In their 49-year history, the Seahawks have been held to seven points or fewer 75 times, according to Pro Football Reference. Only once have they won — Thursday night in Chicago against the Bears, 6-3. One other time they tied, the infamous 6-6 overtime game at Arizona in 2016, which is the only tie in Seahawks history. Only 54 times has Seattle been held without a touchdown in 775 all-time games. Only three times have they won — Thursday night, and 9-6 wins at Cleveland in 2001 and at Detroit in 2006. Had the Seahawks lost in Chicago, it would have been one of the uglier defeats in recent team history, given that the Bears had lost nine in a row coming in and had lost their previous three games by a combined 60 points to the Lions, 49ers and Vikings. That it took all the Seahawks had to hold off the Bears, not securing the win until there were 11 seconds left, had many tabbing it as the proverbial ugly win. But to coach Mike Macdonald, what the effort said about his team was a sight to behold. The Seahawks faced the challenge of traveling on a short week, coming off two devastating losses that dropped them from first place in the NFC West and controlling their destiny to second place and needing a lot of help, and with the result of the Bears game itself having somewhat negligible meaning to Seattle’s postseason hopes, which rest largely on the Rams losing to Arizona and then beating LA next week and/or hoping for the strength-of-victory tiebreaker to break right. The Seahawks survived all that to get what was their sixth win in seven road games this season. "Well, the guys are put in a tough spot," Macdonald said Friday. “You're not guaranteed, you're not holding your own destiny, so what are you going to go play for? How are you going to go on a short week, go across the country, go play the right way, battle adversity throughout the game, stick together, and fight through it? How are you going to do all of that when playoff implications aren't necessarily on the line? “That tells me our guys are connected, they're tough, and they're playing for one another. I think that's pretty awesome." They did it behind what was statistically one of the better defensive performances in team history. The three points allowed tied for the 20 th fewest in team history; Seattle has had 19 shutouts and have now allowed just three points 21 times. Seattle has won all 40 of those games. And the 179 yards Seattle allowed were the 23 rd fewest in team history. The Seahawks have lost only twice when allowing fewer — a 16-3 defeat to Tampa Bay in 1998 when the Bucs got 156 and a 28-7 defeat to Kansas City in 1985 when the Chiefs gained 165. It was also the fewest yards allowed by Seattle since 2017, when the Giants gained just 177 in a 24-7 Seahawks win. Seattle needed every bit of that defense, though, with the offense managing just two field goals, gaining just 265 yards and garnering a season-low 11 first downs. It was the sixth time in the past nine games Seattle has been held to 289 yards or fewer, all far off what is still the season average of 331.9 per game, built on some explosive early-season performances. That led to Macdonald being asked Friday if the offensive performance was “alarming." Macdonald said, “I wouldn’t call it alarming," noting the circumstances of the game played a role in the offense growing conservative as the game wore on. “It wasn't up to our standard on our production and how we want to operate," he said. “But we did do the things we needed to do to win the game. We played a little bit of the field-position game in the second half. We finally flipped field position ... the game kind of declared (itself) there in the second half on how we had to play. “So, we slowed it down a little bit and it became a field-position game, which it'd been in our territory in most of the games. I would have liked for us to be able to get it out in some of those situations. But when we did, in the latter part of the game going into the last drive, that was big for us to make Chicago have to go 30 or 40 yards instead of just 10 or 15." The victory improved Seattle’s record to 9-7 and also assured that Macdonald will finish with a winning record in his first year as an NFL head coach. But as Macdonald noted, the goals were higher, and it’s whether those can be reached that will determine how successful this year turns out to be. “We wish we would have won more," he said. “We want to win every time we step on the field. But, to be sitting here with a week left and still have life, we've done some things. I felt like we've grown. Fallen short several times, but we've gotten up and dusted ourselves off and kept moving forward." The Seahawks on Thursday placed running back Kenneth Walker III on Injured Reserve with a high ankle sprain. Players on IR have to sit out four games, which means Walker could return if the Seahawks advanced to the NFC championship game. Macdonald said he thinks that could be realistic. "I would love to see him come back ready to roll," he said. “Let's go have that problem come NFC championship time. We've got to get there first, but I know I'm sure holding out hope to see him again." Macdonald said the Seahawks should find out on Sunday if their game against the Rams will be on Saturday or Sunday of next weekend. None of the games for next weekend have yet been assigned dates with the league waiting to try to highlight games that have playoff implications. There are two time slots for Saturday and there has been some assumption that if the Rams-Seahawks game is winner-take-all it could be handed one of those, which are at 1:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The rest of the games will be on Sunday at the usual 10 a.m. and 1:25 p.m. slots, with one game at night (there is no Monday night game). Macdonald said the Seahawks are planning as if the game will be on Saturday and ready to adjust if needed. “Right now, we're operating under the assumption that we're going to be playing on Saturday because that's the earliest we can play," he said. “We have a secondary plan if we play Sunday. Right now, we're operating as if we're going to play on Saturday."

