jilibay login register
jilibay login register
Move over ‘Barbenheimer,’ hello...'Glicked'?Tech investments by manufacturing firms likely to rise, CII report says
The Deep Blue Sea Project and the Nigerian Navy’s efforts represent one of the most ambitious national initiatives aimed at combating piracy and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. Since its establishment in 1956, the Nigerian Navy has evolved significantly. Initially a small force under British colonial rule, it became a national institution after Nigeria’s independence in 1960, tasked with safeguarding its coastal waters and maritime borders. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Navy expanded its fleet, improved training, and developed naval bases to address emerging security challenges, particularly offshore oil exploration. By the 1990s, the Navy modernized its fleet and extended its operations to tackle piracy and ensure oil security, particularly in the Niger Delta. In recent years, the Deep Blue Sea Project (2019) has further modernized the Navy, integrating advanced technology like satellites, drones, and surveillance systems, alongside specialized task forces dedicated to combatting piracy and maritime crimes. The Nigerian Navy has made significant progress in combating maritime crime and piracy, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. Its proactive approach, involving enhanced patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing, has effectively intercepted pirate attacks, reduced hijackings, and rescued kidnapped crew members. Operations like Dakatar Da Barawo have been instrumental in curbing piracy in high-risk areas. Specialized units, such as the Special Boat Service (SBS), have improved the Navy’s effectiveness in securing oil and gas installations and major shipping lanes. The Navy’s collaboration with regional and international organisations like ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and the IMO has improved intelligence-sharing and joint operations against piracy. The Deep Blue Sea Project has equipped the Navy with advanced technologies, such as satellite surveillance, drones, and vessel tracking systems, enhancing its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and security capability. The Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in arrests and prosecutions of maritime criminals, with a record number of arrests in 2020. These efforts have led to a measurable reduction in piracy incidents, though challenges remain. Investment in specialised training for personnel has ensured that the Navy is well-prepared to respond to modern maritime threats. The leadership of the Nigerian Navy in maritime security, supported by advanced technology and strategic partnerships, has significantly reduced piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, setting a model for other nations facing similar challenges. The Deep Blue Sea Project has made Nigeria’s maritime security strategy a benchmark in the fight against maritime insecurity. The project’s integrated system combines air, sea, and land assets, offering a level of versatility not seen in traditional naval approaches. This integration allows Nigeria to respond swiftly and effectively to various maritime threats, ranging from piracy to illegal fishing and smuggling. By utilising cutting-edge technologies, including satellites, drones, and vessel tracking systems, the project provides a level of MDA that many navies, particularly those of smaller or less-resourced nations, cannot match. Unlike many other navies, which rely on limited assets, Nigeria integrates both sea-based responses with naval ships and air-based monitoring. Its ability to track vessels using real-time satellite data and drones places it ahead in effective detection and deterrence of maritime crime. The Nigerian Navy’s incorporation of high-tech surveillance equipment, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), surveillance aircraft, and advanced tracking systems, provides it with a superior edge in combating piracy. These technologies are unparalleled in the Gulf of Guinea, where traditional naval patrols can be slow and resource-intensive. While other navies in the region may struggle with outdated equipment or lack the resources to maintain such advanced systems, the Deep Blue Sea Project ensures Nigeria’s security forces are equipped with some of the best surveillance tools available. These assets are crucial in responding to dynamic piracy tactics, such as fast-moving, smaller vessels attempting to evade traditional security measures. The Nigerian Navy has also taken a unique approach by establishing specialised task forces dedicated to counter-piracy and maritime law enforcement. These task forces, trained in advanced anti-piracy and crisis management operations, enable Nigeria to deploy specialised forces quickly in high-risk areas like the Niger Delta. Unlike other navies that may lack such specialised anti-piracy units, the Nigerian Navy focuses directly on safeguarding oil platforms, securing shipping routes, and conducting real-time counter-piracy operations. This targeted strategy has been a key factor in the Navy’s operational success, especially in the piracy-prone waters of the Gulf of Guinea. A core element of the Deep Blue Sea Project is its focus on building the capacity of Nigerian naval personnel. Through extensive training in modern maritime security techniques, including counter-piracy tactics, intelligence gathering, and emergency response, the Nigerian Navy has not only become technologically advanced but also operationally skilled. In contrast to other global navies that focus on general-purpose training, Nigeria’s counter-piracy training is