49 jili cc
49 jili cc

Calin Georgescu, the far-right figure who shocked Romania by taking the lead in the first round of the country’s presidential election, is a pro-Russian, anti-vaxxer radical with a gift for social media. Barely known outside Romania, Georgescu’s popularity surged ahead of Sunday’s vote with viral TikTok campaigns calling for an end to aid for Ukraine and sounding a sceptical note on NATO. Georgescu, who ran as an independent, has attracted a sizeable following on platforms such as YouTube for years, away from the mainstream media. In one anti-vaccination video, the 62-year-old can be seen stripping down to jump into a snow-covered lake high in the mountains, while praising his “faith in God” and the strength of his “immune system”. Several of his TikTok videos have been viewed between two and three million times, with messages like “for Romania, for peace” especially resonating with voters worried about the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Few reporters were present when Georgescu cast his ballot on Sunday. Pre-election polls did not see him in the runoff, and even less predicted that he would get 23 percent of the vote to top the candidates. “The Internet is the only place where there is freedom of expression,” he said in a recent video. – ‘Saviour’ – Georgescu’s success can partially be attributed to him flying “under the radar”, sociologist Gelu Duminica told AFP. Unlike his opponents, Georgescu did not participate in debates with other candidates and thus was “not attacked by anyone” or his record “dismantled”, he added. Many undecided voters, who felt disappointed by the established parties, saw him as a “saviour” as there are so few leaders capable of “uniting them”, the expert said. Maria Chis, 70, said Georgescu appeared to be “a man of integrity, serious and patriotic.” A graduate of the University of Bucharest, the agricultural engineer began his career in 1992 in the environment ministry before joining the foreign ministry. In the 2010s, Georgescu had been suggested as a possible prime minister. During the Covid pandemic, he became a vocal vaccine-critic, frequently spreading his conspiracy-laden narratives. Once linked to Romania’s far-right AUR party — which tapped George Simion as their candidate in the presidential ballot — Georgescu distanced himself from it after taking a number of controversial positions. – Admirer of Putin – Georgescu has defended a notorious anti-Semite, Corneliu Codreanu, the leader of the Iron Guard between the wars, and fascist Marshal Ion Antonescu. On several occasions, he has denounced NATO as a “weak” organisation, even though Romania has emerged as a key player on the alliance’s eastern flank. He attacked the alliance’s anti-missile system based in Deveselu — which Russia has slammed as a threat — and opposed aid to Ukraine, refusing to be “dragged into a conflict that is not ours”. Romania has a long border with Ukraine. Although the Kremlin said on Monday that it was not “very familiar” with Georgescu, several years ago he expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin, saying he is “one of the rare leaders” worthy of the name, and known for “Russian wisdom”. For political scientist Remus Stefureac, spectacular rise of Georgescu is “unprecedented” in Romania’s democratic history.The pair have been in prison since a blockbuster trial in the 1990s that became almost compulsory viewing for millions of Americans. Television audiences were riveted by the gruesome details of the slayings of Jose and Kitty Menendez at the family's luxury Beverly Hills mansion. The two men, who have spent more than three decades behind bars, had been due to appear by videolink at a hearing in Los Angeles, their first court appearance in 28 years as a campaign to set them free gathers pace. But technical difficulties scuppered the appearance and the hearing was pushed back to the end of January. Nevertheless, Judge Michael Jesic called the two men's elderly aunts to the stand to hear them plead for the brothers to be freed. "I would like to be able to hug them and see them," Jose Menendez's older sister Terry Baralt, 85, said. "I would like them to come home." Kitty's sister, Joan Vander Molen, echoed that. "No child should go through what Erik and Lyle went through," she said. "They never knew if tonight will be the night when they would be raped." Prosecutors painted the crime as a cold-hearted bid by the then-young men -- Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 -- to get their hands on their parents' $14 million fortune. But their attorneys described the 1989 killings as an act of desperate self-defense by young men subjected to years of sexual abuse and psychological violence at the hands of an abusive father and a complicit mother. The case saw a huge surge of renewed interest this year with the release of the Netflix hit "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." The hearing comes after a campaign to secure their release, supported by Kim Kardashian and other celebrities. "Set them free before the Holidays!" wrote Tammi Menendez, Erik's wife, on social media last week. Public interest was such that the court held a lottery for the 16 seats in the public gallery. Nick Bonanno, a former high school classmate of Erik's, was the first to arrive at the court, taking his place at the head of the line at 4:30 am (1230 GMT). "I wanted to show support to... Eric and Lyle," he told AFP ahead of the hearing. "It's all about supporting and healing, not just for the families, but for us as a culture." Elena Gordon, 43, said she wanted "to witness a part of our local history." The hearing was intended as a starting point for lawyers working on three routes to free Erik Menendez, 53, and Lyle Menendez, 56. Attorney Mark Geragos has filed a writ of habeas corpus, an attempt to effectively vacate the brothers' first-degree murder conviction, which could free the brothers immediately. Another route is an effort to get the men re-sentenced on the same conviction, which would open the way for them to request parole. Finally, Geragos has submitted a clemency request to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Journalist Robert Rand, who wrote a book about the case, and who is in regular touch with the brothers, said the family was optimistic. But, he said, no one was expecting any quick fixes. "They're hopeful," he said. "They don't know what's going to happen. "I believe this could take much longer than was originally anticipated. It could be six months, could be eight months, could be a year, but eventually they will get out." With excitement over the case near fever pitch, tourists are regularly making pilgrimages to the Beverly Hills home where the killings took place. Australian Christian Hannah, who was born almost two decades after the double murders, made sure the home was a stop on his tour of celebrity hotspots, because of his fascination with the Netflix show. "It's really awesome seeing it in person," he told AFP last week. "It's just because you see it on TV and you see it in person, just feels really cool." pr-hg/amz/jgc
Want to give the worst gift ever? These right-wingers are now on CameoNone
US to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine, pushing to get aid out before Biden leaves office WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say the United States is expected to announce it will send another $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. It's part of a push by the Biden administration to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. Officials say the large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds. The officials say they expect the announcement will be made on Monday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. 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. US 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. 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. What Snoop wants: Arizona Bowl gives NIL opportunities to players for Colorado State, Miami (Ohio) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — When Snoop Dogg agreed to become the sponsor of the Arizona Bowl, he had a demand: It must have a NIL component. Other bowls have provided NIL chances for single players the past few years, but the Arizona Bowl is believed to be the first to offer NIL compensation to every player on both Colorado State and Miami (Ohio). The players participated in youth clinics before Saturday's game and will be compensated for their time. 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.
