen Bay, which replaced La Beach after the latter business shut in the wake of liquidations involving the company director. Mr Brown previously said he had a laser-like focus on sourcing only the best wild-caught local seafood , with threadfin salmon, crimson and goldband snapper and, of course, barramundi featuring prominently on his menu. Fin & Tonic, Cullen Bay. Picture: Facebook Fin & Tonic also has a number of local beers on tap, a cocktail menu, a coffee machine, and offers breakfast on weekends. Mr Brown, the owner, first rose to local prominence via his food van Rescue Me Food Services, which is part of the furniture along the Nightcliff foreshore BANJO BAR + TERRACE Katherine’s Contour Hotel upgraded its in-house restaurant by extending the bar and redesigning the restaurant to include an al fresco dining option after receiving a grant under the former Labor government. And the investment has paid dividends: the bar restaurant, now known as Banjo Bar + Terrace, has become ground-zero for hobnobbing in the Big Rivers capital, and it was awarded Best Contemporary Restaurant at the 2024 Gold Plate Awards , run by Hospitality NT. Banjo Bar + Terrace Katherine. Picture: Facebook Featuring a marble-topped bar, tasteful wood finishes, spacious backlit display shelves stocked with premium liquor, and house plants dotted throughout, Banjo is easy on the eyes – and that’s before even considering its menu. A fusion restaurant in every sense of the word, items with Asian, Mediterranean, South American and Australian influences all happily commingle on this menu. MAKAN STOP A sibling venue to Harriet Place’s Kopi Stop, Makan Stop continues owner Jules Mou’s mission to fuse award-winning coffee with Singaporean hawker dishes such as char kway teow, nasi lemak, congee, and roti prata. Makan Stop, located on Smith St, has already become a particular favourite of former chief minister Michael Gunner’s, with the ex-pollie taking to social media on three separate occasions singing the praises of the new eatery. Jules Mou. Picture: Che Chorley It also claimed gold at this year’s Darwin International Laksa Festival , winning the best laksa inspired-by dish in Darwin for its savoury laksa muffin, and placing inside the judges’ top 10 for its Penang assam laksa. Kopi Stop was the people’s choice best laksa in Darwin for the second year running. FLORA’S TEMPER Northern suburbs residents were struck a blow earlier this year when popular cafe Lucky Bat at Nightcliff shut up shop , with the venue playing an exaggerated role in Darwin’s cultural life via its regular hosting of gigs, poetry readings, and other events. However, its replacement, Flora’s Temper, has carried forth the creative flame while reaching new heights in culinary excellence . Boss Nick Peters, who headed north in 2023 after a successful career establishing and operating Mexican restaurants in Melbourne, has used all his hard-earned expertise to craft a menu of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine that pushes boundaries. Flora's Temper venue manager 'Mookie' Hesketh alongside co-owner Nick Peters. Picture: Alex Treacy Their green shakshuka has already become a local favourite, while Flora’s Temper’s Darwin Laksa Festival creation, laksa benedict on prawn toast, earnt rave reviews. O.G. BREW Eaton’s O.G. Brew, which replaced Muzz Buzz, has struck an instant chord with commuters, with tradies and salary earners queuing up outside the drive-through cafe for Jag Sekhon’s expertly made coffees and selection of grab ‘n’ go items, Tommo’s Pies, and sandwiches. Thumbnail art Jag Sekhon O.G. Brew Darwin opening In addition to his personable service, Mr Sekhon also boasts a fantastic backstory – after spending six years as a workers compensation lawyer following his graduation from Charles Darwin University, Mr Sekhon took the plunge on a career in hospitality and has never looked back. SWEETHEARTS Named originally for Sweetheart, the iconic Territory crocodile that throughout the 1970s was our version of Mothman or the Hound of the Baskervilles, Sweethearts and its sibling venue Flick’s, alongside function venue BOH, form the Cinema Collective on Mitchell St. Sweethearts on Mitchell St. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin The redevelopment of the old Cinema Darwin was watched with eagle eyes by Darwinites, protective as we are of the places that shaped childhoods, but the ownership trio of Lachlan Michell, Chloe Moo, and Justin Coleman exceeded expectations. The centrepiece of Sweethearts is undoubtedly its grand piano, which sits in the centre of a bar that hums and throbs with the knock-off crowd, while the fit-out also includes quality exposed brick and seated booths perfect for socialising. FLICK’S This masthead ummed and aahed over whether to include Sweethearts and Flick’s in the same entry a le Meraki/Baraki, but ultimately decided the venues had been designed with such different audiences in mind that they ought to exist separately. Flick’s on Mitchell St. Picture: File Whereas Sweethearts is tidy and utilitarian, favoured by the beer crowd and with a menu that steers more towards hearty individuals feeds, Flick’s is more Burleigh Heads or Byron Bay than Darwin. Flick's has a menu designed to be shared over a bottle of ice cold