tailored to address the unique challenges of its waters, ensuring personnel can respond to complex maritime threats with greater efficiency and precision. The Nigerian Navy has played a leading role in regional collaborations with organisations such as ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), and international partners like the IMO and the United States. This cooperation has allowed for greater intelligence sharing and joint operations, cementing Nigeria as a pivotal force in Gulf of Guinea security. Nigeria’s leadership in regional maritime security initiatives, such as the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Strategy, has fostered cooperation among the littoral states, which is essential to countering the transnational nature of piracy. The Nigerian Navy’s proactive measures, supported by advanced surveillance systems, have enabled it to prevent piracy attacks before they occur. This includes tracking pirate vessels prior to strikes, coordinating intelligence with regional partners, and implementing rapid response measures. Unlike some navies, which may respond reactively to piracy, Nigeria’s approach ensures swift and efficient interventions. This proactive stance, coupled with its advanced technology, has significantly improved security along one of the world’s most dangerous maritime areas. While Nigeria’s efforts under the Deep Blue Sea Project have yielded impressive results, challenges persist. Resource constraints, sophisticated piracy operations, and corruption within certain maritime institutions remain obstacles. However, these challenges are being addressed through continuous international collaboration, further investment in technology, and enhanced training programs. Despite these challenges, the Deep Blue Sea Project has proven effective in reducing piracy incidents and enhancing maritime security. Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its naval forces and safeguarding its maritime domain is evident in the project’s success. The integration of advanced technologies, specialised task forces, and personnel training has made the project a model for other nations facing similar maritime security threats. The Deep Blue Sea Project, along with the Nigerian Navy’s comprehensive efforts, has positioned Nigeria as a global leader in combating piracy and maritime insecurity. With its cutting-edge technology, specialised forces, and robust regional collaborations, Nigeria’s maritime security strategy is among the most advanced in the world. Although challenges remain, the Deep Blue Sea Project stands as a testament to the power of a well-coordinated, technology-driven, and regionally focused naval strategy in the fight against maritime crime.Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut farmer who as US president struggled with a bad economy and the Iran hostage crisis but brokered peace between Israel and Egypt has died, according to US media. He was 100. or signup to continue reading A Democrat, he served as president from January 1977 to January 1981 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 US election. Carter was swept from office four years later in an electoral landslide as voters embraced Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, the former actor and California governor. Carter lived longer after his term in office than any other US president. Along the way, he earned a reputation as a better former president than he was a president - a status he readily acknowledged. His one-term presidency was marked by the highs of the 1978 Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, bringing some stability to the Middle East. But it was dogged by an economy in recession, persistent unpopularity and the embarrassment of the Iran hostage crisis that consumed his final 444 days in office. In recent years, Carter experienced several health issues including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Carter decided to receive hospice care in February 2023 instead of undergoing additional medical intervention. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died in November 2023, at age 96. He looked frail when he attended her memorial service and funeral in a wheelchair. Carter left office profoundly unpopular but worked energetically for decades on humanitarian causes. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." The 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, based on the 1978 Camp David accords, ended a state of war between the two neighbours. Carter brought Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland for talks. Later, as the accords seemed to be unravelling, Carter saved the day by flying to Cairo and Jerusalem for personal shuttle diplomacy. The treaty provided for Israeli withdrawal from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and establishment of diplomatic relations. Begin and Sadat each won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. By the 1980 election, the overriding issues were double-digit inflation, interest rates that exceeded 20 per cent and soaring gas prices, as well as the Iran hostage crisis that brought humiliation to America. These issues marred Carter's presidency and undermined his chances of winning a second term. On November 4, 1979, revolutionaries devoted to Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, seized the Americans present and demanded the return of the ousted shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was backed by the United States and was being treated in a US hospital. The American public initially rallied behind Carter. But his support faded in April 1980 when a commando raid failed to rescue the hostages, with eight US soldiers killed in an aircraft accident in the Iranian desert. Carter's final ignominy was that Iran held the 52 hostages until minutes after Reagan took his oath of office on January 20, 1981, to replace Carter, then released the planes carrying them to freedom. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement
New Mexico State 36, Middle Tennessee 21
AVTE Stock Alert: Halper Sadeh LLC Is Investigating Whether the Merger of Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. Is Fair to ShareholdersIsraeli strikes without warning in central Beirut kill at least 15 as diplomats push for cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 15 people and injured dozens in central Beirut, as the once-rare attacks on the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but say obstacles still remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. What to know about Scott Turner, Trump's pick for housing secretary President-elect Donald Trump has selected Scott Turner to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner is a former NFL player who ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term. Turner, 52, is the first Black person selected to be a member of Trump's incoming Cabinet. Turner, who grew up in a Dallas, was a defensive back and spent nine seasons in the NFL beginning in 1995, playing for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Turner joined the Texas House in 2013 as part of a large crop of tea party-supported lawmakers. He tried unsuccessfully to become speaker before he finished his second term in 2016. He did not seek a third term. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. Winter storms and rain sweep across the US while a new system is expected to arrive for Thanksgiving HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) — A major storm continues to drop heavy snow and record rain in California, causing small landslides and flooding some streets. Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, blizzard or winter storm warnings were in effect Saturday from parts of the Northeast to central Appalachia. The storm on the West Coast arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, before moving through Northern California. Another storm system is expected to arrive for Thanksgiving week and linger into Tuesday in the Pacific Northwest, dumping rain as well as snow in the higher elevations. That is according to the National Weather Service. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. Doctor at the heart of Turkey's newborn baby deaths case says he was a 'trusted' physician ISTANBUL (AP) — The Turkish doctor at the center of an alleged fraud scheme that led to the deaths of 10 babies says he was a “trusted” physician. Dr. Firat Sari is one of 47 people on trial accused of transferring newborn babies to neonatal units of private hospitals, where they were allegedly kept for prolonged and sometimes unnecessary treatments in order to receive social security payments. Sari said patients were referred to him because people trusted him and he did not bribe anyone involved with Turkey’s emergency medical phone line. Sari, said to be the plot’s ringleader, faces up to 583 years in prison. Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience. One expert traveler suggests making a list a week before you go of things you need to do and pack. Cross off each item as you complete it during the week. Another tip is to carry your comfort zone with you. That could mean noise-canceling headphones, playlists meant to soothe airport travelers, entertainment and snacks from home. Carry a change of clothes and a phone charger in case of delays. Stay hydrated. Leave extra time. And know your airline's rules. Downloading the airline's app can help with that.
Shares of Fox Factory Holding Corp. ( NASDAQ:FOXF – Get Free Report ) have earned a consensus rating of “Hold” from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $41.50. Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Roth Mkm dropped their price objective on Fox Factory from $45.00 to $36.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 1st. B. Riley decreased their target price on Fox Factory from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on Fox Factory from $45.00 to $38.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Bank of America decreased their target price on Fox Factory from $53.00 to $43.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 12th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their target price on Fox Factory from $54.00 to $42.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 1st. Check Out Our Latest Report on FOXF Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fox Factory Fox Factory Stock Performance Fox Factory stock opened at $32.43 on Monday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $37.93 and a 200 day simple moving average of $42.57. The company has a quick ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 3.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. Fox Factory has a 12-month low of $30.92 and a 12-month high of $70.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 124.66, a P/E/G ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 1.65. Fox Factory ( NASDAQ:FOXF – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 31st. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.42 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $359.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $366.86 million. Fox Factory had a return on equity of 5.23% and a net margin of 0.78%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.05 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Fox Factory will post 1.