Green and Louisiana Tech win 85-79 in OT over Southern Illinois at Gulf Coast Showcase
San Diego, California–(Newsfile Corp. – November 21, 2024) – Sonim Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SONM) just unveiled the new XP Pro 5G, the company’s next generation ultra rugged smartphone supporting Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband. Available starting today with Verizon, this latest flagship phone benefits from over two decades of innovation in rugged phone design, offering unmatched durability in a sleek, stealthy profile. The all-new Sonim XP Pro 5G phone now available at Verizon — who knew rugged could look so sleek? To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8971/230845_sonim_xppro_1200x800_pr_image_v2a-alt-01.jpg Engineered to excel and blend effortlessly in diverse environments-from the field to the boardroom-the XP Pro 5G boasts MIL-STD-810H, IP68, and IPX9K certifications 1 , providing uncompromising protection against shock, dust, and water. Its ability to withstand submersion up to 6.5 feet for an hour far exceeds industry standards. Enhanced by Sonim’s Rugged Performance Standards (RPS), the device offers additional defenses against other elements, ensuring it remains operational in the harshest conditions. The non-incendive Class I, II, III, Division 2 rating further guarantees safety, making it indispensable in hazardous areas across industries such as industrial, mining, oil and gas, emergency services, military, agriculture, and utilities. At its core, the XP Pro 5G is powered by the Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency with Verizon, enhanced by 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage and expandable up to 2TB external storage via MicroSDTM (sold separately) 2 . This powerful setup supports complex data processing and high-resolution imaging leveraging the triple rear camera, essential for professionals conducting detailed inspections or on-the-spot reporting in demanding environments. Ideally suited for field professionals, the XP Pro 5G features a large and virtually shatter-proof glove-friendly screen reinforced with Gorilla ® Glass Victus ® II, and two versatile action keys that users can customize for quick access to favorite apps or functions. These keys also support integration with specialized applications, such as Push-to-Talk for instant communications or SOS, crucial for team coordination in high stakes environments. The dual loudspeakers with 100dB+ output are expertly integrated with Echo and Noise Cancellation Technology, ensuring clear audio in noisy settings 3 . A robust 5000mAh battery supports extended workdays 4 , and minimizes downtime with fast-charging using the USB 3.1 (type C) connector. A 3-year manufacturer’s warranty 5 backs the XP Pro 5G, at no additional cost, offering significantly more extended coverage than other devices in its class. Chuck Becher, Chief Commercial Officer at Sonim Technologies, stated, “Our enterprise and first responder customers asked, and we listened. They wanted a streamlined device that maintains our rugged DNA while being versatile for both work and personal use. The Sonim XP Pro 5G exceeds expectations, redefining rugged smartphone technology. With its unmatched feature set, including the SonimWareTM Enterprise software suite, services, and a comprehensive accessories ecosystem, it stands unrivaled in the market today.” Additional features of the Sonim XP Pro 5G include: Now available through Verizon the Sonim XP Pro 5G is poised to redefine expectations for what a rugged smartphone can achieve. https://www.verizon.com/business/products/devices/smartphones/sonim-xp-pro-5g Discover its full capabilities and explore Sonim’s complete suite of solutions at www.sonimtech.com . 1 Based on SGS lab testing & certification. The MIL-STD-810H testing includes drop testing onto concrete with the device on its front, corners and edges, a total of 26 times combined. These devices meet and/or exceed specification (MIL-STD-810H) testing against a subset of specific environmental conditions, including temperature/humidity, thermal shock, mechanical shock/drop/vibration, water and solar radiation. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810H testing. These devices meet and/or exceed IP68/X9K testing against a vacuum test with talcum powder for 8 hours on 5 devices and testing the device against different conditions including turntable speed, waterflow, water pressure, water temperature, test position, test distance from jet to sample and test duration. Real world usage varies from the specific conditions used in IP68/X9K testing. 2 External storage SD card not included. Must be purchased separately. 3 To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods of time. 4 Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors. 5 The 3 year warranty covers everything except the following: (a) damage resulting from abuse, accident or misuse; (b) damage resulting from use outside the parameters indicated in the User Guide, including those related to liquid, shock and dust exposure; (c) cosmetic damage including dents and scratches; (d) ordinary wear and tear; (e) damage resulting from use of this mobile phone with accessories, equipment or other mobile phones or equipment not furnished or expressly approved by Sonim; (f) damage resulting from third-party software; (g) damage resulting from maintenance, service adjustment or installation of the mobile phone, performed or attempted by any person or entity not expressly authorized by Sonim; (h) loss of use of the mobile phone (i) loss of data, information or third-party applications or software; (j) fire, flood, windstorm, lightning, earthquake, exposure to extreme weather conditions, electrical surge or improper voltage; (k) mobile phone performance issues resulting from cellular signal reception or transmission, (l) damage resulting from viruses, malware, trojan horses or other software problems; and (m) mobile phones in which the serial number is missing or has been altered, damaged or defaced. Warranty on the battery and accessories is 1 year. Sonim is a registered trademark of Sonim Technologies, Inc. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patented technologies are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. About Sonim Technologies Sonim Technologies is a leading U.S. provider of ultra-rugged and rugged mobile solutions, including phones, wireless internet data devices, accessories and software designed to provide extra protection for users that demand more durability in their work and everyday lives. Trusted by first responders, government, and Fortune 500 customers since 1999, we currently sell our ruggedized mobility solutions through tier one wireless carriers and distributors in North America, EMEA, and Australia/New Zealand. Sonim devices and accessories connect users with voice, data, workflow and lifestyle applications that enhance the user experience while providing an extra level of protection. For more information, visit www.sonimtech.com . To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/230845 #distroRemains found in Pennsylvania in 1973 are identified as a missing 14-year-oldWestern civilization and American culture are “backwards,” Christianity is a “dying” religion, and Christians are “jealous” foes of Islam, according to a popular Islamist influencer who was seen lecturing Muslim teens in Dearborn, Michigan, on their duty to “civilize” the morally corrupt West. At a lecture delivered to Muslim teens at the Dearborn Community Center last month, popular Islamist influencer “Way of Life SQ,” who has nearly two million subscribers on YouTube, denounced Western civilization while warning his young audience to resist its influence. Portraying Christians and the broader Western culture as morally bankrupt, he is seen accusing them of being jealous of Islam’s success. “The Shaitan [devil] tricks you with all this advancement in technology,” he declared, urging his listeners to see through what he described as superficial progress. “They’re trying to go to Mars, they’re trying to take over Saturn... yet when they go to [the bathroom], they’re still wiping themselves and cleaning themselves with paper.” “They’re uncivilized,” he added. “Do not be tricked and deceived by the technology. Do not be tricked and deceived by their philosophies and their Westernizations and their ideas. At the end of the day, they are still backwards.” The influencer argued that such contradictions highlight the hollowness of Western achievements and stressed that Muslims should not be deceived by Western philosophies or ideals. “Allah has sent us to these nations to civilize them,” he proclaimed, claiming that Muslims have a divine mandate to enlighten Western societies. “Yet the media makes us look like the barbaric ones.” Addressing religion, “Way of Life SQ” accused Christians of being envious of Islam, saying, “The reason they don’t want you to be successful is because they’re jealous of what you have.” He also described Christianity as a dying religion, pointing to churches displaying pride flags as evidence of desperation. “Imagine your business, your religion is dying so much that the only thing you can do is go and get help from the LGBT. That’s the condition they’ve become,” he told the crowd. “Because their religion is dying,” he added, “Allah, the praised and exalted, has sent us into the nations to guide these people from the darkness into the light.” Dearborn, with its large Muslim population, has long been a focal point for anti-U.S. and anti-Israel rhetoric, drawing attention to growing radicalism within the country. A local rally early last month featured late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s infamous hand gesture and threat to American troops, echoing an infamous speech where he mocked U.S. forces and warned they would return home “horizontally” in coffins. In April, a viral video showed protests in Dearborn where demonstrators were captured chanting, “Death to America” and “Death to Israel,” during an International Al-Quds Day rally. The video stirred national controversy and intensified scrutiny of pro-Hezbollah activities in the U.S. The clip showed activists condemning both Israel and America in the harshest of terms, with teacher and activist Tarek Bazzi insisting the chants were only logical. In response, Steven Stalinsky, director of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), told Fox News that the Dearborn rallies have been happening for over 20 years and have become a “hotbed of hate,” where rallies and sermons can be seen “in support for Hamas, Hezbollah, [and] Iran.” The previous month, a memorial service for Nasrallah in Dearborn featured praise for prominent terror figures as well as denunciations of the United States’ “terrorism.” . Dearborn, Michigan,Hassan Salamey addresses recent events in Lebanon: Posted by DEARBORN AREA COMMUNITY MEMBERS on Sunday, September 22, 2024 In a sharp denunciation of U.S. policy, one passionate speech accused American institutions — specifically the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon — of projecting their own “terrorism” onto “the soldiers and saints of the Lord of the universe.” Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at jklein@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaKlein .
AP News Summary at 3:01 p.m. ESTA bankruptcy judge on Monday ordered a new hearing in conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' effort to stop the satirical news outlet The Onion from buying Infowars and turning it into a parody. Jones alleges fraud and collusion marred the bankruptcy auction in which The Onion was named the winning bidder on Nov. 14 over a company affiliated with him. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez had been scheduled to hear an emergency motion to disqualify The Onion's bid, but decided to put it off until either Dec. 9 or Dec. 17. That's also when the judge will hear arguments on a request to approve the sale of Infowars to The Onion. Lopez said similar arguments are being made in both requests. Lopez could ultimately allow The Onion to move forward with its purchase, order a new auction or name the other bidder as the winner. At stake is whether Jones gets to stay at Infowars’ studio in Austin, Texas, under a new owner friendly to him, or whether he gets kicked out by The Onion. The other bidder, First United American Companies, runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements. Regardless, Jones has set up a new studio, websites and social media accounts that would allow him to keep airing his show. And his personal account with 3.3 million followers on the social platform X was not part of the sale, although Lopez will be deciding whether it should be included in the liquidation and sold off later. In a new court filing Monday, lawyers for X objected to any sale of the accounts of both Jones and Infowars, saying X is the owner of the accounts and that it has not given consent for them to be sold or transferred. Jones has praised X owner Elon Musk on his show and suggested that Musk should buy Infowars. Musk has not responded publicly to that suggestion and was not among the bidders. Jones' bankruptcy and the liquidation of his assets came about after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Jones was found liable for defamation and emotional distress damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas for repeatedly calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators a hoax staged by actors to increase gun control. Proceeds from the liquidation are to go to Jones' creditors, including the Sandy Hook families who sued him. Jones alleges The Onion’s bid was the result of fraud and collusion involving many of those families, the humor site and a court-appointed trustee who is overseeing the liquidation. First United American Companies submitted a $3.5 million sealed bid, while The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash. But The Onion's bid also included a pledge by Sandy Hook families to forgo some or all of the auction proceeds due to them to give other creditors a total of $100,000 more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, said that made The Onion's proposal better for creditors and he named it the winning bid. He has denied any wrongdoing. Jones and First United American Companies claimed that the bid violated Lopez’s rules for the auction by including multiple entities and lacking a valid dollar amount. Jones also alleged Murray improperly canceled an expected round of live bidding and only selected from among the sealed bids that were submitted. Jones called the auction “rigged” and a “fraud” on his show, which airs on the Infowars website, radio stations and Jones' X account. He filed a counter lawsuit last week against Murray, The Onion's parent company and the Sandy Hook families in the bankruptcy court. In a court filing on Sunday, Murray called the allegations a “desperate attempt” to delay the sale of Infowars to The Onion and accused Jones, his lawyers and attorneys for First United American Companies of a “vicious smear campaign lobbing patently false accusations.” He also alleges Jones collaborated with First United American Companies to try to buy Infowars. Lopez’s September order on the auction procedures made a live bidding round optional. And it gave broad authority to Murray to conduct the sale, including the power to reject any bid, no matter how high, that was “contrary to the best interests” of Jones, his company and their creditors. But at a Nov. 14 hearing Lopez said he was concerned about the process and transparency. “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened,” he said. “No one should feel comfortable with the results of this auction.” The assets of Infowars' parent company, Free Speech Systems, that were up for sale included the Austin studio, Infowars' video archive, video production equipment, product trademarks, and Infowars' websites and social media accounts. Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments citing free speech rights, but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened . Jones has brought in millions of dollars a year in revenue by hawking nutritional supplements, clothing, survival gear and other merchandise, including more than $22 million this year through Sept. 30 from his Infowars Store website, according to court documents. Many of Jones’ personal assets, including real estate, guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy. Documents filed in court this year say Jones has about $9 million in personal assets, while Free Speech Systems has about $6 million in cash and more than $1 million worth of inventory.We all love TV show The Traitors ... what does that say about us?
Luke Kromenhoek throws 3 TD passes as Florida St. ends six-game skid vs. Charleston SouthernAlongside our Game of the Year top 10 list and personal picks from the Push Square editorial team, we are recognising the best PS5 games of 2024 in select categories. Today is the turn of the best PS5 RPG of 2024 . Bronze Trophy: Unicorn Overlord Unicorn Overlord is another banger from the supremely talented developer that is Vanillaware. This strategic RPG is a beautifully crafted experience, all the way from the art direction to the gameplay mechanics. Granted, the story's a little rote, but amassing an entire army of fantastically diverse characters is never dull — and actually finding ways to best utilise those characters is a devilishly addictive process. An immaculate adventure. Read our Unicorn Overlord PS5 review through the link. Silver Trophy: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Outside the imposing walls of Midgar, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is allowed to breathe, and fully embraces the grand sense of adventure that was so prevalent in the original PS1 classic. Rebirth expands on so much of what Remake got right, providing a robust RPG that offers up superb combat encounters and great character progression. But perhaps most importantly, there's a clear love for the source material on display here; everything is reimagined in often shockingly impressive detail, and the main cast feel brilliantly realised, without losing what made them so iconic in the first place. Read our Final Fantasy VII Rebirth PS5 review through the link. Gold Trophy: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth faced a ludicrously tough task in handling both the stories of Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga in a single, cohesive campaign, and RGG Studio figured it all out like water off a duck's back. Split across three open world maps, you'll at times construct and improve two entirely separate parties, each fighting on a different front. It's a demand most other studios would crumble under, but the Japanese team came out the other side all the better for it. Piecing all those turn-based fights and party management features together is the exact sort of story you'd expect of a Yakuza title: fascinating, twisting, unexpected, comical, and incredible. With over 80 hours of content to invest in when accounting for all the minigames and side stories, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the quintessential JRPG. It's a best-in-class effort from RGG Studio that proves the series is only ever on an upward trajectory, somehow only ever getting better and better. Read our Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth PS5 review through the link. Platinum Trophy: Metaphor: ReFantazio It may basically be a political take on Persona , but when the other IP from Atlus is already so strong, it would be silly for Metaphor: ReFantazio not to use that basic structure and take it to new heights. There's a slightly more streamlined approach to some things in the JRPG, like the more straightforward Archetype system and removing the need to equip specific monsters to strengthen relationship bonds. This allows you to better focus on the combat and building connections with teammates without the worry of failure, turning Metaphor into a JRPG that allows for so much more experimentation. The overall party continually grows throughout the 75-hour campaign, and the story remains gripping from the start to the very end. With the stunning visual style of an Atlus title, a great soundtrack, and a truly fantastic cast of characters, Metaphor: ReFantazio delivers absolutely everything you could possibly want out of a turn-based RPG in 2024. This is the subgenre at its new peak. Read our Metaphor: ReFantazio PS5 review through the link. Do you agree with our picks for the best PS5 RPG of 2024 ? Post your thoughts in the comments below and check out more of our Game of the Year coverage through the link.
MLB shifts six 2025 Rays games to avoid weather issuesDeutsche Bank Appointed as Depositary Bank for the Sponsored American Depositary Receipt Program of Jinxin Technology Holding Company
COLLEGE PARK — In a retooled starting lineup for Maryland men’s basketball, Julian Reese has been valued for his ability to grab rebounds and anchor the defense. On Saturday afternoon, Reese reminded the announced 11,058 at Xfinity Center that he can be just as important fueling the offense. He scored 13 of his game-high 23 points in the first half of an eventual 81-66 victory over visiting Maryland Eastern Shore that was far from easy. Freshman center Derik Queen, a Baltimore native, added 18 points and 14 rebounds and graduate student small forward Selton Miguel contributed 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals to help the Terps (11-2) go wire-to-wire for their third straight win and 23rd consecutive at home against unranked, non-Big Ten opponents. Reese, a Randallstown native and St. Frances graduate, grabbed 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. His third rebound of the game on the offensive glass that he converted into a putback layup with 8:45 left in the first half gave him 800 boards for his career and made him only the ninth player in program history to achieve that milestone. The play of Reese and Queen, who celebrated his 20th birthday Friday, proved crucial as Maryland’s long-distance shooting was off-target for much of the game. The offense hit just 5 of 18 attempts from behind the 3-point line (27.8%), which tied a season low for 3-point field goals made against Manhattan on Nov. 4. The team had just one 3-pointer each from sophomore shooting guards Rodney Rice and DeShawn Harris-Smith and fifth-year senior small forward Jordan Geronimo on 12 attempts in the first half. Terp Rodney Rice is guarded by UMES’ KC Shaw in first half action. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Terp Selton Miguel is guarded by UMES’ Evan Johnson, right, in first half action. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Maryland point guart Ja’Kobi Gillespie scores in the first half. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Maryland forward Julian Reese and UMES forward Christopher Flippin fight for control under the basket in the first half. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Terp Rodney Rice, left, is guarded by UMES’ Evan Johnson in first half action. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Maryland forward Julian Reese eyes the basket in first half action. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Maryland’s Jordan Geronimo in first period action. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Testudo waves a flag at the start of the game between the University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) Terp Rodney Rice is guarded by UMES’ KC Shaw in first half action. University of Maryland vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s basketball. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Staff) The final numbers might suggest that the Terps overpowered UMES as the former served up sizable advantages in points in the paint (46-36), bench points (16-7), assists (17-8) and second-chance points (20-12). But the Hawks, who entered as nearly 44-point underdogs, didn’t seem intimidated by a bigger and more talented opponent. Three times in the second half, they trimmed the deficit to single digits, including shaving it down to 54-48 midway through the period before Maryland remembered who it was and exerted itself once again. And coach Kevin Willard kept four of his five starters on the court with less than three minutes left in the game and three under the two-minute mark. Maryland appeared well on its way to another fast and easy blowout in the first half when the offense scored 11 of the game’s first 13 points. Reese fueled the opening by scoring seven points. But junior power forward Christopher Flippin’s one of two free throws not only ended a drought of 4:07 for the Hawks, but also ignited an 8-0 run that helped them draw within 11-10 midway through the period. Even after the Terps scored six unanswered points to push their advantage to 17-10, UMES replied by scoring seven of the next nine points to narrow the deficit to 19-17. Junior shooting guard KC Shaw, who ranked third among all NCAA Division I players in scoring at 25.8 points per game two weeks into the season, scored all seven of the Hawks’ points. Maryland got an emotional lift from Rice, whose 3-pointer with 6:38 remaining ended a 0-for-8 rut from long distance. After the sides traded 2-point buckets, Geronimo nailed a 3-pointer on his first attempt of the season to extend the Terps’ lead to 27-19 with 5:15 to go. After junior point guard Hassan Perkins dropped a layup for UMES, Maryland scored seven consecutive points to earn its first double-digit advantage at 34-21 with 2:39 remaining. The team then closed out the first half with a 3-pointer by Harris-Smith (his third in 15 tries) to enjoy a 40-24 lead at intermission. Shaw paced UMES with 20 points and nine rebounds, but also turned the ball over five times. Graduate student point guard Evan Johnson accrued 15 points and five rebounds, and Flippin chipped in 14 points and six rebounds, but the Hawks (4-12) could not extend their winning streak to three after dropping seven consecutive games. This article will be updated. H ave a news tip? Contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com , 410-332-6200 and x.com/EdwardLeeSun . UP NEXT Maryland at Washington Thursday, 9:30 p.m. TV: Big Ten Network Radio: 105.7 FMA bankruptcy judge on Monday ordered a new hearing in conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' effort to stop the satirical news outlet The Onion from buying Infowars and turning it into a parody. Jones alleges fraud and collusion marred the bankruptcy auction in which The Onion was named the winning bidder on Nov. 14 over a company affiliated with him. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez had been scheduled to hear an emergency motion to disqualify The Onion's bid, but decided to put it off until either Dec. 9 or Dec. 17. That's also when the judge will hear arguments on a request to approve the sale of Infowars to The Onion. Lopez said similar arguments are being made in both requests. Lopez could ultimately allow The Onion to move forward with its purchase, order a new auction or name the other bidder as the winner. At stake is whether Jones gets to stay at Infowars’ studio in Austin, Texas, under a new owner friendly to him, or whether he gets kicked out by The Onion. The other bidder, First United American Companies, runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements. Regardless, Jones has set up a new studio, websites and social media accounts that would allow him to keep airing his show. And his personal account with 3.3 million followers on the social platform X was not part of the sale, although Lopez will be deciding whether it should be included in the liquidation and sold off later. In a new court filing Monday, lawyers for X objected to any sale of the accounts of both Jones and Infowars, saying X is the owner of the accounts and that it has not given consent for them to be sold or transferred. Jones has praised X owner Elon Musk on his show and suggested that Musk should buy Infowars. Musk has not responded publicly to that suggestion and was not among the bidders. Jones' bankruptcy and the liquidation of his assets came about after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Jones was found liable for defamation and emotional distress damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas for repeatedly calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators a hoax staged by actors to increase gun control. Proceeds from the liquidation are to go to Jones' creditors, including the Sandy Hook families who sued him. Jones alleges The Onion’s bid was the result of fraud and collusion involving many of those families, the humor site and a court-appointed trustee who is overseeing the liquidation. First United American Companies submitted a $3.5 million sealed bid, while The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash. But The Onion's bid also included a pledge by Sandy Hook families to forgo some or all of the auction proceeds due to them to give other creditors a total of $100,000 more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, said that made The Onion's proposal better for creditors and he named it the winning bid. He has denied any wrongdoing. Jones and First United American Companies claimed that the bid violated Lopez’s rules for the auction by including multiple entities and lacking a valid dollar amount. Jones also alleged Murray improperly canceled an expected round of live bidding and only selected from among the sealed bids that were submitted. Jones called the auction “rigged” and a “fraud” on his show, which airs on the Infowars website, radio stations and Jones' X account. He filed a counter lawsuit last week against Murray, The Onion's parent company and the Sandy Hook families in the bankruptcy court. In a court filing on Sunday, Murray called the allegations a “desperate attempt” to delay the sale of Infowars to The Onion and accused Jones, his lawyers and attorneys for First United American Companies of a “vicious smear campaign lobbing patently false accusations.” He also alleges Jones collaborated with First United American Companies to try to buy Infowars. Lopez’s September order on the auction procedures made a live bidding round optional. And it gave broad authority to Murray to conduct the sale, including the power to reject any bid, no matter how high, that was “contrary to the best interests” of Jones, his company and their creditors. But at a Nov. 14 hearing Lopez said he was concerned about the process and transparency. “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened,” he said. “No one should feel comfortable with the results of this auction.” The assets of Infowars' parent company, Free Speech Systems, that were up for sale included the Austin studio, Infowars' video archive, video production equipment, product trademarks, and Infowars' websites and social media accounts. Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments citing free speech rights, but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened . Jones has brought in millions of dollars a year in revenue by hawking nutritional supplements, clothing, survival gear and other merchandise, including more than $22 million this year through Sept. 30 from his Infowars Store website, according to court documents. Many of Jones’ personal assets, including real estate, guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy. Documents filed in court this year say Jones has about $9 million in personal assets, while Free Speech Systems has about $6 million in cash and more than $1 million worth of inventory. Dave Collins, The Associated Press
Liberals’ holiday tax break and cash giveaway has winners and losersROME (AP) — In 2020, it was a run to the Champions League quarterfinals just as Bergamo was becoming the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic . Last season, it was an upset victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to end the German club’s European-record unbeaten run at 51 games. Atalanta keeps on surprising and its latest exploit was moving atop Serie A following a 3-1 win at Parma on Saturday for its seventh straight win in the Italian league. And to think that coach Gian Piero Gasperini considered leaving Atalanta toward the end of last season. Now, Gasperini has the chance to guide “La Dea” (The Goddess), as the team is nicknamed, to its first ever Italian league title. There’s a long way to go, though, and it should be noted that Atalanta is level on points with second-place Inter Milan, which routed Hellas Verona 5-0 earlier, and that Napoli has a chance to reclaim the lead when it hosts Roma on Sunday. Also Saturday, AC Milan and Juventus drew 0-0 at the San Siro in a match with few chances from both sides. Milan produced one shot on goal and Juventus created two. Atalanta's Mateo Retegui scored his league-leading 12th goal of the season, Ederson made it 2-0 before the break and Europa League final hero Ademola Lookman restored the two-goal advantage after Matteo Cancellieri had pulled one back for Parma. Retegui’s fourth headed goal of the season put him atop that category across Europe’s five major leagues, according to Opta, while Lookman volleyed in a cross from Juan Cuadrado after having two goals disallowed. Gasperini was sent off midway through the second half for protests. But he was smiling in the stands at the final whistle. Atalanta's 34 goals are the most in Italy, and trail only Barcelona (42), Bayern Munich (36) and Paris Saint-Germain (36) across Europe's top five leagues. Atalanta has won two and drawn two in the Champions League this season. Marcus Thuram scored twice for defending champion Inter at Verona. Inter was missing top striker Lautaro Martinez, who was out sick. But five goals in the first half made Lautaro’s absence a non-issue. Joaquin Correa opened the scoring 17 minutes in, Thuram then scored twice before more goals from Stefan de Vrij and Yann Aurel Bisseck. Correa nearly added another in second-half stoppage time but his effort hit the woodwork. Inter's only loss across all competitions this season was a derby defeat to Milan in September. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerThe Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop this Black Friday. Priced at just $149, this Chromebook offers a significant savings of 41% off its typical price of $254 . With Amazon’s guarantee of the best price during the Black Friday period, there’s no need to wait for a potential price drop; if it happens, Amazon will refund the difference. Additionally, Amazon extends its return policy until January 31, 2025, allowing ample time for holiday gift returns. See at Amazon Running on Chrome OS This Chromebook features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels which is perfect for streaming videos, browsing the web and working on documents. Powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor and equipped with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, the IdeaPad 3i is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease . While it may not match the performance of high-end laptops like those equipped with Apple’s M1/2/3/4 chips, it is more than capable of managing basic functions such as web browsing, word processing, and social media engagement. This Chromebook is running on Chrome OS and provides a user-friendly experience that emphasizes speed and simplicity. Users can access a wide array of web-based applications and Android apps from the Google Play Store. This is ideal for students or anyone who primarily uses their laptop for internet-related tasks. The operating system is lightweight so that even with multiple tabs open in your browser, the device remains responsive. The device is also equipped with a 720p webcam that enhances video calls and online meetings. Its stereo speakers deliver clear audio, though they may lack depth compared to higher-end models. The keyboard is spacious and comfortable for typing long documents or emails, while the large trackpad allows for smooth navigation. The IdeaPad 3i Chromebook includes two USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port that supports charging and video output. There’s also an HDMI port for connecting to external displays and a microSD card reader for additional storage options. Battery life is another strong point for this Chromebook: it can last up to ten hours on a single charge under typical usage conditions. This Chromebook is not designed for intensive tasks such as gaming or heavy video editing but it serves as an great tool for users who engage in lighter activities. Those who primarily use their laptops for browsing the internet, streaming videos, or working on documents will find the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i to be a practical solution. See at Amazon