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young teamUS homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north on Friday and forced many of the staff and patients outside. Then they had to remove their clothes in winter weather. It was the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Parts of it were set on fire. Staff say it has been hit multiple times in the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel's military says Hamas uses the hospital as a base. It did not provide evidence, and hospital officials have denied it. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have said weapons fire may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The statements from Rashad Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Friday raised pressure on Russia. Officials in Moscow have said a drone attack was underway in the region that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was destined for but have not addressed statements from aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defenses responding to a Ukrainian attack. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Chechnya on Wednesday when it crashed, killing 38 people and leaving all 29 survivors injured. Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case ATLANTA (AP) — A judge has ruled that the Georgia state Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. It's part of a inquiry into whether Willis has engaged in misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram is giving Willis the chance to contest whether lawmakers’ demands are overly broad before Willis responds. A Republican-led committee was formed earlier this year and sent subpoenas to Willis in August seeking to compel her to testify during its September meeting and to produce scores of documents. Willis argued that the committee didn’t have the power to subpoena her. In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom. Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals' Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex. State officials say the company's leaders kept using so-called “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks. The federal complaint alleges Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates polluted the air and water around 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland with chemicals that have been linked to certain cancers, reproductive issues and high cholesterol. They’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. The company stopped using the harmful chemicals in 2014 and says it’s working with state regulators on testing and cleanup efforts. Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on state charges. A prosecutor announced Sebastian Zapeta’s indictment at a court hearing Friday. The development comes days after Zapeta’s arrest and subsequent police questioning in which they say he identified himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit. The indictment will be under seal until Jan. 7. He remains jailed. Federal immigration officials say the 33-year-old Zapeta is from Guatemala and entered the U.S. illegally. Authorities are continuing to work to identify the victim. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is chasing the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin entered the season 42 goals short of breaking a record that long seemed unapproachable. He is set to play again Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing more than a month with a broken left fibula. Ovechkin was on pace to get to 895 sometime in February before getting injured. At 868, he his 27 goals away from passing Gretzky.

Garrett's comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns' worst season since 0-16 in 2017

The Supreme Court of Ghana has intervened in the ongoing election petition saga by ordering the reassignment of petitions filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to a different High Court judge. This ruling comes after the Supreme Court quashed earlier orders issued by the original judge, citing concerns about potential bias. The NPP had filed mandamus applications in the High Court, requesting the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine constituencies where they believed irregularities had occurred. Initially, the High Court granted the NPP’s request, leading to the re-collation of results in seven constituencies. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged these orders, arguing they were illegal and procedurally flawed. On Thursday, December 27, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the NDC’s challenge, emphasizing that while the petitions themselves remain valid, the previous orders were quashed due to procedural concerns. The Supreme Court’s ruling also directed that the petitions be heard by a different High Court judge in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial process. This reassignment is expected to have significant implications on the ongoing election disputes. Given the time constraints imposed by the national electoral calendar, the Supreme Court has expedited the process, setting a deadline for the new judge to hear and determine the petitions by December 31, 2024. The outcome of these petitions will have a critical influence on the final results of the parliamentary elections in the affected constituencies.Court challenge over vote to extend post-Brexit trading arrangements dismissedU.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. On Friday: The S&P 500 rose 15.16 points, or 0.2%, to 6,090.27. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 123.19 points, or 0.3%, to 44,642.52. The Nasdaq composite rose 159.05 points, or 0.8%, to 19,859.77. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 12.83 points, or 0.5%, to 2,408.99. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 57.89 points, or 1%. The Dow is down 268.13 points, or 0.6%. The Nasdaq is up 641.61 points, or 3.3%. The Russell 2000 is down 25.73 points, or 1.1%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,320.44 points, or 27.7%. The Dow is up 6,952.98 points, or 18.4%. The Nasdaq is up 4,848.42 points, or 32.3%. The Russell 2000 is up 381.92 points, or 18.8%.