prosecco or a couple of cocktails. Picture: Facebook/Flick's Darwin With a bright fit-out, high roof and a menu that places greater weight on cocktails and share plates than its sibling venue next door, Flick’s has created a personality all of its own. TERRITORY TRUE CAFE It feeds and caffeinates an underserviced suburb, Durack, and boasts the sort of classic Australian menu that appeals to tradies, office workers and brunching mums alike, but those are not the only virtues of Territory True Cafe . The eatery, located opposite the Palmerston Golf & Country Club, is a supported employment venue, affording economic opportunities to people living with a disability who are clients of the McMaster family’s disability support service, Territory True. Territory True participant Bailey Briggs, who cooked the inaugural basket of fries, with Territory True Cafe manager Tom McMaster. Picture: Facebook The McMasters claimed a number of awards in 2024 for their thoughtful business. Patriarch Aaron McMaster won the workplace leader category in the inaugural NT News Leader of the Year awards , while cafe manager Tom McMaster, Aaron’s son, won the Somerville Promoting Disability Rights and Inclusion Award at the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards. Customers of Territory True Cafe have reported their pleasure in the large serving sizes, affordable prices, and friendliness to both children and dogs alike, with plenty of room to play. FOOD MAFIA Food trucks along the Nightcliff foreshore are as Darwin as a Sunday morning laksa, but few traders have established such a loyal fanbase so soon after their debut as Food Mafia. The brainchild of Courtney Hill and Alex Howard, Food Mafia introduced itself to Darwinites in August, drumming up support via giveaways and competitions that soon led to sold-out nights in the kitchen. Banana prawns, mac 'n' cheese and trio of dipping sauces at Food Mafia. Picture: Facebook “For the team, sellout nights often mean late-night cooking sessions that stretch into the early hours – 2am has become a cherished time for creating some of their fondest memories together,” says Ms Hill. “It’s during these moments that the camaraderie and passion for food truly shines.” DIY baked potato kit at Food Mafia. Picture: Facebook The undoubted star of Food Mafia is its birria tacos (stewed Mexican meat on a soft taco that’s then fried), but the often changing menu has seen its share of other runaway success stories, including the DIY baked potato kits and southern-style seafood boils. “Some sceptics questioned our decision to trade during the build-up, but the moves made by the Mafia are always strategic and well thought out,” Ms Hill says tongue-in-cheek. THE LOOSE GOOSE The Top End’s prominent Venturin family, who own the Darwin Transit Centre on Mitchell St , home to prominent watering hole Shenannigans, put a touch of themselves into the commercial premises with their introduction of The Loose Goose cafe and wine bar. New cafe and wine bar The Loose Goose. Picture: File Open from 7am to late, six days a week, The Loose Goose is another that seeks to distil the essence of the Territory into their menu, with offerings including red curry barramundi, crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls, and barbecue-spiced kangaroo. New cafe and wine bar The Loose Goose. Picture: File Local PR maestro Kate Dinning previously wrote in this masthead’s pages the hero of the venue (where Ruby G’s Canteen was formerly located, before moving to bigger digs at Coconut Grove) was undoubtedly the laser-cut screens with pandanus motifs which help turn the al fresco dining area into an oasis of calm. More Coverage NT documentary probes Cyclone Tracy aftermath and recovery Camden Smith ‘Pivotal moment’: Singaporeans to test laser tech in the Territory Harry Brill Originally published as Darwin and the Northern Territory’s 25 best new cafes, bars and restaurants of 2024 Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Northern Territory What’s on: Where to party this New Year’s Eve around Darwin After a week of snacking on leftover ham, and perhaps some Christmas pud, the time comes again to celebrate, and wish in the new year with a bit of fun. Read more Northern Territory Territory’s top cop flags potential regulation amid alarming trend The Territory’s Police Commissioner says he wants to treat one everyday product like ‘Rexonas and glues’ after learning what some people were doing with it in the Red Centre. Find out what. Read moreTrump's nominee for attorney general a longtime allyALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Jojo Uga's 2-yard touchdown run capped a 24-point fourth quarter and Albany beat Hampton 41-34 on Saturday in a season finale. Jack Iuliano recovered a fumble by Malcom May at the Hampton 24, and though it took 10 plays, Uga went in for the touchdown and the game's final lead. Malcolm Mays scored on a 25-yard run for Hampton (5-7, 2-6 Coastal Athletic Association) but the PAT was blocked and Kevon Angry ran it back for Albany (4-8, 2-6), leaving Hampton with a 34-27 lead with 10 minutes remaining. Alex Jreige's 53-yard run then tied the game. Hampton led 28-0 before Van Weber threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Carter Moses with a couple minutes left in the first half. Albany added 10 points in the third quarter, including Jackson Parker's 38-yard touchdown catch. Nick Totten's pick-6 early in the fourth quarter got the Great Danes within 28-25. Weber threw for 184 yards with two scores and an interception. Jreige rushed for 110 yards. Robinson rushed for 80 yards and 21 carries and scored four times for Hampton, all in the first half. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