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fox Factory Company Profile ( Get Free Report Fox Factory Holding Corp. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets performance-defining products and system worldwide. The company offers powered vehicle products for side-by-side vehicles, on-road vehicles with and without off-road capabilities, off-road vehicles and trucks, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and specialty vehicles and applications, such as military, motorcycles, and commercial trucks; lift kits and components with shock products and aftermarket accessory packages for trucks; and mid-end and high-end front fork and rear suspension products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Fox Factory Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fox Factory and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .NASA awards $11.5 million to help design the aircraft of tomorrow
Findlay's Vacuum and Sewing shutters for good after more than 40 years, Lee's Music to take over locationMangaluru: Belthangady police have recorded statement from the youth involved in a prank reel where a group of young men stitched a youth's ripped jeans. The incident gained attention after the video went viral. However, a formal complaint from the individual involved is still awaited. The incident occurred on Thursday in Santhekatte, Belthangady town. According to sources, a youth wearing ripped jeans was confronted by three persons in public, who stitched his jeans using a sack-packing needle. The act was recorded on a mobile phone, and the footage soon went viral. Distressed by the viral video, the youth whose jeans were stitched is suspected to have consumed poison. In response, Belthangady police recorded statements from the individuals involved in the prank, and are awaiting a formal complaint to proceed further. Belthangady police confirmed that the youth is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. According to an officer, "Those involved in the incident are friends and were recording a reel for Instagram. They work together and created the reel as a prank before sharing it on social media. We will take necessary action only after recording statements from the youth under treatment and his parents," the officer said Police sources added that a case will not be registered if the youth or parents refuse to file a complaint. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 L + W Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Leads + Wins : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue
Chase Artopoeus has two TD passes, TD run as Chattanooga tops Austin Peay 24-17 in season finale
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 28, 2024-- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the merger of Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTE) and Jade Biosciences is fair to Aerovate shareholders. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company. Halper Sadeh encourages Aerovate shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . The investigation concerns whether Aerovate and its board violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for Aerovate shareholders; and (2) disclose all material information necessary for Aerovate shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of Aerovate shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228033951/en/ CONTACT: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Halper Sadeh LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/28/2024 01:32 PM/DISC: 12/28/2024 01:31 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228033951/en
With north east Thatcham pencilled for an extra 2,500 homes in the coming years, conservationists are thinking ahead to the impact of an extra 7,000 people using nearby Bucklebury Common. A programme of tree clearing is already under way this winter, and as Local Democracy Reporter Niki Hinman found out, the land management scheme in parts of the common is about 100 years out of date. Bucklebury Common stretches for 900 acres and is one of the largest commons in southern England. Following the distant sounds of a chainsaw, I walk with the Bucklebury Estate steward Alasdair Jones Perrott who hopes the work to clear self-seeding birch saplings will allow a greater diversity of plant and animal life to thrive. “I don’t think much has been done here for about 100 years,” he explains. “We are removing a lot of the birch shrub which has seeded and taken hold because of a lack of grazing. “It is our intention to mechanically remove these saplings, but leaving the older oaks around the edge.” The common is home to the famous Avenue of Oaks at Chapel Row, ancient woodland at Holly Wood and one of the largest areas of heathland in Berkshire. In 2000 a new avenue of oaks was planted at Chapel Row to commemorate the Millennium. In 2011 a further row of oak trees were planted at Chapel Row Green to mark the marriage of Catherine Middleton – whose family live just up the road – and Prince William, now the Prince and Princess of Wales. The common is privately owned by the Bucklebury Estate and stretches from Cold Ash (Bucklebury Alley) in the west to Bradfield Southend in the east. While the common is privately owned, it is free and open to the public. Because it is registered common land, although it is owned by the Bucklebury Estate, everyone has the right to walk anywhere on the common under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Numerous tracks criss-cross the common created by people walking, often with their dogs. In addition, there are abundant public rights of way, giving additional access to those on bikes, horses and in vehicles. It is said that Bucklebury has the densest rights of way network of any