Garrett's comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns' worst season since 0-16 in 2017None

Neal Maupay: Whenever I’m having a bad day I check Everton score and smile

Thomas Jefferson must have been thinking of Shakespeare when he sent a letter to W.S. Smith on Nov. 13, 1787: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants . It is its natural manure.” Shakespeare also inferred that the crowd is often foolish, ungrateful, and easily misled by demagogues. Shakespeare believed that the tyrants and their servile minions would ultimately fail, brought down by their own viciousness. The best chance for recovery, he thought, was in the political action of ordinary citizens. “ What is the city but the people? ” (Coriolanus, Act 3, Scene 1) Let’s add: Journalism, the enemy of demagogues. Merry Winter Solstice and a healthy, peaceful 2025. David Hancock, Chesterland

(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491

What to consider when exchanging currencyAs Chris McPhillips winds his way through the cavernous rooms of the former Green Giant research facility in Le Sueur with his French bulldog Scrappy in tow, he sees the potential for a green revival within the white concrete block walls — not from vegetables, but from cannabis. “I think the city of Le Sueur will rise again,” said McPhillips, founder of Minnesota Valley Cannabis. “We’ll just rise again with a different crop. This time, it’s not going to be peas or corn. This time, we got a shot to do it with cannabis, and do it in a way that’s a lot different.” All McPhillips needs is a license to operate from the state. But, that process is on hold. A group of applicants who were denied access to the social equity pre-approval lottery sued the Office of Cannabis Management. They claim the process lacks clear criteria and leaves no room for appeals. A judge agreed and halted the lottery the day before it was due to happen. There were more than 1,500 applicants for that stage of the licensing process, and the lottery was meant to narrow the pool down to 282. The delay was disappointing, McPhillips said. He had plans to watch a stream of the lottery at one of his favorite bars with a colleague. “We had our numbers and we were literally 24 hours away from them doing this,” he said. “That would have been absolutely hilarious to sit in a bar and watch [the lottery] like the NBA Draft to see if we got a license. It’s an important time, but now we’re in a stalemate again.” Minnesota Valley Cannabis Company reached out to Le Sueur city leaders to discuss their idea in early 2024. That’s when they learned that the city had already updated its zoning ordinances and was prepared to host a cannabis business. Joe Roby, city administrator, said it was the type of industry many could envision thriving in town. When McPhillips later approached Le Sueur about purchasing the former Green Giant research facility, Roby says people got excited. “Really the cannabis industry is when you look at the licensures that Minnesota Valley cannabis is going after they’re really agribusiness-type licenses,” Roby said. “And agribusiness is something that we do really well in Le Sueur.” But Roby said everything now hinges on the delayed lottery. “I’m waiting with bated breath for the next steps with the lottery, because I am really excited, I think, for my community, certainly but also lots of other communities in greater Minnesota,” he said. “This is a new frontier that is worth exploring.” The Office of Cannabis Management said in an email statement this week that it’s “evaluating options and will announce plans for the next steps soon.” Even though Chris McPhillips doesn’t have an answer yet on what will happen with his licensing application, he’s still optimistic about his company's future in Le Sueur. The level of interest shown by the city and its residents has convinced him the investment is worth the waiting game. “I’m a firm believer that this to this scale, this whole idea, will not work unless it’s in conjunction with the state, with the city, who’s there, and with the people to build it,” McPhillips said. “And that’s what we’re doing in Le Sueur, and that’s why I think we have a good chance of getting a license, because I just can’t really see why we shouldn’t.” McPhillips still hopes to make that trip to his favorite bar for another licensing lottery — if it happens. “We better have that draft still,” he added, “because I’m extremely excited about it.”