Many columnists have considered writing about transgender bathrooms and wisely decided, “Nah.” Some topics aren’t worth the crazy. But this week, I was feeling a little zany and thought, “Oh, why not?” Republicans’ recent obsession with the who and where of restroom business took me back to my first and, as far as I know, only transgender bathroom break about 20 years ago. I was in the ladies’ room (still my preferred term) of a downtown Washington office building. She and I were both washing our hands at sinks a safe distance apart. Otherwise alone in the spacious room, we glanced toward each other, smiled, rinsed our hands, hit the hand dryer for a deafening several seconds, and left the room. Alive! How did I know she was a trans woman (male-to-female, for those just tuning in)? I didn’t, at first. I did notice that she was well over 6 feet tall, which is rare in a ladies’ room. She also had broad shoulders for a girl. And she wore a little more makeup than is common in newsrooms. Like me, she was partial to pearls. Only later did someone in the office inform me that “she” was a former “he” and was a well-known trans person who had written openly about her transition. I also learned she had served in the military before transitioning and was an admired asset for her knowledgeable coverage of military matters for Knight Ridder newspapers. I was prompted to write this column in part because of an online photo I came across that was said to show several trans men (female-to-male) who would have to use the women’s restroom in a world designed by South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace. (The photo seems to have been taken down.) The once-sensible Republican, initially taking a stand against just one trans woman who will join the House of Representatives in January, Democrat Sarah McBride of Delaware, struck her own best Washington-crossing-the-Delaware pose and vowed to protect women in federal public restrooms. Of course, all members of Congress have their own private restrooms, but Mace was looking out for the powerless, voiceless women who traverse the marble halls of the Capitol and must on occasion, at least theoretically, relieve themselves in the company of a transgender person. Not on Mace’s watch. The hysteria over transgender restroom usage stems from the fear that a man claiming female identity could throw on a dress and go to a women’s restroom and assault little girls. This fear is usually dusted off around elections or when a legislative body is considering antidiscrimination laws that would protect members of the LGBTQ community. But contrary to myth, PolitiFact (in 2016) found no correlation between increases in public restroom crimes and liberal laws related to transgender restroom use. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not sanguine about restroom protocols. I dislike unisex bathrooms for the exceedingly sane reason that I wear cute shoes. Standing in a puddle of urine in footwear intended for polite spaces can only be viewed as irrational. When I ask menfolk to remove their shoes before entering my house, I’m not worried about vegetative detritus. But I assume that trans women who have gone though the rather grueling process of transitioning must also prefer to sit. Would that all men would. So looking at the online photo of grinning guys I saw, all I could think was: Don’t you dare come into my bathroom. They’re men, you ninnies. Let them go to the men’s room. Ask yourself: What woman on the planet would prefer to use a men’s bathroom? Exceptions to the obvious answer reflect urgent need, not a hankering for urinals and puddled floors. If you want to see a herd of women run shrieking from the ladies’ loo, it will be because one of those guys in the photograph was forced to go where he isn’t welcome. And just think of the reverse. Born-male women now must go to the men’s room? What could go wrong? We just had an election, and nothing gets the Republican base frothing like The Transgender Issue. Few people in strictly heterosexual circles raise an eyebrow when someone such as Mace targets the tiny minority of people who are surely living some of the hardest lives imaginable. I liked her better when she was protecting monkeys. If we really must “go there,” why not change restrooms from male/female to stand/sit? That ought to shake things out. Or, cutting the comedy, why not try to help people understand that transgender people are not interested in raping and pillaging, but would like to use the bathroom like anybody else? People who erase their maleness usually don’t behave like men, which is a good thing, right? And females who become males, well, all I can say is, “Honey, be brave.” Parker writes for The Washington Post. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Learn More About Washing Windows With Shine Time LLC