parish in England. Sam Kerr is one of the rangers up on the heath, employed by the Bucklebury Estate. She is actually a marine biologist by training, but has opted for a winter of chain saw action in the woods, stripping out the birch shrubs. “I am creating a site of wood pasture, clearing the birch trees and creating more space and light to get more flora and fauna underneath,” she explains. “We have oak trees and big Scots pines we hope to work on too, along with a few birch and beech trees too. “We hope in spring with the extra light we will get more grass and flower species. “It is exciting to see what will pop up in a few months’ time. “It is an awful lot of sawing, but it’s good fun.” She is using the material she cuts down to create living hedges to edge the footpaths. This has a dual function, to encourage wildlife, but also to encourage walkers to keep to the paths and give the new swards a chance. Local ornithologists are helping the estate team by building up a picture or survey on what bird species are returning to the site. Nightjars and woodlarks are among them. There are hopes for more. An important feature of Bucklebury Common is its heathland. Alasdair tells me that before the Second World War, there was continuous heathland between Upper Bucklebury and Chapel Row. During the Second World War the common was requisitioned as a transport depot and as a result invasive vegetation took over during the post war period. The Bucklebury Heathland Group, in co-operation with the Pang Valley Conservation Group, has restored a significant area of heathland over the years. “Heathland in southern England is an extremely important habitat,” explains Alasdair. “Over the last 150 years about 80 per cent of this has been lost to agriculture or forestation.” Just a short walk from the main road, the woodlands open up on to a wide, wet, heather-covered heath. It is interspersed with different mosses and lichen, with bilberry near the woodland edge. It’s a boggy walk, with peaty coloured puddles and heather growing on gravel soil. “Heather grows well on minimal mineral soil,” explains Alasdair, as we sink to our ankles in prehistoric looking swamp. “That’s why it thrives, because it is on poor soil which is free draining because of the gravel. “As part of the scheme of work being carried out over this winter is to extend this magnificent rare landscape by almost doubling what we can see now. “We feel that because this has developed so well over the last 15 years there is no reason why we can’t achieve this. “And the reason that we are doing this is due to the Government’s 25-year environmental plan – and it supports the plans for the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.” In 2018 the 25-Year Environment Plan (25YEP) set out government goals for improving the environment, within a generation, and leaving it in a better state than it found it. Labour has committed to the scheme’s continuance. Its goals are simple – cleaner air and water; plants and animals which are thriving; and a cleaner, greener country for us all. “By using our land more sustainably and creating new habitats for wildlife, including by planting more trees, we can arrest the decline in native species and improve our biodiversity,” says the plan. “Connecting more people with the environment will promote greater well-being. “And by making the most of emerging technologies, we can build a cleaner, greener country and reap the economic rewards of the clean growth revolution.” Willie Hartley Russell is the Lord of the Manor, and the estate, including the common, has been in the family since 1540 and the dissolution of the monasteries. It was acquired by his family from Henry VIII. “It’s been a long road of restoration of the house and the estate over the last 30 years since I’ve lived here,” he says. “Key in that is future proofing Bucklebury Common. “We have the possibility of 2,500 extra houses in north east Thatcham and we have to start considering how those people might interact with the common. “So we are thinking of car parking, cycleways, pathways and so on. “Also how to protect those sensitive areas such as ancient woodland or heathland so we can live side by side but at the same time protecting the area while encouraging people to come and use the common in an appropriate way.” Among the plans, main car parks will be enhanced with new information signs to educate people in a ‘soft’ way. Some access to the common causes damage, such as inappropriate use of four wheel drive vehicles, both on and off the byways, or disturbance to rare ground-nesting birds by uncontrolled dogs. Working in partnership with West Berkshire Council, inappropriate access will be reduced as much as possible. The council has been working with Bucklebury Estate on ensuring that there is constructive response to 4x4 damage of the byways. Typically, this is by placing Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) over the winter months on selected byways, that are easily damaged by 4x4s, as a preventative measure. The council will also raise emergency TROs if actual damage is occurring and reported. The council raised an emergency TRO on the byways on the west end of the common at Ramsbury Corner after antisocial use of 4x4s on the common this summer. The council places bollards and barriers, with notices, at the entrances of the byways from the local roads. “Unfortunately, we have had some antisocial 4x4 drivers ram and push over bollards in the area, causing significant additional cost to the council for repairs,” explains Bucklebury councillor Chris Read, who is also a commons rights holder. “Residents should raise with the police if 4x4s are seen on the common itself or causing damage as