NEW YORK, Nov 22 (Reuters) - The health of the U.S. consumer and the retail sector will be in focus in the coming week, as Black Friday kicks off a holiday shopping season that could shed light on how buyers are grappling with higher prices. The benchmark S&P 500 (.SPX) , opens new tab rose 1.7% in the past week and approached all-time highs as investors digested the end of a solid third-quarter corporate reporting season. Earnings are on pace to have climbed about 9% from a year earlier. But recent earnings from two high-profile retailers yielded sharply different prospects: Walmart (WMT.N) , opens new tab on Tuesday raised its annual sales and profit forecast for the third consecutive time, while Target (TGT.N) , opens new tab shares tumbled after it forecast holiday-quarter comparable sales and profit below estimates on Wednesday. The holiday shopping season could give further insight on consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. Even though inflation rates have moderated from 40-year peaks hit two years ago, higher prices are still challenging consumers, said Abby Roach, portfolio analyst at Allspring Global Investments. "It's easy to be excited about inflation coming down year over year, but...consumers are really still under pressure, and I think that's the biggest pain point," Roach said. "Consumers are continuing to feel like their dollars don't go as far as they did." Robust spending into year end could bolster a recent run of data that has shown a stronger-than-expected economy. While investors have welcomed signs of economic health, worries remain over a potential inflationary rebound, crimping expectations for how deeply the Federal Reserve will be able to cut interest rates in coming months. As it stands, Americans have a more upbeat outlook for holiday shopping than in the prior two years, according to a Morgan Stanley survey of about 2,000 consumers published earlier this month, with about 35% saying they expect to spend more this season than a year ago. "Companies could see a little more holiday cheer this year but spending isn't likely to increase across all categories as consumers remain selective," the Morgan Stanley analysts said in the report. The holiday shopping season will also be a test for shares of retailers, which have diverged in 2024. Among the industry's largest players by market value, Walmart is up over 70%, warehouse retailer Costco Wholesale (COST.O) , opens new tab has jumped 46%, while online giant Amazon (AMZN.O) , opens new tab , which has a diversified business that includes cloud computing, has climbed 30%. Other stocks have struggled. Discounters Dollar General (DG.N) , opens new tab and Dollar Tree (DLTR.O) , opens new tab are down over 40% and 50%, respectively, in 2024, as analysts point to inflation particularly hitting the companies' lower-income consumer base. Shares of Target, whose weak forecast came as value-conscious consumers shopped for low-priced essentials at rival retailers, are down 12% on the year. "Target is really struggling to find a unique identity in retail right now," said Chuck Carlson, chief executive officer at Horizon Investment Services. The two S&P 500 sectors that include most retailers, the consumer discretionary and consumer staples sectors, are up 23% and 16%, respectively, in 2024, against a 25% rise for the overall index. Another batch of retail earnings are due in the coming week, including reports from Best Buy (BBY.N) , opens new tab , Macy's (M.N) , opens new tab , Nordstrom (JWN.N) , opens new tab and Urban Outfitters (URBN.O) , opens new tab . Investors will also get a fresh view of inflation, with the Nov 27 release of the monthly Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which is closely followed by the Fed. The inflation gauge is expected to have climbed 2.3% in October on an annual basis, according to Reuters data. "The economy is in a good spot. It's just more about trying to process several years of high inflation," said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading. "From a retailer perspective, a lot of it's about making sure they're protecting their margins while trying to provide that value that's going to attract the consumer." Sign up here. Reporting by Lewis Krauskopf; Editing by David Gregorio Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabSAVVY shoppers are rushing to buy these £10 Lidl and Aldi products that will help fight mould and condensation for FREE. Peace Lily plants can be a great way to dehumidify damp spaces and it thrives without sunlight. 2 Lidl will be stocking Peace Lilies from December 12 2 The festive plant could be the perfect Christmas gift Credit: Aldi Peace Lillies love humid conditions and can even grow under fluorescent lights, according to experts. Aldi and Lidl are stocking the handy plants for just £9.99. The budget superstores have marketed the "festive" foliage as ideal Christmas gifts too. Lidl specifies their Peace Lilies are between 60 to 70cm, while the diameter of the pot is 17cm. Read More SWEET DEAL Quality Street tubs slashed to £3.50 at major supermarket GIFTS FOR LESS Best Christmas gifts for under £5 including Lidl candle and Aldi hat They will be in store from December 12. Aldi's plant holders are the same size, while the stem height isn't specified. The plants will be available at the discount supermarket from December 15. When kept in low light Peace Lilies will produce more leaves and look like a traditional foliage plant, whereas when kept in sunlight, lilies will flower more often. Most read in Money HOUSE ABOUT THAT? Scotland's cheapest areas to rent revealed - is yours on the list? SHUT UP SHOP Top rated Scots restaurant to close its doors forever SWEET DEAL Quality Street tubs slashed to £3.50 at major supermarket FESTIVE FREEBIE Major supermarket is giving away FREE mince pies - how to get them These plants can be a great option for people with allergies or asthma, but the plant with the white flowers can also be toxic to pets so it is recommended that it is kept out of reach. But, if Peace Lilies aren't your cup of tea, there are a host of different beneficial plants for your home. Palms also absorb moisture through their leaves and are a great choice to help control humidity and keep mould at bay. Varieties like areca palms, bamboo palms, the lady palm, dwarf date palm and reed palm are the best for sucking up condensation. Experts ideally recommend these plants are kept lightly moist but, not waterlogged and positioned in areas with indirect sunlight. What to do in extreme cases of mould and damp In extreme cases of damp and mould , it’s best to keep the windows open to allow airflow, consider using an anti-mould treatment to tackle the problem. You can seek out an expert and if you are renting speak to your landlord about fixing the issue. When we checked online we spotted some Palms starting from £30 on specialist garden websites. Spider plants are another great alternative. This lovely plant is a creeping vine with pointed leaves that is excellent at purifying the air of mould and mildew. According to experts, it's a helpful plant to have in your home because it not only removes harmful pollutants but is also easy to care for. The other good news about this plant is that it's pet-friendly, so animal lovers need not worry about keeping it out of the way of their furry friend. Amazon has a wide selection of spider plants and we found one complete with pot for £12.99 . Meanwhile, if plants aren't your thing, there are plenty of other mould busting tips and tricks. A cleaning guru revealed a 60p drink that is perfect for getting rid of mould. Read more on the Scottish Sun WHITE XMAS Scots to wake up to 60cm of snow on Christmas as blizzard to blanket country 'vicious circle' I live in Scotland's benefits hotspot -I've only worked 4 years of my life Another woman told how her walls were growing furry mould and a £4 Amazon buy got rid of it instantly. And, a home expert has revealed five simple tricks to banish mould and condensation from your home. Other mould-beating houseplants on sale at Ikea, B&Q and Amazon By Lydnsey Young Snake plants This succulent plant keeps excess water in its thick leaves and is very hardy and adaptable. Snake plants are great starting plants for beginners as they are pretty low maintenance. You only need to water the plant every week or two and it will survive even if you forget a couple of times. The snake plant grows best in bright light and warm temperatures and comes in leaf shapes and colours. You can get miniature snake plants in Ikea for just £5. Boston ferns Boston ferns are popular houseplants known for their lush, feathery fronds but are also great at reducing mould spores and toxins through their leaves. When caring for a Boston fern, a good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Experts also recommend misting the plant occasionally, as this can help increase the humidity around it and keep its fronds looking fresh and vibrant. B&Q also had some Boston Ferns on its website starting from £14.99. English Ivy The English ivy can remove airborne mould from humid spaces and other nasties too. It’s a great choice for tiny spaces and cramped bathrooms. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and somewhere with airflow and needs regular watering. Hanging baskets are ideal for this plant – and they serve another purpose too – as it's toxic to pets. It's worth noting that these plants are vines and can extend up to 50 meters in length, with growth booming particularly in the third year. Orchids If you're aiming to combat mould and condensation but also want something pretty to look at, orchids are the way to go. In addition to enhancing your home decor, they also contribute to lowering humidity levels indoors. These plants derive all their nutrients and moisture from the surrounding air. To thrive, orchids need regular watering and misting, but experts recommend doing so with rainwater or boiled water rather than tap water. Marks and Spencer has some orchids online for £20.Ghana opposition leader Mahama officially wins election