LONDON: Arsenal began life without Bukayo Saka by beating Ipswich 1-0 to move into second place in the Premier League and cut Liverpool’s lead to six points on Friday. Kai Havertz scored the only goal as Arsenal failed to turn their dominance into a more convincing scoreline. The lack of a clinical goalscorer may ultimately cost Mikel Arteta’s men a first league title in more than 20 years, but they took advantage of Chelsea’s shock 2-1 defeat against Fulham on Thursday to become Liverpool’s closest challenger. Saka is set to be sidelined for “many weeks” in the words of Gunners’ boss Arteta with fears the England international could be out until March due to a hamstring injury suffered in last weekend’s 5-1 victory at Crystal Palace. Arteta’s solution was to start with Gabriel Martinelli in Saka’s normal role wide right with Gabriel Jesus continuing up front after scoring five times in Arsenal’s previous two outings. The home side were dominant in possession but had few clear-cut chances to show for it until the final quarter. “Frustration when you win? No. Things to improve? Yes,” said Arteta on the slender margin of victory. “Credit to them as they’re very well organized, but we restricted them to nothing,” he added. Arsenal were frustrated by Everton in a 0-0 draw in their last league game at the Emirates so there was relief when Havertz broke the deadlock on 23 minutes. The German prodded high into the net from Leandro Trossard’s low cross for his 12th goal of the season. Jesus did find the net once more with a cheeky finish between the legs of Arijanet Muric from an almost impossible angle, but was flagged offside. Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces has been well-documented and they should have added to their goals from corners this season. Gabriel Magalhaes headed against the outside of the post from point-blank range when it seemed easier to score. As Ipswich’s ambition grew as the second half wore on, so the chances at the other end began to flow. Martin Odegaard had given the home crowd a scare by going down holding the left ankle that saw him sidelined by injury for two months earlier in the campaign. The Arsenal captain, though, was quickly back on his feet and weaving his way through the Ipswich defense with a mazy run and powerful strike that Muric tipped over. From the resulting corner, Declan Rice’s powerful shot was blocked by Dara O’Shea. Havertz then wasted a glorious chance for his second and Muric saved once more from Mikel Merino to ensure a nervy ending. But Arsenal held out to leapfrog Nottingham Forest and Chelsea into second. Ipswich remain second from bottom, three points adrift of safety. Brighton missed the chance to move within one point of the top five as their poor run continued in a 0-0 draw at home to Brentford. The Seagulls are now winless in their past six games but they two remain two points above their opponents. Brentford had the ball in the net early on through Yoane Wissa but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Just Brentford’s second point away from home all season is enough to edge the Bees ahead of Tottenham into 11th. — AFPJuly's general election saw big gains in Oxfordshire for the Liberal Democrats. Layla Moran held her seat of Oxford West and Abingdon. Freddie Van Mierlo won the Henley and Thame seat for the Lib Dems after it had been held by the Conservatives for 114 years. His total came out above Caroline Newton of the Conservative Party, who took over the reins from the longstanding John Howell. Olly Glover won Didcot and Wantage for the Lib Dems after received a massive 21,793 votes. The Conservative Party's David Johnston lost his seat which he had held since 2019 after getting 15,560 votes. Away from politics, more flooding in August . A body was also found after a dead body was found by a river in Wallingford. A man in his 40s was confirmed dead at the scene with South Central Ambulance Service and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at the site. Katharine Keats-Rohan, the Liberal Democrat county councillor for the Wallingford ward, remarked that it was rare for such a tragic incident in the town. “It is a tragedy and especially when it is somebody that isn’t very old,” she said. The driver in a crash which killed three teenagers was charged. Thomas Johnson, 19, of Stainswick Lane, Shrivenham, was charged via a postal requisition with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving. In September five teenagers were arrested after two people were assaulted in Didcot leaving two in hospital. The victims, a man in his teens and a woman in her 20s, were assaulted by a group of young adults in Didcot Market Place. A mobile phone and a watch were stolen and the two victims sustained head injuries and required hospital treatment. Tributes were paid after Abingdon United midfielder asked fans attending a game against Bristol City to join them in a minutes applause during the 24th minute as various tributes were held for Mr Badger. In October, Lidl revealed when their new supermarket will be built in Wantage. With an opening date of early 2024, excitement was rife, but this was shelved as a Lidl spokesperson revealed planning conditions needed to be worked through before construction could start. A spokesperson for Lidl said: “Timelines are yet to be determined; however, we’ve successfully been working through planning conditions and are aiming to have started on site come the new year.” A cinema in Abingdon closed after unsafe concrete and asbestos were found. Abbey Cinema is run from the Abbey Hall, part of the Guildhall run by the town council. November saw a worker airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being “crushed in the machinery” at Didcot Railway Centre. A volunteer worker at the centre had a work-related incident which resulted in serious injuries and required an air ambulance to take him to hospital. Police and land ambulances also attended the scene, and Thames Valley Police officers later confirmed the man to be in a stable condition. The Midget pub off Preston Road in Abingdon had a new name announced following a petition. Its name - linked with the town's former MG car factory - has been changed to The Roaring Raindrop - an MG car designed to tackle the land speed record in the 1950s. In December, Storm Darragh struck Oxfordshire roads with areas flooded and trees down. And the owner of a derelict hotel in Abingdon was due to meet council bosses to discuss the future of the abandoned building. The Upper Reaches Hotel, off Thames Street next to Abingdon Bridge, closed in 2015 and has been boarded up for almost a decade. The freehold of the site is owned by and the area occupied by the hotel buildings and its immediate surroundings is on a 125-year lease dating back to 1969.
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Police warn locals not to have 'that one extra' drink this New Year's Eve