this clearly breaks local bylaws. “The majority of 4x4 users use the local byways sensibly and adhere to the TROs and avoid damage to the byways, but unfortunately the common does get a few antisocial users of 4x4s who both the council and the police respond to vigorously.” Other plans include a cycle route between Upper Bucklebury and Chapel Row that will be created, providing a safe alternative to the dangerous road. A number of circular routes will be promoted, highlighting some short walks around the common. “It is a duty to look after the common, and one I relish. I love the common,” says Willie. “I work full time in the City Of London so I walk my dogs up there a lot in my free time. It is a big part of my life. “What upsets me is 4x4 abuse. Some are fine but others not. “Littering is an issue too. We have two litter picks a year with the parish council and we fill a skip up each time.” West Berkshire Council is responsible for way marking of public rights of way, maintaining the Commoners’ Rights register, collecting rubbish and assisting with vegetation clearance. It also maintains car parks and public access. In 2014, it transferred the recreational and access aspects of their management role to the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), while retaining the management of rights of way, the Commoners’ Rights Register and the regulation of byelaws pertaining to the common. There are approximately 130 houses in Bucklebury that have Commoners’ Rights. The majority of commoners’ rights are in respect of ‘hedgebote’ or ‘firebote’ – the right of picking up fallen dead wood from the common for the mending of fences and for fires. Approximately 20 households have ‘grazing rights’ but these are generally not exercised as the common is no longer fenced or gated, although the estate wants to bring a small cattle herd back to the common. They won’t be traditionally fenced, but ‘geo-fenced’ with cattle wearing collars which will ‘train’ them to stay in certain areas. “We are engaging with our local community to get a collaborative engagement with all parties including the parish council, Natural England, The Forestry Commission, BBOWT, West Berkshire Council, Rights of Way,” explains Willie. “Over the last 100 years the management of the common has changed dramatically. “Back then it was important for fuel and food and that has changed into more of a recreational area so it needs more work and thought to manage.” The estate puts a lot of its own money into management of the common, but also taps into government schemes as well. The project on the common is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its arm’s-length bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. “I can only echo Willie’s and Alasdair’s words,” adds Chris. “Even though myself and residents of [Upper and Lower] Bucklebury, Midgham, Chapel Row, Woolhampton and Stanford Dingley are opposed to the likely outcomes of the new town of north east Thatcham, we are also behind Bucklebury Estate in enhancing the infrastructure and ecological resilience of the common for the likely increase in visitor numbers and usage. “The common has not been actively managed for a number of years until recently and what the estate is doing and has planned will raise awareness with the public this is a delicate environment and must be looked after, not only for our current use and enjoyment but for future generations as well. “I can only encourage people to take the opportunity to come along to the estate’s future public engagements to hear from the experts and understand future plans.”
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Chase Artopoeus threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score to lead Chattanooga to a 24-17 victory over Austin Peay in a nonconference regular-season finale on Saturday. Chattanooga (7-5) jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter lead on Jude Kelley's 28-yard field goal and Artopoeus' 9-yard touchdown toss to Javin Whatley with 42 seconds left. The score came five plays after Alex Mitchell intercepted a pass from Austin Smith, giving the Mocs the ball at the Governors' 26-yard line. Austin Peay answered in the second quarter with help from a Chattanooga turnover. Ellis Ellis Jr. picked off Artopoeus and the Governors took over at the Mocs' 30. Smith completed three straight passes — the last one covering 4 yards to Jaden Barnes to get Austin Peay within three points. Carson Smith followed with a 35-yard field goal to tie it at 10. Chattanooga regained the lead with 4:01 left in the third quarter when Artopoeus capped a nine-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Smith had a 23-yard touchdown run to get Austin Peay within seven with 8:08 left in the game. The Governors drove to the Mocs' 30, but Smith's fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 41 seconds to go. Artopoeus completed 15 of 21 passes for 161 yards for Chattanooga. He had a 7-yard scoring toss to John McIntyre to put the Mocs up 24-10 early in the final quarter. Smith finished with 192 yards on 21-for-36 passing for Austin Peay, which finishes its first season under head coach Jeff Faris with a 4-8 record. Rusty Wright became the first Chattanooga coach to finish .500 or better in each of his first six seasons. Chattanooga snapped Austin Peay's nine-game win streak with a 24-21 victory on the road to close out the regular season last year. 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-footballA TikToker who went viral teaching science videos predicts short-form video will make its way into the national curriculum after 2024 saw him publish a new book and win a TikTok award. Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.