How five top CEOs described the AI boom in 2024Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”Toronto takes on New York on 7-game losing streak

The Australian government's support for a UN resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Gaza is to blame for a widely condemned arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, the Jewish state's prime minister says. or signup to continue reading It is impossible to separate the reprehensible arson attack from the federal government's "extreme anti-Israeli position," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media early on Saturday. "Including the scandalous decision to support the UN resolution calling on Israel 'to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as rapidly as possible', and preventing a former Israeli minister from entering the country," he wrote on X. "The burning of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is an abhorrent act of antisemitism," he said. The Adass Israel synagogue at Rippon Lea in Melbourne's southeast had two of its three buildings gutted after suspected masked intruders allegedly broke into the building and set it alight in the early hours of Friday. Two congregants preparing for morning prayers, were inside. They were evacuated, with one sustaining minor injuries. Police have not ruled out terrorism as a motive, believing the attack was targeted. The suspects had poured accelerant on the floor inside the synagogue and set it on fire before fleeing when they were disturbed by a congregant, police said. Israel President Isaac Herzog said he firmly condemned the horrific arson amid an intolerable wave of attacks on Jewish communities when he spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday night. "I noted to the prime minister that this rise and the increasingly serious antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community required firm and strong action, and that this was a message that must be heard clearly from Australia's leaders," he said. "I thanked him for his ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism, and expressed my trust that the local law enforcement would do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice." Political and religious leaders have widely condemned the attack on the synagogue, built by Holocaust survivors. Mr Albanese said he had no tolerance for antisemitism. "This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation," he said in a statement. Australian Federal Police will provide all requested resources to Victorian authorities, he said. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said police patrols would be increased, and pledged $100,000 to rebuilding the synagogue. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement